EL Diva

I think I have found a found a topic a more controversial than politics or religion .... Lapband! There seems to be so many opinions of what is the right diet, the proper fill, or the exact amount of excorcise ( and YES. I purposely misspelled it ! ) lol! IMHO as Long as you are losing weight in a healthy way since your surgery, ....... It's a good thing! Any weightloss is something to be celebrated since our past dictates otherwise. So, let's celebrate.....1 Lb, 20 Lb, 50Lb, good on ya!

Mmmmm, These recipes sounds amazing! I LOVE LC cheese. Can't wait to try these out, thanks for posting them!

WOW! That's really neat! We're 'bandster twins'!! LOL! I have often wondered how my progress is doing compared to others banded around the same time, so that was great to hear! Congrats to you......and to me... Hee Hee!

Hi, I think it depends on how 'filled' your band is. I was banded on Nov 23, have lost 31 Lbs and have had absolutely NO problems with ANY foods. That being said, I haven't had a fill yet though. My doctor has told me that if I keep losing weight I may not need to have a fill. I have read that if you eat slowly, take small bites and chew well you should be able to eat most foods. Everybody's experience is different so good luck to you and congratulations on your decision to get the lapband. You'll find that this is a great place to have your questions answered and to get great support. Keep us posted of your journey! Cheers

Hi,..... my name is EL Diva,....... and I'm a LBT addict, too!

Well said & wonderfully worded, Jack! Thank you for your excellent words of wisdom! Your an inspiration

Hi! I've learned a lot from reading different posts on this website and have also learned that everyones journey can be so different from anothers. In my opinion, you're stomach may be swollen and is in healing mode from surgery and that is why you may not be hungry. This is also why we need to be on a liquid/mushy diet after surgery to allow ourselves to heal. I too, was only taking in 500-700 calories a day during this period but it's only for a short time. As far as restriction is concerned, I was banded on Nov. 24th and after about 2 weeks I was wondering if the band was even in me as I was so hungry! Lol! But after I moved to solid foods I knew things were different. I have had NO fills, lost over 20lbs, and can feel that there is some restriction albeit not super tight. This is just the band by itself. My Dr told me that if I keep losing weight at this pace I won't have to have a fill. I KNOW there is restriction because if I eat too fast or too big of bites it HURTS! I think this is what banders refer to as being 'stuck'? Congratulaions on your journey! This is a great place to help answer questions and gain support. Hang in there and know you are not alone!

You Bet! The Club I manage is putting on a great New Years Party with a nice dinner & a great band! I have been losing weight steadily (down over 20lbs sice Nov 24) & I plan on celebrating tonite! I'm gonna skip the glass of sparkling wine at midnight tho cuz I don't want to push the 'no carbonation' rule, but I am gonna let loose and have some fun with getting right back on 'the wagon' tomorrow. I'm sure we'll get some grief over this but to each their own. I feel that you have to enjoy yourself once in a while, in whatever way you choose to make the journey bearable. For me, I'll skip dessert, have an extra glass of wine, and dance my booty off tonight!! HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all and have a great time tonight in whatever way you choose do! Cheers!

Hi! I hope you don't mind me asking a question. Prior to the band I enjoyed having a few cocktails with vodka, lime & club soda being a preference. I have been scared to try club soda in anything because I was warned off any carbonation (alcohol too,but hey, I'm not perfect!LOL) so my question is... Does the tonic bother you at all? I heard it could cause discomfort. I've been drinking Water and a piece of lime with my vodka but would love a little soda! And Yes, to the alcohol naysayers, I, too, know the disadvantages of drinking alcohol Cheers!

I struggled with the 'tell/don't tell" as well and opted to be honest. Mostly everyone has been incredibly supportive but I sometimes regret that decision as some people have the nerve to judge me for it. Now, when I get that disapproving look, I say, " I'm sorry you feel the need to judge me for my decision but I have dicussed this with my doctor and we both felt it was in the best interest for my health." and I try not to let their opinion bother me, but it's hard sometimes. In reality, it's no ones business but your own. If your not comfortable, don't tell. You don't need to feel discouraged by 'haters'. Do what's best for you and Know you have a TON of support here! Good Luck!

Hi; I totally feel for you! I, too, was very hungry after my surgery and during the full liquid phase of my pre-op diet. I was cranky,emotional and starving but I stuck to the diet for fear of hurting myself or the pouch. I was concerned I might 'stretch' the pouch or eat too much and cause the band to slip. I'm not sure if these are valid fears but it helped me stay on track. I think if it wasn't for that I possibly would have cheated. I relied on water & popsicles to get me through. I also relied on this website for support and strength as it was nice to know others were going through the same thing. It didn't make me feel any fuller but it was comforting! LOL I have moved on to the 'mushie' stage (I hate that name, it sounds yucky, I'm looking to find another name for that stage) and it is Soooooo much better! I feel more human again and MUCH fuller. I wish I had some advice to help you through this difficult time. Try to be strong and be careful not to stray too much from the doctors orders. It will be over soon and the sacrifice will be worth the reward! HANG IN THERE!

Hi! I live in BC Canada and wasnt required to do the pre-op diet either and it left me wondering why so many people on this site were required to do it. I have also noticed that different Doctors give different instructions for the post-op diet as well. I guess we can count ourselves lucky we didn't have to do the pre-op diet. I thoroughly enjoyed my 'last supper' the night before surgery! LOL

I also have noticed that my gag reflex is different. I used to have a very sensitive reflex and now it's not that bad. Has anyone else noticed this?

I'm so glad you brought this topic up! (lol, no pun intended!) I'm the opposite. I feel like I'm going to belch then it just disappears. I keep waiting....but nothing. I've only been banded for 2 weeks & am in the 'mushie' stage so perhaps this will change but is THAT what I got to look forward to? I deal with the public as well and that would be EMBARRASING! What do you say when it happens, besides of course 'excuse me?'

Hi I was banded on Nov 24 2010 and will be approaching the purèed food stage of the post-op diet. My concern is I don't know if I can stomach blending my food. The thought makes me nauseas! I have to admit, at this point I'm so hungry that I'm not ruling out anything but I was hoping for some ideas as to what else I could eat during that stage that didn't require me to blend my food. I'm open to anything! Thanks for your help

Hi! I, too, am hoping to have children in the future and that was one of the big reasons I choose the lapband. I also looked into the 'sleeve' but was swayed to the lapband knowing that the band could be 'unfilled' during pregnancy so you could get proper nutrients then refilled after. In a sense, the lapband is reversible whereas other WLS's aren't. I guess it comes down to personal choices, and I'm really happy with mine! Good luck and do what's right for you

Hi Scoobie I was banded on Nov 24 was 1day water, 4 days clear fluids & am now on day 8 of full fluids. I started getting hungry on day 4 & I'm sorry to report, I'm STILL hungry!! I have been told this is called the 'bandster hell' period from other veteran bandsters and have also been reassured that it WILL get better.(it's gotta get better, right?!) lol! So hang in there, drink your water. & know you're not alone on this journey.

Hi bwhitty, That recipe sounds amazing! I can't wait to try it! Thanks for replying! Cheers

Thanks for the great advice CurvyCat! I was so looking forward to the mashed potatos etc that I totally forgot I still have to watch what I eat! I'll make sure I'm more aware during this stage.

Thanks! I've had tofu once or twice before but have never cooked with it. This will be a perfect time to try it! Thanks for the suggestion!

LOL! RUN SPOT RUN! LOL! Thanks Cocoabean, the full liquid diet looks far more appetizing than purèeing my food. Thanks for the info!

Thanks so much Honk! That all sounds pretty yummy! I wouldn't have thought about putting cottage cheese with my eggs but I can't wait to give it a try! What great ideas, thank you.

LOL! thanks Sue! I have to say my dogs are looking delicious, too!! JK! LOL! I'm sure looking forward to mashed potatoes, just 6 more days to go!

Hello I was banded last week on Nov 24/10 and am trying to remain positive during this difficult period. To be honest, I kinda feel like I lost a best friend, albeit a "frenemie" and yes, I'm talking about food! I've been a little depressed but mostly I think it's because I've been so hungry during this 'liquid' phase. I'm back to work and that has helped occupy my mind but, boy oh boy, it's hard! That said, I don't regret my decision to get the lapband at all. I am excited & ready for a change & know it's gonna get easier! (it's gotta get easier, right?!?!) LOL!