Started Solid Foods Yesterday

[CindyLou]

I want to preface this post with the fact that starting the solid food phase 3 days early was an informed decision I made based on the fact that I was having severe and debilitating shoulder pain related to hunger, and also the fact that I am unable to consume enough soups, etc, in order to keep the pain at bay while working 10-12 hrs at the time. I have been very careful and started yesterday on scrambled eggs, creamed spinach, soft fish, etc. I feel my body was totally ready and have tolerated it very well. It was either that or stay home from work until day 21, which is Wednesday, and that wasn't an option.

So with that being said, I am wondering if anyone has used Atkins during the Bandster Hell period in order to try and maintain control of eating and continue losing weight. Being a Atkins "pro" I thought maybe it would be useful in controlling my hunger and helping me to continue my weight loss until my first fill on Dec. 26th. After that time I plan to follow the food pyramid presented by Dr. Miranda.

I find while on Atkins I don't get as hungry. I used this as my option for my preop also.

So, any input would be appreciated.

BTW, shoulder pain has been almost completely eliminated since yesterday!

[JazzyJude]

I want to preface this post with the fact that starting the solid food phase 3 days early was an informed decision I made based on the fact that I was having severe and debilitating shoulder pain related to hunger, and also the fact that I am unable to consume enough soups, etc, in order to keep the pain at bay while working 10-12 hrs at the time. I have been very careful and started yesterday on scrambled eggs, creamed spinach, soft fish, etc. I feel my body was totally ready and have tolerated it very well. It was either that or stay home from work until day 21, which is Wednesday, and that wasn't an option.

So with that being said, I am wondering if anyone has used Atkins during the Bandster Hell period in order to try and maintain control of eating and continue losing weight. Being a Atkins "pro" I thought maybe it would be useful in controlling my hunger and helping me to continue my weight loss until my first fill on Dec. 26th. After that time I plan to follow the food pyramid presented by Dr. Miranda.

I find while on Atkins I don't get as hungry. I used this as my option for my preop also.

So, any input would be appreciated.

BTW, shoulder pain has been almost completely eliminated since yesterday!

The shoulder pain was relieved because you were eating proteins, which is what most people lack during the first 21 days. During your creamy soups stage, if you don't do protein shakes or protein water, then do the whey liquid protein bullets to get in your protein requirements of a minimum of 60g a day, but no more than 90g. You don't want to have too much proteins, otherwise, you would be apt to get gout and that's not a good thing.

Since you were short just a few days to the end of your 21 post ops days, I am sure you didn't harm yourself or the band. It is always best to contact Dr Miranda to advise you for your situation or any other situations, as I am sure you have already.

The Atkin's Diet is prmarily high protein and since that is what we promote to eat first, try it. Just as long as you go with OCC's food guideline of 2-3 oz of meat, 1/4 cup veggie/fruit and 1/4 cup of grain/starches per meal, 3 times a day and not go over 1200 calories a day. If exercising regularly, no more than 1500 calories a day.

Hope this helps you CindyLou...you are doing great!

[CindyLou]

The shoulder pain was relieved because you were eating proteins, which is what most people lack during the first 21 days. During your creamy soups stage, if you don't do protein shakes or protein water, then do the whey liquid protein bullets to get in your protein requirements of a minimum of 60g a day, but no more than 90g. You don't want to have too much proteins, otherwise, you would be apt to get gout and that's not a good thing.

Since you were short just a few days to the end of your 21 post ops days, I am sure you didn't harm yourself or the band. It is always best to contact Dr Miranda to advise you for your situation or any other situations, as I am sure you have already.

The Atkin's Diet is prmarily high protein and since that is what we promote to eat first, try it. Just as long as you go with OCC's food guideline of 2-3 oz of meat, 1/4 cup veggie/fruit and 1/4 cup of grain/starches per meal, 3 times a day and not go over 1200 calories a day. If exercising regularly, no more than 1500 calories a day.

Hope this helps you CindyLou...you are doing great!

Thanks for your support. I was getting LOTS of protein during the soup phase by supplementing with liquid protein recommended by the dietician here at my hospital. (Pre-digested Liquid Protein at 15g/ dose). Even with that, anytime my stomach was empty enough to cause pangs or growls, I would get the shoulder pain. My primary care Dr. said that with some people it is related to the band aggravating the phrenic nerve when the stomach becomes flat and moves the band/and or passage to the port, which grazes the diaphram. He said that probably once a few weeks go by on solid food, he feels that nerve may not be aggravated as much and the pain will probably subside.

I'm happy to report that most of my gas/bathroom problems have resolved in the last 4-5 days. I'm really feeling GREAT today since having ingested some real food. I was soooooooooo happy to feel full at lunch after eating a small peice of fish and a serving of green beans.

Its funny, because having to chew so much, it was almost like I got bored of eating, which was great. This last few weeks has taught me a lot about my relationship with food and how much my life revolved around it.

There have been multiple times that I have been bored and think, "what can I do?" and eating came to mind. Obviously I have realized I am a boredom eater. so I have been reading or taking a walk instead.

I has been a great eye-opener to realize how much I had been eating prior to embarking on this adventure and I am so happy that I have.

[JazzyJude]

That is great! I remembered a few of your previous posts how you are staying on top of it and it goes to show you are serious with your weight goal. THIS is a good thing and you are doing so well! ((HUGS!)) It is NOT an easy adventure by all means and like you said, the relationship you once had with food came to a screeching halt! This new lifestyle changes were are now on is so much healthier and I can FEEL the difference in me in just 2 months post op today! Yeah!

Keep up the good work CindyLou...you are going to succeed in this weight loss in no time!

[mona-camille]

I think the Atkins is a good diet to follow for now. It features lots of protein which is important and veggies which fill you up and are important too. The protein keeps you full for a long time too. Just remember to take your time and chew a lot!