Lap Band patient preparing for Gastric Bypass Conversion

Hi Everyone,

I had the Lap Band put in on 12/26/07. Since then, I was only able to lose about 12 lbs. between the time of the surgery and the beginning of February 2008. After that everything went down hill for me. I followed all of the guidelines by eating three meals a day and drinking enough water, keeping a food journal and then some, but nothing helped. 

I followed all of my surgeons orders and we even filled my band up to 9 cc's (I have a 10 cc band) but I really couldn't notice a difference.  I was still hungry when I shouldn't have been.  Anyway, I am preparing to have the Lap Band removed and converted to a Gastric Bypass. 

TO ALL YOU GASTRIC BYPASS VETERANS OUT THERE, I have a few questions.  Does anyone have any advice on things that I should purchase a head of time such as protein drinks, food scales, etc...?Does anyone know where I can purchase a 32 oz cup with a sippy lid?  I know that that we must sip all of the liquids however the bottles I currently have are like sport quarts with a semi-straw on the lid.  What did you do ahead of time to prepare for your post-op recovery?  Is there anything that you would have done different to get through the recovery process?  Please provide me with a summary of your experience from your Gastric Bypass surgery.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Palarin

Since I'm going in for my 5 year check up today here's my bits of wisdom for what it's worth:
I wouldn't get to much/many shakes a head of time your taste will change. Try to get some sample sizes and then fnd the one you like. For me I used to love GNC brand 5 years ago now I can't stand it. There are a lot of good ones out there you just have to find one that you like. Wal Mart even has some BODY FROTRESS, Designer Whey, GNC has MANY BRANDS. EAS Advantage (Silver boxes) RTD. The MAIN THING IS TO GET THEM ICE COLD. Mix in the blender with 1/2 water and 1/2 ice. You have to be VERY CAREFUL if you try to mix them in coffee or other hot drinks they can seperate and be really GROSS.
Any food scale works also get some measureing cups the 3oz and 5 oz dixie cups works great also. As for cups I use a 24 oz travel mug I got in the auto dept of WalMart keeps my green tea nice and hot. Every doc is different but they gave me a straw in the hospital.
Post op recovery- load up on your protein before surgery this wil help your body heal after. If you have a family try to cook some meals ahead so they can just reheat and eat.  Clean your house it will be a few weeks before you can vac and dust and such. 
I have WLS one week then have Thanksgiving dinner at my house the next week.  Maybe not the smartest move but you do what you gotta do. You will need naps and rest after.
Get your liquids in after surgery this will help flush out your system.
Good Luck,
Robin

Good luck on your revision,

Don't buy a bunch of shakes---everything was way too sweet after surgery.  I used the Zero Carb fruit flavored drinks (in glass bottles) available at GNC right after surgery and watered them down.  Buy some small paper plates and cups.  I also bought some indidual size applesauces, small juices, 3-4 jars of baby food pureed fruit, and several cans of broth--that pretty much was it for a few weeks..   

Sleep a lot, relax, don't rush back to work, and don't lift anything even if you think you're feeling wonderful!  Find some chewable vitamins (not Flintstones) and start taking them now.  Start a walking program now.

I've had a great experience without any complications.