Angelizz10

I always thought cereal did not keep me full because there wasn't enough Protein.

Any one else know if that's correct? Although' date=' steel cut oatmeal, a little bran, a little cinnamon, truvia and fresh blueberries...mmmmm, maybe my fav breakfast. Cold cereal... Not so much.[/quote']

Try some of the newer cereals, like Kellogg's Special K High Protein. It is delicious and gives you 10 GM of Protein. You will see many new products that are specifically marked HIGH PROTEIN. I think they were made specifically for Me! . You will see they are measured out as "3/4 cup" to get your protein. Use your Fitness Pal to track everything you put in your mouth.

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I hope so cause I hate brick walls <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

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It's a normal thing to have plateaus. Remember, you didn't gain every day and you won't lose everyday. Follow the rules and you will get to your goal. Don't lose Heart!

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I see this forum isn't very active in posting' date=' but I'm hoping that will change. I am 63 with lots of health issues, but am being banded on Monday, 9/24/12! I can't wait, and I am looking forward to a new life. I've had both hips and both knees replaced, am diabetic, have osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and chronic pancreatitis and I still believe this surgery will make all the difference in the world! So, here's to the 24th![/quote']

I note this is an older post, but am hoping you check in often. I was banded July 25, 2012 and am losing slow BUT steady. I am 69 and will be 70 in May. I have all the problems you have, with the exception of only one knee replacement. I count my one pound a week as a win-win situation. I didn't gain.

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Good luck gg. No one can send you a private short message here. Check your settings. Sometimes it can be very helpful, I have found to exchange ideas privately.

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There have many discussions about this and that' date=' and there have been as many different theories and practices......

So I decided to post how I live with the band, day in and day out, and have been for over 18 months now (since hitting Green)

This is not what I THINK, or what I have been told, or taught......I am simply stating how it works for me and how I get along day to day.....

I should also say it has all become second nature...a new habit, lifestyle....don't really think about it all that much and there is little or no work involved.

People use the term "Full"...I have never felt full ever since being banded...I experience something totally different. But for argument sake and since everyone relates to that term. I will use it here....

I feel "FULL" 24/7....I am always Full...and it has nothing to do with what or when I eat...It is because the band is there 24/7 sending the message to my brain that I am full, whether I have eaten or not...

Notice I did not say "between meals"...the band is always there...not just between meals....so the sensation is always there....Like it says in the "Green Zone"..I am simply "Not Hungry" Period....

2nd, in relation to people saying they eat enough to feel full, I do experience something like that...but it has to do with the band setting my portion sizes...I have not measured/weighed portions (or counted calories) since 3-4 months after my surgery....I rely on the band to tell me when to stop.....Again, another characteristic of the Green Zone..Portion Sizes....and it has worked out just fine for me all this time....it was my Dr. who told me not to get hung up over calories, etc, but instead, learn to "Listen" and obey your band.....

People say drinking while eating will wash food down....if this is true then it would be bad news for me because it would increase the size of my portions....and I would start to gain weight....

But right now it is impossible to over eat...the band/pouch simply will not allow it....

As far as "Sliders"...cannot do....one thing people here do not talk about is that after eating so little for so long, your normal stomach cannot tolerate what it used to....so if I did attempt to eat say, lots of ice cream, I feel it right away and would get an old fashioned tummy ache.....so I can eat very little slider food...including soup...

I know i is different for everyone here, and it is up to each individual to choose how they want to work with their band...it is adjustable....

But this is how it is for me....every day......[/quote']

Than you for posting. I feel exactly the same as you have experienced. I am finally at that stage of never being hungry and "listening" to the band. Than you also, for your service to our country. From another bandster who "gets it!"

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Can we take woman's laxative ? I feel a little constipated <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

I use Miralax every morning in my coffee. It doesn't have any taste/flavor and works like clock work. Certain meds make you constipated as well as HIGH Protein diets. Some bandsters are plagued by the problem and others don't have any. Do what you need to do for you. Drink lots of fluid! Everyone should.

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I stayed away from here for a year...could not handle all the negativity and pessimism.....I wanted to be successful at this more than anything and all I found here was a defeatist attitude...

I want to soar with the eagles' date=' NOT stay stuck in the mud......

I belong to other groups, one in particular where all the members left this site all for the same reason...they wanted positive reinforcement, not the "Whoa is me" attitude. And I can tell you, except for the medical conditions, they are all doing very well and have no interest in ever coming back here.....again, no positive reinforcement...just how difficult and what a struggle it is....

I came back a month ago, for my anniversary to "report in" so to speak....hung around a month......

I never intend to tell other people what they should and should not do....my intention is to tell my story, throw around a few pictures here and there, and be an example of what one life with the band can be....

not what I heard someone else say, or read somewhere, but what I am living every day....

And for being what I am, successful and 100% happy, I was attacked, and branded...Goes to show you things around here have not changed all that much...people do not like to hear good things....unless of course you play by THEIR RULES....then it's Ok....

If I came back and said how miserable I was, I would have been welcomed back with open arms....part of the "Miserable" club....but successful, happy, and struggle free? NO WAY....cannot accept that...I'm surprised anyone around here is getting along without problems........

I'm glad I found this website AFTER I had my surgery, otherwise I would have had second thoughts....or have been totally screwed up and jnot where I am today.....

I have seen patients everyday, for over 25 years....and I can tell you "Attitude" is the key to anyone's treatment and success.....

You can identify one from the other almost immediately....

There are always those who have a negative "Gloom and Doom" self fulfilling prophecy about everything....This will never work...it's so hard....I can't do it...my friend failed....someone told me......

Understood, they have been ailing for so long that anything you can tell them comes across as "To Good to be true" When you meet these people all you can do is go through the motions with them, by the book...follow the rules and we'll see......2+2=4...HOPEFULLY...MAYBE...then we can move on to 4+4....??.... Lets hope so but don't get your hopes up....really makes a long frustrating day....

Then there are those who can't wait to "get it on"...let's go...I'm ready.....where do I start? I'll do whatever it takes....It's these people you love to work with and willing to go that extra mile above and beyond the norm, because you know it is going to be a very positive outcome, and it makes your job well worth it....

I am amazed at how many people cannot believe this lap band surgery actually works....ON THIS WEBSITE!! no matter how many times and ways they hear it, it always yes, I believe you, BUT....there's always this, and there's always that....I have to take the total calories, divide by 4, subtract this, to get that and figure in my metabolic rate...blah, blah, blah....

This is surgery...either you believe it or not!!! What's so hard to understand??? Why are so many people afraid to succeed??? Is it because you have struggled for so long that it's too good to be true? That something could actually be that easy??

Why on earth did you have surgery if that is what you believe.....and what makes matters worse, when someone complains, everyone comes to their defense and tells them it's Ok, it's normal, and should be expected......WHAT?

After being here a month, and by the way I feel this morning, I may not be back until next year's anniversary when I check in....I enjoy my new life thanks to the band...why would I want to come here...to be told what I am experiencing is not true??

I rather fly with the eagles.....

=

=

[/quote']

I wish you good luck where ever you feel welcome and do well. I read many posts here and other sites and accept that old adage, "to each his own" and "whatever works for ME!" Love the band... It has given me a whole new perspective on Life.

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Atkins. For a short time it's OK' date=' but it has often been blamed for causing kidney stones. True. My husband went to ER and the first questions asked of many were about diet he was on and when he said ATKINS all the pros in triage all said "ahhhh of course!"

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What did you consume for your ore op diet?

Atkins. For a short time it's OK, but it has often been blamed for causing kidney stones. True. My husband went to ER and the first questions added of many were about diet he was on and he said ATKINS all the pros in triage all said "ahhhh of course!"

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I have the same problem. Before surgery I was 230 ' date='now I'm on 207 . But since January 21 , I haven't lose no even one pound . I'm still on full liquids .

I have grits , for Breakfast no more than one oz , pea Soup 6 oz and more soup for dinner . I'm really frustrated . Doing exercised 2 times a week . Don't know what o do [/quote']

Why are you still on "full liquids"? Grits, pea soup and more soup... High in carbs. Do you trck your food on something like myfitnesspal.com?? No wonder your struggling!

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Congratulations everyone for you are changing your life.

Hey everyone.

I got banded in July. By the time it was August' date=' I had lost 20 pounds. I was 235 lbs.

I went for a fill in September and they said I gained 5 pounds. Now I was 220.

I went back in November for a fill again then they said my weight was the same - 220.

I went back in January and I was the same weight yet again - 220.

I went in today and I'm the same damn weight - 220.

Why am I not losing weight?

I am doing my best with eating right. I do go to the gym ... I just don't get it.

The doctor says I need a few more adjustments before I can really lose weight. He promised that I'll lose weight as long as I keep eating right and exercising.

Does anyone have tips? Is it true that you can not be losing or gaining weight? I'm just stressed out over this. [/quote']

YES, YES, YES! The plateaus are frustrating, but as long as I don't gain, I'm still ahead. Everyone will have times that they just "flatline" and even gain. Talking to a nutritionist didnt tell me anymore than I already knew from 30 years of going on every diet ever heard of.

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Hi all' date='

I was banded July 27,2012 and have lost close to 50lbs. All is going well but I do notice slight discomfort on my port side. It comes and goes but I realize if I sit for a long time with my body kind of twisted towards the band, it cause discomfort. The port site looks fine and no pain to touch or warm. Is it still healing internally? Oh and I have no issues eating; it all goes down well.

Th[/quote']

I was banded July 25, 2012 ... Just two days before you. I've lost 30. I needed to lose a total of 75 pounds, altogether. I lost 13 Lbs. on pre-diet and been on several plateaus. Frustrating at times, but hanging in there. I had several serious medical issues and that is one of the reasons I wanted a band. Get off all these medications! My port is tender some times but I think it's because it is something foreign under the skin and it does get poked with needles for fills occasionally. Had three very small fills and in the green zone. I wish the losing was faster, but it is NOT a gain, thank God.

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I was always told everything in moderation' date=' not me. I do good for a month trying to eat healthy, then I start my period, and have my chocolate cravings, convince my self I deserve a break, and there goes my diet. I've been on that rolacoaster as long as I can remember. I'm an emotional eater, I come from an Italian family we Celebrate everything with food, big portions, and I grew up thinking food is comfort, I know it's wrong I just don't know how to fix it. This is it for me this band HAS to work.[/quote']

You know yourself and should listen to the bells that go off on any food or drink. I drink same as before as far as wine AND drink the occasional glass of champaigne when I get it! The band is NOT a diet, but a way of life and also NOT about deprivation. Enjoy Life...it's the only one you get. Good Luck.

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So I've been off of work for about a month now n was banded on January 2nd. I'm embarrassed because before I left lots of peeps New about my surgery. My closer friends kept telling to make sure I come see them (I took 6 weeks off) cause they thought I would drop about 1000000 lbs (lots of weight) before I came back. I told them I would come by but I don't want to cause since I left I only dropped 8 lbs. I go back in two weeks n I want to really loose some more before I go back. I have bumped up my work out schedule to twice a day this week n will do the same next week also. I am also planning to eat 1000 calories a day. My daughter did the math n said "if " I do this everyday then I should loose 4 lbs a week. I did two zumba classes yesterday n Two today also. One zumba class burned me (at my weight' date=' height, n intensity, according to YMCA's) 780 calories for 1 hour. I love the Zumba classes but this may b a little too much.... I'll check in everyday n let y'all know how I do. My weigh in day is on Sunday's n I'm at 219 right now.[/quote']

This is one of the MAIN reasons I didn't tell anyone! All the "explanations" on why you don't lose!? I knew it was going to be up and down and up again then plateaus. It's hard enough trying to live a new life but also hard to listen to the harsh critics.

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Just because your pouch is only made to hold a couple ounces doesn't mean you can't eat more than that. In fact' date=' most of us can if we really want to. food passes through the band in less than a minute and some food passes through immediately. You can also stretch the pouch by over-eating. There's a saying around here you'll hear a lot "just because you can eat something doesn't mean you should". This is exactly why we're not supposed to eat more than a cup of food per meal, regardless of whether or not you physically can.

Have a look at this link, I think it will help you considerably: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Best wishes.[/quote']

Thank you Missy for posting this web site for Simpson! It explains very clearly how your supposed to "feel after eating" with a band. Read all the subjects on the site. And, remember...the Band goes around your stomach, not your mouth. You can eat anything you want, with exceptions of White bread (for me) and as much as you want actually.

But, that isn't the way you need to work with the band. As the doctor explains you only eat until you feel saited, or " had enough..." Feeling. You are never to eat until your FULL. It works out for me to be right at about a cup for me and my doctor told me after my first fill ---"get off all the shakes." I eat REAL food, concentrating on Protein first. He recommended for me, Soup for first day after a fill. Slow and steady loss of 4-8 pounds a month. It all adds up, and everyone hits plateaus.

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Thanks guys my typical day is a muscle milk in AM at like 6am then lunch around 1-2pm i have a lean cuisine then dinner around 8-9 usually chicken of some sort I work 12 hr shifts at work and hard to cook and it's only me n my fiancé he works nights so it's only me to eat dinner... I eat way less then before the band but I do have a thyroid issue to I don't wanna blame that though... Bc I know I can do it I just think I need another fill or two bc like I said I don't feel restricted...

Muscle milk and frozen food? Not good for you. Too much sugar and salt, etc. you need Protein and roughage to start. Talk with a nutritionist to get back on track. You are eating "slider food" which isn't what you need especially going through everything you did to get banded, is it??

I understand the long shifts and not having time to cook, but get organized and take care of yourself first. Cook on your off time and shop for a week at a time for fresh food and stay out of the frozen crapola aisles. . My doctor told me that "most" patients lose the most weight in the first year. That fact alone, helps me remember that this first year is no time to fool around. Of course this also depends on how much you want/need to lose to get to goal, so get down to business and do what you need to do to start losing. No excuses.

I don't mean to sound harsh, but think about it and decide if you want to continue the way you are or get on with the reason you got banded. You can do it. Get myfitnesspal.com on your phone and learn to use it EVERYTIME you put something in your mouth. It only takes seconds. Less time, actually than to pull that zip line on a box end on a Lean Cuisine and nuke it. GOOD LUCK.

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Congratulations! So happy your on your way to a new way of life! Get moving! The more you move around the better and quicker that the gas pain subsides. If you have pain meds, TAKE THEM! Honestly, I thought folks on this site must be crazy saying moving around helps?? It's true. Stick to what ever food/drinks, etc., your doctor told you. Don't cheat on that part. Keep us all posted. We all are interested in how your doing.

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Tastes like cardboard' date=' looks awful. I would rather no have Pasta. Use whole wheat in small amounts or spinach. Yes, they have flour, but at least they look like pasta![/quote']

They ARE terrible! My dog turned up her nose at them and wouldn't eat them either. She has sense.

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I have to say my bill went up' date=' only b/c my husband eats a lot of junk food and I have to cook seperate meals for he and myself.

Junk food + healthy =

If only he would eat healthy![/quote']

My grocery bills have gone down, but hard to figure just how much, because prices have gone up here just like everywhere. BUT, I do the shopping and if my husband wants to eat junk food he can make the trip to the store himself )

He is very supportive and does NOT cook! Lol. He wants me to succeed and knows chips are a trigger. It has helped him lose a few pounds too and that is good for him. It's a rebound effect!

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Things are going pretty well. I really have things pretty easy as I teach and have several weeks off right now <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> It also means though' date=' that I find myself, not necessararily eating 3 times a day like I should. Sometimes, if I'm not hungry, I'll only eat twice. I haven't been too concerned - because I've been pretty lazy and sleeping a lot too! Since I'm not allowed to lift anything (even our cats are over the weight limit) and I can't clean house or run the vacuum - well . . . there's only so much reading one can do before you just drift off <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Today is my 1 week anniversary of getting banded. My surgercial sites all feel pretty good - except the one that I presume is the port site - that one and the area around it is still pretty sore. I'm a little concerned concerned about the band - I was reading (of course) yesterday and felt a weird sensation in my left side - don't know if it was a muscle spasm - it didn't really feel like that. Today it sort of feels like when you exercise too soon after eating and you get "stiches" in your side - especially if I take a deep breath. Only the only exercise I've gotten are some short walks (it's snowy here!) with my dog. I've gotten my liquids down okay, and since it's day 7 I even tried a little bit of fat-free refried Beans today as well - they seemed to do okay. So I'm not sure if this something to be concerned about or not . . . otherwise things have been going great! Especially since I get to recover without the immediate stress of work <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Tamara & LittlePinkCloud I hope all is going smoothly for you !![/quote']

You will be fine. Your healing and you will have "stitches" literally;). Instruments were poked around in there and you still have swelling. Ports are sensitive far longer and it will feel harder where your port is and always will. Take it EASY and don't push it. Your Dr. Will tell you when to start exercising. Good luck and enjoy this time, because soon, the really hard part comes.

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I just had my Lapband done on 12/28/2012 and t his mess hurts wayyyyyyy more than both my c-sections! I hope it's worth it in the end becuz right now...I think NOT!

It was painful, BUT... So worth it. The gas pain in shoulder and neck is the worst of it, hang in there! Walking, (helped, and trust me it sounded crazy to me too!! )but, walk, walk, walk. Heating pad helps too. If your on pain meds, get the laxatives ready and start taking them! You do not want impaction problems.

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Diagnosed with gastritis today... Anyone else had this complication? My stomach is so sore. Interested in hearing from others

Applesauce was the only thing that helped me. I ended up with erosions in my esophagus from all the acid and had surgery for it. It is nothing to try and "cure" yourself if your having constant pain and can't lay down and sleep. Talk to your doctor and follow his advice.

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If your clinic was trying talk you into an unfill for awhile' date=' you're very lucky your not much worse off than you are. You could've had a slip requiring the band be removed all together, so really, consider yourself lucky.

I know it's scary to consider gaining all that weight back. I'd be terrified. But I think you've been expecting the band to do things it's simply not meant to do. As a result, you ended up with the pneumonia and problems with your esophagus. The band isn't supposed to stop you from eating. It's up to you to make good food choices, not the band to make them for you. If you're eating until you're full, you're overeating, you should only be eating until you're satiated. Here's a great link to better explain it: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

You've done awesome and lost a ton of weight. Just try to focus on Portion Control and hang tough until you've healed enough for a fill. Once you can refill your band, listen to your clinic. If they say it's too tight then get some removed. Work with your band and let it do what it's meant to do, don't put yourself at risk with a band too tight.

Best wishes to you. You can totally do this <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Thank you for mentioning Dr. Simpson's website. Everyone who is thinking about getting a lapband OR has one, should read all parts of that site. He also has a freebie book to download and read. It changed my thoughts about, and understanding the way a band works. Working with the band is key and doing your part in helping it work.

Black Bean Soup

I am only on day 8 post op & tired of regular liquids so I whipped this up & actually forgot I just had a lap band sewn in cause it tastes so good! (You can control the stage by adding more water' date=' blending or not blending).

2 26 oz cans Black Beans

12 oz chicken or Vegetable stock

1/2 scoop of unflavored Protein powder

1 medium onion - chopped

2 tsp minced garlic

1 medium bell pepper - chopped

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp Garlic powder

1 tbs lemon juice

Additional Garlic powder to taste

1/4 c Low fat mild cheddar cheese (optional to garnish)

Combine chicken stock (or vegetable stock), onion, garlic, and bell pepper in large pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add 2 cans of Beans (do not drain), salt, cumin, garlic powder and lemon juice.< /p>

Cook for additional 7 minutes.

Remove from heat.

Puree in blender, food processor or with hand held blender.

Add 1/2 scoop of Protein Powder and continue blending until completely dissolved.

Return mixture to pot. Add extra garlic powder to taste.

Top with 1/4c cheddar to garnish and enjoy. Portion into stage-sized meals & Freeze extras for future use.

(I used organic Chicken broth ,Bushs Black Beans and GNC unflavored whey protien powder)[/quote']