I'm getting banded next month and I was just wondering if anyone out there had to handle the banding process while in college? Im really worried about being able to make my own food or find appropriate foods during the first 2 weeks after my surgery (mushy foods, soft foods, etc.). Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do or what you did?

Thanks!

Hey I was recently banded on January 5th and am a sophomore in college. Luckily for me though I had about a week after surgery before I had to move back to school. I do think it would be hard to be back the first couple of days right after surgery. The main problem I am having as you said is having to make/provide my own food because the cafeteria food is not ideal for our situation.

My surgeon only had me eating mushy food for the first week after that I am pretty much eating normal food now just chewed A LOT and mostly Protein anyway.

It is a little bit hard. Im doing a Protein shake for most breakfasts and a have a lot of yogurt and applesauce, stuff like that stocked in my room fridge.

Keep in touch maybe we can end up sharing tips with each other as time goes on. Anything helpful I come across I'll try to let you know I'm still getting used to it.

I'm planning on getting the surgery on a weekend and go back to school on monday, I go to school an hour and a half away from home. My surgeon has me on liquid for a week after, than mushy the next two weeks I believe. After that I'm not too concerned about eating at school. They only serve organic, and non fried foods, which is convenient.

Let me know how everything goes, and good luck!

I am in college too. It's about an hour drive from my house. I can't just run home and have lunch. I took protein shakes when I was on full liquids. Now I take some sandwich meat and string cheese, salad. My doc has me on low carb. I also carry some propel packets in my purse. I can buy a water and pour in the packet for a little flavor. I was banded 1-4-10 and returned to school 1-11-10. I think I had plenty of time to recoup. I do have a rolling bag now though. I use it because of lifting restrictions. My books have gotten to be too heavy anyway. Good luck in school and with the band.

Hey-

I had my lap band a while ago (2.5 yrs), but I am at college living with it.

If you have a blender, it will be your best friend during your intro stage (or forever...) Also if you have access to a grocery store get some cottage cheese- its cheap and Protein packed. I don't know if your doing the low carb thing or not but there are plenty of options!

Hit me up if ya'll got any questions... about anything

I got banded on 3-26-10 and I'm a freshman in college. I'm sort of on a regular diet again but it's still hard. I don't have the ability to have certain foods in my room so I just have to pick and choose down at the cafe carefully (it's rather annoying). For most of this week I've been living on chicken and eggs but that's just because there wasn't much around that I could eat.

I took off school for a week after my surgery and things weren't bad at all when I got back.