Looking for Support

Hi Everyone I will be having lap band surgery May 1 2006. Do you have any suggestions on what who where ....I am confused on what liquid protein drink will taste good, can I have soup, what if I throw up...I hate to throw up....what can I expect? Will I have much pain after surgery, when can I get back to work? I have so many questions...thanks for the support Hugs Susan PS...how can I get those cute little emoticons?

Hi Susan! 1. The emoticons are located on the upper right hand side of the window your typing in when posting, it's called Message Emoticons! 2. Many many protein drinks available! I've tried many and I have settled with my surgeons reccomendation of Carbsolutions! I buy the vanilla, they come in a 4-pak, thats four premixed cans for about $5.99 and I can only find it in Shoprite. Carbsolutions has 21 grams of protein, I think 3 grams of carbs and only 100 calories. 3. Vomiting is a big concern for all lap banders! My doc gave me something to protect against nausea when I had surgery and no problems! 4. liquid diet means just that clear liquid! My doc allowed homemade chicken broth only. No bullion cubes! 5. I am a big baby and the day of surgery I felt like crap but tquickly in a day or so I felt ok. The pain is similiar to that kind of cramping you get after doing many many situps! Not too bad. 6. Getting back to work depends on your kind of work? If you have a desk job maybe as quickly as a week? Good luck! Kenny

Hey Kenny...Wow, thank you for that full report. You did a bang up job of making me feel more at ease. How has your process been. How are you doing? Thanks again...Susan

I am about 7 weeks post-op and down about 42 lbs andfeeling great! Kenny

Hi Susan, welcome! I had my surgery January 24 of this year, and have had one fill and going for the 2nd fill on Tuesday. Depending on what your surgeon says, you should be able to have clear broth, then maybe he or she will allow you to have cream soups later. Surgeons vary, so go by what yours says. I looked up and down my list and never saw cream soups in my list but have read others were allowed to have them after their clear liquids were over. Darn it, I always seemed to crave cream of broccoli-lol. I read ahead at answers, and saw Kenny told you they give you medicine to help you not vomit. This was so for me, also. The only problem I experienced was that when I got home, I let myself get too hungry and didn't eat, and that made me heave. Once I ate, I was fine. My liquid of choice was Isopure, high in protein, but you may not like the taste. You can buy it at GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe. Kristine

Hey Kristine Thank you for your support. I will be going to GNC for Isopure and Carbsolution. I think that I can have creamed soups I have to look on my list. How is life for you after surgery. Had you done the lap band? I will be doing the lap band on May 1st. It just seems so far away. I can hardly wait. Have a great day...Susan

Hi Susan! Life is really good. I can move easier and not so focused on food. I no longer give hurts to food, nor feel the need to.I feel a lot more confident when we go out. We went to a pub today(hubby is Irish) and it was nice to share an entree with him and feel full for a change! I still get hungry in between meals, but after today's lunch, which was still a little more fattening than the foods I've been eating, I am actually full and have stayed that way for 3 hours. I could dance for joy at that! LOL. Good luck with your surgery. I don't know if your surgeon told you to or not, but one thing that helped me tremendously was to start practicing and eating like a bandster. Slow and chew well. Kristine

Evening Kristine, Sounds like you had a fabulous St Patricks Day. You made me chuckle with "eating like a bandster." Yes, I do have to practice that. I eat way too fast for my own good. And I think I kind of swallow whole. Committed to working on that as of tomorrow. They say eating with chopsticks can slow you down, however, I just never had the knack for holding those sticks. I tend to put the bowl to my mouth and shovel it in with the chopsticks....But I will make the conscious decision to slllllooooowwwww wwwwaaaayyyy doowwwnnnn. I tried to upload a picture of myself. I couldnt do it..so I sent it to OH and they stated they would do it for me.. I cant believe that I put on this much weight. Geez. Stay well new friend....Susan