DavidK

During the liquid phase, at work, I primarily ate greek 2% yogurt mixed with a little milk to thin it out. Then I would add a packet or two of splenda. That and a Protein shake was usually enough to get me through the work day.

There are several factors which will determine how things will go. One is how overweight you are. Commonly insurance will cover the band with a bmi of 40+ or 35+ with other comorbitites(hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes etc). Another is if you have documented that you have tried other things to lose the weight. Some times they will want you to try an alternative like medically supervised weight loss before they approve you. Some insurance companies are really quick others will make you jump through hoops for 3-6 months before they approve you. A good way to start is by selecting a doctor, and then going to their seminar. Most doctors have a seminar they hold every month, and they are generally cheap or free. During it they will explain the different procedures(sleeve, lapband, and bypass) and the pros and cons of each. After that you call the doctors office and they tell you what you need to do to have your insurance cover it. As far as selecting a doctor, look for a doctor that specializes in weight loss surgery and has lots of experience.

Some doctors are very lax, some are strict. Mine is pretty strict; 2 weeks liquid, 2 weeks puree/mushy, 2 weeks soft food. Only at 6 weeks does the plan allow me to try out things to see what I tolerate. I'm on week 3, the first 2 weeks were really tough, but the mushy puree stuff isn't bad at all. I'm in the same boat as you where I feel like I could tolerate pretty much anything, but if sticking to the plan gives me a lower probability of future problems then I will do it. Plus the restricted diet has helped to jump start my weight loss. Its all about percentages I suppose, letting your stomach do very little work and sit still while it heals allows the band to stay in place better long term, which lowers the probabilty of slips and other complications.

Had mine done on the 1st went back to work on the 4th, my performance at my job was a little subpar as a result of various pain, the liquid diet, etc. In general my pain was much better by the 6th, completely gone by the 10th. I didn't have a hernia repair though.

I am on day 4, yesterday I was still having trouble standing up from a sitting position, getting out of bed, getting in and out of my car, etc. I could do these things but it was painful. Today I am feeling much better. I got myself a bottle of Tylenol so I could have painkillers without the narcotics, and that seems to be doing fine for the pain. I still hurt a little but its no longer much of a distraction.

Hello everyone, I was banded yesterday, the surgery went fine and I think I am recovering well so far. In the documentation I was given it says to only drink 1-2 ounces every 20 minutes and 6-8 ounces per hour. I seem to be able to drink more than that. I am drinking liquids slowly, no gulping, but I am able to do closer to 16-20 ounces per hour without feeling sick or any pain, i think I can feel the liquid passing through the band, but I'm not sure I can accurately say what that feels like yet until my surgery pain/swelling is gone. Will drinking too much liquid screw me up in any way? My throat and nasal passages are both raw and dry after the surgery and drinking Water is giving me relief on that. Also I am used to drinking a gallon+ of water per day. Other than the amount of water I am drinking I am completely following the other post op dietary restrictions. Thanks for any information, Dave