One day post op and veterans, I could use some advice :)

[Beachy_Babs 5]

Hey! I was banded yesterday 05/02/11 and aside from occasional pain, I feel great to know that I am finally banded! I chose to get the Realize band.

So far, I have been having gas pains and haven't eaten much of anything. My husband made me 1/8 cup of clear chicken broth and I can barely get

down 1 - 3 tsps. Is that okay that I don't eat as much? I will be on this liquid diet for the next 4 days until I can graduate to full liquids.

I was hoping if you guys could give me some input. I have been sleeping and walking whenever I can..just from yesterday, I have lost 4 pounds!!

I know it's all Water weight, but DANG...never had that happen to me before!

I'm loving my band and looking forward to this amazing journey

[gMommy 4]

I am 6 days post-op. I have barely been eating anything since my surgery. My broth would get cold before I could finish even 2 oz of it. I haven't been too interested in food. I went out walking yesterday and finally started to want to eat. Unfortunately it took me a few hours to find some place "fast" where I could have Soup. I really didn't want to go in a restaurant and pay $10+ for an ounce or two of soup. Safeway had soup. I skimmed off the broth of the chicken noodle soup into a small container for $2.99. It has been enough for 4+ meals. After about 5 half spoon fulls of soup I was full. But, it tasted so good! So, I made the BIG mistake of having two more half spoonfuls. Ouch! I hurt and felt lousy for a couple of hours. Lesson learned. I have lost 6 pounds since my surgery.

[Beachy_Babs 5]

Oh man!! I had too much Water last night and I know how you feel about being uncomfortable. I have not been interested in food either. Btw, congrats on your surgery

[vickyd 24]

My surgeon told me that the most important thing was to stay hydrated right after surgery. As long as you are sipping on Water throughout the day then you should be fine for now. When you are on full liquids you need to try to get your Protein in because otherwise you will start feeling weak.

[OKCurt 0]

Oh man!! I had too much Water last night and I know how you feel about being uncomfortable. I have not been interested in food either. Btw, congrats on your surgery

I'm 7 days post op, and I didn't feel like eating the first couple days, but by day 3 I was ready for the full liquid diet

[Beachy_Babs 5]

My surgeon told me that the most important thing was to stay hydrated right after surgery. As long as you are sipping on Water throughout the day then you should be fine for now. When you are on full liquids you need to try to get your Protein in because otherwise you will start feeling weak.

Okay good to know that I'm on the right path. Thanks!! What type of Protein shake do you recommend?

[vickyd 24]

I am lactose intolerant so the two shakes I like are Isopure from GNC (not the fruit flavors) and Muscle Milk Light.

[Ready2 4]

Congratulations on your surgery. It works!

Make sure you get your Protein.

I let myself get too weak and ended up passing out in the kitchen. I hit my head going down and ended up in the ER. Please be careful. I still make Protein shakes from GNC every single day (even though I am at goal) because this way I start out my day with a boost of Protein.< /p>

[Beachy_Babs 5]

Congratulations on your surgery. It works!

Make sure you get your Protein.

I let myself get too weak and ended up passing out in the kitchen. I hit my head going down and ended up in the ER. Please be careful. I still make Protein shakes from GNC every single day (even though I am at goal) because this way I start out my day with a boost of protein.

Thank you!! Oh my! That's not a good thing to pass out ! I'm lactose intolerant as well so I may have to return the protein shake I just bought and go to GNC. The only pain are my gas bubbles and I feel like I need to burp but can't and so my chest hurts. Any suggestions on how to get rid of these bubble pains? I have tried walking.. It helps but not always.

[slauren14 0]

Hi guys! I was just banded yesterday morning and so far I'm feeling fairly good. I've been "sipping" on a little Protein drink which tastes pretty good (fruit punch flavored) but it leaves a pretty bad aftertaste. I just don't know how much Protein I'm actually getting or how much I need to be getting right now. I'm only able to drink about 2-4 tbsp. every hour, is this good enough? I tried sipping on some chicken broth yesterday... it just didn't taste right to me though. I haven't felt like really "eating" anything so far... When did you guys get some of your appetite back?

I did eat about a half of an orange sugar-free popscicle yesterday and that was pretty good My throat has been very sore from where they put that tube down it, so I feel like I could just chug a glass of Water (bad idea, I know). When will I be able to drink "normally" again? (I know it will always have to be small sips, just wondering when I won't have to watch my volume so strictly)

Thanks for your answers and good luck to all fellow "banders"

[Cindy C 150]

Babs, everything you're experiencing is perfectly normal. You should only be sipping an ounce or so at a time. I remember the gas pain. It was awful but necessary. They have to blow your body up with gas so they have room to work during surgery. Unfortunately, it takes several weeks for it to all dissipate. Walking and moving helps hurry it along but what I found really worked was the chiropractor. I went every 2-3 days for the first couple weeks and had him adjust my mid-back. Instant relief!!!! Good luck. I have a feeling that you will be successful!

[Beachy_Babs 5]

Cindy C, thank you so much for your kind words! I am on day 3 post op and feeling much better today. I'm still gassy as ever, but like you said, it will take a few weeks for it to fully go away.

I am taking an ounce of liquid per meal sitting like I should and haven't had the urge to eat anything or even think about food. I have a feeling this will be a success for me too! Your weight loss is amazing..I will

join you very soon!

[Beachy_Babs 5]

Hey! Congrats on your surgery! We are so close together which is awesome! I haven't started on Protein Drinks yet..still on Clear Liquids such as Water, sugar free Popsicles, and chicken broth.< /p>

I hope you're doing well today. Last night, I was in quite a bit of pain. I slept for about 10 hours and woke up feeling refreshed. Keep me updated!!

[Gunnersgal 1]

I was banded on March 28th and I get my first fill on Thursday, May 5th. The first 2 weeks were pretty miserable but ever since I have been able to eat mushies I've felt 100% better. Hang in there newbies I promise it does get better. I can hardly wait to find out what I've lost so far. I know I lost 16lbs in just the first 12 days, but like I said it was a miserable time. I guess I will be going back on mostly liquids for the days after my fill. Adkins pre-made Protein Shakes are pretty tasty and for those of you who are having trouble getting your Protein each day I've been introduced to a bar that has 30gms per bar. They are a little higher in the carbs. They are called Premier Nutrition High Protein Bars and you can get them at Sam's Club for around $13-14 per box of 15. Hope this helps.

[Beachy_Babs 5]

Is it normal to feel your port when walking?