Anyone from Arizona

[yellowroseaz 0]

I posted and received no responses at all. So let's try this again. I have read much about liquid diets. I want to know what the diet after the puree is like. Exactly what to eat and what you can no longer eat. I hear you can't have cinnamon or Peanut Butter. And if you are used to drinking soda pop what do you drink instead? I have never done this posting thing before. I am looking forward to talking with others here who have had a Lapband done or those like me who are considering it. Thanks peeps.:frown:

[snowbird 2]

Hi, Yellowrose. I live out west of Surprise. There are a whole lot of Arizona bandsters.

I was banded in October, along with my husband. I eat Peanut Butter and cinnamon just fine. What I can't eat is soft breads.

We drink Minute Maid or Tropicana sugar free orange or lemonade. Sometimes you can find sugar free fruit punch also. Tea is fine, plus coffee. When we dine out we usually order Water only, since you can't drink with your meal anyway.

Ask any questions you have. There are a lot of very helpful and informed people here.

[yellowroseaz 0]

I appreciate the info. I am looking for what kinds of foods you eat and how small do you have to cut them up. You still go out to eat? Cool! I also heard that soft breads are out. Toasted bread is ok? Thanks again for the response. I live near Arizona City which is about an hour south of Phoenix.

[betrthnever 107]

Hi yellowroseaz, I'm in Phoenix. Where are you being banded? Or are you already banded? I'm going through Dr Blackstone

[kbinaz 0]

Hi! I'm from Chandler- banded October 26th 2007. Have you been banded yet? Are you asking about what you will be able to eat once you are off liquids and soft foods? You can basically eat anything you want but may have trouble with certain foods. At the beginning, before you reach your proper restriction, you will probably be able to eat everything you ate before your surgery. The smart thing is to start practicing by eating like you will have to eat when you are restricted to get in practice. Once you reach your sweet spot and are restricted properly you will have to cut everything into small pieces - dime sized. You will have to chew it until it is the consistency of applesauce - that is why banded people have trouble with red meat - it kind of turns to a big blob and doesn't 'dissolve' like other foods (same with soft bread). On the other hand, you don't want to eat all mush, either. The band works best when you eat real, solid food. In order to lose maximum weight you should eat Protein first every meal. My doctor recommends three bites of protein then a bite of vegetables or fruit. Your doctor might tell you something else. Starches are only a few times a week and only at the end of a meal if you have room. Once you are at your sweet spot you will get full before you really have to deal with eating bread! You are better off eating a lot of Proteins and vegetables, they go down fine, and you will be healthy to boot! I hope this answers your question. Who is doing your surgery? When is it, or have you had it? Feel free to post any questions you might have, everyone here is very willing to help.

[kbinaz 0]

Dr Blackstone did my surgery too!

[snowbird 2]

I can't eat bread. If I get thin crust pizza I can usually eat a couple bites, but I'm asking for trouble.

This morning I had half a two-egg omelet (split one with DH) with sausage, mozzarella, yellow peppers and onions. For lunch I had one taco. For dinner I am having grilled salmon and oven roasted vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, winter squash, and onions). Yesterday I had a chile relleno (my favorite post-band Mexican food) and oatmeal for Breakfast.

If you eat very slowly you can get down a lot of different foods. You will not be chugging down a burger or pizza, most likely, but for me, once a food has caused me pain and suffering I don't have a big interest in it anymore. Besides, if I wanted to be able to eat everything I ate before, I would be nuts. I had surgery to stop doing that.

When I dine out with non bandsters I usually order Soup just to avoid potential problems.

Hope this helps.

[Louisa del Mar 0]

Hi

I'm from Tucson. It's actually my son who's having the lapband but it's so nice to find this site where I can read up on what's ahead. His surgeon is Monte Schwartz.

[yellowroseaz 0]

I haven't made an appointment with my Doctor yet. I have just started doing research. I am somewhat afraid of failing again as I have with past diets. But there is so much positive info about lap band that I feel I can do it. I'm planning on attending a seminar this comming week and then making that first Doctor appt. I have checked and my insurance will cover it so I have no excuse. Good luck to you.

[yellowroseaz 0]

No I haven't had it done yet. Have just recently begun to do research. I have to talk to my PCP and get a referral. There seem to be several Docs in the Phoenix area. And one in Casa Grande which is near where I live. If anyone has any Doc recommendations please let me know. I'm attending a seminar this next week and I want to make an appt. soon after. I am nervous but excited to find that so many have had great success with this and some of you really inspire me. thanks.