Hello.... I have been reading post on the forum for weeks now. I am just starting my journey, will be attending a seminar today. I have a question about the liquids after surgery. I can't be on all liquids all day now how does it work after you have the band? I guess right now my brain is telling me that I won't survive without some type of food. Can someone explain this to me?

Thanks!

Marie

Each surgeon has a different program that you need to follow but typically you do need to stick with clear liquids for a few days, then gradually transition to thicker liquids, to mushies to solids. It's not as bad as it sounds. I really didn't feel much like eating as it was a struggle just getting enough liquids in right after surgery. It's worth it so don't be discouraged by that.

You will be very sore inside so when you do get the urge to eat something with a more substantial texture and decide to try it, you will soon realize why you should only be having liquids. I tried mashed potatoes about a week before I should have started puree and it hurt like hell going down. Your esophagus will swell and is irritated after the surgery and needs time to heal. Liquids provide the least amount of irritation so don't push it. You may think you will be hungry, but you may be surprised at the loss of appetite you have after the surgery.

I was just banded last week (2/13).

I'll admit that doing only liquids for the week before surgery was incredibly difficult. I was so hungry and just wanted to eat.

After surgery has been completely different. I don't feel hungry, and when I do, eating 1/2c. jello or drinking a cup of milk totally settles me for several hours. I'm still on full liquids (broth, milk, yogurt smoothie, etc) and haven't had any trouble sticking with it.

Good luck with your journey!

I think every doc has a different plan - for me I did the liquid thing a week before (and your're right it sucks), BUT after surgery (mine was the 5th) I only had to do TOTAL liquids for two days before getting to start on thin oatmeal, yogurt, that sort of thing... you honestly don't feel like eating much - I am now 15 days out and doing mushies and liquids and am really struggling to consume 600-800 calories a day - and that is before my first fill - which isn't scheduled for a few more weeks.

I had to do low carb liquids 2 weeks prior. Then the day after surgery, full liquids, then pureed for 2 weeks, then soft for two weeks, then regular diet as tolerated. I had no problem tolerating... LOL

As everyone has said, each surgeon has their own rules. When DH had his two years ago, the facility had just started offering lap-band. They had been only providing RNY. So he got the same diet as their RNY. That was TOUGH!