acp1974

Agree with Nean here. It's important for you to get calories simply for energy, and to get Protein especially. Protein is the stuff that will help you lose fat instead of muscle, it helps your wounds heal and it helps you build new tissue. There are hundreds of Protein shake recipes on here, and lots of varieties to choose from. Someone recommended "Synthrax Nectars" to me and I really like it (I use the chocolate Truffle flavor). They have it at the Vitamin Shoppe. If you are sick of shakes or chocolate/vanilla, I've found that Crystal Light tea and unflavored Protein powder are a pretty decent combo. I use something called "Any Whey" that's available at GNC. One scoop of that and some Crystal light with some cold Water and ice cubes is actually pretty refreshing and it's less of a "meal" than a thicker protein shake. It was somewhat hot here today and I had a couple of those and got my protein in pretty easily. Ok, enough advice outta me - good luck!

Thanks. Doing really well now 5 days post-op. Today was my first day back to work, and aside from my energy level being a bit low, I'd say it was a success. Was off the serious pain meds after about 2 days, and have been taking Tylenol liquid as needed. Definitely still feel it a bit when I walk, as the belly goes up and down a bit, but other than that I go hours without thinking about the fact that I just had surgery. Which is pretty amazing to me. Looking forward to fully healing and getting the go-ahead to do more strenuous exercise. Lost about 15-16 lbs during the pre-op diet, probably a few more since the surgery, and am just really excited to be on this path. Hope all you late May bandsters are hanging in there on your pre-op diets and getting excited about your surgeries. It's such a great feeling to be on the other side, and to be starting this next leg of the journey. Let's keep this thread alive with success stories:thumbup:

Two and a half days indeed! You can put up with anything for two and a half days! I am fine now, still healing and getting better every day. Today was my first day back at work (desk job) and so I'm a bit tired, but otherwise good. At least for now, I wouldn't consider myself "fasting" at all - really it's the opposite feeling, you have to remember to keep drinking and you have to push just to get the required Protein in you. So it's a totally different proposition, but I'll take this any day over the pre-op diet. That is tough. Once the swelling goes down completely and I enter the so-called "bandster Hell", I'm sure it might be a different story. But for now my diet is essentially the same as yours, only I have the band and a stomach that fills very quickly. And you will too, very, very soon!

Some things that helped me: Read the site, especially the inspirational stories Call friends for motivation Distract yourself Pray/meditate if you are a person who prays or meditates Keep posting on here! You CAN do this and you are SO close. I was tempted beyond belief, and I wasn't 100% perfect, but I'm so glad I made it through the pre-op diet. It's a test, for sure, but believe me when I say it's worth it. I'm 5 days out from surgery, and just so glad to have made this choice. I'm rooting for you! Good job on making it this far, you're almost there!

Same here - it was like a year's supply, easily more than a pint of narcotic pain medication. And they wonder why people get hooked on this stuff. I needed it for a few days, but the rest I threw away. There's really no need for that much Percoset for this surgery, not even close.

Just realized I hadn't checked in here since I was banded on 5/19. So glad to finally be on the other side! I'm still sore in the stomach but that's pretty normal. Gas pains come and go as well, nothing too terrible. Generally speaking each day that passes (it's now day 4) gets better. Surgery was a new thing for me, so the whole deal was a bit nerve-wracking - first time in a hospital for anything, first anesthesia, first recovery. I definitely had a difficult first day or two, but as long as I took my pain meds I was fine. Got off those on Friday, still taking Tylenol and Gas-X, and walking around. I spent a lot of time resting the last few days letting myself recover, but making sure to take short walks every once in a while. Looking forward to going back to work tomorrow, for at least part of the day. Since I don't have a scale, I had to weigh myself post-op at the hospital. Turns out I lost 16lbs on my 2-week pre-op diet (360lbs 5/3, 344lbs 5/20). And that may be a bit low since this was after surgery and a night of fluids, so I might have lost a bit more. Not sure what post-op weight loss looks like - I'm told it can be slow - so probably better that I don't have a scale to check in with way too often. I'll definitely update when I go back for followup in 10 days or so. In any case, it's just great to be losing, and to have the faith that I am doing the right thing and the confidence that I'm heading in the right direction. I don't have any hard and fast goals set in terms of pounds; my goals are more in terms of exercise, energy, and clothing size. That said, I'd like to celebrate when I hit 299 because I really feel like if I take this one day at a time and follow the program, I'll never see 300 again. My long-term weight goal is probably low 200s, but my life goal is health and happiness and I know I made the right decision in taking this step. Congrats to all of you who are also taking this journey and have inspired me. I think keeping in touch with this board helped me a lot in the weeks leading up to surgery and I believe continuing to keep in touch and support each other will help all of us succeed!:thumbup:

Hang in there, and thanks for sharing your experience. Indeed no two people are the same. I had the dizzy problem you described for the first 24 hrs or so, wherein I would stand up, then start sweating and get a huge round of nausea. I managed to avoid vomiting by lying back down, but only barely. I can only imagine how painful that must've been. Sounds like you had some complications with the bleeding, but I don't think that's uncommon either. I'm glad they were able to get it stopped, and in the long run it'll be just a distant memory. A friend of mine today reminded me that there is no such thing as minor surgery, and that there's always some trauma involved in surgery. Our experiences are all different, but we all went through the same surgery and we all need to go easy on ourselves and concentrate on resting, healing, and thinking about the big picture: we did it, we're on our way!

I was given a script for Roxicet, which is liquid Percoset (oxycodone). It was really helpful the first two days after surgery. I switched to Tylenol Extra Strength Liquid today (day 3) because I didn't want to be taking a narcotic pain killer for very long, and also because the pain has subsided quite a bit. I think the liquid Tylenol might work as a good replacement for you, though you may want to have something stronger on hand in case you really need it. I probably could have gotten by on liquid Tylenol except for one time I woke up in the middle of the night and had my one extreme pain moment since surgery. I was glad to have the Roxicet that night.

I was also banded on 5/19 - I don't think you can make a "mistake" at this point, especially given that you're staying hydrated and healing. I am definitely not getting 90g either, but I think if you can add a non-EAS Protein shake in there or an Isopure drink you'd be able to get a little closer. The Isopure drinks have 15g per 8 oz, and my Synthrax nectar Protein powder has 23g per 8 oz shake. Two of each and you'd be pretty close to your goal. Hope that's helpful. But again, I think you're doing fine for day 2! Congrats on your successful surgery and I'm glad to hear of another 5/19 bandster!

I think my pain tolerance may be a bit low, but I definitely had pain upon waking. That said, the nurse immediately put something in my IV and it took care of it. You will be in a bit of a daze when you wake up - in fact, I didn't even remember what happened in the recovery room until I read your question and then it came back to me. Oddly the worst pain for me came last night, which was night #2 (had my surgery around 5pm on 5/19). I woke up in the middle of the night to pee, and as I got out of bed I was in agony. I think what happened was that the anesthesia had finally worn off and I hadn't taken anything in many hours and the pain just caught up to me. The nurse told me to stay on top of the pain, i.e. don't wait until it's bad to take medicine. So I'll just pass that along. It is surgery, so there will be some pain, but it's pretty manageable. Nothing scary or surprising, just a lot of soreness in the stomach area, pain when sitting down or standing up, and some gas pain. It varies quite a bit from person to person, so your mileage may vary on this advice. Just make sure to listen to your doc's orders and call them if you have any questions/concerns.

Hi Just got banded two days ago, am recovering and reading the boards here for inspiration and support. I'm just wondering if there are any guys in the Eastern Mass/Boston area who are interested in being a "buddy". I don't necessarily need a mentor, I'd just like to have someone to talk with who is either going through what I am or has already gone through it and is willing to share their experience and advice. I'm willing to share my support and encouragement as well, I think it's much easier to do this with support than without. That said, I don't know any guys who have had lap bands, let alone in my area. They must exist though, right? About me: I'm 36, a manager at a nonprofit organization, a Sox fan, part-time comedian, and former athlete who wants to be an athlete again. That's the plan, anyway. Would be great to get to know someone else going through this in my area, so hit me up if you feel like talking!

I'm 5'11", and I'm one of those "dense" people who are heavier than they look - usually by about 20-30 lbs. I don't have a scale and haven't figured out the ticker thing yet, so I am going to just go by feel and weighing myself at the gym or doctor's office every so often. But my #s are: Highest: 360 (4/24/10) Surgery: 345 (5/19/10) Goal: 240 Long-term ideal goal: 200 lbs. I think I'm supposed to be 165-170 at my ideal weight, but I feel like that's neither a reasonable goal nor one that I really would strive for. I'd be happy at 240, and I think I'd be happy and healthy long-term at 200.

Stratochief, That's a great question, I never really worried too much about it because I was so focused on the weight loss. But from all the answers it seems as though there's definitely an adjustment to be made, but that it's perhaps not as severe as the scenario you described. There's body hunger and then there's head hunger, and on top of that there's the culture of big family meals. I can see how it would be an emotional adjustment to not eat the same way with your family all freely eating what they want. But it really does sound like not that huge an adjustment given the enormous upside of being healthier and living longer to be there for your family. Great to hear these responses, and to hear other folks' experience in this regard. I was banded 2 days ago, and as I recover from surgery it's just great to hear from all of you who have changed your lives for the better - what an inspiration!

Thought I'd add my two cents. First off, thank god for this forum and finding people going through similar experiences. I would like to think I'm a tough guy and that I have a high tolerance for pain, but like one of the posters said it got worse for me the second day after the anesthesia wore off completely. I was banded Wednesday afternoon, so I'm still less than 48 hours out, but last night was pretty rough. I felt pains I hadn't felt in the hospital: soreness, stiffness, and sharp belly pains almost like I tore a muscle or something. Getting up and lying down are not fun at all. Gas hasn't been so bad for me but it has started after not being present at all for the first 24 hrs or so. I had the shoulder pain everyone talks about, and that has subsided a bit. But I wonder if my stomach pain is gas-related. It feels more like a muscle strain, really sharp and mainly hurting when I have to use that muscle in getting upright or laying down. In any case, I'm taking the Gas-X strips, my pain meds, and doing my best to drink fluids. Today the goal is to walk more and get more Protein in me. And to stay positive! It's just pain, it'll go away! Thanks for listening, and congrats to everyone for going through with this and sharing your experiences!

Checking in here. Banded on Wednesday - all went fine. Recovery seems to be on course, which is to say that I feel pretty much like I had surgery less than 48 hours ago: definitely some pain and discomfort, but overall I can move around and am getting better. Been resting a lot, still taking pain meds. Goal for today is to take a couple longer walks and to get as much Protein as possible. It's a job now just remembering to keep sipping, because you don't feel hungry and you can't take too much at once. Definitely a new experience for me to worry about getting enough nourishment:cool2: Hope everyone is doing fine on their pre-op diets, or recovering smoothly from their surgeries. We're all on the road to better health and longer, more active lives!

Congrats Sotex! I was also banded yesterday. I had my operation in the late afternoon and stayed overnight per hospital guidelines. I had a bit of a reaction to the anesthesia - when I got up for the first time last night to go to the bathroom, I got dizzy, nauseous, and started sweating. Eventually that went away, but I think that stuff took a while to leave my body. Today I'm just sore like I did way too many crunches (getting up and laying down are painful), and I have that phantom left shoulder pain that I've read is caused by internal gas pressure. That pain has nearly gone away, but the strange thing is I haven't passed any gas at all. Nothing. At least not yet.... Finding it hard to drink much as well. I haven't felt too full yet but I just find that I'm taking small sips and not wanting to test the limits. Will be interesting to see how the next few days go - I'll keep checking in. In the meantime, hope everyone else from the May 19th group is resting, relaxing, and recovering. Let us know how you're doing!

Everyone is different, and every surgeon is different. I personally feel like the purpose of the 2-week diet for the patient is more to get you into the habit than it is absolutely medically necessary. And I think for the doctor it is both a convenience issue and a liability issue - if you have a big old liver to get around, that makes their job just a bit more difficult. And eliminating difficulty - even if it the two-week diet makes things .001% less difficult - lowers the already small chance that something can go wrong. I don't really know what the science is, so this is pure conjecture on my part - if someone really does know, I'd like to hear about it. My guess is that the difference between 2-week pre-op and 1-2 day pre-op diet is small enough, otherwise there wouldn't be such a difference from one doctor to the next....

Congrats Sydney! Congrats jillsko1! I'm going in on Wednesday 5/19 along with a bunch of other folks on here. Well, not literally, that would be quite a crowded operating room..... This is a great topic. I should have written a list down to refer to over the last couple weeks when things got tough with the pre-op diet, might have alleviated some of my grumpiness at times:-) Here are some of my things off the top of my head: Having energy throughout the day, not feeling so tired and defeated in the evenings. Playing sports - I was a good athlete once upon a time, and one of my goals is to rediscover that guy. Feeling attractive - I used to look in the mirror sometimes before going out and think to myself that I was a good looking guy! But I've been avoiding mirrors for a long time now. I know that's a bit superficial but I know that guy is in there and I want to feel that confidence again and know that I worked for it. Buying clothes at regular stores - no explanation needed here. Dating - I've used weight as an excuse for too long, even sabotaged relationships with people who found my fat self attractive. That's gonna end. I guess maybe these aren't all "every day" little things, but a lot of people take these things for granted. So I'll add that to the list: I want to take these things for granted too!

Hey Sotex, that's great. I don't have a scale, so I won't find out how much I've lost during my 2-week pre-op diet until I go in for surgery on Wednesday, but it definitely feels like at least 10 lbs. Not much when you weigh in the mid-300s but it does feel good, and I'm getting pretty excited for the 19th - lot of us going in on that day! Let's do this thing!

I'm coming to the end of my pre-op diet, with surgery Wednesday. The pre-op diet is not a cakewalk, but there are advantages to it. I've lost weight, I feel more agile, my sleep has been better, and I just generally feel healthier. Probably most important, I feel like I've started my journey and that I'm not only in better condition for surgery but I'll be ready for life after surgery. That said, I've also been low energy at times (especially the first couple days), I've been grumpy, and I've had to deal with the emotional side of hunger. It's hard to smell good food, to be around people eating it, even to watch food programs on tv! As a person who has used food to calm and comfort (and I'm pretty sure I'm not alone here!) I feel a bit sometimes like I've lost a friend. So it's not easy, but it's got advantages and you can take some steps to make it better: Put yourself in the best possible situation to succeed: stock up on shakes, Protein bars, veggies (if allowed), sugar-free popsicles, broth, etc, and make sure you don't go too long between meals. In other works, PREPARE. Don't be caught off guard without a shake or Meal Replacement handy. When you get cravings, or think about cheating, visit the site often and ask for support, call a friend, or listen to a meditation tape (you can find these free online, they really work). On a couple of nights I've literally just gone to bed early and thanks to being a bit lethargic I've been able to sleep. Believe me, in the morning you'll feel great and less hungry than when you went to sleep. If possible, try to avoid situations where others are eating comfort foods around you - restaurants, big family dinners, bbqs, etc. I was on a business trip last week and the most difficult times were when I had to be in restaurants and not eating. Remember why you're doing it. I've read this advice before and it seems kind of weak when you're hungry and angry or sad and just feeling like crap. But literally tell yourself why you are doing this - write yourself a note to read, or repeat a mantra, whatever it takes to get you out of your immediate headspace and able to see the larger picture. It works. Hope that's helpful! You probably won't be perfect, but do your best and you'll be fine!

Day 11: Ok, so this is hard. I've been working long hours and traveling all week, which has been making it hard. Getting really sick of the Protein bars I brought. One thing about the pre-op diet, you really have to time it well. I got stuck today working without a shake or bar for about 5+ hours and was about to either pass out or break down and eat something I shouldn't have. Back at the hotel now and had a shake and about 6 cups of Water. Six more days for me. At this time next week I'll be banded. Must stay strong. Hope everyone else is doing well, this is a tough time but the reward is worth it!

Good luck! To quote a cliche, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life!" In this case though, it really applies, doesn't it? Congratulations on taking this step, and please let us all know how goes - we look forward to your reports from the other side! :smile:

Day 10: Hanging in there. On a business trip so it's harder than normal with the food. However I did bring gym clothes and have been working out at the hotel gyms, which helps. Wondering if that's making me hungrier, hmmm.... Anyway, in exactly one week I'll be banded. In fact at this point I'll be just coming out of surgery. That's my motivation right there. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hungry right now, but I'm going to drink a bunch of Water, have a shake in an hour, and a small bit of salad/protein for dinner. Must. Stay. On. Plan! Keep posting, and good luck everyone!

I'm using "Pure Protein" brand High Protein Bar - it's got 32g of protein, only 4g sugar as its made with sucralose I think. It's a pretty big bar, definitely a Meal Replacement. I try to drink 2 shakes, have one bar, and then a Lean Cuisine with a small salad (FF dressing) for my dinner. Then at night if I'm starving I suck on some sugar free popsicles. I get 1200 calories a day on this pre-op diet, which isn't a lot for a 350lb man.... For shakes I like anything chocolate over vanilla - vanilla seems not strong enough to mask the flavor. I use "Pure Protein" brand chocolate shakes too, but my new thing is "Synthrax Nectars" Chocolate Truffle flavor. The Nectars brand seems to get pretty high marks here, and it dissolves nicely. Hope that helps. Good luck!

Pre-Op Diet Day 9: First off, hope everyone is doing well and hanging in there - this hasn't been super easy for me, though I'm hanging tight. I think the fear of surgery is a pretty good motivator to stay on the pre-op diet! I'm traveling this week for work, which in any other time would mean room service, nice restaurants, and at least a pound or two gained. So it's a bit extra hard. I brought my Protein Bars with me, and am picking up pre-made shakes today as soon as I can find a pharmacy or GNC. Anyway, just checking in and keeping the thread going. Hope everyone has a great day - I'm sending out positive energy to all the May bandsters. We CAN DO THIS!