A New New Dawn

I agree w/ all the posts above. I would add that this isn't easy and we have all been there. Sometimes you have to take it hour by hour and day by day to get through the adjustment. You are in a mourning of sorts as you change your relationship with food. When you are really feeling that head hunger (craving), try to distract yourself by going for a walk or some other activity. It does get easier though as you start changing that relationship. Definitely follow the doc's instructions though, even if it sucks for now so you can ensure proper healing and instill good habits in yourself as you claim victory over the cravings. If you can control it now, you will be in a much better place to control it later when it is over sweets, or junk food, etc. You CAN do this. Just think, today you are one day closer today to the mushie stage.

Well, it depends on your doctor's instructions too... Some doctors prescribe liquids for 24-48 hours or mushies, etc. If you should still be on liquids, see if they have some sort of cream soup (tomato basil or something), if you are allowed mushies then perhaps minestrone soup would be ok being cautious to eat slow and chew very well. You should be ok though as typically the first fill often doesn't add much restriction. Good luck and enjoy.

For starters, I agree w/ others that you need to find a local doctor to get refilled. Without that, you aren't getting the benefit of the band. Second, I would suggest using myfitnesspal.com (or download the smartphone app) and start tracking your food intake and calories. You should keep it between 1000-1200 calories. By logging your food you can start to see what you are actually taking in and get back on track that way. I applaud you for taking ownership of you needing to do the work and for reaching out to get back on track before even more months and pounds went by. You CAN do this! Best wishes to you!

Definitely you have done a phenomenal job and you look great in your pictures. Normally, I would have gained over the course of a year so losing 50lbs to me is success. I also would recommend journaling your food intake and your activity. Perhaps using myfitnesspal.com or another site to see really how many calories you are taking in, how much liquids you are really taking in, and how many calories you are burning through activities. I was at a standstill the past couple of weeks and upped my exercising (have walked about 3 miles a day for 4 days this past week) and finally the scale moved again. You have done really well and perhaps just a little tweaking can kickstart your weight loss again. You may even need a fill too. Good luck on your continued success.

That is so awesome!! Congrats on your success! What an inspiration.

I agree with the prior posts; perhaps your portion was a bit too much and it sounds like the liquids put you over the edge so it came back up. I cannot drink liquid right after eating or it sends me over the top.

What an incredible story and great reminder of what the band can do in many areas of our lives! I am so happy things are going so well for you!!!

I love to make pot roast w/ veggies in mine or I make bean soup. If I make bean soup, I can add the bag of dry beans and whatever other ingredients and I cook for about an hour and YUMM. After your meal is done, make sure to release the pressure (as stated in the previous post) before removing the lid. I also make pot roast (recipe on the back of the lipton onion soup box for slow cookers) and it takes an hour to cook. It really is handy for making recipes in a jiffy that would normally take hours to cook. Just look up online slow cooker recipes and you should find anything you are looking for.

That is awesome and even more uplifting when you felt you haven't been doing that great!! Congrats!

congrats!!! Don't be surprised if you have that "omg, what am I about to do" moment that many of us have. It will pass and the rewards will be amazing!

I make a YUMMY chicken chili using a rotisserie chicken (without the skin), 5 cans of beans, salsa, and a couple other things. I get great reviews and my family loves it. Also the chicken (being rotisserie) is really tender.

Definitely try to eat the same as if the band were filled...

I got a card but not with any serial #s or anything. It was just a card showing I had a lapband in me. Essentially, it was just for me to show at a restaurant as many places will allow you to order off a kids' menu by showing it. I have never used it for that but have it on me. I had to ask my doctor for it.

Jello brand sugar free pudding is good. Also, there are fudge popsicles that are yummy and about 70-90 calories. I would suggest though only to do those once in a while as you don't want to be in the habit of it. For me if I have it every day it makes me want it more and it gets out of control. If I only have it when I am having a strong craving I can manage my calories and sweet tooth much better. I would strongly suggest using myfitnesspal.com (or the phone app) and log your food intake (caloric) intake. You should be keeping it around 1200 calories (unless your dr. said otherwise). A lot of us feel like we are taking in what is appropriate and until we log it don't realize we are taking in more than we should with large portions or liquid calories, etc. By logging it you can be real and see if you are taking in an appropriate amount. Also, I notice if I am not drinking enough fluids my weight fluctuates more as I am retaining and losing Water depending on whether I am drinking enough. Lastly, are you getting any exercise in (at least some walking)? Good luck to you.

I curb my craving with sugar free Jello brand chocolate mousse. Also, you mentioned you aren't losing much ~ can you define that better?

That is awesome!!! It is always great to hear from people that have had the band for an extended period of time. Congrats on your success!! You must be in the Chicago area w/ Dr. Rantis. He did my mom's bypass. Thanks for sharing your story.

That is awesome! I cannot wait to join you down there.

Great job - you do look amazing!

http://www.delightedmomma.com/2012/01/baked-cauliflower-poppers.html I made this recipe tonight and they are soooo yummy (I omitted dipping them in ketchup). I have roasted veggies before but these get crunchy and taste so yummmmm a dummm.

It sounds like you may need more fills. I know it takes many people months to find that green zone.

Great news!!! Welcome back to band world. Thanks for the laugh too!!

What is he trying to intake? He should be on clear liquids only (water, broth). Is he not able to get sips (not gulps) but tiny sips of water down? With the swelling he will only be able to take tiny sips of water initially.

The two previous posts say it very well. I, too, do not believe you made a mistake. Would you have lost the 55 lbs without the band? You have to work with the band; however, try not to minimize that you have lost with it. You may also need a fill aside from making better food and portion choices and that could help get you back on track. I am happy to hear you are working with a therapist. I would urge you to come on this forum daily for support and motivation. Get all/any junk or slider food out of the house and restock with healthier choices. If it isn't there, you can't eat it. There are many great recipes that are still tasty and will not make you feel deprived or that you are eating bland/boring food. I get a sweet tooth here and there (esp. once a month) and I keep sugar free jello chocolate mouse in the fridge or a skinny cow icecream bar in the freezer. I have my 70-100 calorie indulgence on hand for those moments and don't have to fret about it later. You can do this!!! You just need to believe in yourself and work with your band not against. Also, try to get out and walk. If you can't outside then go to a local mall and walk, that is so important and will help you feel better about yourself too. Best wishes to you.

I am very sorry to hear what your wife endured. First and foremost, I hope she is on the mend and getting over that nightmarish event. Why do you feel you have no recourse with the hospital or doctor? If the hospital is accredited you can find out by whom and let them know what happened for them to investigate it. You wouldn't get any monetary reward but it may prevent someone else from having to endure that. Best of luck to you and your wife!!!

Like CG said Also, go back to why you made this decision. I am pretty sure you did your research and thought this through. It is natural to be nervous. We have all been there. We may have felt we couldn't do it but we could and WE DID. You will too!!! You CAN do this and the weight loss even during the pre-op is quite motivating!!