Just joined...and very confused

[chazpbg 5]

Got banded on Monday (March 30). Lots of mixed emotions... The surgery itself was not a big deal, but coming home and realizing I'm not going to be eating any solid foods for two weeks has been a little daunting. I was definitely one of those who lived to eat (rather than the other way around) and my profession is in the food industry.

I've heard that lots of banded patients lose their desire for food -- I'm hoping I might reach that point. Right now, mentally, I'm still the old me. Physically, I feel a little tight (mainly gassy) and not really hungry at all... But I am thinking about food. Which means I'm missing it.

Also -- and I'm being honest here -- I can't completely give up caffeine (I was told to really try to cut it out in the first year). I get awful headaches without it. I've read some banding patients have no problems incorporating a cup or two of coffee a day. Right now, I'm limiting myself to that cup or two.

And what about wine? I'm told that's a big no-no, but some people incorporate a glass or two. I'm especially confused since my post-op two-week liquid diet allows for a little fruit juice (which I don't really care about). Would it be terrible to substitute a small glass of wine for that? I know, I know -- I'm thinking about cheating already, but my calories are so low and wine is something I love so much, it might help me keep my sanity as my one "treat."

Anyhow, those are my thoughts as of right now...

[Bikerbabe40 0]

Well hi and welcome. I am also new and and just banded on January 13th,,please understand that this website is a great tool,, but everyone is different,,I had to be on liquids for two weeks before surgery,, and i gave up cold turkery my 'diet pepsi' and I dropped to one cup of coffee a day.. just enough to ward of the headaches and give in to the craving of caffeine..lol... and try not to think about it so much.. I still have my coffee in the morning and yes large double double,(sorry 2 sugars and2 creams!) I can only give up so much,, eventually i will go down to a small,, but baby steps.lol. just listen to your doctors!! Its a great journey with great results only if you want it to be. Good Luck!

[drew05 20]

I can honestly say I've lost my desire for food. I don't know if that is all the band though. I've been big my whole life and I'm just sick of it. It might be that I have that added motivation to keep me away from fast food and candy and whatnot. I haven't had a baked good in almost a year now.

Don't expect yourself to be able to quit caffeine cold turkey. Or even bad foods. You gotta work your way down. Eventually you'll find that you don't want that coffee in the morning or don't even really like the taste of fried food anymore. But it's not gonna happen overnight. Be patient and remember we have all been there at one point. That's why we're here :wink:

[Kiwigirlinoz 0]

Hey Chaz

i had my surgery just over a week ago now and I agree, it's hard when you see foods that you would normally not think twice about eating, but I also agree with the others who've said it's something you just have to work on. I have been overweight my whole life and this whole lap band adventure is so so exciting to me. I barely ate in my first week home, and my weight loss reflected that for sure, but now I'm feeling hungry and although on fluids, I just make sure I eat on time and usually every couple of hours - not that I'm eating HUGE amounts - probably half a cup at a time (soup, juice both vegie and fruit), Meal Replacement drink etc. I have found that this just keeps me focussed and on track. My first fill wont be for another 6 weeks or so, and my surgeon said to me before I let hospital - that the time is essential to first put a 'band' around my mind in terms of what foods I should eat and what I shouldn't, so that when I have my first fill it won't be such a big surprise :wink:

I am excited for you and am sending lots of positive vibes!

I hope this was helpful in some way?

Cal