POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I am just wondering what kind of food people are eating out there. I have been struggling with what to be eating. Before surgery I never worried about what to eat, but that is also why I got over wait. Just looking for a little insight as to what everyone out there has been eating.

I am scheduled to be banded tomorrow (4/2) at 7:30 a.m.!!!! YIPPEE!!! My question is about driving. I hate being stuck in the house. How long before you guys were able to drive again? Also, what did y'all do while at home? Unrelated question: how do i get my ticker to show when I post?

Does anyone out there know if there is a website for bandsters that tell us what medications to avoid (like motrin). I've heard people refer to it but I don't know what they're talking about.

Is Excedrine OK to take with a lapband?

I just got banded on 3/28 and came home yesterday. I am trying to be really good drinking only the shakes and water and broth. But my husband decided that he wanted to eat pizza and ice cream and pasta this weekend! I knew that this was my choice and that there would be times when I would have a hard time with things I can no longer eat. I just thought he would be more sympathetic with me for a while. Do I have a right to be annoyed by this?

I know I'm not that far out from surgery (the 26th) but this liquid diet thing is getting old. I know I'm not really hungry but I really just want some actual food. I spoke to the nutrionist today and she said it was very important I follow the liquid diet. I know, but come on, 2 weeks? They're killing me. I would give anything to have mushies. I did sneak cheese today but I feel so guilty. Anyone else struggling with this phase? I know when I get to the mushies I'll be moaning for actual food. Just needed to vent - thanks for listening!! :thumbup:

Hi everyone. I'm new here. I am at the begining of my LAPBAND journey; have to have gallbladder removal first to pave the way for the next step of attempting to get approved for LB. How long is the typical post-op wait after LB surgery before you can go swimming in a pool or ocean? Thanks!

I had a weird pain this afternoon as I was stretching after my workout. I felt a pull in my chest, about three inches below the breastbone. I stopped as soon as I stopped the stretch and I haven't had any pain since. Has anyone had a similar experience. The nurse said if I didn't have continuing pain I probably hadn't damaged anything but I am still concerned. Thanks for any insight!

And I am so flipping hungry! I have 1 week left before I can start foods:crying: and I am dying! HELP...anyone with any suggestions? Can I mention that I am soooo sick :thumbup: of protien shakes.

Can someone give me an example of the first few days after surgery? I know liquids fifteen days, then mushy, then a little more substance, but I'm feeling a bit anxious. I'm a big planner. I don't want my mom or husband having to go to the grocery store or phamcy every five minutes. I'd like to have everything necessary on hand prior to my surgery this Thursday. Also, I've hear that the GasX strips are a must. Where can those be bought? Lastly, I've read some of y'all did a two day clear liquid diet prior to the band. My doc hasn't said anything about that yet. I've been doing the protein shake bit with one meal of chicken, salad and steamed veggies. It hasn't been bad. O…

I feel that most of my social life is based around meals, going out to dinner with friends, Bars etc. did anyone find that the band killed their relationships with friends and such? What about family holidays? I am being banded on 4/7 and wonder how I will feel for Passover which starts on the 18th and involves lots of food.... though matzaball soup probably works.

As of tomorrow I will be 4 weeks post op and doing really well. This morning around 10:30 or so, like a moron, I thought I would chew a piece of gum. The moron part is that I ALWAYS manage to swallow the stuff. I was thinking about the gum, enjoying the mint mojito flavor when some folks walked into my office and we started working on some details of work. While mid-sentence, I swallowed the gum. It is 3:45 pm or so and I had no issue. Ate Chilk-Fil-a Soup for lunch, have had about 2 cups of Water and nothing. Did I get lucky and dodge a bullet this time or will I hear back from my friendly piece of gum later? And yes - lesson learned and I will NOT be tempting …

I got my date!! April 30th, 4 months before my 40th birthday. My son will be almost 18 months old and my ? is how do you handle not picking up your baby? I need to get him up and down the stairs, in and out of the crib, up for diaper changes. Not to mention getting him off the kitchen table, counters and everywhere else he gets the idea to climb. He is a handful!! Any suggestions?

I started at 329 and today I'm at 310......19lbs in 1 week. I was off pain meds after the first night. I was a little sore but no real pain. Walked about 3 miles yesterday and feel great. I've had couple bites baked potato and some tortilla soup and have not had any other problems. I've noticed some of your guys are eating tuna and beans sounds great. I feel full after about 1/2 cup of soup and never experienced and pain. You think I can try some different foods..........eggs, red beans, bananas, tuna?

I am 1 week post op & have all theses wierd feelings going on in my stomach. I'm finding it hard to figure out which is which. I have this heavy pain in the middle of my rib cage almost all the time, I have these terrible gas pains & I think my stomach is growling. Is this all normal??

Hi all, I got banded 3.19.08 and have lost 10 lbs so far. It seems like the past few days, I have slowed/stopped losing, which is normal for someone only about 11 days out. However, my concern is that I'm on mushies and it's hard to find things that are filling/healthy enough. I have a decent amount of hunger and am trying to stick to yogurt, pureed chili, kidney Beans, etc. But I admit I've had some ice cream and shredded cheese as well. Now that the band is on but not filled, I'm able to eat about 1 cup or a little more at each sitting. Is this normal? I'm afraid of stretching the band, but hungry at the same time. I stop when I feel full, but I'd love some words of su…

Does anyone know if Excederine Migrane Medicine is OK to use occasionally for bandsters?

I"m have surgery 4-23, hubby is taking 7 days of leave, and I have my Mom nearby. I have a 4 yr old, (won't be lifting her) and a nine month old. She's about 20lbs. I for sure won't lift anything for a week, but after that, could I pick her up out of her crib? Out of the high chair? I feel like I pick her up often, she's crawling and getting into things, so yeah it's about 50 times a day! I'm just wanting to prepare the best way, to tell my Mom what exactly she'll need to be helping with and for how long....so how long did you all wait?

YIKES!! Majorly need some advice! I have had the WORST gas since I got banded 3 days ago. :w00t: I have tried Gas-X strips, and it never went away, so I called my doctor, he said to use Milk of Magnesia because he thinks I may be constipated. I have never been constipated so I have no clue how it feels. It is terrible pain that moves thoughout my shoulders, chest, tummy, and my throat. And when I try to burp or toot, nothing happens the pressure is even worse. The MoM hasn't helped all that much. Any advice?? :thumbup:

If you are on the 2 oz at a time deal, I found these great cups at WalMart--they are 3 oz. plastic cups and come in a count of 100. I poured 2 oz. of water in one and marked it with a sharpie, then I marked the whole pack so that it's easy to fill up and my kids can fix my meals and snacks and all for me. Plus...it's easier to use than the medicine cups and I feel a little more human and not quite so much like an idiot! I wasn't even embarrassed to use them yesterday at a family gathering. Think I'll have to share this on a message board! Also, those little spoons from baskin robbins for tasting ice cream--haven't shopped for em yet, but I'm gonna find em cuz that's what …

This is gross- but has anyone had this problem after surgery? I had my surgery last friday, and on tuesday I started with diarrhea(I told you it was gross) and hasnt stopped yet. My doctor is going to have me do a stool sample to make sure I dont have an infection in the bowel. Has anyone ever heard of this? Also when I eat my stomach rumbles for hours later. I hope my body is not rejecting this. Thanks Leah:bored:

Hi you all, I was wondering if there were others out there that have lost only a little weight but a lot in inches. I was upset about not losing a lot of weight in my first month but then I remeassured my self and so that I did drop many inches. Am I the only one?

how many cc r n ur band? r u losing weight?

Okay, so I'm getting quite frustrated. I was banded 03/18. I had lost 11lbs pre-op and then another 9.5 during the first week after. Then this week I started gaining 1lb a day. I can't figure out what's going on. Here's what I have been eating/drinking.... 40-60oz. Water 2 Protein shakes (30gr of Protein each) 3-4 sugar free pop cycles or fudge cycles (the singles) 1 serving of sugar free pudding or sugar free Jello. 1 small portion of what ever my family is having for dinner. The only think I can think of is that I am not getting enough calories.....any ideas would be helpful. I have another three weeks before I can get in for my first fill. I can't gain 1l…

Can someone tell me what the story is with caffeine? None? why? Thanks.

I'm about to fly for the first time ever and I was wondering if when I go through airport security, there are going to be problems with like the metal detectors. Im pretty sure I will beep or something but how do i let them know that im not a freakin terrorist or something. lol Has anyone flown with the band yet? Any problems I should expect?:scared2:

Just curious, so ahhh, I was wondering, how long did people wait to get back in the saddle after surgery? I am being banded on 4/7. I am a guy so the male prospective would be helpful.

I just had my surgery yesterday and although I can keep the everything down, I get really bad pains after I have ANYTHING even water. I am trying to keep hydrated but the pain is really bad sometimes. I cannot tell if it is gas or if my pouch is too full. HELP!!!!

Is there anyone out there who drinks a little water with their meals? I'm not banded yet, but the thought of no water with my meals just kills me.

I am a sneezing mess from now til Juneish. I take medication but I'm wondering how bad is it to have sneezing fits for a newly banded person...My surgery is May 29th

Has anyone had a problem with spicey foods? I love Mexican food and would hate to never be able to have another bite of it! Thanks.

hi all, ive been banded over two weeks now but have lost nothing in last week had chronic runs sorry to be graphic im still on liquids but have to take a binder now so least i can keep some thing in has any one else had these problems ? its bit dishearting when the scales dont move

Help I am 10 days post and I am sick of liquids I am getting so confused they said I can eat creamy soups but they said if I can't drink it then dont eat it well which on is it I am getting burnt out on broth and popsicles someone help me please:cursing:

I was banded 5 days ago, still in a little pain, but doing ok. I've continued to drink the protein shakes I was drinking before surgery and seldom find myself hungry now. Sometimes I drink something because I have to. Has this happened to anybody else? Another thing, I think I've had a sweatshirt on since I got home from the hospital and that is so unlike me. Thanks

I'm doing my pre-op consultations now and I was wondering about post-op pain. How bad is it? What does it feel like? Like a stomach ache or worse? How long were you out of work? I have a busy high stress job and I'm on my feet all day and lift heavy bags. I asked my doctor and he said to take about a week off and try not to lift anything heavy for 3 weeks. I'm worried about being in pain and being weak after surgery. Should I take more time off? I guess I'm just not sure what to expect. I've had lots of surgery in my life and I've always been in bed for a few days after. Will it be the same this time around? Did you start your post op diet before surgery to get used to…

I went to my first post-op doctors appointment (I was banded on 3/18/2008). I lost 20 lbs. I feel pretty good and Doctor Wood says my wounds are healing nicely. The largest incision where the port is located is still pretty sore but he says that is normal. I'm a little bummed because he says my first fill will be in 6 weeks. He did say, however, that my band is restricted so I will still lose weight. Not being able to eat has been a challenge (in fact I cried on Easter) but I just take it day by day. I plan to attend a support group at my Docs office. I think I need a place to discuss "emotional eating" with people who are going thru the same thing I am.

I was banded on Monday and have been feeling progressively better until today. This afternoon I had a massive attack of acid to the point of nausea at one point, and it is still painful. I don't normally have any acid problems. I called my doctor and he suggested it was due to finishing up a Protein shake and then immediately drinking a microwave can of cream of chicken Soup (Campbells) in five minutes. He suggested antacids and adding prilosec for a while and avoiding the cream Soups. I had been eating cream soups the last couple days with no prob but took 20 minutes to finish a can. Anyway, my doctor said not to worry. Has anyone else experienced this? W…

Hi everyone, I just want you to know that I have been reading all your posts for weeks now and if it weren't for the encouragement on this thread and Pre-OP thread, I don't think I would have been so pro active when I originally looked into the Lap Band in January. Thanks for all your posts and for your help in helping me make this decision. I am being banded on April 8 and although I am scared, I am also excited. I'll be reading and posting. Good luck and success to everyone! Alice

My 6 week post op appointment is coming up on Tuesday and I'm scared of my first fill. Not scared of the procedure to fill it but of the restriction. Not sure if I even need a fill. So far I've had very little hunger especially in the morning. However, in the evenings I'm very ready for dinner and crave carbs like crazy even when I'm not hungry at all. Pretty sure I'm still losing weight but I don't know cause I need to buy a scale. LOL Any thoughts on whether I'll get a fill and how small of a fill can they do? .5cc? And has anyone found anything to help with the carb cravings? I've been pretty good until the last week or two when I've had a couple small cracker…

I am still pre-op, but when I make my protein shakes mixed with ice, it is really a large amount. Will my new pouch hold an entire protein shake?

My surgery date was January 9, 2008, and I still haven't had a successful fill yet. I have an appt. tomorrow morning to it done under fluroscopy because the dr. had a heck of a time trying to get the needle in the port on first try. After this failed attempt, the dr. had me go and get an x-ray done, and apparently everything looked fine, and now I have this appt. tomorrow. The incision over the port has been open since the steri-strips came off over a month ago. :sad: And it was infected for a while, but was fine after anti-biotics. Anyway, the incision is still open a little and has been leaking all along. Not to be gross...but it looks like my insides want to be on …

Hi all, The no urination problem is gone (2 days of a catheter and flow max) I've moved from clear liquids to unclear liquids, so far so good. Sore but not in pain. I'm taking no pain meds at all. Don't want to "test" the band so I'm being very good about not eating anything I'm not supposed to or eating to quickly. The baby spoon helps remind me. I'm walking alot, it helps with the soreness. If you haven't been banded yet, understand you may very well question your decision the day before and the day after the banding. Suggestion.... write yourself a letter to read when the doubts hit, be clear as to why you are doing this. It's OK to sign the letter "Love"..... you n…

How much,portion sizes, cups,plates etc. are you eating months down the track? years down the track. Want ideas ,have been lapbanded sep 2007.

I bought a scale. Hasn't been one I could use in my house for probably 25 years. And it looks like the news was good and I may be down another 12.5 pounds!! Just need to weigh in at the doc's on Tuesday and compare them. I'm very excited.:thumbup: Anyone else scale-less prior to Lap Band?

Today was my 2 week anniversary. Decided I would temp fate and have a little chicken (been hungry). Well, did I learn a lesson. Pureed stuff and liquids have been going down without a fight, but tonight was a dinner with some out of town relatives and decided I would join in. I was at the table chewing on some chicken when all of sudden felt like my chest was gonna explode and thought for sure I was gonna throw up all over the table. Everyone could see it on my face. Had to sit there for a minute then walked into the kitchen hovering over the sink. :biggrin: Thankfully I did not throw up, but learned a lesson. DO WHAT THE DOCTOR TELLS YOU. Only one more week and I can sta…

How much does your dr. charge for fills. My insurance paid for some, but then got a bill from the dr. for the rest.

Just wondering if it hurts to get the band filled. Getting my first filler 4/15 and looking forward to/dreading it. I hope he numbs up the site first, but does it hurt inside - can you feel it when your stomach gets cinched up? Banded 3/3/08 and still getting used to it. Thanks

Hey guys, Im about 10 days post op and im a little worried... I went for a long walk this arvo and forgot my Water bottle. When i got back i completly forgot i had the bad on and sculled close to a full bottle of water (close to 600ml!). It didnt hurt at all afterwards and there was no vomiting or anything. Would it be painful if my band slipped? Have a ruined everything?! :teeth_smile:

Hey everyone, I just found this web site Discount Nutritional Supplements for Bodybuilding, Fitness, Diet, Weight Lifting, Weight Loss The prices on protien powder and all the suppliments we need are awesome! My favorite powder so far is Whey Gourmet Smooth Peanut Butter Chocolate. Only $21.77 for two pounds. Yum! Happy shopping!

hi. i am looking for a weightloss buddy to email back and forth to keep me motivated. i still have 40 lbs till my goal and would love to be able to check in with someone regularly. if interested post and i will give you my email address. :teeth_smile: