waitingpatiently

Although the scale might be on vacation right now.....have you thought about measuring yourself?Sometimes we are building muscles and our bodies start to change shape. It might help to have a base measurement of you waist, thigh, arms, calfs...and when the scale stops, switch to measuring yourself, you may see some differences and that will help you keep motivated during the slow times. Also I would suggest shocking your sysytem. Change up your exercise routine. If you always do 30 mins on a treadmil, try doing 30 mins on the elliptical.Consider adding an extra day of exercising. Same thing with diet. If you aren't already doing a high protein/low carb diet...consider shocking your system by depriving it of carbs for a couple of weeks.....that usually works for me.

Probably have a little low sugar...I felt similar on day 5 and tested my sugar and it was 52...I called my sugeon and got permission to move up to full liquids and added a few things with carbs in it to my diet and I felt much better.

Some feel that it does exist others (like me) say no. It just doesn't make since to me. I work in healthcare and just can't see where its possible. However, I do think everyones body is different. Some bodies I think work more effiently than others and don't require as many calories. My body must be REAL effient because if I ate 1200....and didn't work my butt off exercising, I would gain weight. But I know I'm not quite the average. I was on a 1200 calorie day limit for years and still gained about 1/2-3/4 a pound a month. Since December I have religiously kept my calories to less than 900 and for the last 5 weeks have been less than 800 (all but 3 days) and have only lost 30 pounds...this includes pre-op and 4 weeks of post-op. It crazy how our bodies are different....but I would STRONGLY suggest that you don't eat the 2000 calories a day. Maybe normal people can eat this much and not gain weight, but most with weight issues would probably gain. I would suggest you start at the 1200 calories and give it a good try....if you aren't seeing progress, then I would drop it down to 1000 and try again. Hopefully that you will do it for you. Plus I would consider doing a high Protein low carb diet.....it seem to work well for a lot of bansters (including me). Good luck. Oh...ps.....be careful counting your exercise calories from my fitness pal. I noticed it was giving me credit for burning way more calories than I had. (i put in that I did the elliptical for 30 minutes and it gave me credit for something like 550 calories...where my actual machine only gave me 240. ( I have a high-end machine....so I believe it over myfitnesspal) I know 30 pounds is nothing to sneeze at, but thats only about 2 pounds a week.....thus the reason I decided to get the lap band I'm hoping with a few fills I will be satisfied with only eating 800-900 calories and not feel like I'm on a diet all the time.

The first few days, you probably won't be able to get a Protein shake down. I bought a product called New whey...you can get it at walmart. It has 42 grams of protein in just 4oz and it is like kool-aid....I would mix it with 32 oz of crystal light and sip on it all day. I also bought the unjury chicken broth..it has 20grams protein per cup. Most doctors have you on thin/clear liquids for atleast a week before moving you up to full liquids where you would be drinking the traditional thick Protein drinks....but every doctor is different Oh by the way the New Whey comes in grape, acai berry and watermellon I mix grape with the grape kool-aid purple smash, the acai berry with the walmart great value grape blackberry, and the watermellon with crystal lights cherry lime-aid.-----I will also throw some ice in the blender and pulverize it to be a snow cone consistence and then pour the drink over it. I would drink it with a spoon and it helped me control how much I was drinking (no large gulps) the first few days.

Depending on how much swelling you have, some patients have a hard time just getting water down....so you may need to crush it. If you are like me....I must not have had any swelling...it would not have been an issue.You will just need to wait and see where you are after the surgery.

I found it at an asian market....but you may need to look for it under other names....miracle noodle, yam noodles.--just make sure it is 0 carbs and 0calories. It was very hard for me to find in my area...only 1 store out of about 7 I tried had it. They are pretty good....they smell a little fishy when you open them....but once you rinse them off its not too bad. They hold up to light sauces, but they would get lost in a heavy spaghetti sauce. But definately worth a shot.

Hi sarahbear...sounds like you are doing everything correct. I have found the high protein/low carb diet working well for me. I will tell you I keep my carbs a little lower at 35, but everyone can tolerate them a little differently. I do 800 cal/60+protein/less than 35 carbs I was consistently loosing 3 pounds a week until the dreaded Friday the 13th!! it was my daughters Spring Ball and I was organizing it so I was there...I was good to make sure there were pleanty of veggies for me to eat and I saved all my carbs for that evening "just in case"...in a moment of weakness I ate a brownie....Just 1 brownie!!! I know it probably well exceeded my 35 carb limit and that ended my ketosis.....I'm so sad. I went back to my regular high protein/lowcarb diet the very next day...but nothing has changed....the scale has not moved since.grrrr It is my plan to really restrict my carbs this week...back to less than 20 in the hopes of entering ketosis again, and then make my way back up to 35 in a couple of weeks...hopefully this will shock my system into compliance!! Thought maybe you might had had one of those days recently...and maybe you aren't in ketosis anymore. Might be worth a shot.

I would agree with cazzy....I wouldn't have it removed unless I was experiencing significant issues. But if you really would like to remove it, I would do as she suggested and have a unfill first just to make sure the band isn't a lifesaver instead of a crutch.

ntassiello- Hang in there you are still at the starting gate. everyone is a little different when it comes to healing time. It took me a good 10 days to even think about exercising and another 4 days before I actually did--haha As for your hungar....congradulations!! that means you are healing nicely.....You probably haven't had as much swelling as others and aren't experiencing any restriction at all. therefore the liquids are holding you very long....I was much the same way. I would suggest that even though you can probably drink a Protein drink like you did before surgery, I would still work on nursing it for as long as you can. It seemed to help my hunger pains. I know its hard but hang in there, You will make it....just listen to your doctor and don't break the rules.

Not a problem as long as you eat protein....those with bypass have issues with it because they aren't able to absorb all their nutrients.

I was the same way....I must not have had very much swelling because drinking was never an issue....and by day 4 I was starving.But you will survive.....by day 7 your stomach gives up and figures out you aren't going to feed it. My stomach grawled so hard and for so long it was actually painful....just keep drink those Protein shakes and waters Its worth it. hang in there

GIVE UP?!! Is that really an option!! I hope I'm never in a spot where I actually would say "I GIVE UP" !!. I would march myself back into the doctors office and work on getting the reflux taken care of....Are you taking any medication for it? Have you tried adjusting your diet to lessen the effects? I really can understand the thought that more is better when it comes to fills....I could see myself a little like that. But you have learned that that isn't the case. So I guess I'm trying to say if you never really did what you were supossed to, the way you were supossed to,....then I wouldn't call it giving up....it doesn't sound like you have started!! So go ahead and tap back into the spirit that made you want to get the band in the first place. And this time, using your new found wisdom....commit to the lifestyle. watch what you eat....see your doctor regularly and follow the rules. You will probably find that as you loose the weight your reflux will get better and that will encourage you to continue on. Good Luck!! I know this is something you can do!!!

I agree with adorkbl...the fact that you have only gained 15 pounds is remarkable!! And the fact that you are taking action now and not letting it get out of controll again is something to be proud of. You are successful!! You KNOW what you need to do and it sounds like you are making a plan and getting started. Now just enlist a few people to hold you accountable and you will be on your way.!! I am glad to hear you are headed back to the surgeon..Im sure a fill will help things out a lot. Just keep plugged into the site and you are going to see the 140's in no time.

ready for change- I know how it feels...everone is different when it comes to weight loss. I know I'm not "average" when it comes to calorie intake, but I won't loose a pound at 1200 calories. That is what I consumed prior to surgery for YEARS and would slowly gain about 1/2 a pound a month back. Have you measured yourself, maybe you are loosing inches? I can't remember how long ago it was you had your surgery, but If you continue not to loose weight you might consider lowering your calories a little until you find your magic number. I'm actually on between 800-900 calories now and still only loosing about 1-2 pounds a week.................that was until this week and the darn scale won't move...grrr. Hang in there.....with a couple of fills we will get there.

Hanging at 205 for almost the whole week!! I miss my ketosis .....................darn brownie ..grrrrr( first sweet thing I have had since my birthday in February) I will get my first fill on thursday the 26th so I think I will limit my carb intake for the next week or so. Maybe I can still make my 199 goal by April 30th......If not, I should be there by the time we leave on our cruise on May 4th.

Well you landed on the right site!! the best thing I can tell you to do is educate yourself. This site has a TON of information on what to expect....the do's and the don'ts. The positives and the negatives. You will have the advantage of following some of the best bansters that have met their goal and are maintaining...their wisdom is priceless. After you take some time to digest everything you have learned then the hard part comes......deciding is it right for you. Can you committ to the lifestyle? Its much easier to blindly make a decision, but when you have all the facts.....if you can committ then I'm sure will join the ranks of those that have been sucessful. If you are looking for a easy quick fix....the band isn't it. Good Luck!! feel free to ask any questions you have........this site is full of great people that love to help others along their journey.

Here is the list that I composed before I had my surgery. If you want a printable copy inbox me your email address. Hope this helps. General Items to Have on Hand Digital scale Blender (consider the ones that you can blend using a travel mug) I bought this one at walmart for $79 http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&ic=48_0&Find.x=0&Find.y=0&Find=Find&_ta=1&search_query=ninja%20kitchen%20system%20pulse&_tt=ninja Peewee Pillow pet-to hold against your stomach when you cough Chewable Calcium Chewable Daily Vitamin Gas X liquid Tylenol Benefiber (I mix this with the kellog’s Protein mix below) Metamucil Clean and Clear Milk of Magnesia (MOM)-to help with constipation Papaya Enzymes- to help later when if you were to experience a “stuck” episode Stage 1 Clear liquids Protein Power: This is just going to be trial an error. Looks like the most popular are (Unjury, Jay Robin, Premiere, NewWhey Canned chicken broth (the night before your surgery, consider simmering it with some veggies like carrots, onions, potatoes, even some of your favorite herbs. I would leave all the veggies in the broth until the next day. Then have someone strain them off, saving the broth for you) Favorite Soups Consider lower salt versions(use the larger size cans of Soup if they make them in your band. Then mix a couple of cans of chicken or beef broth with your favorite soup. simmer and strain) SF Jello (both premade for convenience and boxed for when you feel like making it) SF Popsicles Pedialyte Popsicles Kellogs Water ready protein mix (link below) http://www.walmart.com/ip/Special-K2O-Strawberry-Kiwi-Protein-Water-Mix-4.7-oz-10ct/10891803 SF Water Flavors (Crystal Light, Great Value, Etc) Gatorade G2 or Propell Hebal Tea Diet Fruit Juices NSA-Carnation Instant Breakfast Mix Skim Milk SF Syrups to flavor shakes Stage 1-Full Liquid -All of the above+ Cream Soups (thinned with water or skim milk) (consider sprinkling ½ scoop of unflavored protein power into soup and blend…watch the temp of the soup….the protein power may clump at high temps.) SF pudding (premixed for convenience and boxed for later) Yogurt (thinned out) (light or Greek) blend well Baby Foods (add a jar of baby food fruit with your Protein powder and thin with water or skim milk) Stage 2-Puree Egg Substitute oatmeal (thinned) Grits (thinned) Applesauce other Fruit sauces Canned Fruit- juice packed Instant Mashed Cottage cheese Stage 3-Mushies Canned Tuna Canned Chicken Ground Beef in a sauce Real mashed potatoes Mashed sweet potatoes Mac And Cheese (consider using the unjury protein cheese sauce) Cooked spinach Cooked and mashed cauliflower Mashed green Beans

I think I would consider making another appointment with your surgeon. how long has it been since you had a fill? It could be that some of the fluid you have has evaporated.

It is the very elusive spot where you have enough fluid in your band that you experience restriction that decreases your portion size significately and you are able to go several hours (4) without getting hungry and yet not too much fluid that you become too restrictive/tight and you have a hard time keeping food or water down

I apoligize for those that have already seen this on other posts.... I kinda of gave up trying to find one I REALY liked and went to finding one that was mild and then spice them up with sf Syrups. I have 3 recipes i always go back to Iced caramel coffee 150cal/20protein/4carbs 1/2 oz sf caramel syrup 1/2 oz sf vanilla syrup 3 oz skim milk 4 oz favorite coffee (mine is keurig butter toffee) 1 scoop Protein Blenderize with lots of ice pumpkin Pie 150 cal/ 20 protein/ 6carbs 1 oz sf pumpkin pie syrup OR vanilla 2 oz pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) 1 tbs sf/ff french vanilla pudding 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 4-5 oz skim milk 1 scoop proein Blenderize with a few ice cubes Hawiian Island 160 cal/20protein/8 carbs 1/2 oz coconut sf syrup 1/2 oz pineapple sf syrup 1 serving del monte sf pineapple with juice 1 tbs french vanilla pudding 4 oz skim milk 1 scoop protein Blenderize with a lot of ice hope these help.

It seems since most of those items are higher carb foods anyway, the high protein/low carb lifestyle of the band would work nicely with your diet limitations.

I had a hard time finding a Protein drink that I "liked" So I bought several of the sf syrups and make different combinations to hide the flavor of the Protein Powder. Here are my 3 favorites. Iced caramel coffee 150cal/20protein/4carbs 1/2 oz sf caramel syrup 1/2 oz sf vanilla syrup 3 oz skim milk 4 oz favorite coffee (mine is keurig butter toffee) 1 scoop protein Blenerize with lots of ice pumpkin Pie 150 cal/ 20 protein/ 6carbs 1 oz sf pumpkin pie syrup OR vanilla 2 oz pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) 1 tbs sf/ff french vanilla pudding 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (maybe a little more if you used the sf vanilla) 4-5 oz skim milk 1 scoop proein Blenderize with a few ice cubes Hawiian Island 160 cal/20protein/8 carbs 1/2 oz coconut sf syrup 1/2 oz pineapple sf syrup 1 serving del monte sf pineapple with juice 1 tbs french vanilla pudding 4 oz skim milk 1 scoop protein Blenderize with a lot of ice

Here is a list I started pre-op. But maybe it will help. If you want a printable copy inbox me your email address and I'll send it to you. General Items to Have on Hand Digital scale Blender (consider the ones that you can blend using a travel mug) I bought this one at walmart for $79 http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&ic=48_0&Find.x=0&Find.y=0&Find=Find&_ta=1&search_query=ninja%20kitchen%20system%20pulse&_tt=ninja Peewee Pillow pet-to hold against your stomach when you cough Chewable Calcium Chewable Daily Vitamin Gas X Liquid Tylenol Benefiber (I mix this with the kellog’s Protein mix below) http://www.walmart.com/ip/Benefiber-Kiwi-Strawberry-Flavored-Fiber-Drink-Mix-Stick-Packs-24ct/17325206 Metamucil Clean and Clear Milk of Magnesia (MOM)-to help with constipation Papaya Enzymes- to help later when if you were to experience a “stuck” episode Stage 1 Clear liquids Protein Power: This is just going to be trail an error. Looks like the most popular are (

Its under the community tab....then the sub tab "find members"

On myfitnesspal there is a option to find members.....thats what you want to use to add us.