trying to eat balanced

I am pre-op lap band. Although the surgery is a couple months away, I am to log what, when and how I feel when I eat. I find that I can not always get fruit and vegtables in ea day. I can get the water intake to about 6-8 oz water. I got the caffeine down to half a cup in the morning. I have started to take my vitamins- multi, b-12, calcium & glucuimine chrondroitin (sp). I have ordered samples of protein powder to give them a try. I find that either I eat on the run when I have appointments or just don't get "balanced" done in a day. I am home due to sciatic nerve problem. surgery for that is 1/3/07. talk about pain. Also, since I am on EffexorXR 150 mg, can I swallow a pill that big post-surgery (lap band)? Before I have the EffexorXR 150 mg changed, anyone have suggestions on how to take the EffexorXR 150 mg? Thanks

Hi there! I am over 2 years post op and still have over 100 pounds to lose. Don't let that discourage you. I started at almost 400 pounds and now am 280. I want to let you know that I had no pre op diet whatsoever and it didn't affect my surgery in anyway. I did have last supper syndrome and that did cause a 50 pound weight gain. I would drink the liquid protein the recommended times so hopefully you won't gain as much as I did leading up to the surgery. I recommend anything on www.bariactriceating.com You buy samples and it is the best tasting and healthy! Try just elemenating one unhealthy choice a day. Really try hard to get the water in. Even if it's crystal light or flavored 0 carb waters that are out now. Throw out all the junk! I can't believe how much food I toss out now after surgery. It get's easier. I wish that I hadn't been at almost 400 pounds before surgery. I could barely walk, my back hurt so badly! So of course I couldn't do much exercise after surgery. I wish I could have done that differently too! Now I walk the dog an hour a day and have no problems cleaning my house and doing normal activity. I am starting a gym routine soon. Please learn a little from me. I just want to let you know my experiences. I hope it helps someone. Best wishes! The band has really changed my life, but I can still eat sweets. The band was wrapped around my stomach not my head. Counseling is always a good thing Sincerely Janet in KC 368/280/199 June 2004 post op