RestlessMonkey

StephOnee I was like you but the NP at my doc's office finally got it through my head that while some people have issues...not all have all issues. She said my doc's pts. have most problems with white bread (untoasted) and stringy red meat (well who wants stringy meat anyway) BUt so far luckily I can eat anything! So keep the faith! And remember if you DO find something you can't eat, give it a few months and try again. We have to live with this....

StephOnee I don't know where you're getting your info but I think you should disregard it! :confused: NOTHING is totally off limits...except some surgeons say no carbonation, some say no caffeine (appetite stimulant) Depending on how restricted you are you personally may have issues with some foods, so maybe you got that from someone who couldn't eat shrimp. However...while most people have some food that they have an issue with (white bread is a big offender unless it's toasted, for example) there isn't anything you must stay away from, except what your surgeon tells you to avoid(ie mine said no chewing gum, no carbonation) Once banded you will STILL be able to eat! Depending on how restricted you are, your esophagus, your swallow strength etc....some things may or may not give you trouble. And realize that if something gives you trouble one time, wait a month or two and try it again. Often the "issue" resolves. Please realize too that some people may avoid certain foods because, for whatever reason, it's easier for them that way.

I had salsa on my beans and it was fine. I guess it depends on if you're used to it or not.

You sure can do it! :confused: Just be strong, and do what you need to make it through. For example, there is NO WAY I could've cooked and made it...well, no way I could've stayed sane and married that is! LOL Do what you need for yourself. It does pass quickly.

I just toughed it out. My husband did not eat in front of me, so we didn't have food smells at home and that helped. AND...since I cheated on my preop diet (that's why I had 2 surgeries!) I learned to do what my surgeon says. Hard lesson (not that I'm stubborn LOL) but that misery I felt when I came to in recovery without the band served me well post op. I'd just think how awful I'd feel if I ate something and caused my band to slip (because if you eat food your stomach moves and churns to aid in digestion....and that movement too soon can cause your band to dislodge etc) The thought of going back for more surgery because I HAD to eat was more dreadful than the hunger I felt. So I would just very firmly tell myself NO. Once I honestly sat and held a can of refried Beans and cried! Funny now but I was miserable at the time. I made it, though. I didn't eat them. And so far, so good! :confused: So just hang in there. It isn't forever, and once you get past that you probably won't often be hungry ever again. I don't diet and lost 9 pounds over the last 4 weeks (no counting, no measuring, no nada...just "good choices") Hungry for 2 weeks is better than dieting forever!

That wasn't my experience but some feel more pain etc. I tried from the very start to walk and "act normal" because I know that more walking (and sitting upright, if not moving) helps you recover more quickly. It's important to not overdo, but being TOO sedentary can put you at risk for clots and embolisms. Just move as much as you can, get your water in (more important than protein at this stage) and it will get better.

You may not be allowed "creamed soup" I wasn't! Just stick to your doc's diet, get your water in, and hang in there! It is hard. It was for me. I was starving. I wasn't even allowed protein shakes until week 2! BUT I did it and you can too. It will be worth it! If you advance too quickly now (eating foods you shouldn't) you can hurt yourself now or set yourself up later for issues like slipping. So do what your doc tells you, be strong. It will be better soon.

I was on a liquid for breakfast and lunch and 3 oz protein for dinner diet for about 5 1/2 weeks (because I cheated the 1st time and didn't get my band) and post op just liquids for 2 weeks. Post op was way way harder for me. I came to in recovery HUNGRY and stayed that way until I got mushies. It was worth every second, but it was hard.

Never heard of it being waived...but my info is limited to reading posts on this site. I'd suggest starting the requisite 6-month supervised diet thing while you research it....that way if they do waive it, no harm. If they don't, at least you'll be progressing.

Honestly I do not know a soul who eats pizza and beer (unless only occasionally) and doesn't gain, nor do I know people who are never hungry. I'm sure you aren't exaggerating, but neither am I. I guess it's just a difference in perspective...I'm a plate half full kind of a gal If you suffer overwhelming cravings and have only gotten to 80 pounds overweight at the age of 41 then you've obviously struggled and fought your weight. I understand you feel attacked by people you know and I wish that weren't true for you. I fortunately have not had that experience.

A small Wendy's chili is 19 grams of carbohydrate...for me that's too high (when I'm trying to eat low carb) but for some I guess it would be ok....

You are smart to line up fills locally BEFORE you get banded remotely. Having said that, I believe there is a surgeon in Denver who does the band for about 10K (Kirschenbaum, I believe...enter his name on the site's search engine) He does NOT take insurance and just does self pay patients. Don't let price be your only consideration though... find a surgeon who you like and trust. For example if you can find a local surgeon you like who will do your band for 15k (which is what my surgeon charges self pay patients) and he will include fills for a year (or two, or three) etc..then having someone close to home for any emergencies (they do arise for some) etc will be worth it. The fills and aftercare are as important as the surgery. So factor everything in before you pick a surgeon. Good luck!

Ask YOUR doctor. Some ban carbonation (mine does) and I tasted a beer about 3 months post op...that sucker HURT to drink it. Pills are no problem for me; I have pretty decent restriction and can still swallow my potassium (they are horse pills!) so while it is individual, you'll probably be able to take pills just fine.

It's liquid/water retention. Honestly. 6 pounds is 21000 calories. You didn't "gain" that. and truthfully some of your 12 pound loss was probably "water" too. Your best bet is to stay off of the scale, except for once a week or so. Post band you'll probably lose a good bit at first then it will slow down; daily weigh ins will just make you nuts (like now! ) Don't let it mess with your head.

Eat protein and green vegetables...avoid breading, breads and pastas, sweets. Avoid veggies that are higher in carbs (like corn, peas).

Hmm. I'm fat, not muscular, and people probably still secretly think I should just diet. I personally don't care. I know I'm not dumb, weak and lazy; if someone wants to think I am, well, good for them. And "skinny" people that I know do NOT eat anything they want. They watch their intake. My experience in telling people about the band has been very very positive; people curious, people who "admit" they (or a loved one) needs it or has wondered but been afraid of being ostracized, etc. I'm really sorry you're not getting the support you expect; I know that happens and it surely sucks. But don't paint everyone with that same brush; keep on keeping on. You may be helping someone have the courage to step up and get help and never even know it. And truly ANYONE (regardless of weight) who has tried to lose by just diet and exercise alone knows it is hard hard work. Whether they admit it or not, they know it. And they know it's harder still to KEEP the lost weight off. So if they are blowing hot air your way, they are most likely just bluffing you. They know the truth. Don't let them push your buttons.

Here's my list of foods I HAVE to avoid because it hurts to eat them: NOTHING That's right. And I'm restricted. I choose to avoid certain things because they don't fill me up as well...or because they just have too much fat or calories, but I CAN eat anything. My surgeon told me this was his goal, filling me very slowly, and once again the man was right!

I had one but I lost it.

I agree with the "only lose for one year" thing. Who told you that nonsense? As to not losing...I was banded 8/29 and have only lost 30 but am finally feeling restriction (I refuse to diet and my fill doc is conservative) but am losing now. I was told to eat Protein then veggies then fruit then pasta/grains/breads etc. If you aren't losing you're probably eating the wrong things...review what you take in. And being able to eat but not drink is almost illogical so check with your doc! Good luck.

Yes you can ride roller coasters just fine!

Good luck!

I don't have any experience with the disease but just wanted to wish you luck and I hope you can still get the band if you want it!

This is a link to dietary guidelines from the makers of the lap band system....please realize they are just GUIDELINES and most surgeons modify them a bit to suit their practice. And for all I know you have the realize band; it's different I believe. Anyway, this may be something to ask your surgeon about: Lapband.com - After LAP-BAND® System Surgery - Recovery & First Few Weeks

Ashley is your surgeon new? I know they are all different (goodness are they different!) but the "no drinking while eating" and the "liquids post op" are both very common directions that you didn't get. Please understand I am NOT saying go against your surgeon! It's just odd that your directions are so very different!

Kidney pain is usually across the lower back. He should call his surgeon on Monday.