buzzby315

I would add from my doc: "three meals per day and no snacks", "eat protein first, if you still have "room" eat vegies, then carbs", "drink only no or low cal beverages", and of course "exercise". Protein first means meat, meat alternatives like beans, and dairy products. Carbs means breads and fruits.

I ate Underwood spreads (chicken, ham), Vienna sausages, and vegetarian refried beans with a little cheese or topped with low-fat sour cream. I also relied on canned tuna and chicken. I agree with a previous poster that I also continued my meal replacement/protein shakes for first several weeks for at least one meal a day.

I'm 7 weeks post-op. My surgeon said nausea is expected/normal (which I had the first week) but vomiting isn't. Call your doctor.

I'm 7 weeks post-op. You did GREAT! As for myself looking back...the 2 weeks pre-op liquid diet, the 2 weeks post-op liquid diet and the mushies phase were easy compared to now. Your diet is restricted and you really see the weight come off which makes it easier to make good choices. Then comes the introduction of "real" food and boy, do I get tempted and have to make some serious choices about what I will allow myself to eat, especially since I haven't had a fill yet and don't always feel full or satisfied.

I agree with the others. A good week to do things at a slower pace, get adjusted to a new "eating" schedule, and being able to rest when you feel tired. My surgery was on a Tuesday morning and I went back to work the following Tuesday morning. I have a desk job.

Surgery at 9:30 am and on my way home at 5 pm. Surgeon said I was doing better than his 8 am patient even with additional surgery time for having to repair a hiatal hernia on me. Felt good enough after I got home to send emails to family and friends that I was home and doing OK. My surgeon only keeps someone over night if there are complications. I guess it also depends on what time of day your surgery is scheduled. He does 2-3 in the morning only spaced about 1 1/2 hours apart so last patient in recovery around noon.

It's true, the first few days are the hardest because such a drastic change from usual "eating." I agree headache probably due to not having or having drastically less caffiene, or perhaps not staying hydrated. Investigate all your no/low cal liquid options. You are on the home stretch and there will be an end, just seems so far off right now. Stay connected to others by logging in every day to this site. We are all here rooting each other on!

YOU ARE an angel, caring so much about your husband! My husband has been supportive too, but sometimes turns into the "food police" by saying "so how is that band thingy going?". I am not quite 7 weeks out from surgery, and having a slender husband with that kind of attitude and two tweens (10 and 11 y.o. kids) doesn't make recovery or a new lifestyle easy at times. I have a co-worker that was banded about 3 years ago, and she is such a great support at work...she'll do a thumbs up when she sees me and says "looking good". As for suggestions, just search the forums for the liquid only stage. Before he knows, it on to mushies and a whole new world of choices will open up (for both of you)!

I had surgery Jan 20. I too had a headache; my understanding is that this is very common and related to the anesthesia. Rest when you feel tired. Nausea is common too, so I took chewable Pepto Bismol a couple of times. Also, drink small amounts of liquids frequently throughout the day to stay hydrated. Look at other forum threads to identify full liquids that you haven't tried yet, as you may find them very appealing at this point in your recovery. The following sugar free items are usually allowed... jello, popsicles, Italian ice, hot chocolate, Carnation Instant Breakfast, and then other liquids like decaf tea and broths. I always kept a water bottle by my bed at night if I woke up I could take a sip. Special K makes a protein water, not sugar free but low cal, that tastes good. You're in the right place for support, just keep searching the forums for more answers. You'll feel so much better soon!

Banded Jan 20. Reported to same day surgery (connected to the hospital) at 8am for a 9:00 surgery. Finally went in OR at 9:30a. Was out of recovery room by noon, talking with doc at 4 pm about how well I was doing (even with a hiatal hernia repair) and was out the door by 5pm. You'll do fine. Just take it slow getting in/out of the car on the way home. You'll be sore, but feel OK.

I had surgery on Tuesday, Jan 20. Went back to work on Tuesday, Jan 27. Would have gone back that Monday, but my husband left for business the day before (Sun) and I over did it (driving kids to friends' houses, washing clothes) so took the extra day off. Was tired that first week, but made it through an entire work day. If you really feel like you need to be at the office, go in with the thought that you might only do a 1/2 day or be leaving a couple hours early. Keep your options open. Make sure you have plenty of allowable liquids and other "foods" so that you aren't tempted by what others might be eating. I work in a cube with over 200 people on my floor so I know how hard it can be.

Your doctor or the nutritionist should have given you a list of foods you can eat for the first few hours, days, and weeks until on solid foods. I had surgery Jan 20. I stocked up on broth, decaf tea bags, sugar free products like pudding, jello, popsicles, fudgesicles, Italian ice, spiced apple cider mix, yogurt. Definitely keep the protein shakes in the house as you'll need them to get the nutrients you need. The rest is just guilt free icing on the cake. I also stocked up on mushies like refried beans, tuna fish, canned chicken breast, potted meats like deviled ham and vienna sausages. I just bought a couple of each to have some variety. Right now I start my morning with Carnation Instant Breakfast no sugar added variety and mix with 12 oz skim milk and 1 scoop of protein powder. This adds up to 42 g of protein! Also, keep what items you can have the first few weeks in a box. I did, and when I got hungry I would just look in my box for items I could have. Same for the frig and freezer, carve out a space just for your foods. That way not tempted to have something you shouldn't. Lastly, keep a variety of the foods you can have so you don't become bored. You'll do great! :frown:

I was banded last Tuesday (1/20). My advice would be to take it one minute at a time (as they say "this too shall pass") and relax. Before you know it you'll be awake from recovery and be starting a new chapter in your life. I didn't have the gas pains or pain in general like others on the forum. Guess I was lucky. However, I did have very loose BM the first few days. Still sore with lots of bruising but not in pain. I wore flannel pajama pants, warm clog slippers, socks, and t-shirt to the hospital. My surgery was at 9 am and I was released at 5 pm. For the next several days my husband took care of the children and household chores. I went to bed when tired around 8 pm, slept through the night (awoke when I wanted to turn...ouch), and got in a routine like changing my pajamas every morning, taking my meds, having my "meals". It's like childbirth, everyone has advice, take what works for you and leave the rest. Best of luck!

I was banded Tues 1/20. First two days (Wed and Thurs) I felt the same way as you are now. Wasn't always sure if just gas or having an accident. I started to get more "regular" consistency after getting on full liquids. My doctor allows sugar free pudding. It's yummy and has more texture than just sticking with broth, decaf tea etc so more satisfying too. I also feel that the rumbling was just getting the engines started again after the clear liquids the day before surgery, clear liquids at the hospital, and then another day of clear 24 hours after surgery. Like GI tract is coming out of hibernation. Investigate which full liquids you are allowed and find a varied routine to keep your interest. And don't forget your protein shakes.

I just got banded on 1/20/09. Started process in April 2008 with first visit to surgeon. My insurance didn't require a 6 month pre-op diet, so I assumed I was on the quick track. Wrong! I have hypothyroidism and the endo wouldn't sign off for clearance until TSH was in normal range again. It was a 3 month wait to retest blood level. There definitely were times I was like I just want to quit. But then I thought, hey I've come this far, this is just another hurdle to see just how much I want the surgery. In the long run, the timing worked out better too in regard to work, holiday temptations etc (not for getting outside for walking though). Just keep reading the forum everyday to know that you are not alone. One day at a time. Keep your chin up!:thumbdown:

I too have surgery scheduled for 1/20. I met my surgeon last Thursday and he put me on 3 protein shakes a day and liquids only (no or low cal). I was told to just get some quick weight loss prior to surgery to lessen risk of complications. As of this morning I've lost 6 pounds. Feeling satisfied hunger-wise and not at all tempted to "cheat". I guess also just satisfied that surgery date is finally here! Started the process April 2008.