By Sandi Henderson

The most exciting time for a new lap band patient (besides getting on the scale and having dropped a lot of weight) is when we are finally able to return to eating solid foods.  For some the dreams have been about a bite of chicken, for others the nightmare has been about not being able to swallow the food properly and having it get stuck.  Once again, everyone's journey is different and it becomes apparent at this stage.

Some people with bands are so afraid to start solid foods that they conveniently "forget" the date their doctor has given them.  Others remember the date but accelerate it by a day or so.  A few points to consider when progressing to solids, whether it be at twenty on days post-op like I did, or three months post-op as it is for others are the following:

• Plan your meals and eat your protein first;
• Use small plates and children's utensils;
• Cut food into tiny pieces and chew each piece at least twenty times;
• Do not drink with your meals;
• Be sure to get in your fluids between meals;
• Make sure you are getting at least sixty to eighty grams of protein a day (this may still require one protein drink as a supplement between meals);
• If you have trouble with a food leave it out of your meal plans for a month or more and then try it again. If you still have trouble with it, eliminate it from your food choices;
• Keep journaling everything you eat and drink;
• Make good food choices;

 Here is one patient's experience starting on solid foods:

"Today it's real food!  I start solids.  Getting bored with oatmeal, eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt and yams so that's a good thing. 

And, if I NEVER have to taste another protein drink it will be too soon! 

Still did eggs for breakfast, but tried some tuna for lunch.  Just a three ounce can drained, with some fat free mayo and five saltine crackers.  It was a feast!  Some salmon for dinner with some well steamed broccoli and I ate meals fit for a queen today!  I can definitely do this. 

I can have 1200 calories a day and am supposed to get in sixty to eighty grams of protein.  I'm also still writing down everything I eat and drink.  Today was 770 calories, sixty two grams of protein and sixty four ounces of water.  That would leave me 430 calories more once I have more appetite.  I think I can find healthy, flavorful foods and still stay in the calorie range recommended.

All of my clothes are getting too big.  I get to weigh in about a week when I go for my first post op appointment.  I've been taking my vitamins every day, drinking my water, I gave up coffee just before surgery, and my sweet husband is okay with me not putting anything liquid on the table during meals.  It has helped me get out of the routine of drinking while I'm eating.  It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.

I know now, I can really do this!"

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