Lap Band eating

I've pretty much been thinking RNY from the beginning as far as the surgery type that I wanted. I don't know why, but as it gets closer, I'm re-thinking my options and studying up on the lap band a little more and actually considering going that route instead... I want to ask some questions of the bandsters around here. What are the foods that you cannot have now that you miss the most? I just read an article that had a list of foods that may not be tolerated post-band.  The things that concern me most are: steak (I only like prime rib and fillet which are very soft) oranges skins of fruits/veggies (although I really prefer them peeled anyway) sweet potatoes spicy foods (this one will really bother me!) fried foods (shouldn't have these anyway, and don't really eat them much anymore) spices:  cinnamon, pepper, onion, garlic salt milk (I will really miss my milk!  Of course, I would miss it with RNY too) Do any of you have problems with these things?  Was it just early on or forever? Thanks for any replies...  I can't believe this late in the game I'm considering changing surgeries!  lol  BETTER now than have regrets AFTER though! Dot*  (going to support group tonight!)

Hi Dot,    I know I am not banded.  RNY here, so what would you miss about milk??  I drank milk before and I still drink milk now.  It is a great source of protien.

From what I understand...  everyone is different, but some people can't tolerate the sugars in milk after RNY.  But, my sister had RNY 5 years ago (Jan 22, 2003) and she does fine with milk. I'm not sure what would be the problem with bandsters since they don't dump?? I hope I can have milk after surgery.  If I can't, THEN I'll really miss it!

steak - Not a problem once you have clearance from your surgeon oranges -Should be a problem...I'm not an orange eater skins of fruits/veggies - I still eat apples and potatoes and such with skins - not a problem sweet potatoes - I don't eat them because I don't like them spicy foods - Not a problem what so ever! fried foods - I can not eat anything fried in Vegetable Oil.  I do not know why.  Any other type of oil is fine except Vegetable Oil. spices:  cinnamon, pepper, onion, garlic salt - Spices are not a problem what so ever!!! milk - Milk has great protein in it and it is not a problem One thing that I will point out though...what works for one person might not work for another person.  So, each thing  you try is just a trial to see if it will work.  But, almost everything you listed shouldn't be a problem. Things that don't work for ME now:  Bananas, white bread, pasta I'm 15 months out.  Let me know if there are any other questions! Tonja

I know everyone is different and I know that it will just have to be trial and error with me after...  But, of the things you mention, I think I would miss the bananas most. I eat pasta, but it isn't anything I couldn't do without and I'm not a big bread either either. I'm also not one to drink a lot during my eating which is a good thing.

May I ask what made you change your mind from a RNY to a band?

I don't know...  It is just a last minute "gotta make the RIGHT" decision kinda roller coaster that I'm on.  I just want to make the best INFORMED decision I can.  I've just been thinking about the fact that the band is less invasive, easier to reverse if need be, etc... Even since I wrote that post I've teeter-tottered around with the RNY vs. Band idea!  lol I need to get my study materials out again and spend a little more time researching online before I make my final decision.

Dot, I work in a Bariatric hospital. If you have any questions I may be able to help you. The type of surgery you have is everyone's personal choice of course. I chose the RNY because I didn't want to risk the band slipping or eroding. Also I didn't want to deal with the maintence of it. I had over 100 lbs to lose and I felt that the RNY would be my best choice. Best of luck with your decision.

Thanks for asking these questions Dot, I have wondered myself about some of them.  I grew up a farm boy and steaks and pork chops were on the menu a LOT on our ranch.  I also love Italian and cajun foods so spice and garlic go into just about everything lol.  Not really big on potatoes but I like just about every other veggie under the sun except asparagus.  I have had an intolerance to straight up milk since I was a baby, cant drink it.  Butter, ice cream, cheese, and cottage cheese don't bother me though.  I know some thing are going ot change after surgery and I have mentally prepared myself for that fact.  The way I am looking at it is this.....I give up (insert food here) for a better, healthier life....what a trade!!

There are a lot of folks who can still eat bananas...I'm just not one of them. Tonja