NWgirl

4.8cc and I feel I am at good restriction. I can eat anything (bread is time consuming, so no likey) and stay satiated for 4+ hours. Most of the time any hunger problems are in my head and are not physical. I think people grasp at straws and want to be filled, filled, filled because they think it will be like a magical switch that suddenly makes you not hungry. Unfortunately, I have only seen a very few people in my time here that have actually lost desire for food- everyone else analyzes what they eat and make the right choices.

They also make egg protein powder, if the other two don't work. I would also recommend testing something else out because it could be just that the product you tried had too many fillers.

I only told those who are an intricate part of my life- parents, boyfriend, good friend. No one else knows and I don't intend on telling them. I was with one of my extremely overweight friends last month and her mom had gotten gastric about two years ago. The mother had recently asked the friend if she had considered WLS and the friend went off to me about how she's not big enough for that, easy way out, she's going to lose weight naturally, etc. It would have been awkward to tell her, needless to say.

try some peppermint tea. It can be helpful with gas.

No, I do not. I have probably tried every diet out there, and gave my last hurrah in 2011 with a low cal/high exercise diet and it was unattainable to keep up. I have no regrets and have gotten back what I put in. You just have to remember that you have to work with your band and that it's not going to do all of the work for you.

When I get hungry, I try to eat a meal and not a snack. Some days this is possible, others it is not. I usually do three meals and sometimes one snack. I think whatever makes you feel the best is good.

I have approx 4.8cc in my band. I have restriction (not elimination of food, but reduction in the amount I can eat and being satisfied and not hungry for 4+ hours) and can eat anything I want. Breads I have to take my time with, which is usually too bothersome so I don't really eat those often. Everyone is different and can eat different foods.

You will be fine, just keep plugging away and making right choices.

You should only take a max of 20 minutes to eat your meal. Most say one cup or less per meal. If you have trouble making healthy choices because of your busy lifestyle, then you need to take a day a week to sit down and prepare meals and snacks in proper portions that you can grab on the go. Don't make excuses because the only person you are cheating is you.

I wonder if it could be the Vagus nerve being pinched by the band.

It seems that most can lose weight, but maintaining that weight loss or the strict diet required to lose weight without the band is not realistic. I have lost weight many times, but whenever I come off whatever diet I was on, I gain all plus more back. In the beginning if you want to lose weight, you have to diet. Some do not diet and wait until they hit the green zone and then the band kicks in and helps.

I can't answer this question for you, as I am not too tight. I do get gurgling feelings when I have eaten too fast/much. It's my warning sign to slow it down.

Good luck!

Good luck! You'll be done in no time

I found the coach to be pretty open and receptive, but the Dr who was helping with the program was terrible...

You can definitely see the weight loss in my comparison photos, but my coworkers have not commented (most likely because we wear very ill fitting uniforms!). My family/friends have definitely noticed. I think people also don't want to be rude and mention it.

I'm guessing the approval for removal is just the same as applying for it to be put in- the insurance company probably has a max of 30 days to respond to the request. Good luck!

I was told to eat when hungry, and when I'm hungry to eat a meal and not a snack. Also, until you're back onto a full diet, I was told it was okay to drink with meals because the food is going right through anyways.

Awesome photos! Like 2muchfun, I always find it funny that the "before" photos look so unhappy

I have heard something called first bite syndrome, maybe look into this. Otherwise, you may be eating the first couple bites too quickly. I would recommend you see your Dr to discuss the problem.

PB and throwing up are two separate things- I would not purposely try to do either, as they can cause band slips. A PB is pretty much regurgitation of food that is above the pouch and has little to no stomach acid mixed in (this is what most talk about when they say vomit). Vomiting is full out vomit from below the band, which is dangerous with the band because the contents have to be pushed back through the tiny hole created by the band, making the chance of slip higher.

you will know when you're stuck, and depending on how bad you may just feel throat discomfort or painful chest discomfort.

I just got the band in March at 23 and would suggest you have a good support system and a local support group to attend. Also, take advantage of a bariatric dietician and learn which foods will be the best to eat. Overall, realize this is a journey and not an overnight thing. There will be days when head hunger rules and others that rush by. Take the good with the bad and truly be involved in the experience. It's very rewarding!

Have you visited with a counselor or a psychologist to try and find the root of why you're overweight and why you're sabotaging yourself?

Welcome! Congrats on taking control of your health