legnarevocrednu

I'm so excited! Today I am down 25 pounds from when I started my pre op diet on November 11th! I'm also starting regular foods today but I haven't had any so far lol. This morning I had a SF Carnation Instant Breakfast and for lunch, FF Refried Beans mixed with Ricotta Cheese and shredded cheese. I seriously love that stuff. For dinner, however, I plan on having a Lean Cuisine. I had trouble picking some out last night. Even the Lean Cuisines are mostly pasta, bread and other carbs! I have no idea what to actually eat! I feel like once I take bread and pasta out of the equation, my choices are very slim. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be appreciated. What did you eat once you were back to "normal" food? I'm also kind of a picky eater so that doesn't help. My calorie intake is still between 600 to 800 daily. I haven't been hungry between meals, haven't been snacking or eating any sweets. Today I am not feeling well though. First time since surgery (besides the normal pain I mean). I have a headache and a sore throat. I almost didn't even want to eat but I made myself. I hope it passes quickly. Also, I'm at exactly 40 BMI! I started at 44. It's weird to think that if I go down just .1 more point, I wouldn't have qualified for the surgery as I have no other co morbids. Anyways, just felt like updating! I'm attaching a current picture (not very good).

Hello. I am newly banded (only as of 2 weeks) so I'm not sure what I can tell you. However, I realized early on that feeling "full" is not SUPPOSED to happen...even without the band. It means you ate too much. Feeling satisfied and not being hungry in between meals (like every 4 to 5 hours) is the goal. That's just my opinion. I have yet to feel FULL like I used to when I used to stuff my face and clean my plate, but I also don't feel hungry between meals. I'm happy with that. I would also discuss your concerns with your doctor. As for a different procedure, I would suggest the sleeve over the bypass. I did a lot of research on the sleeve because I was considering getting that done (before insurance told me it wasn't covered) and it's safer than the bypass. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

I'm sorta in the same spot. I was banded on the 21st. Lost 14 pounds pre op, 7 pounds since. The scale seems to stay between 236-238 the last week or so. And like you, I'm eating a lot less too. Between 500 and 800 calories a day. It doesn't make much sense. The only thing I can tell you is to make sure to take measurements every week. I noticed that in one week, I lost 2 inches in both my hips and waist. It makes me feel better. Just gotta keep pushing along! The scale will move soon!

I've had an easy time so far. I haven't thrown up even once. I take my time while I'm eating so I can listen to my body when it tells me to stop (usually with a hiccup or burb). It's pretty easy. I haven't thrown up at all. I haven't even allowed myself to eat to restriction (although I only have a little fluid in my band right now as I haven't had my first fill yet). I've lost 21 pounds thus far...14 of those being on the pre op diet. I have not started working out yet. I was told to wait 4 to 6 weeks. I plan to start walking every day in 2 weeks. I'll wait until my first fill and ask my doctor if it's okay to start doing more than that which will be on January 3rd. I keep my calories between 500 and 900. I guess you could say that's my one problem. Getting in ENOUGH calories. I don't think I'm eating enough. I just entered my last stage which is soft foods. I go to normal foods on Tuesday. It will probably change then. When is your surgery? Let me know if you have any more questions!

Hey! I am from South Jersey as well (Salem County). I was just banded on the 21st of November. Message me if you have any questions or concerns! It's an awesome journey!

Oh and I'm not on a liquid diet. Haven't been for well over a week now (and I've STILL been losing). I've been doing pureed and started soft food today.

Ha ummm...welll....I believe I did state in my original post that I may be getting ahead of myself as I haven't finished my last stage yet. I stated that I may not even lose 7 pounds. I am staying realistic about that. However, I've heard many people on this site say that they haven't had ANY fills and are still able to lose weight. I know that's not the norm, but it IS possible. Not everyone needs to receive 6 fills. Also, I never said I was decreasing the amount of calories I was taking in. As a matter fact, I specifically said I INCREASED them. I haven't been able to eat very much and will eventually (when I'm able) be able to get up to the recommended 1200. And of course I will be discussing this with my doctor on January 3rd. I just wanted to get everyone's input. Thanks for your response!

Okay so I'm freshly banded (as of November 21st) and have lost a total of 22 pounds (including pre op diet). I'm scheduled for my first fill January 3rd. However, I've told myself that if I can lose at least 7 more pounds before then, I'm not going to get the fill. That's the logical decision right? I'm sure my doctor might not even let me get a fill if I'm losing that much. I only get hungry about every 4 hours or so. However, I may be getting ahead of myself as I haven't even started on regular food yet. That's next week. So who knows if I'll be able to lose those 7 pounds. I do intend to stay under 900 calories so I should still lose...I guess it's just a waiting game! I decided yesterday to increase my calorie intake from 600 to 800. I hadn't lost anything for a week. Today I got on the scale and I've lost 2 pounds since yesterday! Sooo awesome! I love this journey!!

I have been using my fitness pal for months. I'm sooo excited! I was able to push my calorie intake up to 875 yesterday (just by having my 3 small, healthy meals and adding a protein drink) and I've lost 2 pounds since then! It's amazing! I also exceeded my protein goal for the first time! Things are looking up!

LMBO...I just noticed this topic was posted 3 weeks ago! You can forget everything I just said!! haha...ssooo funny.

It's hard to believe that people who are banded NEVER drink alcohol. My doctor did not tell me I could never have it, just that it's best to wait about 6 months. The same goes for pasta and bread. They suggest that time frame to allow the tummy to heal. I do think 2 weeks is a bit early. I'm out two weeks as of yesterday, and I'm just now entering soft foods. That means my tummy hasn't healed all the way yet. I couldn't imagine drinking alcohol right now as I haven't even returned to normal food as of yet. Alcohol may also cause acid indigestion which I've heard is intensified with the band. Proceed with caution! You never know how you are going to react to the alcohol, and being in a public place when trying something new can be embarassing and uncomfortable. So my opinion is it's okay to drink alcohol in moderation as long as you are completely healed. I do not believe that you are completely healed within 2 weeks.

The past week I have been averaging between 450 and 600 calories a day. I have not lost ANY weight. I just entered the soft food stage as of today, but I'm wondering if I'm not getting in enough calories. I'm technically supposed to be taking in 1200, but I'm not sure how to do that. I have three meals a day every 4 to 5 hours and am not really hungry between meals. Are the amount of calories I'm taking in at this point adequate for the stage I'm in? Should I be eating more calories? I know I'm still healing and shouldn't worry about weight loss, but I still think I should be losing if I'm eating right and staying under my calories. I'm really not sure how to take in more calories at this point. Should I not be worrying about this yet? I return to "normal" food in a week. Maybe this is something I should think about then. I'm just wondering if the reason I'm not losing weight is becasue I'm only eating half the calories I should be. Thanks!!

It DOES get easier! It takes about 3 days, but it will become bareable. Just make sure you have a protein drink you like...or at least, can stand. I had one that was starting to make me sick so I had to switch. Good luck! Just think of the future!!

Today is my last day on pureed, tomorrow I start on soft food. I picked up some tuna and chicken in a can and plan on adding that into my diet. Does anyone else have suggestions? It's supposed to be any food that's easily flaked with a fork. I thought meatballs would be good, but I've heard that theyre not. Any ideas would be appreciated!

I was told 4 to 6 weeks. I would get clearance from your doctor before you start doing anymore than walking.

Well I haven't gone through it (yet) but I have heard that it's not all that uncommon. Especially considering we are not getting in as much food as before. If you can't handle the protein shakes, I suggest sticking to protein heavy food and SF Carnation Instant Breakfast (they are super yummy!). If you mix it with skim milk, you get like 13 grams of protein. Maybe eat some more eggs? And definitely take your vitamins...I heard Biotin works as well. Maybe talk to your hair stylist and she if she can suggest a shampoo that might help. I've heard Nexus maybe but that's expensive. The good thing is that I've ALSO heard that hair loss is temporary. This has been worrying me as well which is why I've been trying to focus on getting all my protein in and taking my vitamins. Good luck! I'm sure it will get better soon!

Hey there. I had surgery the day before you. I will not get my first fill until January 3rd (if I need it...I'm hoping I don't!) so I don't think the amount of time you have to wait is abnormal. I do not find myself hungry in between meals. My advice to you is to focus on protein at this point. Protein keeps me satisfied between meals so I don't snack. Also, watch your serving sizes. Stay within the serving size guidelines and track your calories, fat, carbs, and protein. Just for some ideas, I'll list what I typically eat and the schedule I eat it on. Breakfast (8:30): Yogurt or SF Carnation Instant Breakfast. You could also have a scrambled egg with some cheese on top. Lunch (12:30 or 1:30): A serving size of FF refried beans (which is about 1/2 a cup), mixed with FF cheese, Low skim ricota cheese, and FF sour cream. It is VERY filling and VERY yummy. Plus, lots of protein! Dinner (5:30 or 6:30): If I did not have my SF Carnation Instant for breakfast, I'd have it for dinner. If I did, I'll have another serving of my FF refried beans. Sometimes I'll have a SF popsycle. I am still in the mushy stage (progressing to soft foods tomorrow). Starting tomorrow I plan on incorporating Tuna and Chicken salad with Low Fat mayo. Well, hope this helps in some way! I suggest making sure you get AT LEAST 50 grams of protein in. It should help with the hunger. Good luck!!

I know some doctors put in a little bit at the time of surgery. Mine did. I DO think it's weird your doctor doesn't want to see you again for 3 months. I had my follow up appointment a week after surgery and he scheduled my next appointment 6 weeks from surgery. I thought it was the norm to go in every 4 to 6 weeks until you get good restriction. I don't know. I would probably make an appointment to see him sooner if I were you. Or wait and see how you are losing. If you are losing about 2 pounds a week, you are good and probably do not need an adjustment. Good luck!

After surgery, I was on 2 days of clear liquids, 4 days of full liquid, and now I'm currently on a week of pureed food. My doctor then has a week of "soft food". They define this as food that can be easily broken or flaked with a fork. I start this stage on Tuesday. I am planning on adding tuna, chicken, and meat balls to my diet. Has anyone else gone through this particular stage? Are there other things that I could possibly add? Thanks!

I was recently banded on the 21st of November. The past three days, I've noticed some backpain throughout the day. I can't pin point the cause of it. Is this because of the lap band? Before the band, I would only experience back pain every once in a while. Now it's every day. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this. It may be totally unrelated. Thanks!

The first few days ARE difficult! If you continue to be sick by day 4, consider changing your protein drink (if you are allowed). I WASN'T allowed, but did anyway. Sugar Free Carnation Instant Breakfast was my life saver. I still lost 14 pounds by the end of the 10 days. I would give it a few more days (sorry you have to suffer) and see how it goes. Good luck!

12 pounds is really awesome for 3 WEEKS? Or did you mean months? Because technically, exercise isn't recommended until about 4 to 6 weeks from surgery. If you DID mean weeks, it sounds like you are doing pretty good. I imagine the hunger will stop once you start getting fills. Good luck on the move!

I would be afraid to go on them right after surgery. They say we should wait between 4 and 6 weeks to start exercising. I think the same would apply to the amusement rides as you often get thrown around. I wouldn't take the chance.

Yup! My insurance required 6 months of nutrition classes. They were only once a month so it was no big deal and my doctors office offered them for free. The 6 months flew by. I would call your insurance company and ask what their requirements are. As long as you fall within the BMI guidelines (40 or above or 35 to 40 with co morbs) you should be fine. If you have sleep apnea, that also helps with the approval. You will be fine! Good luck!

So even though I have not lost anything in two days, I KNOW I'm doing what I'm supposed to do. I can't feel bad about that. It is possible I'm losing inches (I will check on Saturday and compare) or maybe one of these days, a whole bunch of pounds will drop. But I don't feel guilty. I haven't done anything wrong and I'm following the program as I should. It's actually easier than I thought it would be. I haven't really been hungry between meals so I'm glad about that. Yesterday I had 558 calories and the day before, only 426. Today will probably be in between that. The pureed stage does not suck. I haven't had any problems and haven't thrown up even once. That may change once I progress into regular food again, but I'm hoping it doesn't. I'm actually looking forward to eating less! I make sure to take time in between bites (swallows) and wait to listen to my body. I usually burp or hiccup when I'm done. I really appreciate my body letting me know! At first I was like, what the heck! I don't even feel full! But that's backwards thinking...I don't NEED to feel full, I just need to feel satisfied. And I was! And on so little too! I am sooo excited about this journey! I know my blog from yesterday was a bit over dramatic but I'm not normally like that. This is what my food schedule will be today 8:30: Half a greek yogurt I usually have my SF carnation instant breakfast in between meals, but I ran out of it and milk. Have to go grocery shopping tonight. If I get hungry before lunch or dinner, I'll have a spoon full of ricotta cheese. 1:30: About 5 tablespoons of refried beans mixed with a little bit of fat free sour cream and weight watchers shredded cheese 5:30: Same as I had for lunch 8:00: Maybe some Sugar Free hot chocolate Hope everyone has a nice day!! Please feel free to add me as a friend on Myfitnesspal. My sn is legnarevocrednu