Just wanting to say hello

[MestizaBander 43]

Hi everyone. I am a new to this forum and to the whole banding wls. My journey has really went very fast for me. My doctor brought up getting weightloss surgery back in December since I have a bad back. I went to a nutrition class in January and had my first assessment last week. 2 days after my assessment, my insurance company approves my surgery. I have my pre op appointment next Thursday and then surgery is set on Valentines day. Any tips or advice for the pre op diet and post op period? I still can't believe this is all happening within a months period.

[2muchfun 8,927]

You better keep your eye on this forum because you may not know what you're getting into? WLS can work but usually most patients know what they're getting into? Reading here a lot can educate you.

I'd recommend two books. Jean McMillan's Bandwagon and Alex Brecher's The Big Book on the Lapband.

There's a lot of work we all have to do to make this work and sometimes doctors gloss over the difficulties we face. I heard over and over from doctors and nutritionists that the small pouch keeps us from eating too much but that's simply not true. If we eat the right foods(healthy and lots of protein), our appetites can be reduced so we eat less just because we're not as hungry. It's the eating the right foods part that trips up a lot of people.

Most of us do not diet. The pouch won't stop you from eating milkshakes, chocolate, mac and cheese, regular soda pop, crème brule', deep fried chicken, tacos, potato chips and so on. We can eat these till the cows come home and the pouch won't stop us unless we have discipline. Keep reading.

tmf

[2muchfun 8,927]

Sorry, I missed the pre and post op part.

I had no preop diet assigned and post op was liquids for 4 days, creamy drinks and Soups for 4 days then mushies for 2 weeks. My post op diet was quite easy for me but for others, not so much. Each doctor has their own protocol so you'll need to check with him/her to find out what they require?

[TravelGirl22 26]

I was just banded 6 days ago and had to do a full 2 week liquid diet. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought - I added supplements to the shakes with my Vitamix (highly recommend getting one of these or a really good blender!) such as vegetables and fruits, and made a lot of green Protein smoothies.

I really wasn't hungry - they do fill you up. I bought the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury brand of Protein, which you can find online, and liked that the best. They specialize in bariatric patients.

Oh, I also recommend the PB2 (powdered peanut butter) - it tastes great with the chocolate Unjury powder!

And I bought some ready-mix shakes for work and travel as well. I used the EAS Advantage shakes, which was on my list from the doctor - your list may be different.

I wound up losing 17 lbs. as of the day of surgery, and the surgery went perfectly. Now, in my first week post op, I am still drinking Protein Shakes but supplementing them with smooth Soups. I've even bought chunky soups that are low fat and sodium, and just puree them in the blender. So far, everything is going great!

Edited January 16, 2014 by TravelGirl22

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

Welcome and good luck to you. We were sleeved, but there are some real band experts here who will help you immensely!

[blueturtle 74]

I was put on a low fat low carb diet. I did okay with it. It was definitely hard to stick to when others around me were eating what i would have loved to of eat. I am four days post-op and I too really like the unjury Protein shakes. They taste great. I also got muscle milk and it was not nearly as good. The Unjury brand is also lactose free so it helps to avoid the diarrhea some people experience post op. I mix mine with light soy milk. I have gotten some great smooth Soups by the Imagine brand. They are organic and considered a "health" food in my grocery store, but they too taste great and are a perfect consistency for post band. I will be on a liquid diet for at least 7 days. Until my post-op appt. Besides Water I am also drinking lots of tea. I add soy milk to it and that helps the taste and gives me more Calcium.

Good luck to you and I agree with TMF, keep reading these forums to see what exactly you're getting yourself into. Most do not have a storybook journey. It is a lot of work!

[kll724 3,055]

Welcome and best wishes for a successful surgery and recovery! Karen..aka.kll724

[MestizaBander 43]

Thank you everyone for the replies. I enjoyed all the feedback and I been reading and following all the different threads. I also been reading and doing research. I already started making lifestyle changes to help me after surgery. I bought a sippy cup and I now use a baby spoon. I also been chewing my food more and taking smaller bites. It is really hard to break bad habits but I will not give up. I also been trying different Protein Shakes. Thanks again everyone!

[Lady VS 1,147]

Hi everyone. I am a new to this forum and to the whole banding wls. My journey has really went very fast for me. My doctor brought up getting weightloss surgery back in December since I have a bad back. I went to a nutrition class in January and had my first assessment last week. 2 days after my assessment, my insurance company approves my surgery. I have my pre op appointment next Thursday and then surgery is set on Valentines day. Any tips or advice for the pre op diet and post op period? I still can't believe this is all happening within a months period.

In regards to the pre and post op diet, your doctor or nutritionist should supply that information for you. If they didn't, please ask and congratulations on being approved.

[FruitLoop 86]

Welcome and Congrats! Mine went through really fast too, went to the seminar on October 1st, then all the testing and talks and was banded by Dec 19th.

I agree, just read all you can, everyone's journey is different and how you decide to accept you own journey!

I am completely satisfied with less food, no sweets, no starches and no more sodas! I am so glad that I am being able to say NO to my food addiction and take charge! The band is only a tool to your weight loss, I feel that you also have to be responsible for changing and accepting the way you eat to make it work!

Good Luck to you and keep us updated, someone is always here to help you and answer questions on your journey ! One of the best places I found!

[MestizaBander 43]

Welcome and Congrats! Mine went through really fast too, went to the seminar on October 1st, then all the testing and talks and was banded by Dec 19th. I agree, just read all you can, everyone's journey is different and how you decide to accept you own journey! I am completely satisfied with less food, no sweets, no starches and no more sodas! I am so glad that I am being able to say NO to my food addiction and take charge! The band is only a tool to your weight loss, I feel that you also have to be responsible for changing and accepting the way you eat to make it work! Good Luck to you and keep us updated, someone is always here to help you and answer questions on your journey ! One of the best places I found!

thank you so much and congratulations on your success. I'm ready to make the lifestyle changes I need to keep my band (when I get it) working. I will keep you updated. I don't have many friends, so I need all the support I can get.

[MestizaBander 43]

Hi everyone! I had my pre-op appointment today and met my surgeon. He did not put me on a liquid diet though. I will start the "Sugar Busters diet" and will be on this for the next 3 weeks. I am allowed 3 meals a day and fruit for Snacks. Has anyone else been on this diet? He also said my port will be inserted through my left armpit and will be placed in the area close to my shoulder.

[jamilyne 102668 1,207]

I wish you the very best! Just listen to your health care advisors and stay strong! You are going to do great! And hopefully your back pain will subside! Take good care