Kitt3000

I'm not sure what others mean when they say bandster hell, but, the most difficult thing for me to do is understand what a "normal" portion size looks like. It's much smaller than I ever knew. Add into that, emotional or head hunger- it is challenging to really listen to what my body is feeling, when satisfied, when I'm just thirsty. The growling, burping and weird noises.. Lol! Probably something you have to get used to- it no longer means hungry!

Hi Erica! Sorry you are not feeling well! With any luck (?) you've just caught a bug, I'm so sorry you have this happening. Wednesday is not too far away, I hope you get an answer. We are sending positive thoughts your way, let us know how it goes! At any rate,, the vomiting alone likely irritated the stoma, so hopefully, you will feel better quickly. Best wishes!

Hope it is for you too! Good luck!

Wow. Give yourself a break. Even though you are healing well, I don't think very many banders drop a lot if any weight this soon, in fact, I along with others, gained. It wasn't due to over eating by any means. Take a few breaths, follow the advice of your Doc. From what I read here, many folks don't notice a huge difference in restriction after the first conservative fill. Ultimately, with work on your part, with a properly adjusted band, you will achieve your goal- it is a partnership, as with any relationship, it requires patience, and persistence . Good luck- I'm so envious you are going to Italy! One day, that will be me!! Enjoy every minute!

11:30 pm.....hope I'm still awake! Lol! Thanks for the heads up!

Big hug sweetie! Hoping that when the day comes, you will be confident with your decision and looking forward to all the things you can do!

Wishing you the best!

What is it that you like about the shakes? The coldness? The creamy thickness. The sweetness? I am an ice cream junkie. It is a trigger food for me. And by the way, I love all of the above. This is what has worked for me. First, the greens plus with berry burst. It really has reduced my sugar cravings. Everyday, at some point, I mix vanilla Protein powder, a tablespoon of Greek yogurt, four frozen strawberries, maybe 10 -15 frozen blueberries, about 1/4-1/2 c Water, ice cubes when available and blend in my magic bullet. It's cold sweet, protein, and I think it's a milkshake. One of my band friends does the above with chocolate protein, and a spoon of Peanut Butter with almond milk and ice, a little Splenda for sweetness. banana is a nice change of pace too. Just slice up the banana in 1/2 inch slices with the skin on, put in a ziplock & freeze. Break off the amount of slices you want in your fake frozen but yummy shake! Hope this helps!

I never said it was 5 oz. I eat until I am satisfied. If I feel my soft stop, a small burp, I am finished. Usually, the bites are predominantly protein. I try to drink greens plus everyday. If I need to bump the protein, I will have a smoothie, shake etc. I have a chewable vitamin and omega cap everyday also. The way my doc estimates where I am, he ask can you eat 1/2 hamburger in a meal. Deli slices, fish, ground meats, all go down pretty easy and timely for me. Steak, chops, denser cuts, have to be cut smaller and chewed longer. 1 cup of chili, 1 cup soup, pretty much anything in a one cup quantity is doable. Mainly, I am working everyday to be conscious of what I am eating and why I am eating. The most difficult for me, has been to listen to what my body is telling me, not what my mind thinks the quantity is that I can or should eat. My sense of what a serving is, has been distorted since childhood. I try to daily eat to live, not live to eat. Some days, not so successful, but I move on and try to improve my habit/ behavior, with the next meal.

Lotti! You did it! Yeah!!

Let us know how the unfill goes. I had a similar situation, had a slight unfill and I just couldn't find that sweet spot. Ended up a month later having a small fill back to the previous fill, and was successful with the same amount. Have no clue why. Sometimes stress, sometimes traveling , usually mornings, I tend to be tighter. Amazes me how different our experiences are! The one absolute cannot tolerate anymore...whole grains wheat bread. Yikes!

What kind of peas? Seriously, my bites are not much larger than my thumb nail. Somewhere between five to seven bites, I am "full" . If i portion out about five large or regular bites, cut in half to a third, depending on what type of meat, chicken or fish it is, 20 minutes is doable. You might actually time yourself a few times, eating fast was definitely a pre adjusted band habit. Good luck !

Just because someone ask you to be a bridesmaid, nothing requires you to accept.

Hugs to you too!

Love it! Thrilled for you! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and enthusiasm!

Congrats! Nice to loose the old jeans! Had to go to tights to keep up with my weight loss. Once my weight is stable- hello Miss Me jeans!

It's a credit card basically .

It does take some time for the mind to catch up with the body! At 10 months after being banded, I am finally not looking in the larger sizes first out of habit. Now I just know to head for the single digit sizes. Even my feet are smaller! Crazy! You look wonderful! Here's to reaching your goals! Have a great day!

B-52. Thank you for the information you have shared by way of telling your truth. I have learned and listened to many things you have said, your time on this site is appreciated. When there is whining, complaining, negativity on the site, a few people, you being one, who gets the discussion back on track by not being a victim, but by being the victor. Not getting pulled into the fray. I wish you well with your continued success.

Love it!

Junior high. How well I remember the calling out of your weight to be recorded. Being the highest weight , the teasing begins....

I did not have to un fill.

Spicy doesn't work for me any longer. It sit there (not sure where there is), and burns... So no thanks! :-)

Way to go! So happy for you!

True true ya-all! I need input from outside sources! Who else understands the way you do? Some have words of wisdom, some inspiration, some motivation, some the voice of reason... Pick and choose, intelligent enough to do our research, but who knows where the next idea will come from? Who knows when someone will make an impact on our thought process, and never know it?