gottobeme

Do you have any advice for veggie meat replacements for us? My daughter is a vegetarian and we often use Morningstar, Boca, and Quorn meat replacements. I haven't had any of these myself since surgery (10 wks post op) because I wasn't sure about the amount of carbohydrates in them. My nutritionist said tofu was okay but I have never tried it and although I have heard it is easy to use, I really have no idea what to do with it.

Seems like tomorrow is THE DAY to be banded. Best of luck to all of you!

Okay so maybe it's just me - and if this post is accurate I am sorry for your loss. . .Why is it that most doom and gloom posts are posted by people who have either just joined or have only ever made very few posts? We do all need to be aware of what is happening in our bodies and how it relates or does not relate to our band. Many of us are already obese or morbidly obese and prone to some of these conditions with or without the band! If you are considering being banded don't let stories like this one scare you away. Do research for yourself and talk to your doctor and care providers. Educate yourself as to what is normal and not normal after being banded and advocate for your own health!!!

Okay so this looks weird - I was trying to do a "partial quote" from my3sons75 and messed up. - The first two paragraphs are from her post!

My doc wants me to come in once a month regardless if I need a fill or not so they can check in with me. It's time for my next fill and I'm hesitant. I know logically it makes sense since I'm having these issues with being hungry and snacking, but I don't get stuck right now and I can pretty much eat anything I want (I stay away from bread just because I don't want to start that again) but I do get full quickly and can't hold much...it just doesn't last long. If I get another fill I'm worried I'll start getting stuck and having pains and not being able to eat salad and such. If you compare what I was eating for a meal (or the whole day) from 6 months ago to now, it's crazy how different it is. I feel like I'm eating 20-30% (calories and portion size) of what I used to....so why am I not losing? I know my doc will ask about what kinds of foods I'm eating, and I've been fairly good about trying to mostly eat lean proteins, but I don't want to feel like I'm "dieting"....I just want to have restriction so I'm not eating too much and not too often. I understand how you feel. Talk with your doctor - if you are satisfied with how things are going right now, they should be too. One of the reasons I chose LB was because I felt a slow weight loss was better for me and I was more likely to make a lifelong change if I took it off slowly. I also have the same concerns about getting a fill and then having a stuck episode. I have not had any and hope never to have one!

Two reasons to celebrate today. . . My daughters 17th birthday and I am down 100 lbs from last August! 70 pre-band and 30 post band.

Having anxiety and panic disorders are things your doctor should consider when treating you. I can't imagine a good doctor would reprimand you for gaining weight when you were dealing with such difficult things. They should instead praise you for taking your life back!

I wouldn't worry about the carbs in the milk. I'm pretty sure they just don't want you eating bread, Pasta and the other carbs out there.

What types of protein are you using? There are non-fat greek yogurts, low fat cottage cheese as well as protein shakes/bars are usually a good source with lower amounts of fats. Chicken and Fish are the better meats to eat for high protein/lower fat.

No fill needed today...YAY! I do eat toasted bread now. There is a local bread called Natural Ovens made in Manitowoc WI. They have a carb conscious bread that I use. I also eat reduced fat triscuts, wheat thins and pretzels. I make sure I chew them well and have not had any problems with them.

Good Luck Marlene! I think the best thing you can do after removal is to continue to eat as healthy as possible. Whether you decide to have another band placed or go without it will help. I lost 70 lbs on my 6+ month pre op before I was banded and feel that was part of why I had such an easy recovery. I know an infection can happen no matter what and there was nothing you could have done to prevent it. If you have another one placed I hope your next recovery is smooth sailing!!!

I'm thinking I may not need a fill when I go in tomorrow, actually I'm hoping not to have one. I am losing weight, satisfied with smaller portions and not getting hungry for about 4 hours after I eat. I'm not sure if my portion size should be smaller but since I am losing weight my feeling is why mess with it? I'm afraid I may start having "stuck" episodes if I go tighter at this time. I'll let you all know what happens after my appointment. Teri

I'm doing good. Trying to only weigh myself once or twice a week. It's not about the number on the scale, it's about how I feel...at least for now!

BTW ... I am a little over 9 weeks out and have an appointment with the PA on Thursday (Friday will be 10 weeks). I'm not sure I will need a fill and have not yet had one.

There really is no "standard" of care for us. Doctors base things on their own research/results. It is good to ask questions and as helpful as this site can be there is no substitute for your doctors care and knowledge. Ask him to explain his reasoning behind his decisions. Most likely it is based on what has worked well in his practice. If you are concerned about the 3 month of fills included with the cost of your surgery explain that to him also.

You're done painting? Or it's no longer 112? Or you hit your next goal? It's Monday? Whatever it is WooHoo!

Keep a food diary if you aren't already. After a week or so take a look at it and see where you can/should modify things. Did the docs tell you your medicine or thyroid condition may affect your weight loss?

I'm sorry that I really don't have any good advice other than contact your doctor. I would think that your back pain is from sleeping sitting up. Are you able to elevate your head in bed with pillows and lay that way? I did that the first few days after surgery. I hope things get better for you soon!

I would recommend a second opinion because I was told stay away from things like advil. I also was on an ER medicine and had to switch prior to surgery. I know this is not what you want to hear, I would not have wanted to hear it if I were in your shoes. I worry that if your doctor is telling you it is okay and all of us are hearing/reading things to contradict his opinion that he may not really care about your health. I know there are some doctors out there who do this surgery for the money. Make sure you have one who really cares about your long term success and health! Best of luck to you!!!

Maybe it's just me and the fact that I use and IUD (sorry TMI) but you would think doctors and their support staff would think to tell people about these things!!! I mean jeez, they don't want people getting pregnant for a year or so afterwards so you would think this should be at the top of their list of things to discuss with potential patients!

I agree with Moya04. If you are still in enough pain to need the meds check with your doctor. I only took mine for 3-4 days post op.

ElizabethAnne I've been trying to think of different ways to explain your not eating to everyone and have a couple of thoughts for you. Since you have lost about 40 lbs since December you can honestly tell people that you are being very careful about what you eat right now - you could even mention being more concerned about your health after having your appendix rupture - talk about the hospital stay and things like that. None of them are lies and I would think should satisfy others curiosity. Keep water or a non calorie drink by you at all times, this may help you if you do want something to eat - since you should be waiting 30 min after you drink to eat (if you surgeon suggests this like mine). I was great to hear from all of you. I feel like the three of you have been here for me since I joined LBT and hope we all keep each other updated.

Congratulations! I have been out of town without a computer and spotty data service on my droid. I am so glad that you are now banded! I had to chuckle when I read about your cat. One of ours likes to climb on us and that was something I watched out for too. Luckily he never jumps directly on our stomach.