1shauna1

I had a de-fill yesterday too, of .25cc. It has made such a difference! Before I couldn't even drink my coffee in the morning without getting stuck. This morning....ah, glorious coffee!

Thanks for the info! I do appreciate it! I'm always learning something on this board!

Good news, in a strange way! I'm sure the surgery will help with that as well! Good luck!

That's a good idea, yes they have decent protein. What about cottage cheese too?

I quit about 11 years ago, but if I still smoked, I doubt I would quit because of this surgery. I think it's pretty standard to say this before any type of surgery. Hopefully you can quit, though!

Really?! Hm, didn't know this! Is it because of a person's gallbladder then?

Glad you are doing well! Some people seem to have a really hard time with pain/gas, but it's good you didn't (I didn't either really). I think I was fairly hungry after as well....but do your best to follow your stage timelines, as they are there to help you heal.

Wear loose pants without a tight waistband, and a comfy top. I didn't have to wear a binder; in fact had never thought of/heard of such a thing. I can see how it would help though if you're a sloucher, but I don't think it's necessary. And as mentioned, take your pain meds, at least for the first couple of days. I think the first 3-4 days were the worst pain-wise. Get your rest too!

You have dumping with bypass because you can no longer digest certain things. With the band you have your entire stomach....so maybe this is your gallbladder? Many people have to have it removed after weight loss surgery.

Protein should be the first thing you eat. If you don't do meat you need to look at other sources. Katwomantexas had some good suggestions. You could also try beans, etc. And yes, many bandsters eat low carb. They avoid potatoes, pasta, etc. You could try a free site to track your food/caloric intake like Sparkpeople or myfitnesspal.

I use myfitnesspal.com. It's free, and they also have an app.

Are you eating a lot of Beans now? I dunno....don't know what it could be. I haven't had this issue!

Good luck! Hope all goes well.

I guess, all we can say is hang in there! I didn't have to do such a diet but I've heard it's hard....and you're relying on your willpower to keep you on it. But this diet helps get your liver in shape for the surgery (and there have been some posts about how some people didn't get banded because their livers were too fatty). There are good reasons why your doctor wants you to do this, and you can!

I don't know, but I know I often feel more restriction after a few days. I'd be interested to hear the answer to this!

I'm sorry to hear that! I just had a .25 cc de-fill, taking me back to 4.75 cc in my 10cc band....I feel much better. Can you get another fill? You've got to feel restriction at some point!

Blend the crap out of them, or if you get a cream soup, strain it to get out the chunks. If you love milk/chocolate milk, this is a good time to drink a lot of of it!

Get a cream soup and strain it (mushroom or something). You could drink chocolate milk too.

Hi! I'm in Canada so I was self-pay too. As you say, the band won't stop you from eating candy and chips (in fact they are still very easy to eat when banded; they are called "sliders" because they just go right through). It helps with portion control but I can easily eat a bag of chips still. So, I don't know; I would suggest meeting with a band doctor and talking with them. Maybe you just need to stop buying that stuff and keeping it in your house? I know, easier said than done....

Glad you are feeling better!! I got the minimum fill they would give me at my last fill 3 weeks ago (.5 cc) and it's too much....hoping they'll be able to remove half of that tomorrow but I have a feeling they'll take it all. Which really sucks because then I'll be back to where I was before, and I wasn't losing at that place.

I'm at 5 cc in a 10cc band....but tomorrow will probably be back to 4.5 cc

Yes, right after you'll be on clear liquids, so broths, jello, Popsicles. Then you can move onto "full liquids" like cream soups, milk, and I can't remember if smooth yogurt is included in that. But yes, your doctor will give you a list of what's okay and when you can move to the next step.

I just filled out a questionnaire but I doubt they would have turned me down as I'm self-pay! Just be honest, I guess!

Awesome work and you look great!

I was told about 1000-1200 cals a day....so each doctor is different, I suppose. I consider myself a struggler. I had thought I would be at goal by now for sure (losing 80 lbs in 18 months? No problem with the band!). However, I am only down 35. And it is mostly my own fault (although I keep getting too tight and needing de-fills which doesn't help but I'm definitely guilty of not eating what I'm supposed to all the time). However, I know I'd be even heavier than when I started, if I didn't get this. So I'm grateful for that. Just wish it wasn't such a struggle!