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Just starting week 5. I can eat between half a cup and 3/4 cup of food in general. Solid Proteins, maybe 2oz, they feel very heavy in my stomach. I cannot eat eggs yet, for some reason they feel like I am eating glass, no idea why. Takes a good hour to drink a 12oz shake.

Around the same stage and can eat about 3 oz of food.

Only your doctor can truly answer that question. If your doctor put in your band without any fill, then probably not. The swelling is going down from your surgery so you will feel more hunger, BUT you really shouldn't force yourself to eat more than you need to feel satisfied. Once you have fill in your band, forcing yourself to eat more can stretch your pouch, making it more difficult for you to feel satisfied with less food. When you reach satisified, just stop eating. Forcing yourself to keep eating isn't going to retrain your brain IMO. It will only continue bad eating habits.

Today I feel BETTER. I am actually less sore, but still have the gas. I can feel it in my back, of all places... which makes it hard to lay down on my back. I have been walking once down my street today and I am about to go back out once I finish this. If I could just get the gas to go away, I'd feel so much better! My stomach is still pretty sore but I can tell it's better from yesterday already. I am taking gas-x - the one that melts on your tongue but it's kind of gross and I hate taking it. I still have not taken pain meds. I have skin glue, so he said I could take a shower today - which I did. It helped make me feel more "human" but by the time I got out of the shower I was completely exhausted. I have zero energy, and walking, showering, even standing wears me out so quickly. It's unreal. All in all, I am feeling a lot more positive about things today. I am still sipping water, not very interested in any kind of food. Once I get the gas to go away I will be so much better!

My dr said that I can drink now with meals. As long as it is a little sip and you wait between another bite as you would with food, you are fine. I always have water with dinner, I don't consume that much though. Also, I don't remember being given any restrictions on drinking beforehand.

thanks guys! feeling a bit better now about feeling a bit better! hehe Again this morning I had some food get stuck, turkey and low fat cheese ... it all came back up again! Glad to hear that you know what I am talking about! I am down another LB today and I think its thanks to upping my Water intake and cutting out 1 Protein shake! GO ME!! means alot to me that you would take the time to reply to me with your experiences! x

You may want to make a note as to what gets stuck. I can't eat pork of any kind and I love pork hoping it will go away soon. Another thing I can't eat and gets stuck is processed turkey or chicken like sandwich meat just won't go down. It's a shame that foods we love don't loves us any more.and I'm ok with that now Surgery Anniversary 7/30/12

Yes! This is a great read! I made some of this info into stickers and put them in my food journal. Also, the “Baritastic” app is awesome if you don’t have it!

Hi all I am just wondering about something and I hope you who are more experienced than me can let me know what you think. ok, last week, if I ate too fast, like 2 spoonfuls, I would get that awful stuck feeling in my chest and would have to throw up... but the past few days, things are not getting stuck as much! I know how stupid this is going to sound, but I am worried now that things are going a little too well for me (despite being admitted to hospital last week but thats another story) I keep thinking that there is something wrong with my pouch, how, at this early stage, can it accept almost anything (havent eaten junky fatty foods) I was having light dumping after half of my meals but that seems to have stopped. Is it normal that the blocked up feeling eases after a while? I ate some chicken today.. and it got stuck, I was absolutely delighted!!!! Isnt that a bit mad? Like I said, I am worried that I feel so well. almost normal except for the amount I am eating. I sometimes feel I could eat more, but is the full feeling different to what it was before? or am I just not feeling it??? (sorry if its longwinded) amy <3

My suggestion is to stay on liquids and call your doc. Just for the sake of example, my doc required two full weeks of Clear Liquids, two weeks of full liquids, two weeks of soft foods, then gradually reintroduce solids. Potatoes are difficult for some including me. The starch maybe? They tend to be stickier and don't pass through like... say, gravy. Take it very easy and maybe stick to liquids for a bit longer?

Since I started mushies I haven't lost any more weight! This week I'm on regular foods and I'm kind of concerned that I'm not losing. I've been working out at the gym and I'm so close to being back in the 200's I'm 302.2 started pre op diet at 323. I'm just so anxious to hit my first big goal any suggestions on how to get the scale back moving?

You're doing great ! ! ! 1. When do you think I will be able to have sushi? I AM DYING HERE! HAHA - We already talked about this one LOL. See how your body tolerates it, go slow, and I hear the sashimi works great. The rice might be uncomfy just eat slow, and see how your body reacts. First signal of discomfort, stop. 2. They doctors told me to stop drinking 30 mins before my meals, not to drink during my meals, and to wait 30 mins after my meals before drinking. I have been doing this, but i find it annoying and hard to do at time. Is this something that I will always have to do? Or is it mostly in the first X amount of months that I have to do this? I have never had to stop drinking before my meals. With my band, I had to because liquid fills up your pouch, but we have stomachs so I was instructed to just not drink with my meals and to wait 30 minutes after my meal. 90% digestion occurs in the intestine. Drinking while eating will push the food through, and you may experience some hunger sooner if you flush the food through. I sip with a meal on occasion. I can fit more in. I still DO NOT experience hunger, but if I drink when I eat, I can fit more food in at this point. Early out, there really isn't room for liquids. It might be uncomfortable to drink. A couple of sips to wet my whistle after spicy/salty food never hurt. I took a big drink on accident once, and it hurt and caused some cramping. Lesson learned, sips are okay, big drinks not so much. 3. Will I ever be able to have Sprite or 7up ever in the future. I am not much of a soda drinker at all, and I realize it does stretch your sleeve. I'm talking a soda every once in a while. The only time I had soda was when I would go out to resturaunts or something. Lately I have been craving sprite (it's wierd), but do any of you down the road (6+ months post op) have soda at all? Also wondering for New Years about the soda thing cause I usually mix alcohol with soda, by then i will be almost 7 months post op. - I drink soda. I've drank soda on occasion since being at goal. They're empty calories, it hasn't caused my sleeve to stretch at all, and I enjoy a soda here and there. My surgeon doesn't believe it'll stretch the sleeve anymore than eating bread, Pasta and rice will stretch it. I can eat the same amount of food right now that I could at 7-8 months post-op. There hasn't been any change or negativity from me drinking soda. I'm not an advocate to go against doctor's orders so check with them. For my program, nothing is off limits for life. Moderation is the key. I drink rum/cokes regularly without issue. Well regularly, on the rare occasion that I go out drinking, that is my preference. I drink socially without any ill effects. My suggestion on drinking post sleeve is to drink at home first. It might hit you hard and fast the first time. At this stage for me, my alcohol tolerance is back to pre-op.

Im so sorry this is happening to you. And you are right, we're all in this together. I agree with Betty - there's alot of fast food places that have a great selection of low calorie foods. Ive been enjoying Burger King's whopper jr with no bun or mayo (just another idea). Things like this offer protien and veg's... and its healthy. Try getting back to basics... drinking 60 oz's of Water a day, eating protien first, veg's lastly carbs. You can do this. Youve done it before and you CAN do it again! good luck

I had my surgery on 8/28/06. I know that I don’t and won’t have any restriction until my first fill. But right now I am eating just as I normally would pre-surgery, which is NOT healthy eating at ALL. And Ive gained back the 10 lbs I lost in the liquid phase. I’ve had no vomiting or uncomfortable feelings at all. (Which I kind of wish I had so that I could stop eating) <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p> How much of a difference does a filled band make verses an unfilled band? I understand that its not a cake walk but it has to be easier than this or I would have just dieted without the band to lose weight. It certainly would have been cheaper. I’m really starting to wonder if they even put a band in there, lol. <o:p> </o:p> I am really disappointed in myself but am mainly curious to know if this eating like this now could cause some type of problem when I actually get the fill. Am I setting myself up for failure? <o:p> </o:p> I guess what I am really asking is, how many of you pigged out when you found that solid foods were okay? And was it easier when your band was filled? Am I abnormal? I’m really depressed about this, no more’Yay, happy I’m going to lose weight’ feeling. :help:

My post op diet instructions went like this first week - thin liquids second week - thick liquids third week - soft foods fourth week - regular foods advance as tolerated by days 8 - 10 I was eating soft foods. I was told absolutely no Peanut Butter. However other folks eat peanut butter just fine. I personally don't like it so I don't eat it. Didn't your surgeon give you any guidelines? My doc had a specific day by day what I could eat packet that I had to read before surgery. Matter of fact he read it to me at my preop appointment.

Congratulations on your 1 year bandiversary.....WOOHOOOO How are you guys celebrating? I went out to lunch and had a good time.....not with the food but with friends. LOL

Ms. H S you have come to far to turn back now. Are you 2 jobs sit down jobs? Can you bring your own food, do you have time to sit down and eat or just snack? Look at your before and after pics. Put on some of your old clothes and remember how you use to fill them out. Why did you have the surgery? Remind yourself of your goals and what you want for your future. Are you any happy since losing 30 some pounds? You need a support system, at home, work or by phone. Sometimes you need someone to remind you of how good you look or much better you feel about yourself. You know what to do, it just isn't real easy to do it.

I've reached the regular food stage of healing (banded 11/17), but I have NO idea what to eat! I guess it could be the years of planned out meals and diet plans that's causing me to be so confused, but could someone please guide me in the right direction? Am I aiming for a weight watchers way of eating?

Can a person become easliy dehydrated because they are restricted from drinking alot of Fluid at once? Two part answer. Part 1: I can still chug. Only once has drinking liquid ever bothered me, and it was when I was stuck - stupid me thought a drink might help. Part 2: "Drinking a lot at once" isn't really a good solution to avoiding dehydration, banded or not. Constatn hydration is a better way to go. If you go through with the surgery, your dietician or surgeon SHOULD at some point advise that you always keep a bottle of Water handy. Keep in in the car, carry one with you, etc. so that if needed you can constantly sip. The second question I have is about throwing up. I understand that throwing up can cause band slippage. But what happens when a person has the flu or gets food poisoning? There may be times when a person will throw up alot. How much can the lap band handle? There is no set amount it can handle, like vomitting twice is OK, but if you vomit 3 times your band will slip. I rarely vomit (2x in the last 20 years). Regardless, I still asked my PCP for something to help, because I know it could lead to problems, so she phones me in a Rx for a liquid anti-nausea medicine. I consider it a good prevenative to have on hand. I have read on alot of sites about how the lap band is a great tool to lose weight. I also have read that people have them removed. In general, is the lap band a temporary solution? In general it is a permanent solution. Is it meant to help you lose most of your excess weight and then removed? No. How long do people usually keep the band in? Another question that's hard to quanitfy. I know two women who have had theirs for about 6 years and counting. Most studies beyond 2001 occurred outside of the US, and since *most* of the people here live in the US, we can't help much other than to suggest you look up some medical research or contact band manufactuers to get your info. And finally, because I am 25, I expect to be very active once I lose my weight. With gastric bypass, hernias are a problem and people are not supposed to lift heavy things. Are there physical restrictions to people with the lap band? Not that I know of. Can I do sit-ups and ab-crunches without disrupting the band? Should not be a problem. The band is secured around your organ. If your organ isn't disrupted, then your band shouldn't be.

Hi everyone! I am new to this forum and have a few questions. I am a 25 year old female and I weigh just over 300lbs. I have tried many diets including Atkins and Weight Watchers. Like many others here, I have been overweight my entire life. It seems that one of the biggest regrets of others is not having this surgery sooner. I am wasting the best years of my life right now by being overweight. I am seriously considering the lap band. I have a few questions that hopefully someone will answer. First, I am worried about the amount of fluids a person can drink. When I excersise, I tend to drink ALOT of Water. Can a person become easliy dehydrated because they are restricted from drinking alot of Fluid at once? The second question I have is about throwing up. I understand that throwing up can cause band slippage. But what happens when a person has the flu or gets food poisoning? There may be times when a person will throw up alot. How much can the lap band handle? I have read on alot of sites about how the lap band is a great tool to lose weight. I also have read that people have them removed. In general, is the lap band a temporary solution? Is it meant to help you lose most of your excess weight and then removed? How long do people usually keep the band in? And finally, because I am 25, I expect to be very active once I lose my weight. With gastric bypass, hernias are a problem and people are not supposed to lift heavy things. Are there physical restrictions to people with the lap band? Can I do sit-ups and ab-crunches without disrupting the band? I really appreciate the time people will spend responding to me. This board has already been really informative. I am on the verge of taking the step towards surgery. I am so glad to know that if I do, there are many friends out there that have already been down that path. Trisha

Hi newbie! Congratulations on considering the lap band as a way to support your weight loss dreams. Your questions about exercise and hydration, as well as situps and crunches can best be answered if you post them in the Exercise Forum or the General or Support Forums. Not many people look at this forum on a regular basis. My band has only been in since Aug.28 and I am learning as I go. As far as vomiting goes, I have gathered that a large part of the potential risk in vomiting comes in the post operative period before the area is healed and the band is fully seated. In fact, my doctor had me wear an anti-nausea patch to minimize throwing up immediately post surgery. They last for three days and I borrowed another one from my husband for an additional three days when I discovered that the smell of food cooking made me terribly nauseous. Never did throw up though! Others have mentioned having the flu after the post op period and experiencing no difficulties. Do not consider the lap band a temporary solution. It is meant to be left in without removal even after goal weight is achieved. Most of us would probably gain all the weight plus more back if our stomachs returned to full size. The only time removal is considered is when there is a serious complication and removal is the choice of last resort. The magic of the band is its adjustablity -- it can be set to maximize your weight loss when you are in that stage and adjusted as needed. If you have a serious illness or pregnancy, the fill can be removed to allow more normal eating. I've provided a link to a helpful web site with great information about the lap band which should answer some questions for you. I would also recommend attending an information seminar about the lap band surgery. Attending does not obligate you to the surgery or to that surgeon. During my seminar the doctor went out of his way to give the pros and cons of both lap band and gastric bypass so that we could make the most informed choice possible. I really appreciated the validation of my reasons for choosing lap band, and I equally appreciated being very sure why I did not feel that the gastric bypass was an option for me. So take the time you need to feel good about this big decision, but also don't dither endlessly or you really will be one of those people who regrets not having done it sooner! :- ) http://www.lapbandsolutions.com/94829E_LB_Patient_Book.pdf Take care of yourself and keep posting. We are all in this together.

I agree with your comment about being tight is the only way to lose, as there is no point if you can still eat the kinds of foods we ate pre op. I can eat any sloppy foods with sauces or gravey that is enough for me, but im tight enough to keep me off bread stuff like pizza and take aways so im happy. It all depends on how much restriction each individual will be happy with and how far you want to go.

:thumbup: How is it going for you guys? I have really been a rule follower since I got my band. I have had a bite or 2 of sweet foods but mostly I have been trying to do the most with my band. I did well right up to lunch on Thanksgiving day and now it is 3 days later and... I am still eating sweets and things made with cream soups :wink2:!! I do plan on going back to the rules tomorrow (Sunday). There is one pie still hanging around the house but I expect my kids to take care of that. Anybody else nervouse about all the get togethers and eat togethers scheduled in their life between now and New Years day? I don't want to gain....heck I would like to lose a little the next month! Any stragies you would like to share? I would love to hear them!!

Hi, was banaded on 7/22/08, by Dr. Joseph Galloway in Mobile Al, The most wonderful surgeon I ever met. I had no complications from surgery, everything went well, went home the day after. Did my full liquids now onto soft foods, follow-up appt. was 7/31/08, had lost 15 lbs, Dr. Joe doesn't require a two week pre-op. So my surgery was on a Tues, my husband took me to New Orleans the week-end before surgery and we had all our fav foods, gumbo, muffellate, shrimp po' boys, jambalaya, it was wonderful. I can honestly say I don't even think of this as a diet, it just a new way of making food choices, for you better health. I don't go back for six weeks unless problems, but I feel great. Debe

Just thought I would post a link for this great food journal I have used over the years. Site - www.doithome.com It is downloadable so it is much quicker than journaling online. You can download it for free but if you pay for it (I think it is 39.99) you can customize it to the amount of weight you would like to lose and for different diet plans. It has a great food list, but you can add to it if what you are not looking for is not in there. Just thought I would share for those who journal. =) Shawna