armymom2012

Being an military wife is a tough job, I know I used to be one. Now I am an Army Mom With all the stress involved and the moving, yes it can wreck havick on your emotions and your health. I have had my band for almost a month and I have seen such a huge difference in the way I see food now. It is almost like having a baby again, where you are constantly aware that you have to take care of it. But this time it is you that you are taking care of. Something alot of people tend to forget at times.
Before my surgery, I admit I did partake in my favorite meals, thinking I will miss this so much. Now, I catch myself paying attention to everything I eat and the portions and looking for recipe ideas on this site and others. In a way thats good because, I am now taking the time to plan my meals, where before I took the easy Drive thru route alot. As you will find out, their isn't a whole lot you can eat at a fast food drive through anymore, except maybe refried beans, which is good at the soft mushie stage. Great source of Protein to. After loosing 22# in a month, that in itself is reason to enjoy this new life. I'm looking forward to my next shopping trip to.lol
I am due for my first fill next week, honestly I know I am due for one to. At first I was hardly ever hungry and had to force myself to eat, but now I know it's time for a fill, because the growling in my stomach is back. I think by writing everything I eat down and go to my weekly weigh in's keeps me honest and holds me accountable. Just find something that works for you and good luck to you.

I have noticed that since it has been getting really hot this summer, that I can not eat the foods I normally can on a cooler day, especially towards the end of the day. One day, I can eat chicken fine, the next, I may get a bite or two down, then it gets stuck. I'm pretty sure this has something to do with the heat, but would like to hear if this has happened to anyone else. I really haven't had much of an issue with many types of food options so far, except bread and sometimes beef and my band is only at 5cc's.

I agree with 2muchfun. If you force yourself to avoid certain types of foods because you are afraid of gaining, you will never truly understand the process and eventiually boredom will set in like it has for many of us here in the past. Isn't that why most of us failed at diets before surgery?
The only time I am forcing myself to stay on liquids or mushy's is right before and after a fill or maybe a day if I have a really bad stuck epasode. Other than that, I like food too much to give it up out of fear. So far with the right portions and excercise and good food choices I have lost 47 #'s in 4 months. This may not seem like alot to some, but we did not opt for Gastric Bypass which would have been faster. We chose a diet that requires us to make healthy choices, which means we have to work a little harder sometimes. Don't think for a second I haven't cheated along the way. It happens. You just have to move on and start again. Hope this helps put it into perspective.

I asked the same question until about a month ago after my last fill:( I pretty much felt like there was something that got stuck in the pit of my chest and it made it hard for me to talk at times. I could not eat or drink anything and when I tried some water, shortly there after it reminded me of the movie Hooch and Turner, when the dog slimed all over the floor.lol But then I felt fine after the slime went away.
I also found out this past weekend that when it gets really hot outside, my band might be swelling up more than usual as well. I couldn't eat even a couple bites of stuff that normally wouldn't bother me. After it cooled down this week, I was back to normal. Just remember, everone reacts in different ways, I had to listen to my body and how it reacted to certain foods and weather obviously:)

I asked the same question until about a month ago after my last fill:( I pretty much felt like there was something that got stuck in the pit of my chest and it made it hard for me to talk at times. I could not eat or drink anything and when I tried some water, shortly there after it reminded me of the movie Hooch and Turner, when the dog slimed all over the floor.lol But then I felt fine after the slime went away.
I also found out this past weekend that when it gets really hot outside, my band might be swelling up more than usual as well. I couldn't eat even a couple bites of stuff that normally wouldn't bother me. After it cooled down this week, I was back to normal. Just remember, everone reacts in different ways, I had to listen to my body and how it reacted to certain foods and weather obviously:)

Thanks everyone:) The reunion was fun. I decided on making a cold bean salad. My husband was nervous, because his family is so picky, but they loved it.
I used the organic bean mix at Krogers, a can of garbonzo beans, corn, mild salsa, a can of crushed tomatoes with green chilis for a touch of spice and sprinkled the top with sharp cheddar cheese. MMMMMM Everyone was really suprised on how much I have lost since we all got together at last years reunion, that felt really good. Then my husband and I hiked a new trail the next day and found the most beautiful waterfall. Next time, we are packing a lunch and swimsuit & going back to the falls:)

I have a small one with Cherry Tomatoes, Red and Yellow ones, Onions and peppers. I have a Koi pond and flower garden to keep me busy. I'll post pics later.

I got a call from my doctor yesterday and my blood tests came back really good. I am now off of one blood pressure pill and my cholesterol medication as well. If my blood pressure stays within the 120's or less I get to stop the other one as well. It's amazing what 45# weight loss can do for your health. I should be ready for a marathon by next year.lol That is if my knees will cooperate.
Anyone ever been told to take fish oil? She did tell me to stop the Cholesterol pill and take daily fish oil instead. My husband pills are too big for me to swallow and when I cut it in half to put in my food It smelled like my husband tackle box. Ewwwww. Any suggestions?

Thanks everyone:) The reunion was fun. I decided on making a cold bean salad. My husband was nervous, because his family is so picky, but they loved it.
I used the organic bean mix at Krogers, a can of garbonzo beans, corn, mild salsa, a can of crushed tomatoes with green chilis for a touch of spice and sprinkled the top with sharp cheddar cheese. MMMMMM Everyone was really suprised on how much I have lost since we all got together at last years reunion, that felt really good. Then my husband and I hiked a new trail the next day and found the most beautiful waterfall. Next time, we are packing a lunch and swimsuit & going back to the falls:)

Congrats I know what you mean. I was a 16 last week and went shopping yesterday, down to a 14. Lovin Life

I usually stay around 700-900 calories a day. No more than 60g Protein and drink atleast 4- Bottles of water a day. So far I have lost 45# since January. Now when I was in the first few months, I had around 300-600 calories, because of the liquid, puree phase. I did start walking atleast 3 days a week- 2 miles. I had my 4th fill about a month ago, so far so good. I can tell a difference and at times I have to take a few bites and walk away and go back later, usually in the evening meal. But I also think everyone is different. If you get more exercise = a little more calorie in take and it all depends on your weight as well, how much and how fast it will burn off at certain number of calories. I really try not to be obsecced with how much, but more of how I feel. But I will say I do write my meals and exercise down in a log from time to time, that way I can see what I am doing, just incase I stop losing, I can adjust what I am doing. Good Luck.

It happens. I did the same thing yesterday to. I have been really good since surgery about eating good healthy food and sticking to the plan pretty well, but I did cheat yesterday with a Red velvet, cream cheese cupcake for mothers day, my all time favorite. But, I also feel like after losing 45# since January, if that is the worst I an do I am doing pretty good so far. I just don't want to get into feeling like I have given up everything I love for this surgery and end up returning to old habbits later, because I feel like I am giving up too much. I think, sometimes you need to give in as a treat to yourself and not kick yourself for doing so. Just don't make a regular habit of it and you shoud be ok and remember chew, chew chew and quit when you get to your limit, even if you haven't finished it.

It happens. I did the same thing yesterday to. I have been really good since surgery about eating good healthy food and sticking to the plan pretty well, but I did cheat yesterday with a Red velvet, cream cheese cupcake for mothers day, my all time favorite. But, I also feel like after losing 45# since January, if that is the worst I an do I am doing pretty good so far. I just don't want to get into feeling like I have given up everything I love for this surgery and end up returning to old habbits later, because I feel like I am giving up too much. I think, sometimes you need to give in as a treat to yourself and not kick yourself for doing so. Just don't make a regular habit of it and you shoud be ok and remember chew, chew chew and quit when you get to your limit, even if you haven't finished it.

I have a card, but I never use it when I eat out. I avoid true fast food places all together and when we go any place else, I usually go online and look at their menu to see what if anything I can eat before hand. Normally I just order off the lower cal menu if they have one and take a goody box home for another meal. That way I feel like I get my moneys worth and 1 less meal to plan out.

I have a card, but I never use it when I eat out. I avoid true fast food places all together and when we go any place else, I usually go online and look at their menu to see what if anything I can eat before hand. Normally I just order off the lower cal menu if they have one and take a goody box home for another meal. That way I feel like I get my moneys worth and 1 less meal to plan out.

I was banded January 25. I have had 3 fills and up until the last one about 3 weeks ago, I didn't feel any restrictions at all. Try recording your food intake and up your protein. If I keep records of everything I eat, it lets me know what I might need to change and gives my bariatric nurses and doctor ideas in order to help me as well. I have lost 43 #'s half of that right after surgery, but if I didn't walk atleast 3 days a week and really watch what I eat and measure it. I could see where it would be easy to forget. My last filll, seems to be working for me, I can no longer eat steak or any bread or wheat wraps, as I found out last night and I now have to really abide by the rules or I get stuck, which I have a couple times already. Not a good feeling, but atleast I know it is working now. Good luck to you.

I was banded January 25. I have had 3 fills and up until the last one about 3 weeks ago, I didn't feel any restrictions at all. Try recording your food intake and up your protein. If I keep records of everything I eat, it lets me know what I might need to change and gives my bariatric nurses and doctor ideas in order to help me as well. I have lost 43 #'s half of that right after surgery, but if I didn't walk atleast 3 days a week and really watch what I eat and measure it. I could see where it would be easy to forget. My last filll, seems to be working for me, I can no longer eat steak or any bread or wheat wraps, as I found out last night and I now have to really abide by the rules or I get stuck, which I have a couple times already. Not a good feeling, but atleast I know it is working now. Good luck to you.

I was banded January 25. I have had 3 fills and up until the last one about 3 weeks ago, I didn't feel any restrictions at all. Try recording your food intake and up your protein. If I keep records of everything I eat, it lets me know what I might need to change and gives my bariatric nurses and doctor ideas in order to help me as well. I have lost 43 #'s half of that right after surgery, but if I didn't walk atleast 3 days a week and really watch what I eat and measure it. I could see where it would be easy to forget. My last filll, seems to be working for me, I can no longer eat steak or any bread or wheat wraps, as I found out last night and I now have to really abide by the rules or I get stuck, which I have a couple times already. Not a good feeling, but atleast I know it is working now. Good luck to you.

I am no nutritionist by any means so I couldn't tell you how to lose weight. Plus, I think everyone is different in how their body reacts to certain types of food and stressers in your life and whether you are male or female. It is proven men tend to lose quicker than women and still be able to eat more, even my doctor will tell you that.
So although I can't totally disagree with B52 on some of his theories, you have to find what works best for you and be honest about it.
A few weeks ago I lost 4# in one week. Usually I may lose a pound or two. I changed my diet around some that week, because I was slowly dragging throughout the day with no energy. I was having trouble getting my protein totals in for each day, because I couldn't stand drinking a protein shake. Then I decided to switch it up a bit and made homemade tuna, chicken salad, fish and even some turkey that week with almost every meal, even breakfast.
Although I went from eating around 500-600 calories to nearly 900 I lost weight and stayed full much longer than I did trying a liquid diet of protein. So in my case adding more protein in the form of food choices is what helped me out. This past week, with finals coming up and working all day I didn't have the time to make all that stuff and did more of the old routine and only lost a half pound, still eating around 700 calories as well as walking a couple miles 4 days a week.
But then again I am in this for the long hall. I was told that this was not going to be like bypass surgery and I would lose weight at a slower pace and I am fine with that, because past experience proved that if I tried to rush the process, more than likely I wasn't learning how to do it correctly in the first place. Put too much pressure on yourself to speed it up and your surely to fail somewher along the line when you hit one of those dreaded Plateus they tell us about.

I would watch taking diet pills because most of them are very large and unless you crush them, you may get them stuck, plus they are not very tasty when you have to break them in half either. I know, I used to be a yo yo fanatic on pills trying to loose weight. They will also make you crash hard when you get off of them to, which usually means you will start craving again and go right back to bad habits because before you were dependent on them to supress that urge.
The whole point in getting the band is to train yourself to eat less, by measuring your food out and making smart food choices. It was never meant to be a miracle cure. I don't mean to sound harsh, because I know how frustrating it can be when you don't feel that it is helping you. It wasn't until last week when I finally got up to 6cc's that I noticed anything at all. The whole reason I have lost weight so far is because of self control, tracking my food and exercise and it wasn't easy by far. Now I understand what people mean by restrictions, before I wasn't sure what they meant exactly. Talk to your doctor and they will probably tell you to come in for a fill. I was told by my doctor that if you get a fill and it doesn't feel right, too much or too small if you get back in withing the week, there is no charge to fix it. Other doctors may be different but it's worth asking. Hang in there.

I am no nutritionist by any means so I couldn't tell you how to lose weight. Plus, I think everyone is different in how their body reacts to certain types of food and stressers in your life and whether you are male or female. It is proven men tend to lose quicker than women and still be able to eat more, even my doctor will tell you that.
So although I can't totally disagree with B52 on some of his theories, you have to find what works best for you and be honest about it.
A few weeks ago I lost 4# in one week. Usually I may lose a pound or two. I changed my diet around some that week, because I was slowly dragging throughout the day with no energy. I was having trouble getting my protein totals in for each day, because I couldn't stand drinking a protein shake. Then I decided to switch it up a bit and made homemade tuna, chicken salad, fish and even some turkey that week with almost every meal, even breakfast.
Although I went from eating around 500-600 calories to nearly 900 I lost weight and stayed full much longer than I did trying a liquid diet of protein. So in my case adding more protein in the form of food choices is what helped me out. This past week, with finals coming up and working all day I didn't have the time to make all that stuff and did more of the old routine and only lost a half pound, still eating around 700 calories as well as walking a couple miles 4 days a week.
But then again I am in this for the long hall. I was told that this was not going to be like bypass surgery and I would lose weight at a slower pace and I am fine with that, because past experience proved that if I tried to rush the process, more than likely I wasn't learning how to do it correctly in the first place. Put too much pressure on yourself to speed it up and your surely to fail somewher along the line when you hit one of those dreaded Plateus they tell us about.

I agree to a point, but then again there are those like myself that at first had real issues with pain and tolerance of the band right after surgery. But, people also need to realize that it's not a magic pill either. Until last week, I felt no restrictions since right after surgery, most of my loss success had to do with watching what I eat and writing it down to be held accountable. Most people do not realize how much they actually eat unless they measure it and write it down.
And if you think sitting on a couch is going to help, your in a dream world. It takes work and dedication to succeed. The way I figure if you have time to text and tweet during the day, you have time to work on a plan that will work for you. Mine is writing it down and planning my meals each day. Other than shoulder pain still, I don't regret having this band at all. It has already given me my life back to enjoy things I have missed out on for so long.

I was told no sodas because it can cause erosion of the band. I just had a fill yesterday, now I am at 6cc in a 10cc band. So far so good, but then again I am only aloud liquiquids, so it's kinda hard to tell if the fill is working yet I guess. But I would def, stop the sodas and I was told alcohol can irritate the band for some people to. I am a wine drinker myself, but haven't had the nerve yet to have a glass since my surgery. Good luck to ya.

After I found out my insurance would cover it. I signed up at the hospital for one of their free seminars to get all the information about the procedure. That way when I talked to my doctor, I let her know that I was serious enough to find out every detail before making such a big decision. At first she was hesitant, probably because she only weighed about a 100# soaking wet and coudn't understand my delema and advised me to first change my diet a bit, add some exercise and she drew blood to check my thyroid and other things to rule any other issues out first, which delayed me almost a year, but when I went back to her and said that I wanted it done, since nothing else worked, she was in total agreement.
Every doctor is different, but you have to be a bit firm and show them you are serious about making those changes and hopefully they agree. If not find a new doctor. Good Luck to Ya.

I had a fill today because my band really has had no restrictions up tll now. I am at 6cc's now. Seems like alot considering it is a 10cc band. But I feel ok, except for the burning shoulder pain still. Finally I think they are coming around that it may be something to do with the nerve near my diaphram. For some reason I must be sensitive to the band, so he said give it another month and then I may have to try this pill for nerve issues and see if it helps.
So far I have lost weight pretty well since surgery, It has been alot of work trying to fight off the urges to keep eating. I have been walking my poor husband to death lately and considering he's a mail carrier, walking after work is probably the last thing he wants to do, but like he said, "We are in this together"
I was getting kinda nervous because I have been able to eat pretty much what I want up till now. I really try not to, but sometimes it is really hard to say no to an awesome piece of grilled fish and veggies when we are out.
Weighed in today, I have lost 40# since January. Honestly, I didn't think I would be losing this fast. I guess when you set your mind to something that really matters, the pros out weigh the cons. I feel like I am in such a good place right now. Ask me a few years ago and I would probably have to say, I wasn't there yet and probably wouldn'y have done as well. So when they tell you it's just a tool, their right. Your head and heart has to be there as well or it won't work I guess.