CCBSTX

There are Citracal Chewables that aren't bad!

I considered (2) surgeons before my surgery. Dr. Spivak was one of them. I would have chosen him, but he is 4 hours away and the other was closer (for fills and followups). I felt Dr. Spivak was very experienced and knowledgeable. I also felt he listened and didn't judge. Very nice guy. I wouldn't have any hesitations using him.

I also have my first fill on Nov. 15th. I am sorta nervous also, but this message board has really helped with all WLS related issues. Let us know how it goes! I suspect that it will be like most have already stated "uneventful." Shawn

I agree with the other posters. Don't be too hard on yourself. This isn't another diet, but a lifestyle long term. You are in the first six weeks without a fill. All you can do is try to eat sensibly and exercise to get your metabolism revved up. You aren't a crazy person, but have food issues like the rest of us! Take care of yourself and give yourself a pat on the back. You've made an important step, in having WLS.

We are all in this together! You're weight loss is wonderful....Shawn

Yea for Dianne and the weight loss! I know cruises can be especially tempting and you did wonderful.. Question for the Sept. bandsters: What's your surgeons philosophy for fills? I am finding out that mine seems quite conservative. I was banded on 9-8-05. My last visit with my surgeon on 10-12-05 he asked me how much I was eating. He stressed the no calorie counting, no Snacks and no Water w/meals. He said if I don't lose 5 pounds in a month, then to call him for a fill. My problem is I have lost my 5 pounds before the month. However, I am finding that I can eat more at a sitting and get hungrier in between meals. I still have willpower, at this point, and feel like I am on dieting. I am happy with the weight loss, but feel like I am relying more on my willpower than the band. What do you think?

That's story has made my day! OK, the clincher...Did you buy new underpants yet?

I am wondering, if you lost weight, would it help your insulin resistance? Are you currently on medication? Hmmm. On one hand you would be an ideal bandster as you are a diet pro! Anyone that can maintain that low of calorie count, pre weight loss surgery, must have some incredible willpower. Like the others, I am worried health-wise that the below 800 calories will not allow you to get the nutrition needed. However, the band would help you feel more satisifed with the amounts that you are eating!

Yes, pretty much. I look for the Protein first then veggie or fruit. Carbs are always last, but sometimes can't be avoided as in Pasta dishes.

Well, I am sort of a newbie at 5.5 weeks out from banding. I don't have a fill, but I am trying to follow my doctor's advice. 3 meals a day an don't count calories. No sodas and no snacking. Today: 1/4 taquito (tortilla, eggs, and bacon) muffin (strudel-not a good choice) 1/2 salad 3/4 white fish (baked with parmesan breading) zuchinni (3-4 slices) 1/2 brisket sandwich (brisket and bun) Funny thing, since I've been following his advice, this week, I've lost 2 pounds. Who knows?

I was exactly like you. Concentrating on the protein and forgetting about the Fiber. At your stage it's extremely difficult to get everything that your body needs. Keep up the Vitamins. Try Benefiber chewables or Benefiber that dissolves in Water. When push comes to shove (so to speak), have glycerin suppositories on hand to help evacuate that circumstances. Some of your problems can also be because your early out still. Anesthesia and pain medications have a tendency to slow down your system. Good luck. Shawn

Good going girl! I was banded on Sept.8th. Isn't it amazing how good you feel with only 20 pounds gone?! I can't wait for 40!!!! Shawn

You are doing GREAT! 2 weeks on clear liquids is incredibly tough....I commend you. Good luck on the count down to full/regular liquids. You should be a bit more satisfied when you get to that stage. Shawn

Wow, I always get good info. and feedback here! Thanks. I tend to agree with you all regarding snacking. If I am starving, I tend to want to eat more and eat fast. I am not snacking at this point, but feel little restriction. I ate about 3 oz. of pork, and then carrot and cabbage, and salad. I felt satisfied. Kinda different from last week, when I'd have a golf ball feeling. Now, I feel like I can go on and on. I think I'll try to not count calories and see where the scales leave me...I already know WHAT I should be eating. No liquids is something to get used to but I'm not having a difficult time with that one! Taking it one day or week at a time is what I plan on doing. Thanks for the support, Shawn

Hello all! I went to my surgeons office yesterday for my 6 week checkup (really it was 5 weeks). He said I was doing well. He asked how much food I was able to eat and I estimated a cup, plus I snacked once a day on healthy stuff (carrot, etc). He said he only wanted me to eat 3 times a day (Protein first, veggie or fruit next), and NO SNACKS! He feels healthy snacking turns into unhealthy snacking. I said that I was snacking because of being hungry and he questioned my hunger as possibly "head hunger." He also said he could be wrong, but felt that once I moved to solids that I would eat less. I received no fill as I lost 4 pounds in the last 3 weeks. He said to call him if I havent' lost 5 pounds in a month. He'll do a fill then. He does not want me to count calories at all. I was keeping my intake on fitday.com and he said "no more of that." You've probably counted calories before and it didn't work. He would not give my calorie requirements. So...no Snacks, no counting calories, no liquids during meals, and no fill. How does this sound to you?

I was almost immediately hungier after being banded. I still am not sure if it was head hunger or what but I definitely heard my stomach grumble and rumble! It's tempting to cheat but remember you are healing the sutures inside your stomach and abdominal wall. These liquids keep your stomach from being pulled or tugged away from the sutures that secure your band. Try to not let yourself get to the point of starving. Eat frequently and drink much...Protein drinks, watery oatmeal, watery cream of wheat, Carnation Instant Breakfast, creamy Soups, egg drop soups, etc. Of course always try to obey your doctor's instructions, especially during the healing stage. Take care and best wishes. Shawn

I had 2 weeks of full liquids and then onto mushies. There was a few days that I felt as you described. For me, it was the low calories and not enough Protein... Ask your Dr. to start a bit early on the mushies. My doctor allowed me 2-3 days before my official time. In my mushies stage, I could eat scrambled eggs, oatmeal, cream of wheat, etc. Good luck to you. You are doing great. Shawn

Don't, if possible, let yourself get to the point of starving. Keep eating: watery oatmeal, watery cream-of-wheat, creamy soups (broccoli/cheese, potato, etc). Good luck, this is the rough part! Shawn

Heather remember to take care of yourself..Stress will always be around (work, home, etc). You've done a wonderful job losing your weight. Coming off of pain killers shows your strength as well! Pat yourself on the back and keep coming to lapbandtalk for support. If you can get to a counselor to talk things out-even better. Good luck, Shawn

My doctor only recommends or allows tylenol. Good luck with your pain, I hope it's gone ASAP! Shawn

Yes, I do have the gas and burping...I think, after 3.5 weeks of having the band, that it has to do with my eating (kind of foods and way I'm eating). As far as gurgling...I did that my first week only. It was like I have a clogged drain and then gurgle gurgle my liquids would go through the band! Now, since the swelling has come down, it's much easier. I am also on soft food now. Lucky, I try to hid the burping and farting. Shawn

I decided to tell only my close family and best friend. It's worked out great! That way, people I run in don't ask "how much have you lost or how's your surgery working out?" I am a private person and prefer to keep it that way. My husband, kids, sister and brother in-law, mother-in-law and Mother know. Yes, I'm glad that I have the band (now 3.5 weeks). I feel better, healthier, and hopeful! Shawn

I feel like I can drink normal amounts at normal speed. Im supposed to be on liquids for 3 weeks. banded 9/15/05 Dr. Jossart Laparscopic Associates of S.F. 215.5/???/140 Well, at first I would hear my liquids girgle down into my stomach. It was like a clogged drain, then girgle girgle girgle. Now, since the swelling is down I can eat, but feel full on less amount then pre-surgery. So, now I do feel a restriction so far but not as much as in the beginning. It may be that I am still a bit swollen. Shawn

I'm 10 days out from my banding. I think all of us have different instructions regarding our eating. I've been on full liquids since banding and will be until 2 weeks out. Then I go to the soft mechanical stage. You are sounding alot like me regarding the amount and calories. I'm able to get around 600 calories a day. I was worried about Protein as well and my RD (registered dietician) said don't worry too much about the protein, at first, you have plenty "stores" that your body can withdraw from. Just listen to your body, eat slow, and drink as much as possible. Take care, Shawn

Wow, I can't believe that you can already sleep on your stomach. I'd love to be able to do that, and I've been banded since 9/8/05. Actually, I probably could but am kinda scared. I'm not sure if this is good or bad, but I see my surgeon on the 20th and plan on asking him if it would be alright if I slept on my stomach. I do have a little shoulder pain, even this far out, but mostly when I lay on my back. Of course, it's the gas from the surgery. It should get better each day. You're pretty recent so it's to be expected. Shawn