Strict doctor's orders

Kiana38 · 08-05-2006, 10:20 AM

I keep reading what everyone here is allowed to eat and drink post banding. My doctor seems to be the strictest out of any of them.

I just got banded Aug 1st, and have to be on clear liquids for 1 month. I get to start protein drinks after 1 week, but it has to be "predigested" protein. I buy Champion Whey protein since that is predigested. Also, any liquids we drink has to be taken in a 30 cc cup. Those little shot glasses they use in the hospital. We must drink 50+ of those a day of water and diluted juices. When I get to start solid food, I have to measure in those 1 oz cups. I can only eat 1 - 1.5 oz. 4-5 times a day. And NEVER allowed to have sugar or milk. All foods must be 6 g of sugar or less. The only exception to the no milk rule is cottage cheese, low fat yogurt, and cheese is allowed. The yogurt is only allowed if you find the one brand that is actually less than 6 g of sugar.

Anyone else have all these restrictions?

Dody · 08-05-2006, 10:30 AM

The only pre-op diet I was required to do was one week of Carnation Instant Breakfast and water. I lost 10 lbs. in one week doing that, and I'm sure glad it wasn't for longer than that. I think most dr's. have their own format. I've heard of people with longer diets; different diets; and absolutely no diets. It depends on where you are having your surgery done and the dr. specifically. Hope this helps. I could not have done what you are doing for any amount of money. It seems incredibly strict.

slimwithin · 08-05-2006, 10:32 AM

Hi, congrads on your surgery. My restrictions were not that bad. Maybe they should have been.Banded 6-13-06.Lost 22lbs. I am going to copy your 6g of sugar rule.My protein i mix with milk 2% ,Insatant breakfst,yogurt, fruit,powdered milk.Keeo your chin up and good luck.

Carlene · 08-05-2006, 10:44 AM

WOW! I did clear liquids for 3 days, full liquids for one week, then mushies, then solids. One month post-op (no fill yet), I was eating steak. All I can say is, you may be VERY hungry those first few weeks. The band doesn't work without at least one fill, and it often takes several to achieve good restriction.

Stitchy · 08-05-2006, 10:49 AM

This sounds like post-op diets for GB. What is your surgeon's background?

PhotoNut · 08-05-2006, 10:51 AM

Yeppers, grats on your banding and may your recovery be speedy and with no complications!

Were you aware of the post op diet prior to your surgery? What I'm asking is.. was this a surprise to you or were you prepared for what your Dr. expected? Hopefully you were. And assuming you were I guess you're just sharing what your Dr. requires and not asking others to excuse your wavering from the required... right? *peers at you with a grin*

It amazes me that people trust their Dr. enough to allow them cut them open and install a device into their bodies, but they question the dietary guidelines the Dr outlines for them to ensure (what the Dr feels) is the best recovery and results for the patient.

Dont get me wrong, I'm not implying that youre doing that, okie? I'm just saying that I've seen many who have.

Yup, youre diet is strict, but I have seen others on 1 month of liquids. The low sugar thing makes sense for optimal weight loss. Many soft and liquid foods are very high in calories. Just be sure to get enough protein and be sure the suppliment is a good one. Thats going to be very important for you during this time.

Keep us posted on how youre doing. And if youre interested in learning more about the protein supliments, I can direct you to a thread that has some good info.

Cheers!

Paulax · 08-05-2006, 11:06 AM

Yep, my surgeon, is one of the strictest. I am required to do 30-35 days of clear liquids. No juice, no dairy, strictly water, broth, more water, some more broth and even some broth. Heck, most days I'd die for a Carnation instant breakfast.

I do complain, see my liquid fast support thread, but I am eternally greatful for this opportunity, maybe the ONLY opportunity to lose this quickly.

I have to focus on it as being a very short time in my hopefully very long and healthy life.
For example, I was very strict as to what I took into my body for the 9 months X 3 children that I carried. It was worth the effort to see 3 beautiful healthy children born of my body.

And just look at my stats. Whohoo!

By no means do I find this easy. I am ticking off the days to mushies on my daily calendar. You might even catch me crying in my thread.

I want to encourage you to do what your surgeon suggests. You will survive and time will go by anyway. You will feel more powerful and successful if you follow your plan.

Hugs and keep checking in.

Excellent posts above....hugs to all.......

PS, my very small in stature Chinese doctor says in his very strong accent, about my upcoming post fast diet.... '1/2 teacup, that is all 1/2 teacup of food.'

Rae · 08-05-2006, 01:13 PM

Kiana38 and Paulax.........you can do this. My doctor has the same rules as yours. Dr. Oh was the assistant on my surgery. I am not saying it is easy but it is doable. I knew what the plan was before surgery, which I am sure you did too. So I just made up my mind that is what I had to do because I wanted this to work (I was self pay). It has been 14 months since my surgery and I am very pleased with my weight loss. Could I do the 10 day clear liquid before surgery and the 30 days after again, probably not. If you have any questions just ask. Good luck to both of you. RAE

Kiana38 · 08-05-2006, 02:41 PM

I knew about the requirements ahead of time and I am not complaining about them. I am fine with the restrictions and am following them to a T. I was just noticing that many of you said you were eating creamy soups, or milk products, and someone even suggested 2-3 oz lean meats, so I wanted to compare notes with you.

I know Dr. Srikanth, he assisted Dr. Oh and I met him before surgery the other day. He was the "nice" doc. I got the one without a good bedside manner. LOL

Someone asked what credentials my doctor had. He has 18 years bariatric experience and 14 years laparoscopic experience. You can see him on obesityhelp.com.

Thanks for sharing all of your doctor's orders!

Paulax · 08-05-2006, 03:16 PM

Kiana, I once heard that the best doctors have the worst bedside manners.
So I bet your doc was AWSOME. lol!

Yes, I look at these difficult days as a blessing really. I was abusing food and abusing the beautiful healthy body I was given.

I will be happy to finish my 20 more days....
Cheers

Diva Girl · 08-05-2006, 04:33 PM

It's strict, all right. Ill be one week clear liquids after banding, 3 additional weeks of "full liquids" then mushies then "real" food. It's so far off I try not to even think about it. I've been on full liquids for almost a week and thought I was doing well. The idea of clear liquids for a month is pretty grim. You'll probably never want to see another drop of chicken broth as long as you live!

I think you've got to throw your trust into your doctor. He knows your body and history and must have a reason for a month of clear. Maybe he's used to patients who are non-compliant, and just assumes you will be too, so gives you a super strict regimen. You might want to talk to him about it and ask him if he got you confused with a GB patient, lol.

Good luck to you!

Marimaru · 08-05-2006, 04:53 PM

It really does sound like bypass requirements to me. I'm not sure why some doctors don't separate that, but I'll bet you lose alot.

When will you be able to get your first fill? Most people get it at 6 weeks out, but then are usually on solids by then to be able to tell whether they actually need one.

Good luck!

Kiana38 · 08-05-2006, 05:32 PM

I get my first fill at 5 weeks. He doesn't do a puree or "full liquid" stage. It's 4 weeks thin liquid, then 2 weeks mushy, then slowly introduce solid foods.

I figured he was strict compared to a lot of the other doctors when I read the stuff you guys get to eat! I'm not upset about it because I committed to this deal months before the surgery. I'm not even hungry right now, so not sure what a week or two will bring. I don't think a month of liquid will be that bad. I just finished 3 weeks of liquid presurgery so I'm prepared.

cashley · 08-05-2006, 07:11 PM

I'd question those requirements as completely unnecessary... and yes I do trust doctors to cut on me but still think that I have a brain to think for myself and most defiantly question anything that seems unreasonable or unhealthy.

I know people can live for a month on liquids but she said "clear liquids" and that seems unreasonable... that type of diet causes your hair to fall out and all kinds of health issues It makes no senses and contradicts what most doctors recommend..

I can't believe some of you all wouldn't "question" it.... Hell yeah - I believe in questioning and seeking second opinons. Just because someone is a doctor (or a surgeon) doesn't make them all knowing.

Constance · 08-05-2006, 11:44 PM

Yeah, not be totally contrarian here, but what is the point of being exessively strict? We have hundreds of bandsters here who had the standard 4 week transition; clear, full, mushy, and then real food. I think we can safely say the overwhelming majority of those bandsters have had no problems. Is the strict clear liquid diet just to speed weight loss? It seems like it negates the whole point of having safe,slow weight loss with the band. Not to mention making you INSANE with thoughts of food!

Ok, end of rant. Carry on.