hopee

I'm only 1 1/2 weeks post op and need a fill...I'm able to eat whatever but still have some restriction (not a lot)...I have to wait till Jan 8th so I guess it's will power time and have to keep looking forward to the end prize. Good to know your fill went well - Little scared for that...Interesting how everyone is so different when it comes to restriction and the amounts needed for fills... I'm so glad I did this and look forward to all the changes & challenges ahead.

Thanks for the suggestions...I will make this work...I'm off the liquids and did mushy foods for a few days and now anything will go down - Still have some restriction - But I feel it going away. I called my clinic and the Dec 22 apt is just a follow up and my first fill is not till Jan 8th. I'm going to follow Weight Watchers in the meantime...I know I can do this.

Ok so, I'm one week out of surgery and I'm guessing the swlling is under control because food seems to be able to pass through just fine now...I'm not liking this because I don't want to fall off this wagon. I liked the restriction and was doing so well (down 21 in 3 weeks)...After all this I don't want to even gain 1 pound...How long do we HAVE to wait to get a fill? I'm calling my clinic this week because I'm scheduled for Dec 22 (that's just too far away)...Anyone had a fill right after they got banded???

Hey SFD, I had a VERY difficult time on that Optifast diet - 14 days of 4 shakes a day and ONLY sugar free clear fluids...I too cheated (almost everyday...A few crackers with cheese)...It was so hard...By day 8 I slowed down the cheating, I think mentally I was already past the halfway point and something clicked in me to just do it...The last half seemed to go a bit more quick. Try to hang in there - I see so many different types of pre-op diets where some allow food and others don't - Either way my surgery went through just fine. You'll do it...And if you need to cry - cry it out...OR like me just allow yourself a little nibble and move on with your day. I was banded on November 19 and have already lost 10 pounds since that day. It is so worth it and know that you WILL be in that changeroom of your favourite store before you know it and those tears will be because of happiness not sadness...I too can't wait for that day. Good luck during the rest of your pre-op diet...When you really feel a binge coming on just leave your house - go for a pedicure or to the bookstore (if you like to read or any store that you can pick up a hobby type of thing) just keep busy & try not to think of food...I did make a shake on ice and put it in a "to go" cup and went out for a pedicure and after felt SOOO good about myself and had pretty feet to boot. You'll do it, Hopee

I hear your pain...I was banded on Nov 19 and prior did the Optifast for 14 days...4 shakes a day and ONLY sugar free fluids - That was awful...I have to say I did cheat...A few cheese & crackers each day - I did fess up on surgery day and it wasn't a problem, it all ran smooth. So don't beat yourself up if you slip off here and there.

I use jam or jelly (with no chunks of fruit)...You can get sugar free or diabetic jams...I go for the good stuff - And use only a teaspoon - It's all I need.

Hi All, I too was banded on Nov 19th and feel the same...I feel like I'm 6mths pregnant - My tummy is still bloated out and I can't seem to get the gas out. I too do the heating pad, Gas-X, lying on my side etc and I'm struggling to fall asleep at night - often being up till 3am. This is the worst part of this whole procedure - I'll take another 14 day liquid diet over this gas. I did see my surgeon for my post op and he assured me things will get back to normal in 2-3 weeks post op. He said there's a lot of swelling still inside and that contributes to the over bloated tummy...And too, I wondered if I was eating too fast & drinking too fast because right after I seem to burp a lot which is also painful. It's nice to see we're not alone and there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Since the 2 week pre op diet till now 1 week post op I've dropped 21 pounds - so I guess looking at any positive at this point will help. Good luck guys, looking forward to getting back to normal again.

I was banded on the 19th November and in total I'm down 21 pounds (includes the 2 week Optifast diet)...On day 5 post op I tried a bit of meat - BIG mistake...I was up till 2:30am with major tummy ach and way bloated. I learned my lesson - pureed for the next 2 weeks. I still have a lot of gas and super bloated - How long does this last (I'm one week post op). I'm so uncomfterble trying to sleep...Not fun. And I'm full with half a cup of soup OR mashed potatos or 1 egg etc. I'm wondering if I'll lose that full feeling before I get a fill??? OR will I even need a fill??? All these questions and everyone seems to have their own journy - Not everyone goes through the same problems.

Love reading the above...I was banded on the 19th November and in total I'm down 21 pounds (includes the 2 week Optifast diet)...On day 5 post op I tried a bit of meat BIG mistake...I was up till 2:30am with major tummy ach and way bloated. I learned my lesson - pureed for the next 2 weeks. I still have a lot of gas and super bloated - How long does this last (I'm one week post op). I'm so uncomfterble trying to sleep...Not fun. And I'm full with half a cup of soup OR mashed potatoes etc. I'm wondering if I'll lose that full feeling before I get a fill??? OR will I even need a fill??? All these questions and everyone seems to have their own journey - Not everyone goes through the same problems.

I'm so glad you posted this...I LOVE sushi and figured I would NEVER be able to eat it again...I'm being banded on Friday and once I'm able to start trying food again I will see if I can do it...Funny, now I could eat 10-12 peices EASY...to think I might get 1 down and be full is crazy.

Hey MrsButler I didn't end up going with Dr.C or even going to the office...I ended up going with Dr. Woolfson at the Credit Valley Clinic in Mississauga. If you're getting the Lapband done it is $16,000 + they charge $200 for the Optifast shakes and after 5 yrs. you may apox. $100 for any fills or defills you may need. The Credit Valley Clinic does not have these extra charges and they include a meeting with a personal trainer, Dietition, and a Phycologist. They also have a support group every 6 weeks at the clinic where all new/old banders meet. So far I have been very impressed with the CVC and I'm glad I ended up going with them...They also have you meet with the Nurse (who also got banded there) and she goes over EVERYTHING with you and you then go and get your blood work - x-ray - ecg done...Sounds like a lot but they are very thorough...Good luck in your decision - CVC also had a payment plan through Medicare or like me I did a line of credit through my bank. Good luck.

It is getting easier...I have slipped along the way and ate things I should not have eaten...But, I'm on track and have 8 more days to get through (Almost 1/2 way)...I think it's all starting to sink in and I'm getting a bit anxious/nervous. I just want it all to run smooth - I'm only taking 2 days off then back to work...Crazy I think but, I work from home and hope I won't be too tired. It's nice to read everyones up's & down's during the whole process and I look forward to posting more as the days continue.:scared2:

I'm banded on the 19th...Day 5 of the Optifast...And having a really tough time staying on track...I just want food...All the time. How are you doing? Are you on shakes?

I'm day 4 as well...I'm not allowed anything other then the 4 shakes...I've asked for veggies and had the ok for green leafy veg's...I'm down 4 so far - But, I cheated a bit here and there...Today is my freash start and will have NO more cheating - It is SO hard...AHHHHHH! My surgery is the 19th

Hi Amybethy & Mel, OMG- The liquid only is hard...Day 1 I didn't eat - Only had my 4 shakes - With that came a wicked headache, I was starving...And I just felt like you know what. All I could think about was food...By 10:00pm I could not sleep...I also cheated - Ate 2 slices of pizza (could have eaten 6, but I didn't)...Day 2 I started fresh...This time I went and bought some sugar free jello & a few veggies & chicken/beef broth (not sure if I'm really allowed to have these, but it's better then binging at 10pm)...Now day 3 - I only had a few crackers & 2 oz of cheese - But, I cut out 2 shakes to make up for the calories...I know, I'm starting to sneak & cheat...So, tomorrow being day 4 of 14 I'm getting on track & having 4 shakes and my jello/broth/veggies...They really seem to get me over the hump. I'm also going to contact my clinic to let them know my changes and hope it's approved.

I'm on day 3 of the pre op diet (Optifast shakes - few veggies, and sugar free drinks & jello)...I had the worst first day...2nd day got a wee bit better and today I'm getting the hang of it, but I've had a headache for all 3 days so far...Just finished a plate of broccoli & cauliflower...I actually feel full. 11 more days of this - And it will all be worth it.

Oh my goodness...Day 1 and I'm already so, so hungry. I'm allowed 4 shakes a day (made with water) and all the sugar free drinks I want...That's it...I know I have to do this, giving up is NOT an option...I guess I just have to keep busy and try not to think about it. Any advice out there - 13 more days to go...:cursing:

Thanks for that...I was told I could ONLY have my 4 shakes (Optifast) made with water. Any sugar free drinks (Crystal Light, diet soda, tea/coffee - black with sweetner)...That's it. I've started sugar free jello just so I can bite food - Not just drink...Also been having chicken/beef broth (OXO cubes)...I'm on day 2 and I'm hungry, headache...And thinking of food non stop. Only 12 more days...

I started the Optifast shakes today (surgery on the 19th too)...I get 4 shakes a day THAT'S IT...Sugar free drinks too...OMG - I'm starving right now and want to eat my leg right off. I just keep thinking it's only 2 weeks...We can do it...HAVE to do it.

OOOMMMGGG...I'm on day 1 of the liquid diet and I'm SOOOO hungry...Does this get easier???

I think the same way...I too have to pay...$16,000.00. I'm in Ontario, just outside Toronto. I'm also worried it wont work. But, like the above said I'm just going for it...I think if you follow the rules (which you will, since it's a lot of money)...It will work. I think for the ones that are gaining weight - their bands are not tight enough and they are able to over eat - And I'm guessing the over eating is not the healthy choices. Just follow the plan and you should get your results.

Well tomorrow is my final day...I start Optifast on Friday...Is it wrong to want to eat ALL my fav's tomorrow??? I feel like I'm never going to be able to pig out again...This is good...But, also scary - Because this is what I've done for comfort for so long. When I'm bored - I eat...When I'm happy, sad, mad, etc, etc...I eat. Now what? What do I do now??? Has anyone felt like this before surgery...Had 2nd thoughts??? Well, tomorrow I will indulge in ALL my fav's and say Hello to my new way of living. Scary, but I'm ready.

It finally feels so good to have others in my same vote...I feel the same way as all of the above... Tomorrow I start the liquid diet...I have a bit of anxiety just that it's 14 days - I have 4 shakes a day - and NOTHING else. I'm planning to put a tsp. of instant coffee in my morning shake...Because I can't drink black coffee...So, I hope it's good. Any other ideas for the shakes??? The vanilla shakes I thought I could add some cinnamon...I may go check Starbucks for some sugar free syrup - Maybe banana flavour...14 days seems so long. Ahhhhh...