Sherlock1969

Oscar meyer carving board turkey, tomato slices, lettuce slice, low fat mayo, slice of thin toast...open faced sandwich, cut up in small bites. My current fav. Chili...when I make it I measure one cup portions in freezer bags.

@ Countryheart...hang in there. You had a set back due to the hernia, but that is all it is...a bump in the road. Stay the course, keep getting fills and it WILL happen!!! Good luck and keep us posted.

I have been banded over a year. My doctor is conservative with fills every month. I have had approximately 13 fills. I am just now entering the green zone. It can take time. For some no fills, others one or two and yet some that are totally filled. Also, You probably had some saline put in the band the day of surgery. When your doc/NP put more saline in they draw a bit out first to make sure they hit the port before injecting the predetermined amount they are putting in. I think that is rather standard practice. Hang in there!

I have had approximately 13 fills over the course of 16 months. I 'think' (HOPE!) I am finally in the green zone. (Noticing a real difference in this last fill...hoping it lasts). Anyway, my point is, while it can be frustrating not to get there immediately, I have to say because it took so long, I learned a lot along the way and have not had such a hard time with the rules of eating with the band. I have had over a year to adjust and I think that is a good thing. Since January of this year I was only losing a pound/pound and a half a month, But with this last fill I have dropped 3 lbs in 10 days. Be a patient. I am up to a little over 9 in a 14 cc band. Don't panic, relax and practice the rules of eating...you'll get there. And remember EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT!

Just curious if you can get the recommended amount of protein per day using these meals...?

Congratulations of EVERYTHING!

As they say..... When a door closes, a window opens. And now we can FIT through that window!

I have to be extra careful when I get too hungry...then I want to shovel it in and squash that hunger quickly. So I cut my food in VERY small bites. That helps a great deal to keep me on point. I often cut my meat so it is not much bigger than a pea. I still have not hit the green zone....and I am over a year out. (close but not quite there). All this time I just pretend to be in the green. Fake it til you make it. I imagine my stomach being the size of a fist and I look at food and think that should logistically fill me up. Works sometimes better than others. I make myself wait an hour and then start drinking. If still hungry I will eat something else. You'll get there! Exercise....maybe sit in a chair and lift some hand weights until your knees can handle more. Good luck!

@iamshazza I just order a sample 3 pack from Click....and it was on sale...just a bit over $7 WITH shipping. Thanks! Can't wait to try it!

I don't understand...you stretched your stoma? How did he determine that is was stretched? What is to be done about that? And why is the doctor waiting a whole year to see you again? Pardon my ignorance....

So true! I truly believe it is an addition...certainly an addicts behavior; over eating, eating in secret, thinking of food often....the band doesn't take that away, but I have found it a bit easier to say no to bad foods. Not always but most of the time. An everyday battle. I know when I feel weak I come on here and read and bask in the fact that I am truly NOT alone. xo

food wise, I had on hand, sugar free Jello and Popsicles, chicken/beef broth (you will get sick of sweet real quick), Crystal Lite drinks, Protein shakes, 100% juice (especially if diabetic and on meds in case of sugar drops). Your doctor's office should give you a list of things to have and that you are supposed to have...mine gave me a pretty thorough list. My biggest advice for the time post surgery is to remember this is NOT forever. liquid diet is temporary...good luck!!!

Parisshel...I have noticed people treat me different too...especially strangers in public...holding the door, a smile, a friendly comment etc...how does it make you feel that people treat you differently? Personally, I enjoy it, BUT have to say it makes me a little sad that people can't treat people that nice regardless of looks....

I got one from Walmart of all places....Fruit of the loom or Hanes, not sure which (i have it on and can't look right now). Anyway, it is under $15 and works pretty well.

Thank you Jamilyne! There are some really good, helpful and encouraging people on here...I am so glad to have this resource!

Every doctor seems to be different....I have not been told not to eat before a fill. But after I have to be on liquid for 2 days, then soft foods for a day and then regular food.

I just read people talking about no fills, or 2 to 5 fills being what gets you to the green zone. I have had like 6 fills and I don't think I am in the green zone yet. I know everyone is different, but reading these things gives me a moment of self doubt....is this not gonna work for me? am I not going to get into the green zone? Ugh. Reassurance needed....

I found the sweet no calorie drink theory to be interesting! I may have to change things up a bit and test that out. I think it is quite a process to reevaluate what is true hunger and what is not. It is a learning curve and I am still learning! @ Jim1967, I wanna lose interest in food!!!!!

Not bad at all! I was so nervous for my first fill and I used to give myself 6 shots in the stomach a DAY! Don't look at the needle, it can be intimidating. Usually my doc pushing around my port to find the right spot 'hurts' more than the needle stick. And I say 'hurts' very loosly, b/c it really didn't hurt..just pushing. And after all that feeling around "I" think it kind of numbs the area....I really barely feel the needle. Now once they put it in, I find it feels a little strange when they put the Fluid in...like a pulsing feeling. Each time gets easier. Good luck!

Thank you so much Jean for reminding me of what I alreday know (including the fact that women compensate with greater wisdom). A moment of weakness that I knew if I shared would be relieved quicker than if I kept it to myself. I go every month (4 weeks) for fills...my next is scheduled already for a few days before Thanksgiving. LOL

Maybe change up what you eat a bit...add more carbs, eat a few more calories one day, restrict more the next, that kind of thing. I have plateaued, as we all have or will, and then there will be an occasion where I eat more than normal (this summer a big group camping trip...everyone brought food and shared)...I was careful, but ate different than normal. I would have sworn I gained weight, but after arriving home, I lost 2 or 3 lbs. Crazy, but I think sometimes we need to keep our body guessing...keep it out of the rut. Good luck! And congrats on almost 100lbs!!!!!

Thank you for your input. I have had the support of my husband and oldest son (my little one doesn't know...too young to understand). My mom has been wonderful and my aunt and best friend are supportive as well. My 2 sisters and brother....meh...not so much. They never comment on the weight loss...ever. I got positive feedback from them when I told them that I was able to reduce greatly my meds due to weightloss. I guess I should be grateful for what I have and move on. I am grateful for the 42 lbs I have lost! Hoping to hit the green zone soon, though and really get this party started!