A New New Dawn

I have noticed from others that sometimes after being banded for a while, it is easy to forget or stray from the original guidelines or some banders didn't get adequate information from their centre initially.
For starters, I would log what you are eating (ideally through myfitnesspal or something like that that will track calories too). You should not exceed (per my doctor) about 1200 calories per day and should have about 60+ grams of protein. Try not to exceed 1 cup of food per meal and have a planned healthy snack in between meals (piece of fruit) or something.
If you are not able to get even yogurt down, perhaps your band is a little too tight which may be causing you to eat some unhealthier items (sliders) that will go down easily and that may be part of the problem.
It sounds like you could really benefit from a visit (or 2) with a nutritionist to get back on track. You shouldn't feel so defeated and frustrated with your food choices. I am able to eat most anything as long as I eat slowly and eat small bites. I would urge you to see out one (my bariatric clinic has ones on staff) and they have a lot of great ideas and advice. I truly don't feel deprived and only did when I was too tight and struggled getting solid food down.
I also have found healthier ways to still enjoy many foods I loved before but now in a healthier way. There is a website called Emily bites (I believe) and there are many recipes that you make in cupcake pans so they are portioned out into appropriate sized meals. They are healthy versions (ie. lasagna) of everyday foods. I really enjoy them.
Good luck to you!

I can totally understand your frustration and the waiting period can be daunting as we are all excited to start our journey.
Try to be patient. It will come. You have dealt with your weight probably for a long time... what's a few more days.
You DO belong. You are welcome and knowledge is power so it is good that you are on here even if you are not quite "there" yet.

Also, note that in a standard size serving of Bailey's (not including if you add milk to it) there is about 1/4 of the calories most of us are told to have in a day. If you are having 2 (assuming they aren't larger than this size) that is more than half the calories we should have in a day. That could be a big culprit drinking so many calories.
Original Irish Cream (Bailey's)
Serving Size: 3.38 oz (100 ml), Calories: 327, Fat: 13g, Carbs: 25g, Protein: 3g

I have noticed from others that sometimes after being banded for a while, it is easy to forget or stray from the original guidelines or some banders didn't get adequate information from their centre initially.
For starters, I would log what you are eating (ideally through myfitnesspal or something like that that will track calories too). You should not exceed (per my doctor) about 1200 calories per day and should have about 60+ grams of protein. Try not to exceed 1 cup of food per meal and have a planned healthy snack in between meals (piece of fruit) or something.
If you are not able to get even yogurt down, perhaps your band is a little too tight which may be causing you to eat some unhealthier items (sliders) that will go down easily and that may be part of the problem.
It sounds like you could really benefit from a visit (or 2) with a nutritionist to get back on track. You shouldn't feel so defeated and frustrated with your food choices. I am able to eat most anything as long as I eat slowly and eat small bites. I would urge you to see out one (my bariatric clinic has ones on staff) and they have a lot of great ideas and advice. I truly don't feel deprived and only did when I was too tight and struggled getting solid food down.
I also have found healthier ways to still enjoy many foods I loved before but now in a healthier way. There is a website called Emily bites (I believe) and there are many recipes that you make in cupcake pans so they are portioned out into appropriate sized meals. They are healthy versions (ie. lasagna) of everyday foods. I really enjoy them.
Good luck to you!

I can totally understand your frustration and the waiting period can be daunting as we are all excited to start our journey.
Try to be patient. It will come. You have dealt with your weight probably for a long time... what's a few more days.
You DO belong. You are welcome and knowledge is power so it is good that you are on here even if you are not quite "there" yet.

Also, note that in a standard size serving of Bailey's (not including if you add milk to it) there is about 1/4 of the calories most of us are told to have in a day. If you are having 2 (assuming they aren't larger than this size) that is more than half the calories we should have in a day. That could be a big culprit drinking so many calories.
Original Irish Cream (Bailey's)
Serving Size: 3.38 oz (100 ml), Calories: 327, Fat: 13g, Carbs: 25g, Protein: 3g

I have noticed from others that sometimes after being banded for a while, it is easy to forget or stray from the original guidelines or some banders didn't get adequate information from their centre initially.
For starters, I would log what you are eating (ideally through myfitnesspal or something like that that will track calories too). You should not exceed (per my doctor) about 1200 calories per day and should have about 60+ grams of protein. Try not to exceed 1 cup of food per meal and have a planned healthy snack in between meals (piece of fruit) or something.
If you are not able to get even yogurt down, perhaps your band is a little too tight which may be causing you to eat some unhealthier items (sliders) that will go down easily and that may be part of the problem.
It sounds like you could really benefit from a visit (or 2) with a nutritionist to get back on track. You shouldn't feel so defeated and frustrated with your food choices. I am able to eat most anything as long as I eat slowly and eat small bites. I would urge you to see out one (my bariatric clinic has ones on staff) and they have a lot of great ideas and advice. I truly don't feel deprived and only did when I was too tight and struggled getting solid food down.
I also have found healthier ways to still enjoy many foods I loved before but now in a healthier way. There is a website called Emily bites (I believe) and there are many recipes that you make in cupcake pans so they are portioned out into appropriate sized meals. They are healthy versions (ie. lasagna) of everyday foods. I really enjoy them.
Good luck to you!

I can totally understand your frustration and the waiting period can be daunting as we are all excited to start our journey.
Try to be patient. It will come. You have dealt with your weight probably for a long time... what's a few more days.
You DO belong. You are welcome and knowledge is power so it is good that you are on here even if you are not quite "there" yet.

I can totally understand your frustration and the waiting period can be daunting as we are all excited to start our journey.
Try to be patient. It will come. You have dealt with your weight probably for a long time... what's a few more days.
You DO belong. You are welcome and knowledge is power so it is good that you are on here even if you are not quite "there" yet.

I can totally understand your frustration and the waiting period can be daunting as we are all excited to start our journey.
Try to be patient. It will come. You have dealt with your weight probably for a long time... what's a few more days.
You DO belong. You are welcome and knowledge is power so it is good that you are on here even if you are not quite "there" yet.

oh ew.... lol

Ok, you are going to have to give attachment lessons!!!!

Oh, please don't be so hard on yourself. You are still human and don't need to be "perfect" with the band. Right now, your body needs rest and nourishment to get over the bronchitis and stress issues. Please focus on getting that part healthy. I wouldn't go out and order Big Macs and chocolate shakes but continue to make good food choices and focus more on getting healthy rather than beating yourself up.
You cannot exercise now since you cannot breathe easily. Perhaps, as able, go for walks to help get rid of the funk and to get moving without over exherting yourself.
Hang in there... it sounds like you are doing just fine given the circumstances.

Honestly, when I got the call for my surgery date I was elated and panicked at the same moment - of OMG, what am I doing.
Truth is, it is a normal feeling and you came to this decision after much thought, education, and reason. Go back to those reasons. It is easy to be nervous and want to change your mind but I will tell you that most people (myself included) post-surgery have no regrets and only wish we did it sooner.
I am about 2 months post-op, down 43 lbs., and am so happy I did it. I struggled with food and didn't want to give up my large volume and high fat meals. I have been satisfied and not missing what I used to eat. If I do have a craving, I have found healthier ways to fulfill my craving and MUCH smaller quantities due to the band.

41lbs since Aug. 1 is fantastic! Don't lose sight of that!!! The average is 1-2 lbs per week so you are right on track!!
If you have the "bad foods" in the house that are tempting you, get them out of the house so they aren't within arm's reach. Leftover Halloween candy, bring it into work and give it away. You CAN do this!!
I agree that the vitamins if you are taking them on an empty stomach could be the culprit or try switching them. I take gummy vitamins (dr. approved) and they do well with me. The chewables are gritty for me and I don't do well w/ them.
Also, I am not sure how much cooking for yourself you do but I have found some really tasty recipes that I like and am able to freeze the extras so I have easy meals ready to go (lasagna "cupcakes" were YUMMY!).
Lastly, if you are not getting your protein in first that can have a big impact on your success. It will keep you fuller longer. My dietician told me the other day too that it was ok for me to snack between meals but it should be a planned snack to avoid grabbing an unhealthy alternative between meals and to avoid grazing but to keep me from wanting to gorge at the next meal time.
If you have a sweet tooth, keep some sugar free options on hand (sf popsicles, pudding, etc.). If I am really having a craving for chocolate I really like the jello brand sf choc. mousse... so being prepared for those cravings helps me without being able to sabbotage me.
All in all you are doing quite well. Stalls or bumps in the road are normal and I am very happy you are addressing it before it festers.
You ROCK!

It could also be the size of the bites you are taking and how well you are chewing them.
I have done this to myself too and figure I will learn but 40 years of eating habits are hard to undo. I have found myself a few times eating "normal" without thinking and finding out real quick it was the wrong thing to do. Unfortunately, mine didn't always come up and instead caused agony/pain.
Nonetheless, I get frustrated too as "I know better". We will get this band figured out!! One of my coworkers was banded a few years ago and when I told him about my incidents, he laughed stating "well, it's working". Let that be a reminder the band is alive and well.
Good luck!

By the way, I started out one year ago at 212 pds, I now am 155, have 30 more to go and being banded you lose weight slowly but my skin does not sag at all... lap band is the way to go. Love it.

thanks yall,,, i feel already a 100% better about this,,, i was getting pretty worried about that,,, guess i have been reading too many negative sites,,, well im going to take this journey prob after the holidays and hopefully in a few months be a lot happier with myself,,, i plan to go by the book of what ever the dr tells me to do,,,im so ready to get some of this weight off and no more being tired and no energy,,,im ready to me a new me thank you all for your support

Welcome. Don't be afraid. I was banded 7/30 of this year and turned 62, 2 weeks ago. I have never felt so good. Just remember, Chew, Chew, Chew and you should not have problems. Since my highest weight on March I am down 59 lbs. I have a protein shake every morning, I hate eggs and other breakfast foods. Protein is the most important food to have. I have chocolate, add decaf instant coffee and some peppermint extract and tons of ice and it's nice and thick like a McD's shake. They fill you for about 4-5 hours.This site is wonderful and I have met some wonderful people and we all tell, all.
Good luck!!!
Arlene (real name)

It could also be the size of the bites you are taking and how well you are chewing them.
I have done this to myself too and figure I will learn but 40 years of eating habits are hard to undo. I have found myself a few times eating "normal" without thinking and finding out real quick it was the wrong thing to do. Unfortunately, mine didn't always come up and instead caused agony/pain.
Nonetheless, I get frustrated too as "I know better". We will get this band figured out!! One of my coworkers was banded a few years ago and when I told him about my incidents, he laughed stating "well, it's working". Let that be a reminder the band is alive and well.
Good luck!

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 would suggest a couple of things. For starters, most people take a few or more fills until they reach the green zone. Until then, you may have little to no restriction. That doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't do your part though. It isn't just about getting that restriction and eating smaller portions, you need to be adjusting your eating habits overall. Are you logging what you are eating and getting exercise? The band is only a tool and will not do it all without your help. My doctor and many other people's seem to feel 1000-1200 calories per day is ideal. If you are "eyeballing" it and not actually logging your food, you could be taking in way more calories than you should to lose weight. Also, are you getting in any exercise (walking, etc)? That will make a huge difference.
I have had 2 fills so far and have minimal restriction so I am using my own "want power" (thanks CG) and restricting my caloric intake. I started out sitting around, then walking and got up to 3 miles a few times a week. That too has helped jumpstart the scale moving again. I am averaging about 2 lbs per week, which is on track for the band.
For your own sake, act as if you have full restriction. Restrict your calories and make sure your meal portions do not exceed a cup in volume. I bet you will see some more results that way.
Good luck to you.

I would suggest a couple of things. For starters, most people take a few or more fills until they reach the green zone. Until then, you may have little to no restriction. That doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't do your part though. It isn't just about getting that restriction and eating smaller portions, you need to be adjusting your eating habits overall. Are you logging what you are eating and getting exercise? The band is only a tool and will not do it all without your help. My doctor and many other people's seem to feel 1000-1200 calories per day is ideal. If you are "eyeballing" it and not actually logging your food, you could be taking in way more calories than you should to lose weight. Also, are you getting in any exercise (walking, etc)? That will make a huge difference.
I have had 2 fills so far and have minimal restriction so I am using my own "want power" (thanks CG) and restricting my caloric intake. I started out sitting around, then walking and got up to 3 miles a few times a week. That too has helped jumpstart the scale moving again. I am averaging about 2 lbs per week, which is on track for the band.
For your own sake, act as if you have full restriction. Restrict your calories and make sure your meal portions do not exceed a cup in volume. I bet you will see some more results that way.
Good luck to you.

Sorry your having issues but this is normal. Eggs and shrimp can be hard if band is working until you get used to this fill. Maybe try smaller bites, seriously take a bite no larger than your pinky nail. I know that sounds crazy but a normal bite after a fill will trip you up everytime. I have had plenty of times when I knew I was not getting the nurtrition I needed. So make sure your doing viatamins, and if all else fails drink some protein. In the beginning eggs, chicken, lettuce and bread of any kind gave me issues. If you are still eating the way you are I would not recommend a fill, only get a fill if you can finish your plate of a cup of food and are hungry before 3-4 hours after eating. I have only had 3 fills in 2 years, most days I am not hungry and have to remind myself to eat. good luck.

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!!!