So here is my dilema, I had surgery June 29th and then my mother in law passed away on July 2nd. I was doing well with my liquids until this happened. I started eating regular soft food on July 2nd because of the stress and then we had to travel to Mississippi for burial. I have not had any side effects (vomiting, sticking, etc) but was wondering if I could mess something up even if I feel fine. I am getting back on track as we are finally returning home tomorrow. I have still been losing weight. I am not looking for an excuse but someone who may have started the soft food early. For example I had some fish and mac and cheese for dinner. Any advice is helpful. Thanks!

so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law-my prayers are with you.

I had my surgery on 6-23 and I was so hungry on day three I moved on to mushies and ate mashed potatoes for a day or two and have been eating regular food ever since with no problem.

First, I am very sorry for your loss. This must be a difficult time for your family.

However, part of this is journey is learning how NOT to turn to food when life throws a curve-ball.

Since the first 4-6 weeks after surgery are supposed to be for optimal healing (even though it may not seem like it, your liver was lifted and some tissue was punched through to pop that band on there), please discuss advancing your diet with your doctor and/or the staff at your bariatric clinic before doing it yourself. If you are that hungry, I worry that you are not getting enough liquids. (My surgeon wants his patients to have Protein Drinks during the first couple weeks too. If your surgeon does too, are you getting the recommended amount of Protein? It helps keep you from being soooo hungry).

This is from the LAP-BAND® website:

"Liquid Diet (1–2 weeks post-procedure) The goal during this early post-procedural period is to protect the small stomach pouch. Only thin liquids can be tolerated at this time. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of Water. Other liquids recommended during this phase include:

• clear broth or Soup (with no vegetables or meat, and not creamy)
  
• skim milk
  
• fruit juice
  
• no-sugar-added popsicles
  
  

Pureed Foods (3–4 weeks post-procedure) During this phase you may start having slightly textured foods. Aim for the consistency of baby foods. This will help you transition to more solid foods later. Because protein is so important for maintaining muscle while you lose weight, eat protein-rich foods first, and then move on to fruits and vegetables. Foods in this stage may include:

• pureed skinless chicken or fish
  
• mashed potatoes
  
• peas
  
• low-fat yogurt or pudding
  

In the first few weeks you may be able to eat foods that might not be allowed in your diet later, as these foods may contain too many calories. It is more important in the first few weeks to let your stomach adjust to the LAP-BAND® System than it is to lose weight. Also, your timing and progression into each dietary phase may vary. In general, when it comes to nutrition, you should follow the advice of your physician and/or dietitian."

Maybe I'm being too cautious, but this was one of the biggest and longest thought out decisions of my life, and I suspect yours too. So please talk to your doc and be sure s/he blesses your choice before going any further with the change to your diet!

Hugs and warm wishes to you and your family!

I agree that you should not advance your diet without consulting your Dr whatever the circumstances. Even though you feel fine you may be doing damage which only becomes apparent much later. The postop diets are staged for good reason.

I am sorry for you loss!

I am by no means trying to down play what your doctor is telling you to do or what everyone else up here is telling you. But I do know that each doctor is different and my mom had her Lap Band done in Nov. 09. Her Dr. only gave her 3 days on liquid and then on to soft foods. My Dr. however, is has me on the 2 week liquids, then 2 weeks mushy. I think that if you had done any damage by eating foods, then you would know it!

I hope that all goes well with you and you have a safe trip back home!