dreamers

I've been juicing a month now, and it kick started me out of a stall! (Of course I work out more, eat well and track too) I think it's partly cos u feel like being healthier and actually less hungry when ur body is nourished with Vitamins and minerals. That's why 30 mins after a McDonalds meal people get hungry again, cos there is nothing to really nourish your body. My skin + energy levels have improved greatly. The trick for WLS people is keep the fruit out of the juicer. Greens greens greens! It's not tasty to drink with all that kale, celery and spinach in the juicer but taste isn't the point. I have a green juice first thing before my Breakfast (usually an egg or egg on toast). If u don't use fruits, the calories and sugar are very low. Some days when I'm not in the mood for the bitter green taste, I add a small green apple or some carrots. I recommend trying it!

I'm still a newbie also (3 months) but I noticed I was able to eat bigger portions even though I was still getting fills and can feel the food going down. I also noticed people talking about the 5 day pouch test or versions of that which is basically the same as shrinking your stomach to its natural size. You know how pre-band when we started a new diet and exercised portion control, the first few days were the hardest cos your stomach is used to more food? But then as u went along u got used to it and your stomach got smaller? That's how doing the pouch test felt for me. I followed it closely and now my stomach feels smaller and I don't need anymore fills for a while. That is if I now work harder to stop when 'satiated'. I still struggle with it often but now if I can see my portions getting bigger but I still feel my band is tight enough, I know I can go on liquids a few days and get that full feeling back. It also kick starts weight loss when facing plateaus. I highly recommend it. I know some veterans on here do that too and it works for them. Good luck

Did u feel a renewed sense of restriction? I am relatively new (almost 3 months PO) but recently i had a few bad days where i overate and i want to make sure i don't do any damage so early on in my journey so i just started 5DPT today. Here goes....

Time and time again I have read people say 4 hours or more. Any less and we should be getting fills. (Granted we are making sure to drink enough fluid to help keep us full too) I'm definitely not there yet. I get hungry after 2.5 hours and if I don't have a snack I can't stand it!

This is interesting, cos I have been thinking lately... I have had 3 fills and can feel myself close to what I think is green zone. I chew my food VERY well. Until it is liquified in my mouth before swallowing. Does that mean it will slide through like a slider food? And don't people say u can eat unlimited (almost) slider foods and to stay away from them cos they pass through quick? I typically eat things like chili, chicken salad, omelets, wheat pasta, roast chicken and veggies, .... Lots of different things. Same result of being hungry couple hours after. I feel some resistance as it goes down so don't think I'm super loose. Not sure if I need another fill or if I'm chewing too much. Little help?

I had 1 Cosmo last night and was hammered. I had 3 sips of my 2nd one and had trouble walking so I put it down. Be VERY careful, alcohol is very different on the band. Much stronger. And yes count those calories! On the plus side, with alcohol being so high cal and not nutritional, at least we don't need much at all to get a buzz. P.s I waited a month before my first drink and only drink for really special occasions cos getting drunk makes me wanna eat!!

Sometimes people don't say anything cos they feel it may be inappropriate. Pre lapband I had dieted and lost 50+ lbs and one of the girls I shared a work space with who I grew close with never said "congrats" or "you look great" and it bothered me cos so many other people had. Eventually I asked her about it and she said she didn't want me to think there was anything wrong with me before I had lost weight so she didn't wanna say I looked great for losing a lot of weight. That always reminds to remember sometimes people don't know what to say or don't think they should say anything.

Do you have trouble with any foods? I am hesitant to get a fill. Been fighting the hunger successfully but it is hard! I just would like to keep my food choices broad and not get stuck

Sounds like a great idea! It's good to see you fighting back against a plateau with good old fashioned elbow grease and a good attitude! Hope you do well. You have inspired me to do something similar so thank u so much!