Hey! I'm new to this board but thought it might give me a suport system that's been thru the surgery and is going thru it at the same time. I've been to support meetings but they are always during times I'm working so they're hard to get to. Anyways, I am 3 days out and I have been on a liquid diet now for 2 weeks. I still have a very, very long way to go! I can definitly say I will never look at soup or broth the same again! My docter was one of those that encouraged the RnY but agreed to "try" the lap band. Even up to minutes before my surgery he was telling me he didn't know if he could do it but he would "try" Evidently he tried hard enough because it happened. That alone is discouragment enough for me but I'm lucky and have really good friends and family that have been encourgaing me along the way. Like I told my docter though, this is isn't supposed to be easy, I should have to work at it!

The only issues I'm really having is the uncomfortable sleep positions and wanting to eat something more then broth and jello. According to my docters specifications I'm not going to be able to eat solid food for another 5 weeks! Anybody else have this issue come up? I understand the first couple of weeks are vital so that your band doesn't slip but woman cannot live on broth alone! LOL

Feel free to e-mail with any suggestions or encouraging words! )

Trust me, it gets better. Your cravings will get a little worse before they get better, but just stick it out. It's worth it. :-)

Dear Strawberrygrl,

Congrats on making it to day 3. Sleeping is what will heal. I couldn't sleep more than 3 hours at a time. I wanted to rent a recliner but that deal fell through, so if you were like me then it's the couch and bed and my incisions were sore. I took my fluffy down comforter and made a poufy pile and sat in the corner of my couch and kind of laid on my side while hugging the "pillow" I created, while sitting up -- actually laying down hurt too much. After 3 hours in the living room I would move to my bedroom and sleep sitting up on my bed cushion. Sleeping like this really did a number on my neck but by day 6 I could lay on my left side with cushioning on my port. If you can tolerate your loratab, keep taking that, it will help you sleep deeper. When I got hungry I would make egg drop soup in hot chicken broth -- really tasted good! I also highly recommend Isopure Protein from the vitamin shoppe store.... it's the protein that you need to keep from getting hungry. Don't forget that sugar-free ice pops are the best summer treat. Hey, and congrats once again.

Patty,

Thanks for the great sleeping advice! I've been pretty luck and my nausea meds knock me out pretty well LOL Well at least for about 4 hours at a time. I've been able to prop myself up on pillows to sleep on my back and if I want to turn on my side I sleep with a pillow under my stomach. I bought a new bed the day before my surgery and I'm sooo glad I did now!!

Egg drop soup...I can eat that?!! LOL I would be sooo happy to eat something besides broth! I've learned quickly that sugar free popsicles are my friend! Is there someplace I can get the soup recipie from, I would love to make it tonight!

Thanks again!

Dee

thanks for the insurance info. do you know if BCBS pays for the fills ?

I'm sorry I don't have any idea about Blue Cross. I'm covered by United Health Care and I'm not even sure about my own fills. There's normally a 1-800 on the back of your insurance card that you can call and find out. I know I will definitly be doing that in the morning. That's what I did before I even went and saw the surgeon just to make sure he, the hospital and the procedure itself would be covered!

Dear Dee,

I'm sorry that I didn't get back sooner..... I was at Disneyland(I have an annual pass).

To make Egg drop soup:

Heat up 1 can of chicken broth heated. Scramble 1 egg in a bowl, then dribble the egg into the hot broth in a swirling motion. The egg will cook immediately. Eat slowly. It will fill you up.

Heart Hugs,

Patty

No problem Patty! If I had a pass to DisneyLand, I'd wanna be there too!! Thanks for the recipie it sounds wonderful.

I soon found that protein powder mixed in milk helped a whole lot. The protein really helped curb my appetite. Pretend that you are drinking chocolate milk and it makes it a whole lot easier. I'm sorry that your appetite is already back; mine took a few weeks, so the liquid phase wasn't so bad for me.

strawberrygrl,

Congrats on your surgery! Hang in there. We all know what your going through. My doc required a liquid diet 2 wks pre-op and all the info given to me said I'd be on pure liquids post-op for 4 more weeks. The pre-op was soooo hard for me--I could hardly put one foot in front of the other by the end of the second week. All I could think about was another 4 weeks!! Well, the first check up after my band, my Dr. said I could start (2nd week) adding back things with the consistency of a soft scrambled egg! That was the best egg I've ever had in my life!!! Maybe, you'll be lucky and get something a little "bulkier" sooner than you think. I know your Dr. knows what is best for you though! You just try to hold onto the "big picture" of the new and healthier you!! That soreness will begin to ease up soon. Good luck to you. Keep us all posted on your progress!

Hi all I'm 4 days post op and can finally get around a little better! The liquids have not been so bad. What I am dealing w/ is itchiness around the incisions. Anyone else? Plus, I guess a little nervous to leave the house. Maybe it's too soon anyhow. I've kinda been moping around since the 17th. Anyone else feel that way? Maybe it's too soon anyhow...let me know what ya think????

Hey Roc, I'm 3 days post-op and I'm a bit itchy too. My girl friend who is a nurse says thats a sign I'm healing. I went out yesterday with my husband to office depot - anything to get out of the house. I'm considering drivig myself to Target right now. I find holding onto a shopping cart I can get more walking in. Kathy

Your doctor is right...nothing solid for five weeks...that is what I had to do....you will make it...It is just a little rough for the first couple of weeks, then you are going to be fine.....hang in there....please, follow the doctors orders...don't eat or drink anything you have been told not to eat or drink.....

im also three days out. hunger doesnt seem to be an issue, but pain from surgery is greater than i expected. i started skim milk today and everything seems fine. was worried about no protien in the diet

im itchy as well. not excited about leaving house either. feel light headed, probably do to low calorie intake. i plan to go to work monday. seem to be getting better each day.

Let me recommend a clear liquid protein. This will make your overall healing go faster. Isopure will give you 20grams of protein and can be purchased in a health food store. I am post-op 8 weeks and I am still drinking it for my protein needs. My dr recommends 60-80 grams of protein per day. I water down my Isopure to also get in extra water during the day. Hope that helps. :car: