Anicka

For me, what has worked long term is to have a Protein Bar or Protein Drink daily to up my Protein. I eat a lot of chicken thighs... Cooked in liquid to keep moist. Also chicken salad works for me Usually with a small salad or vege on the side.
Some people like quinoa, Beans with rice, edamamesJerky, nuts or yogurt. Extra protein milk helps too...all really fairly high in protein. Also eggs and cottage cheese can be good options
It seems like you have to experiment to find what works to keep your protein high.
Water is what I have to work on daily. I attempt to not sit without a tall container... I'm mostly successful, but I need to remind myself a lot!
Best of luck. It is kinda trial and error with what food agrees with you.

Hi there, way to go -- you look happy and strong. I am almost two years banded and still have a chunk to lose, but I am feeling very healthy. I walk mostly for exercise but winter is coming and I look forward to making friends with our Bowflex machine again. It misses me, all lonely in the basement.

Is the 115 a typo? Anyway, congratulations on recovering your health after regaining. It's encouraging to read about bander success. Welcome to our forum!

My clinic closed down 4 months after my surgery. A lot of my learning process was done alone and I started doing my own fills and defills. The band is worth it, but developing a positive relationship with it is a journey that took me over 2 years to achieve. I've been where you are and empathize with you. If you ever want to chat I'd be happy to offer some aide

This is the perfect place to share victories and problems. Lots of nice friendly people who have walked that road ahead.
Even though every ones journey is individual , there are lots of hints and advice when we reach a fork (ha) in the road.
I feel like I'm not alone on my banded trip through life with my cyber friends!

My opinion, based on my experience, is you have not even began the weight loss process yet.....
All you have accomplished thus far is the preparation, and then the surgery itself....having the band installed..nothing else.
Now is the time to heal and get back to normal. Just as you were before the surgery. Same cravings, appetites, etc.
Once you are ready, then the Dr. will begin the process of adjustments / fills....to get both the band and yourself adjusted to a new lifestyle..THIS CAN TAKE MONTHS...THEN the real weight loss begins!!!
Those first few months are called Bandster's Hell....during this time I gained weight. The staff at the Bariatric Clinic kept preaching to me about calorie counting, measuring portions, etc, etc...which is all good, but I could (and have) done all that without surgery!!!
Not to mention, it was because I failed at dieting so many time for so many years, that surgery was the last resort...it was supposed to change all that...it was supposed to be different....
I can easily look back almost 5 years ago, and say those first few months were brief as opposed to my current lifestyle, being absolutely normal weight with no excess weight left to loose, completing this process, and going about my business day to day as though all this is now behind me (it isn't, but it feels that way)
Only thing I worry about these days is getting enough Protein per day, and eating good foods....NOT to loose weight, but focused on being healthy....same as non WLS people do.
All I am saying is PATIENCE...This thing DOES WORK, IF YOU WANT IT TO!
Unlike other surgeries you read about here, the LAP Band takes time to get it working.....

You are not alone! We've all been new to this! :-) There is lots to learn but I have found this forum an absolutely AMAZING place to find support, commiseration, advice and encouragement.

Stress really affects my band. It's amazing how my stomach hormones impact my band restriction!

I got my lap band at age 20. I'm now 24. 4 months after I got my band my clinic closed and I lost a lot of support. My journey with my band has been rocky but I persevered and have kept off 70 lbs over 4 years. I lost all my weight in the first year. It's been a challenge. There has been tears, starvation, over indulging, and panic. But, with each new experience I became more educated. I would love to share my experience /stories with fellow 'banded` people as we are all living through this experience together and I never got the opportunity to connect with other 'banders'.

Stephanie;
We are in t he same boat. I had my lap band a year ago May - lost 65 lbs - had some life interfere and the old habits started coming back - I want so badly to start over - not sure I know how - please keep in touch - maybe together we can do it. I have joined a wellness center with a pool and am trying to go every morning - I have so much arthritis (two knees, one hip, I am fused from T-10 all the way down) so the Water is so good in many ways - but it is also exercise - I'll be watching for you
CraftLady 77

Karen as a fellow Floridian, I was excited to see your book for sale. I ordered it and am looking forward to reading it. I hope to be a successful bandster in 10 years. well actually 8 years I was banded in 2013 at 66 years old, so the title never too late really addresses me. I am healthier and happier than I have been in decades. I hope my serious health issues are gone .

Hi... I just want to share a good resource to help anyone who has had bariatric surgery or anyone considering it. You may already be aware of The book authored by Alex Brecher and Natalie Stein, "The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery: Living Your Best Life After Weight Loss Surgery." It is now available as an Audiobook. As the narrator, I have a handful of promotional codes I can share with you, entitling you to a free copy of the Audiobook from www.audible.com. If you'd like one, please email me directly at dseawel@seawel.com. When they are gone... they are gone.

You can see the Audiobook at: http://goo.gl/ZbQ6hl

If you purchase the book and find it helpful, I would really appreciate you posting a positive review at Audible.com about the book.



Thanks! and best wishes on your weight loss journey!



Dave "McCormick" Seawel



PS: I am a Gastric Sleeve surgery veteran myself. I had my surgery 4 months ago. I lost 25 pounds prior to surgery and another 60 pounds since! What a great feeling!

You gotta go back to a Dr., it is the only way you'll know if you've done something to your band. I know following the rules is hard I break them in weak moments, but it is not helping you and your friends meant well but telling you, you were too thin at a very healthy weight for you height didn't help either. Don't let people get in your head like that, my Mom keeps telling me 125 is too thin for me, I am 4'10 if anything it's slightly overweight. I hope you can dig deep and remind yourself why you did this in the 1st place, you are not too far gone, you did it once you can do it again. It's 60lbs don't wait til it's 100 start now high Protein even if you have to re visit the post op diet for a week or 2.

I am finally able to Celebrate Spring. I took time to ride my horse yesterday. What a great feeling to be able to get in the saddle again and with ease. My best friend and I also recently went to Montgomery Alabama to the Alabama Horse Fair and got to see Pat Parelli, one of the best horse whisperer's there is. She and I travel together often especially if it's a horse event. 2 years ago before my lapband I had about given up going anywhere . My weight was affecting my mobility, mood and health. Thank God I found a solution. I am happy and raring to go . At age 68 I am truly blessed.

wonderful results for you . I too was type 2 diabetic for years. I was on metformin which messed with me all the time, from causing dumping to making me hungry all the time to dropping my bloodsugar to 48 . I had my lapband because I did not want to live a lifetime of metformin or insulin injections which was coming fast. I have been banded 2 years and have not tested diabetic since. My Primary Physician is so happy with my results. diabetes is a deadly dangerous disease. My mother and sister both died from complications of diabetes . I wanted to break that cycle. The lapband plays a part In allowing me to make good decisions with my diet and since I feel better and am lighter I can walk and get more active. Best decision I ever made for myself.

So the last eleven months (really much longer) have been an incredible journey.
I had lap band surgery 4/26/14. Has it been easy? Depends. I'd say on the whole, yes. I wouldn't be were I am had I not been banded.
I did it for my health. I remember the day after the surgery telling my family I probably added 15 years to my life.
There have been some fun victories. No seat belt extender on plane! Fit in booth! Lost 11" from waist!
But today it happened. Went to endocrinologist for follow up. I'm no longer diabetic!
Six months before surgery, my A1c was 10.1. Today, was 6.1. (Ok.... While not diabetic, I'm officially re diabetic until it comes down a bit more, but I'll take it!). It was a steady decline between surgery and today
I'm off diabetes medications (I was never on insulin). And, as off today I'm also off blood pressure meds.
I'm psyched.
And, trust me. If I can do it anyone can!

Bon & raised in Long Island NY on August 17,1989. I've struggled with my weight most of my life. After being diagnose with type two diabetes in 2012 I knew that I neded to make a change and fast or my life would be over before it had even started. This hasn't been an easy journey but I'am truly blessed and greatful for how far I have come. I started off at 325 back in 2012 and now I'am 184 and still going. Last Thursday I received a Tummy Tuck and coming upon a week since I've had it.. I'm anxious to share my story & here from others

Hurray for you!!! Thanks for your inspiring post today. Never ever ever give up on yourself. The beauty of the band is it lets us knuckle down and reset when we need to. It helps so much to have proper fill.
Please stay connected here and we will keep each other motivated. Rock your band!

Starting weight 350
Weight at surgery 330
Surgery Date April 12, 2012
Reached 280 by August 2012 with one fill
October 2012 had a second fill.
I have remained at 280 up until July 2014.
Started gaining weight July 2014
Current weight 313
Had my third fill March 17, 2015
At this point I feel like I am starting all over again. I admit that I feel off the "band" wagon and let my emotions and stress get the best of me. I didn't care about my eating and didn't exercise at all. I was at a point where I was eating like I didn't have a band. I could eat so much and was hungry all the time.
After all the weight gain and my eating habits my doctor gave me a huge fill. I was filled with 5 cc of liquid and I already can feel it working. I am still on liquids only. I was allowed to eat a yogurt today and I could not eat the whole thing. I got so full.
I am eating healthy again and working out, I feel great!!!!!!
So now that I am back, Does anyone have any tips? Anyone been here before?
My goal weight is two fold: I want to reach 250 by this fall, Then 200 by spring. I will be satisfied with 200 for my Lifetime!!!!

Yesterday was my 2 week since my surgery and my doctor appointment and my first fill of 4cc. I had to drink Water before I left the office to make sure it went down. Ok, I was fine. Now what I don't understand is when it was time to eat I was a little scared because of all what I read about vomiting, food not going down. But to my surprise when I eat I felt no restrictions. Is that possible I'm hoping someone can share the light on this for me.

@Professor
Thank you so much for helping me understand what I am to expect. I am so glad I found this site to help me through this.

Sometimes fills can take up to 2 weeks (!) to "settle in". I learned this after my first (and so far, only) fill back in late January. I was able to eat a 'normal' bandster-sized meal afterwards. Part of me was a little relieved, another part of me a wee bit disappointed because, like you, I had expected to feel a more profound sense of satiety after just a few bites.
After I posted on this board about that, someone pointed out that fills can take a couple of weeks to settle in. Interesting! That's why the general rule is to space them out over time. We have to give them time to 'take'.
In terms of judging the success of the adjustment through the lens of perceived 'restriction', take note of your satiety level. How are you feeling between meals? Can you easily go 3-4 hours between meals with a complete absence of hunger? If you are noticing a lack of interest in food and long periods of satiety after a small meal, that sounds like a successful fill!
Last week someone on the board taught me the concept of "Creeping Toward the Green" - getting small fills (like .5 ccs at a time) until we're in the green zone. You don't want to get a whopper adjustment/ fill that causes you to swing into the Red Zone (sliming, vomiting, only able to get down fluids...) as this will undermine the weight loss and cause your little body distress!
So give your band time to let this fill settle in and ask yourself how you're feeling between meals! Hope this helps. :-)

It's been six weeks since my lap band surgery and I have to tell you so far I am extremely happy of how it is helping me lose my weight.
I underlined that because I see alot of people who are somewhat disheartened with their outcome so far. The band will not work miracles for you. Its a 50/50 plan that you have to work with as well.
You can do it and you can make this happen for you.
So far in the past 6 weeks I am proud to say that 51 pounds are gone that I will never see back again. Sayonara, Good Riddence and dont let the door hit you in the #$%.
Best of Luck to all

Hi there and congratulations! I love my band and feel this was one of the best decisions of my life. Being out of food jail is amazing. Glad you stumbled on the forum; you will get a lot of support here. The links below in my signature helped me understand how the band works and how to work the band. I was not hungry after surgery but my hunger returned in time for my first fill. We are all different -- I required several fills to reach the green zone. My appetite is dimmed so I can make good choices. I do not diet -- that didn't work for me but the band works beautifully. My advice is to follow your plan and keep all your appointments. I gave myself a year, the year of me. Feeling great! You will, too.

You need to find another Doctor Immdiately. none of the stuff he told you is true. It is not at all normal to throw up all the time and eating doughy foods and no vegetables is so unhealthy. doughy foods will cause sliming and throwing up. do some research and find someone who is a bariatric specialists. I have had my band 2 years and have not experienced any of the things you are describing, however I have an excellent Doctor who gave me nutritional information and was very conservative with fills. Best of luck to you and coming on this site and getting advice is a good step.