Band_Groupie

Ummm...I'm guessing you didn't read my post-op blogs LOL. I think each surgery effects us differently; I've been through other major surgeries that didn't effect me as much, and there are plenty of people here who were up and around in a day or two. It does get better fast though, doesn't it...it's all worth it!!! Glad you're feeling better!

Running for an hour! You amaze me...and 40 lbs....CONGRATULATIONS!!

Wow, thanks for the info. My doc is really anti-shake, says it defeats the purpose of the band, but I used them post-op and post-fills...I've been wondering if I'd be less hungry if I started the day with one during this Banster Hell, so I may give that a try. You've certainly been successful with them!! Thanks again! -BG

I haven't seen a 'non flavored' one that got very good reviews yet. I liked the EAS Advantedge (low carb) and the Atkins (both chocolate flavors) premade shakes (WalMart and Target). As soon as you're allowed something thicker I also bought the Isopure Alpine Punch powder (I've heard some of their other flavors are good too) at GNC; much higher protein than the others but it does have that thicker protein texture...I only like it with milk and lots of fruit blended in (I add a banana and berries). Don't worry as much at this initial stage about getting all the protein as just getting the full amount of liquids so you don't get dehydrated. Blended soups are another good choice. Good luck!

Even though I'm newly banded and not at my 'sweet spot' yet, I can tell you I have no regrets. I started this process a little over a year ago and it's all been worth it. I can say that because I've felt what the restriction feels like (just post-op) and it's just the 'tool' I need to get this weight off, and even more importantly to me, keep it off. Most people go through exactly what you are now (questioning), so just know it's normal. I HAVE taken the weight off (multiple times) and being a successful dieter isn't the answer either. It's diminishing the hunger so food is no longer an issue at all. You're making a decision that will enhance your life and longevity. DH will come around eventually...the changes won't happen overnight, but they will happen. Just wish this was around for me 20 years ago. -BG

Stay ahead on your pain meds (only taper off when you know you're absolutely fine without them) and know that it WILL get better. I think everyone here either pre or post-op got to the emotional point where they asked themselves what am I/did I do? Just know this is a normal part of this. I like the Fage greek yogurt the best, but the Oikos is OK too. Don't worry as much about the protein right now as just getting in the full amount of water/liquids so you don't get dehydrated. When you get to soft foods, I love the yogurt with SF preserves ontop (they're surprisingly low calorie). You'll be turning the corner soon, and I promise and all this will just be a blur. You've got a great support system in place and you will be successful! Hang in there. -BG

That's the great thing about this site, you can always find great support and someone who's gone through the same thing...no matter what it is. Don't worry, DH will come around eventually when he start to see the changes this will make and how happy you are...it won't happen overnight, but it WILL happen. Can't wait for your blog tomorrow...good luck!

*Post Deleted for Lap Band Book

To all you peeps planning WLS in 2009 I know you're welcoming this year with as much anticipation as I am. There should be a parade today just for WLS patients. We’d wear shirts like our signatures with anything you felt comfortable sharing; surgery date, current BMI, hey even current weight if you’re really brave (or you’re now skinny). We’d put all of us pre-ops at the front of the parade…it’s OK…If you can’t walk the 6 mile route we’d have floats we could ride on (hey, we’re a big group…no pun intended…we need more than that 5 1/2 mile route of the Rose Parade). The floats would be educational since pre-op is all about education…just think how much the public would learn. I know some here would be on the Insurance Maze float because they live everyday now with that crazed “will I be approved?” look…so they’ll fit right into that maze, with it’s piles of paperwork creating the walls of the maze. There’d be all those milestones along the maze…psych visit, etc. and at the end, in the back, those crazed pre-ops would hand over their papers and a giant insurance person with a big stamp in each hand “APPROVED” & “DENIED”…would stamp it (because of course we’d have animation). There’d be a 6 month diet and pre-op diet float…just think of the crazy float that pre-op diet would be…we could have swimmers doing laps in protein shakes, or maybe something not so happy as we’d want to garner some sympathy…I don’t even want to think about it yet. Myself, I’d be waving from the center of the Lap Band float as the giant one inflates and deflates…we could wear smaller ones like hoola-hoops around our waists. Then would come all those “in progress” peeps…they’d have cool floats too, but all about support because that’s what in progress is all about. Of course each of those monthly groups would build their own floats…going back in time…Think how cool these floats would be…New Year Hotties and Hunks (not sure yet?), Holiday Hotties, Notorious Novembers, Smashing Pumpkins, September Samurais, August All Stars, July Butterflies, June-Bugs, Shrinko de Mayo’s, April Avengers, Shrinking Shamrocks, Victorious Valentines,…we could go back for years! Oh, they’d be great…they’d have their own cheering sections in the crowd…because it’s all about family and friends support too. Lastly would come all those at goal…and they’d just go nuts to end our parade in style…some would be wearing bikinis and Speedos...those pushing strollers that now have babies thanks in part to their WLS…and the floats, oh the floats (they’d pull their own of course because now they can)…Before and Afters of course…but all those things you couldn’t do before but now can…fitting in seats-roller coasters and amusement park rides…what a fun float that would be, and physical activities you’ve always wanted to try-floats of those holding trophies and blown up photos of them running marathons, climbing mountains, and playing in the parks with their families! What an inspiration this section would be! What section would you be in? What would your float be? Come, join the 2009 WLS Parade!!! (I’ve decided to add this to the Forum today for support, so you can add your comments there also.)

dirttrackdiva- LOL Mac & Cheese...Velveeta is my 'go to' food, fixes any bad cooking...just smother it with cheese! Hope your healing well and feeling better soon! -BG

I'm less than 2 mo. post-op and I do weigh and measure some of my food. ie. I bought a postal scale and weigh protein some of the time, like chicken and steak so I can get an idea what 3-4 oz. looks like. I got sick of using measuring cups for some of the side dishes and then trying to scrape them out of the measuring cup so I found my glass punch cups are exactly 1/2C. I fill those with veggies or fruits so I know I'm not eating too much. I plan to only do this until I get used to what the portions I need to eat look like.

Oh whoops! I missed seeing that you were just post-op. My doc said you probably won't be able to get to the Protein goals until you at least get to the soft foods stage. He says when you're on liquids the goal is just to heal and your body has plenty of stored nutrients to get you through (I was on 3 weeks of liquids). Try to get as much protein as you can though as it will keep you from getting hungry (I didn't start worrying about protein until I started to get hungry about week 3). I went to GNC and bought a higher protein (25g per scoop...much higher than EAS) drink powder and made some shakes with skim milk and fruit (I bought the Isopure Alpine punch...pretty nasty unless you add the fruit/milk). 2 of these a day and you've got 50+g protein. Or if you have another high protein one you can add it to things. Good luck!

*Post Deleted for Lap Band Book

I get confused by the posts that don't understand why the weight isn't dropping off during Bandster Hell. I was on here less than a week before I understood how the band works and knew before I went to a seminar what to expect. I was banded in April and I set my expectations that I wouldn't get to my Sweet Spot until probably the holidays (maybe sooner, maybe longer...my doc is conservative and fills are 6-7 weeks apart)...and it's all up to me until then. I also gave myself a goal of two years to lose the 100 lbs. I've targeted. Am I happy to be in Bandster Hell right now and gaining some weeks...heck no...but can you be on this site more than a few days and not understand that this is part of the process...I don't think so, but judging from all the posts, some aren't very informed before surgery and I can't believe their docs didn't cover this with them. I, like Delivered have lost weight a lot faster on other 'diets', but I'm committed to doing this the LB way this time. I will not go on another diet.

Protein- at least 60g per day...I have no problem getting that in with some each meal. My doc says no liquid Protein, only lean solids; defeats the purpose of the band (he says you might as well be on a Liquid Protein diet...you'll get hungry faster with a liquid). I do use the EAS after fills for my day of liquids. Vitamins- I was told to take 2 Centrum Chewables one morning and one night (or 4 of the Flinstones).

From what I've read there is a nerve that connects the stomach to the left shoulder (or something like that). Some people get shoulder pain when they eat too fast or are full (it's not gas). I read a thread about what 'signal' people get when they're full and for many people it was left shoulder pain (others hiccup or burp)...so you might try thinking about when you get the pain...it could be a good thing.

I think it's Biotin? that people take, but before you freak out know that the anesthetic we all had at surgery will cause hair loss approximately 3 months post-op. I had hair loss after my hysterectomy also...it will grow back.

knewme- Thanks for that post. I was just blogging here Friday about how I was gaining this week and my second fill wasn't until July 21 (SEVEN weeks after the first one). I called and they were able to squeeze me in next week (only 2 weeks after my first/only fill of 3cc's total). I'm afraid my doc won't give me anything (but he's gone most of July) since it's so close to the first fill, but you've made me determined to plead my case! I'm going to keep track of what I can eat between now and Tuesday's appt. Thanks!

Congratulations!!!! Welcome to Bandlandia!