downhomechik

I think its the reason why other diets failed us.... with the lap you have a tool to help you control portions. It doesn't control mind-cravings, head hunger and the head games. It's like quitting smoking, you have to find other hobbies to change your lifestyle. It's the same with the band. I used to fill up my time with eating, as bad as that sounds...there is truth to it. Maybe instead of a chocolate you grab an apple and take a quick 5 min walk or replace it with sugar free "chocolate" pudding. Again, weight can sometimes be a mask for dealing with issues so talking to a counselor can help a lot to understand your reluctance to lose even though you really want to ...your body is sending you mixed signals. Best of luck hugs

Congrats!!!!

Thank you! Great verse.

Whenever I have a fill (I've had three) I am told the area can swell for 24-48 hrs and to eat full liquid first 24 hours and puree next 24 hours onto real food the next day to give your body a chance to let swelling go down and adjust. I can't do scrambled eggs because I can't train myself to actually chew them... My surgeon is great at what he does too but I've found he isn't good about giving advice on what and how to eat...my nutritionist has a complete fit about it. Support groups, this site, other bandsters are more helpful to me; just my 2 cents worth.

Sounds normal to me....my port area was so sore I couldn't sit up with out a pillow or holding my port...I couldn't even wash my hands without holding one against the port area. Doctor told me some people experience the port pain but many don't...really depends on where the port is on each individual person. congrats on being post op and good luck on the journey ahead

I've heard lots of tips....I try to practice these...I only got stuck two times and that was due to NOT chewing enough before swallowing....and then my chest was ON FIRE and I thought I was having a heart attack....so the incentive to not repeat that is definitely innate in me. set fork down after EVERY bite Count chews (I usually chew 30-40 times to get it mushy...and I imagine trying to put the food through a funnel...it has to be that small and I do not swallow until its that's small.) Strike up a conversation with whomever you are eating with...how's the beans? is that the way you like them best? etc...idle chit chat Then I take another bite, chew, talk....repeat I also measure my food out up to 1 cup (I have a visual problem and I still want to eat even when I'm full) I've been overfull which is very uncomfortable too so limit myself.

I struggle with protein intake as well... you aren't along. My band, stomach always makes noise and I was told that noises were not unusual. I have much more gas than I ever had & assume this is part of life with the band as well. As far as your port discomfort, when I exercise or walk a lot I do experience discomfort. Is yours close to the surface? Mine is. I tend to rub it and just live with it. Maybe others have some more to share on this.

Almost exactly in the middle between rib cage and above belly button

I started seriously working towards weight loss mid April 2012 at 233 lbs and a size 22... Got banded July 5 and yesterday bought a size 13 pants at 171 lbs! I can't tell you how amazed I was!!

Went for my 3rd fill yesterday. Definitely feel more restriction but my fills are very conservative only about 1cc at a time. This is the first one that made me feel restricted from the second it was done....I will eat puree today and start on regular food tomorrow.

Maybe you could ween off it by eating frozen yogurt (non fat, no sugar).... Yogurt is better for you and has kinda the same consistency.

If you try eating every 3-4 hours as a general rule, does this help?

It was a long process but so worth it !!

I'm willing to deal with some loose skin and scars. I'm 8 weeks out and my scars aren't bad at all. I have trouble finding a few of them! At your age I lost and gained all the time with no stretching or looseness. I've lost 40+ pounds right now and have no loose skin as of yet but if I do I will not be troubled. I'm in my 40's. Everyone is different.

Great topic and good advice. I am new to the journey -8 weeks out and had my first fill on Monday, 8/27. My surgery was 7/5/12. My first fill was a little less than 1 cc. I had liquids all day yesterday and onto pureed and food re-introduction today. I am curious to find out if I feel more restriction on only 1 cc.