I had my Lap band surgery on July 21, 2006. Everything went well and I can't say I experienced any great discomfort. I am on cumadin and had to go to the doctors for a checkup twice in the week since the surgery. I was weighed both times and have lost a total of 17 lbs in one week from the surgery. I also lost 10 lbs over a 4 week period prior t the surgery as my doctor advised me to do. My concern is that the liquid diet I am following is causing severe stomach spasms. The worst bout came 1 week after the surgery. I am wondering if I should be talking to the doctor or the nutrionist about introducing some solid foods? I am also a little concerned about losing 17 lbs in one week. My weight at the time of surgery was 336 and at 1 week I was 319.

If anyone has any advice or thoughts I would appreciate your response.

Thank you,

Vince C.

Hi Vince,

17 pounds in one week is pretty amazing, that's for sure.

Are you getting the recommended amount of Protein p/day? (65-70 grams?). Are you getting an appropriate amount of calories?

As far as the spasms go, I'd definitely talk to your surgeon and/or support staff at hospital. It can be caused by gas but can also be an indication of something else....No need for alarm but better safe than sorry, right? I'd call tomorrow.

Good luck and let us know how you're doing.

I am RIGHT there with you Vince. I had my surgery the same day, cheers. I lost about 15 pounds already.

I want to encourage you follow your fast for as long as your doctor is suggesting.

I have one of the most strict surgeons on this board. He recommends 30-35 days of liquid fast. CLEAR LIQUID FAST. Honestly, I don't know how I am going to make it, but I am encouraged by the fact that THIS is the most and the fastest weight loss we will encounter in this whole journey. So I will bite my tongue, get out of the kitchen, watch tv, play on the computer, get out of the house, anything to get my mind off food.

Funny you should be posting this as this is by far the most difficult days for me too. I am thinking, only a little yogurt, only a smidge of something. But no, I just have to try my best to give this band a fair fighting chance to heal.

It is only a short while and my surgeon assured me that out body is busy using our fat stores and supplying us with all that we will need.

Let us know how it is going Vince. We are here for you.

Paula, who is DYING to eat something, 9 days out now.

I recently started trying out different protein shakes b/c I am lactose intolerant. Even soy products can contain some milk. Maybe try switching to a lactose-free drink? (I don't think there is one that is 100% lactose-free, but you can get them at 98-99%).

I got through another day Vince, how'd you do?

You people are incredible to stay on liquids so long. I had trouble the 6 days before surgery and 2 after that I was on them....couldn't wait for food. My dr. advances food very quickly and within 1 mo. I'll be on all solids. I've had no trouble transitioning, with the exception of some hiccups. I lost 10 lbs. pre-banding and 6 lbs. since. Your weight losses are incredible. Good luck to you. I was banded July 18.

I am wondering if starting weight has anything to do with the dr's. decisions on how to start advancing your diet. I started out at 250 and was 240 on the day of surgery. My loss since doesn't compare with yours, but I am on a variety of foods.

Glad to hear you're getting regular checkups with the coumadin therapy it's imperative to re-regulate the coumadin and due to the change in dietary habits, monitor that level closely. Things will be different than pre-surgery on a regular diet.

Good luck!!

I had my Lap band surgery on July 21, 2006. Everything went well and I can't say I experienced any great discomfort. I am on cumadin and had to go to the doctors for a checkup twice in the week since the surgery..

Thanks for asking, I am doing better. So far I am down 24 lbs from the day of my surgery which was 7/21/06. I have a post op exam with my surgeon tomorrow and I hope I can progress to mushy foods. Anything sounds better than Protein shakes at this point.

How are you progressing?

Hi Vince,

I'm on Coumadin also and have blood levels done every 2 to 4 weeks. The banding has not interfered with that medication at all.

As far as the foods go, definitely talk with your surgeon about adding more food choices or advancing you to a soft diet. Everyone is individual in their rate of healing and rate of loss and he'll likely advance you. You're doing great.

Day 12 her Vince. I too have lost close to 20 pounds but won't claim it until Friday which will be 2 weeks to the day. Just like you.

I am having very hard times during the day, but when I get through them, I feel so proud of myself.

I keep reminding myself of the Red Massai tribe in Africa who live solely on cow's blood and cheese made from the blood and urine. ewwwwwww these are very strong men who walk all day long.

Also, of the stoopid show Survivor. They all survive and so will I.

Anyway, just comparing notes.

I also feel very proud of my accomplishment after only 12 days and will ride this wave as long as I possibly can. I see my surgeon on August 21 for my first fill and he wants me to eat something after to see how it goes down. So I guess that will break my liquid fast before my 35 days are up.

Good luck with your appointment Vince.

Onto day 12.

I have lost 18lbs in 7 days here, the doctor said as long as I am eating good that men lose weight faster than women and its normal. I was used to taking in tons of fat due to eating what I want everyday (like really anything FRIED). Well you cut that back and your body will take it from your body fat until everything levels out. I am now at 1 lb a day not 3 lbs like I was 4 days ago.