Lack of concentration after banding?

[Anaed2 0]

Hello,

I'm throwing out this question in the general discussion forum since I don't think asking it in the introductions forum (http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=20713) was the best place for getting many replies.

Did you experience dizzy spells, weakness, fatigue, lack of concentration when you were newly banded? I ask since I will be starting a new job which will require my mind to be really sharp and on the ball just 2 or 3 weeks after my surgery; I'm concerned that being on liquids and mushies at this time will inhibit my concentration (not getting adequate nutrition). I am not on any special diet pre-banding. Would I be taking on too much at once by being banded and beginning a new job within weeks of each other?

Deana.

[Ruby Band 0]

I being banded tomorrow, so I don't know by experience. However, my surgeon's office has a dietician and the after care diet is very specific about Protein and supplements. I doubt they would want you to be dizzy and such.

I'll let you know after my surgery. Best wishes on your new job!

Mary

[Anaed2 0]

Thanks Mary. I haven't been required to see a dietician and the doctor said I shouldn't need any Vitamins or supplements. I will try to use common sense on this and the excellent information that I've found on this website to guide me in what I need to be eating. Good luck to you tomorrow - mine is the day after!

Deana.

[JMO 0]

I am not banded yet, but want to let you know that you are doing the right thing. I also think the job will be a good idea because it will keep your mind off THE BAND. I also had the worry of feeling not quite right, but talked to my doctor about it and I was told as long as you get your Protein in You should be fine. If you feel light headed eat something and it will pass. I am a nursing student and will be starting back to school 3 weeks after surgery, so I know what you mean about needing to be able to concentrate, but I have been asured that I will do fine. I am glad you found this board, and if you need anything just ask.

Good luck!!!

[Anaed2 0]

jenMomTo3, thanks for your reassurance. I'll try to compile a list of soft stuff that's high in Protein that I can eat at the office in case I start feeling light-headed. It won't be as simple as just popping a granola bar into my bag:rolleyes:!

[warmmorningsun 1]

Hello,

I'm throwing out this question in the general discussion forum since I don't think asking it in the introductions forum (http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=20713) was the best place for getting many replies.

Did you experience dizzy spells, weakness, fatigue, lack of concentration when you were newly banded? I ask since I will be starting a new job which will require my mind to be really sharp and on the ball just 2 or 3 weeks after my surgery; I'm concerned that being on liquids and mushies at this time will inhibit my concentration (not getting adequate nutrition). I am not on any special diet pre-banding. Would I be taking on too much at once by being banded and beginning a new job within weeks of each other?

Deana.

Hi Deana, I had dizzy spells and weakness, and even busted my ass on my third day at work because I got dizzy and fell (you should see the size of that bruise!). I also started a new job 5 days after being banded.

I felt SO MUCH BETTER when I got some more calories in. I know that kind of goes against the whole theory of losing weight at the front, but my health was a bigger concern at that point. I ate refried Beans, blended beef vegetable Soup until it was pureed, blended scrambled eggs, etc. and I felt so much better. I called my MD first and told him why I wanted to do it, and he whole heartedly agreed that it was important for me to do so. He only emphasized that I blend whatever I took in as thin as I could.

Hope that helps. Call you Doc and talk to him/her if you get dizzy, etc.

[tztmama 0]

Based on my experience with zillions of diets....................my experience has been that if you aren't getting a good balance of Protein and carbs you are at risk for brain fog type of stuff. When you are on your shakes, IMHO, if you make sure you are getting some carbs in as well as protein you should be fine. I don't think the band alone causes lack of concentration. ANd after 2-3 weeks you will more than likely be well adjusted to whichever shake you will be using and/or the foods your doc allows you to have.

[Stitchy 0]

If you are keeping well nourished, I think you will be fine. Just be sure to get plenty of Protein - you know, brain food. A new job isn't necessarily bad. You won't have time to think about food so much. If you find yourself feeling bad, call your doctor and tell him what's going on. He/she may let you have some more protein-rich foods sooner than normal - like blended chicken noodle Soup.< /p>

Good luck. Let us know how it is going.

[Anaed2 0]

I had dizzy spells and weakness, and even busted my ass on my third day at work because I got dizzy and fell

Warmmorningsun, this was what I was fearing, and I think that I will carry around some high Protein ready-to-use drink or equivalent to drink if I start feeling weak.

Tztmama and Stitchy, I haven't been told to stock up on any shakes, just to drink broth and other Clear Liquids and runny Soups for 2 weeks, then slightly thicker Soups, plus soft fruits (peaches, bananas etc) for the next 2 weeks, then after 4 weeks, start slowly introducing solids (chicken, fish...). I think that I'll try to make the most nutritious soups possible with everything in them (meat, veg, potatoes) and then blend them to the right consistency so that I'm getting the nutrition I need. Stitchy, I liked your suggestion over on my other thread about blending any foods with milk to make them runny enough. At least that way I'd know that I was getting all the right nutrients.

[Leila 0]

I find that if I don't get adequate nutrition, then I don't feel well, period, pre-band, and post-band. I always make sure I get a bare minimum of 900 calories in a day, preferably between 1200-1500 calories a day. That I get at least 80 grams of protien. That I take a chewable Multivitamin, chewable Calcium, and sublingual B12 Vitamin (melts in your mouth). I use fitday.com to track my intake. I also use ISOWhey Breezer brand protien powder, it comes in great fruit flavours, and mixes in Water or low-cal juice, it doesn't thicken fluids at all. It's pure whey protien. I particularly needed it when I was on pureed foods, since I had a protien shake diet supplied by the Dr. for the liquid part of the post-op diet, but when it came to the pureed/mushie stage I was on my own with protien supplementation. You can also buy whey protien unflavored, and if you add it to vegetable Soups or broth, it will give you the protien you need. Check the supplement aisle of a large grocery store, or for more selection try a vitamin/supplement speciality store. You'll do great! Congratulations on your upcoming banding and on your new job!

XO

Leila

[Kat817 19]

I never had any issues with continued dizziness or anything. I could tell when I was not getting enough fluids in, and was dehydrated, I would get very lethargic, and grouchy!! I used Zero carb Isopure drinks 40g. Protein in each bottle, I would try to drink half in the morning and half in the afternoon. I bought them at GNC, they are good for while you need Clear Liquids the first while following surgery, before you can do the shakes. I also ordered the unflavored Unjury powder, 20 g. per scoop, and used it in broth, even mixed it up in my jello...you can use it in anything to boost your protein.(www.unjury.com) I also take a chewable Vitamin, and the viactiv calcium chews.

As for the new job...it sounds to me like perfect timing! It will keep your mind occupied, giving you less time to think of food!! Plus you mentioned worrying about not eating in the cafeteria...from the begining, you can be eating healthy around these new people, and then as you lose weight, they will attribute it to that...nothing else. They have not seen you go up and down in weight...they will see you eating your container of yogurt, or a salad, and as your weight drops...it won't raise questions. Or at least it wouldn't in my mind. Sounds ideal...Good Luck on the surgery, I am thrilled with mine, wish I had done it years ago!!! And good luck in the new job...sounds like you have a whole new life to look forward to!!!

Kat