Sojourner

My mother, and her mother before her were proponents of unprocessed foods years before it became a popular topic in nutritionist news. They taught me in their ways, and I have resisted the nutritionist telling me to use artificial sweetened anything. I'd much rather do without sweeteners than to go the artificial sweetener route. Unless the micro box lunches are using whole grain for their wide assortment of pastas which seem to be staples of their offerings, they are not delivering the nutrients to the level of what bariatric patients need. Honestly though...I have always skipped going through the center aisles of the grocery store, with the exception to pick up my freshly ground coffee. I read nutrition labels, and it has been a true education on what to avoid. I just believe that you are healthier if you rely on preparing your foods from basic and natural ingredients at home. That way you always know what you are eating, and can control the fat and sodium levels. Does it take some additional time and planning ahead...yes it does. I believe that I and my family are worth it. When I was a child, we had fruit and nuts for dessert on a regular basis. Every birthday, we were allowed to have cake and ice cream..."Kool Aid" never was in my house, and I never missed it. That's also the way our 3 sons were raised...and grandsons are being raised the same way. I struggled with my pre and post op diets...as I was required to rely on SF/FF popsicles and Protein drinks which had so many chemicals which I would have needed a graduate level degree in chemistry to understand. Everyone is different...but I do feel that on the whole, nutritionists are not well schooled in the possible long term side effects of relying on artificial ingredients added to processed foods. Chemicals of that nature were never intended to be ingested by people...IMHO. Others mileage may vary...

My surgeon advises his patients to remain on a complete liquid diet for 48 hours post fill, and then spend 1 day on soft foods only after every fill. Your experiences today may be that your fill is too tight, or it could be that your band area is still irritated from the fill. It was wise to call your surgeon; you should have been given some post fill instructions to follow. I would make an effort to stay properly hydrated (because dehydration can put you in the hospital), and definitely keep that appointment tomorrow. Don't be overly concerned to have a slight unfill; it was necessary for me to have .5cc Fluid removed after I had a stomach virus. After recovering from the virus and having less fluid in my band, I still have more restriction than I did before the last fill which had to be removed. I don't understand it, but pleased with the level of restriction I've had since getting sick... I hope you feel better...

My family, and now just me and my husband have never been ones for the fast food restaurants with the exception of when we are on a road trip. Even the fast food restaurants have gotten the message that many in America want to eat healthier, and you can find healthier choices on the fast food menu if you look for them. They offer salads with grilled chicken and dressing on the side. Definitely an acceptable bandster meal. Now that we have been "empty nester's" for the past 14 years, and since being banded, we are continuing to eat healthy at home and have seen our monthly expenses for groceries actually go down despite the rising prices. If you stay away from processed foods, and prepare home cooked meals which you can control the amount of fat and sodium, it isn't more expensive. I've had some "sticker shock" of late in seeing the prices of processed foods which contain corn escalate dramatically. We still have our date night every weekend, and that expense has also gone down. I can sometimes find something healthy on the kids menu, and if my husband and I don't share an entree, I will take my leftovers home, and have 3 bandster size meals from the one entree. I take responsibility for eating healthier, and if that means that I need to do some planning ahead (like during the day, if I am away from the house over lunch, I bring my lunch with me from home in my small cooler), then I know that I will benefit from it in the long run. Now pre-planning has become habit. I don't believe we are "setup" for anything...I attribute this mindset to the American culture where we want everything delivered to us fast. This lifestyle change is a process and not an event...it comes back to motivation for success. Best wishes...you can do this!

This is an open forum...no one is preaching. We only share opinions and best practices. There is really no need for sarcasm. Obviously Cheryl has some valid insights to share...she is a success story. She is someone who knows what she is talking about... And there is a significant difference in regards to "low carb" versus "no carb" meal plans. We need carbs in our diet, as the brain can only use carbs to function. The important difference is in making the carbs we choose healthy. Alcohol and over processed "white foods" are examples of unhealthy "empty calorie" carb choices. Healthier carb choices would be unprocessed cooked oatmeal instead of over processed "Special K" (read the label of ingredients; if they have to add nutrition back into the cereal because they removed the nutritional value when they processed it to manufacture it, it is an over processed carb). There is a definite difference in the carb value between pizza dough and blueberries. If you look into the research completed looking at the long term outcome of those who have followed the Atkins Diet plan, you will see that over time they modified the diet to include carbs and healthy Fiber rich foods. Our long term health will be affected if we ate a "no carb" diet. Again, this is only my opinion...it works for me. Other's mileage may vary. And I will always advocate for any forum participant to follow the instructions given them by their medical team.

WOW...if you believe that "no food is off limits" in successful bandster life...then you are living in denial...or you currently have no real restriction with your band. You are correct with understanding that bandster life is all about a lifestyle change, but quite wrong if you don't also understand that a major part of that lifestyle change is the need for you to change your relationship with food and the belief system which comes with that change. After being banded, if we persist in continuing to consume our "trigger foods" (for many these were unhealthy processed carbs), you have placed yourself on what I refer to as a "slippery slope" to return to using possible trigger foods and then over time give yourself permission to continue the behaviors which got you to the point of wanting/needing WLS. I understand that I had some poor eating habits, all of us did. None of us here on this forum became obese overnight, and we did not become obese because we had healthy eating habits. I encourage you to do some additional research into the addictive properties of unhealthy carbs. I also encourage you to become educated and read the labels on processed foods. Many additives, most recently fructose, have been identified as contributing to creating actual cravings for more carbs. We will be healthier if we make an effort to avoid processed foods whenever we are able. IMHO, as a CAP, others mileage may vary...

I'm sorry you are facing this delay...but all good things are worth waiting for! My band surgery had to be delayed for over a year due to unforeseen medical conditions which needed to be resolved first...so I can relate. After having a very negative experience with a worthless "hospitalist" assigned to me once after a serious car accident, I have no problem with letting the doctor know when I believe they are not looking out for my well being. We do need to become our own best advocate for our health and well being, and sometimes that means letting your doctors know that you intend to follow your beliefs about which surgery you prefer. I'm with you; I never intended to have my insides rearranged and feel that I have the motivation to have the band work for me. Doctors need to honor your wishes, after all this is your body... Best wishes for "jumping through the hoops"...it's worth the delay to begin your journey...

Donna, I hope your surgeon provided you with some specific instructions about what size portions you are supposed to have. My surgeon advises 3oz lean Protein and 2 oz of a Fiber carb choice for every meal. Those amounts are measured in a measuring cup and established by volume, not weight. And BTW, not every Bandster will reach the "green zone", as per what my surgeon told me. Hunger may always be an issue for a Bandster. So, we still have to accept the responsibility for diet compliance if we want to be successful with weight loss. This is as much a "head game" as anything, as we need to learn the difference between "head hunger" and authentic hunger.

One important detail to point out: IT is NOT ACCURATE to WEIGH your portions. You have a stomach pouch to fill, and you need to measure your PORTIONS BY VOLUME!! I guess surgeons vary their instructions, however it makes no sense to weigh portions. I was instructed to use a measuring cup; 4oz Protein (by volume) =1/2 cup. IMHO...others mileage may vary...

I'm one of those people who did not recognize nausea as a sign of severe dehydration, and ended up in the ER. I went to my scheduled appointment with my surgeon and was told to go directly there to the ER. In Bandster life, as others have posted, it's important to plan ahead. If I will be away from home for even an hour, I still have a minimum of 2 bottles of Water with me. If I know I will be out longer, I prepare my lunch ahead of time, put it in my small Vera insulated lunchbox, and I'm set for the day. When we go too long without eating properly, we risk low blood sugar and making very poor choices with food. Hunger can cloud your judgement.

It's always best to follow your surgeon's instructions about this topic. In the past there have been heated discussions about this topic, and instructions will vary widely by surgeon. I was advised to wait an entire hour post meal before I can have fluids, and absolutely NO drinking while eating meals, but again those were instructions from my surgeon, and I continue to follow them. I have found that if I am properly hydrated before a meal it is much easier to wait the hour after eating before drinking Water again. It's important to meet your Fluid intake goals daily for many reasons. I try to drink 80-90 oz of water daily. I always have a bottle of water with me and I sip from it often. Best wishes...

Start reading some of the profiles...it will inspire you and affirm that yes, it IS worth the time and effort to have your band. This journey is a process and not an event. I've had to learn that the weights does come off, but you need a daily dedication to compliance to be successful. You've come this far, you are motivated for success, and every day you feel better! Best wishes for a successful journey...

Crushing pills was the worst part of my journey to date!! I gagged on them, and no matter what I tried to disguise the bitterness with, I still tasted them. I've gotten to the point where I am able to take 1 pill at a time waiting about a minute between pills. I've had significant reductions in dose of several of the medications I am prescribed, and was able to stop taking 1 of them. I always advise people to discuss their medical/medicine questions with their surgeon or their medical team. Best wishes for a successful journey...

No, I am not aware of my band unless I drink or eat too fast. You need to become aware of the "soft signals" of learning how your band will react when you eat or drink anything. Life with your band does require some time on a "learning curve", and is not difficult. Best wishes on your journey...

This an issue to discuss with your surgeon. Post banding, I have not experienced any difference in the efficacy of any of my medications that I take on a regular basis. Remember, any concerns related to medical issues should be directed to your physicians. Best wishes...

It's been so long since posting here...I hope everyone is doing well and approaching their goal weight! I continue to encounter frustrating "roadblocks" to my ability to exercise, hence my weight loss is stalled for the past 2 months. I know that I've made some good progress with weight loss, but I continue to be impatient when there is no progress! Currently I am recovering from foot surgery, which means no exercise for at least 2 months. I will schedule surgery for my other foot for next month, and then hopefully I'll be all done with surgery for a very long time. I'd enjoy "hearing" from all of the fab "February Bandsters"...let's stay in touch! Happy and healthy New Year!

Very happy for you...great job and you are looking wonderful! Happy new year!

I ended up needing a slight unfill after a stomach virus. Prior to the .5cc removed, I was having daily issues with getting close to s stuck episode. Since then, no issues. I will discuss with my surgeon about having .25 added at my next appointment. My learning curve continues...

Perhaps you should be asking your surgeon this question? Really, Bandster life is all about leaving unhealthy habits and poor food/beverage choices, and choosing a healthier lifestyle. That said, why would you find it difficult or even consider drinking empty calories which have no nutritional value? You are empowered to design your journey any way you choose...but keep your surgeon informed about your choices. There have been significant health risks associated with carbonated beverages. Do your risk/benefit analysis, speak to your surgeon...then be your own person.

Prescription strength NSAIDs are not a good idea...IMHO. But you should ask your surgeon for their suggestions about what medications to take, especially if this is a recurrent medical condition. We are not physicians...and it will always be better to direct your medical questions to your surgeon or medical team. I recently had foot surgery, and was also given a prescription for 800 mg Motrin, and did not bother to have it filled. I have taken a 200 mg Advil liquigel (permission given from my bariatric surgeon) several times a day to help reduce the inflammation and manage pain. I would not have taken the Advil without my surgeon's knowledge and permission. I hope you feel better...

I also have been coping with several orthopedic issues, but I still add steps around the house, and have attended Water aerobics classes at the local "Y" to work around my physical limitations. I am presently 16 days post op from foot surgery, and put away my walker to start taking slow steps around the house. To quote my late, dearest mother, "if there is a will there is a way." I continue to live by those words... Others are correct...begin to adjust to the bandster way of life now, and the transition will be that much easier later post op for you. Protein shakes too early mean that you may tire of them while you must be on them. When I was pre op, I did adjust my portion sizes, and used drinking water to help me manage my hunger. Best wishes for your success...

Though I have not traveled for that length of time post op, a few suggestions that helped me on my relatively short sojourns were to plan ahead. I always travel with a few bottles of Water to stay properly hydrated and to help stave off hunger if it's too soon to have my next meal. Keep healthy Snacks with you in the event that you are delayed with having your next meal. Nuts travel well and don't need refrigeration. Be careful to continue to watch your portion sizes, and get some exercise as often as it is possible. The most important thing, as Cheryl shared is to revise your thinking about food; yes you will be traveling to exotic places...but is the local food really the main reason you are there? How about looking at the local customs and scenery your priorities, along with your research the priorities... Safe travels...

Here's the scoop: reflect on how you became obese...I'd wager to say that snacking and the high calorie foods with next to no nutritional value were a significant part of the journey towards obesity. You had your WLS to loose weight; if you want to be successful with that goal, you need to avoid maintaining the poor eating behaviors which made you obese. Bandster life is about changing your relationship with food, and adopting a healthier lifestyle, which includes nutritionally sound food choices and exercise, to name a couple. They make so many "foods" available at the grocery store which assist the individual to believe that they are making progress with lasting weight loss when in fact all they are doing is enabling the individual to maintain their poor choices with food. You can get "sugar free" chocolate, but it still has calories. Those "protein" chips are, in my opinion, deficient in the protein content. As others have said those chips may even lead you down a slippery slope to return to former snacking habits. Everything we choose to eat needs to deliver big on nutrition...even if they are available at your surgeon's office I would not risk going back to poor eating behaviors. IMHO...other's mileage may vary...

Did you receive any pre and post op education from your surgeon? Were you given any written instructions regarding diet requirements and/or what to anticipate with this type of WLS? As others have said, just because you have had a band placed, you will not automatically loose weight. For successful weight loss you need to monitor your food choices to be low/minimal fat and carb, and it is absolutely essential for you to meet your daily Protein goal. You also need to begin a commitment to exercise regularly...this is really not a diet, but a life style change. That said, sufficient water is essential to remain properly hydrated (severe dehydration is something which can sneak up on you and land you in the ER), AND flush the fat metabolites from your body. Water also wards off constipation...just a few of the reasons drinking water is so important. Water also does not stay in your pouch, but you do need to be careful to acquire the habit of sipping your water and not chugging it. This forum has a wealth of information to help you make this most important adjustment to life post op. Remember, this is a journey, not an event. Best wishes...

Thank you Cheryl for sharing these most valuable "pearls of wisdom"...we can all benefit from learning!