So I put on my big girl pants (metaphorically speaking, since I actually had to get rid of those because they were too big) and went in to get an adjustment yesterday. I let them (seriously, I have to be talked into this) add .2, for a total of 6.3 in my 10cc band.. That may not seem like a lot, but I had a slight unfill when I was at 6.2, because I was getting stuck too often. But now that I know that every fill means bites need to get smaller. No really, they say that when you have surgery, but this time they really mean it. Maybe this time I'll remember it. Maybe.
Yesterday, immediately after my adjustment, I got stuck on a protein smoothie. Yes, I took too big of a gulp (I hadn't eaten yet and was staring down a day full of liquids - I was STARVING), but this is a
beverage. Uncomfortable, but not as bad as being stuck on solids, I suppose. So, now I know. Smaller bites AND smaller sips.
So how good are you at following the rules of the post-fill liquid diet? Do you cheat a little? Maybe have some chunky soup at night, so you don't gnaw your arm off in your sleep? Asking for a friend.
I try not to let myself get really hungry because then I don't notice how big a bite or how little I am chewing. Same goes for thirst. I just try to keep sipping all day. Plus I notice the afternoons are easier..its the mornings until 11 that I need to be really perfect!
ReplyDeleteI was VERY careful this morning, just in case. Waited whole intervals between pill swallowing. So far, so good!
DeleteI can't really help with your questions but I do know that shortly after surgery I couldn't drink much at a time and now I'm back to guzzling all the water all the time... I'm scared for when I won't be able to do that any more.
ReplyDeleteIt's not scary Rachel, I promise! It just means we have to pay more attention. When you can start feeling the water go through the band, you know you have to be a little more careful.
DeleteMy surgeon's office says to just stay on liquids for 6 hours after a fill and then go to mushies, solids the next day. So those rules aren't too hard to follow! If you can handle a chunky soup, I don't see any reason not to.
ReplyDeleteYeah, every surgeon is so different. Mine is liquids for a day, mushies the next. But I figure if I can tolerate it, and take it easy, then I'm probably fine.
DeleteI have only ever had two fills. The first time I didn't not follow my surgeon's rules (2 days liquid, 2 days mushies) and I had the worst stuck episode EVER. The second fill I followed his rules exactly. Apparently I swell A LOT after a fill and am very sensitive for several days afterwards. I haven't had a fill in over year now. I forget how much I have in, but I think it's around 5.5 or so.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing! And more proof that everyone's band is so different!
DeleteI must admit I'm a little nervous about getting my first fill. I've been doing okay since surgery but I currently have nothing in my band. I did get stuck on Monday night, on some pita bread, but I recognize that I was definitely eating too fast...just wasn't thinking. So getting a fill means I won't be able to do the whole "not thinking" thing. Damn! :)
ReplyDeleteYep, that's the biggest thing, you have think about every bite. Because you're always getting away with bigger bites and sips than you can after the next fill. But it's worth it to be a little less hungry every time!
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