Blayden2029

I have had crackers and the sandwich thins... and english muffins (toasted) and toasted bread with no issues.. but it was in small amounts, such as half a sandwich thin or the bottom of an high fiber english muffin... everyone is different when you are cleared by your Dr for bread, you'll need to see what your body can tolerate.

When I don't take in enough water/fluids I get a headache... for me it's my "dehydration" reminder- are you getting in the required fluids?

I've been having UTI symptoms ( discomfort, urge to go) on and off for about 2 weeks... it was very random and doesn't happen everyday. So after being woken 4 times in an hour to go the other night, I went to my Dr. ... he prescribed med and lab work... lab work comes back today..no UTI.. I've been banded for 2 months.. could it be my new diet that is causing urinary irritation???? I am sticking to mostly a high protein, low carb diet... could Ketosis be the culprit?? Any insight would be appreciated!

hmm. may be time to reevaluate my eating.. I really haven't been purposely trying to "be in Ketosis".. I think it just happened due to my fear of getting in enough protein (the effects of not having enough scare me) I really have been focusing on eating protein. And since I don't eat much, it seems all I eat is protein. I'll also have to mention it to my Dr when I go if I don't see any improvements in the next week...thanks for the info!

I tried a bunch too! As I am sure we all have... I prefer the Nectar by Syntax... it has 23g protein and 100 cals per scoop.... it mixes well with milk...no chunkies ... you can get samples to try at their website si03.com for cheap...

Well I've read a lot about everyone's 1st fills as I was nervous as heck to have mine today. It seems my Dr may have a different approach to fills. I noticed most posts say I got X number of cc's etc... what happened with me was I went in to the radiology dept at my local hospital (my Dr. is based out of there) then they used the fluoroscope.. my Dr filled my band up all the way- now I KNOW that pain they tell you to avoid in your chest when your full- man was that uncomfortable- then I drank the barium drink. I watched the whole thing on the screen. I saw the barium go down and stop in the new pouch.... then my Dr. took out fluid and watched the barium pass through. and that was it!.. I told him I still felt a little discomfort in my chest so he took out a little more. It was a very interesting experience especially to watch the whole thing happen. I feel a little discomfort now, in my upper stomach area- not in my chest- it feels a little tight. I assume this is the band compressing my stomach. I'm on liquids 24 hours and my protein and water have gone down fine. It was not what I had expected from all of your posts. How does my experience compare to yours?

Not sure what other Drs say but mine said no Straws- again remember each Dr is different and go with what yours says --But his reasoning is that you swallow too much air with a straw and take a bigger amount of fluid in with a straw..he said small, small sips.... if it works for you great but just be cautious if you see a "problem" in the future it may be the straw

My nutritionist said to cut everything to the size of a plain M & M... ( I'd say that is about the same size as the nail analogy) chew 20-25 times and put the fork and knife down between bites... Also don't pre-cut all the food... as having to cut between bites allows a few extra moments to decide if you should have another bite or not.... definatly sounds like you are eating too big of bites and too fast..meal should take 30 minutes to finish.

I will also mention that being only 3 weeks post-op... your feelings are very normal...often termed "buyers remorse" it's that what have I done feeling... we have all likely been there!!! Be cautious of what your are eating especially 3 weeks post-op...take it slow.... chew, chew chew...and call your Dr with any concerns.. they know you best...

I too have a bigger jug (32 oz) that I fill 2x a day.. I feel like I sip all day long... but, try your best to get it in... because it could lead to other issues if you don't...like constipation

My Dr. cautioned to be careful in this phase (I'm in Phase 3- but it's similar to your phase 2) because you are eating again but not restricted and often people gain...he said he'd be happy if I maintained during this phase before the fill..... It seems that it may be common.... I think I under eat, for fear of the pain associated with eating too much... so I'm still losing but slowly 1-2 a week (as I know is recommended)

I too was banded on June 20! My Dr mentioned at my last appt that the key right now is to maintain...until the fills start..the hunger returns and it is easy to over eat.... you are not alone by any means!

I too like the Nectar... they have many flavors, I prefer the chocolate truffle.... you can get a sample pack from them fro 13.99 shipped for 12 sample pack.... it's on their website http://www.si03.com/reg_index.htm .. it's a good way to try a bunch of their flavors without a big cost

Try to find a protein shake with more protein... I use Nectar by Syntax and it has 23g of protein per scoop

Fantastic!!! Proof that hard work pays off..especially with the help of your little "tool"... btw you do not even look 199 in your after pic...look way less

Every Dr is different, at my first post-op visit on DAY 6 my Dr switched me to pureed foods including scrambled eggs...so some of us are following our Dr plans...just different plans for different Drs. scrambled eggs and I get along very well at just over a week post op!

Every Dr plan is different so go with what your Dr advises- I allowed nothing the day of surgery, started a liquid diet day 2 including protein shakes 3x a day, on day 6 after my 1st appointment, I was allowed to start puree foods, yogurt, and soft foods (can tuna/can chicken/eggs/fish) and will be on that for 2 weeks before moving to soft foods, ground meats. It is about letting your body heal as you reintroduce the foods. As far as when you'll know, go by your body do you feel hungry/ need something more? When you do take it very slow and as soon as you feel any pressure in your chest- stop! Good luck

I am just over a week post op and am "back to normal" with the exception of a little soreness. Day 2 was the worst for me, I was off all pain meds on day 3, drove again on day 5 and likely could have sooner but was worried about not being able to twist as easily to check for cars or back out of parking spots. On day 5 I went to a pool party at a friends was a little slow getting up and down in the chairs but doable. I was back to loading the dishwasher, picking up the kids toys from the ground and laundry (though not carrying the basket) by day 6. I even slept on my side/stomach last night with no problems. Everyone is different so you'll really have to judge for yourself. I have had 2 c-sections and remember a lot of the "skills" I used to cope with that- this is similar and did many of the same things to move around and limit the pain.

It is the center one not the one to the left where the port would be... but good call... it feels like it is right under the skin too not deep...

I am just a week post-op, my incisions look "good" but it feels like there is a lump, like a hard ball under the center incision. None of the others (I have 5) have it. Any ideas? Was thinking maybe the start of scar tissue? If it is is there any way to make it not form, I'd rather not have a lump in the center of my stomach, in the same area as the button on my pants (when I can get them back on) Thanks for any info and suggestions!

I like the Nectar by Syntax. They have a special where you can order 12 samples for $13.99 by calling them (866-333-7403 x803) I like the Vanilla Bean Torte, Double Stuffed Cookie and Chocolate Truffle. I tried Unjury too but for me, it had an after taste. The Unjury Chicken Soup wasn't bad but a little salty. I haven't tried the unflavored but it's on my list to do. I think the key is to find a few different flavors that you like so you don't get bored.

I really like Nectar by Syntax... they have tons of flavors, you can get a 12 sample pack by calling them 866-333-7403 extension 803 for $13.99 shipped then you can decide what flavor you like best before buying the 2lb container. I feel that they mix best in a blendy ball container. I found that drvita.com had the cheapest price with free shipping. I also tried the Unjury and felt they had a weird after taste. The key is finding a few flavors you like so you can mix it up. But I'm on board with moving on to something more solid too!

So I'm 1 day post-op. Just got home from the hospital. I cannot believe the shoulder pain! I remember coming out the anesthesia and it being my first complaint. I did tons of research and never once read about this side effect! It's awful. I hurts worse than my incisions. The Dr and nurses explained that it's from the gas they put in the cavity to do the operation, but golly, it hurts!

I was banded yesterday too. I agree 110% about the shoulder pain. OUCH! and the gas build up I feel under my ribs. My Dr. does no food for the first day then liquids only for the next week. The nurse at the hospital said many people say the second day is the worst. Good Luck!

On the site, I focused mainly on pre-op. Wish I had dug a little deeper into post-op. Nothing knowing could have done for this pain though!