hely88

Ok so I see all these posts where people are ready to give up before their journey truly begins and it makes me sad. So I am sharing my store. I was banded about 4 years ago. I didnt get it. I knew it would be hard but it was even harder then i imagined. And I did not have this forum or the chat room where I have made such good friends so I quit. I just stopped trying. It was too hard. I felt too bad. I suffer from depression and I just tucked the guilt from failing away and led a life of junk food and sliders. That is until I really reevaluated my life. Found this site and spent time reading posts. I came up with a plan. I talked to my family first and once I had their support I made a visit to my doctor. They made me get a flouro because it has been so long and when that turned out ok they gave me a small fill. This was the end of last October. I got a sugery book from the np. I followed every one of my doctors guidelines and spent a lot of time on this site. It took me a while to realize that the senior banders just cut to the chase. They give advice from their own experience and we can either take it or leave it. I also cut out all carbonated sodas and quit smoking. You see on here a lot about "want power". You have to REALLY want this bad. You have to follow the directions your doctor gives you. I truly believe you must at some point see a nutritionist. You also in my opinion once you are on solids that is what you eat. You have to work very hard to manage your band. It is not magic it is a tool. This is not a sprint its a marathon. Anyway, since back on track I have lost over 10lbs a month. I only started exercising last week. If I can do it anyone can. I know i keep mentnioning that I have a recipe group. I cant work right now so I really enjoy it. It is open for anyone all you have to is friend me at hely lb. I am there if you want to chat or if you are looking for specific foods. Let me know. Please remember you are doing this for you first. Everyone you love and care for will reap the benefits once you find your path. Thank you to everyone on here who has supported me and kicked me in the ass when I needed it. Helen

Please stick with this. I am sure all those kids know their mother isn't a quitter. Measure and track everything you eat then take that information with you to a nutritionist who works with your dr. Get some exercise in even if it is playing tag moving is moving. You did this for a reason. Be strong and fight for your freedom! Nothing good comes easy!

Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou!!!! I hope everyone reads this post!!!!!!!!

Scared Straight I was!! Pictures are the best way to make us face reality. Because I tell you that is not what I see in the mirror!!

I do not count calories per my doctor. I do not drink my calories unless I have a fill or am unable to eat for some reason. Did your doctor tell you to measure and if so how much?

As long as you trust your doctor, trust his decision.

Being over fill is not only healty but it just make life suck. Please think about an unfill. My last fill I ended up having two unfills. I had terrible reflux and heartburn and could not keep anything down. You should feel good and enjoy this journey that you are on. Hope you feel better!

I am 4 years out and if I eat too much my left shoulder in back hurts so bad. Try to move around and try taking Gas-x. I am convinced that it is gas. It feels like my muscles are on fire. also try a heating bad.

I can not take very many over the counter meds but if you are congrested my doctors recomenned mucinex and a lot of water. I do the original one but they have another with a decongestant I think. Feel free to ask your pharmacist. They are usually a good resource or of course your doctor (gp). Hope you feel better soon. Also if your sinuses are bad try a neti pot. They are amazing!!

In my opinon you should keep tracking your foods and then meet with an nutritionist that works with your doctor.

I would make sure that you measure and track everythign that you eat. Make sure you are following your doctor's guidelines. Make sure you are eating solids and not shakes or other sliders. High protein meals. If you are hungry drink some water if you are still hungry after that have a smart hight protien snack. Best of luck to you!

If in doubt ask your doctor. Best of luck and Congrats!

I am different. I love to cook huge meals. I eat for few days and then I freeze in individual portions and I always have something ready to go.

My band gets so tight its crazy. couple days before i ate half my breakfast threw up diarreah and sick all day. Sure enough today. My nurse told me to have liquds and mushies during this time. If I have a chocolate craving my go to is cool whip lite and unsweetend cocoa. Tates like a very dark rich chocolate. Also If I dont stay nurished at this time I feel like crap and very irritated. I hate it so much!!!! Not sure if I would rather be hungry and have cravings like i used to before my last fill.

If you are on solids you should be eating your protein not drinking them. I know sometimes its good to fall back on but in my opinion should not be all the time. Sometimes I mix protein mix with my sf pudding as a snack. I bought pure protein at a local grocery store and it was very inexpensive and tastes good.

Usually you lose more at the begining. Everyone is different. I am 4 years banded and got back on track at the end of October. I have lost over 10 lbs a month since I started back. Best of luck to you!

YES!!

If I am hungry and it is not meal time I drink water. If I am still hungry after that I eat a smart (high protein) snack. I do not believe in feeling hungry or deprived.

Sometimes I have problems with scrammbled eggs. It helps if I whisk them with skim milk, but lately my band does not like them. Per my doctor I dont eat pasta, rice or popcorn. I sometimes take a taste of bread but do not eat much. I agree that I dont eat any dry meats and I cook almost all my meals . I am going to Outback for dinner and hope to try the seared tuna appetizer. I am excited because I do not go out to eat often. I love quinoa!

Again Mis you are the voice of reason and I totally agree with you. If you eat now when you are not hungry you need to know that the band does not stop you from eating. It will help you feel satisfied between meals but you have to learn to control the rest.

I would like to know why the decimals do not work when I enter my weight in on the profile . I do not know about anyone else but I worked hard on those decimals. If I enter one it moves me to the next pound. I have emailed twice asking about it and never received a reply. Can anyone help me?

Quinoa is great. It is a grain that is gluten free and has protein. There is also a quinoa pasta I have not tried yet.

First jof all this not a support group. I started this because I like to look for recipes and I like to share. Whether you look every day or just when you need to find something. I have people ask for specific recipes and I am glad to look for them. Yesterday it was tuna recipes with no mayo. Another time someone was looking for pumpkin Protein drinks. I encourage anyone who wants to share recipes, ideas or suggestions . I am not nor do I claim to be a nutritionist. the group is on face book and is supposed to be private but I encourage people who don't want other in their lives to know to just start a fb page just for your band. All you need is a different email address. If anyone would like to join please friend me at Hely lb. everyone is welcome and I promise no drama. Once a add you I then unfollow your posts. I have over 130 people so far so it's too much follow. All recipes are organized in documents under file at the top of the page. We are always looking for suggestions. Please feel free to message me on face book chat anytime. thank you to everyone on here who has supported my journey. This is one way I can give back. Also once a member you can add others as well. Helen

I have a friend who was stuck and exercising. Even though she was exercising her doctor suggested her heart rate might not be getting high enough Maybe consider getting a heart rate montior to monitor your cardio. Polar makes a really good brand. Best of Luck!

Greek yogurts and sf puddings. I even mix my protein powder with any of these. .