pgkpjs

Starbucks does not offer a Skinny Pumpkin Spice latte but it does offer other flavored lattes in the skinny option. Another option is to go for FF milk and no whip which brings calories in a grande size to 260 (Tall is 200) with only 5 fat cals. I had also started asking them for half the pumps of the pumpkin spice to reduce the sugar down before I gave up this lovely drink. I have now happily replaced my morning frappe with my new Protein shake: I use 1 scoop of Click Espresso Protein shake (Mocha or vanilla Latte) with two scoop of EAS Lean chocolate Fudge (as it is higher in fiber) blended FF milk and 4-6 cubes of ice. Under 250 cals, low carb and 22 gm protein. I ended up adding an extra scoop as these shakes have 15 g protein per serving and I do like my morning shake a little thicker. 2 scoops of Click contain 2 espresso shots so I manage my coffee fix as well in the morning.

I do the Arizona diet green tea myself and sometimes diet snapple. My doctor had no problem with it even in the pre-band diet or the post band liquids stage.

Some of the Trader Joes and Pacific "creamy" Soups are actually low in fat and calories. I also like Trader Joes Tom Yum Soup, it is Brothy and light. I can usually have chicken and veggies in a soup rather than just dry when I'm feeling too constricted. For liquids I focus on the calories rather than the quantity. Typically each serving is under 200 cals.

Look at Click, it has espresso in it which I like. Not sure if you can have it in the pre op diet though, my doctor was ok with the caffine. Pre-op I mostly stayed on the Bariatric Advantage shakes as they are thicker and the Fiber in them made me feel fuller than other shakes I have since tried EAS (Lean Version) also has a low calorie Protein powder I recently picked up from Target that had some fiber.

Consider doing the pre-surgery diet first any ways. I lost 16 lbs in two weeks on it and liked it so much I have recommended it to my mother who is visiting for a couple of months. She only needs to loose 20 lbs and she has been following it (mostly) for a week and a half and has lost 5 lbs on it. After the first 2 weeks, she plans to do a week every month while watching her food the rest of the time. You will need to do something similar before the surgery anyways, this will help prepare for it and show some of what we bandsters have to deal with. I like Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacement Protein as it is a thicker shake and also high on Fiber which made me feel fuller. My doctor's version of it is: 3 Protein shakes (Bariatric Advantage 150 cals in water) and 2 bars a day (Bariatric Advantage 150 cals) + 64 to 128 oz calorie free liquids (I did a lot of Arizona Diet green tea). You can also have 1 salad a day with calorie free dressing (Carrots, Cucumber, Celery, Bell pepper and lettuce). My mother does not like the bars so she has a light Soup instead (very low fat 150 calorie each time).

Liz, Thanks for posting your struggles. I hope you have good luck with the band removal and future weight loss approaches. All of us need to go into any surgery and medical approach with our eyes wide open. The discussion may have become heated in this thread but there are some good points made. To make an informed decision both pro and anti views need to be shared. For example when I shop online I always try to read at least some positive and some negative views and then base my decision on the pros and cons. I am only 2 months in so I will see how this goes but for those who are contemplating this procedure, this thread can only help. In fact the day I went to my doctor's office for consultation, I met a lady who was getting the lap band removed and replacing with the sleeve as she was not seeing the weight loss. That was her choice but it did get me to see that what may be a life changing positive decision for some may not work for others. Best of luck.

I got banded in August 2012 and have had some success. I have been having problems last couple of weeks where my weight would fluctuate a bit over multiple days and I don't know if I am losing or gaining. I will tell you though that I am seeing other benefits, my sleeping is better, I have high energy, my diabetes is better. I have started running (a little bit) and I absolutely need new pants. I suggest focusing on something other than weight for a bit and weigh in only once every 1-2 weeks. Drink lots of calorie free fluids, exercise like walk, bicycle, trainer or gym 3-4 times a week for 1/2 to one hour. As for food, I have decided to keep sliced meats and cheese in the office. I try to buy the best I can find as I like to maximize taste in the little food I eat. I also start my day with a Protein shake and keep some prepared shakes with me at the office so I make good choices. I am currently using 1 scoop Click espresso Protein Shake with one scoop EAS lean Protein powder and that is working well. Shakes with high Fiber like Bariatric Advantage and EAS Lean protein help me a lot since they keep me full longer.

Pgkpjs Goal weight for September 29th~ 268 Weight on September 1st~279 Age~37 Weight on September 8th~ 276 Weight on September 15~ 274.6 Weight on September 22~ 273.8 Weight on September 29~ 269.1 Weight loss this week: 4.7 Total for month: 9.9 Didn't meet goal but happy with the 9.9 lbs loss. On to the next challenge.

Pgkpjs

I picked up a groupon for 6 weeks of unlimited group exercise classes with a trainer for under $50 and was wondering how many of you are doing group exercise classes. I have been going 2-3 times a week for the past two weeks and am trying to get up to 4 times a week. It has been a great experience so far and I am already seeing results. My weight loss had started to slow down but with my first fill and exercise, I have started to loose weight again. I am also hoping that the exercise will help with toning of skin as well.

If you are seeing bumps on your calves then it could be shin splints. I get them when I start running. Stretching helps and you can use a foam roller to work them out. I have started using compression sleeves on my calves and that helps avoid the shin splints.

Down .8 pounds to 273.8. Total loss 5.2 lbs this month. Had my first fill yesterday, hope that helps speed things up.

Not that I've found but I like it thick. I switched to store bought shakes just after surgery as those are thinner and I could not drink the BA shakes for the first week or so. They are thinner without Ice. I would suggest mixing with room temp water and try leaving it in the fridge for a couple of hours and see if it makes a difference.

I'm not a fan of BA (Bariatric Advantage) shakes but I have noticed that they satisfy my hunger better than some store bought shakes. Perhaps due to higher fiber content? I did add instant coffee to the Vanilla Shake in the morning and that tasted better to me. I now add Strawberries and Raspberries to the Strawberry flavor, now that I am not as restricted as I was on the pre-surgery diet.

Weighed in at 274.4 this morning. Down 1.6 lbs this week. Total loss 4.6 lbs in September.

Happy Saturday! Weighed in at 276 lbs today. Down 3 lbs, YAY! - Puneet

Do you get them? How do you handle them? I like chocolate so a while back, well before my band, I switched to baking chocolate chips. 12 chips are 80 cals and I let one or two melt in my mouth slowly. The 12 chips last me a good 15-20 mins and take care of the cravings. I usually didn't need to do that more than once or twice a week to stay satisfied. That was before the band though, not sure how they would fit in now. I am picky about the type and brand as well. If I'm only having a few, I want the best taste. I don't like the dark chocolate, I find it too sweet. I prefer milk chocolate and preferably Guittard or Shokinag brand.

I actually like the Bariatric Advantage Protein shakes as they feel more filling than Protein Shakes from the stores maybe because they are higher in Fiber content. The only time I could not have them was just after the surgery when they proved too thick to get down. I did successfully use pre-packaged Muscle Milk Light and Premier Protein (from costco) at that time as they were a thinner consistency. Try those and see if you like them. They have a similar nutrition profile to the BA shakes.

Hmm, most blood pressure meds are in $4 a month or $10 for 90 days supply at Walmart, target, Ralphs etc for cash. You don't need to go through insurance. Unless of course you have to get the brands. I always insist they check on the cash price of the meds. Just FYI.