I am a 51 year old woman and my starting weight was 200lbs. After the pre-op diet I lost 5 lbs., but I'm sure it was all water weight. I'd love to connect with other newly banded women, in any age group, to 'go through' this together. I also wanted to join the forum to be able to ask questions of other brave banders that went before me! I am currently on full liquids-oatmeal, protein shakes, cream of wheat, etc. I find it difficult at this stage because it's hard for me to tell if I'm 'full' or not due to the pressure and tenderness from surgery. I am however following the food and liquid amounts that were prescribed.

My abdomen is very swollen. Aprox. how long does that last? At what point do you 'feel' your fullness?

Lastly, suggestions for fat free soups. My friend made my lentil soup, but I'm afraid it may be too gassy.

Love to hear from some of you.

Hi there. I'm 49, and had surgery on Monday 6/27. My aunt came to take care of me, and She and my daughter can't believe how well I'm doing. Came home on Tuesday. We walked around the neighborhood. Yesterday, we went to the mall. My stomach still looks like it's bloated tooand I still haven't been hungry. I also lost about 4 lbs on the pre-op diet.

Hello, I am 49 and also had my surgery Monday the 27th. I am doing pretty good too,,had pain issues 1st couple days (and severe dry mouth and sore throat) but much better now. Went to the grocery store yesterday,,felt good to be normal. I am having trouble getting the protein shakes down. I have no hunger, and of course the shakes are not that appealing to begin with,,has any one else had this problem? any delicious shake out there I don't know about?! lol

We are same age, same surgery date, same set of Doc's,,,nice to meet you!

Hi there. I'm 49, and had surgery on Monday 6/27. My aunt came to take care of me, and She and my daughter can't believe how well I'm doing. Came home on Tuesday. We walked around the neighborhood. Yesterday, we went to the mall. My stomach still looks like it's bloated tooand I still haven't been hungry. I also lost about 4 lbs on the pre-op diet.

Yes, the recovery was really quick. My stomach hurts mostly at the port site. My stomach looks about 4 months pregnant!

Hi there. I'm 49, and had surgery on Monday 6/27. My aunt came to take care of me, and She and my daughter can't believe how well I'm doing. Came home on Tuesday. We walked around the neighborhood. Yesterday, we went to the mall. My stomach still looks like it's bloated tooand I still haven't been hungry. I also lost about 4 lbs on the pre-op diet.

Try Solgar whey to go, vanilla powder, mixed with either skim milk or lite vanilla soy milk, and ice! Delicious! I also throw in frozen strawberries in place of ice sometimes. You'll love it. And one scoop has 16 gr. of Protein.

Hello, I am 49 and also had my surgery Monday the 27th. I am doing pretty good too,,had pain issues 1st couple days (and severe dry mouth and sore throat) but much better now. Went to the grocery store yesterday,,felt good to be normal. I am having trouble getting the Protein shakes down. I have no hunger, and of course the shakes are not that appealing to begin with,,has any one else had this problem? any delicious shake out there I don't know about?! lol

Hi, I was banded yesterday less than 18 hrs ago. would love some conversation with others in the same position. I am still feeling fairly sore but hanging in there. I also had a hiatal hernai repair while my doc was in there. This was my first surgery ever. I am 44yrs old and a severe asthmatic. Hopefully my surgery will be a tremendous help to my health. I lost 30 lbs in my pre surgical prep diet over 3 months. I like spiru-tien shakes from my local down to Earth health food store, they are also a GNC. Lots a flavors but I just like the basic vanilla and chocolate. I did get the chocolate with Peanut Butter swirl and didn't like it so much, the tropical gold fruit mix was simply gross. I tried one sample packet of the Cookies and cream and loved that one. The shake has 14 grams of protien in it. I was mixing it with 2% milk and a variety of fruits like frozen bananas, frozen strawberries, fresh papaya, fresh strawberries when on sale. as for the clear protien, I can barely tolerate the Isopure. The two flavors I tried are just nasty. Glad I only 'have to' drink them for a few days. I an going to try and keep all my food and beverage choices towards 'clean eating' to heal my health issues up and get off some if not most of my medications. I would love to hear more of what you all are drinking and eating. Very helpful in deed. It is 5:30am where I live so we shall see how day 2 goes soon. I am thinking I don't really want of whole lot of anything yet. I don't drink much regularly besides Water and black coffee and tea. I tried some rasberry sugar free crystal light at the hospital and really liked it. Low sodium broths are great. Not looking forward to more Isopure but need the protien so I'll do it. Moving around fairly good. did not get much sleep though between the tightness in my stomach and having to keep going to the bathroom to pee. Wishing you all a very happy day. Aloha from Hawaii ~ Dani

Hi Dani!

I had surgery on Monday and I 'm feeling great - been to the mall twice this week and lots of walking the neighborhood. I've eaten very little but have faithfully been getting my 64 oz of water down each day. This is what my surgeon wanted me to focus on since the other clear liquids are more for your appetite rather than nutrition these first few days. My appetite will probably return on day 8 or 9. It has after my other two experiences with anesthesia. I'll be happy to keep in contact with you to compare notes! Happy healing!

Lisa

Hi I am 50 years old was banded June 8th - recovery was fast and I am doing great LOVE MY BAND ALREADY- Haven't weighed in 9 days will weigh on Saturday but I am confident I have lost a few pounds ....(had to change weigh in date due to travel for work) Of course I am dying to get ont he scale early :Banane45: but alas I will be strong~ I will update ticker Sat.... It took my stomach about 1.5 weeks for the swelling to go down - You ladies walking already is great - my experience was the same the first week- walk walk walk -and GAS X Strips.

Now I did not have severe gas pains UNTIL 4 DAYS POST OP-- THEN OH MY however The pain in the shoulder was very sharp (takes your breathe away) but only lasted for an hour or so - this happened Day 5 as well - then Day 6 for just a few minutes and since NO GAS PAIN-

My advise HOT LIQUIDS- HEATING PAD AND GAS X Worked great during the gas pains - Hope you all have a great recovery and please keep in touch would love to chat with ladies in my "age group" and as positive as you all seem to be :cheatfree:

Hi ladies...I'm 58 years old and am being banded on Tuesday July 5. I'm nervous and excited! Going on my new journey. Only my family knows what I'm about to embark on. They're very supportive and would like to have me around for a while. LEAP!!!!

Congrats and good luck to each of you! I was 51 when I had it done, and I had no problems. Well, I did have a heck of a brusie from a shot the nurse gave me just as I was discharged! That thing was a good 4" long and about 3" wide, real ugly purple. Keep moving, sipping that water and follow whatever instructions your doc gave you.