Rachel412

My nutritionist wants us to watch portions and not pay attention to calories, but it's pretty hard!

Lucky! Yes, we have a few people on the board who have never needed any fill. I think you're doing great so far! How much does your doctor tell you to eat at one sitting? Seems like my doctor advocates larger portions than some others- I'm supposed to have my 4 oz. of protein, then up to a cup of veggies, then if I'm still hungry, up to a 1/2 cup of grains. So I generally measure out my meal and stop eating when it's gone. It's just easier for me that way!

How much would you say you eat at a meal, and how long is it until you feel hungry again? Like, not "I want to eat something" but HUNGRY?

I'm sorry you're having such a tough time! My understanding of the sweet spot is you are "full" (really, satisfied, not stuffed) on a small amount of food and stay satisfied for 4-5 hours.

Uhh... of what?

You poor thing I hope you were able to get in to see him.

I don't think it's a silly question but I wonder if it's the same for everyone. I'm in my clothes for weigh-in, but I take my shoes off.

Definitely try through insurance. I just don't see a good reason not to.

I totally agree. And even though my nutritionist said it to me, over and over again, I really didn't get it until after I'd had he surgery and it was all in my hands.

Sure.

I think of "full" as like, Thanksgiving dinner full. And that's not what the band is supposed to give us, it's supposed to help us feel satisfied. Not overstuffed! That's so hard for me to remember. I'd say eat your portion, then wait 30 minutes. If in 30 minutes you're still growling and feeling hunger- not "I want to eat more" but HUNGER- then eat more Protein.

I'm just sending you support, and compassion. First of all, yes, you got the band to help you. If it's not helping yet, it's SO discouraging. I don't think 1,100 calories is enough, personally, but listen to your doctor! I really hope your fill helps you get to the point that you don't feel like you're fighting so hard.

Yeah, it's better for me now than it was right after surgery, but I'm still way more gassy now than I was then. I seem to take in SO much air when I eat now!

But that doesn't make sense. How else would it possibly control portion size, other than making you stop being hungry when you eat a smaller portion? Maybe they meant that you'll still get hungry, it's not going to make your hunger go away forever. But if you're at a right fill point you'll feel satisfied with a smaller portion of food, and stay satisfied for 4-5 hours. re: why would I do this instead of Weight Watchers... see above. If you are a bulk eater, then the band should help you to get a satisfied feeling with less food. If you're an emotional eater, well, the band isn't around your brain!

I do what Mimi said, drink a hot liquid, get a mouthful and throw the pill in there and gulp it down.

It does seem like you're taking in a lot of carbs and not a lot of Protein. Do you eat dairy?

Yes Weesie, what you're feeling now is exactly what you want to feel. It lasts a different amount of time for everyone- I hope it stays this way with you for a long time!

Can you tell us what you eat in a typical day, and how much? As for when to eat... seems everyone is given different advice. My nutritionist says 3 meals a day, avoid Snacks if possible, if not make the snack work for you so I choose a source of Protein. Other people seem to eat every 3 hours.

Weird, isn't it? I really enjoyed miso soup while I was on liquids. I also found a chicken broth with white wine and spices in it, yum. Hummus is a good choice for sure.

Can you tell us what you'd normally eat in a day, and how much? Maybe we can help.

You have to go with your heart. Just remember- you're still going to have to eat right and work out. That won't change, the band doesn't make you lose weight. Will you be taking out a loan for the surgery? I can understand that concern, but maybe it'll give you an extra incentive to really do this right and rock the weight loss!

Yeah... my surgeon says no coffee post-band, at most one a day. So I went from using my Keurig soo many times a day to just using it for hot water for tea!

You need sugar free flavored syrups! Check out Torani or DaVinci brands. They've got tons of flavors, add no calories to the drink, and are sweet (I think both brands use Splenda). A splash of fat-free creamer or half-and-half and you've got a very low cal, tasty iced coffee.

Hey ladies! I'm a minister's wife. It was my decision to not tell the congregation about the surgery- I didn't (and don't) want them worrying about me. Doesn't seem like many of them have noticed my weight loss yet, but that's OK. We're starting VBS tomorrow and I'm noticing how much more I can move around, bend, stretch than I could last year at 40 pounds heavier! I'm glad to see there are others here in my position

What does your surgeon say about it?