JoiaRox

Easy thing about eating/drinking post-op? You physically CAN'T drink while, or after, you eat. It hurts. Seriously - I have to wait a good 30 minutes after a meal to even think about sipping something (I'm almost 12 weeks post op). Even if you don't get the habit down pre-op, you'll be forced to do it after!

I don't see old man NOR too thin. I'm jealous of your success, and hope to be there myself someday!

I told my students that I had brain surgery initially - they bought it, but I eventually talked more openly about my surgery (LapBand back then). In the end, it didn't matter to me what my high school students thought or tweeted about me - goodness knows they had enough "ammo" pre-op!

I asked at my most recent appointment (I'm 3.5 weeks out) and was told "I don't care how many calories you consume, or how much weight you lose! I want you to meet the protein, fluid & vitamin goals and heal!" The tool isn't fully healed, yet, so work on your minimum goals and the tool will be ready to rock before you know it!

Chew, chew, chew and go slow! It doesn't hurt, per say, but you will feel your stomach adjusting to the consistency. I can now eat purees almost like a normal person, but I've been doing them almost 2 weeks now

Mmm...butter flavored protein would ROCK! I should add - I use a lot of PB2 (powdered peanut butter) in my protein shakes, especially with either my vanilla or protein flavors! Not only does the flavor give an extra kick, but I get an additional 5g of protein!

I've been on this stage for a week - granted, everyone's NUT has different recommendations, but here are my common foods: Fat-free refried beans (w/melted cheese or Laughing Cow wedges) Any soup that sounds yummy - blended up in my magic bullet (loaded baked potato - YUM!) Greek yogurt Mashed potatoes (again, add some Laughing Cow wedges - extra protein & flavor!) Protein shakes (although I'm more creative with them now - google some recipes!) Turkey Chili (either blended or not - if not, I chew any chewable pieces up really well first!) Scrambled eggs - small bites, go slow! My NUT and doctor said, essentially, I can eat anything that doesn't require chewing (although I have to chew my eggs...but they said those were okay!). I was also told that I should try one food at a time to see how my body reacts - tuna canned in water, for instance, is "allowed" on my list of puree foods, but I'm too scared to try it quite yet. I was reminded at my follow up earlier this week to just go slow, introduce foods one at a time, and remember that you are NOT healed yet! I do drink coffee with creamer and unsweetened iced tea...oh, and plenty of water! Caffeine has never been a "no no" for me, but I'm not allowed to try carbonated drinks until I'm 30 days post-op. Hope that helps! If nothing else, you could get a Quarter Pounder w/Cheese and throw it in a blender!!

I'm sorry you're having such a horrible experience!

So sorry to hear about the hernia repair! But, yes, another nap is what I need too. Yay for sleeve sisters! I'm lucky not to have to crush any of the pills I was given (anti-nausea and pain) and only had to spend one night in the hospital. Happily recovering at home now!

My start weight was taken a week before surgery, and since that date I've lost an average of 2.1 pounds per week (handy FitDay program tells me so!). While I feel like it's MUCH slower now than it was 8 months ago, it's really all in my head. But, in reality, sometimes weight flies off and sometimes it doesn't. Note: I do NOT follow a diet, I do NOT track calories and I rarely work out (when I do, I put ON weight...go figure! LOL). I simply listen to the band, make healthier food options in general (honestly, they go down better anyway) and work out when I feel like it (just tried my first Zumba class last week). Bottom line? We're all different! But, yes, 1-2 pounds a week is the average according to all the stats I've read and doctors I've talked to.

Yup, it's a sign you're too full - or, if you've been at your sweet spot, that you're stressed out and something's tightening up your band for you. I'm at heartburn round #3 after the third time of being filled up to 9.0cc. I've been bouncing from 8.5cc to 9.5cc since the end of May - we finally took me back to 9.0 from 8.5 last Wednesday, three days later? Heartburn returned. Seriously. It's getting old. I've been using various remedies, but the QUICKEST and most EFFICIENT remedy? Unfill. Even a 0.5cc unfill makes a complete, 180 degree difference :cursing:

I'd go in for a SMALL fill. I went back and forth for three months getting filled because of the symptoms you're describing, then getting an unfill because I couldn't eat anything, then getting a fill again because of the same symptoms...then unfill because I couldn't drink liquids...yeesh! Just be CONSERVATIVE with your fills! I'm now filled to a level where I don't have a problem with EVERY food, small bites aren't INSANELY necessary, and I'm learning to be satisfied with the foods I eat. Remember, the band is a TOOL...if you eat the wrong foods, filled or not, you're not doing it right!

I'm another one whose doctor had no restriction on caffeine...I live on iced tea, Starbucks, etc. and have since my surgery. I'm NOT allowed to drink carbonation (it inflates the pouch)...and faced the consequence of acid reflux in a band that was too tight last week when I ordered and drank a large Diet Coke from Burger King. Carbonation doesn't seem to be an issue in looser bands, but WATCH OUT when your band is tight! That acid reflux is murder...

I'm sorry...I read the entire thread and am laughing at my US colleagues here. Did you not see his post (and the post from Aus) about the fact that their doctor doesn't encourage a certain amount of Protein? WHY DO YOU PEOPLE KEEP POSTING THAT HE NEEDS MORE PROTEIN?! I, like you, don't choose to see this as a diet of any sort - I eat what I want, but in smaller portions. I'm IN the USA and I don't stick to a protein rule...funny, I've lost nearly 80 pounds in the 8 months since my LapBand surgery. Guess I must be doing something right? Also, I understand what you're saying about not getting enough calories = no weight loss. My band was too tight for the better part of the last three months and my weight loss stalled dramatically because I simply wasn't eating ENOUGH (weird concept, eh?). If you find that your weight loss is stalling, force yourself to add some yogurt, apple sauce...even a milkshake (loaded with calories) just to see if the shake up in calories will help jump start the weight loss again. Either way you go? I wouldn't recommend eating the exact, same things every day...regardless of what foods you choose, that IS a diet, in essence. Find things that work with your band, but stay within a calorie range that keeps you losing. It's not easy science, but our body gets bored on eating the same foods day in, day out, just like we do. I'm at a very tight 9.0cc in a 14.0cc band and there are many foods that don't work for me anymore - but there are plenty that do :thumbup:

I went through them - took 2 months from consultation to surgery, and I'm now 8 months post-op. While the red tape was difficult to get through initially (I kept calling and demanding to speak to the various people I needed to, and kept calling to check on insurance status, etc.), Dr. Salimitari did my surgery (he's AWESOME!) and I love the satellite office I go to every few weeks here in Bakersfield. It's been a great experience for me!