Sandra S

If your doctors (and insurance) recommends lap band, go for it! I am 3 months post surgery. The first week was uncomfortable (I slept in a recliner), but since then I feel better than I've ever felt. I wanted to loose 75 pounds after the surgery. I have lost 41 so far. It makes a big difference when you diet not to feel hungry!

I've looked at lots of Protein Bars, but they have too many calories. If anyone has found any that have less than 200 calories and at least 20 g Protein, please let the rest of us know.

Just wondered.

My doctor says no liquid for 30 min. before a meal.

I just had a thought...

I saw a lot of people on here saying that they feel warm weather effects their band by making it seem much tighter.. I think I know why...

The molecules in many materials such as plastic expand in warmth and get smaller with cold.... Could the plastic material in our bands be expanding during the heat, therefore causing it to tighten it around the stomach ?

I'm sure this is a "duh" kinda question, but just thinking that if that's the case, it means maybe we could manipulate it ourselves a little more...

BUT... also... one person said she felt that warm liquid helped loosen it, but cold helped tighten it. My newest trick is a glass of ice cold Water before a meal to make it feel tighter so that I eat less...

..I am wondering if the inside of the band reacts opposite to temperature, then the outside of the band....

Any thoughts?

My doctor calls it the 30/30 rule. Nothing to drink 30 mins. before or after eating. Soup is a liquid, so you can't eat solid food if you are having soup.

I know that you aren't suppose to drink with meals after you move to mushie foods. I have heard a couple different things though about how long before. I think my doctor only says not to drink during and for about an hour after. Also, does this mean even if you are eating soup?

Just curious as to what everyone does. Thanks

I think it gets worse after surgery. Try Miralax.< /p>

Did anyone experience Constipation once they cut out the carbs? I've been doing high protein/low carb for 1 week now.... I'm in my pre-op stage.... And I only go numero dos after some assistance from milk of magnesia. It's pretty annoying too because that stuff is disgusting. Anyway... Was this normal for anyone else?

I like Premier that I get at costco. It has 30 g Protein, 1 g sugar, and 160 cal. It is really filling. It comes in a case of 18 servings for around $23. You can also get it on line at Amazon or the Premier site, but it is $10 more than at costco.< /p>

I need to know what are some of the best Protein shakes, to keep weight loss going!!!!!, the ones that really work!!! What kind is best for you and, how many grams of Protein, and price avg. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had my Realize band 6 days before you! I feel the same way you do about the "full" feeling. My doctor said you shouldn't feel full - you should feel satisfied. I have only had 1 fill so far (2 cc). I don't feel any restriction at all.

The big thing I had to learn after surgery was that during all of my pre-banded life, what I considered "full" was really OVER full. That feeling of being stuffed, of having a heaviness in my stomach, like I had to lean back and stretch out my abdomen because it needed more room- that's not full, that's TOO full. That's over eating.

With the band and a few fills, I eat for a while and then no longer feel hungry, but I am not what I used to think of as "full". Your full stomach holds up to 6 cups of food. I still could eat that much, even with the band, but after the first cup the band tells me I'm not hungry any more. Can I keep eating past that? Sure I can. And I have to work really hard to continually ask myself "am I still hungry or do I just want to eat more?" when I'm having a meal or snack.

I hope this helps...

Welcome to the Banded World! I had my surgery (although I have the Realize band) on April 6. I've lost 38 lbs since then! I guess my band wasn't too tight, because I continually drank for the first 10 days, never really feeling full. My doctor says you aren't supposed to feel full - just satisfied. I tried the Muscle Milk light, but I don't like it. Have you tried Premier from costco? The case has 18 containers, each having 11 oz, 30 g Protein, and 160 calories. It is very tasty and extremely filling. The only flavor my costco has is chocolate, but it also comes in vanilla and strawberry. Costco has it for $10 cheaper than Amazon or the Premier site, so I will continue to drink the chocolate. I'd love to eat the way I did before, but I would not trade it for the way I feel now! I'd like to loose another 40 lbs. Best of luck with your journey.

quote name='layne409' timestamp='1309629787' post='1634223']

Hi all....Just signed up today....just had my surgery on Tuesday June 28....today is the first day I have been hungry at all....so I've drank the correct amount of liquids everyday but I haven't really eaten any Jello or had any broth....I need to know about the Protein shakes...how much of the shake am I supposed to drink in one sitting I have muscle milk light...only 100 calories....I had three ounces this morning for breakfast...is that enough or too much.....and also how on earth did you all get your protein in if you can only drink 2 or 3 ounces at a time....really confused...hoping for some good input...thanks Layne