pamela3782

I didn't right away but my breakdown was at day 3. In all honesty days 2 and 3 were the worst for me. By day 5 I felt good and by day 8 I felt fairly back to normal. I'm 6 months out now and think its the best decision I've ever made. Give it time, you will adjust. Good luck hun

By all means shop away, it's motivational!! Just don't spend to much on new clothes cause you won't be wearing them for long

Don't believe everything you see on TV. James Garrison from Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition tells you the real deal behind being on a reality TV weight loss program. Click here to view It leaves very little to the imagination. Be proud we are doing this on our own!!! Please Check out other posts on Truth In Change. That's a website that helps guide you to lose weight and gain a healthier lifestyle realistically. Please pass this along!!!

First off congrats on being in Onederland! I think we all go through the "I miss food" stage but once we start seeing results it lessens the want. I can only really speak for myself but I know for me losing the weight and all of my new non-scale victories make it all worth while. If you want you can check out the site that I now write for. It's called Truth In Change (link is in my signature) You can learn a lot and I'm sure relate to many of the things posted there. Hopefully it will give you some more inspiration. Best of luck to you and keep up the good work!

I think insurance companies try to shun you from having the surgery. It is expensive so you better be dedicated in their eyes. It is a good test for the lap band as well. It is going to take a lot of strength and dedication to do this. Please remember the band doesn't work for you, you work for it. You are going to run into some walls along the way, just consider this one of them. If you need some tips, motivation, or just a good read check out the website I write for (link is in my signature) That goes for anyone reading this. Best of luck to you and keep us posted!

I'm sorry you are feeling frustration. I have a few questions for you and then I may be able to give you some answers. 1. How big is your band? 2. Are you taking a full 20 minutes to eat every meal or snack? 3. Do you food journal? 4. Do you follow the "don't drink anything 30 minutes before or after eating"? 5. Do you intake at least 64 oz. of Water per day?

Doctors will tell you to up your calories because your body may be in starvation mode (when your body stores everything you are taking in instead of allowing you to burn it) It will also jump start the losing process again. I wouldn't call myself a cheerleader. Most times there are underlying factors as to why the band isn't working whether it be a physical or mental issue. Good luck and I hope things turn around for you.

I'm an april bandster as well and was down 66 on Sept 24th!! How awesome is this?!?!?! So proud of you and your hard work! I was so motivated by my own weight loss and how I felt that I actually started writing for a website called Truth In Change. If you or anyone else wants to check it out the link is in my signature. You will meet some great people and learn some stuff that may help you along the way Keep up the amazing work!!

Thank you to those who have checked it out so far

Hey all it's Pam!! Some of you may know me from posting in the forums or in chat and for some of you this may be a first time visit so HI . I wanted to let you all know that I am now writing for a website called Truth In Change. (www.truthinchange.com) The website was started by an amazing young man named James Garrison. You may know him from Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition for losing 313lbs in one year. He asked me this past September to write with him and we have been improving the site ever since! So Truth In Change is a free online community driven toward inspring people toward a healthier and happier quality of life. We offer tips, support, recipes, and a few amazing people sharing their journeys. The link is also posted in my signature. One of the biggest reasons that James decided to create this site was so people had a place to go where they can relate with others going through some of the same issues and hopefully learn a thing or two in the process. I really hope you guys all come and show me some love. If there is anything you want to see on the site please let me know!!! Thanks everyone xoxo You can also find me on: Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/PamelaTIC Twitter ~ @Pamela_TIC Truth In Change on Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/truthinchange James Garrison ~ http://www.facebook.com/TrueGarrison

Yeah the bleeding is normal as is the soreness. In fact I sometimes get bruising a few days later. As far as the feeling of the fill goes now that you actually have fill in your band it won't feel as odd next time. Not sure how much of a fill you had gotten but I know my second fill I didn't really even feel. So glad that you are on your way to being a healthier and happier person. If you are ever looking for inspiration feel free to visit the website I write for. Truth In change. It's a free online community driven toward inspring people toward a healthier and happier quality of life. We offer tips, support, recipes, and amazing people sharing their journeys. The link is posted in my signature. Feel free to add me if you have any other questions. Keep us posted

The band has not failed me however I do know people that have had the band fail them. The majority of these people had pre existing medical issues that got in the way. I also have seen a few people that were not mentally prepared for such a huge change. One thing I can tell you is DO YOUR RESEARCH. Know exactly what you are getting yourself into before making the decision to get banded. I've seen many that feel that the band is a quick fix or the easy way out. It's NOT. It is just as hard if not harder than actually losing weight naturally. I can not seem to say this enough: THE BAND DOES NOT WORK FOR YOU, YOU WORK FOR THE BAND. To be successful you have to be 180% dedicated to this new lifestyle. Many people gain their weight back due to the fact that they think "ok, I'm at goal so I can (insert favorite bad habit here)" or "well I worked out extra hard this week so I can eat ______" It doesn't work that way. Yes there are going to be times that you will come across a time where you do splurge but do it in moderation and NEVER do it as a reward. Your mind will play tricks on you. This is as much a mental disability as a physical one. Be dedicated because the only person you will end up hurting if you don't is yourself. If you need some motivation visit the site that I write for (link is in my signature) Good luck with everything.

Have you tried the 5 day pouch test? It is possible that you have stretched your pouch out and are eating more than you should be. That could be part of why you are not losing. Day 1 & 2-The first two days are all liquids. You can have as many low-carb protein shakes as you like to satisfy hunger or cravings. In addition drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of water each day. The purpose of all liquids is to break any snacking, grazing or processed carbohydrate habits. In addition the liquids will work to cleanse your system and prepare you for the following three days. Try to reduce your caffeine intake as well, but do not stop caffeine cold turkey or you will feel sick and frustrated potentially losing the desire to continue with the pouch test. It is very important to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day. This will prevent dehydration, will help curb cravings and will flush your body of toxins and fat. Sufficient water intake improves kidney function and cell processes. Day 3: Soft proteins- The next three days you get to eat as much as you want as often as you want! But there's a catch: it has to be solid protein and you only get 15 minutes each time you sit down to eat. No drinking 30 minutes before or after meals and no drinking with your food. A dry pouch will hold your soft protein longer helping your to feel full and fed longer. Protein Recommendations: canned fish ( tuna or salmon) mixed with lemon and seasoned with salt and pepper, eggs cooked as desired seasoned with salt pepper and/or salsa, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy), baked or grilled, and lightly seasoned. This starts your program with "soft" protein. Measure your portion (1 cup volume or 4-6 ounces weight) and eat only until you feel full, not overfull. Remember, no water for 30 minutes before or after you meal, and no fluids with your meal. We are going back to the beginning and fluids will prevent you from feeling the pouch. If you need to add a moist condiment ( Miracle Whip or mayonnaise) to the canned fish I understand, but keep it to a minimum so the meat is not too moist. One reason we lose the sense of tightness in our pouch is that we eat "slider foods" -foods that are too moist and do not stay in the pouch very long, they slide right through the stoma. Cottage cheese is a good protein and you can include it on Day 3. To firm it up a bit you could add a chopped hard cooked egg to your cottage cheese. And yes, during the liquid phase chicken boullion with added protein is great. Day 4 Firm Protein- Protein Recommendations: ground meat (beef, turkey, lamb) cooked dry and lightly seasoned, shellfish, scallops, lobster steamed and seasoned only with lemon, salmon or halibut steaks, grilled and lightly seasoned. By now you should be experiencing that familiar tightness that will reassure you that your pouch is working. Remember to drink plenty of water between meals. Take some time to meditate and rediscover the wonder of your pouch. Often we don't like that uncomfortable tightness of the pouch, which is why we gradually move toward slider foods that don't make us uncomfortable. It is always my preference to eat moist protein so I don't get uncomfortable, but doing so allows me to consume more than I should. Rediscovering the pouch with this 5-day plan reminds me of how the tool really works. I hope by now you are rediscovering your tool and enjoying the hope and excitement because your pouch still works. Day 5 Solid Protein- Remember to chew chew chew. Measure your portion (4-6 ounces) and eat only until you feel your pouch tighten. Remember, only 15 minutes per meal, so you'll have to work fast to chew your food completely. By now you should be out of any carb cycle you were in and perhaps you have lost a pound or two. You will have new confidence in your pouch and your ability to work the tool for your health and emotional well being. Don't go hungry! Remember, you can eat as often as you want as long as it is solid protein, consumed without liquids and measured in 4-6 ounce portions. If you have some time please visit the website I now write for, Truth In Change. It's a free online community driven toward inspiring people toward a healthier and happier quality of life. The link is posted in my signature. Feel free to add me if you have any other questions. Keep us posted

You may be able to find some motivation after visiting the website I write for. Truth In change. It's a free online community driven toward inspring people toward a healthier and happier quality of life. We offer tips, support, recipes, and amazing people sharing their journeys. The link is posted in my signature. Feel free to add me if you have any other questions. Keep us posted

Drinking through a straw is different for everybody. Some can't do it at all, some have no problem. I have found that the tighter my band gets, the more discomfort I experience. Try it but don't try to drink to fast with a straw. Some people tend to drink much faster which in turn creates more bubbles. Good luck and congrats on the start of your journey. If you have some time come visit the website I write for. It's a free online community driven toward inspring people toward a healthier and happier quality of life.The link is posted in my signature. Feel free to add me if you have any other questions. Keep us posted

The average is 4oz. at a time. I usually do a protein shake for breakfast (mornings my band is pretty tight), for lunch I will do a salad with grilled chicken or tuna, and dinner varies. Usually a turkey burger and veggies or chicken of some sort. I try to stay within 1000 calories a day or less and make sure to get my protein and water in every day because that is extremely important. Good luck and keep us posted. Feel free to add me if you have any questions and also visit the website I write for. It may help you along the way (link below)

When were you banded? Its very possible you over ate or tried to drink to quickly after eating. That can happen. Like they say don't try to drink anything for at least half an hour before or after eating. Its a hard habit to break but you will be much more successful that way. As far as the pinching goes I'm not sure why that would happen but you should ask your surgeon.

Feels so fantastic doesn't it?! Congrats, keep up the good work

Shirley that is awesome and so funny you said this. The same thing happened to me the other day. I called my dad and was like "OMG DAD! I CAN SEE MY COLLAR BONE!" He laughed at me but was just as happy as I was. Too funny what these little NSVs can do for ya

Wow you guys are lucky! I was on liquids for 2 weeks, mushies for 2 weeks, then could start to incorporate more solids in after the 4th week. Guess it paid off though cause I lost 31 lbs that first month. Anyway the answer is yes to all of the above. Give it a few more days and you should be feeling much better. Your stomach is still quite swollen on day 4 so you may be feeling almost "stuck" Try drinking warm tea in very small sips. Good luck and congrats

If it's something you are considering talk to your primary care physician. I take hydroclorothiazide (a water pill) but its to help with my blood pressure. If you don't have blood pressure problems I don't recommend it. I also agree that the over the counter ones are not a good alternative to aid in weight loss.

Ok a few things before I start. The band is a tool. The band doesn't work for you, you work for the band so some self control needs to be taken in order to be successful. Even without full restriction you should only be eating bandster size portions. As far as drinking is concerned you are not supposed to drink right after a meal because it can push your food right through your band. It can also stretch out your pouch. The top portion of your stomach (the pouch above the band) is the only part of your stomach that will send a signal to your brain that you are full. That connection takes about 20 minutes. You have to eat slowly and take responsibility as to how much you eat. Have you tried the 5 day pouch test? It is possible that you have stretched your pouch out already.. Day 1 & 2-The first two days are all liquids. You can have as many low-carb Protein shakes as you like to satisfy hunger or cravings. In addition drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of Water each day. The purpose of all liquids is to break any snacking, grazing or processed carbohydrate habits. In addition the liquids will work to cleanse your system and prepare you for the following three days. Try to reduce your caffeine intake as well, but do not stop caffeine cold turkey or you will feel sick and frustrated potentially losing the desire to continue with the pouch test. It is very important to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day. This will prevent dehydration, will help curb cravings and will flush your body of toxins and fat. Sufficient water intake improves kidney function and cell processes. Day 3: Soft proteins- The next three days you get to eat as much as you want as often as you want! But there's a catch: it has to be solid protein and you only get 15 minutes each time you sit down to eat. No drinking 30 minutes before or after meals and no drinking with your food. A dry pouchwill hold your soft protein longer helping your to feel full and fed longer. Protein Recommendations: canned fish ( tuna or salmon) mixed with lemon and seasoned with salt and pepper, eggs cooked as desired seasoned with salt pepper and/or salsa, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy), baked or grilled, and lightly seasoned. This starts your program with "soft" protein. Measure your portion (1 cup volume or 4-6 ounces weight) and eat only until you feel full, not overfull. Remember, no water for 30 minutes before or after you meal, and no fluids with your meal. We are going back to the beginning and fluids will prevent you from feeling the pouch. If you need to add a moist condiment ( Miracle Whip or mayonnaise) to the canned fish I understand, but keep it to a minimum so the meat is not too moist. One reason we lose the sense of tightness in our pouch is that we eat "slider foods" -foods that are too moist and do not stay in the pouch very long, they slide right through the stoma. Cottage cheese is a good protein and you can include it on Day 3. To firm it up a bit you could add a chopped hard cooked egg to your cottage cheese. And yes, during the liquid phase chicken boullion with added protein is great. Day 4 Firm Protein- Protein Recommendations: ground meat (beef, turkey, lamb) cooked dry and lightly seasoned, shellfish, scallops, lobster steamed and seasoned only with lemon, salmon or halibut steaks, grilled and lightly seasoned. By now you should be experiencing that familiar tightness that will reassure you that your pouch is working. Remember to drink plenty of water between meals. Take some time to meditate and rediscover the wonder of your pouch. Often we don't like that uncomfortable tightness of the pouch, which is why we gradually move toward slider foods that don't make us uncomfortable. It is always my preference to eat moist protein so I don't get uncomfortable, but doing so allows me to consume more than I should. Rediscovering the pouch with this 5-day plan reminds me of how the tool really works. I hope by now you are rediscovering your tool and enjoying the hope and excitement because your pouch still works. Day 5 Solid Protein- Remember to chew chew chew. Measure your portion (4-6 ounces) and eat only until you feel your pouch tighten. Remember, only 15 minutes per meal, so you'll have to work fast to chew your food completely. By now you should be out of any carb cycle you were in and perhaps you have lost a pound or two. You will have new confidence in your pouch and your ability to work the tool for your health and emotional well being. Don't go hungry! Remember, you can eat as often as you want as long as it is solid protein, consumed without liquids and measured in 4-6 ounce portions. Good luck

You need to take it easy. The burning is probably your body adapting to your port. I know for myself I got a burning on my left side right above where my port is. The doctor told me I was trying to do to much to fast. Your stomach muscles are also adapting and recovering from your surgery. Mine actually felt like a burning charlie horse. Just be careful, you don't want to do damage to yourself. I would say if you still have the pain by monday call your doctor and talk to him or her about it. If it gets too bad to the point you can't take the pain, call right away. Take care