ChicagoRose

When was your last maintenance appointment? Are you getting nutritional counseling or are you involved in a support group? I only eat 1000 cals a day, and I'm not suggesting you do that, but I think a typical band diet of about a cup of food per meal with two small snacks is about that. Also, I find when I "carb cycle" I have a better week. That is when you eat healthy carbs one day, and low carb the next. Good luck and I hope you have the support you need in your area!

Everyone has a different experience. Many of us have not felt sick or stuck very often if at all. I am 7 months out and have only PB'd once and have felt "stuck" a few other times but it went down after a minute or two. I have never felt nauseous or thrown up. I do feel like I have done so well because I am following the rules, which leads to the best banding outcome. Good luck =)

It is probably more head hunger than you realize, you want to eat food because you can't eat food and you don't feel "full" on the liquids. You will never again feel "full" the way you were used to. My suggestion is to KEEP BUSY!! Read a fun novel, make some fall crafts, go for a walk, etc, etc. You will be amazed how fast this phase goes!

I believe you need to eat a protein rich breakfast to get your metabolism started, but if you are not hungry I don't think you should force yourself to eat either. Maybe have a string cheese or something in the morning so that you at least don't have an empty stomach?

You have come to the right place for advice and support. It is a major decision and of course some people will have had complications, but if you follow the rules as you are supposed to you should have a fantastic outcome!! Good luck =)

CONGRATS!! You got this!!

Look closely at the people who post complications. Typically they are not going for regular maintenance, are going to clinics that over fill, or are not eating the band diet. For me, the risk was FAR worth the reward. Best choice I have ever made.

First of all you are doing great and are on the right track so keep it up! Second of all, try tracking calories for a few days to see where you are at. I use myfitnesspal.com and it's awesome!

You are here and you are ranting which means you are not giving up. I hear ya about the TOM, it sucks. Treat yourself to some fat free or sugar free treats during that time, like puddings or hot cocoa. Everything in moderation!!

I was cleared to exercise after only two weeks...but you don't want to push it and hurt yourself so it's best to listen to your surgeon!

That's a NSV if I have ever heard one! Awesome job keep it up!!

I'm at 2.5 in a 10 and I'm in a good spot. When I eat what I am supposed to I get full after a cup of protein and vegetables. I can still eat a bag of Doritos but that doesn't count to need a fill because they are sliding right through, no matter how tight you are. Can't look back at how much you only lost last year. Be happy you lost something and gained nothing. Move on forward and start fresh with the Band life and you got this =)

Me too=) I'm going as "Coke" and my husband is going as "Rum". Pretty easy, coke t-shirt I found at kohls, red leggins, white gogo boots, I just need a skirt!!

How exciting!! I would just say that you are having some dietary issues and could you please meet up for coffee instead. I doubt he will press the issue if he is interested in you. When you feel like the time is right, you can share your story, and I bet whoever you share it with will be super excited to journey through your transformation with you.

Do you have any specific questions or is there a particular part of the LabBand lifestyle that is hard for you? Are you going to regular maintenance appointments with your surgeon and/or nutritionist and getting fills or support. Give us some more information and I'm sure we can help =)

Your nutritionist knows best....but since you asked here is my non-official answer... We are not supposed to eat a lot of soup because it is a slider food and does not allow the band to do it's job. That is not saying you can't eat soup on occasion, but it shouldn't be made a habit since it will allow for more calories to go through before you start feeling your "I'm done" signals. Carbonation is discouraged but some people do continue to drink pop and are able to tolerate it. There is not enough information as far as I know as to complications caused specifially by carbonation alone. In that case, if you are able to tolerate the Alka Seltzer and it is only seldom, I'm guessing your surgical center will give you a pass but only they can tell you for sure. Good luck =)

Are you not able to tolerate firmer foods or are you choosing soft foods strictly because of the fear of gaining weight? If you are not tolerating firmer foods, like grilled chicken, ground beef, etc....then you you probably don't want a fill just yet. If you are just nervous about "real food" work up to it gradually and start to get used to your new body. You might be surprised how much you will continue to lose when you are eating again, and enjoying your favorite things again.

That is something very new to learn when using the band. You won't feel "full" again like you used to but instead will feel "done" or feel different sensations higher in the chest that will signal to you that you have had enough. Continue to listen to your body as you have been and you got this!

Isn't that amazing? I started writing my blog for the same reason and have been continuously amazed and blessed by the outpouring of support even from those I least expected it from. Good luck on your journey =)

Congrats! You deserve this =) Welcome to the group and we'll see you across to the other side!

My hospital discharge instructions were also different than my surgeons instructions but I was told to follow my surgeon's instructions! So I did!

I added you too =)

Based on your 18 weeks you can expect an average of 18-36 lbs in that time so hoping to see Onederland isn't entirely unrealistic, but with the Holidays coming up there might be some unforeseen treats in your future. Maybe give yourself until Valentine's Day. And then you will be in Onederland and can treat yourself so something sexy...hehe

You won't be "full" anymore as you know it. Try and focus on being "satisfied". To do this you need the highest amount of protein for your buck. My bariatric center which is in our hospital sold me New Directions Protein Shakes but I think the Atkins Advantage brand at your local grocery store are a close alternative. Also, LOTS of water, tea, or other calorie free non-carbonated drinks in between keep you from feeling too hungry. I do still drink coffee also even though I have been recommended to be on a caffeine free diet as well, but that's my choice, not my advice!

I'm a side sleeper and I go left and right all night. I did sleep on my port side but you have to kind of lift your body up and gently ease it down and stay there versus sliding and shifting on it. I still feel my port under my skin when I settle down on my left side but have no pain there anymore so it will get better!