Padanelle

I was told not to take any pill larger than an advil. I alternate between Treader Joe's Gummy Multivitamin (love the taste) and GNC Solotron Multivitamin which are chewable wafers. I prefer the Gummys for flavor, but the Solotron has a lot more nutrients. I also take soft chew calcium, which come in carmel or chocolate flavors. Viactiv makes them, but many local drug stores also have their own generic version. I like the taste & feel more like they are a treat, so usually take them at night. Viactiv also makes a soft chew Vitamin. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to. Fortunately, my medications are small, or can be cut in half.

Isopure is what got me thru the liquid stages, when I couldn't bear the thought of another shake. It comes in a bottle in quite a few flavors including ice tea, apple/melon, blue raspberry. I buy it at GNC. I'm on solids now, but I still drink at least 1/2 a bottle a day to get in extra protein. It has 40g protein in 20oz bottle.

I was banded on Jun 8. My surgeon did a single incision through the navel. Supposedly you heal quicker. I haven't had any problems, no major gas pains, and the usual discomfort the first week, so I guess it was a good move in my case. My surgeon asked me whether I prefered the Lap-Band or Reliable Band, and I left the choice to him. Good luck!

I've been on solids for 1 week, and I am embarrased to say, even though I try to slow down, I usually finish my meal in 10 minutes. I haven't been banded yet, and am hoping that will slow me down. I've also been on WW too many times to count, and have a fairly good eye for portions, however I am still measuring at this stage, and am also keeping track of what I eat & the calorie, Protein & fat count. I am always amazed at the fat count in cheeses and nuts. When I did WW, I found I had better sucess when I kept track of what I ate, although it does become obsessive at times. I also think its good to review it when I meet with the nutritionist, and if I start to plateau or gain weight.

I buy most of my protein/vitamin supplies at GNC & Trader Joe's. I also like GNC's Whey Protein. I have only tried Unjury's chicken broth protein, but their flavored Proteins seem to get very good reviews on this site. If you are not aware, if you get GNC's Gold Card, you get 20% off your purchases during the first week of each month. The card costs $10, but I saved more than that on my first purchase.

Wow, Chris. That's fantastic. Way to go!

I love Jello Instant SF/FF pudding. I add protein powder to it as well. Just add milk and stir and you've got a healthy, yummy treat.

If it happens, I've read that its usually around 3 months after surgery. The good ne3ws is its temporary. The best way to avoid hair loss is to make sure you keep up your Protein intake, and take sufficient Iron.

I used to buy "Complete", but I can't find it anymore. It had 100% of the daily vitimans required. Now I buy "Special K". It has 10g of protein and I relly like the taste. I add fresh fruit, and I have a tasty, healty, easy to fix meal.

Thanks for clearing up 'Onderland'. I began to get curious when I saw it in a few posts. Happy to say I have joined the club.

Hi Vikki, I wouldn't worry about the post op gain. I felt so bloated after surgery that I didn't get on the scale for a week. I lost 7 lbs, and the following week lost 4 more. Its leveled off now to about 2 lbs a week. Hang in there... Joan

I switch off between several different chewables. My favorite is Trader Joe's Gummy Multivitamin. I really like the taste. It doesn't contain iron.

This site has been my most valuable source for information. However, as far as books, I bought LAP-BAND For LIfe by Ariel Ortiz Lagardere and found it quite helpful. Also, if you're not squeemish, go to utube, and you can view a mini version of the actual proceedure.

Mandie - It took me over a week before I was able to get in/out of bed without a lot of pain. And almost 2 weeks before I was able to walk faster than a snail's pace. I also had chills at night. Fortunately, at 3 weeks post op, I am doing fine now. I'm sure your double surgery hasn't helped the situation. Anesthesia can take a lot out of you. But it's good that you follow up with your doctor. Good luck! RitaLou - I read that hernias can be quite common, and easy to fix while they are doing LBS. When I got my insurance approval it included both LBS & hernia surgery. I asked my surgeon about it, and he said it was precautionery, in case I needed it, it would be pre-approved. As it turned out, I didn't need it. Good luck on Tuesday. Joan Regarding a hernia, when I got

Mine was similar, also minus the yogurt, baby food & pudding. They called it "thin" liquids, basically anything that can fit through a straw. I'm sure glad that phase is over. I just started solids this weekend. YAY! I must say, the early phase passed quickly. MUshies were good - they didn't look like much, but were tasty.

Wow, that's a quick turnaround. Long way to go for a short stay. Too bad you can't stay longer. Thera are some fabulous, reasonably priced spas in Rosarita, just a 15 minute drive down the coast. Have a safe trip, and good luck with the surgery. Joan

I was allowed tomato soup in the liquid stage, post op, but not apple sauce - go figure... I highly recommend unjury chinken broth Protein powder. It has 21g of protein, and very soothing. Good luck.

Agnes, How long will you be staying in Mexico after surgery?

Its true that liquids will go thru the band easily, but a lot of doctors recommend still having a shake a day for the protein. Many people can't tolerate solid food in the morning, so a shake can be a good protein source for breakfast. Also, whenever you have a fill, most surgeons require you to do one or two days of liquids afterwards, and 1 or two days of mushies.

I found some products by a company called Bariatric Building Blocks that seem to be very, very good...The cool thing is that they make these chewables that are simply WONDERFUL tasting!....I look forward to taking them every day! HH Hi HH, Where do you purchase the Bariatric Building Blocks Vitamins? I did a google search & couldn't find anything. Tks.

I lost 10 lbs on the 2 wk pre-op diet (shakes, protein waters & up to 2 cups veggies). The first week after surgery I barely lost anything (same diet as pre-op, minus the veggies). Now after almost 3 weeks post op, I have lost a total of 28 lbs since I began (ttl 5 wks). I have to say, I am almost never hungry, and most days have difficulty in getting in all my protein. I go for my first fill on July 8.

I am almost 3 weeks post op and have lost 28 lbs since the pre-op diet (total 5 weeks). I lost 10 lbs pre-op on a liquid only diet (shakes & protein water), barely lost anything the first week after surgery (same liquid diet), but since I am on mushies I've been loosing more steadily. Today I start solids. YAY!

I still measure, as I'm only 3 wks post-op.

Dr Ortiz, one of Mexico's leading WLS surgeons, in his book Lap Band for Life, stresses the importance of eating 3 solid meals a day - not just shakes & purees. He says its important to continue loosing weight. So, if you're not doing so already, it might be worth trying. Good luck & hang in there.

If you're looking to brew your own tea, and not use a mix, there are plenty of flavored teas out there. I like lemon flavor, so I add several thin slices of lemon to the Water as it is boiling, and then add the tea bags. If you want to get your Protein in at the same time, Isopure makes a lemon black tea and a lemon green tea that has 40g of protein in a 20 oz bottle.