thebandedgirl

Pre-op diets are vastly different from doctor to doctor. Do what yours told you to do and you'll be okay. I know that it's frustrating, but it's only a week of your life. You can do almost anything for a week Hang in there!

Hey Crashley, You're in a really frustrating phase of post-op life. It gets easier once you get to soft/pureed foods (per your surgeon's instructions). Expect slow weight loss throughout this journey--one or two pounds a week. Also keep in mind that immediately post-op, a lot of people gain weight. This is a time for you to let your body recover, not a time for you to worry about what the scale says Six pounds in a week is phenomenal. Congratulations!

I really think that going under anesthesia was the worst part of the surgery for me. Pain I can deal with, but being completely out of control for an hour? Really difficult. But it's a short surgery! Welcome to LBT

There are a variety of Protein powders out there--some made with soy, some with eggs, some with...well, other things Go to a store like GNC or Whole Foods, where they sell many different kinds of protein and just look around. There are a lot of options out there!

My doctor doesn't place any pre-fill restriction on my food intake; after fills, I have to do liquids for 1-3 days and mushies 1-3 days. It depends upon which of the post-care docs/PAs I see :thumbup:

I had shoulder pain for about two weeks. It'll get better, just try to be patient :thumbup:

I'm kind of confused, but I encourage you to go to your surgeon's office. My best bet is just that you need a fill :thumbup:

Congratulations!

But you're not doing it just for you :thumbup: Congratulations on taking the first steps toward a healthier life for both you and your daughter!

I had a BMI of 51.2 when I started my pre-op diet. I know of people who have had much higher BMIs when they were banded. If you don't want to have a bypass and you know that the band is right for you, don't let your doctor talk you into the RNY. Just make sure you know what you're getting in to :thumbup:

I weigh most days, sometimes twice! I think it's interesting to see how my body fluctuates from day to day, but I don't let myself get upset over it if I'm up a pound or two. Bodies are weird and unpredictable; as long as I remember that, I'm fine.

Look at you go! You're awesome, congratulations!

I had surgery on June 18 and met with my surgeon on July 7 (I had my 2009 planner right here so I could look!), so...two and a half weeks. I had my first fill about four weeks after I had surgery.

I don't have any sources to site, but I have been told over and over again that at five years out, bypass and band patients average the same loss. Bandsters just tend to get there more slowly. It's all about how you use the band. It won't do all of the work for you, it will just help you out!

1: I use my Magic Bullet EVERY MORNING to make Protein smoothies. They're just the right size for one shake, easy to clean, and really power through ice well. My mom got mine at costco for $50 right before I had surgery and I used it a lot during my liquid/mushy/soft food stages. 2: I've lost about 60 pounds so far. My energy levels increased the most when I was getting regular exercise regardless of weight, but weight loss alone has helped. I'm trying to get back on the exercise bandwagon to help with my energy levels. 3: After you've healed, there is little to worry about in regards to sports and every day activities. Some people (such as myself) experience port pain for quite a while after surgery, though--that can hinder you a bit. 4: I've thought about getting a bracelet, but I haven't. I've gone back and forth and have decided against it for no real reason.

Ultimate LAP-BAND Success by Dr. Duc C. Vuong is excellent when you want something to skim through as a refresher. I look through it when I'm feeling off track to remind me of what I should and shouldn't be doing.

I ate a lot of refried beans during this stage, just to give you another idea :cool:

Welcome to LapBandTalk, Jon. It sounds like you're doing great with your pre-op diet! Congratulations on your loss so far!

Welcome to posting :biggrin: I think honesty is *so* important when it comes to this and, like you, I'm so grateful that so many people are wiling to be open and honest about their journeys!

Hang in there! You can totally do this. I know it's hard, but you've got it under control :biggrin:

Welcome to LapBandTalk. This is a great resource for finding information about banded life!

I know people who have to FLY to their follow up appointments because driving takes 8+ hours and there are no local band surgeons and no follow up care. It's doable, and I think you should go with the practice where you feel most comfortable. Check out Gen's blog for an example of someone who has to travel far for follow up care: i heart the band

My doctor specified Whey protein when I was pre-op; I found EAS Whey. It's drinkable, but not super good. I'm still trying to use it all before I start looking for something new :biggrin:

Congratulations :biggrin:

I've lost about 1.3 pounds per week, but that includes a four month long (!) stall. I also had some port issues which made getting fills difficult, so I'm still searching for the right level of restriction for me. I know people who consistently lost two or more pounds per week, and I know people who have lost significantly less. You'll see it a lot here--the band is a tool and it's only as effective as you let it be. The band is designed to stay in forever. It's made of medical-grade materials which are designed to never rot. There are complications, such as erosion, which can warrant the removal of the band. Plastic surgery is a very individual thing, but I think it's going to be necessary for me. I have no idea how I'll pay for it, though.