Newbie has some questions...

[JenniB 0]

Hello, all! I feel like I know you all...I read all the posts everyday! Tomorrow will be my 2 week "bandiversary". My 2 weeks has gone fairly well, considering what a lot of you have been through! I am still hurting in the port area and that one incision, but I understand that's normal. I go out about every other day, that seems to kick my butt for the next day - Is that normal? How long before I can get over the oh-so-tired feeling?

A couple other questions I have, are generated from reading other posts...

My doctor skips the mushies stage, and moves from 1 1/2 weeks of Clear Liquids (no protien shakes or anything else during this time, ONLY clear liquids), then into regular foods on the approved diet, and I can now start my Vitamins and supplements. I've read a lot of you "slime" and "PB". I think I understand the "PB", although, knock on wood, it has not yet happened. What exactly is sliming? Also, even on regular foods, I eat very, very little. I try to get the Proteins 3x per day, but so far, it's about 2x per day. Given I've only been at this for a couple of days, my average food intake may be something along the lines of 1 scrambled egg with cheese for one meal, and a few tiny bites of chickensalad (no bread or anything, just the chicken & mayo) for another meal. The rest of the day, I sip at Water. So HOW, eating that little, do we get our calories?? I can't even get in the amount of water I'm supposed to have, I can't imagine eating any more.

I'm not complaining, not trying to sound down - I'm feeling for all of you in worse shape than me! I'm looking forward to "fast-forwarding" a couple weeks from now, but in the meanwhile, I want to make sure I'm doing things right.

Thanks for taking the time to read all of this! Sorry so long!

[FrogStar24 0]

Congrats! You're only two weeks out but it sounds like you are upbeat. It's been a while since I was banded (Nov 08) but I do remember the first few weeks. I'm surprised you were on only a clear liquid diet for the first couple of weeks. I was on clear liquids and Protein Shakes - my doc said Protein helped heal quicker.

Here's what I say, and no I am not a doctor, but if you can't eat solid foods no one says you have to. Have protein shakes instead of solid foods if you can't get solids down. One of my favorite protein subs is greek yogurt (plain) but I throw in some flavored Protein Powder. It makes a great vanilla or chocolate yogurt! Fish is also great, and pretty mushy.

My doctor also recommended only adding one new thing per meal to see if I could handle it. That being said, maybe stick with the foods you know you can handle. There was some stuff I couldn't eat immediately after my surgery that I am back to eating again just fine. Don't worry for right now about getting in too much variety.

As for the general lack of hunger, I felt that too. I had no idea how I'd get in any of my food or my Water with the amount I felt I could consume, because I couldn't possibly take in more. Once the swelling in your belly goes down, it'll loosen up a bit and you'll be able to take in more. Are you taking Vitamins? Those will be important especially if you can't get in all your foods. I still take mine every day.

It sounds like you're doing great! Everyone's got questions, but it does sound like you're overall upbeat about your banded life so far, and I'm happy for you! Just remember you can only do as much as you can do. This is all new to you and you're getting your bearings. Soon it'll become just a regular part of your routine.

Best of luck to you, and I'm here for you!

[Grandma26 1]

Congratulations !

I average 60 to 65 of Protein a day. I am supposed to have 70 gr but I can't always get it in. I have three 1/2 cup meals and two 2 oz. Snacks a day. My calorie intake right now is between 715 and 800. The biggest thing is to make sure you get all the Water in your DR. wants you to have. My DR. suggests 64 oz a day but they say a minimum48 oz is ok.

Good luck!!