isaviolinist

If you like more generic teas than brewed teas you can just use crystal light (its caffeine and sugar free). Thats what most of the folks that I know who are banded use. And it comes in all of the usual flavors (plain, lemon, berries, etc.). There is also the crystal light lemonades which are good too.

I also have Blue Cross Blue Shield. One thing you may want to do is seek out a BCBS 'Bariatric Center of Excellence'. I was banded at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. I have some comorbidities, and I was able to provide 4 years of documented weight (I think my BMIs in that time period was 39 at the lowest to over 50 before surgery) but because of the relationship that my hospital and surgeon has with BCBS I was able to get approved in a very short period of time and with no problem. I don't know where you're having your surgery but maybe look into some other hospitals that are BCBS bariatric centers of excellence. Its worth a try.

I am 4 days post op (started full liquids today) and I just had my first unjury shake (I didn't try protein powder prior to surgery....it was the one thing I neglected to do). I had (and am currently drinking) Unjury chocolate with probably about 3/4s of a tablespoon of organic peanut butter (blended in my magic bullet). It is unbelievably delicious. Its more than just good for a protein drink, its just plain yummy. And its great because you can order samples from the website at a very low cost so you can try it before ordering a lot. Anyways, as far as the diet and nutrition part of the band goes, the protein shakes were what I was most concerned about. I was going to try a bunch of different protein powders and drinks but I'm so glad I found Unjury. No need to try anything else. It is really a quality product.

I did 3 weeks of pre-op. It may seem harsh but it certainly got me prepared for surgery and life afterwards. And by day 3 or 4, it was not that difficult. I have met a lot of people who did not do at least a week of preop dieting (or they were on the 2 week diet, and completely cheated), and when they went in for surgery their liver was too thick.

I havent been feeling chest tightness but I just drank about 1/2 of a cup of clear broth. I thought I was sipping pretty slow and now I have sort of an uneasy feeling all round my midsection - tummy, back, chest, shoulders, and I have a little headache. Is this what it feels like when you're full with the band?? I am supposed to start on thin-full liquids tomorrow. But now I am scared. I am only 3 days post op. Since it was only clear broth, I didnt injure anything, did I?

Hi - I actually don't eat poultry or red meat (just seafood) and so tofu is a big part of my diet. I was just banded 3 days ago. I am excited to be able to eat tofu again. There are all different kinds of tofu you can get. And you can use it anything like stir fry, tofu patties, grilled on top of a salad etc. If you have a cookbook that you like to use, you can use tofu in almost any of the recipes which utilize meats (just substitute the tofu for the meat, or add it to the meat recipe). Tofu is great because it is often healthier than a lot of meat and it is a great source of protein. It takes on the taste of whatever you have cooked it in. Good luck!

I am 3 days post op. I know the day after surgery I had pretty bad neck pain (all the way around the whole neck...when I would lay back it felt like I was choking). Initially I thought it was from sleeping on my back (Im a stomach sleeper). But it went away the next day and I think it was gas. I don't have shoulder or chest pains, but I think a lot of people do from gas (in fact some people say it is the worst part of surgery for them). Walking definitely helps. If you are really concerned then you should definitely call your doctor so he can either give you some reassurance that what you're feeling is normal, or so he can see you. Good luck!

Hello! Congrats on the beginning of a healthier life! I just was banded 3 days ago, and I am feeling good. I have very minimal pain and have already lost 1.5 pounds since surgery (on top of 20 pounds during the pre-op diet). Of course, I have just started my lapband journey, but as of right now, I am so happy with my choice. I also did not want my insides re-routed, and never really considered RNY. At 3 days out, I am able to walk around, get up and down from chairs and the bed on my own, take a shower, get dressed etc. The recovery time is very short. I am so excited for the pounds to start dropping off! Good luck!

I'm sorry to hear that Something similar happened to me - I was supposed to be banded June 11th and I had to postpone to the following week (June 18th). Its a long story why it happened (it's here in my blog: Violinist With A Band). Anyways, I was also really sad. Especially because at first my doc was talking about postponing the surgery for two weeks. But yes, just look at it as a small blip in a lifelong journey. Because of the delay in my surgery, after I got over the initial disappointment, I felt okay with it because it gave me extra time to do the pre-op diet, thus ensuring that I would not have any complications with my liver. I also lost an extra 5 pounds during the third extra week, so I was 20 pounds down by surgery which was also a positive. It will make you feel better to compile a list of positive things that will come of having a later surgery date. Good luck with your surgery!

I am 26 and was just banded 2 days ago. I am not having much pain at all. I was prescribed liquid tylenol with codeine and I only feel like I need to take it in the evening before I go to bed (just makes it a little easier to sleep comfortably). Since my surgery two days ago, I have already lost over a pound. And I lost 20 pounds on the pre-op diet. Although surgery is a complicated and often intimidating and nerve-wracking process, so far it has been totally worth it. I think it is also sometimes beneficial to have surgery young (not too young, but in your 20s) because there is a higher chance for us that our skin will retain its elasticity and we will have a little less floppy, extra skin. I can't wait to change my life!! Good luck to you on journey.

I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling :biggrin: Its really important that you get right back on your post-op diet. The reason why that diet is the way it is, is so your stomach has time to heal. If you are eating the way you were eating before the band, 5 days out of surgery this is a possibility of injuring the band (slippage) or injuring yourself. The reason why the band is not filled until 5-6 weeks after surgery is also so your stomach can heal. Getting a fill too soon can also cause serious problems. Additionally, it sounds like you are bingeing and not chewing very well, which also is not good. Everyone feels pretty hungry post-op - thus the phrase 'bandster hell'. Of course, it varies person to person (depending on how much inflammation and fat is around your stomach) but most feel pretty hungry, especially only on liquids. It usually gets better after a fill (or a few fills). But for your own safety, get back on the wagon!

I was banded at Temple University Hospital by Dr. Ian Soriano (so great, I would recommend him to anyone in the Philly area who many be thinking about getting banded!). How about you?

I'm from Philadelphia. Was just banded two days ago. So far so good!

This is used after most surgeries, not specifically lapband.

I would also love to hear about your experience with the band during the past 6 years. I just got my band 2 days ago and I really like to hear from those who have had the band for a long time. Especially those who have had success (seems like you have, congrats!).

I did a 3 week liquid preop diet and lost 20 pounds. It really prepared me and it did kick start the weight loss. It also helped with my motivation (its great to see the weight coming off...makes you feel like you can succeed).

Hi everyone -- I was just banded yesterday and am doing okay. The pain is completely manageable. I was actually wondering if anyone here was banded with the Realize band? I didn't know that my surgeon was going to use Realize band, but I found out after surgery. I actually wanted the Realize band (I like the 'claws' in the port that hook onto the fascia, and I like the low profile port) but for some reason I remember talking about it with him and deciding on the Lap Band. Anyways, I am not unhappy with the Realize band and I just wanted to see if anyone else was banded with Realize. Im so excited to start this new phase of my life!

Hi Rebahorn! Congrats on your surgery! I was just banded yesterday. Sounds like we're at the same point in our respective journeys. Anyways, an effect of anesthesia is sometimes inability to urinate. This also happened to me - a couple hours after the surgery I felt like I had to urinate. I sat on a bedpan for an hour and a half before anything actually happened. Its pretty normal so don't worry! Good luck with your recovery!

I had my first visit at the end of March. My surgery is tomorrow (June 18th). I could have done it sooner (probably middle of May) but I was finishing a master's degree and wanted to do it after graduation. Originally the surgery was scheduled for June 11th, but got postponed until the 18th because of a test I needed. Hope this helps!

My surgery is this Thursday (June 18). I met with the anesthesiologist at the beginning of June. She said that there is a small possibility that they will need to insert the breathing tube before I am completely out. She said something about having the breathing tube inserted when I'm halfway sedated or something, because of the size of my throat (I think). Has anyone had the breathing tube put in before the anesthesia was administered (or before it was completely effective)? If you did, what was the experience? I am completely scared about it. Any comments or reassurance would be great. Thanks!

I agree with what has been said here. That type of approach to patients is completely unprofessional. Additionally, studies have shown that arrogant physicians are often the same physicians who make errors. There is a difference between refusing to enable someone and verbally abusing them. You want a doctor who is honest and upfront with you, and who will not enable you, but who will also treat you with respect and give you support during a life-changing event.

This is a weird question, but did anyone lose their sex drive as their weight continued to go up, and did anyone gain their drive back after they started losing weight with their band?

I am really sorry for your experience with your surgeon. It sounds horrible :confused: However, I do want to just briefly, and respectfully point out, that it is not all surgeons who are like that. There are definitely bad ones, but not all are bad. My surgeon has been really wonderful. I am having my surgery in a big city hospital, which is also a teaching hospital. Most doctors in these types of facilities don't even have time to see their patients face-to-face. My surgeon called me personally two days in a row to work out some confusions with a test I had done (he also apologized profusely for the confusion), and additionally, I was having some issues with the billing department in the hospital and my doctor called the billing department personally to ask them what is going on (almost all doctors, big city hospital or private practice, delegate this to a secretary or researcher). I am so sorry for your horrible experience, but its important not to imply that that is the case with all bariatric surgeons. And if I move from Philadelphia (which I may in about a year), I know my surgical team will help me to get a referral to a new, equally excellent surgeon in whatever area I move to. Good luck with your search for a new surgeon (you should definitely report the old one) and I hope that you don't have any really serious medical complications as a result of your band!

My surgery is June 18th. I have been spending a lot of time on this site, reading posts of people who have been banded and successful (the successful part is really important!!). I like to look at the before and after pictures too and just imagine that it could be me someday! I'm also creating an eating plan which I am going to try and stick to. I pretty much plan to do high protein, low-carb. Its been helpful to start thinking of that kind of thing now. It makes me feel less nervous. Also, the weight loss (about 16 pounds so far) on the pre-op diet is very encouraging and makes me feel like I can do this!!

I haven't been banded yet (my surgery is June 18th), but I don't think you completely messed up. I mean, a week out is probably not the best time to eat foods like chicken nuggets and fries (just because you are healing), esp. if you ate them fast. You should go see your doc just to make sure nothing got stuck/slipped/etc. but if you are feeling fine then there is probably a good chance that you are fine (however, the only person who can tell you for sure is your doc). Just take it as a learning experience and keep on going with the prescribed post-op eating plan that you discussed with your doctor. Congrats on the 30 pounds! Use it as motivation to continuing working with you band and to stick with your eating plan!