JazzyJude

You got this right! During my first 21 days post op, I use the 'whey liquid protein bullets' (like a 6" tube-like vial) and took half in the norning and the other half early afternoon. I got them at GNC and they have 42grams of protein. I mix it with Crystal Light, Gatorade or even water. They have 4 flavors, orange, grape, blue raspberry and fruit punch. AWESOME stuff. During my solid food stage, if I couldn't EAT my daily protein intake, I would drink one of these to boost it up...or even a protein shake for 17 grams. I continue to drink a protein water everyday along with regular bottled water while I am out or at work. At home, I have a Brita.

You got this right! During my first 21 days post op, I use the 'whey liquid protein bullets' (like a 6" tube-like vial) and took half in the norning and the other half early afternoon. I got them at GNC and they have 42grams of protein. I mix it with Crystal Light, Gatorade or even water. They have 4 flavors, orange, grape, blue raspberry and fruit punch. AWESOME stuff. During my solid food stage, if I couldn't EAT my daily protein intake, I would drink one of these to boost it up...or even a protein shake for 17 grams. I continue to drink a protein water everyday along with regular bottled water while I am out or at work. At home, I have a Brita.

Hi Janelle...congrats!! Wow, this is a toughy and I am so new. I was banded on Oct 8 last year and my first fill was Nov 22 (6.5 weeks post op) and then 4 weeks later I had my 2nd fill on Dec 20. I am currently on my 'sweet spot' and this is a good thing for me. Also, I've been told your first fill is like a 'primer' for you and your band to 'adjust' to this tightening. You don't want your body to reject or rebel what is going on, so it's a progressive type of thing. My first fill didn't last long and I had a 1cc fill in my 4cc band. I was ok for about a week and a half and then I was starting to use more willpower to continue. That was my clue to get another fill soon. My 2nd fill was only .6cc, which gave me a total of 1.6cc fill in my band. And I am telling you...I still have good restriction 3 weeks since. I am hoping the older bandsters will help you out for the longer term...

Oh wow lucky you! Nice planning on this...

Hi Neal! You call? LOL Congrats thus far! I couldn't wait for my solid food days too, as well as the others. I use my majic bullet everyday for something! And we've a slew of crockpot recipes waiting for you to try. Yes, scroll down the bottom on right hand side and you would see a search box (it may already say Forum)...select Recipes and POOF! there you are! There are lots of them and enjoy them! Good Luck, enjoy and happy healthy eating!

Oh, this is perfectly normal. I went to work 5 days after my surgery and had similiar issues too. I was told I wasn't having enough proteins in me and as well lack of potassium. I increased my protein intake by drinking more protein water (Special K2O) and/or do a whey liquid protein bullet (I got these at GNC store); half in the morning and the other half in the afternoon. I started to drink the strawberry bananna drinkable yogurts too to increase the potassium. With this little added change, I felt a whole lot better!

Thanks Dawn for taking the extra step in looking into this issue...very interesting!

OOH! Thanks Mona for checking this out! I am going to buy some more, for the grandkids like them. Snowbird...hon, I know what you are talking about. But I like the looks of it, and it feel good in my hand (had 5 surgeries) and I want to indulge myself with this 'gadget'. This, IMHO, is really cool to have and the modern looking water bottle encourages my young-uns to drink their daily water intake. Also, in my busy working world, it has a cool top ring so I can 'hook' it on my belt, gym bag, etc, without holding on to it all the time. Also, it's very slim and fits perfect on my desk...all this is worth to have one for me.

Yes Kristy...that is what I use also. It's the Hydracoach Intelligent Water Bottle and I have the all three colors (Blue, Orange, and Smoke). I got mine on eBay but you can google it and go from there.

Amy ~ welcome back and congrats too! Aw...that is just too cool! Like the others have said, call your dr and talk things out. Everyone reacts differently and whatever happens, it will be for your benefit. Good luck Amy and keep us posted on how you are doing along the way! Woo Hoo!

After my 2nd fill, I find that I have to be VERY careful to eat the raw broccoli florettes and not the stem. And I have exactly what Lisa made and I add pine nuts or another kind I am in the mood at the time. I had to really cut them into tiny, tiny pieces. Now steamed, I don't have a problem with ~ even add some grated cheese on top, not a lot...just for flavor. Again, as long as I take tiny pieces and chew it good, it's a good thing.

Passports are not required until June 2009, so you are safe to use just your DL and birth certificate. BUT, if and when you are going back to OCC for your fills, it will be required of you to have your passport. So, be prepare and get it now, while the rate is low. I've purchased mine 2 years ago, as I travel, and that is the only item I use at the border custom.

My son had his surgery and reminded me not to take mine as he had troubled getting on the internet. So, it was extra weight for him to carry. Both the clinic and the hotel have computer access, just ask. HA! Oh I remember trying to type the day after surgery on the shoutbox and the girls were laughing as they knew I was 'on drugs"! Don't ask what I typed and what language I was speaking! Soon after this, I was too tired and just walked back to my room to catch some zzzz. Later that evening came back on the forum and was able to make a half a** decent conversation. One of the nurses at the nurse's station asked if I would post my 'testimonial' on the computer for them, which I did. Lord knows what I typed! If anyone knows me, you know I can write a book! Do yourself a favor, really, don't take your lap top...as some say, you will be busy resting and recouperating from surgery and not bother with anything. Give yourself a mental break...

OK...I checked with Lori Becky, our Administrator, to confirm and you do not have a choice. They only do fills under fluoro for $100. They do NOT do blind fills. It's basically like what CindyLou says, the actual fill saline is free and since the Dr's don't want to 'blindly guess' where the port is, they will always use the fluoroscopy x-ray machine to view your band and stomach for assurance that all is ok, which is what the $100 covers. Hope this helps...

Jan 8th will be my 3 months post op and like Dana, I still have a slight port tenderness, especially if I do extensive exercises ~ but no pain, just tenderness. You have to remember you had major surgery and like any major surgery, it will take a few months to get back to norm. Since we have a band now, we are more alert to it's sensitivity...and are careful as to how we move and bend. As time goes by, it will be easier to adjust to this new healthier lifestyle change. Make sure you walk and drink a lot to help succeed with your weight loss.

sawdawg...I've got my eyes on you! I can't wait until you are banded! You are in GOOD hands there at OCC! AWESOME people and the everyone is soooo helpful! Also, when you get the chance after surgery, get everyone's email and ph #s, so you can keep in touch with your 'band buddies'. Keep in touch babe! I will keep the computer on that night and see if you come on! Good luck...Jude

Just to let you know, both the clinic and the hotel have computers for you to use. Just ask. I used the one at the clinic, which is by the nurse's station. We all would LOVE to hear how all you are doing...good luck ladies! The surgery is a piece of cake! Just remember to sip, sip, sip and WALK, WALK, WALK. The more you walk, the more you will get rid of those gas bubbles in you. I walked up and down the hallways, every 2 hours. TRUST ME...this was the vest thing I did to relieve any pain later on! Enjoy your stay!

That is great NSV for sure! WTG! Would you like to share what you've been doing the past 7 months? Inquiring minds would like to know how you've succeeded this adventure of yours! Congrats Alana! You go girl!

Julie ~ thanks for your post and I sure hope you feel much better! Having both the shingles ANd menopause is not a fun time at all. Relax and like Lisa always says, listen to your body and your band and only you can make the decision to know what to do. Godspped.

Good catch Angela! I meant to post that and just kept on going...so glad you did!

I was told slurpees are a 'no no' drink as they are full of sugar/carbs, it can contain club soda or a carbonated soda pop, and it's blended in a blender, which can cause air bubbles and you may have a gas issue. SO, with these guidelines, I don't have them. As far as 'drinking' at a bar or partying, I have a vodka cranberry juice with a grapefruit juice splash ~ YUMMY! You can sip on wine as well.

Hi leyla ~ I use to have bad back problems and as well, I have an extra lower spinal vertabrae. Since being banded, my back aches/pains have been less and less. This is all due to my stomach was all up front and while losing weight, I am losing my stomach fat, which doesn't pulled my body frame forward. The more I exercise, the less pain I have in my knees, foot, and back. YES, exercising is a huge part of losing weight, as well as drinking lots of water and making sure your protein intake is between 60 to 90 grams a day. For the first 3 months, I mainly did a lot of walking (minimum of 5 miles a day) and did light aerobics, dancing, and other low key legs and arms routine. This coming Jan 8, marks my 3 months post op and this is when I will be doing some hard core exercises, especially doing some ab routines. REMINDER, if you are exercising now, more than you normally have done, you may either gain or plateau, as you are building, toning, and firming your muscles. THIS IS NORMAL! You must give your body a chance to balance itself since you've been banded. This is a total new lifestyle change in which your mind and body needs to adjust. Be patience and pretty soon you will see the new change within you...working with your band. It's AWESOME!

I was mentored a little differently before I had my surgery in Oct. Right up front I was using the 'other' food guideline of 2-3 oz protein (meat, fish, poultry, cheese, egg), 1/4 cup veggie/fruit and 1/4 cup of grain/starch/carbs per meal, 3 times a day. I stuck with this plan, religiously, up until my 2nd fill, and I've lost a lot of weight. when asked how much I was eating. I was told I was NOT eating enough! Yeah, can you imagine that? I was told to eat 1/3 of what I use to eat, which was more than what I was doing (less than a cup worth at each meal). I lost a lot of weight and then I plateaued. My body needed to catch up with my weight loss, but I've lost inches, wearing 24W down to a tight 18! But since my 2nd fill on Dec 20, I cannot eat 1/3 of what I use to eat, there's no way I can ~ I get full real quick. So, I am starting back to the food guideline I had before but increase my proteins to 4oz and I am going to increase one more bottle of water, as I am starting to do hard core exercises next week, which is my 3 months post op anniversary. Every person's body is different and the food guideline of "1/3 of what you use to eat", I feel, really pertains from preop to your 2nd or 3rd fill. Once you've start getting your fill, you get tighter and I believe, IMHO, it's impossible for one to continue to eat 1/3 of what you use to eat. What I am lacking in eating my protein intake, I am substituting with a protein shake. Some days my band is fickle and so I need to adjust whatever I have to do to maintain my daily intake. Hope this helps...

Chris ~ I wish both of youse a happy new year together on your band journeys. I am so glad all is well and you can move peacefully forward. Continue to keep us posted on how you two are doing ~ we all learn from one another! Best to you both...

GREAT post FLGIRL!