JustWatchMe

Just a note to the person who asked about which foods I have trouble with banded.

I get stuck on pork (?), raw carrots (always) and soft b read if don’t go slowly and take small bites. Toast, no problem.

Just a note to the person who asked about which foods I have trouble with banded.

I get stuck on pork (?), raw carrots (always) and soft b read if don’t go slowly and take small bites. Toast, no problem.

Hi Julie!

I haven’t logged in in over a year. So glad to see you posting here. I am coming up on six years with a successful band next month. Still 187 pounds and grateful that it has been stable. I’d love to take more weight off, so I’ve recently adjusted my d iet to eliminate the huge salads I was eating and eat more solid p rotein. Last time I was here there was a Banders 7 thread. Is there a newer thread with any old timers?

Julie, you’re not alone. I wonder how long my band will last as well, but fortunately I’ve had zero problems six years in. I never “test” it, and I maintain a healthy respect for the rules, including no NSAIDs for my arthritis.

If I ever had problems and needed it removed, I would certainly have another WLS again.

I love my band.

SW 302
LW 171
CW 189
Banded 2014

Amazingly, I have no fear or anxiety about Thanksgiving this year. Last year preparing for surgery, the thought of not binging on Thanksgivings after surgery gave me such sadness. This year I am banded and in my green zone. I'm looking forward to all the special foods I make only at holidays, and I know I'll have small portions and stop when I am no longer hungry. Good article. I will definitely have a plan, and some changes I am making include more healthful choices at the table. But the gift of my band is that I will truly be able to enjoy the meal without overdoing it. Thankful? You bet!

Amazingly, I have no fear or anxiety about Thanksgiving this year. Last year preparing for surgery, the thought of not binging on Thanksgivings after surgery gave me such sadness. This year I am banded and in my green zone. I'm looking forward to all the special foods I make only at holidays, and I know I'll have small portions and stop when I am no longer hungry. Good article. I will definitely have a plan, and some changes I am making include more healthful choices at the table. But the gift of my band is that I will truly be able to enjoy the meal without overdoing it. Thankful? You bet!

I had no social confidence when I was at my high weight at age 28. I was confident in my career skills and my intelligence, but not in interactions with people. I could teach a training class and get accolades for my ability to explain concepts, but don't talk to me alone after the class ended.
I lost my excess weight in 1988-1989 and everything changed. I was a normal size and my social confidence skyrocketed. I tried new activities and met people. I met my husband and got married.
It took a lot of years for all the weight to come back. It took a lot of years for all that confidence to erode. I was still "all that" for quite some time. I was also in denial. Slowly I lost the self confidence I had when I was fit and happy.
My marriage deteriorated and I felt powerless in the relationship. I allowed myself to be overridden at every turn. I focused on my children.
Life became very miserable. A year ago I decided to get my confidence back. I needed to change my life and in the mental state I was in, that was never going to happen. I remembered the confidence I had when I lost weight years before.
I got my band in March this year and made huge life changes in July. I am taking my life a day at a time now but slowly my confidence is coming back.
For me it is not only about appearance. When I am obese I am also in a food coma every night and I am "checking out" of life. When I am eating clean and taking care of myself I am fully present and proud of myself. Yes, my size is part of that but it's so much more than size.
I don't ever want to feel "less than" again. I've learned that how I treat myself ultimately teaches others how they can treat me. And they are going to treat me well, or they will be out of my life.

The stuff that passes for absolute truth on these boards, although no different from The Huffington Post content, would require more time than I have to debate it. So I usually don't.
But throwing out a few well-known, well-substantiated facts -- like too much sugar and too much salt are bad for us -- does not warrant that all other comments and advice uttered thereafter are grounded in anything other than the poster's personal beliefs and experiences.
What works best for you and what works best for me don't always coincide. And the presumption that my truth will solve everyone else's problems and become their authentic, legitimate truth really does strengthen cults and other rip-offs, whether it's Scientology's weirdess, Dr. Mercola's supplements business, Joel Osteen's church, or the Arbonne multi-level marketing company.
Protip: If your guru wants your money, it's a cult.
As with other cults, every dietary cult needs a super-villain. We've all seen rants and articles and cultish advice advising WLS patients to eschew these villains: trans-fats, saturated fats, non-virgin-olive oil, canola oil, beef, chicken, all animal Protein, eggs, milk, corn syrup, gluten, wheat, corn, celery (those evil strings!), raspberries (those devilish seeds!), artificial sweeteners, sugar, all alcoholic drinks, caffeinated teas, coffee, bottled Water, well water, filtered water, chlorinated water, unchlorinated water.
Although my truth is no more valid than anyone else's truth, here's mine: Don't smoke (my only "eschew" truth). Eat less sugar. Eat less salt. Eat better fats. Eat slower food. Drink less alcohol. Stand up more. Walk more. Stretch more. Make your bed. Watch less television. Read more. Talk to your family at mealtimes. Take your meds. Have more sex. Smile more (fascinating, persuasive research about that one). Brush your teeth.
And some unsolicited advice: Don't start a cult, and don't join one.

For the record ...
I did NOT like my body or a lot of other things about myself when I was fat.
I didn't accept my body when I was fat. That wasn't the body I was meant to have.
I had trouble walking, I was agoraphobic, I was embarrassed, I was not happy.
Frankly, the whole situation sucked.
And, frankly, my unhappiness with my body and that situation motivated me mightily to learn about WLS and, eventually, decide it was a solution that might work for me.
I like everything about my body and myself and my life a WHOLE LOT MORE when I'm not fat.

If we only knew in high school.....
That 5 or 10 extra lbs can be just the way you are built
And the yoyo dieting is gonna take us away from our normal meant-to-be size
Or that some of the "pretty" people were also kinda stupid.
Or some of the "nerdy" people were so smart, and would go on to success.
Or that high school would be such a small portion of our life.
IMHO
I do like the "love yourself" notion....
For me, it wasHard to love a body that I didn't like
Life is better at a healthier weight for me
And I like myself more[emoji171]

Years of diet plans, programs and books make most WLS patients nutrition gurus.
Much of that information is great to have but it's important to separate out the unofficial diet 'rules' that might be unsafe to practice after bariatric surgery.
Today, bariatric dietitian Elizabeth Anderson continues her series on 5 of the most dangerous dieting myths for weight loss surgery patients.


Salad. The food most synonymous with the word ’diet.’ Many people LOVE salad. Others eat it because they feel like they should if they’re on a diet.
Nutritionally, the darker the greens, the more brightly colored the vegetables—the healthier the salad.
High volume, low calorie salads make a lot of sense for the average dieter. You feel full on very few calories, provided you skip the high calorie dressing.
But there’s one ingredient many people forget that prevents salad from being a balanced meal---the protein.
I tell my weight management clients if they really enjoy salad, it’s a great meal AS LONG AS there is at least 3 ounces of a lean protein included in, on or with the salad.
The protein piece is vital because it helps the meal digest more slowly. This leads to less hunger between meals. The protein is also important to protect lean muscle from being used for fuel when calories are cut.
I tell my weight loss surgery clients, the need for protein is more than just a recommendation, it’s an absolute must.
At least 3 ounces of lean protein (about 15-20 grams of protein) with your salad. I urge you to actually measure out the chicken, cottage cheese, beans....to ensure you are hitting the mark.
A bariatric salad ‘meal’ should look like protein with a little salad on the side rather than a huge bowl of greens with a sprinkle of cheese or half an egg.
As we’ve seen with the other diet myths, standard operating procedures for dieting do not translate after WLS.
Tomorrow, dangerous diet tip #5: It’s all about the calories.

Thanks for posting this Alex. I often feel like I have to defend my choice of WLS and the point is to do what is best for you, not necessarily what is the 'hot' procedure or to feel pressured into getting something you don't feel is right for you. Oh...and one more thing. I know that the band is often a good choice for lower BMI people but the band still can work for higher BMI folks as well and I'm proof of that.

13+ years and still going strong.

This is my first visit to any on line forum. I had my 2 year post op visit today. I had a sleeve gastrectomy in July of 2012. I suffered a gastric leak and the complications that come with it. Long story short, I had to have several stents placed and a PICC line for parenteral nutrition. The stents caused horrible nausea and I did not eat for 6 weeks. I lost weight way ahead of the curve and my relationship with food as nourishment was altered. I had a maladapted post op course. I was severely malnourished and could not work much less exercise for over 3 months. That fact also added to a less than appropriate approach to exercise. I recovered and I am grateful and happy I did not become as ill as some with this complication. I am, overall, still happy with the results and having the procedure done.
That said, I have regained 17 pounds to 113 lost. My al time high was 273 and my low was 158, which is normal weight and BMI for my height. I want to turn this around. My struggle is that I had to eat small meals frequently to recover and nourish myself, but now I have to accept that this is "snacking" and get back to the more Protein based meals to curb the hunger and snacking. I have never embraced consistent effective exercise and I know that is imperative.
I wanted to comment on your post because I identity with the "honeymoon" glasses" as the first year (especially the first six months) the wt fell off because of my complications. There are those who thought I got to thin. But my goal is to be normal weight and BMI, and I was there, but I have to get to working hard to re-attain it. I am going through a divorce and I think I can attribute the 10 pound gain over the past 6 months to stress eating and poor choices. I don't want to lose myself in misery. I have signed up for newsletters and support group. Please let me know if there are any other resources that you recommend.
Thanks!

I am a binge eating addict. food addict for short. I am in remission because I have changed my behaviors and because my band helps with the physical hunger.
I am recovering in OA just like a gambler recovers in GA.
I don't "want" to label myself a food addict, but there you go.
I'd lost 130 pounds many years ago but couldn't keep it off. The reasons behind me reaching for food were never addressed. And the one year definition of success? I call BS on that. I'll battle this addiction my whole life.
It gets easier the longer I practice new habits and don't indulge in binging or sport eating, as another BP poster calls it. But that draw will ALWAYS be there for me. And once I indulge it, I slide down the slippery slope, and it becomes almost impossible to halt. That's addiction, sir.
I found this article insulting and aggravating because it does contain helpful behavioral techniques. So I'll take what l liked and leave the rest.
With all due respect, I find this to be an oddly contentious article to have been posted here on BariatricPal.

I'm sure "doctors" used to say the same thing about alcoholics. Just don't drink. Be strong! Replace the bad behavior with good behavior. Being an alcoholic doesn't excuse the individuals, but it does explain the behavior. Being a food addict (or an eating addict really) doesn't excuse my behavior. I own it, and I treat it daily. One of those treatments is WLS. One of those treatments is regular exercise. One of those treatments is a regimented eating plan.
I am addicted to eating. Yes, I can overeat carrots and broccoli. I can overeat salad. WLS will not make that addiction go away.
Not everyone who is fat has an addiction. Not every food addict is fat.
I smoked for 15 years but I was never addicted to nicotine. I just stopped smoking one day. Never jonesed for a cigarette after. Could always take it or leave it. But I don't have the audacity to say that nobody is truly addicted to smoking. I'm lucky.
When it comes to food, I'm not so lucky.

I am a binge eating addict. food addict for short. I am in remission because I have changed my behaviors and because my band helps with the physical hunger.
I am recovering in OA just like a gambler recovers in GA.
I don't "want" to label myself a food addict, but there you go.
I'd lost 130 pounds many years ago but couldn't keep it off. The reasons behind me reaching for food were never addressed. And the one year definition of success? I call BS on that. I'll battle this addiction my whole life.
It gets easier the longer I practice new habits and don't indulge in binging or sport eating, as another BP poster calls it. But that draw will ALWAYS be there for me. And once I indulge it, I slide down the slippery slope, and it becomes almost impossible to halt. That's addiction, sir.
I found this article insulting and aggravating because it does contain helpful behavioral techniques. So I'll take what l liked and leave the rest.
With all due respect, I find this to be an oddly contentious article to have been posted here on BariatricPal.

WANT to be a food addict?? WANT??
*deep breaths*
My entire life I've felt powerless to food, cravings, and impulsive bad decisions... I could never figure out why this was so hard for me. Why could other people put the fork down, but I ate until I puked? How could people turn down dessert and I couldn't? Why did I hide food? Why did I constantly feel guilty for everything I ate?
One day the light bulb went on! This is an addiction like anything else. That is why this was so hard for me... why it is still hard. It's an everyday battle but the surgery has helped tremendously!
I found the article to be a bit... condescending. Of course I recognize my own screw ups, I take responsibility for my actions, I seek solutions to my ADDICTION. That doesn't make me a "wanna-be" addict or some weak person looking for an excuse!
It takes a strong person to admit they have a problem/addiction, it takes an even stronger person to fight their addiction head-on instead of living in what is 'comfortable'. I could have continued the life I was living, eating to replace love, friendship, and hobbies... I could have gained more weight... I could have stayed where I was comfortable, stuck with what I've done my whole life. Instead I confronted my addiction and changed my life! If anyone thinks I or anyone else wants to be a food addict they can kiss my ever shrinking ass!

I am a binge eating addict. food addict for short. I am in remission because I have changed my behaviors and because my band helps with the physical hunger.
I am recovering in OA just like a gambler recovers in GA.
I don't "want" to label myself a food addict, but there you go.
I'd lost 130 pounds many years ago but couldn't keep it off. The reasons behind me reaching for food were never addressed. And the one year definition of success? I call BS on that. I'll battle this addiction my whole life.
It gets easier the longer I practice new habits and don't indulge in binging or sport eating, as another BP poster calls it. But that draw will ALWAYS be there for me. And once I indulge it, I slide down the slippery slope, and it becomes almost impossible to halt. That's addiction, sir.
I found this article insulting and aggravating because it does contain helpful behavioral techniques. So I'll take what l liked and leave the rest.
With all due respect, I find this to be an oddly contentious article to have been posted here on BariatricPal.

This is not about love of food. This is about an abnormal relationship with food. You are obviously not a food addict so it's understandable that you don't get it.
Oh...and about picking up cigarettes from the ground, ash trays, etc. I've done some pretty disgusting things in order to get in my food fix. I won't go into details but I've seen other posts from folks who are also ashamed of some of their behaviors regarding food and let me tell you friend, it's not pretty.

I am a binge eating addict. food addict for short. I am in remission because I have changed my behaviors and because my band helps with the physical hunger.
I am recovering in OA just like a gambler recovers in GA.
I don't "want" to label myself a food addict, but there you go.
I'd lost 130 pounds many years ago but couldn't keep it off. The reasons behind me reaching for food were never addressed. And the one year definition of success? I call BS on that. I'll battle this addiction my whole life.
It gets easier the longer I practice new habits and don't indulge in binging or sport eating, as another BP poster calls it. But that draw will ALWAYS be there for me. And once I indulge it, I slide down the slippery slope, and it becomes almost impossible to halt. That's addiction, sir.
I found this article insulting and aggravating because it does contain helpful behavioral techniques. So I'll take what l liked and leave the rest.
With all due respect, I find this to be an oddly contentious article to have been posted here on BariatricPal.

I would add:
McDonald's. Scrambled eggs. Sausage. Bacon. Yes, I eat bacon.
Subway. Soup.
Wendy's. Chili.
Thanks for the tips!

I am a binge eating addict. food addict for short. I am in remission because I have changed my behaviors and because my band helps with the physical hunger.
I am recovering in OA just like a gambler recovers in GA.
I don't "want" to label myself a food addict, but there you go.
I'd lost 130 pounds many years ago but couldn't keep it off. The reasons behind me reaching for food were never addressed. And the one year definition of success? I call BS on that. I'll battle this addiction my whole life.
It gets easier the longer I practice new habits and don't indulge in binging or sport eating, as another BP poster calls it. But that draw will ALWAYS be there for me. And once I indulge it, I slide down the slippery slope, and it becomes almost impossible to halt. That's addiction, sir.
I found this article insulting and aggravating because it does contain helpful behavioral techniques. So I'll take what l liked and leave the rest.
With all due respect, I find this to be an oddly contentious article to have been posted here on BariatricPal.

A real description of real life. I look forward to the column!!

My band dims my appetite for 4 hours between meals and I am no longer ravenous.
***drops mic***