LessOfMe0503

Right now I'm craving some variety, but I'm only about a month out so I'm afraid to try too much, too fast. I would be interested in seeing some samples of what others are eating in a day, if anyone wanted to share.

I don't follow a specific diet... I just focus on Protein first.

I lost (and gained) tons on weight watchers. Only being 5 weeks out, I don't think that specific plan would be beneficial because there is no way you can eat enough to use up the points.

What does your doctor/NUT have you eating at 5 weeks out?

Do you guys recommend the RTD (Ready to drink) Protein shakes like Muscle Milk(32g), EAS Myoplex (42g), Met-Rx Protein Plus (51g), Pure Protein 35 (35g), or Premeir Protein (30g)?

Or should I use Protein Powder mixes? I want to make this as easy as possible to stick to so I was thinking about stocking up on the RTDs.

I use a variety of both. I find the ready made ones are convenient for taking places but the powders are a berltter price and I have some variety with flavors and recipes.

I didn't go out and eat like a maniac, but i did do what I called my "Going Away Tour". There were a few things I knew I wouldn't be having for awhile and enjoyed them one last time- a margarita, a chimichanga, a certain Pasta dish from a certain restaurant.

I banded Aug 4 and went back two weeks later for workdays. I had set my classroom up ahead of time because I knew I wouldn't be able to lift and move furniture. I was fine during the meetings but tired quickly. When the kids came back the next week I was fine, just went to bed a lot earlier than usual!

The one thing I know about dehydration is to not wait until you're thirsty to drink! If you're thiesty, you are likely already in the beginning stages of dehydration. Another sign I recognize quickly is that my lips start to feel chapped or dry.

I'm about 6 weeks out and still have to be conscious of my hydration as it isn't coming naturally. I downloaded an app called eat slower that I use to help with eating and drinking. I set it for one minute and every time it dings, I take a drink. I usually do this twice a day- once in the morning and once in the evening.

I would look for chair workouts. I just saw a fun looking one to the whip-nae nae song.

I find it odd that a liquid would be stuck... I've never experienced that before. I agree with the above poster, try walking around. My there is a stuck air bubble in your stomach that won't let anything down?

Before surgery, I made the conscious decision not to purchase a scale. In previous weight loss attempts, I have become unhealthily obsessed with weighing myself. I chose to only weigh at the doctor's office and/or nutritionist appointments so that I could focus on following the plan and not allowing the numbers to influence me. My plan is to invest in a good scale when I enter maintenance.

On the plus side, I don't see stalls, if any are happening. The numbers have no bearing on me and I really like that. However, I'm still 4 weeks out from my next appointment and really interested in where my weight loss is at this point. I know I've lost since my last doctors appointment, I just don't know how much.

Now I'm curious as to how often others are weighing. If you weigh at home, how often are you weighing and how do yiu feel about it? Anyone else choosing not to step on the scale?

I connected them by going through my fitness pal and selecting the area that says 'steps'. Then there was a place I could select something about linking an app. I forget the exact wording. I got very frustrated connecting them because it didn't look like it was connecting. I finally stopped and went back later and they were linked. I think there is a slight delay once you connect them so try it and then wait awhile.

Protein is important for several reasons. 1- it aids healing 2- it helps you feel full longer. I'm sure there are other reasons that I can't think of.

I banded about 6 weeks ago. Are you on fb? There is a private group of people who banded in august. Look me up- crystal cash white- and I'll add you!

Going to a class reunion. Ziplining, Water slides, crossing my legs, buying cute shoes, matching bra/panty sets, shopping, having energy, fitting in a movie/plane seat comfortably

I have NC BCBS for teachers and state employees and I had no problem getting my surgery covered. The lady who does insurance at my surgeons office said the lady she talked to at the insurance company didn't know the plan. They made a change in their policy and the rep didn't even know. I'm about 6 weeks out from surgery.

I track what I eat on my fitness pal. I haven't been following a specific diet I just focus on Protein. I'm only abt 5 weeks out and had one fill so I know I'm not in the green zone. I am, however, eating much less.

The slower weight loss is one of the reasons I chose the band. I'm hopeful that it will help with the skin issue as I potentially will have a lot of saggy skin.

I'm so happy to see happy banders! I banded almost a month ago. So far I don't have regrets but I don't feel like I have been banded long enough to know for sure. I can say that I honestly believe it was the right choice for me. Being strongly rooted in that knowledge has helped me not be persuaded by the band negativity I have seen so much of.

I went/am going through the process single. I had lap band on Aug 4. I have an 8 year old son. I have the world's best family, friends and coworkers. I was very public with my decision and got so much support. There was some negativity... I just walked away from it.

I get tons of support from here and a fb group of people who banded the same month I did. Since we all started at the same time, we are going through things together.

I would guess that in a city like NYC, there would be support groups that meet. Those would probably be good places to start.

I have not seen any Protein powders or shakes that I would consider inexpensive. However, I'm not spending as much on food so it kind of evens out!

I wouldn't think it would effect it but you could always call the office in the morning.

I would say no. Too many carbs and too much sodium.

I have BCBS NC and my out of pocket expense was around 3000.00 plus copays.

I chose the band because I wasn't comfortable with my insides being rearranged or removed. I like that it requires upkeep. I like that I will have to meet with my surgeon routinely to check on the band/my progress. I discussed, with my surgeon, the band bashing and how people always say their surgeon doesn't do them anymore. He said in his practice, the band complications have not out numbered the complications of other surgeries.

@ronnie820- are you on fb?

Your best bet is to start by attending a seminar and talking to the insurance coordinator. The questions you are asking can only be answered by your insurance and doctors office. I can tell you that with my insurance, I had to get bloodwork, an EKG, a barium swallow, visit a psychiatrist and a nutritionist. Also, my out of pocket expenses were about $3000.00. Your experience and costs will be dependent on your surgeon and insurance

I have no clue. It would depend on the insurance company and the surgeon.