reverie

Your pre-op and post-op diet will depend on your surgeon. Most people pre-op are put on liquids for 1-2 weeks to help shrink the liver and overall prep the body for surgery. Some people are put on 2 liquid meals and a low carb/low fat solid meal; it all depends on your surgeon. Post-op we go through a liquid, mushy/soft food, and then solid food stage. I was on liquids for 2 weeks, mushies for 2 weeks, and onto solid foods. The timeframe here differs per surgeon as well. Pre-op I had Protein shakes, broth, Soups, and Water. Post-op liquids were about the same but I had Jello and sometimes sugar-free popsicles. Mushies was refried Beans with salsa and cheese, cottage cheese, thicker soups, ricotta cheese baked with spaghetti sauce, and really anything i could puree into a soft texture. Solids well..that's a given though I now only eat turkey and chicken most of the time, sometimes fish. I started off with a pretty low carb diet (around 30-40g of a carbs a day) for the first 7-8 months. At 9 months out I'm closer to goal and have started eating more grains and fruit. Hope this helps.

I use papaya enzyme chewables when I get stuck; they work great, taste good and help with digestion.

Liquids in liquids out..

EXACTLY!! Seems so many people don't get this.

Normal; you just had a port sewn to your stomach muscle. Mine hurt for a few weeks. Try a heating pad.

Could be eating too fast or too big of bites. I have yet to master eating slowly so I know exactly the pain you're feeling. Try to slow it down! I've been working on putting the fork down between bites and really chewing. It helps.

I'd say you're too tight. If you can't eat soft foods obviously you have too much restriction. Too much vomiting can harm your band; I'd get a small unfill.

Not too tight? Really? If you can't get any meats down, how are you not too tight? I don't see how eating 3 bites of food and feeling pain is any sort of healthy or something anyone wants. I'd really say you're too tight, maybe others will disagree, I just can't imagine not being able to eat any sort of meat without discomfort. Maybe try cottage cheese? Soft fish?

Congrats!

Many companies make RTD protein shakes that are already pre-made. Look into buying Muscle Milk Lite or Myoplex. You can also try Isopure drinks. They come in big glass bottles and can be taken along with you anywhere. Protein bars do work however, just make sure that the macros are right, ie. take a look at the sugars, carbs, etc.

Pizza used to be one of my favorites. Though I don't eat normal pizza anymore, I make my own at home and it tastes great. Find a low carb tortilla (Mama Lupe, Mission, or Flatout all have them) and use spaghetti sauce, mozzarella, and top with anything else you like. Pop it in the oven for a few and there's your "pizza." I sometimes use turkey pepperoni. Not the same, but comes real close. Works for me!

Soft food I believe. You could always call and ask

Personal preference, experience with the band, what they have been taught/learned, etc. Same reason why some dentists do dental procedures differently.

I was on liquids for 2 weeks I believe then soft foods for 2 weeks then solids. Stick to your doctor's post-op plan.

You'll be fine. Our bodies aren't that fragile...one mistake isn't gonna ruin everything. Next time, be more proactive. How can you not overeat? Portion out your meals ahead of time. This way when it's gone, it's gone and there's nothing more to eat. I stick to about a cup a meal, some do more, some less. Hope your pain goes away soon

Smart!! Glad you've found something that helps. I've found that keeping myself on a strict schedule really helped me; looks like you're doing the same.

Congrats! Onederland is an amazing place.

Lol..no offense here but your nutritionist is well, wrong. High Protein diets are the fad of the day and honestly, they work. I'm at 120g+ of protein a day, have been throughout my journey, and have lost 112lbs. Protein helps keep you satisfied for longer, which often means you're eating less calories and carbs which helps contribute to weight loss, not gain. Protein is also a must have because when you do lose weight, you need to lose fat, not muscle mass, meaning you need to eat enough protein to ensure that your fat percentages are decreasing NOT your muscle mass. 60-80 is a good range, but going above it will not make you gain weight.

I too had these same thoughts. I was young when I got banded, 18, and I thought along with others that I could lose the weight on my own. And you know, maybe I could have, but at the end of the day I did not have that "something" to make me stop eating and to make me feel satisfied. I was one to not eat all day, think it was okay to do so, and then splurge when I was around food. I'd eat and eat, get that feeling of wow I'm gonna burst, and then eat more. I had no portion control, with the band I do. Of course the decision to have surgery is your own personal decision and something that you need to sit down and think about. As it may have been said already and as you know the band is a tool. If you're motivated enough to lose on your own, maybe the band would be an even bigger push to help keep you motivated in the long run. However, seeing as how you've lost 100lbs and then gained it all back, I'd be a bit hesitant. The whole idea behind WLS and weight loss as a whole is learning and changing. While the band may and can help you with portion control and will help you stay fuller for longer, the fact is that you have to work with it. You have to learn to eat right, you have to exercise, and you have to stay motivated to lose. I'd sit down and consider what makes you gain weight in the first place. Are you overeating? Binging? Junk food? A combination? I feel that the band is best for those who are overweight due to overeating or at least that overeating is one of the contributors. I may get crap for saying that but I honestly don't feel it's for everyone. I think the talk with the bariatric surgeon will help. As I said, if you're motivated to lose on your own, the band just may be your golden ticket to lose and keep the weight off, but work on your part (ie. learning to eat right and exercise) is a must do. Good luck with whatever you choose!

None. The band was enough restriction for me. I can eat a cup of food and be satisfied for 3 hours. I've lost consistently and my surgeon sees no reason for a fill. He always asks during my appointments if I want one but I don't see the point. I didn't want a tight band where I couldn't eat bread or have to drink Protein shakes every morning.

Thanks Heather! Hopefully your surgery goes well; the 8th will be here before you know it! As for tips, some things I did/have learned along the way: Let yourself heal. The first 6 weeks are about healing not weightloss. Stay off the scale as much as possible during this time. Follow your post-op diet, it helps. Weigh-in once a week. Have a set day of the week and time to weigh-in. Weighing in everyday about ruined Protein, protein, protein..and more protein. I shoot for 20g of protein a meal at minimum. This is really important when you're back to eating normal foods. Protein helps keep you full. Count your calories, carbs, etc. I use myfitnesspal though there are other websites and apps you can use. Exercise! Treat yourself, and allow yourself to cheat it prevents binges. As for loose skin it all depends on your age, genetics, and how long you've been overweight for. Weightlifting can help but it's no cure. I am looking to have PS soon Feel free to PM me if you have anymore questions.

Untrue! I've lost a steady 1-3lbs a week and I'm 9 months out with 12lbs to go. Everyone is different.

Congrats!! Sounds like you're healing well. Hope your weigh-in goes well though just remember that the scale may be up, but it isn't a true gain if it is.

Nervousness is normal. You'll do great. Best of luck!

Congrats!! That makes pre-op a lot easier.