LapBand Food Stages Lists Suggestions

[Windy143 0]

Hello all, It is great to find a place that I can get info without bothering my Dr. everyday with nervous questions. I'm being banded by Dr. Ortiz in 1 week and am very excited but getting a little nervous. I've been reading all your postings regarding food and what to eat and not to eat. I'm worried that I will not have the will power to stay away from food for 1 month and certain food forever. If I was able to do that then I wouldn't need the band. My friend had gastric bypass and she eats whatever she wants but just a lot less. Everything I've read says that the band is a much better option but it seems so restrictive. My only concern is that my personality doesn't like to hear "You can't do something". Heeee Heeee My question is regarding cravings. I can't even imagine not eating for a month. I'm also sad with the thought of giving up beer. I'm not a big drinker but I travel to Mexico a lot and the thought of never sitting on the beach with a Carona is kind of sad. Hopefully the 2 piece bathing suit I will fit into will help. I can really use some encouragement right now.

Windy

[Eileenja 0]

Jack - I have a question for you. I have been reading lots of your replies in all of the different areas and I have to say that you really have it together. Here is the question - How did you get there? I have been dieting for many years and even with the band, I don't always make the right choices, yet you seem to be able to.

[DeeJay 0]

Would you guys tell me about your pre op diets....I am thinking about post poning my surgery....I am having trouble staying on a low carb diet...he didn't say low calorie...just low carb....I am hoping he means white sugar, white flour, white rice....it is so hard for me to give up my Cereal in the morning.....please help....

[loreli 0]

im 4 days post op did anyone else have lasting gas pains or should i be calling to find out whats wrong?

[toothfairy 0]

Hi windy143,

I read your message that you wrote one week before your surgery and you sound exactly how i feel. I am having surgery in 4 days and would like to hear how you are doing now. I am afraid that i will go through all of this surgery and not be able to stick with the diet part. I love sweets and chocolate and i'm afraid I will still be weak and try eating them all the time.

Anyone out there that has any suggestions or helpful hints would be greatly appreciated.

[Guest jerralyj]

Hi all, I am just researching about the band and wanted to see what all people can and should eat after..also wondered if after the 4-8 weeks po if you can eat whatever you can tolerate or if there are some things you CAN'T EVER HAVE. Also is the band ever in some cases removed completely? I am 210 and 5'2" with a BMI of 47..need to lose but so far just can't seem to do it...have been fighting it all my life but mainly the last 16-18 yrs. ...dylansmom...loved your outline...sure it will help anyone. Jerraly in LaPorte, In.... PS..dones any one know of a Dr.Paul Stanish in Merriville, In.?

[RTWISDALE 0]

Well you have to go in to this with knowing your life has to change. We have tired every fad known to man and it hasn't worked this was like the last straw for me. My insurance did not pay for the surgery. So I checked prices in the US and couldn't find anything close to TJ so I decided to check prices there. I started check the Doctors and decided on Dr. Lopaz. I had read postive and negative thing about him and of corse ever other Doctor I consider. So I went there with an open mind knowing that all i would be out be be the flight if I was not conforable with the Doctors or the Hospital. I was a little nervous about the xray clinic and the lab where my pre-op testing was done. At this point I was still not sure of my finally decision. After having these test done I went to Dr. Lopez clinic this was like walking in a different world very modern and neat. I was alittle more confortable. I went threw nutritional evaluation, psychiatric evaluation and cardiology evaluation and on and on and on. I have never had such great care. I had three surgeons and 8 surgical team members all went great I was a little sorer than I thought I would be trip home was a little uncomfortable. I had surgery do on the 8/12/05 and to weighed 235 down to 209 today fell great. I am concerned that when I need a fill I will have the same problem. I am hoping that I will be able to have it done some were close But if not back to Mexico I don't really mind because Dr. Lopez stated that he has seen to meany mess ups doing it blind and this could cause lots of issues. So I opt for fluroscopy. He also states it the will power and that he has had some that do not get a fill for a year. I know that if I follow the diet that he gave me that I will have to spend much less on fill and trip and time. I hope all goes well and keep the mind on where we are going and don't look back.........

[Dena 2]

I'm scheduled to have surgery on 9/19/05 with Dr. Spivak in Houston.......My outlook on the whole process is I'm having the surgery and using it as a tool to help me lose the weight that I need to. The surgery will only work if I work for the weight loss! I know that I will have to change my eating habits and the things I like/love to eat, and exercise more.

[Kathy473 1]

My doctor, Dr. Spivak in Houston, Tx, only had me on a liquid diet for the first 48 hours and then I can have soft foods for 3-4 weeks and then regular meals from then on after that. I am still trying to figure out which is the hunger and the fullness feelings. But I am having trouble figuring out what to eat. The only thing that has been hard is not getting to drink while eating. I hate having to wait but it will be worth it in the end.

[scrapqueen 0]

Kathy,

That is how my doctor was and not I am eating everything and not losing so I am wondering if I need to go back on the mushy stuff or try to find some plan to follow. I love the food list, I printed it out and will use it as my guidelines. I am calling my dr on Monday to find out if I am supposed to meet with a dietatian since it seems everyone else on the list has one! My insurance did not pay so I had to pay cash so I would think I should get the same treatment as someone whose insurance paid. I just want to start losing weight that was why I did this. I will get my first fill on Thursday so I am hoping that will help me also not eat as much, but I want to be able to know what I can and shouldn't eat.

Good luck to you.

Dawn

Corinth Texas

Banded 8/17/05

[NJChick 3]

Since I am going in next week, I figured I better start getting some of the things I'll be needing.

This is what my doctors list says (2 weeks on clear liquids).

Clear liquids

Diluted 100% Juices: Apple, Cranberry, Grape, Orange (no added sugars)

Broths: Ckn, Turkey, Beef, Veggie (no particles or solids)

Jello: Regular or sugar free

Popsicles: Regular or sugar free (no fruit pieces)

Cold Drinks: Sports drinks (Gatorade), lemonade, iced tea (reg or sf), crystal light, flavored waters (propel, reebok, snapple-elements, fruit2o)

Hot Drinks: coffee or tea with skim milk or Creamer, w/sugar or sugar subsitute.

Suggested Guideline: choose beverages with about 60 calories per 4 oz of Fluid.

Sugars are most often a problem if a product has added sugars and is consumed too quickly (more than 4 - 8 oz, in less than 15 - 30 minutes.

[RTWISDALE 0]

I will pray for you that you get everything that you ever wanted out of this surgery. I have lost 32 lbs and I am going for my first fill Nov 3. I had a hard time finding someone close to do fills because I had surgery in Mexico. I am finally set up and can't wait. I am eatting almost anything I want with out restriction. The fills are a must. I had my surgery in August. Do just what they tell you and you will lose the most. Good luck and may God and his heavenly angels be with you.

[newgirl 0]

this is all helpful. I have just made all my pre op appts. I am so excited. Thanks for all comments!

[Cheri 0]

dylansmom~

do you know what a life-saver this thread is to those of us who either did not go to a nutritionist or have doctors who set us loose after surgery?!?! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

I realize that this is a guideline, a nice mix of the different plans people have been put on! I am printing your list out as we speak so that when I feel a bit bamboozled about what to "eat", I can just look for some ideas on my list!!

Thanks again!!

~cheri

[dylansmom 27]

I'm so glad that this has helped so many people. I know how fortunate I am to have my LapBand doctor, and I can't imagine being set loose without any instructions or guidelines.

Happy this could help, and please keep up the great work!!!