Hello -- my son Max just had the surgery done on February 25 - he was his surgeon's youngest patient as he just turned 18 on January 12th, so it is pretty cool. I initially signed up for this forum for myself last year, but when he expressed an interest in banding, we turned our attention to him and I really cannot wait to see how he changes.

Unfortunately, the "registration" here won't allow him to be a member so I may have to register him as a 21 year-old so he can participate in the forums as himself, but I actually had a question -- are there any family, support people here that talk? I am having guilt feelings for cooking in my house right now because I know he is finally getting "hungry" after being on full-clear-back to full liquids for two weeks. I don't want to sneak food, but I am wondering if there is anything anyone can suggest for the support "staff" when it comes to eating.

I have already changed the way I eat as a show of support. But I can't honestly boil all my food so no odor permeates from my house :laugh:

Thanks in advance,

Penni

Hi Martha, Good for you for being such a great support for your son. As far as the food smells go there really isn't much you can do. Maybe just don't sit in front of him eating something delicious while he is on clear fluids. If he sips at least 5omls fluids every 1/2 hour he should be able to stop the hunger pains a little. Is he on a protein type of drink as these usually help. I was banded on the 16th Jan.08 and found that sipping really did help. Good luck to your son. I can't see why he shouldn't have his own e-mail account on here. There is a lot of support for every one on here. Best to you both.

Saleel22

You should be given a gold star for your efforts to help your son become a healthier person. I haven't been banded yet. I am sure the liquid diet is very difficult. Your son will get through this. It's so wonderful to see how you all are so courteous to his feelings. Maybe you can distract him with a magazine or a walk out of the house. If he is ready.

Thanks for writing a post about me mom :laugh:

hah, just kidding!

Hi Martha, I think you are doing wonderful and it is great to see that you are so supportive of your son. It is definitely tough being on liquids when everyone else around you is eating regular food. But, when I had my band I knew that was going to be part of the process and made the commitment to stick to it. I continued to eat at the dinner table with everyone else, but I just ate my liquid meal instead. I felt better doing that, because at least I was still a part of things.

Max, welcome. Be sure to check out the forums for teen bandsters and let us know if you have any questions.

Hi Max, Good on you for having the band done. I only wish this had been available when I was a bit younger. I was done on the 16th January and am loosing weight slowly. I am happy that the weight is coming off though and not going on as it usually would before the op. Good luck on your journey. You will find every one on here very supportive.Best of luck to you.

Saleel22

Dear Martha,

I am new and read your post. My 19 year old son is having band surgery Monday July 21. I was wondering how your son Max is doing? Are you both glad he had it done? What is he eating now, and is he having any complications? When was he able to exercise and feel normal again? What tips as a mother could you give me as far as cooking etc. goes. Any advise would be helpful. Thanks! Robin