Miss Meg

I've had some what of an epiphany this week!!! Last week I posted about a bit of a light bulb moment about needing to change things along the way to make the most out of my band. In that, I decided to do a lot more research and re-educate myself about how the lapband works. This week I've realised that I've been eating too much slider foods and not enough of the stuff that will send the signal to my brain that I am satisfied, being foods that need to be chewed well and pass through the band at a steady pace. I'm nearly 8 months out and I've just had this realisation now. I have to say though, that I really need to give a huge big shout out to @Bandista. I've always seen the articles at the end of your posts and have sometimes gone into them but haven't really read and understood them. This week however, I took the time and read and re-read and really took the time to let it sink in and fully understand it. Thanks so much, you've made a huge difference to my understanding and I will be forever grateful

It really is a huge adjustment, I have 42 years worth of bad habits to lose. Sometimes it's really difficult to not get too bogged down in the idea of dieting when I still have a lot of weight to lose... Just gave to remember to let the band do it's thing first and foremost...

Hi everyone, today marks 31 weeks since my lapband surgery and I have lost a total of 25.7kg in that time. It's taken me a while to feel any real restriction, although I have had my moments of stuck episodes here and there. This morning however, I decided that my usual Cereal and fruit, or yoghurt or a shake were not going to cut it for my Breakfast, so I decided to purchase myself a toasted ham and cheese sandwich, something I have not gone near in a very very long time... Well.... Said ham and cheese sandwich was not going to go anywhere - not at all!!! The way I eat has changed and will continue to change and I need to remember that with every single mouthful. It was at this moment that I realised I actually do have the restriction that I need, and I need to work more with my band. I really thought that I was working with it, but I realise that every single stuck episode or feeling of discomfort that I get means that I have to change something. Light bulb moment!!!!!

So I have 5ml in a 10ml lapband (ml's are the same as cc's). I really thought that when I had my last fill 2 weeks ago that this would see me perfectly to the green zone... For the first 2 weeks I've eaten a lot less but here we are 2 weeks down the track and I can still eat way more than I would like to. Don't get me wrong, I do make every effort to lessen the amount of food that I eat, but when I am feeling hungry, I fit in way more than I wish I could. I always stop when I feel my soft stop signals (runny nose or a burp) and I know I'll get there. I have another appointment scheduled for 3 weeks time and hopefully I'll get there soon. At what level did you find your green zone?? - Patience is key!!

Wow... I've never thought about that. I guess it would be a very real issue and possibility for some people. I suppose your personality type would have a bit to do with it, whether you have an addictive personality or not which I know a lot of people do. Thereapy is always great when it's needed so I really hope that anyone who deals with this seeks the help they need.

I have a top that I bought on holidays in Greece over 10 years ago that I never wore because it never fit. I need to dig it out of my storage unit and try that sucker on!!!

My tummy has never rumbled so much since I've had Lapband Surgery - and yes it is extremely loud. There is no hard and fast rule as to when mine erupts... Sometimes it is when I am hungry, sometimes it is when I am full, sometimes it just happens for the sake of it. A really very odd sensation but very funny at the same time - the looks that come my way are hilarious...

Yes absolutely, that's how you know that you have restriction. Take smaller bites and really chew the heck out of everything and you shouldn't feel it as much. It's actually a great feeling because you know it's working...

Absolutely none, zero, nada, zip.... Except of course that I didn't do it years ago...

$130k??? that surely can't be right??? My private health is with HCF and they offer very little coverage in the area of plastic surgery... I am considering a trip to Bangkok when I am ready for that step. Not sure if that is something for you as it is definitely not something everyone would consider, but the cost difference is ridiculous.

Whilst we are all trying to include exercise in our weight loss journeys. There is plenty of incidental exercise ideas that we can and should add to our daily routine. One of my girlfriends and I have today come up with the idea that every bathroom visit, be accompanied by 10 squats and we will increase that number soon. We are keeping track of them and texting each other the number of 'toilet squats' we do every day. With all of the Water that I drink, I'll hopefully have an amazing backside in no time. Apart from the obvious house cleaning, can anyone offer a suggestion of something that we can all add in to our daily lives without even really thinking about it??

Once when I was a teen, I did an orange diet - all I ate every day for a week was 9 oranges (I can't believe my Mother let me do it - it was the 80's though) - my skin turned orange. I'm now 42 and although I love all things orange flavoured, I can not eat an orange!!!!!

I have 4.6ml in a 10ml band (apparently ml's the same as cc's). I have had 4 fills to get me to this point, but I am not yet in the green zone. I know I am close because there is a small amount of restriction, but I am still able to fit in more than I should in a meal. I will hopefully have my next fill this week or next and I am going to ask to take it to 5ml. I am hoping that will see me there.

I also weigh myself daily, and same as JamieLogical I do it first thing in the morning, naked after a toilet visit - religously. Some days I weigh myself every time that I walk past the bathroom. However, I only record my results every Thursday. The reason I do it daily is the same as everyone else, just trying to see how my body deals with things on a daily basis, and to remind myself constantly why I am doing this. Throughout the day, I can go up and down as much as a couple of kg's, but I fully believe that my morning weight is the most accurate. I've just been through a bit of a stall with not losing anything for a couple of weeks, and I really believe that because I weighed myself daily, was part of the reason that I was able to make it eventually shift...

After 2 weeks of my scales saying 'thanks but no thanks' I finally have a shift after my weekly weigh in.. Granted, it's only 1kg, but I'll take it. It's a real motivator to finally see it moving in the downward direction once again - now to just keep it that way. Even better than the scale moving, my BMI is now below 40!!!!

That's fantastic, a real achievement. One of my bucket list things is a shopping trip to NYC!!! Will be sure to ask you for the greatest shopping places. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy every minute of it.

The scale can be really rude sometimes... Sometimes you can be carrying a little extra Fluid especially women, so try not to fret about it, keep doing the right thing and it will get back on track...

@@Soonergal91 - a stuck episode shouldn't mean a trip to the ER but it will mean a trip to the bathroom to 'expel' the blockage. This usually happens when I haven't chewed my food as I should (usually when I have gone too long without food and am way too hungry) This isn't something that we should get used to, as we need to work with the band and not allow those things to happen. Fact is, they happen to everyone eventually and will continue to happen until we get it right in our minds how to eat correctly.

Geez this weight loss thing can be tiresome. 2nd week in a row with zero loss... I know we all go through this and I'm not going to give excuses - just need to vent how frustrating it can feel!!!

Thanks for all your advice, I am thinking the hunger is more due to the fact that I am not yet at full restriction. I find that by the time I get to work at 8.30am that I am famished and more than ready for breakfast. When I have the right restriction, I would probably be happier to wait a bit longer for breakfast. For now, I am willing to try all of your suggestions - anything to avoid snacking...

Does anyone else feel that hunger strikes them more at a particular time of the day?? I am not yet at full restriction with my band - I'm getting there but not there yet. I am trying to have quite small meals for every meal of the day. I find thought that if my Breakfast isn't substantial enough that I get 'peckish' throughout the day. It's sometimes less than 3 hours before I am looking for my next meal and this in turn leads to snacking. I'm trying really hard to not have bread throughout the working week, but for breakfast, toast seems to be the only thing that gets me through to 4 hours. Does anyone have a suggestion for me of a substantial breakfast that doesn't involve bread?? If I can fill up a bit more at breakfast, I should snack a lot less through the day - if at all!!! I do find that scrambled eggs with a bit of cheese, tomato and mushroom fills me, but I'd prefer to not have eggs every day of the week. Help me please...

Good for you, that is awesome so far. Keep doing what you are doing, it seems to be working xx

So so normal, and you will get the hang of it. If you are anything like me, the thought of getting food stuck and bringing it up again fills me with dread and I've learned to do everything in my power to not let it happen. It is hard in the beginning but you will get there. Good luck xx

I love my band too. I still have a long way to go and sometimes the progress is slow, but I know it's the singly biggest factor that will get me to where I need to be - and really, who cares how long??? I heart my band too xxxx

KellyKub, I can't imagine the anguish and frustration that you are feeling. I'm sure your surgeon has your best interest in mind with wanting you to do a food log. How long do you need to keep it for? Maybe that is the best solution because it will get you to the point where he is happy to give you a fill and for you to continue on your weight loss journey. Keep reminding yourself that this whole process is for you and to better your health and wellbeing. Please don't give up the fight, you and your family are worth it.