faz1988

And for what it's worth Jackie, I think you should try making your shakes slightly colder. Why don't you make them as cold as possible without condensation on the glass? I mean, theoretically Jello has to be refrigerated and is cold when eaten, so I would assume your Protein shakes could be refrigerated temperature.

I feel your pain Jackie-- This period is pretty divisive among Bandsters I think. Meaning, with skim Milk and the right powder, Protein shakes honestly don't taste all that different than a milkshake or a malt to me. That being said, I don't really care for milkshakes or ice cream. I find them too sweet. My weakness is hot savory foods (like pizza heehee). As a result, I think this period is more of a tough adjustment for people like me, since a majority of the things that are allowed are sweet: Jello, Protein Shakes, carnation instant breakfast, thinned juices, etc. I think that's why some people seem to have almost no trouble making it through this period, and some find it hellish. Either way, cream Soups are calling my name tomorrow, and I cannot wait to dig into some tomato Soup from La Madeline.

You should weigh yourself for motivation! I know that month 1 is about healing and not losing, but being on only liquids is bound to cause some weight loss, so you might as well enjoy it (since it probably will come back when we adjust to solids again). For now, just enjoy the number going down!

Haha I am in the same boat as you. I was banded on 9/8, and for all of yesterday and day before, I was HYPNOTIZED by food. Seriously, commercials would come on for stuff like Frosted Mini-Wheats, which I don't even like, and I was salivating. I had been living off of Protein shakes (w/ Water, not milk), Jello, and chicken broth since the surgery. I ended up going to Panera and getting some chicken noodle Soup and just drinking the broth and it made me feel so much better. I just needed a different taste in my mouth, I suppose. I am so excited to have a normal cream soup for dinner tomorrow night.

I was banded a week ago (the dr put about 2cc into my 14cc band at surgery), and from day one, I've pretty much had no problem drinking Water like normal or taking normal-sized sips of broth/juice/protein shakes, etc. I have read a lot of other people say that they are unable to take normal sized sips without feeling tight or constricted after surgery, especially week 1 when we're still swollen and healing. I was wondering if anyone had insight on this. I haven't chugged a whole bottle of water per se, but if I'm thirsty in the middle of the night, I've had no problem taking 4-5 large gulps continuously (not putting the glass down) and I haven't felt pain or discomfort. What were you guys' experiences in this regard? Am I out of the ordinary? Did I just heal faster because I'm 22? Is my band superrrr loose?

On Thursday, I can finally start to have what my doctor calls 'full liquids', which means I can incorporate milk into the Protein shakes again (they are disgusting with Water right now). Here's my question: Are cream-based Soups considered mushies or full liquids? I'm thinking of the broc and cheddar Soup from Panera or their Baked Potato soup. I would take any chunks out, but the consistency of the soups themselves are wayyy thicker than broth. Any thoughts?

I was banded a week ago, and since the surgery I have lost between 11-12 lbs. While I'm obviously glad to see the numbers go down, I'm thinking that this can't be terribly healthy, and I don't want to do anything that's not healthy to lose weight. For week 1, I've been on Clear liquids, and between a couple of Protein shakes (with water) and broth, I feel like I'm getting about 50g of protein and about 600-800 calories per day. I'm assuming this will all come be gained back once I start solids, but should I force myself to eat more Protein Shakes until I can have fuller Soups? Just looking for input!

I was banded on 9/8 as well, and was worried about the same thing. I am a full-time college student, and the lack of energy that comes from not eating just isn't an option for me. My doctor said to up my Protein shakes to 3X a day, and even do the non-low fat ones if I needed to. That way I'd at least be getting about 1000 calories in.

So I had surgery on Thursday, and my doctor told me not to shower till Saturday. I want to shower today, but am kinda scared. My biggest incision has a square credit-card sized bandaid over it, and the rest just have regular band-aids that look like they go on kids' 'booboos'. Shouldn't I have hardcore gauze or bandaging going on? I'm afraid that showering will either be painful (with Water and soap getting into a raw area) or lead to infection. Any tips? I normally shower in really hot water, is this okay? Should I use my loofah and soap or not?

Thanks Carol! I actually feel fine for the most part, when I'm sitting in one place watching TV or reading. Even taking small steps around the house is fine. I just have this discomfort around my port whenever I move. I can't imagine going to school/work like this on Tuesday. Hopefully, I'll be better tomorrow and even better on Sunday.

I had a big pillow on the way home, but didn't really need it since it was mostly smooth highway driving. My vicodin is a liquid syrup-- it's disgusting but it works.

Thanks for all the advice and kind words everyone! Surgery went off without a hitch and I was home about 5 hours after. The gas hasn't been too awful-- it mostly hurts in my shoulder when I sleep. I've been a lifelong side sleeper, so it's hard to get used to sleeping on my back. Of my five incisions, four are covered with bandaids (I can see the white stich things underneath) and the fifth is covered with a big rectangular bandage (about the size of a credit card). Is this my port? Whatever it is, this is the one that hurts the most. Whenever I move or do anything. I'm trying to avoid taking the vicodin during the day, but I might have to in order to be comfortable. Either way, I'm sure this will all heal soon enough! So excited to finally be a bandster!

I'm having surgery in about 8 hours, and I'm so excited! I'm confident it will go well! I have never been under before, but it should be fine... Is there anything I should take with me to the hospital? They said I should be home by mid-afternoon, so a change of clothes isn't really necessary. I feel a little odd about being passed out naked on a table, but I guess that's what surgery is, right? Looking forward to sharing my post-surgery recap with you guys! This forum is really a handy tool for bandsters, and tomorrow I'll be an official one!