stevens4

I made salmon patties tonight for a high protein/ low carb meal. Yum! 1 pouch chicken of the Sea salmon 1 beaten egg 1/4 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese 2 Tbsp bread crumbs 2 Tbsp finely chopped onion Make into 2-3 patties. I made 2/ ate 1 and was FULL!! Heat in skillet sprayed with Pam. Heat until cooked through, turning over once in pan. 18 protein/ 6 carbs/6 fats Yum!!

I'm so sorry! I can't eat tilapia. Who knows with the band?! I'm glad others are liking the recipe. It's a go-to recipe at my house. EASY. I found a quiche recipe that is easy and lowfat/high Protein that I will post later today.

When I went in for my last fill I made a comment to my dr about full signals. He said that I shouldn't have full signals- that meant I ate too much. I guess. I'm just kind of confused. I guess I thought feeling the full signals was a good thing because they kept you from overeating. How am I supposed to know how much to eat if I don't feel those full signals? Anyone else heard of this?

It could be both. I can't eat white bread and I know a lot of people can't have pb unless it's mixed with something 'wet' like oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies.

My doctor just told me that I should be doing weight training. One of the most successful weight loss success stories lost weight when she started alternating cardio with weights. She lost over 200 pounds doing that!! That was good enough to convince me. I start at the gym in June. He also said not to worry about bulking up- women weren't made for that without steroids or massive amounts (more than we eat or drink!) of protein.

Hi! I'm from Arkansas too- with 2 kids and a wonderful hubby. I'm 43. I was banded on Match 20. I've lost 38 pounds so far, had one fill (2 ccs) and feel some restriction. I'm making lots of healthy changes and exercising. Are you on myfitnesspal? If you are you are welcome to add me - madalias is my username.

Awesome! Thank you for posting!!

Awesome! Thank you for posting!!

I knew going into this that it wasn't a quick fix. I read all the information and knew that it was slow and steady. I guess that even though my head knew this, in my heart I was hoping it would be easier. When I dieted before the band, all I thought about was food- and the next meal- and what I could cook for me and my family. I don't know why (I know it's irrational), but I thought the band would help it not be all about the food. Now all I think about is, "How am I going to get all of that protein in"- especially when I was never a protein eater to begin with, or "What can I eat that doesn't have any sugar or carbs in it?" I am losing weight slowly (1 pound this week- 35 total). I am worn out emotionally. It is taking its toll on me. I didn't even go to church and my MIL's house for lunch after because she never has anything for me to eat there. My husband and kids are noticing that I'm sad and staying to myself in my bedroom. It's just easier than being out where everyone else is eating whatever they want, whenever they want. I know I'm probably just having a pity party, but I am still frustrated at how much harder this is than I thought it would be. I am not finding the freedom from food that I had hoped would be there with the band. Please tell me this is normal and it will get better.

I have tried multiple pairs of tennis shoes, but after about 10-15 minutes of walking/ jogging/dancing- whatever- my toes are hurting and feel like they have gone to sleep. They are tingling, but also kind of hurt. I end up taking off my shoes and finishing in socks. I can't imagine this is good for my feet- with or without shoes. I have tried wide widths, loosening the strings, and not tying tight. I've tried Nike and NB. Currently wearing Saucony. I am frustrated bc I am TRYING to get into an exercise routine, but it seems like everything is standing in my way. Any other suggestions?

I got my first fill a month ago. At first it seemed tight, then just right, now- not so much. I'm getting hungry at about hour 3 and don't have any full signals. I did at first- hiccups, heavy sigh. I thought a fill would last longer than a month, but I am new to this. Do you ever stay at a certain fill for a long period of time?

I am so so tired- going to bed at 6:30 and waking up at 5:00. That's been 3 nights this week. Has anyone had this experience? Something has to give.....

I am two months out (3 weeks pre-op/5 weeks post). I was wondering if anyone's periods were messed up bc of the change in diet, etc. I am cramping so so bad, but no period other than spotting. Is this normal? I hate to go to dr if this will resolve on it's own.

I'm taking 2 Flinstone's chewables every day. I know my bp has been low and have changed the dosage on my meds after seeing my dr.. My diet has completely changed- I'm eating 75 protein/50 carbs average, but only 1000 calories. They said 800-1200. I'm trying to get calories in, but that's the best I can do. This is all so new to me. I am exercising most days- even if it's just walking a couple of miles. I'm following the 'rules.' I have to get up early to exercise- if I don't, I am too exhausted to do it in the evening. I teach school (2nd grade) and have early morning duty and have to be at the school at 6:30. It makes for a long day. I'll be glad for summer in another month. Maybe that will help.

How much water should I be drinking in one sitting? There are times after I exercise that I just want to guzzle it! Is that going to hurt my band?

No straw! Dr. told me it makes you swallow air, so it makes you gassy. I will call Dr. tomorrow and find out the answer tomorrow. I'll let you know what they say!

I am looking for a new DVD for a beginning exerciser. I have been walking to Leslie Sansonne 5 mile fat- burning walk. I like it and am comfortable with it, but I'm bored. Anyone have any suggestions of what worked for you?

Gas X strips! That was my saving grace. Many GasX strips. Hang in there- it gets better!!

Can it stretch your pouch? I hope not....

Omg! That kicked my booty on level one! It is hard to do some of that heavy-duty cardio with big boobs. It is just flat out uncomfortable!! I guess it's time for a heavy-duty sports bra!

I just have to say that I am proud of myself. I have a long way to go to truly become a 'success story', but I am celebrating my little successes. I have been on blood pressure meds for 25 years. Over the years I've had to have bigger doses to keep it under control. When I went back to the dr. for my fill, my bp was 90/55= low. So I monitored for a week and it was still low- plus I had dizzy spells/low energy bc of the low bp. Now, I am on 1/4 of the dose after losing just 30 pounds. Regular Dr. is pleased and projected I would be off bp meds after another 20-30 pounds. My health is so much better and I feel so much better already. The band was worth it just for that!!! I am walking/jogging 3-5 miles a day. I was a couch potato before. I feel 'in-control' for the first time in SO long.

Don't be nervous!! It is fine! I just wasn't informed about what it felt like beforehand. People told me "You won't feel a thing."- Yes, you will, but it isn't bad- just not as comfortable (for me) as some had experienced.

I won't lie and say it was painless, but it wasn't horrible. I bled and bled and bled afterwards (I'm on Plavix), and I wasn't expecting that. It stings afterward, but goes away fairly quickly. I just kept saying to myself, "This is part of it. It won't happen a lot. It will help me lose weight." the whole time and that seemed to help. Right now, I would say that I am right where I need to be as far as a fill goes. I feel lucky in that sense, because I've heard some people take 3 or more fills to get it right. I'm losing weight now and rarely feel hungry. I NEVER thought I would be able to say "I'm not hungry." I could ALWAYS eat before the band- didn't matter if I had eaten a full buffet- Bring on the desserts. The band is a BLESSING and I'm willing to take that uncomfortable feeling to get to where I want to be!!! mandyg, let us know how your fill goes. Praying that you get just the right amount the first time!!

Thank you! A friend of mine said the same thing tonight when I asked her. Excited to try something different!

Is it normal to just not be hungry? I ate a small salad with about 2 oz grilled chicken today and that is all. I've debated whether my band is too tight, but I can eat just fine when I do eat. How often should I be hungry if I am in the 'green' zone? Its not everyday I am like this- only once or twice a week.