Confession Time

I feel that I need to blog a little bit about my pos-op experience and thoughts. I had my lap-band procedure on Dec. 22, and for the most part it has been a very good recovery. However, the first 3 days after surgery were much more painful that I prepared for mentally. Today is Jan. 2, and I am in a much better state of mind and physically all of my energy has returned. I have lost about 15 lbs. already since surgery and to be honest the liquid diet was not as hard as I thought until now. I feel I am starting to have withdrawals from having a normal meal. if I see or go near another box of sugarfree jello or broth I get really frustrated. I have kept my surgery completely confidential with only my parents and boyfriend knowing about it. It has been pretty difficult to explain why I am drinking broth / soup everyday to my fellow co-workers, friends, etc. without them questioning me. But I am really blogging tonight, because I don't have many friends or really any support group who has gone through this experience that I can speak to. I feel motivated but would love to hear what others have done to pass through the period of liquid diet without becoming completely daunted or depressed by it. Thanks and All the best, Lauren :confused:

Sorry you're having a tough time. I have no experiences to help with; pre-band, but I wanted to tell you to hang in there while you're in Bandster Hell...seems like everyone goes through it. Are there other things you can drink, just to get some variety? Are you allowed any of those wonderful 202 varieties of protein shakes soon?

Congrats Maria! I have kept my surgery a secret too. The only people I have told is my hubby, doctor and about a month post-op my best friend. I think that some people think that once you have wls that it is so easy. I work hard planning my meals and working out. I want the credit for what I do. Good luck and keep us posted.

Lauren,

I began my liquid diet on Jan 1. My surgery is the 8th. I have told NO ONE but my hubby... and of course the clinicians who will be performing my surgery. My entire life I have had a hard time sharing diets, etc with people because I fear judgement.

I have done well with the preop diet so far. however, I am really hungry today. My surgery is only 5 days away. I hope I can make it. I think I can... I am very excited!

My greatest fear is the post-surgery diet and will people wonder why I am not eatting... particularly at work. How have you handled that... the work questions?

Cate

Hi Cate and Julieann,

Thank you for your comments. Its so nice to hear from others about their journeys into this process of weightloss and self-discovery.

To tell you a little about my experience, the first couple of days after surgery I really didn't have much of an appetite to be honest with you. I did experience quite a bit of pos-op pain from the CO2 gas, that is trapped in you during surgery, leaving very sharp pains in my shoulders for about 2 days. This was much more painful than my stomach soreness, but it went away the more I walked and moved around. As to the liquid diet, it has not been very difficult up until now (2 weeks out). I was so excited to have just had my surgery that I really wasn't too hungry and interested in eating much. Whereas now I am back to work and my normal life now, and I could honestly say that I am starting to become a little restless and disinterested in ever eating jello or broth again (lol) and looking forward to moving up to babyfood consistency (week 3). I had my surgery on Dec. 22, right before Christmas, so when I returned to work the following monday I had already lost close to 12 lbs. Several co-workers commented on my weight loss and asked me what I had did, and I only responded that I was a bit sick over Christmas with my stomach (which is kind of true - right?). When I was invited to lunch a few times, I just declined politely and said that I was going home for lunch because my stomach was still bothering me. To be honest, nobody was too noisy to pursue me with anymore questions after that, but I had to be pretty quick with my answers when they asked. I feel very happy about my decision to keep the surgery to myself and close family, being I feel that this is my personal choice and journey to pursue my happiness and health through this outlet of weightloss medicine and surgery option. I don't feel the need whatsoever to explain myself to anyone as to my weight loss other than to credit myself. When I first researched the lapband procedure and tool, I had this blown out of proportion idea and image of it, being almost like a fix it all surgery and all I had to was pay the big hospital bills and wake up pos-op and WA-LA, I would be skinny. HAHAHA... But this silly idea I had was smashed out of my head by the doctor before I even decided to do the surgery. I have been very pleased so far with my experience with the Lapband, and have not had any complications or serious reactions to the change, other than being happier. I feel that this is going to be a very good journey but will teach me a lot of patience along the way. I have already lost close to 20 pounds in about 13 days and am taking it one day at a time. I would love to hear about your journey so far and good luck to you both.

All the best, Lauren Maria

Here is my blog: Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum - My Secret Journey

Now keep in mind you are coming up on the point where swelling might disappear and leave the hunger monster stalking you. I'm not trying to scare you...just be prepared. Be sure that you keep your protein level up. Here is a great website with ideas for liquid protein shakes and such. BariatricEating.com - BE, Inc. The number one bariatric website for protein, vitamins, and success.

I was lucky and was on mushies after about a week. That could be seen as a good thing or bad thing depending on who you ask. Hang in there. It sounds like you are doing GREAT and have fun finding out all the wonderful things that come with getting fills!