Hi, I was banded three weeks ago and have been on a liquid diet since. Today's my target date of eating real food. What should I expect??? Will I be restricted at all?? or do I have to wait for a fill for that? Will I be able to eat anything I want or.......................... I was only told to separate my foods eating Protein, then veggies, then fruit, then carbs. But how much?

I can't believe I've made it to this point and don't know what to expect next?

Kari

Banded 7-16-07

Tijuana,

Dr. Ortiz

You should have gotten an information packet from your surgeon about your post-op diet. Every surgeon and nutritionist is different, but here's what I was told. 2-3oz of Protein and 1/2 cup of veggies as a side, and I could have two sides each meal. You will likely not have restriction until you have had at least a couple of fills.

Remember the band is only a tool, you should not just eat what you want. You have to make good choices now about what foods to eat and avoid everything we have always known is bad for us. The band just helps us restrict how much we eat, not what we eat. I was also told to introduce new foods slowly, one every couple of days or so, that way if I have a problem with one of them, I know which one it was. Chew, chew, chew and do not drink with your meal or for at least (and every doc is different on this, too) 30 mins, or 45 mins or an hour, or 90 mins, depending on what your doc told you.

Good luck!