DarleneRN

thanks everyone..better days ahead!

I was just banded 6 days ago, so I am still on liquids. Honestly haven't found a protein shake I remotely enjoy, and I've tried almost everything I've seen suggested. I have to get in 60g of protein daily, so I do force them down. My question is, after you get to the maintenance lifelong diet, do you still find protein shakes a part of your daily intake? I am just wondering,,eating less food, can you still fit all your daily protein requirements in without the shakes?

I am 5 days post-op and my Dr instructed I do 1 cup at a time (8 oz),,so I start the day with a 25g protein shake, that knocks a good bit out for the day. It is the GNC brand,,then I do the rest in more 8 oz servings through out the day. I am to drink them slowly, takes me about 25 minutes to get 8 ounces down..hope this helps..

omg...this all sounds so scary..i am 5 days out (still liquids) almost dreading eating for fear of these occurances..someone said it happened because of 'dry food like chicken breast"..but isn't things like chicken breast what we are suppose to eventually eat? I assumed that would be a good portion of the maintenance diet? Arcadia, am asking you because you are very well informed...I see this from your posts,btw..,thank you for that..

lol...i was thinking the exact same thing....too funny..

You (and your will-power)are the bomb! I was terribly miserable during my 2 wk liquid phase...I had a little routine of work, home, repeat, couldn't stray off the path. I was cleaning up today, saw hidden way back on top of fridge a box of chocolate donuts (my husband has taken to hiding his food to deflect the daggers I shoot from my eyes dare he put this kind of food in my path of vision)...lol I will remember what you endured when I have this party today...we have to get together for a glass of diet v-8 splash and a game of scrabble...

Right?! that isopure is disgusting! (i still force down a couple ounces here and there when I feel less queasy just because it's such a quick way to increase my Protein intake)...I did some strained cream of chicken soup, but it filled me up too much, made it hard to get my Proteins in. I did 1 cup about 5 pm,,felt too full to do anymore protein that day. I am having a terrible time trying to fit all this protein in. Before my band, I never counted protein grams,,but I guarantee I didn't do 1/2 this much protein..

Tammy, I feel the same way about you,,,some of your posts have really hit home..seeing that you went out around marguaritas and survived gives me hope! My 10 yr old niece is having having a birthday pool party at my house today, so I am mentally preparing to be around pizza and cake. My mom is bringing her scrabble board over (scrabble calms me down), so we can play while everyone is eating. The food is staying out on the deck! I am considering an anti-depressant,, but I tried one before and it seemed to keep me awake, but that was welbutrin, I might try a different one. I am thinking of going to work Tuesday too, a bit scary. I'm a nurse, but I'm an Assistant Director, so I don't have to do bedside nursing (which is more strenuous)..I'll just have to make my limitations clear to everyone...most of my job is paperwork related..do you have a 'physical job'? It's so good to get on here and know someone understands,, my friends and family support me, but they don't get it why I took such a 'drastic step'..so PLEASE keep in touch!

I too, had my band placed Monday. It hasn't been a picnic, I feel what you are saying. In addition to the abdominal pain, I thought that dry mouth would drive me insane! Then, my throat was red, swollen, raw,,went to Dr,,had laryngitis.Then 2 days ago, developed cramps in my calves, went to Dr, thank God, no DVT. I swear by all that's holy, the devil himself developed protein shakes. I imagine hell as a place you eat nothing but protein shakes. I sat here all week missing work (never thought that would happen)knowing my friends and family were doing the things I love to do,, but can't yet,,going to the beach, movies (don't want to smell popcorn), out to dinner, Friday night happy hour,, My girlfriend stopped over last night,, I couldn't even put a bra on (hits my top steri-strip) and sit at the table! So I stayed on the couch covered up like a 'sick' person! I watch my husband and my children go about life so normally,,in and out of the fridge, having no idea how lucky they are to be able to move thier jaws up and down over substance according to God's plan...(I have been known to be a bit of a drama queen),,,lol So I had a crying jag last night after everyone went to bed. Spent some time truly feeling sorry for myself,,ohh yeahh,,a pity party like no other..I am mourning the passing of my old life. Yes, I was (am) fat. That doesn't mean I didn't love my life! So I woke up this morning. Everyone was at work. My poor dog. He knows I'm not myself,,curls up next to me moaning like he thinks I'm dying..so I got up, carefully put my bra on (avoiding steri-strips,,10 minute job, but hey,,I got all day) and put my sneaks on. Inside part of me was screaming,'nooo back to bed,,we must continue our pity party!)...I grabbed the dog leash, my iphone, earplugs, and off we went! We walked 30 minutes. I didn't 'power walk', didn't think about calories, just walked. And Thanked God for the beautiful day, the shining sun, the ability to put 1 foot in front of the other.. I am almost 50 years old. 20 of those years obese. I have 85 lbs to lose. As I've aged, this weight (coupled with arthritis) has made pain in my hips, ankles, knees part of my daily life.My first grandchild is due in 8 days. I want to know what it's like not to drip sweat from the simple exertion of holding a baby and walking around the room. I want to wear jeans with zippers! I want to be able to cross my legs when sitting! to wear a shirt that is not princess cut! a bathing suit without a skirt! to eat a small amount of food, and like a skinny girl say, 'oh my, I'm absolutely stuffed'!..lol I know I haven't had my last moment of sadness/regret/depression, but I do know I will find my way out. So I say we buck up! think of all the wonderous things we are going to be able to do! I wish you all the luck in the world, as I do every person on this forum. Let's do this!

I had my band placed Monday (6/27)..My stomach is extremely bruised around my incision sites. The largest site is about 3 inches above my belly button. This bruise is large, square, and very warm to the touch. I have pain here when I move and walk (not too bad maybe 4/10 on pain scale). It doesn't hurt when I am lying or sitting, but I can still strangely 'feel' it under my skin. I am assuming this is my port site. All my steri-strips are still intact, I can't actually see the incision sites. Is this normal? Will I always 'feel' this port under my skin? Thanks for any feed back...

I an 4 days post -op too (yay us!) I am okay with fluids because I am constantly sipping crystal light or green tea. I am having a terrible time getting in enough protein! my doc says 60-80 g's. Protein shakes are starting to nauseate me. This morning I actually gagged as I put it down, afraid it's just gonna get worse. I am going to GNC today to get some swiss choc. shake everyone's recommending. I just feel so full all the time..how many daily grams of protein does your doc have you on?

Hi,,are you having any more luck with the Protein shakes? I am on day 2 of the full liquid Proteins and the thought of the shakes makes me queasy. I was able to barely get them down yesterday,,I don't feel today will be any easier. Just the thought of them sickens me, I'm sure it doesn't help that I feel absolutely no hunger...

We are same age, same surgery date, same set of Doc's,,,nice to meet you!

Hello, I am 49 and also had my surgery Monday the 27th. I am doing pretty good too,,had pain issues 1st couple days (and severe dry mouth and sore throat) but much better now. Went to the grocery store yesterday,,felt good to be normal. I am having trouble getting the protein shakes down. I have no hunger, and of course the shakes are not that appealing to begin with,,has any one else had this problem? any delicious shake out there I don't know about?! lol

Thanks! I can't wait to feel normal again..

I had my band placed yesterday...still having some pain,,but I an having a little difficulty urinating. I can only go a small amount, then I have to bear down to finish. Anyone else heard of this?

I had my band paced yesterday (day surgery)..had quite a bit of pain yesterday,,was trying to avoid narcotics, they make me nauseous..but broke down, started the dilaudid last night,,feeling much better today, still a challenge getting up and down. I am suppose to start full liquid tomorrow,, I hope it's not too soon. I am nervous about getting off my clears. I have no desire for the shakes I'm about to start. And dry mouth! Anyone else have extreme dry mouth after surgery? But am thrilled it's over, I call this day 1 of my 'Life Changing Event' !!

Yes,,it's very hard..I did 12 days of the shakes,,,now finishing up my 2 days of clears,,,,my surgery is tomorrow! I had 'digestive problems' the 1st week,,much better the 2nd week,,it's an adjustment. I also felt exhausted week 1, better week 2..hang in there...while I thought every day would get worse, it actually became easier..I've lost 8 lbs before surgery! hang in there and good luck!

I absolutely love the charm idea,,going to steal it! thank you...how long have you had the band? I have surgery tomorrow..am going to order that charm asap.

Thank you for for this! I am getting the band placed tomorrow,,,very excited/nervous! This clear liquid diet is REALLY tough. Did you have 2 weeks liquid diet prior to surgery? I had 2 weeks opti-fast diet, now I have 2 days clear liquid before surgery.(and 2 days after). I can't remember what it felt like to chew! I have lost about 8 lbs though..So happy to hear all is well with you..was there much pain right after surgery? or nausea?

I am self pay too. In fact I am financing through care credit. I feel that life is short and I would pay anything to be feel fit and be healthy,,,time to put my money where my mouth is (I've certainly put everything else there)! I'll have pymts of approx. $200.00 a month for a 5 yrs. I spend at least 200 monthly on restaurants, fast food, and junk food. I am 48 yrs old and am having a 'Life Changing Event'! Surgery is tomorrow! Wish me luck and I wish you success and happiness!!!