Hi! I was just banded on October 30th at Bayshore Community Hospital in NJ. Procedure went well and after a week on liquids, I was cleared at my 1 week checkup to start a pureed diet. I've had a few questions that I'm hoping I can get some input on.

1. I've had no problems drinking. I feel like it should have been harder and that maybe I am doing something wrong. I've been paranoid that I expanded the pouch by drinking too fast. I'm trying to sip slowly but still get through say, a Premier Protein shake in an hour instead of 2 (they're 11 oz). Is this a problem? Am I doing something wrong? I don't know how much slower I can possibly sip.

2. I'm finding the pureed diet to be harder to follow than the liquid diet. I've been really thirsty a lot and since you have to wait 45 mins after eating to drink, I've been favoring drinking over eating the puree. They gave me a sample schedule and it's so regimented that I have trouble following it, at least at home. I go back to work tomorrow and I'm hoping it will be easier. The protein first thing is a problem as it says to eat the first 3-4 tbsp meal first and have the first Protein Shake 2 hours after but I kind of want to reverse that. Is that ok?

3. I'm thirsty all the time, especially at night! I just want to gulp down liquid because the small sips do nothing to assuage my thirst. I have not resorted to that yet but think I've maybe taken too many consecutive fast sips. I've tried freezing crystal light and sugar free ice pops which help a little but the thirst comes right back. Any suggestions?

4. The sample schedule they gave me has me eating 3 3-4 tbsp pureed meals, 3 4 oz Protein shakes, and 5 6 oz clear fluids a day. But it also says to drink 64 oz of clear fluids per day. Their schedule only allows for 30 oz. When am I supposed to get the other 34 oz in?

I'm sure I'll think of more questions but for now that's it. Thank you!

First off...Welcome to the Banded Life....I'm just shy of 5 years, the best decision I could have ever made....

Bayshore is just up the parkway from me, had a lot of my pre-op testing there, but my surgery was at centra State in Freehold.

Sorry, I can't remember exactly what those first few weeks were like, other than I hated puree foods...stuck mostly with heavy Soups like cream of chicken, broccoli, etc....moved up to chili, etc....

There are many people recently banded as youself that will chime in with plenty of help

@@Auriana congratulations on your surgery! Protocols vary from patient to patient. If I were you I'd call the doctor and express your concerns. I had no timed schedule for daily life -- I was on clear for a couple of days then full liquids for a week, mushies for a week then on to soft foods. All the while I was able to drink well and I am still something of a glugger. It's easier for me to swallow thin liquids like water, tea, etc. (and I can drink a lot) then a shake. That thickness does not work for me, or perhaps it's the coldness of a shake combined with the viscosity. We are all different. Your doctor's staff are there for you -- give a call and be relieved of worry.