butterfly40

Hi all,
I was banded in October of 2015. My weight loss has been pretty slow but it's not necessarily due to me "trying" really hard and doing all of the right things. I'm just having a really hard time finding high Protein foods I can eat easily since my second fill around 4 weeks ago. I like that I'm feeling restriction and maybe I just have to eat smaller bites, take a longer time and chew a lot more but there are foods I already stay away from. I don't want to grow sick and tired of certain foods but right now I find myself gravitating towards grits (I'm a US southern girl) with cheese (for protein), instant potatoes with cheese (also for protein), Cereal with milk (try to find high protein cereals) and...soups. Even before lap band, I've never been a big meat/poultry eater but after trying chicken a few times, I'm okay staying away from it. I tried eating a banana at work the other day (I'm a teacher and usually have about 20 minutes, if that to suck it down) and it did not go down easily so I stopped eating it. I guess I just want some ideas so I don't feel like I'm eating all pureed foods like someone without teeth-LOL and so I don't get so frustrated! I've been avoiding salads because I'm afraid they will not go down easily. I'm thankful for the weight loss but I didn't expect not being able to eat "healthy" foods easily. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone,
Thank you for your input. I don't want to sound smart-that is really not my intention but if your only advice is to tell me I'm currently eating too many carbs and to talk to my nutritionist I'd appreciate not stating the obvious. I'm asking for DIFFERENT foods to try as I'm frustrated with what I'm currently eating. I'm not justifying my diet. I'm just telling you what I've been able to tolerate/swallow. If you do not have a band, you have no idea what I'm referring to. If you gave me suggestions or videos, I'll look into them and watch them. I've been educated about the band. In all honesty, I don't think the place I was banded has an amazing setup and the nutritionist is overweight herself so it really doesn't make me want to ask her. Sorry, honest/real answer. I am self pay and am able to ask very few questions when I go see the doctor. I don't think it is a wonderful setup but I do think this is a wonderful tool. If I could find answers from my doctor/nutritionist, I would not be asking you guys. Again, thanks for your help but if you cannot or don't want to contribute in ways that will help, please avoid commenting. Thanks- A frustrated bander

Hey butterfly40 - Personally I add protein to nearly everything and i try to think of things that will "stick to my ribs" in a manner of speaking.
Seems like quick easy foods would be best for a teacher - I think you sound like you'd do well with some tuna or egg salad with crunchy celery or onion in it with maybe a couple saltines or cucumber slices? Make some sugar free pudding & add your favorite Protein powder to it then add a tablespoon of healthy granola on top if you want/need the crunch factor or crumble up a piece of a crunchy Protein Bar? I've also made batches of crustless quiche in a mini muffin pan. They travel well are pretty tasty at room temp and you can put anything in them. I start with 5 eggs and a little cheese then clean out my veggie drawer. Makes 24 little mini quiche.
If you care to share likes/dislikes then I'd be happy to make other suggestions or send over recipes

This is all stuff I'm eating on my blended but it might give you some ideas:
Try some low fat cottage cheese (you can mix in a little sweet chilli sauce or some chopped cherry tomatoes), blend some meat (chicken or turkey or even white fish) with gravy and put it in your mash (potato, sweet potato or vegetables), order some special high Protein puddings or milkshakes (I got some vanilla puddings from protein.com and they were amazing - I think 15g of Protein and around 100kcal), have scrambled eggs (a lot of protein in eggs, just crack two of 'em with seasoning in a pan), smooth porridge, low fat custard or rice pudding, low fat Greek yogurt, fromage frais, or tuna fish in low cal Tomato sauce!
Hope some of these help - if grits is high in carbs it probably doesn't help you much. Not that I've ever had it before!! And make sure you use very low fat cheese or milk and don't add butter to things! ????????????

Hi everyone,
Thank you for your input. I don't want to sound smart-that is really not my intention but if your only advice is to tell me I'm currently eating too many carbs and to talk to my nutritionist I'd appreciate not stating the obvious. I'm asking for DIFFERENT foods to try as I'm frustrated with what I'm currently eating. I'm not justifying my diet. I'm just telling you what I've been able to tolerate/swallow. If you do not have a band, you have no idea what I'm referring to. If you gave me suggestions or videos, I'll look into them and watch them. I've been educated about the band. In all honesty, I don't think the place I was banded has an amazing setup and the nutritionist is overweight herself so it really doesn't make me want to ask her. Sorry, honest/real answer. I am self pay and am able to ask very few questions when I go see the doctor. I don't think it is a wonderful setup but I do think this is a wonderful tool. If I could find answers from my doctor/nutritionist, I would not be asking you guys. Again, thanks for your help but if you cannot or don't want to contribute in ways that will help, please avoid commenting. Thanks- A frustrated bander

In my opinion, Everyone looses weight post surgery...from the post surgery diet alone, not because of the band.
I did, and then had my first fill of 4cc's 4 weeks after surgery.....the next fill was 4 weeks after that...
Between my first and second fill I GAINED weight...the weight I lost from the post surgery diet began to come back.
It was not until my second fill that I felt that the band began to make a difference, and it took three fills before I can say it was doing something significant.
So for 12 weeks from surgery, it was a struggle...probably the hardest phase of this procedure. That's why it is referred to "Banders Hell"
All I could do was hang in there and apply good old fashion diet principals, which I am not very good at. The reason I needed surgery after all.
But I did get through it, took some time and some hard learned lessons, and now I can say it is the greatest thing I could have ever done...5 years and it can't be any better.

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know I was successfully banded yesterday (Fri) morning & was released today. Things went really well. Praise Jesus! Only stomach tightness/pain now. I'm curious to know...how long does it take for that get better? And how long were you out of work before you went back?

Thanks @@Bandista - I really appreciate you being so willing to share your experience with me & for your honesty. I'm nervous about the pain post-surgery but I'm excited to begin this new chapter! Thanks again & best wishes!

Sorry @@willow15 Thanks all! I'll keep you posted

Thanks Ronnie! I really appreciate your encouragment. Everyone's encouragement, really. And thanks for the honesty. It is hard and I haven't done it 100%. I've been able to stick to liquids today but when I'm at my most frustrated, even my 11 month old's Snacks are like heaven. For me, I've found variety is a must so I'm adjusting. Kicking and screaming all the while, but still adjusting Thanks again! I'm sorry my responses are so short. Time is so limited, especially during the week. Take care and I wish you all well!
Sincerely,
Jennifer

Hi everyone!
Thanks so much for all of the encouragement! Reading your posts has helped me tremendously. ???? I teared up while reading many of them and even read them aloud to my husband. I appreciate you being real with me & for helping to calm me down in the midst of everything. I'm so glad I found this site! You guys rock!
Sincerely,
Jennifer

Hi dubaiboy!
I'm getting banded this Friday, September 4th. I'll do my best to keep in touch and let you know how it goes! Best of luck to you!

Hi Jennifer – I really relate to your post. I had my surgery on August 20, and started the liquid diet on August 6. It was hard – the first few days especially. I don't think I was hungry, but I really missed the act of eating - especially as a relaxation device after work. The first few days I was pretty irritable. I tried to remind myself that this was a temporary thing and that it would get easier. Even if it didn't get easier, it would be over soon. And this was true. After the first week, the liquid diet did not seem like a big deal anymore. The other thing that made it easier is that my surgeon's Office allowed two cups of vegetables per day. This was nothing compared to what I was used to eating – but it became the most wonderful thing in the world to me. I have to admit – I never considered cheating because I was so focused on shrinking my liver and making the surgery as safe as possible. This was validated when my surgeon told me that my liver was big but that she had been able to do the surgery laparoscopically, probably because I had done the liquid diet so stringently. I didn't have to give up caffeine, which probably would've killed me!
I really want to wish you good luck. I honestly believe that if I can do it you can do it. The postop has not been bad at all – I'm just really focusing on figuring out what my body needs/wants And helping it heal.
Good luck! Ronnie

Hi there @@butterfly40, way to go showing up for yourself and your healthy future. Getting that appetite monstor off of my back is the best thing I ever did. I also don't miss anything but if some one had told me that prior to my surgery I never would have believed it. I still love food -- I just have smaller portions at appropriate intervals. To me that is something of a miracle.
Like you, I hate artificial sweeteners. My pre-op liquid diet was two weeks and those first couple of days were definitely the hardest. The product my surgeon's office doled out did not agree with me (full of crap) so I used another. And I did not have to give up caffeine; I am a tea drinker and occasionally have some decaffeinated coffee. If you call the office and tell them you are having a difficult time, there may be some leniency on that score -- but do follow your doctor's instructrions to the letter. I think that is key.
I was very excited about the surgery and used that to ride through the stages afterward. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner (my baby is about to turn 20). Post-op I focused on walking, a little further each time. The protocol for me was one day clear and then full liquids. I loved my popsicles and went ahead and had ones with real sugar because I was having so little. I liked the Soups sold in cartons in the natural foods section of the regular grocery store -- like potato leek, etc. And warm tea felt good to me. I was allowed egg drop Soup and that was very satisfying.
You are going to do well because you are thinking it all out ahead of time and confronting your worries head-on -- way to go! Pre-op SUCKS but you will get through this. You need help, though. Whoever can help you needs to be tapped so that you are able to get the sleep you need and focus on yourself for this time. Every one will benefit in the long run. I wish I had understood earlier that in choosing myself first that's what happens -- every one wins. I had never been at the top of the list before and now I am and we are all very happy.
Oh, one thing about pre-op is that for the first time in my life, after so many diets and regaining, I knew the pounds I was losing were NEVER coming back. I had never been an overnight patient in a hospital before and was nervous but it all was so much easier than I thought it would be. A sense of humor definitely helped, and the power of positivity. Best wishes, and keep us posted!

I agree with the other posters. I did go through a bit of bandster hell, which is the period after surgery when you are fully healed, but don't have restriction in your band yet. I did gain weight during this time, but luckily from reading these forums I knew it was normal. The process to get the band properly adjusted isn't easy, but it's great once you start feeling full with less food and losing weight! One of the most important things is to follow your drs rules about eating. Mine said to wait 30s (using a timer) after each well chewed bite before taking another bite. Using the timer has helped me immensely! Getting stuck is no fun, so follow the rules carefully to avoid it. If you get stuck too often, for too long it can also lead to serious, irreversible complications. Be aware and stay in touch with your doc throughout the process. If you're not losing weight, or you're uncomfortable, or in pain, don't be embarrassed and don't suck it up - it's their job to help you be successful.
Good luck!

The pre op liquid diet is very hard. I think what made it easier for me was fear. I was so worried if I cheated and something went wrong during surgery I would blame myself. Mine was two weeks liquids only. I just stayed busy and tried to stay focused on the end goal.
As for the liquid/puréed stages post op that is WAY easier. Your hunger will be less and food doesn't even look appealing. When that wears off and your appetite gradually returns you weight is dropping and it's an exciting time.
I used a lot of sugar free Popsicles, and broth a few times a day.
You can do this!!! Hang in there. We are rooting for you. Stay busy if possible and look toward a better future. It's going to be worth all the suffering I promise!!!

I stink at diets...failed at every diet I ever attempted...you name it, I tried it.
Even the 6 month diet required by mu insurance,m I failed...officially proving, on the record, that I could not loose weight the traditional way.
My insurance co. made me jump through hoops for almost a year. So when I finally approved, it came down to the 2 week liquid diet to shrink my liver prior to surgery.
It was hard...2 weeks!! But I had come so far and done so much, I kept telling myself I was NOT going to screw it up now!
I am 63 years old, have been banded almost 5 years.
The first phase, say 4-6 months after surgery, was extremely difficult and frustrating for me...felt I had wasted my time, it would never work, I'm doomed to always be a failure, etc, etc.
But once I got through all the adjustments, learned and adapted new ways of eating along with giving up certain food types, ans began to understand my band more and more....the pounds just started to melt away and it became the easiest and best decision I have ever made.
I finished this process (hate the term journey) 4 years ago...I am done loosing weight, simply no excess fat to loose. I have adapted a new lifestyle. Every day is just like any other day, with no thoughts of diets or having to loose weight.
But like I said, the beginning was extremely difficult for me....but I stuck it out and never looked back and finally broke through to the other side.
So, this thing DOES WORK.....You have to want it to get it, but it is there for the offering. Some people give up and choose not to proceed...stay within their comfort level never reaching that full potential.
The Lap band is adjustable, and can be set on many different levels.

Hi Jennifer, I' ll put my 2 cents in , im sure others will respond too as we are a very supportive group here. I didn't have a liquid pre op diet, so I cant advise you on that part other than its temporary. ( Its used to shrink your liver before surgery, my Dr, just asked me to try and lose 5 lbs before surgery. ) I know its VERY important, so just do your best and try different things to keep yourself full and reasonably happy. My Dr. never said no caffiene, but I dont drink coffee, only tea. Others have talked here many times about their daily coffee, im not sure why it would be forbidden. My lap band surgery and recovery was a breeze, from the moment I arrived at the hospital to home was 6.5 hrs. ? Very minimal pain, I was on pain meds for only 2 days (and I have a very low pain tolerance ) then it was only liquid Tylenol once , if that. I was tired and very sore the 1st 2 days, like a very bad pulled muscle, the 3rd and 4th days better and better, I went back to work on the 7th day, no problems since . The liquid and mushy stages are temporary NOT forever. You really dont have much appetite , as you are recovering from surgery. I started loosing weight right away, 1-2 lbs a week. It was very easy to stick to, no issues there. Later, "Bandster Hell" which is when your appetite reappears, but with no fill, you're hungry and can eat a fair amount , until you get the right amount of fill to get to the "green zone" . I still lost weight every week. (50 lbs the 1st 7 months ) I just stuck to the food rules, exercised 3 x a week, and left a little room daily for a small treat. Ice cream or something chocolatey. ( Occasionly I still get stuck , or PB, but its because I forget and dont chew well, my own fault 95 % of the time) What do I miss ? Raw broccoli, and Generals Tso's chicken from our deli. That's it. What dont I miss ? Being unhealthy, tired, looking older than I was, sleep apnea, no energy, size 18 clothes, hubby never said anything negitive but wasn't happy. Now ? Healthy, happy, energized, looking and feeling younger, very happy and proud hubby, size 10 clothes. Lapband gave me my life back, and im extremely grateful. Best. Decision. Ever. Good luck !!!

Hi!
My name is Jennifer and I am scheduled for surgery on 9/4/15. I'm currently attempting to fulfill the pre-op requirements with a liquid diet but find it to be rather difficult. Day 1 was horrendous and Day 2 was better but Day 3 was hard. It doesn't help that I'm a teacher and this past week has been our work week-LONG hours, high stress, lots of "to do" lists, and adjusting to the 4:30 alarm every morning. My almost 11-month-old not sleeping hasn't helped the situation so, right now, I just need to get all of my concerns, fears, frustrations out of me. I'm hoping someone can offer encouragement but from a REAL place.
I have a friend who had lap band done a few years back but, when I ask her questions now, she paints this cake-and-pie picture for me. I ask her what she misses and she says "nothing." I asked her if it was hard initially and she says "no." Well, I'm on day 3 of a liquid diet and, coming from someone who's used food to soothe me and comfort me, it is hard. I know it's doable but I want people to be REAL with me. Tell me how long the fight lasts. When does the nagging at least quiet down?
I tell myself that maybe this isn't the right time but when is really a "good" time to do this? If you have lived your life centered around food, no time is a good/right time. I want to do this and believe it is the best thing to do for me but this close to things I'm starting to freak out. Am I normal? The whole liquid/pureed foods for weeks afterwards, the no caffeine deal (with some doctors-not sure about mine), the PBing issue (I've watched lots of Youtube videos), etc. If anyone reads this and has a minute to share, I'd be so very grateful. My husband doesn't have weight issues. He is supportive but doesn't understand the CRAZY emotional attachment.
I also HATE artificial sweetener. Hate all of it. But it looks like I'm forced to ingest the stuff for the next 8 or 10 weeks. And PLEASE let me adjust quickly to no caffeine. My students need it to happen quickly and painlessly-trust me! LOL! I'm sorry for being a negative Nelly. It's been a REALLY hard week and not being able to eat to make it better has stunk-I'm sure that has come across well. Thanks for letting me vent and I look forward to any encouragement you can offer.
Sincerely,
Jennifer