Kekeboo

We have a Panera but never thought they would have LC options. I'll have to check it out.

Very excited for you. You have probably already heard the good and some bad, so you have good idea of what to expect. Good luck and keep us updated.

Nerves are normal, just keep in mind that you made the decision to get healthy. And its removable. Not that, that would be a choice f mine, but that seemed to help me before the surgery. I also spent time researching post op menu plans. I found this to be very helpful http://www.pvsurgical.com/bariatric/LB_Diet_Guidelines.pdf It goes along the same guidelines as my surgeon told me, but this is spelled out for you. I found it to be very helful.

Yes it has a lot to do with it. I remember when we had our first thunderstorm after my surgery and I thougt I was gonna die. I called my surgeon and he said it was the weather and it will pass. Thankfully it did. He explained he science behind it...I don't remember what he said, but I can tell you when it's gonna rain.LOL

http://www.pvsurgical.com/bariatric/LB_Diet_Guidelines.pdf This is an easy to follow, very informative lap band diet plan. It is very close to what my surgeon instructed.

Are you getting enough protien? atleast 90g per day? And are you drinking enough fluid, sometimes when we think we are hungry we are actually needing fluids. Make sure it's sugar free.

So a banded friend tells me..."I can eat 3 cups of salad before I'm full". Ummmm, yea? My response "doesnt mean you should eat 3 cups". Her response was that we are supposed to eat until your full. No, that is such a false statement. You still need portion control. If I am still hungry after eating, I wait the 30 minutes after eating then I start drinking my liquids. If you are not getting your liquids in every day, your full spot will trick you into wanting more food. I'm sorry, but I just don't think there's a lot of truthfulness about why the band isn't working for some people. I can sit and eat chocolate pudding and candybars and a bunch of other crap, then post my menu and say I'm eating a well balanced diet....that doesn't do me any good. I GAINED 2 POUNDS IN 6 WEEKS BECAUSE I WAS NOT EXCERCISING OR EATING PROPERLY. I was sooo proud of my 31 lb loss that I got cocky and thought I needed to reward myself with foods and treats that didn't comply with my instructions. I screwed up, not the band. Well, since my fill last Friday I am down those 2 lbs plus 1. I contribute that to following instructions. The first and most important process to this journey is being honest with yourself, if you mess up, recognize it accept the consequences (possible weightgain), fix it and move forward. I have only been banded for 6 months, I don't want or expect to lose all my weight in the first year. I don't want to...I want it to come off slow and steady. Does the band work for everyone? No, some have true medical complications, some are just not using it correctly. Some are relying on the band to work for them instead of using the band as the tool it was meant to be. If you follow instructions to the letter, excercise 2-3 times per week, be patient with the weightloss process....the weight will eventually come off. Maybe not as fast as others, or in the first year. It wasn't meant to be a quick fix. Frustration is just an emotion, don't let it consume you or drive you. You have to take the wheel on this journey. So many say if I had the will power I wouldn't have had the surgery...it's not about will power. It's about following instructions. My will power sucked before the band, but I would have never of gotten the band if I wasn't ready to put those feelings aside and just do the work. Got a sweet tooth, then find a recipe for a desert you can have. Be prepared. Have the need for some comfort food, MAKE IT!! But use lower fat and carb options. Its all out there. Yes, some things are a little more expensive, but you won' be eating as much so it will last longer. This is solely my entitled opinon...and I am sure that some will agree, some will disagree and others will feel the need to "set the record straight". That's fine. Just make sure you are honest with yourself before commenting. Anyway...that's my rant. Breakfast: Mocha protein shake Lunch: LC/LF chicken enchilada Dinner: White bean chili Chai tea water with MIO Multivitamin 1 Cor. 15:33 My bible verse for today.

Too funny

We all are in our 6 months post op. How have you done? I lost 31 lbs at my 4 months check up and gained 2 lb at my 6 month check up. I let the holday treats take over and I gained the weight. I had a fill on Friday and lost the 2 lbs plus 1. So I am pretty happy about that. This last fill was 1cc, I don't normally get a full cc, but this time I can really feel the restriction without getting sick. I think I am starting to find my sweet spot and I can look forward to the number on the scale going down again.

Just remember the band isn't going to do all the work for you. The reason we got the band is because we made poor choices to begin with. It's not about what your giving up. We all have had something we had a hard time giving up, but it isn't forever. Once I am down to my goal weight, I will learn a little more moderation. I ate crap and a bunch of it, that's why I gained weight. So I now have to do without until I am mentally ready to incorporate some of things that I miss in a healthy way. Don't think of it as being deprived, if anyone is more worried about what they will miss, then maybe they are not ready for this. I waited a long time to have the surgery because I depended on the food for my comfort. Its a very emotional process when it comes to food addiction. Be sure you are mentally prepared for it. My opinion only...not trying to start trouble...lol.

Sorry, didn't know how else to word it. I saw my dr last Friday for a fill and we were talking about my RA and that I needed to take a fish oil daily to help. He didn't recomend a particular brand, so i am at a loss. I have taken it before and it really leaves a nasty smell. Anyone take a fish oil that you would recomend.

you can consume enough protiens through out the day with Legumes, brown rice, quinoa and other veggies and grains. However, if you are wanting to add healthy meats to your diet I would start with fish that way you are already consuming Omega 3 which my doc says is important to my weightloss. I cannot tolerate red meats other than ground, and thats usually ground chicken or turkey. And don't forget about your protien shakes. I buy mine from my surgeons office, I hear good things about unjury.

Thank you, this was great info.

My surgeon is more focused on Protein, but he also wants me to make better carb choices and increase my veggies. I was given this equation to figure out how much protein I should be getting My weight 218 X .50= 98.1 98g of protein per day.

Some peope cant tolerate certain foods. I was able to eat eggs and turkey sausage, then I had my 3rd fill and I can only eat a few bites before it gets stuck. As time goes on and your body heals, you will be able to tolerate more. It's part of the learning process, we have to retrain ourselves how to eat the Lap Band way.I tend to take too big of bites,so I eat with a baby spoon.

I have heard the same, but its not always all about the weight. I had back surgery 2 years ago, degenerative disc disease, RA and fibromyalgia....this was all considered when I went in for my first consult with my doctore and my surgeon. As an overweight person I was constantly scrutinized for my choice in the lap band, those people don't understand what it's like living in a sick body with weight issues. Or maybe they do and they were just jealous that they didn't have the confidence or courage to make the decision I did. Poeple of substance abuse get help and they are praised for it, why are we not seen in the same category. It's an addiction and we had the courage to say "I need help". Stand proud about your decision, be confident and know that it took courage to admit you needed help. I am a proud bandster!! I wake up and know that I made a choice to live and live healthy. If that offends someone....too bad.

Don't worry about the weight right now. You should be focusing on the healing. Your body has a foreign object in it and it's an adjustment internally as well as externally. Do check with your surgeon and let them know of your concerns. Stress is not good for weightloss, know that you made a smart decision and look forward to outcome.

Walk, walk and walk. It will help release the gas pressure. Gas X did work for me, but it didn't take it all away. It will subside in a few days. Some people experience it a little longer. And don't be modest!! If you feel it, let it out. I had to explain to my husband and kids that it was just part of the process and they need to deal with it. My kids giggled, my husband just turned the tv up.

I'm sorry that you did not have a good experience. I know there are some it didn't work for and some that it did. I pray that I am one of the lucky ones that can go the long haul. Good Luck with your removal and I hope you are able to find something that works for you and are able to have a healthy lifestyle. That's what this is all about...being healthy.

So day 3 after fill and thought I would try some salmon. Not a good idea. Not soft enough food, one small bite, well chewed got stuck. Ewww, it was not fun. Today: Breakfast...well thas was a bust moved onto a chocolate mocha protien shake Lunch: tomato soup with fat free milk Dinner: Progresso potato soup blended in my magic blender water with MIO chewable vitamin cup of coffee Another protien shake for a snack

I had a shot glass. That's how much I ate every few hours during the first 4 days. If I used a bigger cup, I found myself gulping and hurting myself. Also, have loose clothing to wear home from hospital and slip on shoes. I started walking the day after. It was only around my dining room table, but it seriously helped the gas as well as my recovery time. sugar free popcycles MIO Chewable Vitamins or liquid Protein shake/mix...this is most important. You have to have your protien shakes. Enjoy your journey!

I will check our target. Thank you!

Oh I had a wonderful visit to a new church today. We attend a local church regularly, but it's not the denomination I am used to. My kids love it becuase of the newer songs, loud music, the teen group is large and very active. I just need to hear a hymn everyonce in a while and a friendly handshake. I go where my kids spiritual needs are fed, I am very greatful they understand that I need a my cup filled sometimes too. 3 days since my last fill and I am reeeaaally feeling it. It's not too tight, and I can actually feel the fullness more now than before. Breakfast: 1 scrambled egg, pinch of cheese 1/4 c of grits (Couldn't finish it, I was very full after about 3/4 of it.) Lunch: I bought some sushi and had 4 cut pcs, ate all but the crab in it. It was too dry. I cut it up on small peices and ate with a baby spoon. Filled me completely. Dinner, 1/3 c of Dream fields macaroni noodles with some homemade pasta sauce. I'm not hungry for snacks so I am sipping hot teas and water with MIO. I also take a vitamin C/multi vitamain everyday. It's called "On The Go" and i found it at Walgreens in the vitamin section. It's orange flavored so I mix it in my Orange MIO water. I have the chewable vitamins as well, I take 2 day when I don't take the On the Go. My Surgeon wants me to start taking Fish oil. I used to take it, but your body excretes the fishy smell. Not very attractive.