BigDennis

Good evening! I would definitely run it by my doctor and get his or her input first, before moving forward with any type of medication. I am curious, how much Fluid do you have in your band at this point? It would be easy to say you have too much in your band, but you were only banded in July, so that doesn't seem possible. I know a lot of folks opt to drink Protein shakes for breakfast, opposed to creating band and nausea issues in the early morning. Apparently, our bands tend to open wider later in the day, which allows easier consumption of more solid foods. Please let us know what your doctors says, because it would be interesting to see if they agree with the forums! Dennis

I read a report that said our bands are naturally tighter in the morning, which had some banders questioning whether to have Breakfast or not. When you are experiencing nausea, is it before or after eating in the morning? Like CG said, when in doubt, definitely check back with your doctor just to be safe! Dennis

I've only been banded for approximately four months and had one fill. I used to never eat breakfast and every "formal" diet I've ever been on actually stressed the importance of eating breakfast within 20 - 30 minutes of waking. "According to research, skipping meals, especially breakfast, can actually make weight control more difficult" (WebMD). The research says that skipping breakfast has the tendency to make one eat more food at the next meal or possibly nibble on high calorie snacks to stave off hunger. I think the reality is skipping meals is a key factor in obesity and should be avoided at all costs. Many times we tend to go strictly on how our band "feels" and not so much on what our body actually needs.

Ah, I couldn't live with my frozen margaritas! Alcoholic drinks offer no nutritional value and are simply empty calories, so you must track them closely. SageTracey hit the nail right on the head! My thought is, a few drinks will not hurt you, but definitely won't help your weight loss goals either.

That is definitely no way to live and not healthy for you. It is great to lose weight, but we have to look after our overall health as well. Get a slight unfill and hopefully you will do much better! Dennis

I have to agree with Holly, hang in there and those soft foods will be the best thing you've ever tasted very soon! I never knew clam chowder could taste so awesome, until I did a week of clear liquids! LOL Like Missy said, Proteins are definitely great at killing huger pains too! I am not sure if you can do shakes yet, but maybe you can mix whey powder into Water or something. In either case, hang in there and I guarantee you it will get better! Dennis

I don't do well with eggs period. I switched over to Egg Beaters and seem to do well now. Definitely much healthier for you, with less cholesterol. A minute in the microwave, sprinkle an ounce of fat free cheese across the top, add a little pepper, and I am good to go! I have to agree with everyone else, I believe you were still swollen from your fill. Most doctors recommend the clear liquids the first day and full liquids on the second.

A safe and natural way to reduce bad breath is by adding a minimum of 6 ounces of yogurt to your diet each and every day. Studies have shown it not only reduces the levels of odor-causing compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, but also helps to reduce the levels of plaque and the gum disease gingivitis! Recent study results suggest that the active bacteria in yogurt, specificallyStreptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, may have a beneficial effect on odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, so adding this delicious and healthy food to your diet may be a great benefit to you!

I have to agree with the majority of the posters, I usually eat most of my proteins and supplement with shakes only when a boost is needed. Keeping track of all your nutrients, and not just protein, through myfitnesspal, mynetdiary, or any other software package will help you tremendously to see where you can make cuts and where to improve. I also agree that the EAS shakes are the best tasting! I picked up two cases of Premium Protein shakes from Sam's Wholesale this past weekend and they are not bad either and contain 30 grams of protein.

I definitely love your attitude girl! LOL I am sure it is different for everyone, but you will know when it is the right time. You are healing inside and out, so you definitely want to take precautions and not hurt yourself. I would recommend running the question by your doctor and then proceed very carefully. Dennis

Awesome! Finding a workout routine you enjoy and able to stick with is definitely the key to success. It sounds like are are doing exceptionally well and will soon exceed your goals too! Seven pounds in under two weeks is amazing! Thank you for sharing your experiences and successes with us! Dennis

Congratulations! I know you are definitely excited and a little nervous too. I am more than confident you will do just fine and be headed towards meeting your goals before you know it! Thank you for sharing your excitement with us and hope to hear about all your successes very soon! Dennis

Great news! I bet you are super excited about your upcoming surgery. There is definitely nothing enjoyable about liquid diets, but you will be through that phase and on your way to a new you in a very short time! Sxyunique, thank you for sharing your excitement with us and I hope to hear about your successes very soon! Dennis

OMG, you had to feel horrible during that time period! I was banded in April and have been doing well without a fill. I've noticed my weight loss slowing a bit, so I feel sure my doctor will want to do a fill on my next visit. I will definitely pay close attention to the changes it brings to my body and hopefully avoid some of the issues you've been experiencing! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us Bella! Dennis

Your story sounds all too familar to me and many others on this forum! I, very much like yourself, finally realized I had to take charge of my life or suffer the consequences. I am very confident you made the right decision and will simply do and be awesome very soon! I feel sure everyone has shared their experiences with you, but the shoulder pain is the remainder of the gas used during surgery. It is extremely painful for a few days, but will fade away very soon. Incisions may hurt for quite some time and usually the one where your port is installed will be the most sensitive. You will be back to normal and at the top of your game before you know it! Thank you for sharing your journey with us and I am looking forward to hearing about the successes you are soon to experience! Dennis