scmccarty

I took 3 full weeks. And I am really glad I did, gave me a chance to get used to the new diet and fully recover before returning. I could have been back easily after 2 as I was feeling really good, but I am really glad I took the 3.

For those who have been banded, how much time off work did you take to recover?

Hi! I was (still am) really struggling with the Protein, however, if you go to the Lapband.com websight there are some really YUMMY recipies for protien shakes on there. I actually really like my shakes with some of these recipies. Also I found some Unflavored Protein stuff that you can add to anything. I even add it to my Poweraid and Soup broth, kind of makes it a funny color but you cant taste it! Hope that helps

I was banded October 19th and thought the time would never come to be able to have anything other than Clear Liquids. I went for my follow-up visit today and the nurse said I could have mashed potatoes as well as the full liquids!! Woohoo! You know I ran right over to Publix and bought some! I have never been so excited about mashed potatoes! I also got some creamy Soups and some cottage cheese. I need to go get some Protein Shakes (not liking the taste of the powder mixed with either Water or milk). I will be making a trip to the store this weekend.

I have not really had any problems with gas pain; however, because I had an umbilical hernia repair, I have had more pain in that area. I went back to work yesterday and I can say that by the time I come home I am exhausted and my tummy is sore. I dropped the class I was taking since I cannot seem to concentrate to get the work done. I start over with the class on November 15th; I am looking forward to the next two weeks of not having to study, research, and write papers.

I hope everyone here heals quickly and beautifully and wish everyone the best.

Debora

All I can say is WOW! Thank you Amy for this. Being newly banded (10/18) this was wonderfully inspriational to me!

Here it is, I hope you find it helpful.

My name is Amy Workman and I am a bandster (everyone: HI Amy). I haven't posted on here in a long time and thought I might share with you my blog post from today. If any of you watched the recent Dr. Oz show about Lapband, I thought it might be nice for those of you just beginning to see a more realistic idea of the band. I was banded January 27th, 2009. I weighed 327 and today weight 159 pounds. I love my band. My before and after pictures on here are not updated, but you can find all my pictures on my blog. If you have any questions, please email me and ask away.

Sometimes we forget when we were first beginning. Do you remember the first time you googled Lapband? Or the first time you logged into the forums...frantically searching for before and afters....looking at successes and getting pumped...stumbling upon a horror story and then getting scared? Do you remember the stupid questions you asked? I remember posting on lapbandtalk.com something like "is one cup of Wendy's chili bad for you?"

Well, I am going to try and remember back to when I didn't know much about the band...and what information would have been helpful. Here goes...

Did you know:

I started at 327 pounds. My doctor, the wonderful and handsome Dr. Jeffrey Friedman, told me that the band is not always the best choice for someone who is a grazer. They find that the band is actually more successful for men, because men tend to eat in volume (sitting down for a huge dinner and getting really full, vs eating and munching on little things all day).

Some doctors say that the band will not work as well for those of us who are or were really morbidly obese. I disagree. And there are plenty of us out here who are proving them wrong.

Did you know:

The band may not work for you? You could have the surgery and not lose much weight at all. It is not a sure thing. BUT, if you work with the band...it can and will work for most of us.

What does "work with the band mean"?

Every doctor has a different regimen they want you to follow. Every doc is different, as it almost every patient. Some say no pop/soda, some say it's fine. Some have a 2 week liquid preop and scare the sweet baby jebsus out of you about not shrinking your liver enough for surgery and not being able to operate (thank you Dr. Friedman). But, you will have to do your part with the band. You will have to watch what you eat. You will have to eventually get your ass up and exercise. You will have to make healthier choices and just be better. I know you are saying WHAT? That sounds like a diet to me. And I fail at diets!!! The band is a TOOL, not the Alpha and Omega of your weight loss journey. You can "cheat" the band by eating sliders and soft food. I for one could eat cheetos all day long and the band would sleep right through it. But with the right restriction, your band prevents you from eating that large pizza, the extra value meal, the entire bovine.

You have to find a doctor that you can have a relationship with. They have to be open with you and you have to be open with them. You HAVE to go see them for fills. You have to follow up. You have to be a good patient. ASK QUESTIONS.

What can you eat once you are banded?

At this point in my journey, I can't think of one thing I CANT eat. However, there are somethings that I try to stay away from because they are difficult with my band. Example: Bowtie Pasta. It doesnt go down well. And then it just sits in my band and expands...causing me to PB (get to that in a second).

I can't eat a sandwich, or a hamburger with a bun, but I could eat a roll if I tear off little pieces at a time. Hot dogs give me problems for some reason. Dry chicken or reheated meat (with the exception of a hamburger) often give me problems as well.

I still drink soda, I still drink beer.

I love Soups. I can eat veggies. I can eat fruit.

Eating after being banded is about going slow. It's about chewing. They say with proper restriction that 4-6 ounces of solid Protein (a piece of meat about the size of your fist) should keep you full for 3-4 hours.

Most docs want their patients to avoid "slider meals". Meaning, eating a bowl of Soup for lunch or yogurt for breakfast isn't going to keep you full or satisfied because it will SLIDE right down. You want your food to stay in your pouch, and slowly drop down.

Sometimes though...food may get stuck and then you get "sick".

The Dreaded PB:

A couple things may happen if a piece of food gets "stuck in your pipe" as Heather refers to it. You aren't going to die. It's not like it gets stuck and you need the Heimlich. But if a piece of food gets stuck, ain't nothing else going down until it moves or comes up.

The first thing that may happen is a productive burp (PB). This is not throwing up. When something gets stuck, your slobber starts to build on top of it. For me, when this happens, I get a weird sensation in the back of my jaw. And if I wait long enough, I will have to get somewhere private (hopefully) and let it come up. What comes up is this weird slime/foam combo. It doesn't hurt. And hopefully...it moves whatever is stuck.

Sometimes though, it takes a little more work. Sometimes that one piece of food I didnt chew enough will be down there for hours. And then, it's not PBing. It's sort of like dry heaving until that piece comes up. There is a tightness in the chest...a pressure. It's not fun.

I will say that not everyone gets stuck or PB's. And most of us would agree that when we do get stuck...it's our fault. We eat without being present, we didn't chew, we ate too fast.

Restriction and Tips for Eating:

Unless you are extremely lucky, you will not awake from surgery with perfect restriction. Some docs put a little liquid in your band to start with, others wait. I had to wait 6 weeks for my first fill. And again, unless you are the rare case, you probably won't get restriction with your first fill. It took me several fills before I had good restriction.

ASK your doctor what his/her fill policy is. Some docs are super restrictive with their fills. They only fill on a schedule. They don't care whether or not you have restriction. All I know is if Dr. Friedman hadn't let me tell him that I was ready for a fill...and if he had made me wait regardless of what I could eat...I wouldn't have been as successful as I was.

You will know you have restriction when you have it. It's sort of like having sex. If you have to wonder if you had an orgasm or not...um...you probably didn't.

Restriction will keep you full and satisfied for 3-4 hours. You will be able to eat less.

Restriction DOES NOT RESTRICT YOUR BRAIN. You may still mentally crave things. You will have to learn the difference between head hunger and physical hunger. This is very hard.

When you do have good restriction, you will have to change the way you eat. This is easier said than done. You should be taking small bites. For example, if you are eating steak, you need to cut that sucker up into pea sized bites. You need to chew. Then, set your fork down and wait a few seconds. You should eat sitting down. You should pay attention to what you are doing. You will learn that things like eating in the car is rarely going to end well. (Always have your emergency PB kit in your car. A couple of bags, some papertowels or handywipes. Trust me.)

You probably shouldnt drink with your meal or for 30 minutes after. Liquids can help push your food down...thus...cheating the band.

How much weight will I lose? How quickly will I lose it?

Now you know that there is no one answer for this. Statistically, Lapband patients lose around 40% of their excess weight. SO, if you are 100 pounds overweight, statistically you will lose 40 pounds. I hate statistics. And remember, they are an average. 17 more pounds lost and I will have lost 100% of my excess weight...and I am not alone. It can happen.

However, there are so many factors that go into how much and how fast. Genetics, age, diet history, personal support, family life, exercise. Some weeks I lost 7 pounds. Some weeks I gained 5. The weeks I gained, I gained because I ate poorly. I cheated the band The weeks I lost, I ate and made healthy choices. There are some weeks, even when I WAS doing the right thing...I didn't lose. It can be frustrating. But you can't give up.

You will have to keep upping your game. At some point, even with the band, you will either have to adjust your food or exercise.

But, I feel like the band is "cheating". I feel like if I have WLS, I am weak.

I'm gonna tell you what. Who gives a flying monkey's ass?! Cheating what? Cheating early death? Cheating sleep apena? Cheating high blood pressure, sore joints, diabetes? I say CHEAT AWAY then. There is no shame in WLS. It's not about will power. It's not about failing. It is about trying to find a tool that works to give you some power, give you your health.

I tell whoever wants to know or will listen about the band. And yes, I have heard "Oh...well...I thought you did it the hard way"...or "hmmm...that must be nice". I say listen FOOL. There ain't nothing easy about the band. It makes some things easier but it is still work. And I find that people either give you 'tude about the band bc they are afraid or jealous or because they don't understand. Either way, that is okay. I will educate or I will ignore. I feel like if I were to say "oh, I am just watching my diet and working out"...that I would be lying by omission. AND, my real fear is that someone who is overweight will think "Well, Amy did it "the old fashioned way", and they will feel like a failure when they try and do not succeed.

Will my relationship fall apart if I have the surgery?

We all hear the stories of what happens when someone has WLS. The divorce rate and seperation rate is a little higher for us. There are several reasons. One, for some of us....when we lose weight, we become a different person...or the person we would have been if our bodies hadn't been our enemies so long. Our expectations may change, we may want more. OR, our partners may not be able to deal with the new us. OR, as in any relationship...sometimes it's just time to move on. I don't think that having WLS should make you fear losing or changing your partner anymore than the normal person. There are tons of bandsters out there still happy and maybe even happier with their significant other. Sometimes though, even though we can't see it or don't want to admit it...we have settled. And once you start to shed your cloak of security or denial...you realize you deserve more (too bad we don't realize that to begin with. Long story short...people change and grow...with or without weightloss surgery.

Are you worried about complications:

No. But most days I am not a worrier about things that may or may not happen. I heard recently that the stats for band slipping are about 5% and for erosion, about 1-2%. Slipping for example, can be avoided most of the time and according to the docs...is easy to fix. Erosion is of course a little more scary. But I hope that by always paying attention to my body, my band, and how I am feeling...I can avoid it or if it ever happens...catch it early.

Do fills hurt?

Mine never do. My doc has never done one under fluoro. He gives me a numbing shot and then the fill.

How many fills do you have to have?

To get restriction, it took me 4. My first year I had around 6 fills. My second year, I had 2.

Will you ever have the band taken out?

Lord I hope not. Even now that I am at goal weight and weight loss is more of what I do instead of what the band does for me...it's always there. It's my safety net. It will keep me from ever being 327 pounds again.

Why did you choose the band over other options?

I was 28 when I decided on the surgery. I didn't want my stomach cut apart. I still wanted to be able to absorb my nutrients. I wanted to be able to eat sugar and other things without getting physcially ill. I liked that the removal of the band was a possibility if something went wrong. I liked the idea of being able to control my restriction. And even though I bitched and complained along the way, I liked the idea of a slower weight loss (vs Gastric bypass). It gave my skin and my brain a little more time to adjust.

Did you know there are different brands of lapbands?

I have the Allegran Lapband. Ask you doctor your choices and the differences. Mine is a 10-11cc band. Some are smaller.

Were you worried about the loose skin?

Barely. I figured I may look like a saggy deflated sack after I lost my weight, but I would rather be deflated then morbidly obese.

And I am lucky. My skin is nowhere as bad as it could have been. Again, so many factors go into skin. Age, genes, working out, sun...etc.

Would you do it again?

In a heartbeat my friends. In a heartbeat. It was the best decision of my life. It was a tremedous catalyst for change. I can't think of one negative consequence of the band.

I am 1 week post op. Going for my 1 week follow appointment tomorrow. I am really hoping to be able to take 3 weeks off work, I sure dont feel ready to head back to work yet, but according to all of my docs info most people return in 7-10 days. Just wondering how much time people took off from work before returning full time. Also, kind of an odd Q but I am also wondering about intimacy, did people wait weeks? Months? Or just go with how you feel?

I am one week out, days 2-4 were the worst! I cried about NOTHING! I am very emotional, but each day seems to get a little better! I have also had the feeling of regret, but I just sit down and think WHY DID I DO THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE, the ultimate goal (shopping for those smaller clothes, my health, etc etc) knowing that IT IS GOING TO GET BETTER, gets me through the days. I loved to eat, so giving up that relationship with food is hard. Just look ahead to the ultimate prize! Another blogger also suggested to keep a notebook to write in, the good, the bad, the ugly etc. Just to get all your emotions out, I am going to start that too, may feel good to just get it out of my system. Everyone keeps saying how much easier this will get, and I believe them! Keep you chin up! Good luck in your journey!

Just got banded yesterday. Port site hurts, I guess not too bad. I feel like I am regretting this. Anyone else feel regret right after? I hope this feeling goes away. Going home today, maybe I just need to be comforted by family. Hope everyone has a successful journey.

I bought some baby food too, and have just used a baby spoon and taken really small bites, have not had any trouble with that, a nice break from the Protein. I also found some smoothie mixes in the frozen foods at Walmart and mix my Protein with those, actually not to bad, can hardly taste the chalk Frozen popcicles and sugar free fudgecicles also are a nice change. We will get through this, I just keep telling myself, shopping for small clothes will be SO WORTH ALL THIS! Someone also suggested to me to keep a journal, write down anything, the good, the bad the ugly, frustrations, emotions etc. Doodle whatever you need to get all those feelings on paper, I am going to try that too, sure cant hurt... Good luck with your journey!

I am having the same problem. I was banded on Friday and while I was still in recovery I was dreaming of dancing pizzas and chicken pot pies...lol I literally cried when they told me I was only allowed to have some broth. broth? ??? REALLY???? lol I'm very emotional and depressed. I've cheated a little and bought myself some baby food, but mostly sticking to liquids. My stomach is ALWAYS growling and uncomfortable. Can this be healthy? lol I'm very much looking forward to mushies in another week.

Tan_ya,

THANK YOU~

You had some great words of wisdom, I am glad I am not really loosing my mind! The journal idea rocks! I am going to start that today, jot down the good, the bad and the ugly! I really appreciate the time you took to repond to my post! And it is sure nice to know others have had / are having similar issues! The best of luck to you on your journey, in the end it will ALL BE WORTH IT! Thanks again

@scmccarty I think we all go through the Post Op depression when we are wondering if we made a mistake and ruined our lives!

just realize that its part of the process (it was my mind trying to rationalize getting more calories)

Its kind of like a baby throwing a tantrum when they want some food.

concerning the shakes, I'm with you on that!

I started adding different flavors, blended with fruits, Decaf instant coffee, pumpkin puree (for fiber!), and strawberry flavoring (or syrups) to change it up!

I was also tired of the consistency and texture so i would heat it, cool it, blend it with ice, mix some in pudding, etc...

Just try and get creative.

I was Lucky in that I was only in discomfort for a 5 days Post Op, but i did take the medicine for three days then switched to Gas X and liquid tylenol for 3 days after that ( or now for headaches).

As far as the getting in and out of bed, I had to roll myself or try to lower myself with a handle i made for myself (attached to bed)

the pain when coughing or burping is due to the position of the band in relation to the nerves in your diaphragm.

It will go away eventually, but it might be part of the reason for such a long liquid period.

The first few months are for recovery and experimentation, so listen to your body.

To help with the pain/gas/motivation start moving and start drinking!

At least 1/2 hour a day of walking and 64 oz of liquids. (32 of Water 32 of protein) or about 6oz every hour you're awake.

If you hydrated you will feel soooo much better during this period.

I had to keep glasses full of different liquids (water, Soups, Protein shakes, juices, fresh juices, Fresh veggie juice, etc...)

Well, little kid glasses 6 oz full, so i could grab and drink every hour OR when i was hungry.

Just Hang in There!

Make lists of everything you're not going to miss about being over weight

And everything your going to love about being healthy!

BLOG! in a journal, online, in crayon.

Just get out all the bad/frustrated or even silly/happy feelings onto paper so that you can look back and see every part of your journey.

Sorry this was long, I just remember having all of those feelings and all of the great and wonderful advice i got from research, friends (new and old), Dr's, strangers, and a whole host of other people.

In case this helps:

YOU MADE THE CORRECT DECISION!

HOORAY FOR YOU!

The End.

YES WE CAN DO THIS! and we WILL. I just keep telling myself the end result will be worth every ounce of suffering through the liquids and protein! The best of luck to you as well, look forward to seeing your progress!

I just made pizza for my kids and wanted to cry because I wanted to eat so bad!! I actually licked the sauce off my fingers...shameful I know! Im one week out as well, and I know how you feel! But we can do this, right?? Right???

Jeremy I have been making my own, just getting very sick of them, if you have some recipies I would love to try them, always game for new ideas!

@smccarty,, hang in there.. it will be ok. I am baffled at a 30 day liquid diet. But every DR is different, I am finding success making my Protein shakes rathering then buying them and they have more Protein and more filling.

i hope this little info helps, i can send you an email of what my shake consists of if you would like to try it.

Good Luck,

Jeremy

11 days banded

I was banded 10/18/2011. So glad to have found this websight, nice to see that so many others have the same questions, frustrations, worries etc that I do. Lots of great answers on here. I am also struggling with "gas" pain, and struggling with the Protein shakes. Doing fine with other liquids but I am already sick of the Protein, and my doc says 30 day liquid diet, 1 week down! Looking forward to seeing everyone progress, The best of luck to all of you!

One question, how do you get the cute little "weight loss ticker" thing on all your posts? I love that, but havent figured out how to do it?

Again I am wishing all of you the best, and look forward to this journey "together"

I am 7 days post op (banded 10/18/11) I am an emotional wreck. I cry at nothing, for no reason, is anyone else having this issue. I am on total liquid diet (for 30 days) and am only 7 days into this, and I am starving, my stomach just growls all day long. I have been drinking the Protein Shakes as advised by my doctor but the last 2 days have literally had to gag them down, and not becuase they taste terrible, I am just struggling to even drink them. The thought of another Protein shake literally has me gagging. Does anyone have suggestions? I am also still having lots of pain, especially when I cough, burp, or getting in and out of bed. I am trying to keep moving and taking as little pain meds as possible (they make me so tired)

I guess bottom line I feel like I am going crazy, only a week into this and already wondering if I made the right choice... Help! Any advise or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated, I am sure I am not alone in all these "after surgery" issues

On a final note... WHEN CAN I TAKE A BATH? I am dying to just sit and soak

I I am so with you. I was banded on 10/18 so I am only 1 week post op. the first few days were ok, but the last 2 days I find myself constantly thinking about food. I am on liquid diet for the first month, so have only been eating Soup broth, and my Protein Shakes. I did find some really good Protein Shake recipies on the Lap band websight, but am at the point if I drink one more of those things I think I may vomit. Just thinking about drinking one makes my stomach churn. If anyone has suggestions or good recipies, please share, I am stuggling too!