New to this...

LovinColorado · September 29, 2006

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum AND new to the band. My surgery was 9/18 and I had my first post op checkup yesterday. I'm down 20 pounds or 13% of my excess body weight. While I'm very excited at this prospect, I can't help to be skeptical...here's why and I hope you can help.

The first week, I was sore, it hurt to swallow etc etc. I chalk it up to post surgery swelling. Slowly, I started to be able to eat the recommended 1/4 cup or 2 oz or Protein. It took a couple of days. I've been measuring, not drinking before/during/or after, chewing throughly, and spending about 20 minutes or more eating. Here's my concern, in the last few days, my capacity has increased. Not too much, but I'm doing all the same things and tonight I've been able to eat about 4 oz.

I have several weeks until my first fill and I really don't know what to expect in the meantime. So, is this increase in the amount I can eat normal? Will it increase more before my first fill? I just don't know what others have experienced.

Thanks for your advice.

Katie

Constance · September 29, 2006

Everyone is different. But it is pretty common to feel less and less retsriction after surgery. You might have some initially post-op and it could last a day or a year. I think most people need a fill after the first 6 weeks. The period between surgery and the first fill is often referred to as "Bandster Hell" because even though youve had surgery you find you have no restriction. Just don't overdo it. But if you are following the rules, you're fine.

LapBandit1 · September 29, 2006

Welcome Katie,

Oh so normal.

I'm able to eat more than I expected too. Don't worry, let the band do its job. You'll know when it is, believe me. Snoop around in here and find a group you can relate to. Some are good and some are not so good. Keep your head in the right place, pay attention to your body and its signals. Listen to your docs, as the first bandster said, everyone is different and your reactions will be different too.

I joined not long ago. I'm in the May Band Crew. These people can be very supportive and knowledgable about what your going through. But, you may run into a few who are have the holier than thou issue. Find some friends and join in on the fun. Make sure you check out the FAQ and all that. It can be very helpful. Many put links on here to help you too.

You'll be fine. Welcome to BandWorld and Good Luck to you!

p.s. I'm sure May Crew would love to have you even though your not a Mayster.

BandOn Katie!

jahair · October 3, 2006

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum AND new to the band. My surgery was 9/18 and I had my first post op checkup yesterday. I'm down 20 pounds or 13% of my excess body weight. While I'm very excited at this prospect, I can't help to be skeptical...here's why and I hope you can help.
The first week, I was sore, it hurt to swallow etc etc. I chalk it up to post surgery swelling. Slowly, I started to be able to eat the recommended 1/4 cup or 2 oz or Protein. It took a couple of days. I've been measuring, not drinking before/during/or after, chewing throughly, and spending about 20 minutes or more eating. Here's my concern, in the last few days, my capacity has increased. Not too much, but I'm doing all the same things and tonight I've been able to eat about 4 oz.

I have several weeks until my first fill and I really don't know what to expect in the meantime. So, is this increase in the amount I can eat normal? Will it increase more before my first fill? I just don't know what others have experienced.

Thanks for your advice.

Katie

Hi Katie,

The information you've been given about weight loss in the early days is excellent, so I have nothing to add there. I have one quick question about chewing. I'm surprised to see that you are chewing food at about 2 weeks out from surgery. I know each doctor has their own post surgical eating plan, but I'm curious about how long your doc had you on mushies?

Thanks,

Jo Ann

LovinColorado · October 3, 2006

My dr had me on liquids through day three post surgery. Stage 2 pureed foods was up to 7 days post op. Stage 3 is soft foods and continues days eight post op through day 30. Stage 4 "trial and error" starts one month out.

Note, I only advance to another stage as long as I'm tolerating the foods in that stage. Like the last couple of days some soft foods haven't agreed with me, so I've moved back to pureed foods for a couple of days. The chewing throughly thing can be a challange.

jahair · October 3, 2006

My dr had me on liquids through day three post surgery. Stage 2 pureed foods was up to 7 days post op. Stage 3 is soft foods and continues days eight post op through day 30. Stage 4 "trial and error" starts one month out.
Note, I only advance to another stage as long as I'm tolerating the foods in that stage. Like the last couple of days some soft foods haven't agreed with me, so I've moved back to pureed foods for a couple of days. The chewing throughly thing can be a challange.

You bet! I actually enjoyed the pureed stage once I figured out I could put my entire dinner in the blender! My family was given instructions to make NO comments on what my food looked like or its color. Put the dinner in a container you can't see through and spoon away!

Also, I was getting these lumps of food stuck when I first started chewing soft foods like eggs. Read somewhere on here that a baby sized spoon/fork would give you the right sized bite of food and help you remember what to do. I 've been using it faithfully and there has been no more stuck morsels !

Best wishes and good luck,

Jo Ann