Hello Everyone,

I was wondering if some of you could give me some advice. I really want to do this right!

After I have a Protein Shake or yogurt smoothie or sometimes even Water, I feel full for quite a while. It is the same feeling of full, sometimes even on the verge of stuffed that I felt pre-banded. I usually don't feel like eating again for a few hours. I am still trying to figure out my bodies new signals for hunger.

I am concerned that I am taking in too much at once. I can down an 8 oz Protein shake or a 10 oz yogurt smoothie in about 5 minutes. That's when I feel pretty stuffed - but I havn't experienced the pain that many of you describe when you over eat.

I really want to try to get a handle on these new "signals" before moving to mushies.

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated!!!:help::help::help: Thanks!!

I guess I should say that I was banded on Monday, May 1st and have been able to drink like that since I have been home. Today I managed to get in just under 1000 calories with a pretty good mix of protein/carbs/fats. I am getting in about 40 - 50 oz of Water a day too.

I am trying to up my calorie intake to over a thousand because I have been really lacking energy the last couple of days. Maybe the lack of calories at the beginning of the week is finally catching up to me.

Calories seems to be very individual. Some people do 700-800, others do much more. My aunt lost over 70lbs in the last year and she eats 700-800 calories per day. She is now about 20 pounds from goal! I am just starting on this journey but I can tell you that one single number isn't the key. There is no just eat x amount and you will lose weight and feel great. We all have to find that spot on our own, with guidance from our doctor and dietician.

Linda, congtratulations on your banding! You really can't "overeat" with liquids, so don't worry that you're taking in too much at one time. Fluids flow right through the band, and if your swelling is resolved it's very unlikely that you're going to feel any discomfort. The fact that you're satisfied is GREAT, so enjoy that feeling for as long as it lasts. Then move to mushies, and just remember to take it slow.

There are no absolutes in how this feels. It's going to feel the way it feels, and you just have to be attentive to it and take it slow. Then you can't go wrong. Welcome to bandland!!

Thanks waterlily and Alexandra!

Whoa! I know why you feel full. 5 minutes is wayyy too fast to drink 8-10 oz, especially right after surgery. You're filling up your pouch by drinking it really quickly. Liquids generally go straight through the pouch, which is why we are on liquids post-op, to allow the area to heal without straining it.

With shakes/yogurt post-op I was directed to drink 8-10 oz over 20-30 min. Remember, one of the biggest thing with the band is SLOW DOWN! Once I got on regular food, I thought I could eat at a normal pace again- WRONG!! It takes me about 30 min to eat 1/2 chicken breast. You don't want that uncomfortable full feeling, you just want to be satisfied.

Kristin

Hey Linda, I am thirteen days out today and start mushies tomorrow and I still feel the same way. I felt weak for a few days and thought the same thing about not enough calories, but it passed and I am still only doing around 700 and feel great.I just can't hold anymore,but I am enjoying that feeling and pray it continues.

Also, make sure that you are getting about 60-80 grams of Protein. If you feel weak, that's generally why. On liquids you're probably only getting about 600-800 calories per day. My saving grace on Clear Liquids was broth with unflavored Protein Powder (www.unjury.com). I had 8 oz of broth 3x day which gave me about 60 grams of protein. I also had Jello and light grape juice.

I promise it does get better. Once you get on mushies, you start to feel like a normal human once again! And you should be eating about 800-1000 calories on mushies according to my doc. Again, you should check with your doc as everyone's is different!

Kristin

Again, thanks!

sallyjo - good to hear someone else can relate!

legallyKristen - yesterday I started to suspect that I might be drinking too quickly. Eating too quickly preband was always a problem with me. I am getting enough Protein. My doc never had me on clear liquids so I have been able to have Protein Shakes from the time I came home.

I don't believe I got specific instrustions (that I remember) about how slow/fast to drink when I am on liquids. I just needed some guidelines - so again, thanks!

Since you were only banded on 5/1, you're still dealing with a lot of post-op swelling and that's the most likely reason why you feel full after one shake. I did also. As the swelling reduces, the liquids will flow easily through the unfilled band.

Thanks Elisabethsew - I hope they don't flow too quickly through until I can make it to mushies. I never have done well with HUNGER!

Hi Linda,

Don't worry about the amounts now. Since you have not had a fill yet, if the swelling has gone down, you should be able to eat a lot. Once you get the fill, you'll see much more constriction.

I was banded on 4th may and am manging on liquids and soups - trouble is that within minutes of drinking anything it comes right out the other end - is this normal or should I be worried - i was expecting constipation.

All replies much appreciated.

Hi Tidge,

I replied on your other thread before I saw this one to mine. I have had the same problem. You can read the rest there.

Wow! I was also instructed to drink every ounce in a 5-10 minute parameter. This makes one of those yogurt shakes take me all morning....I'm always feeling on the brink of fullness.

After the past few days of Clear Liquids only, I am looking for...or going to invent liquid potato chips!! But somehow I've got to crunch something.

I have also found in taking time to drink that I can either enjoy or get sick of the flavor faster, thereby causing me to not consume enough. I know I'm not having any where near 800 calories a day.

I'm interested in what everyine else found tasty in the first few days post-op. If I can make it through the next 10 days on liquids only, it'll be a miracle!

Hi Trip...,

I have made creamy potato cheese Soup with extra milk added and pureed to the consistency of cream soup. I also added some cooked meatloaf to it and blended it smooth. That way I didn't feel so left out when my family ate meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Yogurt and yogurt smoothies have been pretty filling as well. There are lots of different flavors so they don't get too boring.

My protien shake is chocolate mixed with milk. Tonight for dinner I might try one with a little extra cocolate and some ice to make a smoothie. Since bananas blend so well, I might add a little extra milk and try blending in a little banana or Peanut Butter...the list is endless. My doc says if it can fit through a straw and is doesn't have chunks, I can have it.

Someone else suggested pureeing veggie soups. Most of the condenced soups can be pureed pretty smooth. I've ben told bean with bacon is really good.

Hope this helps.

Check out the "May 2006 Band Crew" thread. I think there might be other suggestions there since none of us who have been banded this month have reached the mushie stage yet.