I just got back from an information session with my doctor. (I am scheduled to be banded in June). She said something that struck me as really funny, and I wanted to share it with you. Of course, this particular doctor is maybe 110 soaking wet (as opposed to the surgeon who can barely walk across the office without breaking a sweat, and is I'm quiet sure a good candidate for the banding and bypassing he performs regularly)... anyhow, she was telling me that occasionally, the band does slip, and that if this happens it can usually be rectified non-surgically. She says "All you do is come in the office, and we'll drain the band. Then you go on a clear liquid diet for 2 weeks, and when you come back in, the band has usually fixed itself".... and I'm thinking, wait... if I could go 2 weeks on only clear liquids... I don't think I'd need a band.

Have any of you done clear liquids x 2 weeks (without the restriction of a band) and survived??? :kiss2:

You apparently haven't done much research yet... (j/k)

Some MD's require two weeks of clear liquids post op before moving up to creamy liquids for two weeks, then to mushies for two weeks, then food.

NOT every MD does this, but it is fairly commonplace.

And yes, it does sound like it would SUCK! I'm hoping mine won't require that, but if he does, then I guess I'll have to do it. I want this to WORK and I want to avoid as many complications as possible.

And Welcome!!!

and

my doctor will stitch my band to the fat and stomach wall to secure it so it will not slip. Different doctors must have different procedures.

My doctor also stitches the band in place to prevent slippage.

Yepper hun....2 and 2 and 2 for those weeks of liquid, full fluids and mush. Butcha know what? Its nothing. I did it for about 8 and probably closer to 9 cause it just became such an easy way to eat and a nice habit. The loss was awesome and you weren't hungry. Good luck to you in June.

POPT

Tracey

WASaBB, thanks for writing that, I didn't have the strength to do it last night. And I was pretty sure someone else would, you have a very good way with words!

You apparently haven't done much research yet... :girl_hug: (j/k)

Some MD's require two weeks of clear liquids post op before moving up to creamy liquids for two weeks, then to mushies for two weeks, then food.

NOT every MD does this, but it is fairly commonplace.

And yes, it does sound like it would SUCK! I'm hoping mine won't require that, but if he does, then I guess I'll have to do it. I want this to WORK and I want to avoid as many complications as possible.

And Welcome!!!

Faithmd, Have you got your surgery date yet?

Well.. I was just saying that the two weeks of clear liquids pre-op (yes, my doc requires two weeks of completely clear liquids, including a clear Liquid Protein shake), before the surgery seems doable, because you have the motivation of getting a band at the end of the two weeks. And post op, clear liquids doesn't seem like it'd be so much of an issue because you'll be experiencing some restriction and not much of a desire to eat anyhow.

"If you know up front that there is no way you can do up to 6 weeks of liquids and 2 weeks of soft foods, you should probably rethink banding."

It does seem like alot of will power will be needed, and I stand by what I said. I can only speak for myself, but I didn't become nearly 75lbs over weight by circumstance. I made bad food choices, I've over eaten, I've failed to stick to a healthy food plan. I just think it's a little naive to believe that just because a doctor tells me I need to eat a very strict diet for two weeks, that I will be abled to do it. I'm not saying by any means that I will intentionally disobey her, or that I will not try with all my heart to follow the doctors orders. I'm just saying it's going to be difficult.

For some it's easy, but it was liquid prison for me. I hated it and fought the structure. My supportive husband let me whine and cry, feeling bad for me, he went out and bought me some SF fudgesicles and suddenly I began to except the fact that there is an end point to the liquid stage.

Well.. I was just saying that the two weeks of clear liquids pre-op (yes, my doc requires two weeks of completely clear liquids, including a clear liquid Protein shake), before the surgery seems doable, because you have the motivation of getting a band at the end of the two weeks. And post op, clear liquids doesn't seem like it'd be so much of an issue because you'll be experiencing some restriction and not much of a desire to eat anyhow.

"If you know up front that there is no way you can do up to 6 weeks of liquids and 2 weeks of soft foods, you should probably rethink banding."

It does seem like alot of will power will be needed, and I stand by what I said. I can only speak for myself, but I didn't become nearly 75lbs over weight by circumstance. I made bad food choices, I've over eaten, I've failed to stick to a healthy food plan. I just think it's a little naive to believe that just because a doctor tells me I need to eat a very strict diet for two weeks, that I will be abled to do it. I'm not saying by any means that I will intentionally disobey her, or that I will not try with all my heart to follow the doctors orders. I'm just saying it's going to be difficult.

The liquids is not easy but it's worth it.

Faithmd, Have you got your surgery date yet?

I see the surgeon for my consult on Tuesday, hopefully I'll know more then, thanks for asking!

My band was attached with stitches too, but I didn't have to do clear liquids, only liquids...thank goodness.

"It does seem like alot of will power will be needed, and I stand by what I said."

Yes, a lot of willpower will be needed, that's a lot of the reason so many of us get so mad when someone says that we took the "easy" way out. WHATEVER. This is last resort for many of us, and YES, it does take a lot of work.

What are YOU willing to go through to be healthy?

Hey SillyWillyMommy! Glad to see you on board and welcome!

It's amazing how your perspective changes with the band. You are spot on...things you would think impossible become possible.

I remember right after the band as I was nearing the solid food stage I had an appt with my surgeon's nutritionist. She told me to eat half a cup of food. No way that will satisfy, I thought. She told me to eat only 800 calories. I looked her square in the eyes and said "don't you think that's a lot to ask of a 300 pound woman?" SHe didn't laugh. And I wasn't kidding.

And yet....half a cup of food at a time *can* satisfy.

It's weird, I tell ya.

Good luck on your journey!!!!

I had a slip four months after banding and believe me if you think you might lose your band you will do whatever you need to do to keep it and not think twice about it.

My slip occured after ONE night of vigorous dry heaving:faint: . Yep it can happen.

M