Questions...surgery 2 TWO days away!!!

[TRN87 0]

Hey! My surgery is in 2 days and I am so excited! I have a few questions for those of you who have already been banded..I was just wondering how much you all lost the first few months of your surgery? How many calories should I try to eat a day during my stages? How many calories should I eat after I begin having my fills? Are there any tricks to Protein Shakes to make them taste better?

Sorry for so many questions, but thanks for your help!!!

[MissBS 3]

Hi Roxy. Welcome and good luck with your upcoming surgery. First and foremost, you must listen to, and follow, your doctors instructions. I was put on a 3 week pre-op diet (protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch and a small portion of fish, chicken, or turkey and vegetables for dinner). My 3 week diet turned into 4 weeks because my procedure was postponed due to Hurricane Ike - I flew to Houston for my surgery. I lost 16 pounds on the pre-op diet. My surgery was on September 19th, and I have lost 34 pounds since my surgery. I used the Atkins shakes for the pre-op diet and still have one for breakfast every morning. I like the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. While I was healing after the surgery, all I did was focus on that - healing. I had 1 week of Clear Liquids, 1 week of liquids (soups, etc.), 1 week of soft foods/mushies, and then went on to solid foods. I did not worry too much about calories or grams of Protein during that time. Now I have at least 60 g. of protein a day and try to keep my calories at, or under, 1000 a day, always eating protein first. I have had 2 fills and go back to Houston this Thursday for my third one. I still don't have lots of restriction, so I just try to eat what I am supposed to. Now.... about exercise.... ummm.... well..... take my advice (I'm not using it). Exercising every day will help get the weight off. I have much more energy now and I know I am more active than I used to be - I just need to get my bu** in gear and be better about a regular exercise routine. Anyway... not sure if any of this will be helpful - hope so. Again... good luck. Take care of yourself and let me know if I can help you in any way. Happy Holidays!!! Becky

[wstorms 2]

Hello, and good luck with your upcoming surgery! I am 1 1/2 weeks post op. I had to do a 7 day preop diet, mostly liquid with some Protein sources. I actually really hated the preop diet, but just thought about it like this....less I have lose after surgery :tongue2:. Since preop diet I have lost 20lbs :thumbup:. Super happy with those results! I have not worried too much about what I have been eating because I am still in the healing process. My doctor just put me on a two day post op all Clear Liquids diet, and then pretty much creamy and mushies diet after that. I can eat a lot more than I thought I could, but it is still not even a fourth of what I would eat before!

Good luck....best decision I have ever made!!!

[TRN87 0]

Thanks for all of your suggestions! I actually was not required to do a pre op diet, except for the day before surgery full liquids so I have gained a little back that I lost during my 6mos weight loss diet!

I am SO excited....its one mere day away...AHHHHH! :tongue2:

[TQUAD64 9]

I have lost 21 pounds post op.

The only Protein drinks I can tolerate are the Isopure and the New whey Bullets. These are fruity and kind of remind me of kool aid without the sugar.

I really did not start tracking calories until I started the regular food stage. At that point, I was eating anywhere from 1,000 to 1,200 calories a day. I use Sparkpeople.com to track my intake. I try very hard not to eat beyond 1,200 calories a day. It is easier for me to eat less, because of the fills.

Besides tracking calories, I track my Protein intake to make sure I am getting enough daily from regular food. If I am running low, then I will drink one Isopure or Bullet.

Good luck to you!