Ms.Mel

I looked all over the forum for an answer to this question. Plus I really didn't know where to post this question. It's not really a pos op or a pre op question...I've read this term in many posts and I am very curious about what it means. So my question is what is meant by "onederland!":confused2: Totally curious!!!

Thanks for the responses. It does make sense now when I go back and read about those that have entered "onderland". Can't wait to get there myself.

Thanks for the information about SWL 5 day Pouch test. I am newly banded (4/4/08) and was wondering about some low carb recipes and also wondering what Soups were OK to use when doing liquids after a fill. This website gave some great ideas, plus it's a great resource. I just don't get filled or feel that I get enough substance with tomato Soup. There are great deli soups out there, but I want something a bit more healthy. Plus, they are extremely high in fat, sodium and calories. Thanks, again

Redrobin, take a big breath and remember what fistgirl said..."The thing is, we just had abdominal surgery!" That's a BIG thing!! I had a fairly easy first 5 days after surgery and then it all went south. I had a bad case of intestinal distress (diarreah) that almost put me in the hospital. I had to take an extra week off work (2 wks total). Then, throughout the 3rd and part of the 4th week, I came home from work and went to bed for a nap. Of course age and health has a lot to do with how quickly you bounce back. I was banded the first week of April and I am doing great! All the distress is gone and I feel pretty normal. However, the band and the incisions still remind me every so often that I am no longer the person I used to be. So be encouraged by all of the great testimonies that are on this site and keep reading and don't forget to keep your Dr. and nutritionist informed on your progress. I was on the phone with mine at least 1-2 times a week for the first 2 weeks. They didn't mind and they gave me great advice and helped me through the bad times.

I did the same. I only told a handful of people about my lapband. The rest, including my coworkers, were told that I had hernia surgery. They seemed satisfied. I asked my handful of close friends to agree to keep it under their hat. I told them that it was my decision and my news to tell others about it if I wanted others to know. They were very understanding and have been very supportive. I chose the right group of people to tell.

You are not alone in this. I was banded April 4th and everything went very smoothly. At first I had a little diarreah with cramping, but not too bad, and then on the 5th day, it really hit me big time. I missed an extra week of work because of it. My Dr. and nutritionist both mentioned that the surgery often affects some people in this way. It can also make you lactose intolerant and sensitive to the fake sugars for a little while. I took immodium several times before it finally slowed down. By then I was able to eat some blended foods-Soup. It finally went away. I was able to go back to the fake sugars, but i am still lactose intolerant (and have been forever). Which meant I couldn't take any of those Protein drinks with whey. Be sure to keep the lines of communication open with your Dr. and with your nutritionist. Also keep drinking your liquids and electrolytes. Hope you get to feeling better real soon.

Hey Favorite, Thanks for that little piece of information. I have been playing it safe by making mealoaf my food of choice. It's easy to make and goes down without a problem. I usually mix a bunch of veggies in it to make it healthy. I can see that what your Dr. says is true it does go down easily and some days I don't feel full and eat more than I should.

Tyler, Google 60 minutes and go to the one that says videos, reports, profiles, interviews. Then go to the April 20th episode- the Bypass Effect on Diabetes, Cancer. There is an excellent discussion and two videos. They explain it wonderfully and offer great examples. This episode would certainly have made me go in that direction had I seen this before my banding. Also, remember that no matter which surgery is chosen, the weight can return if the dietary and exercise guidelines are not followed. If you have done the research, then you know. BUT... Be sure to discuss this with your Dr. They would be sure to direct you better than any of us would be able to. Good luck with your choice.

Hi, I know how you feel. I had to go through a bunch of tests as well. My tests included, cardio stress tests, angioplasty, colonoscopy, and an endoscopy, and a few others. I had one test 4 days before my surgery. I was very nervous. But, it all turned out OK. Hang in there. Things will work out for the best.

OH yes, I forgot to mention that you can also go online to get the over-the-counter vitamins in liquid form. Not always very tasty, but effective.

Hi! I too, take a diuretic and a potassium pill. The diuretics are not hard to get down, but the potassium was nearly impossible. The pharmacist and my Dr. came up with a substitute potassium pill for me. The new one has to be dissolved in Water (yuk) :thumbup:--it kind of reminds me of the way my mother used to give me an aspirin when I was little; dissolved in a tablespoon of water. At least it won't get stuck, and believe me you don't want that!! :eek: Be sure to discuss it with your Dr. and pharmacist. Good luck

Good Luck!! I did much the same, only I waited until my 3rd day after banding. I spent a little less than you did. Then....found out my body could not, would not handle any of the Protein drinks. I ended up with a bad case of lactose intolerance and irritable bowels. Now I have a bunch of containers of protein mixes that I can't use. My nutritionist said I should try them again in a few months after Ive had time to heal. Hope you have better success. Good luck with your banding Ms.Mel banded 4/4/08 1st fill 5/6/08 17 lbs. gone--lots more to go

There is a Bellinghams Weight loss surgery support group (free) that happens on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. It begins at 7pm and ends at 8;30pm. It's held at the health education center, 3333 Squalicum parkway. It's hosted by Pacific Nutrition and Wellness. I haven't been to one yet but am planning to attend this month. Maybe we'll all meet :biggrin2: Ms. Mel

I I think I know exactly what you are going through. I was banded on April 4th. At first my bowels were a little loose so I figured it was because i was only having liquids. After 5 days, all heck broke loose. I just about went into the hospital because i had lost soo much liquid and nothing was staying in. I was out of commission for 2 weeks and about 3 days. My nutritionist and Dr. were really pushing that i get liquid Protein and Gatorade into me. Well, my lactose intolerance went into overdrive. I spent lots of money trying different "lactose free" Protein drinks that still had whey (which still caused me to react as if it was whole milk). The other problem was I am not a sweet drink person. I rarely drank soda and i have always disliked Gaterade. Again I called my Dr.. My Dr. said that sometimes our bodies, after abdominal surgery, suddenly can't handle the milk products and our bodies may also be reacting to the fake sugars in some of the sports drinks, and if you're sensitive to sugar, you body will react in the same way to sugary drinks. Which mine did. The Dr. aslo suggested I take Immodium AD (tiny little pill--easy to swallow). Which really helped alot. I found a gatorade I could handle--froze it and ate it, (slowly) and found a Protein Drink that i could handle (went online looking for one that i could take). I was very weak and had to be helped getting up and laying down. I was a mess This is my 4th week and i am just now feeling back to normal. I still have days when i have to stop and take a rest. I suggest you take it easy with the foods, do what the Dr. says and know that this too shall pass. Banded 4/4/08 First fill coming up 5/6/08--can't wait :party:

Hi Rainier, I'm experiencing something similar at this time. I haven't lost anything near what you have. I had this once before many years ago and went to a dermatologist. He said that it was a form of yeast infection. I can't remember what he said to use or whether he gave me anything for it. For awhile i got it often and found that if I used Aloe Vera It would clear it up quickly. I also made sure I kept clean cotton fabric over it and not anything else. The cotton allows it to get air. Synthetic fibers kept the area moist. I hope this helps a little. Good luck with your upcoming tummy tuck.:coolgleamA: C an't wait till I get to that point. Ms.Mel Banded 4/4/08

I was banded on 4/8/08 and am just starting the reg. food stage and I still have about 1-1/2 more weeks before my first fill. I get very hungry and I seem to be eating a lot before I feel full. I'm interested in finding a protein shake or something (to help fill the void) that doesn't have any kind of milk product. I tried one that said it was lactose free but it had whey and it almost killed me. Sometimes those lactose pills just don't work either. The cramping pain isn't worth the taste of some of those shakes. Does anyone have any ideas they would like to share? I am trying to keep my foods low carb. My body seems to do better.