Hi Everyone, I am newly banded on 08/02 but throughout the whole 3 month eval process, I have lost 25 lbs.

I am getting used to only sipping a teaspoon at a time every 15-20 seconds for liquids and have not got on solid food yet. I am pretty sure it may be another week or so before I am healed from the surgery. I expect that to get better.

I am on a nationally sponsored paintball team and we have a game in Dallas on 09/08-09. This is a very demanding sport and hydration is key. I have 2 main concerns with this game and would like to solicit your thoughts.

Hydration - I used to gulp down 16- 32 oz waters at one taking if I was running hot and dry during a game. That is physically impossible now. Is there anyone who has a rigerous physical activity that requires continuous hydration for hours on end?

I will be on the solid foods by that time and was wondering what people with heavy physical activity are doing for nourishment with your band during heavy physical activity. I have had protien drinks after games to help recover from the muscle fatigue and that wrked well. I am pretty sure that the shakes will help with that.

Is there anyone with a band that is into paintball or other heavy physical activity that might be able to suggest options?

I am 52, diabetic and love to run with the young bucks. I just run a little slower.

Wow...that's cool! Congrats on your surgery! Just be aware that, though you may be feeling better after a week...and able to get more down at a time, you will not be healed completely. Your abdominal muscles have been cut and it will take a while...so be careful with rigorous exercise and no heavy lifting. As for the hydration, gulping is not a good idea, though by that time, you should be able to drink a little more freely. Be careful and God bless!

I have no input when it comes to the high impact physical activity but, as far as the constant hydration you shouldn't have a problem. I gulp down 32 oz of water all the time with no issues. Water flows right through the band and unless you've just eaten prior to drinking nothing obstructs it. Good luck with your game!

How about those hydration packs that are worn by bikers. I think you can adjust the amount.

http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=3400551

I had my surgery June 14 n was able to go to Disney world July 14. I think I walked straight 5hrs plus each day at each park....I also work out like,1 to 2 hrs 4 to 5 days a week n by July 15 I was.fine...now I never played paintball but I would assume as.long as ur have Water n Protein rich Snacks u should be fine...also afterwards I Would rest for a couple days

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Thanks everyone!

I do have a camelback that I wear with my gear. I guess I will need to mount it somehow to my mask.

I forgot all about the abdominal muscles being cut! I will probably have to tighten my vest for additional support on the field. The pack weighs about 60 lbs though...

You may want to consult with your md before mounting that pack on your back. At 4 weeks I was still on restriction and couldn't carry/lift more than 25 lbs.