BandAid

Here are some of my favorites: salmon mahi-mahi shredded chicken very tender steak (filet or ribeye, medium to medium rare, please)

Tyler/Longview area here. Happily banded for almost 6½ months, -50 and counting! :Bunny Tonia

I was open and honest with my kids (ages 6 and 9), but I tried to keep things on their level. I explained to them that it was unhealthy for me to have so much extra weight and that I needed help. I told them how the band works and that I will feel better and be more active as I lose weight. My daughter, the 6 year old, was very concerned and the night before my surgery she told me "I don't want a new Momma! I want my same Momma!" It was then that I realized that she thought I would go in the hospital one way and come out another. She felt better when I explained that it is a gradual change. My son was concerned about the surgery itself, but I assured him that the doctors would take good care of me. I won't lie though..you could see the relief on his face when he saw that I was ok after my surgery. I got them each a new stuffed animal and gave them to the kids before I left for the hospital. They still love them and I think it was comforting for them to have them. ~Tonia

My guess is that you aren't eating quite enough. Yes, I know it goes against all logic, but I'm speaking from experience here. I was eating about the same number of calories that you currently are and went through 2 2 week stalls in weight loss. As soon as I bumped my caloric intake up to about 1200 calories a day, the scale started moving again. Bottom line, you have to feed your body before it will let go of the excess. If it feels threatened, it will burn every calorie you eat and not TOUCH the reserves (fat). I would suggest using www.fitday.com to track your intake for a little while. Shoot for right at 1200 calories a day. Your Protein sources look good (milk, fish, etc.), so keep that up, but make sure you're eating a big enough serving/or eating mini-meals in order to make sure the amount of protein is adequate! Please keep us posted! Tonia

I've never heard that one. I agree that drinking with meals washes the food through more quickly, which means you won't feel full as long. I don't think the absorption of nutrients is a factor for Bandsters though.

You haven't lost ANY weight or you aren't losing weight as quickly as you think you should? There's a big difference there. Are you getting plenty of protein and drinking LOTS of water? Those 2 things play a key role. What kinds of things are you eating?

I really enjoyed the chat last night. It gets a little hard to keep up when there are a bunch of people in there, but that's just an observation, not a complaint. :Bunny

Glad to hear it went well, Larry!

I guess the hardest adjustment for me was having to learn to SLOW down. Tonia

If you can't eat real food, you have too much restriction. Not being able to eat real food is not what the band is about.

The amount of food I can eat depends my level of restriction and what the food is. I can almost always eat a cup or more of salad, but usually only about 3-4 ounces of fish or 3 ounces of very tender beef. I also struggle with getting enough Protein and calories (my goal is 1200 a day w/ a minimum of 50 grams of protein) so I use www.fitday.com to keep track of things. It helps me a lot! ~Tonia

Absolutely! I have 2 cups of coffee every morning (with cream and sugar). I don't drink tea very often, but it's "allowed."

I spill my guts. (No pun intended. LOL) Just today 2 people at our grocery store mentioned my weight loss. One asked what kind of diet I'm on. I told her I just eat a lot less, but I felt this weird feeling like I wasn't being truthful. I told her about the band. She was very nice about it and said "Well, it's definitely working!" I was on cloud 9 when I got home from the store though, because it's really starting to show. Love the "new weight loss surgery" description, by the way! ~Tonia

I'd go for the fish.

My name is Tonia and I'm a shopaholic. Oops..wrong board. Kidding! Here's my deal. I was a normal sized kid until around 10 years of age. I got a little chunky. At 16 I lost 25 or 30 pounds and was fairly trim and stayed that way until my mid twenties. My lightest adult weight was around 140 and I was a size 7/9 for several years. The first few pounds I gained didn't seem like that big of a deal, then my weight jumped up to the 180's. I honestly don't remember the gaining process. During my first pregnancy in 1993 my weight reached the 260's. I lost some of that, but regained it with my second pregnancy in 1996. Jump to January 2003 when I discovered the lap band. I did a ton of research and the more I read, the more I was convinced that the band was exactly what I needed. I was banded on 2/17 with a starting weight of 246. 5 months later I'm at 201. I don't have a definite goal in mind at this point, but I'm thinking 155 or so would be wonderful. I'll decide when I get closer. To say that I'm happy with my lap band decision is an understatement. I'm actually thrilled with it and I sing the praises of this procedure far and wide on the internet. I love my band!! ~Tonia :Bunny

I don't have a verified answer to your first question, but I know there are lots of Bandsters with different professions, hobbies, etc. I would think that it would be pretty painful to take a shot in the port area, but I personally wouldn't let that sway me from getting the band. I was concerned about seatbelt placement, but the belt doesn't cover my port site from either side of the car. Regarding Water intake, it will depend entirely on your level of restriction. Water might slow down a little, but should have no problem going through the band. I've had 2 fills, but I can still handle big gulps of water. If I'm wearing tight pants, it slows down a little and I can sometimes feel it slowing down in the morning. I don't think it would be a problem for both of you to have surgery at the same time. Recovery is usually not a big deal and consists of some soreness and discomfort. I was able to care for myself just the same as always.

Thanks, Robin! Catch you in chat another time I hope.

Cathy! My friend had an initial denial from Mail Handler's, but they reversed their non-coverage of the band in April. She had her band earlier this month. I would suggest that you call them and check on things! ~Tonia

Thanks, Alexis! I promise I'm gonna get more info added soon. Things have been a bit hectic around here. Tonia