MarcyLoo

I had a similar experience, but kinda on the flip side. I'm 5'2" ona good day and started this at 297 pounds. So, my BMI was well over 50. I consider myself REALLy fat. Am starting to have health issues from it. Well, we all know that story. But, my BMI wa sonc ein the 30's....and see where I got... Anyway, I work at a major hospital with a lot of other women. Come to find out there's several who ar ebanded or who have had bypass. One night one of each grabbed me fromt he hall, took me to the staff lounge, and sat me down for what they actually called an INTERVENTION to opt out of lap band and into bypass. They basically suggested I was too fat for lapband and needed the more drastic bypass. It really hurt my feelings. My reasons for going with the band I'm sure are so similar to everyone else on here. I know it'll be a struggle to get to goal. But, I want to take that on. I am taking that on. They may not have met their goal and one converted to bypass after her band...but I am me, I am really fat, and I CAN DO THIS. As overweight people of all BMIs, and of all surgical procedures, we need to support each other. I'm hoping the other patient didn't mean anything bad and just chose to speak poorly. * hugs *

I love love love greek yogurt! I eat at for about one meal a day, with about 1/4 granola to "firm it up." (supposedly sits in the upper stomach longer) It has way more protein than normal yogurt, and is thicker. Chiobani (sp?P makes some really yummy flavors, and they have some 0-fat ones that are really good! And yes, if it's a matter of your band being tigher in the mornings/noon (very common problem) sip on some hot tea or water to help loosen things up...great idea Vicky!!

So, I guess not being able to eat after a fill is NOT normal. I could barely eat runny oatmeal, so called the clinic just over 24 hours after the fill and they got me right in and took 0.4 cc back out....WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I'm still struggling a bit with things like ground meat, so have to take it really slow, but ahhhhhhh I can eat again! I was up to 274 (from 268) when I went in for the fill...I keep retaining Fluid like mad for some reason...and am down already to 266, yay! Finally the scale is moving down again. AND someone at work mentioned I'm looking skinnier (he knows I got the band). I really needed to hear that! How are you all doing?

I used FSA for lasik eye surgery...so I would think it'd cover fills. :-)

Why are you unable to eat breakfast & lunch? Are you not able to handle the solids? If so it may be that your band is too tight and you need some fluid removed. I'd call your doctor. If you don't have time to eat, make time. Because of how the band works (keeping us full for 4-5+ hours) all liquid calories should be avoided (protein shakes, juice, soda pop, ice cream etc) except for up to two 8-ounce glasses of nonfat milk a day (not during of right after meals though). Replacing meals with protein shakes is actually a no-no. You should be taking in at least 64 ounces of water a day. Limit your carbohydrates. Focus on protein first; lean proteins. You should be eating 3 meals per day, each meal being only 3-4 ounces of protein and about 1/2 a cup of veggies. Most people need to take in around 60 grams of protein a day. Avoid grazing and snacking between meals or after dinner. Focus on fluids before meals, as drinking during and after will dilute the food you just ate and wash it thru the band too fast to keep you satiated. For tracking, I'd really recommend keeping a journal each day. Track how many servings of water you have. (I drink 20 ounces half an hour or so before my 3 meals). Track meal size, what you ate/how much and total the calories. Someone else may know better, but I think the goal is 1200 calories or less per day for the average banded person? Also write down protein grams eaten. You can find all of this on nutritional labels or google calorie counting programs online. Account for ALL snacks/grazing/liquid calories thruout the day as well. Are you in a support group? If not you may want to get into one. Congrats on the 50 pounds!!! I know you're not at goal, but 50 pounds is a huge accomplishment!

I feel like such a failure. I've been at a standstill for about a month. My husband keeps filling the freezer with ice cream and yesterday I caved and ate 3 "drumsticks" THREE. Other than that I've been working so hard; I get my Water in, no liquid calories to speak of, and while portions are still smaller than pre-band I never seem to lose. I keep retaining water, so will lose then gain then lose then gain. I've been hungry and having to reallly fight snacking. My band seems loose one day, tight again, loose again, etc. I got in for a fill today, .7 cc (so 6.2 total) and can barely eat now...which I know is normal. I need to just do some mushies/softs for a few days. Life stress has been pretty massive lately, and I had a HUGE let down at work the other day. Despite being down 30 pounds, dropping a shoe size and a pant & top size, I was talking to a doctor atwork who is ocnsidering being banded and I openly mentioned I had the band done 2+ months ago...a coworker said kind ain disbelief "yeah but have you seen any difference?? Have you lost anything?" I was devastated. I said "yeah....30 pounds..." I guess people must not be seeing it yet. I can see it in my face, and when I look at myself nakked (shudder) I sincerely see a BIG difference. It just kinda blew my confidence to shreds. So hoping this fill will help me get back on track. I CAN DO THIS. I CAN DO THIS. (I also talked to DH today about the ice cream issues....it's too tempting to me this early on, and taking up way too much valuable space in the freezer for healthy foods)

Doodle...do you have a fill scheduled yet? Just remember this can be a lengthy process. Hang in there!

Last two posters: words of wisdom! Thanks!

You may need a fill sooner than that?

MY PMS WEIGHT IS OFF!!!!!!

Good morning! Well, hormones I guess have calmed down because the Water weight is finally shedding...and my band feels tight. I was only able to eat abotu half of my Breakfast (which was a serving greek yogurt w/ granola). Stomach is growling now, but I want to wait till noon to eat. So I'm off to get the kids ready for a Dr's appt to take my mind off the growling stomach! Hoping I can cancel my fill appt next week.

Bloo...it's water weight, not form snacking. We all fluxuate, and hormones are often the culprit. It was just my TOM. elizabeth, so glad you had fun in DL!! having a tough time with mental hunger. Trying to get back in the habit of tea to keep my mouth occupied.

sounds like a great way to increase public awareness & acceptance!

So glad to hear it went well! Hurray!!!!!

Ditto what Denise said...move past it, be mindful, and remember we CAN have occasional treats. Just try to be aware of when it's a choice so you don't feel guilty. Denise worded it way better than me.

Yeah my mother-in-law (and my mom) all know. so did the friend thanks to MIL babbling.

Well, (and just my opinion) spanking is not violent. If it becomes violent I would call is abuse. Basically the difference between spanking and beating. But that's just my opinion. Positive reinforcement is great, but not always effective. If my son is kicking the cat and I tell him gently to stop, and he continues to kick it so I tell him more sternly to stop because kicking the cat will hurt the cat, and he still continues you bet his butt is getting smacked.

I'm sorry...I know it feels like forever. just know that yoru journey has already started, and you will gain valuable information from this 6 months to only help you succeed!!

Oh man, super huge congrats!!!! I read another post not long ago about working on the BP...so glad you're cleared and on your way to a new lease on life!!! I'm almost 2 months out and am sooooooo glad I did this! It's not easy by any means, but I love my band!!

Most people who have bariatric surgery have poor dieting history (meaning yo-yo'ing). Typically a BMI of 35 or more qualifies with a comorbidity, and 40 or more without (ALTHOUGH MY INSURANCE was picky). I think weather or not you're a good candidate will be between you and your surgeon.

Congrats on the compliment!!!! I'm also a labor & delivery nurse...

Mine is on my right side a couple inches below my ribcage. For sure discuss it with your surgeon first. :-)

I'm up about 7 pounds this cycle too...and man can I see the fluid in my hands, face, and feet!

I've decided to start asking for a to-go box at the start and setting at least half aside. when I was out with my brother for a semi-fancy dinner last week (so portions were already on the smaller side) I noticed the waiter glancing at my still semi-full plate a bit too often. I don't mind sharing with people that I have a band, and educating, but I don't always want to explain or discuss it. Sometimes I just want to sit down and enjoy my meal. That was one of those times. My brother is aware of my band, and very politely never brought it up during the meal!!! He asked me if I wanted to try some of his Beans, and mentioned that they were "helthy" (my beans weren't so much). A few weeks back i took a pot of chili to my mother-in-laws where she and a family friend were adding cornbread & salad. Sitting down to supper, I was BOMBARDED with questions. It was super irritating. I just wanted to eat in peace!

Ok, I feel really stupid all of a sudden....so we're supposed to feel full for 4-5 hours? For some reason I thought it was 4. Sorry to get off topic a bit. I almost always stay full for 3 hours, sometimes 4. I happened to have scheduled a 3rd fill for next week so am glad now