Dave01

Not sure if your dr will exclude them, but watch out for the sodas, even the diet ones. You will not be able to drink them post-op, at least for a while so its easier to stop them early. I didnt have to do the Optifast, but did a Whey protein diet on my own for over a month pre-op, mainly to get my body used to the new lifestyle. Trust me, it really helped lessen the shock to my system...Dave

The ecliner was my way to sleep for a little while after surgery. Now I am 3 months out and am used to sleeping on my back, so I think everything worked out

Beverly, Thanks for the compliment. My typical day is: Breakfast shake w/ 2 scoops of protein mix, 1 Dannon fit and lite yogurt and 3 oz skim milk which is 325 calories and lots of protein, around 59 grams Lunch is normally a can of tuna, the snack size (3oz) with ff mayo and pickle relish 155 calories Dinner protein shake 2 scoops, no yogurt, 3 oz skim milk 265 calories 2 sugar free popsicles for snacks and 2 gallons, yep 2, of crystal light/water Not real exciting, but it works for me.

I also found that after getting banded that I "could" eat whatever I wanted, even after my first fill. It wasnt real easy, but I put myself on a very strict diet plan, or rather a new way of looking at food. Make sure you get in your required protein, Avoid ANY calorie filled drinks ( I should have gotten stock in Crystal Light), avoid the bread products, potatoes, rice and most of all if not doing it, exercise as much as possible. This new lifestyle has worked for me so far and I really dont miss the junk food I used to crave.Good Luck...Dave

Thanks, I am enjoying every pound lost. And I am doing my best not to find any of them either..LOL

Thanks everyone. I like the baby mini-goals. Gonna set one of those next....

I actually call mine the 14cc band for the same reason. My dr told me not to worry if I got to 10cc without real good restriction

Donna, Thanks. I have a pretty serious workout that I follow, along with my daily walking and exercise biking. Seems to be working so far.

Frangipani, Thanks. I am real happy to make one of my mini-goals. Now for the big goal...LOL

And I have reached one of my mini-goals. 80 pounds gone so far. I was real happy to see the scale move the last pound that I waited an extra day to check it again. The lb is still gone, so that makes it real. One more pound to go to be half way to my goal weight. :whoo::whoo::whoo::bounce::bounce::bounce:

It took nearly a month before I felt back to normal. I would have the same little twinge and stuff, but I figured it was just healing inside.

3.9 mile walk this morning......And the weather was great And another lb gone. That makes 80 lbs gone so far

This was y first T/giving since being banded too. You did good by sticking to your eating plan. I had to bail out before desert came out even though I never eat pie, it looked so good. Be happy with the self control you had and keep looking forward.

Centrum chewable orange flavored for me

Heather, I am not on a regimented diet like Atkins. What I do is keep track of calories, carbs and fat intake and keep around 1000 per day. That and lots of exercise will make the lbs and inches go away

Wow, I have never heard of something like this. Hope you are doing better. Let us know what the doc says when you do get in touch...Dave

Way to go everyone. Sounds like we survived the most tempting day of the year...LOL

It was a great day and I survived Thanksgiving. Just a little turkey, 1/4 cup of mashed potatoes, 2 black olives, 2 cucumber slices. All I could manage to eat. How did you all do?

No problem, Have a great Thanksgiving

Wow, that is a good meal plan. Mine was liquids for 2 WEEKS, then Pureed for 2 weeks then soft foods for a week then solids. Do your best to follow your dr's plan. You will benefit from it in the end. I actually stayed on liquids longer with a few mushies in between, just to make sure everything healed

I have been using Body Fortress Whey Protein, from Walmart. The choclate is great and with skim milk, its low in everything but protein... over 46 gms

Michelle, Chances are you did not do anythng to your band. The reason for straining stuff is to keep the stomach from having to work so much to break down pieces so your band will "settle" and not slip. The more your stomach has to work, the less chance the band will stay in place.

Your dr should have given you all of that infowhen you were banded. I would call and ask for it. I have the large VG band and was given 6cc for my first fill, no restriction. Second fill, added 3 cc more and am tight till after noon.

I did the refried beans, blended with salsa and then heated in micro w/ff cheese on top. Yummy Blended Healthy Choice Clam chowder, mashed potatoes ( not the best choice, but ok for a change), cottage cheese mixed w/ applesauce or peaches, and gallons of smoothies

I'm sure all dr rules vary, but mine was 1/2 hr before and at least 1 hr after, for any meals. She wanted me to get ready for solid foods and be used to not drinking