I'm so lost... and now I'm scared.. :(

Starr,  You have made a wonderful decision that will hopefully improve and prolong your life.  I, too, was diagnosed as Type II Adult Onset Diabetic at the age of 49, 3 years ago.  I have a family history of diabetes and am overweight.  I made the decision to be banded over a year ago and had the surgery February 18th of this year.  I am off all of my diabetes medication already and have lost 26 pounds so far.  You CAN do this.  I found the nutritionist/dietician at my local hospital to be a fountain of information.  I am in Canada and some of our products differ but pre-surgery I went on a shake called Optifast.  It tasted like cake batter but really filled me up and I lost a significant amount of weight.  You will likely need some food coaching but I really have found my life simplified since my food has been restricted.  I still cook for my husband but my needs are so simple now that even that isn't an issue.  You don't have to be a cook or have specific knowledge to start this process.  You will learn as you go and we are all here for help along the way.  We garner strength from each other and this site is a great source of inspiration.  When I feel down I look at the before and after pics and realize the day is coming when mine will be there too!  Good luck and let us know if we can help!!  All the best, Karol

I am just over 3 weeks post op and know exactly how you are feeling.  I was overwhelmed and since i am a perfectionist I wanted to make sure I did everything by the book.  As far as Isopure goes, I didn't like it at all but everyone is different.  I've read where some people enjoy them very much.  For protein shakes I liked a brand called Chike.  They have five different flavors.  If you go to their website I think you can get a sample of all five flavors for just the cost of shipping and handling.  I get to start soft foods on Thursday so hopefully I won't have to rely on prtein shakes much longer.

Just take a deep breath.  You have made a decision that will change your life.  It won't be easy but it will be worth it.  YOU CAN DO IT!!!

You sound completely normal to me, Starr!  All of us were scared and nervous, and we all learned to follow the band rules.  No one expects perfection (see my motto with my signature).

I bought a jug of whey protein powder mix and used that for my liquid protein prior to surgery, but any of the liquid protein drinks should be fine if they are low sugar, low carb and high protein. 

I don't cook much either, but I know how to read food labels and to pick easy foods that work with the band.  I eat simple things like Greek yogurt, roasted turkey breast, Wendy's chili, fresh fruits and salads with lite dressing.  I stay away from complicated recipes.You will learn that too. 

Practice looking at food labels for protein first, as well as calories, carbohydrates and other nutritional values that are important to us. I even eat out in restaurants several times a week, simple steaks or chops with salads and plain baked potatoes.  You won't have to isolate yourself from reality.

You can do this!

WOW... thanks everyone... I ended up crying myself to sleep lastnight and then woke up at 3am throwing up.. I think "I" am stressing myself out LOL Sheesh calm down Starr and just breathe...

I did go to GNC and of course there is either a really tiny petite girl there or a man with more muscules then I have rolls and I always feel inferior.. LOL UGH

Either way.. I'm going now to read all your lovely posts and let me say THANK YOU to everyone.. it's nice to know there is help here and nice people who are willing to listen to my whining and griping.. Y'all Rawk!!

Thanks again.. I'm going to read your thoughts!!

Relax you will be fine.. its very confusing at first... and NORMAL.


First of all do you want to mix your own shakes or get pre-mixed ones to take with you.?

Pre-mixed I like the EAS carb control.  or the EAS Myoplex Carb control.  ( you can find these at Walmart, Sams club or Bj's in bulk).

The mixed I use GNC whey shakes, I like the chocolate flavored. 

In the begining you will be eating a lot of sugar free puddings and you can mix in some powder shake mix with it for extra protein along with the skim milk.,   Lots of yogurt, cottage cheese,
I use egg beaters in the morning. 

Your nutrionist will give you sample diets for each week pre-op and then post op as well.   You start with liquids and then graduate to solids week by week. 

Good luck.