NJGirl32

I had soup too-don't feel guilty. Okay so it's not a clear liquid but still a very good choice.

This makes a lot of sense and I think I read in the book Bandwagon that it works the same way-stomach muscles are constantly at work and food doesn't really 'sit' in the stomach. I agree with the 3 meals a day-it works for me. I eat at 8-1-6 and have a snack at 9. My NUT told be to have breakfast (snack) Lunch (snack) Dinner (snack). The train of thought is that this keeps the metabolism at a higher level.

It's the long scar to the left of your belly button (your left) - not sure if it's the same for everyone.

I watched the first clip from the dr. oz show and I can't figure out how this woman is eating only spoonfuls of food. Are we suppose to eat solids? I thought she said she was 6 months post - op , unless I heard wrong. I eat more than that and I am almost 1 month post-op! http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/life-after-lap-band-surgery-pt-1

[quote name=)' timestamp='1308793841' post='1629489] I just got home today and had surgery yesterday. I am a teacher and so I don't have the problem of anyone at work knowing about it. I go to teacher related things all the time so I told my immediate family that I had a conference to go to overnight. I just happened to come home with the flu. The only one that I told is my husband and one friend at work since I don't want anyone to find out. The Lapband is just a tool and I think this will take a lot of work. I don't want people talking behind my back or watching what I eat or thinking I took the easy road. My parents, kids and siblings have no idea. It is my little secret and I want to keep it that way. That is why this forum is so nice. I am the same way-I don't care much about peope at work knowing but I ony told 1 person there. No one in my family knows (not my mother, kids, or even my best friend). I feel perfectly fine without my family and friends knowing!

No, it's wrong! I now have a ot less respect for Dr.Oz-I thought his team would give more accurate info than this! I mean really!! I ate this much maybe the first few days post surgery. I am eating regular meals now!!

Wow! That had to be an amazing feeling! Congrats on a great weight loss!!

I go for my first fill tomorrow too! Let me know how you make out! I know I need a good fill, although I know it may take a few to get to that 'sweet spot'

I go for my first fill tomorrow too! Let me know how you make out! I know I need a good fill, although I know it may take a few to get to that 'sweet spot'

I onytold my husband and the woman I work with...and I am SO glad! I have only lost 6 pounds since surgery (almost a month ago). I can tell the woman I work with looks at my lunch so I am glad no one else knows. I guess I wouldn't mind as much if I had a good weight loss, but that's no the case yet. I don't need the food police around me-I have enough stress! I look at it this way...it's my journey and I own it. I guess sometimes it would be nice to talk to others about it-someday, just not yet!

Wow! What an awesome accomplishment!! I haven't really ost much since my surgery a month ago. When did you feel restriction? How many fills did you have? I hope I can boast about my weight loss in another 5 months!

That sounds good! I had the kind that you buy in the freezer section that come with little wooden spoons.

I go for my first fill on Thursday- I am happy about that! I can't figure out why I am not losing weight. I have 3 small meals a day and 1 big snack at night (I rather save my snacks and have a bigger one at night). I try to only weigh myself every few days. I can tell when I lose weight or gain. Driving home from work I was thinking...what if I don't lose much weight wih this band? What if I had surgery and I am still fat?!! How depressing would that be! But from al my research I can tell having these thoughts is very, very natural and a part of the process. The lapband is not a fast road to weight loss-it's philosophy is "Slow and steady wins the race." I have gone to quite a few parties since being banded and I have only had 1 beer total! That's a BIG accomplishment because Jersey Girls love their beer! I have Miller Lite 64's -they only have 64 calories. I also found Crystal Light Mojito and Margarita powders at Pathmark! So far I don't mind not drinking and I especially like waking up the next day knowing that I did good! I just hope this first fill gives me a little help!

When I go to a party I pan on how many drinks I will have-plus I drink Water in between. I saw in the super market that Crysta Light has Mojito and Margarita packets-I am goingto try them. I don't think 3 times a year is going to do any harm and long as you plan for it.

Lots of people on this forum say the 3rd time is the charm and it's at this point they start feeling like they are truly banded! Good luck!

I could have written this exact same post! I tried muscle milk light premixed and it was terrible! It had such a bad after taste that I coudn't finish it! I went to GNC and found their Total Lean Swiss Choc. (with no saleman) and I love it!! It has 25 grams of protein and 23 vitiams plus it's not thick. I actually look forward to having that shake each day. I tried the vanilla and strwberry but I think the choc. is the best!

Thanks guys! Thursday I get my first fill!!

Okay-so I guess I REALLy do have an empty band! Oh, yes I have read about those blessed people who nevered needed a fill and how I really hoped I would be one of the chosen few-butthe monster reared it's ugly head this weekend. I had control-but it wasn't easy. My meals aren't keeping me full. I look at it this way-I am dieting on my own for now, but it won't be forever! One day at a time and one week at a time! I guess this is what the call Bandster Hell. I can get through it though...I know I can!

First, congratulations on making so many healthy changes in your life! You make some very valid points and you seem really comfortable where you are thus far. I guess the real question is how much weight have you lost since surgery? Is your band empty or did they put some in when you had your surgery? I was banded on May 25th and this Thursday I go in for my first fill. I can feel a litte restriction and I seem satisfied between meals, but I want the fill because I am not losing weight like I know I should. I would say that if you are losing weight each week then maybe you don't need a fill just yet. Why don't you keep your fill appointment and discuss it with your doctor? Good luck!

I agree, I can't wait to become a member of the Onederland club too!!! You guys must feel awesome-congratulations!!

I just received my Bento Box this week-so excited!! I love the way you can make interesting lunches that are healthy too! Too often we tend to eat the same boring foods and this forces us to think outside the box (no pun intended!). Please share all pics and any website on the boxes as I am a newbie with these : ) The boxes are expensive-but hopefuly worth it!!

Opps got cut off from the last post1 I agree the nutritionist isn't telling me anything I don't already know. My next big step is excerise. I want to join a gym but I am not sure which one. I also plan to go in my pool to do some Water exercise.

I remember when I came out if surgery I asked the Doc. what size band I had. He said a meduim size one...WTH?? I mean seriously-medium? Then I asked a different doc about fills and what size fill do they typically give the first time. He didn't wantto answer my question-WTH? But eventually told me around 2ccs. What's the BIG secret??!! It's MY body, My band, and I have a right to know what's inside of it! I plan on saying that the next time they are evasive with answers. I agree the nutritionist

I love my coffee and I like having it on weekends and 1 cup on the way to work. As far as carbonated drinks...yesterday I was at a backyard party and had a Miller Light 64. This beer only has 64 calories and was refreshing. I felt guilt free drinking it - and I only had 1. I was gassy though! Everything in moderation! But with all that being said some of us really hae to think about our old drinking habits and ask how many carbonated beverages are we consuming? I agree thatthe chemicals and artifical sweeters cand stimulate our appetites and should be consumed in very limited quanities.

Make sure you keep the scale in one place and try to get weighed the same time each day (only get weighed once a day (or once a week if you can). Here are some researched choices: http://www.consumersearch.com/bathroom-scales http://www.amazon.com/s?url=search-alias%3Dgarden&field-keywords=bathroom+scale&x=0&y=0 (this site has a lot of ratings by people who used the scale)