Hi to all - I am so happy to say that after seven LONG years on the waiting list, I finally had my Lap Band surgery on March 18th. Everything is going well so far. I drank my Clear liquids for the first few days and now I can drink liquid-y Soups, Ensure, Carnation Breakfast, juices, etc.....so that is the good news. My problem is that I am supposed to drink only 6 oz. at each meal and snack. I find that I drink more than I'm supposed to because I'm hungry. Am I doing any damage? Does it really make any difference if I go over my allotted amount since it is only liquids? Did anybody else go through this or did you all stick to the 3/4 cup for each meal/snack. Thanks in advance.

I followed the portion guidelines given to me when I was in my liquid stage. I don't know that I ever really felt full after eating my small meals, but I stopped anyways. I drank a lot of water, tea, and gatorade in between meals to help with the "empty stomach" feeling. I'm not sure it matters too much, too be honest. I think they just want you to go slow and take it easy with how much you take in because you are still healing and dealing with swelling. Plus they want you to get used to eating only a little bit at once. My doctor's guidelines only had me on liquids for 7 days post-op and then I was able to move on to pureed foods, which kept me much fuller and feeling satisfied. Hang in there

Think of your band as a funnel...essentially that's all it is. Liquids go through the band fast, leaving you hungry. solid food goes through very slowly leaving you full longer. Drink when you are thirsty. It's very difficult to stretch your pouch with liquids, but you should still take it slow. The amount you drink, especially the low calorie drinks, doesn't matter as much. You were banded over a week ago so a lot of the swelling has subsided. After another week you will most likely feel little to no restriction, especially if your band is empty. You will feel like you can eat/drink a lot more.

I never really counted my ounces after I was banded. I drank my 8oz Protein shake all at once (sipping).

Edited March 30, 201412 yr by fatty2hottie

Well, so happy that a you had your surgery and are in recovery. Try to stick to your surgeon's guideline. I think its great that you can drink your whole 6 oz at one time.does it take a long time when you sip? I found that I sipped for at least 1/2 hr. I did not really stick to a guideline when on liquids. Pretty much I did a as needed thing. But, if your surgeon wants you on a meal plan, stick to it if you can. AS noted by another person, if you do "chat", use, Water, sunlight, sugar free pop-cycles. Best wishes on your recovery. Karen

It's interesting how every surgeon's instructions are different. I was on liquid for 3 weeks post banding. I drank the Premier shakes, and did not have a limit for the amount of oz. In fact they wanted me to have 5 or 6 a day. Which I could not. At first I could barely finish 1/2 of an 11oz shake. And I could only have the shakes, tea, coffee, broth, Crystal Lite, popsicles (SF), Jello (SF). Absolutely no juice. 2 days after my first fill (at 3 weeks), I was able to finally go to mushies. 1/4 cup of egg, refried Beans, tuna or other Protein per meal. Supplement that with Protein Shakes, add a jello or popsicle and that's it. No other types of food for two weeks. I am one week done, one more to go. I feel no hunger after my small 1/4 cup of food. So it's really easy. Next week I get to try adding soft cooked vegetables.

I think the main thing is to follow your surgeon's plan. If you are having issues, ask the nutritionist. They may bend it a little to fit your individual needs.

- K