dmg223

Prior to surgery I had been taking acid reflux medications for the last 6 years. I have not had to take anything since surgery on 6/8/11. Feels great to get rid of that medication!

Once I started tracking my food on myfitnesspal and saw i was getting between 400-600 calories a day (i thought I was eating closer to 800) I got nervous I was eating too few calories and called the dietician at my surgeons office. She said it was perfectly fine and not too worry as long as I was getting my protein in and taking vitamins. Feel free to add me on myfitnesspal.com, I'm Danaocny .

Are you measuring out your portions? The band will not prohibit you from eating a normal size portion, you have to use portion control still. For dinner I measure out a specific amount of lean protein & veggies, eat the protein first then the veggies. The nerves in your stomach will tell your brain that you are full on less foods then before. Just because you can eat more does not mean you should. You have to learn how to listen to your body and when it is telling you that you are satisfied, you are no longer looking for that full feeling. Good luck!

Saying hi from Middletown, ny in Orange county!

You look great!! keep up the good work!

I was banded 6/8/11 and within the last few weeks I am able to stop on the "normal" size side of a few stores! Its a great feeling!!

Woohoo! I go & see Jeanie on Friday afternoon. Hoping to hit 40 lbs by then :-)

Woohoo!!! You are doing awesome Melissa! Thanks for sharing your story :-)

I tell everyone. I also post regularly about it on facebook and when I update my blog I post the link as well. It gives me more accountability.

Every Dr's post-op instructions are different. I know my Dr has me avoid carrots because they have a higher sugar content then other vegetables (along with corn, peas, potatoes, etc). I had a bit of one the other day and even just being 2 months post-op & low carb, the bite tasted very sweet to me.

First NSV of the week came on sunday when I went to go buy a new pair of pants since the ones I have are getting too big. Pre-surgery (june 8th) I wore a size 24 pants, sunday I was able to buy a size 18!!! There is no longer a 2 in front of my pant size!! Second NSV of the week came today at work. It was freezing in my office and I did not have any sweaters with me so I went to grab one of my labcoats that have been hanging on the back of my office door for years. I have not worn one in forever since they were wayyyyyyy to tight in the arms and came no where close to buttoning. I put on the coat and guess what??!!! All the buttons were able to close and I have room to spare!! Could not be happier about my decision to go through with this surgery!

The side by side pics help so much. If you look at the pics I have posted on here you will see I have done one side by side at 1 month post-op & a second one at 2 months post-op. They are super helpful to see the difference!

Just started using Myfitnesspal and looking for some buddies on there. If you are using it feel free to add me as a buddy on there...danaocny

I just bought the GNC one that you mentioned. It has 60 grams of proteins when you use 3 scoops of the powder. Your body can only take in no more then 25 grams of protein in one sitting. The people who work there suggested to use only 1 scoop, drops the protein to 20grams, 90 calories and 2 carbs. This was you spread your protein out through out the day and use less powder per day.

I had 4 cc's put it at surgery and so far have no even needed a fill. I am 9 weeks post-op and am doing great. Why would you be against fluid in at time of surgery?

I had the same feeling! I have dieted most of my adult life and could always lose about 20 lbs before giving up. Once I hit 30 lbs it became real to me, that I was actually doing this and succeeding! I have now had to buy a few new clothing items since nothing was fitting and more and more people are noticing which makes it all the better :-) Good luck to you!

An Atkins like diet is very doable with the Lapband. My Dr has me on protein shakes, lean proteins & non starchy veggies, so everything is low carb. I probably stay right around 20 carbs a day. During the mushy stage I ate a lot of canned chicken mixed with a little nonfat greek yogurt & Franks red hot sauce, and a very well blended veggie (baby food consistency). Now that I have been eating solid foods for a while I have no problems sticking to a low carb diet, only difference then Atkins is that I also try to stay pretty low fat as well. Good Luck!

Thanks for all the replies! @NJgirl32- My Dr's office has an extremely strict program and thats what I am following (even the shakes have specific guidelines). The Protein shakes keep me satisfied for a few hours. The feeling of full I am talking about is only when I am eating that one meal of the day, I am pretty satisfied with the rest of my day.

With a fill your stomach may swell a little from the added fluid. The purpose of easing back into normal foods is to allow your stomach a few days to heal and let the swelling go down. Its best to always follow your Dr's recommendations.

Thanks Ladies for your responses! I do cut all my food up very small, take small bites, and put my fork down between each bite. I am going to take a few minutes in between my protein & veggies to see if I am still hungry.

The band would not prevent you from eating larger amounts of food. You should be eating the measured out portions specified by your Dr and what the band is actually doing is helping your brain register that you are full on less food. You will be able to eat a lot more but now it should take a lot less for you to feel satisfied. I was told by my surgeon that I am no longer looking for that "thanksgiving stuffed" feeling but rather just satisfied. "Just because you can eat it, doesn't mean you should" are the words I am living by right now.

I am 8 weeks post-op and have been following the plan laid out for me by my surgeon & dietician. I am eating 2 protein shakes a day (breakfast & lunch), a snack of nonfat plain yogurt or 3 oz cottage cheese (if needed) and one meal of 3 oz lean protein & 6 oz veggies. I eat the protein first like I am supposed too and then start on the veggies. I have been told that when I feel satisfied I should stop and its ok if I don't finish what is on my plate (contrary to what most have been told our whole lives :-) ). There are times that I know I am satisfied but continue anyway because I am thinking "It's only salad, how bad could this really be for me?" or "I am only allowed this small amount of food anyway, I might as well eat it". Any tips on how to recognize that feeling of satiety sooner so I am avoid overdoing it? Thanks!

I would try adding protein into each of your meals, that will keep you fuller for longer. Are you eating the specified amounts of food given by your surgeon? I follow a strict plan from my surgeon of 2 protein shakes a day plus one meal that consists of 3 oz lean protein & 6 oz veggies. After I finish my protein I judge my hunger level and see if I need to continue on to the veggies, most of the time I don't need to finish them. I am 8 weeks post-op and have not gotten any fills (although I know I was given 4 cc at time of surgery). What I keep telling myself is "Just because you can eat it, doesn't mean you should". As far as getting a fill so close to going on your cruise I probably wouldn't do that. Not sure If all Dr's do this but mine requires 24 hour clear liquids, 2 days protein shakes only, 2 days mushy foods, then finally back to regular foods. I know I wouldn't want to be bothering with all that while one vacation! Good Luck!

I am 8 weeks post-op and have not had a fill yet. I know 4 cc was put into my 10cc band during surgery and so far that is working very well for me. The nurse practicioner I see says that can change at any moment and if I start feeling like what I am eating is not holding me over for a while to come in for a fill.

I use EAS Carb Advantage and I know Muscle Milk Light also has low carbs but I'm not a huge fan of that one. Good Luck!