Padanelle

hair loss may be dur to poor nutrition - often not enough Protein or an Iron deficiency, so it it important to eat a balanced diet. Since our portion sizes are limited, it is important to be sure to get enough supplements in. I have been comparing the ingredients of various chewable multi Vitamins and alternates, and by far, GNC's Women's Ultra Mega Formula seems to meet the highest % of vitamin/minerals daily requirement (100% Biotin); unfortunately, no iron. Its a powder, so you can add it to you protein shake. They also have a version for men.

You may want to try unjury. You can order sample packets. I really like their chicken broth flavor. its only sold on their website: www.unjury.com

Like Becky, I got a lot of information and it was a bit overwhelming. It started with a 2 hour seminar by my surgeon with a Q&A session. They gave out some info & resources, as well as 2 nicely published booklets on the LapBand & Reliable Band. Then I had to get a password to watch a 30 min video online. The nutritionist met with me for about an hour & gave me guidelines for the pre-op & post-op diets. By the time I met with my surgeon, most of my questions were answered, or at least I thought so. I got lost of post-op info (caring for the incision, when to call the doctor, etc), and I really feel the info I received was very good. Having this site to go to provides a lot of additional invaluable info. There are so many different experiences, so I guess it would be hard for the hospital to cover them all. So glad for LBT.

I don't know if its normal, but I'm 2.5 weeks post-op, and I'm not hungry. What I've learned from reading this site is that there are so many different experiences, but amazingly there always seems to be someone else who has gone through the same experience. Nice to know we're not alone.

Holy Moly~! 100g p/day. That's double what I had to do pre/op. I'm about 2.5 weeks post op, in the mushie phase & I'm aiming for 70-80 calories p/day. It ain't easy, but if I wasn't drinking the Isopure at 40g, I wouldn't be able to come anywhere close. To hit your 100g p/day, you may want to try AMP Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60. It has 60g of protein in a 24oz bottle. I rather like the taste. Its not sweet tasting - more tart, like unsweetened lemonade. Another product you may want to try is New-whey. Its only about 3oz, but has 42g protein. I haven't tried it yet, but I heard its not too bad, especially if you Water it down with ice cubes. Even if you don't like the taste, you only have to drink a little to get the protein. Good luck! Joan

I am in the minority here, cause I actually like Isopure. My favorite flavors are Blue Raspberry, Apple Melon & Mango Peach. I also like the unjury chicken broth.

Hi Nano, I was banded on Jun 8. I had a very strict pre/op diet -2 weeks of just shakes, SF Jello, caffeine free SF drinks & up 2 cups veggies. No fruits. Post op, diet is "Thin Liquids" - caffeine free, SF, non-carbonated beverages, plus at least 2 watered down Protein shakes. That was supposed to be for 10 days, but I went for my check-up on day 8, and since everything looked good, I was allowed to start on mushies that day. YAY! I'm on mushies for 10 days, and then start solids. My first fill is scheduled for July 8, one month after surgery. So far, I have not had any problems with anything coming back up. I should only be so lucky in the future. LOL. Joan

This thread has become like a multiple car accident - you know you should keep driving, but you have to stop and look. Although there may have been a lot of different information for thought, it has been repetitive and now doesn't seem to serve any purpose but to spew anger. Agnes has made her decision. Whether or not you agree, let's wish her good luck on journey and move on.

I'm 2 weeks post-op today. I haven't cheated since the surgery. Hang in there - once you get to the mushie stage, it gets a lot better. It may not look great, but it is oh soooooooo wonderful to be eating (if you can it eating) foods with flavor. I love the unjury chicken broth. Its a great way to get your protein in, and tastes good. I add it to soups & mashed potatoes, or just have it as is. Only 4 more days to solids. YAY! I'm amazed at how the discomfort/paain after the surgery is just a faint memory already.

If I never see another Protein shake again, it will be too soon! Fortunately I have found a way to get my Protein in without drinking another shake. Isopure is a clear Protein Drink that comes in lots of flavors. My fav is Blue Raspberry. the 20oz bottle has 40g of protein. I buy it at GNC. unjury makes a chicken broth flavored Protein powder that has 21g of protein per scoop. A lot more than just a cup of regular chicken broth. I'm at the mushie stage now, so I add it to mashed potatoes and blended Soups to increase the protein count. You can order it online at unjury.com

Agnes, It sounds like you have some very serious medical issues that can be controlled by weight loss - high blood pressure, high colesterol and a heart attack at 26. These should certainly weigh in heavy in your insurance company's approval. Have you tried appealing their decision?

For reassurance, check out the the post in the Pre-Op section "Do You Really Want to Know What the Band is Like?" It's great!

This is THE BEST post I have read! Thanks!

If you're bandage is still getting blood soaked - CALL YOUR SURGEON'S OFFICE NOW! They will probably have you go in for some stitches. It is not normal to have heavy bleeding afterwards. My surgery was done with a single incision. Every time I got up to walk, I left a trail of blood. They put stitches in before I left the hospital, but the next morning i woke up with bloody sheets. I went in for 2 more stitches, and was fine after that. Good luck!

Good luck, Mimi. I was banded at NYU by Dr Fielding on Jun 8th. The entire operating/post op team was great! You're in good hands.

I just discovered the unjury chicken broth, and wish I had found it sooner. Its a great way to boost your protien count. I wish I cood cook with it, but I have found that if I add it in at the end, it seems to work.

If all you have had is a glass or two with dinner, I wouldn't worry. They say that is actually good for you. Stick to the pre-op diet, and it will shrink the fat from your liver, making it easy to operate. You will probably have to change your drinking habits, as most people cannot tolerate drinking while eating. So enjoy your wine either before or after dinner. Good luck.

How long after surgery can I expect to have a swollen stomach? I'm curious when my measurements will reflect the real me.

For liquid stage, Isopure, snapple type drink with 40g Protein in each 20 oz bottle, available at GNC. Also chicken broth. I find warn chicken broth very comforting. I've been using Herb Ox, but I find it very bland, so have been adding Mrs Dash. I just ordered a chicken broth Protein Powder from unjury.com. I hope its good because I ordered a large container.

I'm a big fan of Isopure. Its not a shake, more like Snapple. I 20 oz bottle has 40g protein. It comes in several flavors. My favorite is Blue Raspberry, but I also enjoy the lemon green tea. You can get it at GNC.

I was banded last Monday. It has been getting progressively worse with trying to consume the proper amount of protein. Last night my stomach was upset all night. Just the thought of drinking another shake is really getting to me. I think I may have sipped my last shake too quickly. I decided to have a "shake free" day, and just my protiens from Isopure. I've switched to drinking from a 2 oz demitasse cup. Hopefully that will slow me down.

I was banded on Jun 8 at NYU by Dr Fielding. Fortunately NYU has BIG hospital gowns, so no need for pj's. I was scheduled as an out patient, but wound up staying till the next morning. I was too tired to read and was happy just to sleep or watch TV. Regarding GAS-X, both Dr Fielding & the anesthesiologist told me that the gas pains I may be experienc will be from what is pumped into the abdominal cavity. Gas-X only relieves pain inside the organs. Walking seems to be the best cure for it.

My favorite flavors of Isopure are Blue Raspberry & Lemon Green Tea. Its sort of like a diet Snapple, with protien. Unfortunately, no vitamins or minerals, so you need to be sure to take a good multi vitamin.

I just finished the last of my pre-surgery tests. Surgery is on Monday - only 3 more days of the liquid diet. I feel like the light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer & closer. I can't wait!

I like the vanilla Flavored Soy Protien Powder from Trader Joe's. Its 120 Cal, 25g protien, 1.5g fat, NO CARBS, & lots of minerals & Vitamins. It even tasts good. I also enjoy Isopure, 40g protien. not fat or carbs, 160-170 calories, depending on the flavor. Its a great change from a shake.