Hello everyone!

I just found your site and cannot be more thrilled! I was banded on 10/01/08. Post-op, the day I started my liquid diet, I weighed 223 pounds. I must admit I am scared, though. I haven't found anyone I can really communicate with around here and feel alone. I feel like I have a million questions but don't know who to trust and talk with. My husband is totally supportive but he's not been through the banding process. He's been following the diet along with me (pre and post surgery), but I need to talk with people who've been through this.

I'll tell you why I'm afraid...I hate the Protein stuff we're supposed to drink and so I admit to not drinking it. I admit that I haven't eaten three meals a day yet because of not incorporating the Protein Shake in the mornings as Breakfast. I have been sticking to the clear and cloudy liquids as instructed, yet love the days when I get to eat something new per my doctor instructed calendar. I've lost 21 pounds in less than 2 weeks, but I'm afraid to eat because I'm afraid to gain it back again. I found your forum because I wanted to see when I could exercise. Perhaps I've put too much out here, but I'm just scared I'll gain my newly lost weight back when I start testing to see if my new stomach can tolerate food again.

I'm also scared that I'll cheat and eat things I shouldn't. But I'm also excited about the possibility of being thin again as it could be within reach if I just don't cheat and do what I'm supposed to.

I'm happy to be here and would enjoy any and all support even just one of you could offer this newly banded me.

Thanks!

CeeCee

:thumbup:

Don't worry. We have all had those same thoughts. What are you drinking for Protein? Have you tried different Protein Drinks? There are some good recipes in the food section on here for changing the taste of the protein drinks.

Some people do gain a little bit of weight back when they move on to mushy foods. Once you get your fills and are only able to eat small portions, things change.

Move around the board and you will find answers to your questions and lots of support. We are all good at helping each other. You have come to the right place!

You definitely need adequate protein or your body will pull it from your muscles and that includes your HEART. Do you want your body literally eating your own muscles and heart? I'm sure you don't!

Not to scare you more, just so you know why it's important! So find some protein source you can tolerate, ok? There are different brands, and soy and whey (different types) so search until you find one you can tolerate, ok?

Thanks for replying! I've only tried Chike and Atkins. I enjoyed the heck out of Chike pre-surgery, but my taste buds are now saying no way. I tried some protein smoothies from Smoothie King but they were awful. I bought some powder egg protein but am afraid it will ruin my food. Yes, I'm acting like a big baby. I need to keep asking myself why did I do this all, then, if I refuse to suck it up and just find a protein drink that I can tolerate. I had heard one's hair could fall out without the protein. Have you heard that to be true? I'm going to find something, though, so please don't think I've given up just yet.

Honestly my doc said our hair will fall out because of the trauma of surgery. And I'm not kidding you about your body digesting it's muscle (and heart is a muscle) to provide the Protein it needs for basic cell function etc. Fat provides energy but not protein. SO you won't just burn fat! You will lose muscle mass and that is no way to stay healthy and keep weight off.

I don't "like" the shakes at all. I want food to be food, not sweet chocolate (or vanilla or strawberry) gick! BUT you do it because you have to!

Some people say they pick a vanilla and then buy davinci sugar free syrups, or various extracts, to flavor them up. You might try that. But you are hurting yourself badly by not getting protein in; please don't do that! The surgery and new band lifestyle are big steps; don't just hurt yourself because you don't like the shakes any more!

In fact we're taught, even once we can eat again, to eat protein FIRST and then veggies, then fruit, and finally grains. We have to get at least 60 gms of protein a day. So please take care of yourself. You're not alone, but you will regret it in the long run if you lose muscle instead of fat. :thumbup:

I hope I don't sound prissy or mean. I am glad you found your way here and don't mean to fuss! I think I just feel that if you realized how very important it is that you get adequate protein, you would be GETTING enough whether it tasted good or just ok. So forgive me if I'm preachy; I am just trying to stress it so you'll be healthy and lose the right way. :thumbup:

I don't think you're mean spirited, mean or anything of the like. You're stating the truth and providing me with the insight I need to get me in line. I appreciate the support. I, too, was told Proteins first. I was just hoping I could get away with missing them until I can start to eat foods that are loaded with them in lieu of drinking the shakes. I am realizing now, however, that I'm mistaken and I need to drink them regardless. You know, just like so many others, I love chocolate. I love shakes. But I was never one to want them once or even twice a day. I just liked them on occasion. Drinking these everyday is just difficult but I'll put my best "band" forward and just start drinking them for good health.

Thanks for caring!!!

Good! I didn't mean to be obnoxious! And I hear you; even when I was living the "wild" life food wise, a shake would be an occasional treat...not a meal LOL I whined a LOT about them and finally just got tired of hearing myself be petulant LOL but I did (and still do when I need the protein) choke those suckers down. It's worth it! :thumbup:

Ungury makes an unflavored protein powder that I have heard you can mix in just about anything. There is also the isopure, that sort of tastes like crystal light. Do you have access to a GNC?

fwiw, you can also use the egg whites that come in a carton for protien. Just be sure they are pasturized. There's a recipe right on the carton.

Gitrdone

I was told by my surgeons office I could make my own protein drink. Use on packet of No sugar added Carnation Instant Breakfast, 1/4 cup of fat free powdered milk and 8 ounces skim milk. Its good cold or hot!!!!