Pana'sNewStart

Portion control is hard to get used to, but you can do it! It's all about listening to your body and stopping when you feel satisfied. It was really hard for me to only take 2 or 3 bites and push the food away, but I don't like making myself sick or feeling bloated and gassy or overstuffed. Trust me, it's not worth it!!

Congratulations to you! You've taken a major step in getting control of your weight and your life. Take it easy and walk a lot. Listen to your body, it's been through a lot

I really admire you guys for wanting to make the band work. There's a lady I work with and I swear I have no idea why she ever got banded. I always hear stories about her over-eating and not following any of the rules. I know you ladies can do it!! This forum is so supportive and not judgemental. Also, Myfitnesspal is a great, great app! It's free and if you decide to use it, my name on there is PBTango so feel free to add me as a friend! Today is a new day!! You journeys starts here!!

Bandster hell is a very real thing, trust me I know! I had my surgery 12/21/12 and I go for my first fill this Friday. I feel like I'm hungry all the time. I try to reach for Protein first: string cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, Protein shake. At lunch, I eat deli turkey and a veggie or fruit. Protein first! And lots of Water. At 3 weeks post op you should be able to eat soft cheeses or yogurts. Personally, I count calories and protein, not carbs. I know if I eat enough protein first, I won't have room for any more carbs. I do eat carbs, but I count every calorie. It must work, because I'm down 25 lbs. Best of luck to you. Hang in there, it does get better.

Mine is on my right, just below my ribs. I can feel it, it's like a hard bump under my skin. Maddygram is totally right about it being by the biggest incision!

Awww! Congratulations on your baby boy! And your incredible weight loss. I was banded 12.21.12 and stories like these help keep me motivated! Thanks for sharing and keep up the awesome work!

I think protein shakes will help a lot! They will curb your appetite and give your body some fuel to help you feel not so run down. Protein is really important and sometimes a shake will give you just what you need. Adding yogurt, a banana or peanut butter will add protein and thicken it up so it stays in your small stomach longer.

It's ok to vent and feel frustrated. I am down to 231 and can't wait to be under 200. I'm also realistic. Even with the proper fills, isn't the average weight loss about 2 lbs a week. Please be patient with the band and celebrate every pound lost! That's a pound of weight that you never, ever, ever have to see again That has to feel awesome. You did an incredible thing by starting this journey and it sounds like you're committed. The weight is going to come off! You know that. Just keep following the plan, keeping your calories under 1000 and log absolutely everything you eat. Do you use myfitnesspal? If not, you totally should. It keeps me on track and I'm learning that I can stay satisfied on healthy food, too! Not just junk. Vent anytime you need to. That's what this forum is for

I weigh myself whenever I do my Wii Fit! It's kind of a motivation for me to move. Oh, I want to know my weight? Well then, I better get out the Wii Fit and get active!! LOL

Completely awesome!! That's just amazing! Great job All your hard work has really paid off!! You should make your profile pic a before and after shot!

I know the waiting is tough! It's the hardest part, in my opinion. At least you're approved! That's awesome. Once all is said and done and you're banded, this wait won't seem that bad. I hope they get back to you really soon!!

Yes, those first few weeks you're healing from surgery and super swollen inside, so you feel full really fast. Keep following the plan and you'll make it! I go for my first fill on 2/1 and I can't wait. I miss the restriction from those first few weeks. Best of luck to you!

I'm with everyone else here. If you follow the band guidelines and stick to 1000 calories a day, the weight will fall off. Whether you stick to your WW point allowance or calorie allowance, you'll lose. The main thing is changing the way we view food. If you think WW can help, join, but try sticking to the band guidelines first.

In defense of FLORIDAYS... I have always looked at her comments as the honest truth. She has worked with the band and is willing to share her stories. I am so grateful because I know the advice is coming from someone who has been there! She's always very supportive and I am very glad for it!

Ok, you're all added!

I'm PBTango and always looking for more MFP friends!!

Hi Lauren, my MFP name is PBTango, I'll go add you!

My first fill isnt until 2/1 nd I'm hoping that really helps with the hunger issues. I made some mini turkey meatloafs yesterday and I'm trying really hard to include veggies or fruit with every meal. I've never been a fruit/veggie person so this is a big challenge for me. I love having this support group. It seems like we're all doing really well!! Love you guys

Hi all my buddies!! I was banded 12/21 and Bandster Hell has got me good! To fight it, I eat several small meals through the day. I'll have my shake for breakfast, a snack at 10:30 - string cheese, lunch at noonish, snack at 2:30, dinner, and snack before 8. I still keep my calories under 1000. I only eat about a cup of food at each meal protein first and veggies, but it doesn't keep me full like it once did. Im done 18-20 pounds depending on what scale i get on, and im completely stalled! And Im sick! So no exercise for me lately. I know this plateau will pass. My first fill is on 2/1 so less than 2 weeks. Everyone hang in there, we'll get through this!!

Completely awesome! Congratulations on starting the journey of your new life!!

Totally normal! I was a ball of all kinds of emotions leading up to and day of surgery. Now, 3 weeks later, I'm like "holy crap! It's done!". You'll do great!

It depends on where you work. I have UHC Choice Plus and they covered, but my mom has the same insurance at a different place and they don't cover it at all. Chances are if obesity surgeries are excluded, it won't be covered. Sorry for bad news. I really hope I'm wrong.

I chose lapband because I didnt want my insides all cut up and rerouted. I was also scared that I would lose a bunch of weight and put it back on and have nothing to fall back on. I liked the idea that the band is with me for life and can be adjusted all through my life. It's a tool that's always there for me, holding me accountable and working with me for lifetime health.

This is exactly how I'm feeing!! I mean like word for word. I was banded 12/21 and go for my first fill on 2/1. I'm keeping my portions small and daily calories under 1000, but the meals aren't keeping me as full as they did last week. I'm not losing any weight, but it's ok. I know this is normal and part of bandster hell. Without the restriction, I find myself taking big bites again!! Ugh!! I miss restriction lol Hang in there, we'll get through this together.