MTslim

I don't have any willpower, that's one of the reasons I got so fat. I had my first fill 35 days after my surgery date and it's helping. Sure, I get hungry, if I go more than 4 hrs. without eating or don't get 20 or more gms. of Protein per meal & go without at least one protein centered snack a day. So I rely on my band to help guide me. I record what I eat; to track calories & protein, so Id know I'm getting enough, and follow the rules I've been given. It's working for me so far. I can't say if I'll need another fill or more, only time will tell. Some folks need only one, others need more.

I don't have any willpower, that's one of the reasons I got so fat. I had my first fill 35 days after my surgery date and it's helping. Sure, I get hungry, if I go more than 4 hrs. without eating or don't get 20 or more gms. of Protein per meal & go without at least one protein centered snack a day. So I rely on my band to help guide me. I record what I eat; to track calories & protein, so Id know I'm getting enough, and follow the rules I've been given. It's working for me so far. I can't say if I'll need another fill or more, only time will tell. Some folks need only one, others need more.

I was banded 19 Aug 2013 and I've lost 37 lbs. so far. Being hungry and not handling that well was one of my biggest fears, after all, this is what usually defeated me in my many attempts to lose weight before. All I can tell you is what I've done to defeat this fear, day by day. I made the commitment to use this tool like it's meant to be used, no matter what. I challenged myself to delete as much processed sugars and bad fats from my diet BEFORE the surgery and I won! Still amazes me that I did that--it took me 3 months while waiting for a surgical date. So I didn't have cravings for that junk right after surgery and still don't. I follow the directions of my surgeon and his Staff, especially, the dietician,(to the letter). I make sure I have at least 20 gms. of Protein in each meal; usually more. It won't hurt to get in close to 80gms. a day. The more protein you eat, the more weight you'll lose. It fills you up. I don't eat until my tummy actually growls. I plan meals, shop for them, try for variety and track what I consume. I exercise. These activities are nothing new, I've done them many times with many other diets. The difference is the band. It works if you work it right. Step out in faith and trust it.

I continue to be amazed and thankful for having a non-eventful surgery and an easy recovery. I'd researched and studied this banding procedure, along with reading on this website of the experiences those who went before me since Dec. 2012. This really helped me prepare. I'm feeling better than I did before the procedure and have a little bit more energy too. I've found that waiting for my stomach to actually growl before I eat has helped me work on not following head hunger cues, like I've done all my life. Following to the letter instructions from my Dr. and his Dietician have helped me avoid small problems and pitfalls that can pop up. I love my band and this website.

Best wishes, for the first day of your new life, tomorrow! My banding date is 19 Aug. I'm excited & a bit nervous. Sure a lot of people have felt that way. was supposed to begin my 2-wk pre=op diet tomorrow, but my daughter & family were here on vacation and I lost track of time on ordering my Protein powder; ordered this past Fri. a.m. Hopefully, it'll be delivered no later than this Tuesday.