Mizz_Megan

I'm not super strict with my eating, but I have way more control than I did in the past and I exercise like crazy most days so it balances out.

I agree, I eat small portions all of the time but sometimes I have a little ice-cream or a bite of my husband food when we eat out. I still do not eat bread ( although I sometimes have some crotons ) or Pasta. I did stick to the doctor's plan for quite a few months after I was banded. OH I also did cheat with a glass of wine now and then. hugs

I follow the 90/10 rule: 90% of the time I am very strict and 10% of the time I eat whatever I want (in band sized portions).
One important note- you say you can "eat whatever you want". You have to remember that the band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything. In fact, most of us can eat whatever we want even with adequate Fluid in the band. So, it's a good idea to start getting used to controlling what and how much you eat.
Best wishes.

Okay so maybe I'm going to get a boo on this one, but really, why can't you have something sweet after you eat? I got a band because I ate way too much and not because I had a hershey kiss here and there. I think that people who feel that you have to follow a super strict diet while being banded are unrealistic, if we could do that we wouldn't need a band!! I'm not a sweet eater, I'm a savory eater, and if I want a piece of pizza for lunch with the crust (gasp!) I eat it, because people aren't fat from one piece of pizza, they are fat from eating the whole pizza as I used to.
So hang in there, you are NOT ALONE and we are here for you. I also take medication for both anxiety and depression and the generation your mother is from is not familiar with the very REAL effects of both on health and weight loss and unfortunatly you can't re-educate some people.
I'm not your doc, but if you need a bite of sweet after a meal, maybe stock up on some sugar-free treats, or puddings, or hard candies?
GOOD LUCK!!

Please, please don't take this wrong- but your father sounds like a complete @sshole!! I can't believe a father could be so cruel and heartless!!
I know it's hard but don't let his ignorance get you down or discourage you. You're doing this for you not him. Let him wallow in his own stupidity. You're losing, how fast or slow is irrelevant. All that matters is that you ARE losing and you will be healthier for it.
Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself, either. Tell him what an @ss he's being and that you're not going to tolerate it!

The reason I'm so passionate about them is from very a personal experience. I had the lapband surgery in Sept 2009. Initally, for the first 4-5 months, I did well following my "diet" given to me. Followed it exactly as prescribed. Went to my follow up appt's as per plan.
Back then, my Dr's practice didn't use fluoro for fills. They blindly adjusted my band...Guessed how much I needed to provide proper restriction for me.
After that first 4-5 months, I noticed I had absolutely no help (restriction) from my band.....NONE. I discussed this with my surgeon, who I admire and have the highest regards for to this day. He said "You're just losing faster than we're adjusting, etc." Well as almost anyone who has chosen WLS knows, we lose determination/willpower after a certain amount of time and revert back to our old habits....eating too much! I got so discouraged...."this wasn't going to work for me, I was a failure, at least I lost 50#'s dieting, etc, etc." all the things you can see and read on here. I quit going to my doc, embarrassed because I was that failure...just like every other diet I'd done. I gave up!......almost. This was SURGERY, how could I give up on surgery??
I finally go back after about a year...had gained back weight, half of what I had lost. My doc had this new and wonderful device, called a fluoroscopy machine IN HIS OFFICE! He didn't belittle me, berate me, etc for gaining weight. Was happy I had came back...what a relief to me. Then we discussed my progress...backwards progress. He said it sounds like you need an adjustment. So I get to the "fill room" they stick the needle in, he comes in and asked me to drink the barium swallow.....IMMEDIATELY, he knew the issue!! My band had come undone....YES, UNSNAPPED! He said in the over 1000 he'd performed, I was the first he'd seen. (lucky me) He said absolutely nothing I did to cause it....an installation issue he said. He corrected it asap. Now all fills at his practice are done using fluoro.
Imagine this, you hear all the time about people saying "oh my bands fine. They pulled out the saline and it was all there. but I don't feel that green zone." HA! If your band isn't connected, it doesn't matter how much you have in it. you'll never get there.
There is also the issue of being able to see correct placement, "pouch" size, "slips", many other issues that I'm not qualified to speak about.
It's so simple, like a live xray. Its somewhat expensive compared to blind adjustments, but you can be at that green zone so much quicker. (Much shorter bandster hell) Because your surgeon can SEE what they are doing.
Sorry for the long ramble, but it is that important to me. I tell people all the time, support groups, friend who have a band, etc. I would never have been successful without Fluoro. I owe my weightloss success with this band, to the fluoro machine. NEVER, EVER GIVE UP! You can click on the link below, for more infomation about it.
http://www.hoab.org/...louis-missouri/

I have had many "moments"...but, and I will try to put this in the right words and sound too much like I'm full of myself....so I apologize but I need to say it...
I have an overwhelming feeling of self confidence...I feel there is nothing I cannot do....and believe me I'm doing it all...I'm not holding back....
I never get tired, I have more energy than I know what to do with....I go to the gym 5 days a week, run every day...I look around at the other people I am keeping up with and realize I am now in "That Category"...I'm one of "Those People" who has always been athletic and never fat a day in their life....(if they only knew)
It spills over onto other people....I have developed new relationships with all kinds of people, many new friends....and I'll just say it, I can tell people like me being around me, and enjoy my company...
Whereas before, my self image was low and I stayed mostly in the background, or blended in....but now people are more friendly, and I am sure I am also to them....
Bottom Line....I am enjoying my new life! It doesn't get any better than this...I only wish I did this 20 years ago.
BTW, been in the "cardiac wing", and also cardiac surgery (I should be dead).....but even my cardiologist says that is all behind me as long as I continue to eat healthy and stay active....

Catfish - I SO get the "feeling like I was gonna die from exhaustion". I'm not where I'm going to be, but with just the first 23 pounds, I'm able to go upstairs without feeling like I'm gonna need the cardiac care unit!

Running! I've started to have a love affair with my treadmill~ his name is Charlie. He gets me all sweaty, keeps me moving and makes me want to keep going back for more.

expect not miracles but a helper to help you eat less..
as chez said, follow your dr's advice,its crucial...

I'm reallllyyyy having trouble with this too. I'm in a car all day driving to and from patients houses. I finally bought a cooler and keep Water with me which has helped some. The only thing I can say is keep it in your face so you remember to drink it.

Start good eating habits prior to surgery! Such as-no straws, tiny bites, no drinking with meals, and put your fork down between bites. Get rid of all carbonated / sugary drinks, carbs and sugar to help prepare u for surgery. I didn't really stick to that preop and let me tell u it is not something that comes easily. I'm still working on it 4 weeks post op and its very necessary. For surgery and the healing period itself I would make sure u have gas-x chewable, and possibly a heating pad I've heard it helped with gas but I never tried it. Just follow all your surgeons instructions and if you have a doubt about something call your dr. It's your health and your life. Oh and as far as the time it takes to get approval, once submitted my insurance company needed additional information. From start to finish that took about 16 days for me. I'm still a newbie but I hope this helps. Good luck with everything!

Start good eating habits prior to surgery! Such as-no straws, tiny bites, no drinking with meals, and put your fork down between bites. Get rid of all carbonated / sugary drinks, carbs and sugar to help prepare u for surgery. I didn't really stick to that preop and let me tell u it is not something that comes easily. I'm still working on it 4 weeks post op and its very necessary. For surgery and the healing period itself I would make sure u have gas-x chewable, and possibly a heating pad I've heard it helped with gas but I never tried it. Just follow all your surgeons instructions and if you have a doubt about something call your dr. It's your health and your life. Oh and as far as the time it takes to get approval, once submitted my insurance company needed additional information. From start to finish that took about 16 days for me. I'm still a newbie but I hope this helps. Good luck with everything!

takes a while to learn to trick yourself but I made sure I have a 16 oz or better bottle of snapple or Water right next to me at all time. Computer, tv kitchen,bed, car seems once you pour it your brain drinks it...make rules like no meal untill you had a glass of water stuff like that. If you work get a washed out gal mail cartan fill it and put it next to on on your desk Iam sure you can think of more..no water? no phone good luck

Well went to the my doctor earlier today and the results are in..... The band was to tight. No liquid was going through when I took the x-ray so they took some Fluid out and I'm feeling great!!
I just want to thank everyone for commenting. I was just anxious and wanted to see if anyone else has gone threw what I was going through. It looks like I was spitting up acid from my stomach since the food was getting stuck up top. I was just a little scared and was looking for support while I waited the crazy 12 hours to get in to my doctor. I'm happy that I posted this because I know that I am not the only one who had gone through this and I won't be the last. I don't feel like we should be afraid to ask questions because I'm sure someone out there on this forum has the same question or has gone through the same thing.
I'm just relieved that all it resorted to was taking out some fluid! Thank God!!

I just finished up my surgery and I'm sitting in the hospital room trying to eat my "diet" 2 ounces of Water 2 ounces of Jell-O 2 ounces of broth and 1 ounce of apple juice and I can barely get through that I have no desire to eat anything. I'm very sore and my throat hurts from the tube but other than that I'm walking fine used the restroom and should be going home soon.

Just have to tell. I made it. I made it!! I'm at my goal weight!
It took 2 and 7 months to lose 178 lbs.
I'm not skinny by anyone's standard. I'm normal. Normal! HOORAY!!
I can shop in the front of the store, I can walk great distances.
I can leap tall buildings with a single bound.. oh wait. Can't do that just yet.
But give me a couple of months! Haha!
You guys helped me all along the way. Thank you so much for all the support.

I have just recently started dating again after about 8 years. I am still so nervous but am more confident in myself and have more self esteem then I have ever had. I am starting to really like the new me.

Surgery date 9/27/11
after pic taken 4/24/13
170lbs off
I'd love to share my story and journey..

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I did call my doctor...twice. The first time (I was exactly 2 weeks post op) the nurse said to take off the strips and start applying hydrocortinsone cream. Well, that was 4 days ago and the rash hasn't gotten any better so I called the doctor again. I had to send a pic of the rash (I never thought I would text a picture of my ugly stomach...ever!) and the doctor called in a prescription for antibiotics. My nurse at school said I'm probably allergic to the strips. The pills are really big so I asked the pharmacist what I should do. He said to empty the capsules into applesauce or something. I don't like applesauce so hopefully I can find something. Thanks everyone for the comments.

Hey,
Just wanted to introduce myself. I am a 28-year-old full time college student finishing up my degree in Elementary Education. I've been battling with my weight since I was about 10 years old. My weight has caused many problems in my life and I see it getting worse as I get older. I come from a family were both of my parents are morbidly obese. I've been thinking about getting the Lap Band for about a year now but wanted to try other options before I went with one that is so drastic. Like almost everyone else on this forum I've tried every type of weight loss pill, exercise, program, etc. out there. In the beginning of March (2013) I hit my highest weight of 225.6 lbs. I am only 5'3" so this is A LOT of weight for my size. I can barely squeeze into a size 18 pants. That day I said, "I've had enough!" I quickly went to Innovative Weight Loss Solutions at Geary Community Hospital and learned about my weight loss options. After deciding that the band was the right option for me I learned that my insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas) wouldn't cover the procedure. This quickly put a damper on my decision. Fortunately for me my grandparents are loaning me the money to cover the surgery. They know that this new, "tool" will help with my weight loss. I've paid for the surgery, completed all of the paper work, attended a mandatory informational meeting, and met with a psychologist and a nutritionist. The next step on my journey is to meet the surgeon and set up a surgery date. As the days go by I have quit several of my bad eating habits. This includes my daily large sweet tea from McDonalds and my daily fast food lunch. These changes as well as going to the gym on a regular basis have helped me lose a few pounds. Ideally, I would like to go into surgery weighing around 200 pounds. My goal weight is 125-130 lbs. or a size 6 whichever one comes first. The weight loss and size is important but most of all I want to be happy and healthy. Thanks for taking the time to read my introduction post. I’ve been checking out these forums for about a month now and have learned a lot about the band. I hope to gain more knowledge and some friends along the way.

First off, congrats! Second of all, there is plenty of variety, but right now, don't think of it, it just makes the post op diet harder. But since you asked a question I'll answer, let's go through each option.
Chinese food - Dumplings can be difficult if soft, try eating the fillings and not the wrapper. Crispy wontons are ok, but then they have been fried which isn't all that healthy. Egg drop Soup is completely fine, just watch the sodium intake, orange chicken is doable but again remember it's fried, a better option is the grilled mandarin chicken. Lo mein and fried rice are completely off the menu but check out bandfriendlyrecipes.com for a fried rice recipe using cauliflower (sounds crazy I know but so good)
Japanese food - Chicken/shrimp teriyaki are perfectly fine but watch the sodium in the teriyaki sauce if that is a concern for you. Shrimp tempura is ok, though again, in moderation because it's fried, tamago sushi (egg custard) should be fine but watch the cholesterol and if it has rice then it's a no go. Shumai is the same Chinese dumplings, no if it's soft, yes if it's crispy (but careful cause it's fried). If you like other sushi, forego the rice and get sashimi, tofu is a good option, and miso soup is on the menu still. Edamame is still edible.
Cheeseburgers - light or nonfat cheese, low cal version of toppings, no bun and eat with a knife and fork. Switch to turkey if at all possible.
Chicken fingers - they are alright, they can still be eaten but remember they are fried. Try grilled chicken strips.
French fries - they are alright, you can eat them but they are unhealthy. Search pinterest for things like baked zucchini fries instead though.
pizza - eat toppings only, or eat minimally topped thin and crispy. This is just wasted food though (I work at pizza hut so I know). I posted a recipe here for a cauliflower Pizza Crust, check it out.
spaghetti - ditch the spa spaghetti and go for spaghetti squash. Find the lightest Tomato sauce you can. I just found a tomato basil Pasta sauce yesterday for 45 calories a serving (half a cup!)
Meatballs - all about what goes in them, extra lean ground beef or Turkey. I am actually going to be making a recipe using ground turkey stuffed with bits of nonfat string cheese.< /p>
Mashed potatoes - it's ok in moderation but it's pure carbs so it's wasted space, I keep mentioning cauliflower, but try a cauliflower mash.
meatloaf - same as meatballs
noodle pudding - you've stumped me as to what this is, but the noodles tell me no.
cake - extreme moderation, like I'm talking, for only your birthday only!
tuna sandwiches/turkey sandwiches - all sandwiches really... take off the bread, put the toppings in the meat and roll it up. Tuna is harder, just make tuna salad and use it as a spread for high Fiber crackers. Use things like mustard (0 cal) and extra light mayo to flavor it.
Any way sorry that was so long. Just remember, this is not a diet, it's a lifestyle. It's all about the decisions you make. Good luck, and pm me if you need to. I'm always here to talk. Also my name is fight4light on pinterest and I have a pretty popular lapband board so you should follow that for some great recipes.

I too get very frustrated when I see post after post of people sabotaging themselves, or people saying "the band didn't work for me" when it was them that clearly failed not the band.
If someone tells me I'm "lucky" for losing so much weight I tell them luck has absolutely nothing to do with it- I worked my @ss off for every pound I lost.
But one thing I have learned in the 16 months since being banded and on these forums- you can't take what others do (or don't do) to heart and you can't let it bother you. The only person you can control is you. If others choose to drown in their own ignorance that's their problem, not yours.