Dining Plan and the Lapband

[Dawn68PA]

We are planning our next trip for December 2010. I will have my lap band approximately 9-10 months by the time we go. I have to admit - one of the perks I look forward to when going to WDW is the food. I love to try the new things, especially things we can't get (or I don't know how to make) at home.

For anyone who has a band - how did you do? Were there certain things that made it easier? Certain foods you recommend?

Anyone willing to share their experience - I greatly appreciate it!

[Glencora]

I've been to the World twice since I was banded, and really haven't had any problems. Once you get the timing thing down (have to wait after drinking before you can eat, after eating before you can drink), you'll be fine.

One thing I do do is ask before I order ANYTHING if it is at all spicy. I've gotten spicy mashed potatoes when I didn't ask! Another general tip is to ask them to bring out your entree as soon as possible, like with the appetizers. You really do have to eat very slowly, and as the rest of my family are record-breaking speed eaters, it makes things a whole lot nicer for everyone.

Be prepared to leave food on your plate. This can be really hard when it's as expensive as Disney food is, but trying to carry around, let alone eat, all the leftovers is just too much. I'll frequently order just an app for dinner at Disney, and still have some leftover because the portions are so huge.

Not sure if your doctor will mention this, but besides spicy food, you need to stay away from acidic foods. No raw onions, tomatoes, or citrus fruit.

Trust me, this all sounds a lot more complicated than it is. I love my band, and have lost almost 80 pounds, and you'll be surprised at how quickly you adjust. Good luck, and feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

[Connears]

Originally Posted by Dawn68PA

We are planning our next trip for December 2010. I will have my lap band approximately 9-10 months by the time we go. I have to admit - one of the perks I look forward to when going to WDW is the food. I love to try the new things, especially things we can't get (or I don't know how to make) at home.

For anyone who has a band - how did you do? Were there certain things that made it easier? Certain foods you recommend?

Anyone willing to share their experience - I greatly appreciate it!

My suggestion is just focus on your lap band surgery and then worry about wdw. I had GBS Jan 09 and have lost 115 lbs and have had no problems with anything since surgery, but I followed the post-op plan to a tee. I am going to wdw for xmas holiday 12/27-1/01/10 and have made adrs for some of our favorites (no buffets this trip, not worth it for my intake). DH and I often share meals and apps and have never had a poblem in restaurants. Not sure what your post-op course entails, but my was very structured with a gradual introduction to foods and now I have a healthy handle on what I eat, I am rarely hungry and never feel deprived. Good luck with your surgery.

Connears

[Dawn68PA]

Thank you both for the insight. My doctor told me I will have the slow re-introduction to foods and warned me about the drinking/eating thing. I'm so happy to hear you both have had no problems.

I don't have problems leaving food on plates now - Disney just sucks me in. We will all be on the dining plan, even though I won't be eating much. It's just easier when there's 3 other people going.

Any other tips and experiences - I'd like to read them!