Dear Bandsters:

I had surgery one week ago. I was in a lot of pain. It was no cakewalk. Today I am feeling a little better but I am very tired. I have had ups and downs. I’ve questioned myself about if this was a good decision. I have many questions that I tried to find answers in this lap band website but it’s been hard to find all the answers. They are spread out everywhere, and I feel so weak and tired. I would really appreciate if you could help me. Below I have some questions. I want to have the best nutrition possible. Can you please copy and paste it to your answer so you can answer them? You have no idea how much this will help (or probably you do since you have gone through this).

• In one week I have lost 10 lbs. Is that average?
  

• Which are the best vitamins to take and what dosage?
  

• What are the best supplements (calcium citrate or the other, etc)
  

• Best chocolate protein drinks or powder without chalky taste?
  

• Best tasting clear liquids protein drinks?
  

• Any lotions or tricks to prevent saggy skin?
  

• When will I feel normal again?
  

• Any good blogs or website that could be helpful now that I have the band?
  

• Any other good tip you think I should know?
  

Thanks a lot for being so supportive J

Dear Bandsters:

I had surgery one week ago. I was in a lot of pain. It was no cakewalk. Today I am feeling a little better but I am very tired. I have had ups and downs. I’ve questioned myself about if this was a good decision. I have many questions that I tried to find answers in this LAP-BAND® website but it’s been hard to find all the answers. They are spread out everywhere, and I feel so weak and tired. I would really appreciate if you could help me. Below I have some questions. I want to have the best nutrition possible. Can you please copy and paste it to your answer so you can answer them? You have no idea how much this will help (or probably you do since you have gone through this).

• In one week I have lost 10 lbs. Is that average?
  
• We are all so different, there is really no average. Enjoy the downs on the scale and don't sweat the ups. I TRY to weigh just once a week so I don't fret over the fluctuations too much.
  

• Which are the best Vitamins to take and what dosage?
  
• I don't know about the "best" but I take a plain old Multivitamin (no big name brand). That's all my doc required. I also take Calcium as I'm on a med that depletes my calcium in my body, but a multivitamin is all my doc required.
  

• What are the best supplements (calcium citrate or the other, etc) (see above)
  

• Best chocolate Protein drinks or powder without chalky taste?
  
• My doc had us using Slimfast Optima preop, so i keep that on hand for days when I have a stuck issue and need to revert to some liquid Protein. I haven't needed to do it, but you could add any chocolate protein whey isolate to it. I tend to use more vanilla protein in a smoothie for Breakfast, than using the chocolate.
  

• Best tasting clear liquids protein drinks?
  
• Don't use this.
  

• Any lotions or tricks to prevent saggy skin? In all honesty, it will be what it will be, so IMO use a moisturizer to take care of your skin, not with any expectation of preventing saggy skin. A lot of what your end result will be regarding sagging skin relates to your age, how long you have been overweight, how overweight you were, etc.
  

• When will I feel normal again?
  
• Give yourself time. You had major surgery. You should feel better soon. Rest when you can and make sure you are getting your protein in, that will make a difference. Don't push yourself if you don't feel up to doing things!!!
  

• Any good blogs or website that could be helpful now that I have the band?
  
• Honestly, this website was the most helpful to me. I was off the site for a while, felt I was "obsessed" with lapband details. Now that the holidays are over I need to get back to band basics and get off the holiday merry-go-round, and this site is really the most helpful and encouraging. (IMO)
  

• Any other good tip you think I should know?
  
• Be patient with the process. You may notice restriction right away, but you may not. It may take several fills to get to your "sweet spot." Just be very proactive in going for your appts and keeping on top of things if you feel you need a fill, etc.
  

Hope this has helped a little bit. Best of luck!!!!

* In one week I have lost 10 lbs. Is that average?

BamBam hit the nail on the head - we are all lose differently. I lost 17 my first week, but I'm slowly adding more solid food and getting my appetite back, so it won't be long before I expect to gain a few back.

* Which are the best Vitamins to take and what dosage?

A multi-Vitamin should be fine, unless you have a particular deficiency.

* What are the best supplements (calcium citrate or the other, etc)

I really don't know.

* Best chocolate Protein drinks or powder without chalky taste?

I'm using Ultimate Nutrition Iso-Sensation 93 and there is no after taste, but it's actually a bit too sweet for me - oddly something I've never had a problem with before when it comes to food.

* Best tasting clear liquids protein drinks?

I haven't tried one, but I've read comments about the difficulty of finding one that is truly tasteless. I think GNC sells samplers, so you might want to check there before you spend big money on Proteins that taste bad. Also, I think GNC has a good return policy for that type of thing.

* Any lotions or tricks to prevent saggy skin?

I'm using some peptide cream on incisions to reduce scarring, but I don't think anything will help with saggy skin. It has a lot to do with age, genetics, weight yo-yoing before the band and things we just can't control. I'm crossing my fingers on this one, but like you said it will be what it will be. If I have serious issues and I anticipate my arms will need some help, then I will most likely look into a brachioplasty or some form of plastic surgery.

* When will I feel normal again?

I'm only two weeks post-op and a week ago I felt like I was in hell with the fatigue, pain, gas and nausea. Today I feel like I never had surgery, but everyone's body is different. In general, it seems like everyone says to wait until week two or three and you'll start to feel like your old self.

* Any good blogs or website that could be helpful now that I have the band?

For me, this site has been invaluable. It's really the only place I use, with the exception of reading personal blogs - I find the links from other members here.

* Any other good tip you think I should know?

Relax and let your body recover right now. You just had major surgery and it's going to take a bit before you feel "normal". Also, keep posting here - the support I get has helped me tremendously and right now that is what you need most.

Keep your chin up - this is a brand new beginning for you *yay*