bluegirly

I'm still in the liquid phase, so I don't know from personal experience. But in the long run you should be able to eat all healthy foods, just a lot less of them!

I lost 20 pounds!! I did not have a pre-op diet (just clear liquids the day before surgery) and since then I can't believe how much I've lost! I LIVED off carbs before surgery. Some days I would eat literally no protein....it was pretty sad. So I kind of expected to lose a decent amount quickly, but not 20 pounds in 11 days! Just wanted to share!

The gas pain for me is just annoying. It hurts, but not like crazy. It's bothersome. And it's also worth it....which you will find when the scale starts to move!!

That's awesome!!! I have a list of NSVs that I'm looking forward to achieving, and that's definitely on it! Congratulations!

I was banded 8 days ago. I had the initial gas pains right out of surgery, walked around a ton, and they went away after a few days. I haven't had gas pains for about 5 days. Then, today, BAM! I have had the pain in my left shoulder ALL DAY!! Walking doesn't help, and neither does burping (aren't I sexy?). I thought once the gas went away right after the surgery I was in the clear....is it normal to have it go away and then come back?? And how long do I have to look forward to this? Thanks in advance!

I had surgery the day before you, and I am feeling great too!! I think having had two C-sections kind of prepared me for the recovery. I don't feel hungry, and when I do, I have some of my protein shake and it's fine. That's funny about your egg drop soup. I had a similar experience with Crystal Light. I lived off of it pre-surgery. It's all I drank. But now, all I want is water. Which is great, but weird!! Congrats on your weight loss!!

Good luck!! You will do great! Keep us posted on your progress!

Thank you, that definitely makes sense!

I'm still on liquids, but just thinking ahead. If your NUT/dr tells you not to eat more than a cup of food at a time, how do you keep track of that if you are having something like pizza, or quesadillas, or <insert whatever tough to measure food here>? A newbie question, I know, but I can't help it!

So I am one week post op, and I am on full liquids. My NUT told me that I could also have very thin cream of wheat. So I am trying to eat "meals" with my kids. In the morning I have COW, then at lunch and dinner I have cream based soup, strained. So here is my question: should I be avoiding liquids like water before/during/after these "meals"?? I have been doing that, thinking if nothing else it's practice for when I am able to eat real food. But it is NECESSARY considering that I am only on liquids?? Thanks in advance!

Thanks so much!!!

Wow!!! Brought tears to my eyes! Thanks for sharing that!

Congratulations!!!! I hope you have a smooth recovery!

Hi all, I'm recently banded and looking for surgery buddies/support groups in the Camden County area. I am in Sicklerville, specifically. Anyone???

Use the drugs!!!! You just had abdominal surgery...the doctors gave you the painkillers for a reason. No need to be brave! It hurts! But only for a few days. I was off my painkillers by the fourth day, so it's definitely not forever. Do you like coffee?? Chocolate unjury in a cup of coffee has been awesome. Good luck!

That's kind of what I do. I use chocolate body fortress and some instant coffee in skim milk. I tried it with ice but it gets too frothy and I'm afraid of the air since I'm so new to the band. I just wanted to like unjury so bad!!! The chocolate and vanilla are ok, but it's the unflavored that gets me!

Am I the only one who CAN NOT STAND Unjury unflavored protein powder?? I want to like it soooo bad. I've tried it in a very strong flavor of Crystal Light, and it was gross. So I tried it in some warm (less than 130 degree) chicken broth. Yuck. I couldn't even stand the smell!! I am only a week post-op, and I am able to get my protein in with chocolate powder, but I was hoping for some more options!! I know there are a lot of people on here who swear by it.....what's wrong with me??!!!!

I'm so glad you are feeling better!! Each day will get better for you now! I'm only five days post op, so I am in a similar situation. But my advise is to FIND A NEW NUTRITIONIST!! There should be a balance between tough love and being a supportive cheerleader, and it sounds like she is just tough. She is an important member of your support team! Find someone who will be helpful, not hurtful.

I was banded on 9/11 so I am 5 days post-op now. I get 60 grams of protein in each day, and I don't really feel hungry too much. But I do have this constant stomach growling thing going on, which in the past would mean an instant snacktime. But if I really stop and pay attention when it growls, I don't feel hungry. Anyone else have this issue? How can you tell the difference between head hunger and physical hunger? I am drinking throughout the day and have SF popsicles as a "snack". So I don't feel like I need any more, but my stomach won't stop growling!!! What's up with this??

I like that....it's a good mental picture!

I was banded the same day as you and I have a similar thing going on! I get these "bubbles" and they are painful for a second, then I let out a burp and I feel SOOOO much better! I try to take this as a sign to slow down on my liquid consumption. I'm still getting used to all the signs and signals my band is giving me but it's tough! I think we will both have a better idea when we are all healed and having more normal experiences.

Me either!! I haven't given in at all....mostly because I can't give in. I'm only a few days out so there isn't really much I can cheat with. But sometimes this growling is just plain painful!

What did I do wrong with the unjury unflavored?? I put a packet in crystal light and it was GROSS!!!!! It smelled funny and tasted worse. Any suggestions?

Feeling good! Super sore, but manageable. I put some protein powder in my coffee this morning....after about an ounce I felt like I ate a turkey dinner! It's amazing! 3 hours later and I still feel full!