marinemom

I had the same instructions in the hospital - 1 oz of Water every 15 minutes (and I had to record my intake!). I was required to stay overnight, but when the doctor came to discharge me, he told me I could forget the 1-oz cups and drink at least 60 ounces of water per day. He is a very conservative doctor and is considered one of the best in Connecticut, so I wouldn't guzzle at this point, but certainly listen to your body and quench your thirst. All the best!

Hi, Jessica - Hang in there! I'm starting Stage 5 today and now I have few restrictions so it is more scary than frustrating. I do know how you feel, though. Have you gone to the Food and Nutrition posts? I found that people are quite creative (much more than I am!) at how to make mush taste good. I tried one recipe that had tuna fish (1/2 of 6 oz water-packed) mixed with low fat sour cream (1 Tbs) and a Tbs of shredded low-fat (skim?) mozzarella and heated it up. Another thing I had was low-fat ricotta cheese with a little bit of Classico tomato sauce (I read the label - low cal, but a little high in sodium - for the amount of cheese I could have, I didn't even use the whole 1/4 cup serving) - a fake lasagna! Anyway - better than some of the basics. These were survival "meals" during the last week of school! Check out that post, though.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I guess the first "outing" is a little scary, but I looked at my Stage 5 instructions, and my choices are certainly more varied. I am supposed to have my first fill on Thursday, but I may postpone if what I'm reading is that you have to go back on puree for a few days. I'm losing just because I am being so careful, so if I keep this frame of mind up, I can make it through vacation fairly well. Thanks, again!

This Saturday we are heading to San Francisco (from New York) and eventually doing the Pacific Coast Highway drive to San Diego (hopefully, the fires will be under control!). I am presently starting my 5th week after banding. Here are my questions: 1. What foods can be taken on the airplane - since pretzels and nuts are not on my list? 2. When on the road trip - I think I'm okay for Breakfast and dinner, but what kinds of foods will I be able to eat and what kind of restaurants for lunch? Obviously, the old favorites, McDonalds and Burger King are out! Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

On the diet sheets that my nutritionist gave me, it said no coffee (decaf) until Stage 4 (week 3). I agree with the caffeine grip - I'm going to try to not to go back to it, but somehow French Vanilla decaf just doesn't make it. I'm also finding that after three weeks, I'm really not missing it that much. You may want to stay away from the lattes in the clear liquid stage. Good luck!

Hi, Dalene- I have Anthem BC/BS and received my approval May 19th and my surgery was June 4th - just enough time to get my liquid diet in before surgery! My BMI was 37 but I had some co-morbidity factors. All the best to you!

I, too, can identify. I started my liquid diet 2 days before Memorial Day weekend (surgery June 4). We went to a family reunion with people from all over the country and I went along with my cooler filled with Optifast shakes. I have to admit that I did make it through the 2 days without touching anything at all the barbecues. However, on Memorial Day with just my family, I had 1 tiny macaroni from the salad, a small cube of potato from the potato salad and a tiny pinch of my husband's hamburger. Now I'm looking forward to a veggie burger on the 4th! Stick with it - it's worth it!

This is one of those times when I thought it was only me. I called my physician's assistant and she told me to use the Benadryl gel around the incisions - not on. It worked for me. The itchiness was gone after about 3 days.

I had a BMI of 37 with co-morbidities (borderline high cholesterol and hypertension, edema, bad knees) - the letter from my regular doctor sealed the deal and I was approved in 1 week. Go for it!:redface:

I agree with Insky67. I am progressing my diet in 5 stages. Each weekly anniversary is a new stage. For a full week after surgery (June 4) I was on the clear liquid diet. Now I'm on full liquids (no chunks of anything), and I'm looking forward to my puree stage this coming Wednesday. You need to give yourself time to heal. I would call your nutritionist and make sure you are on target with your diet.

I never really felt "pain" and never took any pain medication. When asked in the hospital on the 1 to 10 scale, I would say a 3. As I wrote to one of my colleagues, it feels as if each of the NY Giants had a go at my stomach. I did have a hiatal hernia, so maybe the added internal stitches add to the "ache". I have no external stitches. To me it's more of an ache, but sitting here I don't feel a thing. Getting in and out of bed is no picnic, but I keep a pillow on my stomach as I roll from side to side and lift myself to get out of bed. I will be going back to school on Monday to teach my last 3 classes and then give my darlin's their final exams. This is all for good - as I go face another bowl of jello!

I'm 2-days post op and having my first Isopure. I'm using the Fruit Punch flavor and diluted it with 1/2 light cranberry juice and 1/2 Isopure. It's not so bad this way - not great, but more tolerable. Good Luck!

I'm being banded on June 4th - sitting here having my 4th Optifast shake of the day - one more to go. I'm hoping to be back at work on the Monday after - I need to be back at school to review with my kids before exams - hope I'm not pushing it! I enjoy hearing about all your emotions and knowing that I'm not alone in my thoughts. Thanks for all your postings!