Thats All Folks

There's a lot of good, high Protein drinks on the market. But keep in mind drinking your calories is a slippery slope. It won't keep you full for long at all. As a result you're hungry sooner and eating more. I really wouldn't recommend it if you can at all avoid it, especially since you're already struggling. There's also a lot of quick easy meal ideas. Starkist makes a tuna and crackers packet and the tuna is pre-mixed. Lunchables even makes a healthy variety with things like whole wheat flat bread turkey and apple slices. Of course, you could always make something at home the night before and bring it with you. There's a lot of options out there, you just need to look around and figure out what will work for you.

Actually, if you're expecting the band to physically stop you from eating, you're expecting it to do things it's not meant to do. Some people do have certain foods they can't eat, and some simply can't eat large amounts without discomfort, but that's not the case for everyone. In fact, most people can over-eat if they really want to. We call it "eating around the band". This is why it's so important to keep your portions to a cup or less per meal so you don't accidentally over-eat. What the band is supposed do is keep you satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. Have a look at this link: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html As far as calories, it all really boils down to simple math. If you burn more calories than you consume, you will lose weight. Being as you're struggling, I would strongly recommend counting calories for at least a little while. This way you can see exactly what you're eating and where you need to make changes. I'd also strongly suggest a visit to your nutritionist to help you establish food guidelines specific to you and your lifestyle. Best wishes.

I'm sorry you're struggling. It's a very good thing you got the unfill, though. Being too tight can lead to slips and you don't want to deal that. It's great your exercising, but are you sticking to band sized portions? How many calories are you eating a day? These things can definitely effect your weight loss greatly.

If you can't swallow your own saliva let alone water, yes, you need to go back for a slight unfill immediately.

My pain was very minimal. I didn't even take prescription pain killers after I left the hospital.

Tell him your fear and point blank ask him to test for it.

It was good, I lost a little over 3 pounds this past 8 days, so I'm happy I'm now on liquids today because I got a fill this morning, but if I hit another plateau I'll definitely be carb cycling again.

Amen to that!!! So true!

I can only speak for myself, but I'd still have to count calories regardless. I simply need that accountability. Plus, counting calories helps me to see where I need to change things if I do hit a rough spot. I can go back on my logs and examine my eating habits.

Sounds perfect! Don't be afraid to play with those numbers and find out what works for you. Remember, we're all unique and our bodies all need different things to function optimally.

I'm very sorry you're struggling. Your medical issues are no doubt making weight loss a lot harder for you. If I were in your shoes, I would find a nutritionist that works with bariatric patients and make an appointment with them. Not only can they help you get back on track, they can also help you establish food guidelines that both fit your lifestyle and medical needs. I really think it would be a great resource for you. Best wishes to you.

I'm so sorry you went through that! There are people on these forums who've had Lap Band over Gastric Bypass. Hopefully one will see your post and share their experience. Best wishes.

Just curious, but why not find a doctor locally? There are Centers of Excellence all over the country, I'm sure you could find one in NY. Plus, you'll need a local doctor to do your aftercare and fills anyway. Just a thought. Best wishes.

Just because you can eat more doesn't mean you should. The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything. In fact, this is exactly why most surgeons say not to eat more than a cup of food per meal, to make sure we don't over-eat and stretch our pouch. The band's job is to make you feel satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. Not to stop you from eating. In fact if you're eating until you feel stuffed full you're eating too much. The band is a great tool but you have to use it how it's meant to be used. Here's a great link that I think will really help you a lot.: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Best wishes.

Congratulations! You look SO good!! What a huge difference!

Don't let the ignorance of a few stop you from sharing your story! You speak truth, and not only do you speak truth, you have so much wisdom from your own journey to share. I personally admire you so much. I know there's others out there just like me that look to you for not only common sense but as inspiration. ...if you ever left I'd hunt your skinny butt down. Just say'n

Wow... I'd be more than a little upset. Have you considered changing doctors to one that's more supportive of you? If I were in your shoes, I would. Best wishes to you. Don't let his thoughtlessness get you down.

PBing means productive burping. It's when stuck food comes back up, but it's burped up not vomited. As far as weight loss, there's no real answer for that. It all depends on you. Everyone is different.

If you would like a chip type food, veggie straws are awesome. It's only 130 calories for 38 (it's a generous portion). They are made of veggies but taste like chips. You can get a variety of flavors, including sea salt and cheddar. Also, here's a yummy healthy alternative to buffalo chicken wings: Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe A perfect low calorie alternative to Buffalo Chicken Wings! Ingredients - 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded - 1/4 to 1/2 cup hot sauce (more or less to taste) - 3 oz fat free cream cheese, softened - 1/3 cup chopped green onions - 2 cups Corn Flakes Cereal, crushed - 1/2 cup liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters) - 1/2 cup whole wheat flour Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350?F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, green onions. 3. Roll mixture into a 1-1 1/2 inch balls and place onto a plate or separate baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture, until you have 30 balls in total. 4. Place flour in a shallow dish. 5. In a second shallow dish, place egg substitute. 6. In a third shallow dish, place corn flakes. 7. Dip each chicken ball first into the flour, then the egg and ending with the Corn Flakes. 8. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm with a low calorie ranch or blue cheese dressing. Preparation time: 15 minute(s) Cooking time: 25 minute(s) Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate, High Protein Number of servings (yield): 6 Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional) Entire recipe makes 6 servings Serving size is 5 bites PER SERVING: 139 calories; 2g fat; 16g carbohydrates; 14g protein; 2

I've not tried the cranberry nut ones, but I've tried 2 different chocolate varieties and never had a problem with either going down.

I like the Atkins snack bars. I keep a peanut butter chocolate one in my purse just in case I'm out and there's no good food choices. They're only 180 calories, 10 protein, and 2 net carbs. Very, very filling.

I'm sorry you went through this. Do you have a 4cc band by chance? I know that was the band size used in 2008

Yes, in fact I'm pretty sure that's why I need a fill tomorrow. I've lost 41 pounds since my last fill in September so I'm guessing that's why I'm all the sudden hungry all the time.

Excellent post!

It's possible you have a leak but it's also possible you stretched your pouch. Or, if your last fill was long ago, some does evaporate over time. I'm sure your surgeon will be able to help. Best wishes.