bellaloco

It really depends on how active you were before your surgery. I was walking on the treadmill within a couple days, and back on the elliptical machine for an hour after a week. The only exception would be swimming...you absolutely MUST wait until you form scabs over your incisions. If you get in the pool too early, you put yourself at risk for a major infection...public pools are disgusting!! The other exception would be ab/core work...even two years post-op, I only do that stuff once or twice a week!

It's been less than a week, and it's hard to tell what I've really lost because it's my TOM right now, and I always get super bloaty and retain a lot of water! I noticed a considerable difference right away. It no longer felt like someone was constantly sitting on my chest. I have had no acid reflux or sliming. I haven't gotten anything stuck, and I am back to eating 3 small meals a day + a protein shake in the afternoon. The scale says I'm down about a pound in 4 days, but I will be able to get a more accurate picture after my TOM is done!

My insurance doesn't cover the fill, but it still will pay for the rest of the office visit. My last appointment was $200, but my insurance covered all but the $50 for the fill. As someone who works for an insurance company, I suggest giving the office your new insurance card, having them bill all the procedure codes and see what gets paid!

I went to my doctor yesterday for a band adjustment. My last fill was in Feburary, and I lost about 10 pounds after, but I have since gained most of it back. I had been experiencing lots of acid reflux, vomiting incidents, food getting stuck, etc in the last few weeks. All the symptoms of a too-tight band. My doctor took out about .5 cc and I felt immediate relief! I guess I just didn't realize how bad it had been, or maybe I was trying to justify that I was ok...I don't know? I feel back on track now and ready to take on the world!! Moral of the story...too-tight band, definitely NOT a good thing!

The band is more or less "forced portion control," so I don't feel like a fraud when I tell someone that all I am doing is focusing on diet and exercise...because it is 100% the truth. It may not be the WHOLE truth, but it is all the truth they need to know!

I absolutely LOVE myfitnesspal. To me, it is different than the "regular" calorie counter. I saved a shortcut to the home screen of my phone, so I am always reminded to log in. I love that it has a barcode scanner and a multi-add function. I also love that it has a recipe calculator...you can enter ANY recipe and it will calculate the number of calories per serving.

I have an honest question, so don't get offended...but from what I understand about Herbalife, doesn't it go against all the Band Rules we have been taught. Isn't it mostly based on liquid meal replacements?

something similar happened to me last weekend. I got my first fill in over 18 months last Tuesday (2/7). I did liquids/soft solids for the first two days, but my husband and I went to dinner on Saturday for Valentines day...Mexican food. I ordered enchiladas, took way too big of a bite and had to run for the bathroom...not fun! I think subconsciously, I was trying to "test" my band to make sure it was still working...well it is! Haven't had any episodes since then, and I am down 8 pounds since my fill last week!

I was never a huge soda drinker, but I miss being able to just chug an ice cold coke! I miss being able to bite into a full sandwich and/or burger. Having them wrapped in lettuce and eating them with a knife and fork just isn't the same! There is this place in Utah called Crown Burger and they make these AMAZING Pastrami burgers. I have already told my husband that if/when I get pregnant and need to have my band loosened, it is the first place I'm going!

I have found meat substitutes are a lot easier to get down than actual meat products...especially right after a fill. Here are some of my favorites: Morningstar Farms Chipotle Black Bean Burgers, Maple Sausage patties, Spicy Sausage Patties, Spicy Chik'n Wings. Boca Chik'n Nuggets-they totally satisfy my nugget craving! Also by Boca-sausage links, Tomato-basil Bruschetta Burgers. Also, this sounds a lot more disgusting than it tastes, but I love adding cottage or ricotta cheese to my oatmeal...if you like cottage cheese, try it!

I went full-on Vegan for about 6 months after I watched Food Inc. I have slowly incorporated some animal products back into my diet. The thought of milk absolutely grosses me out, so I haven't had anything other than soy or almond milk for the last 5 years. I don't eat a ton of meat now, but when I do, I make sure it is high quality. It usually only comes from Whole Foods, or our local Farmers Market

I just add to taste...there are not very many calories in straight-up cocoa powder, and zero in both stevia and splenda, so it doesn't add too many extra calories

Almost every morning during the work week, I have plain greek yogurt (which I get in two large tubs at costco for $4) with some frozen berries and about a tsp of agave drizzled on top. By the time I get to work, the berries have defrosted, but kept the yogurt cold at the same time. It is the perfect breakfast! Also, if you're in need of a chocolate fix...it is really good mixed with some cocoa powder and either stevia, splenda, or agave...to cut out the bitterness.

chocolate with chilies is delicious...if you get a good brand! My brother brough be back some Lindt from Germany that was 75% dark chocolate with a cherry-chili filling. It was one of the best chocolate bars I have ever eaten! I haven't been able to find it in America though!

Hi Everyone, Just went in for my first fill in over 18 months! I went to a new surgeon and he gave me this article. I haven't read all of it yet, but it's pretty interesting so I thought I would share! http://bariatrictimes.com/2011/09/22/gastric-banding-and-the-fine-art-of-eating/