LessLee

How are you doing so far?

I hope you weren't reading my blog and I scared you. If you were, let me explain. I got stuck on a hamburger and that scared me into thinking I could of done damage. Totally my fault though for eating too big, too fast. I ate soft yesterday just in case I irritated something. #2 I am not yet at my "sweet spot" and am able to eat more if want too. 90% of the time, I stop myself at an appropriate band sized portion. I also count calories right now. Once I am properly adjusted I will hopefully not have to count calories, but just make good choices. The band also wont help me make good choices, that's up to me. #3, I have always struggled with emotional eating, this is a battle the band cannot help me with unfortunately, and yes I had a weak moment the other day where emotional eating took over. BUT, because I have the band and fear doing damage, I am more mindful and instead of spiraling downhill for days/weeks, I get back on track right away. I didn't go though surgery to fail, so I have even more fight in me now to win this battle.

I am told by my clinic to eat every 3 hours - 3 small meals and 2 snacks (even if it's something small like a few almonds) to keep the metabolism burning. We have guidelines to follow on meal and snack sizes, lean protein is always first.

One of the rules given to me by my clinic is to stop eating 3 hours before bed.

Hi mom2dle, congrats on your loss! Great Allyson! Same as me in the hips!

HI Tracie, 19lbs is great! I also slowed right down after the pre-op and then the liquids phase, but many people gain once they start eating again, so we did good!! Congrats! Hi Allyson, great loss! Congrats! Have you taken measurements? I do one a month.

I read on the Slimband forum that you can request a tax receipt through their finance department. I am sure most clinics are similar. Sharpie, Yes the surgery can be covered but you have to qualify for the surgery at BMI of over 40 or at least 35 with co-morbidities, then there are huge waiting times also. Plus you have to be referred by your family doctor to even see anyone to discuss it. My work benefits do not cover any weigh-loss procedures. In my case, my family doctor wouldn't even refer me to a surgeon, she just kept giving me "pep-talks". I was over bmi 40 at one point, but when I decided to self-pay I was bmi 39 and I do not have co-morbidities so I wouldn't qualify to have it covered. So, some of us go to private clinics.

That's great!

I didn't hear about Smart Shape until after my surgery either. I would still have gone with Slimband though as I can get fills locally. I would also be interested in comparing aftercare. Slimband called twice and are pretty quick at getting back to my emails, though I haven't needed much from them The fill nurse in Ottawa is wonderful! I loved her.

No, Dr. Yau, Dr. Cyriac or Dr. Hazrati are the surgeons at the Slimband clinic. I believe Dr. Coburn is with Smart Shape.

Yes, I did. I live 4.5 hrs away. I traveled there the night before and left for home right after, but we did tell the hotel we may need the room one more night. It will really depend on how you feel when they release you. Now, if you are flying, they want to you to stay another night.

Hi Everyone. Well I survived my daughter's birthday. I had once slice of thin multigrain crust pizza and a small piece of cake (I made it). That was all I needed and I counted the calories. I am happy to say I have lost another 1.4lbs this week. Since my first fill last wed, I am much hungrier this week! I have also upped my activity level though. I do think I could use another small fill in 3 weeks. Hi DianaW! You sure did have some hurdles to get through. I pretty much didn't leave my house for 2-3 weeks post-op, glad you were able to get through them. Welcome! So you didn't get a fill Gary? How do you feel? I had 5.5 at surgery and got 1cc last week.

Oh my, that sounds awful. I am very happy for you on your journey to pain free, healthy eating. All the best!

Happy Bandiversary!

Happy Bandiversary! Congrats!

I have 6.5 cc and I don't think I am green yet.

Face for sure, hands - but that could be less swelling and boobs which I din't need to lose there..lol

Have you tried mixing protein powder into your oatmeal? May help get the protein up. Good luck! Yes I like asparagus, but have not tried it since banding. Chose skinny stalks (too big and they are woody), and cut the ends off - they can be tough too. I have steamed it, boiled it and my favourite was roasting it in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and light sprinkle of a coarse salt. You can microwave it too in a dish with a bit of water.

I am sorry you are going through this. I sure hope this gets cleared up asap for you!

Hi! I don't like the set up of the social groups. They are a bit confusing to navigate and we don't get notified of new topics. Sorry for the late reply, I am out here. I am dieting right now, until I hit the green zone. I am staying around 1C of food and counting calories. It's all we can do until the band is adjusted to it's optimum level for us. I know this part named "bandster hell" is tough. Sorry I don't know what the tech meant, but I read that lots of places fill slowly, as being too tight can be dangerous and would require an emergency unfill. Good luck!

Great attitude Bro Rob! Love it! Hi Amberley! My very first semi solid meal was Soup with big chunks of veggies and chicken + a rye crisp with laughing cow light cheese. Then for dinner that night I made pork chops because my husband wanted some, but they were a real pain to chew up..make sure your meat is moist. Most of the time I try to have 3oz solid Protein, 1/2 c veg and 1/4c grain for dinner. Nothing has given me problems yet, just go slow and small pieces. I like to feel it pass through before continuing. Good luck with your fills!

Hi Bro Rob, I hope you find that green zone next time! Did they put any in at surgery?

That's great progress! Congrats!

I just had my first fill today too. No pain, just a small pick. Sorry you had such a difficult time.