My name is susan and I am seriously thinking of getting banded. I wanted to several years ago but didn't think I was ready. Now I'm ready. I have researched and talked to people that have already been banded so I know the commitment to it. I already know that my insurance will pay for it and have several recommendations on doctors other have used. My question is I like variety in food and I am not sure of the food I can eat after banding. Amy suggestions

Hi Susan and welcome!

Post op, every doctor seems to have their own diet that must be follow while you heal. But once you're past the healing phase and back onto real food, you can eat pretty much whatever you want just in smaller quantities. Ideally, you should strive for healthy food choices high in Protein, but that isn't to say you won't still be able to have old favorites, too.

The only thing that gives me problems is dry meat. Otherwise, I can and do eat pretty much anything. I always say the band is about moderation not deprivation.

Best wishes!

I just don't want to get sick. Ive been to nutritionist on one other diet and gained weight. I think with banding I will learn portion control. Another thing that worrys me is I take medicine at night I have to eat with will they let me know how to handle that

I just don't want to get sick. Ive been to nutritionist on one other diet and gained weight. I think with banding I will learn portion control. Another thing that worrys me is I take medicine at night I have to eat with will they let me know how to handle that

If by sick you mean vomiting, that isn't part of having the band. In fact vomiting should be avoided at all costs. If you mean malnutrition, that isn't an issue either so long as you're eating a healthy balanced diet.

As far as medicine, I've never had a problem taking pills. In fact I take pills every night before bed without issue. If you have to take yours with food, you'll just have to be sure to include it against your daily calories.

My name is susan and I am seriously thinking of getting banded. I wanted to several years ago but didn't think I was ready. Now I'm ready. I have researched and talked to people that have already been banded so I know the commitment to it. I already know that my insurance will pay for it and have several recommendations on doctors other have used. My question is I like variety in food and I am not sure of the food I can eat after banding. Amy suggestions

HI!

You're making an exciting decision!

After you have healed from the band placement, you will pretty much need to experiment and keep track of the foods you eat.

It's very important that you chew and chew and chew. It not only helps the food go down, but it starts digesting the food while it's still in your mouth.

I have found that I could just about anything. But I have also heard different people have different difficulties. For instance, some people can only eat bread if it is toasted. Otherwise it gets stuck.

Some people have a really tough time with meat. I had trouble digesting salad for a while.

So just go slow and maybe even write down what doesn't feel so good. You may just have to wait a while to be able to eat it OR you may not be able to eat that certain food.

I found I had trouble swallowing medication. I can cut tabs in half and do ok. No capsules for me. Not big pills, either. So ask your doctor about that part.

One of my own issues is that I want to finish whatever Im eating. So its really important for me to just put a tiny bit of food on my small plate or in my small bowl. That way I can finish it and not be stuffed to the gills and uncomfortable.

Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders with all the preparation.

I hope everything goes smoothly whatever you decide!

~hiddn

Hi Susan, I'm going to be banded in just over two weeks -- so excited! I look forward to still enjoying the good nutritious food I enjoy now, just in very small amounts and at certain times (vs. the grazing and going back for more after probably having too much in the first place, etc.). I recognize there may be some things that don't work for me once I'm banded, but by then I'll be on such a roll I won't care. What I really want is to feel good and to be a thinner version of myself.

Good luck to you as you move forward with your research. I am so glad you found this forum as it's been such a great place to get information as well as support. People have been so wonderful about answering any and all questions and I can honestly say that's why I feel so ready for getting the band. Best wishes!

Congrats, you have taken your first steps to a great and healthy new life!

I have been able to eat everything in moderation. There are a few things that I feel squeamish about swallowing but nothing has been completely off limits. You should still be able to enjoy your favorite things in balance with the lap-band diet prescribed by your nutritionist.

I have also been fine swallowing pills and gulping water (I'm thirsty after I jog!!). The key is to be conscious of the signs your body is giving you.

Good luck =)

I just don't want to get sick. Ive been to nutritionist on one other diet and gained weight. I think with banding I will learn portion control. Another thing that worrys me is I take medicine at night I have to eat with will they let me know how to handle that

Susan - can you take those night time meds with a bit of milk instead of food? I also take something at bedtime that requires food, so I take it with about 4oz of low fat milk, or a few sips of a Protein shake. I have not had any issues.

I just don't want to get sick. Ive been to nutritionist on one other diet and gained weight. I think with banding I will learn portion control. Another thing that worrys me is I take medicine at night I have to eat with will they let me know how to handle that

Hi Susan! Welcome. I'm new here too. I have my desire appointment on 11/1 to start my journey. Like you, I was worried about what I will and be able to eat; however when I think long and hard thinking about what to eat is what got me here. Lol.

I don't have issues with "bad" eating, I just like to eat.....a lot!! I need something to restrict my intake.

Stick around and read lots of forums. Thera tons of great info out here. Beware of the band haters though. The fact that you're here and thinking about it again means you'll do it. :-)

Much Love ~ Starfish

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Should I tell my work about my banding

Should I tell my work about my banding

That s entirely up to you. I am pretty private so the only person or people who know are my husband and my niece only because she's preparing for the gastric bypass. I'm just going to tell my HR Dept that I'm having hernia surgery which isn't entirely a lie. :-)

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I am private person too. K only want to tell certain people

After the band I've had problems with rice, Pasta, bread, anything of the fluffy consistency as well as anything fried or spicy. It's healthier for me anyway

I know before my pre-op diet I did a farewell to food pre-pre-op. One meal a day of a favorite dish and the other meals Protein shakes.

After the band I've had problems with rice' date=' Pasta, bread, anything of the fluffy consistency as well as anything fried or spicy. It's healthier for me anyway <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> I know before my pre-op diet I did a farewell to food pre-pre-op. One meal a day of a favorite dish and the other meals Protein shakes.[/quote']

That's what I'm hoping for. I need to get this those food items out if my life.

That's a good idea...pre-pre-op. ????

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I am private person too. K only want to tell certain people

Yeah you'd be surprised at the haters. I know a girl who had the bypass and she told everyone at work. People started telling her all she has to do is work out and eat less. REALLY?!? I thought that was rude and tacky. If it were that easy for her she wouldn't have had the bypass. BTW she looks awesome!! So I choose to tell no one. Not even my BFF's know what I'm planning

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See that's what I am afraid of. People don't understand I have done the weight watchers lost 90 pounds. I did the pill lost 100. I've cut the calories. If I could keep it off I wouldn't be going what I think extreme. I told my sister cause I live with her and she's seen what I've been through but I don't want anyone else to know