CateyP

Hi there, I pureed soups during my liquid phase - are you limited to clear liquids? If not, you can make any yummy soups you like (from Campbell's to homemade) and run them through the blender. I had cream of mushroom, and then some bean with bacon, and I thought I'd gone to heaven

That's one thing my surgeon warned me could happen -- diarrhea from the antibiotics they use during surgery, combined with having a primarily liquid diet. Diarrhea is so dehydrating, so please be sure to get enough liquids to make up for it, and keep after the doctor if you don't improve. Get well soon!

Congratulations!! I was banded at NWWLS in early August, but had Dr. Montgomery. I think Dr. Michaelson is SO great, though. He's such a compassionate guy, and so talented. Anyway, welcome to this side of it

I'm always so impressed with stories from people who bounced back so quickly -- mowing the lawn??! Good for you!! I couldn't even walk for a couple of days! I'm just over two weeks out, and I'm finally feeling my strength come back. My mom came over to take me to the grocery store about a week ago, and I truly thought I was going to faint in the store :embarassed: I was pale, shaky ... no fun! But every day I'm stronger, so I echo what everyone is saying about just paying attention to your body and be gentle with yourself as you're healing. It's a journey, that's for sure. Take care!

Hi Losin' It -- I'm glad you asked that! I'm still on mushy foods, but am curious about the protein/carb/fat ratio I should shoot for in an average day. All I've gotten from my surgeon is to shoot for 60g of protein a day, but I'd like more comprehensive suggestions. Thanks for asking the question!

Yeah for your new grandbaby!! And the one on the way, too!! I'm thrilled for you :clap2: Congratulations!

Hi guys, I'm almost 2 weeks out, and I feel better now, but I did experience the same thing you all are. Almost worse than not being able to take in much of anything was the fear about it. My friend/boss had her surgery a month before, and she healed so quickly! But 2 weeks out I'm just now able to get enough liquid in. My advice for you is to take it easy, be gentle, and sip Water. Don't push yourself, because the pain/pressure from taking in too much too soon isn't worth it. Keep track of how many ounces you can get in during the day, and let your doc know. If they're concerned, they can give you a prescription for something to help the swelling. No worries, sweetpeas. Sip, sip, sip and good luck! It only gets better from here!

Hi Lisa! I was banded by Dr. M on 8/8, and I empathize with your pre-op liquid struggles ... so hard to do!!! Truly tough. I didn't have to do the CPAP thing, but you have all my sympathy about it - what a pain! As far as pre-surgery doubts - I assume you talked to Linda at NWWLS? When I told her my confidence level was only a 4 or 5 out of 10 that this would work for me, she said, "You're not that special. It will work." :-) Of course she said it in a sweet way, but now that I'm on the other side I see what she meant. Unless I have milkshakes every day, the tool is going to work. Like someone said on another thread, it keeps working even when your motivation wanes (which mine has done on every other plan I've tried). So just be patient with the process, and with yourself, and good luck!! :clap2:

I agree that Walmart cards are a GREAT idea! I'd love to send something ... please drop me your address in a private message, and I'll send you something as soon as I can (I'm still getting my energy back from the band surgery, and not sure I can drive just yet ).

I felt the same way! I'm 10 days post-op, and it's been an emotional roller-coaster. This is a big deal -- not only is it surgery, which is big all by itself, but it's also a major change to how we move through the world. Relying on food as a comfort and a friend for soooo long is now going to change. It makes perfect sense that you'd be feeling emotional and worried! I'd suggest being very gentle with yourself, write out your long-term goals for having the surgery, and then be gentle with yourself some more I'm sending you lots of hugs, and all my best wishes. I'm sure you're going to be absolutely fine! Do some searches on this board for anxiety and/or depression and see what others have had to say. Surround yourself with love & support, and know that you're making a powerful decision to take care of yourself by taking charge of your health. Much love to you!

Hi everyone, I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I wanted to tell you all that I'm so grateful for your kind words about depression after surgery. I'm right in the middle of it, and want to cry all the time. I too am so surprised about the amount of pain, the sadness, the vulnerability, the worry. I posted about this elsewhere, and have gotten a lot of great responses, but am finding such comfort in this thread as well. Thank you all for your kindness and comfort! Much love, Catey

I hear you, Nellie! It makes it a little tougher because my parents have never really been on board with my decision. They're supportive and sweet, and they're taking great care of me (I'm staying with them for the first few days), but neither one was really very excited about my decision. That makes it so much harder when I'm feeling vulnerable and blue, and questioning what I've done to myself. I still have a good amount of pain, so that makes me feel that much more low. I just hold on to what the others have said in this thread and others - that others felt this way too, that it does get better, and that the band was the best decision they made. Hang in there - every day gets us closer to healing and getting stronger.

Hi again, Nellie :-) I've heard that hunger can stay away for months, or can come back much sooner. I think because we're still very early in the pre-op phase, concentrating on getting liquids in is our main concern. I'm sure I'm dehydrated because I'm just not interested in putting anything at all in my stomach, but I'm working on it. I was also curious about how quickly to be drinking the Water. I'm just sipping slowly -- it takes me hours to get through a glass :-) But again, we're so early in the process that our tummies need time to heal. Be patient with yourself - treat yourself like you would your best friend if she had just had surgery. I'm sending you lots of hugs & kisses!