Milliekay193

I found this last night, so to late for me, but this woman has some good comments! Her channel is full of good info. She had the sleeve, and then a year later had a baby.

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Hi! So gIad found you guys. Ive been banded for 3 months and have lost 29lbs so far. Nit bad I know but I also know that most of my calories come from ALCOHOL but I cant stop drinking. I love red wine but have switched tio vodka and sake since they are supposedly less calories per oz. Stiil I know my drinking is going to sabotage my lap band journey. I've been to AA meetings many times and they just make me want to drink more!!! And when I compare myself to others at the meetings i say "I'm not THAT bad"... and the cycle continues. I can stop. I have stopped. When I did my pre-op and post-op diets I stayed away from alcohol completely. Now though Im 3 months in and its summertime and my life si stressful and Ive started drinking again- and entire bottle a day four days a week. Im NEVER going to lose weight this way. HELP!!!!

Occassionally, I run across a few posts from people like me who have failed their bands. But these posts are usually just a venting opportunity. I have failed my band - I acknowledge it - and it would be great if we could have a group of other "failures" who want to work together to become success stories.
MY STORY
I was banded in March of 2007. At the time I was 299 lbs. I am a 6ft tall lady. Today, I weigh 255, and basically just as big as I was when I got my band. I have got numerous fills and I usually eat through my fiils. I can eat whatever I want. I overeat and I am confident that I have caused my stomach to expand. I snack on candy, I eat the wrong foods - I eat until I am STUFFED. Sometimes when I overeat, I feel sick and gag to relieve the pressure.
I moved to Houston 4 months ago, and last week, I went in for a port-readjustment with Dr Alanis. It went well and I now have a new resolve to make it work. My doctor mentioned to me that about 40% of all bandsters fail. I do not want to be a failure. I have paid too much money to go through this.
MY GOAL FOR DECEMBER

To write everything I eat down, including calories
To stay within 1500 Calories.
What's your story? What's your goal? How can I support you? How can we support each other?
Misery loves company, and company can help us move from failure to success. Please join me by telling me your story, and your GOAL for December. Let's vent - but more importantly, let's talk about strategies to make this work - let's share and support each other - Let's turn this from failure to success.
I REFUSE TO BE A FAILURE

I've found that fasting for 18 hours after dinner 3 times a week has done the same for me. It's my own modified version of the 5:2 diet. I stop eating at 7 pm and don't eat solid food or foods/drinks with any calories till about 1 pm the following day. I fast Mon, Wed, Friday and eat normal the other 4 days. I've dropped 15 lbs in 2.5 months.
It's my 4:3 intermittent fast diet. Skipping breakfast on those three days and drinking lots of fluids keeps me reminded of what true hunger is. Here's a link to the 5:2 diet if you want to check it out.
5:2 Diet Partner For people too lazy to read the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9Aj6hRYg4A
&
Vicki Edgson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq1jwtFeGvk
But, I think the 5-Day Pouch Test is also a good way to clean out your system and get in touch.

I was challenged by my surgeon to go 1 month finding secret calories in my diet. I am revising from lap band, ( sorry to see it go) to gastric bypass or sleeve. He said that ppl that revise sometimes don't have success especially after having a lapband. so I am on the hunt. This will help those that have been having trouble with their wt. loss as well. I got out the measuring spoons and my scale. I have been finding secret calories hidden in most of what I eat. I eat healthy and prepare most of my food but weighing and measuring has kept me honest. I have been surprise about tomatoes being 50 calories, I won't go into avocados, perfectly healthy but between whole wheat bread and lite mayo, my oh my. my half and half in the morning. I still use it but measure serving size. salad drsg. I thought I was dieting. Hell no. I have already lost 9 pounds in a week and half. it takes a little more time but I challenge you to a find your secret calories.

I don't sign in here very often, but since it had been awhile, I thought I'd check in. It's a year ago this month, that I had my last fill. That last one was so restrictive, I have not wanted to get another. Maybe I should go for a check, but I don't know that I want more added. I only managed to lose about 20lbs since that fill. I wonder if this happens to others. I lose 2-3lbs, then gain a little back at "that time of the month", after that, I may lose a little but then it remains the same weight for several days, before starting to lose again. It is very, slow. It's like two steps forward, one step back (that kind of thing). It is frustrating, but, as long as I keep heading in the right direction, I'm okay.
The good news is, that I have been buying smaller clothes. Medium tops and smaller pants/jeans/skirts. Bottoms are mostly 10s, but I have at least one or two 8s, one size 9/10 and some just say Medium. I even have one pair of jeans I got at a yard sale, that I'd had hanging as my inspirational jeans, that I fit into!!!! I just about fell over, when they zipped up, because they're size 6. That brand's sizing has to be off. I've got other size 8s that I can't get even closed to zipped.
It has also been nice that people have obviously noticed that I'd lost more weight, because they comment on it. I've heard 'skinny', 'thin' and 'svelte'. That last one gave me a good laugh, as nobody has ever called me svelte.
So, as of right now, I am 23lbs from my official goal. As I've always said though, we'll see how it goes. If I feel great and am happy with a little bit higher, I'll be good. I do not want to be wafer thin. I think we should have 'some meat on our bones'. Stick thin is just not cute.
If you're frustrated like me, just hang in there and work for it. Don't give up. It is hard, but I would've never gotten as far I as have, without the band. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made.

What kind of shape is your band in? Any restriction?
I ask for this reason....I was taught the "Rules" even before I had surgery....at that time they made very little practicable sense...unless I was dieting and therefore did not need surgery in the first place.
The staff assured me that one day, after my band gets adjusted, I would THEN need to know the rules by heart in order to not experience any problems...so it was best to start learning them now.
Example...
I was taught to take small bites, I think it was as small as your fingernail.....put the fork down in-between bites, and chew thoroughly...(can't remember for how long a time period), and do not drink while eating....
That was one rule...and it made little sense to me at first.....HOWEVER, once my band got properly adjusted, it became the ONLY way I can eat....and I still have to follow that rule to this day if I want to get through a meal....Small bites, take my time and chew thoroughly, put the fork down, and NEVER drink with my meals....if I do not do these things, or close to it, it will result in getting stuck...having the food come back up....and possibly experiencing pain.....
Oh, and another rule that goes with the above...come 20-30 minutes and I'm finished with my meal.....I'm taking my time eating following the first rule, but I must stop within a time frame otherwise I could take my time and eat all day...(Graze)
Third, when starting a meal, go with the Protein first before moving onto the other things on your plate....this became very practicable because sometimes after I've eaten the protein, I cannot continue with anything else on my plate....It would not be wise to do it in reverse...start with the mashed potatoes and never getting to the protein.
I've read here people applying the rules 2 ways, one is to use them as if on any diet to loose weight, and the other is to use them in order to follow a new lifestyle with the band. I am the latter.
I don't have to remind myself to eat this way anymore, it is a new habit that has become part of me....eat too fast or too large a bite and the band will let me know for sure!!!
Then there are other things I must do if I want to stay healthy....8-8oz glasses of Water per day, 60-70 gms of protein per day,....vitamins,....and exercise.
I've also learned what types of foods are band friendly....mostly due to texture and how well they break down when chewed....and because of this I have decided to avoid certain foods all together...
It also turns out these foods are not that good for me in the first place.

Hello everyone....been trying to get back on the lapband wagon and I need the list of the do's and don'ts of it. I know there is rules to live by and I have forgotten most of them. I have been swimming and working out in the gym....but I am not making any progress in the losing weight category...so I need the list to refresh my brain of the rules. I have been banded since 2008.
Please help me! Been searching online and I haven't found the list yet of the rules.
love and light,
dolphin

...you take a sip of Water during a meeting and then the liquid gurgles past your band, loudly!

just go and have a great time
eat smart, eat as clean as you can
def overthinking.....if you do the best you can with food/drink choices,
its all you can do......enjoy yourself GF

Thanks for the tips
It's funny how my worry went from "oh no I have to wear a swimsuit" to "oh no I have to eat".
I'm going to have this laugh then have a good time.

Most of those buffets are loaded with slider foods anyway.

Hey Millie...don't worry so much. Believe me, folks are way more interested in what they are eating rather than what you are eating. If anyone happens to notice the small portions and/or eating slow, just tell them you ate something earlier and you're not that hungry. Or since you've lost a significant amount of weight, you can just mention that you are watching your portion size...and then drop the topic. Your cruise buddies should get the hint.
Have a great time...don't sweat it if you gain a pound or two. Whenever I go on vacation, I gain a little. It always comes off once I'm home. I don't feel guilty, I eat healthy and if I indulge a little, as long as it's a little, no harm, no foul.
Have a great time...I'm cruising next month.

For the first time in almost 10 years, I was able to buy jeans that weren't plus sized! I'm so happy!

You know how "you just know it" when you meet the "right" person, or when you're having a great day? No one can explain it to you or describe it to you, except through their own experience...... But, when you experience it, "YOU JUST KNOW IT!" That's how being GREEN is for me.... I read about it ( a lot), I heard others talk about it (a lot), I researched it (a lot), but now..... I JUST KNOW IT! And now I know why I NEEDED to wait these few months before I found MY sweet spot. For me, I needed my brain to catch up with reality. I don't think I was ready (mentally) for the truly small portions I am now eating. Thankful that "I'M GREEN AT LAST!"

Is/are there any rules that you simply cannot follow, no matter what?
i.e. some people have found it virtually impossible to not have even a little tiny bit of liquid w/meals, others drink carbonated drinks, etc.
Also, how soon after wls did you have your first alcoholic beverage?
TIA, everyone!

we did it. we have made a commitment to a better life to start out our new year with.. I was banded Dec 20. I started out at 214 preop and then the day of surgery I was 201. Today I am 195-196. I have GOT to get rid of the scales and only weigh weekly. They torture me. I have had no pain.. No nausea. No vomiting. And better yet.. I have made it through the holidays. First fill is not until Feb 2.. Going to start an exercise routine of walking in Jan hoping to help increase my weigh loss without the fill. How are yall doing??? We have to stick together and support each other. I am here for ya.. If you need to ask me anything and I am not on here, you can send email to hlorettawilliams@gmail.com!

At least once a month or every other I go back to liquids for a few days just to detox if I am eating crappy which happens in maintenance I believe B-52 also does this. I drink three Protein shakes a day and Water. It helps get you back in the right direction. Let's face it we all had surgery because we ate like crap and as someone who is maintaining it is not easy and sometimes you just need those days to get yourself back on the wagon. I use the Body Fortress from Wal-mart with 8 ounces of two percent milk. I use a scoop and a half which is 45 grams of Protein very little sugar. Plus the added protein in the milk. After three days I can feel the difference and it helps me a whole lot. I don't always eat perfect (surprise) and this helps me and reminds me of why I had surgery. It puts me back in bandster hell so to speak lol to remember all the trouble I went through to get where I am today. You will survive three days of this I can assure you. Working 3-11 is an odd shift for anyone to work because you stay up late and sleep late which is something I have had to get used too. I have worked 7a to 7p most of my life. So now I have a desk job with very little movement except picking up documents throughout the hospital. But I did my time on the floor and now is my time to enjoy my middle aged years. You would be surprised how much this helps get you back on track. If my hunger is really really bad I will eat a Protein Bar in between. I prefer zone perfect. Pure protein makes higher Protein Bars but then you don't want to over protein yourself either because your kidneys have to work extra hard to get rid of it but that will be for another day.

I wish I could unlearn what I've learned, but I know how to "cheat" my band and eat more than I should. I'm going to talk to a counselor and maybe get an adjustment next week. I can't start this foolishness.
Please don't ask how it's done. I will not share this information with anyone because I care that much about your success.

Hi!
Just thought I'll let everyone know that I was banded I'm taking it easy and making sure to walk a lot so the gas pain will pass
Keep you posted

It's prolly cause you are truly hungry. Make sure you eat every 4 hours. What happens to me if I don't is I forget all the rules about eating slowly chewing well and making good choices. Then I have big regrets. I keep healthy Snacks around just in case. Things like Protein Bars, baby bell cheeses, shakes even vege chips which I find very satisfying

Well, one year ago today I was introduced to Mistress Band, 60 pounds lighter, down from a 46" waist to a 36". Shopping in the "normal" section and having to buy slim cuts shirts. Not getting winded when I walk a couple of miles, riding farther, faster and longer are just a few of the changes. First time I have made it through the holiday season without a substantial gain, let alone a loss. Funny thing is, I just feel like I am starting to understand my band after a year, I have another 40 pounds to loose, but I'm in no hurry. I am enjoying my life, and while WLS has not solved all my problems, it has made a substantial difference in the quality of my life.

I got one for ya.....
"Titanium"

You shout it out
But I can't hear a word you say
I'm talking loud not saying much
I'm criticized
But all your bullets ricochet
Shoot me down, but I get up

I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away


You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium


Cut me down
But it's you who'll have further to fall
Ghost town and haunted love
Raise your voice, sticks and stones may break my bones
I'm talking loud not saying much

I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away


You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium

After replying to negative comments from an experienced bandster, it occurred to me that this person sounds miserable. This person is always a Debbie Downer, finding ways to knock people off of their well-earned pedestals...not just on my post, but in a lot of the posts they reply to. With that in mind, I thought they as well as others might enjoy this as much as I do.
This is for you...you should know who you are.
Desiderata
by Max Ehrman, 1927
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious
to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter, for always
there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment;
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

I was banded 12/10 down 18 pounds as of last week. Feeling good first fill on the 9th. Started off at 224. Can't wait almost under 200...