Updates On The 4/23 Bandsters

[gale_1016 18]

Good morning! I know quite a few of us on here were banded on 4/23. I just wanted to check in on everyone's progress on recovery.

I went back to work on Tuesday. A very busy 12 hour shift. I talked to one of the nurses at the surgeons office the day before I went back to get my work release & was informed of a few more restrictions I wasn't aware of...such as no lifting more than 30 lbs (I was told 20 lb the day of surgery) & no bending, pushing, or pulling for 4 weeks. Well that is what my job consists of. If I would have known this before hand I would have taken more time off work. Luckily I have a supervisor that accommodates my restrictions.

Let's talk hunger! I'm hungry every 2-3 hours. Although I can only eat a very small amount at a time, I still get hungry often. I'm trying to make healthy choices, but there's not many choices on a pureed diet. I get my first fill 5/24. Until then, I will utilize self control.

My pain is under control. My incision sites are still tender, but I know that takes time. I finally removed the steri strips yesterday. And I got very nauseated while doing it. My husband teases me about being a nurse, but having a weak stomach over my own wounds. It's totally different when it's on yourself!

I look for to hearing how everyone else is doing!

Oh yeah, weight loss....27 lbs down since starting preop diet 2 weeks before surgery!

[gale_1016 18]

Also forgot to mention that my new best friend is myfitnesspal app! Logging my food is so helpful. Please add me if you use it as well.... gale1016

[Cnewme2012 11]

Congrats, Im a 4/24/2012 bandster, You keep up the good work.. Much success to you, it seem like you are off to a great start.

[Fishes1971 4]

14 pounds lost banded April23 ! I am on solids as of yesterday. Still a bit sore here in Canada we get up to four weeks off if needed.

[saphyre2010 0]

Great Job Gale! I wish you much success in your weight loss journey. I was banded on 4/25 and was just able to start mushy foods yesterday. You are absolutely correct in saying there are little choices for eating mushy/puréed foods. I did well with eating the canned tuna with fat free mayo but the scrambled eggs and canned chicken did not work for me as the chicken got stuck and I could not stomach the eggs. So I went out and bought some low fat Danton yogurt and the cottage cheese cups with the fruit toppings hoping I can get those down. And a frien of mines who had the gastric bypass surgery 10 yrs ago said she lived on Taco Bells pintos and cheese during her first six weeks along with Protein shakes as she could not keep anything else down.

Do you have any other suggestions for mushy foods?

[saras422 6]

I, too, was banded 4/23. I am on pureed foods although it seems like I'm really eating mushy foods. I just chew really well and if it hurts going down, I stop eating it. I have discovered the wonderful joys of avocado, scrambled eggs, and hummus (I eat it with tiny bites of cucumber). I think I'll try egg drop Soup tomorrow although it tends to have a lot of sodium. Since I can't eat very much (maybe 1/2 c at a time), I get hungry every 2-3 hours. I'm focusing more on getting quality nutrients into my body than I am calories. I was losing over a pound a day for a while and felt like I was wasting away. That has slowed and I feel more normal now that I am eating food. I have trouble keeping up with my Water, although I have always struggled with this. My incisions are sore but not too bad. They hurt by the end of the day in my work pants so I've been wearing a lot of loose dresses and skirts. If I could wear sweats to work I would. :-)

My biggest issue is energy. I know I just had surgery and that I am healing but I am back at work (desk job) but I have very little energy and ability to concentrate. I'm an emotional wreck some days and fine others. Sometimes I just don't care much about anything (just being honest). I know, I know, this is a major life & physical change so I am being gentle with myself and resting often. I keep reminding myself to heal first and my body will get it's energy back. But it's hard when I feel so dull all day long.