mediummike

After the initial healing (little over a month) in which I was very diligent about portions and what I ate (fact is, with the swelling, it was hard to eat a lot anyway), it took me 3 fills to feel any restriction at all. The 5th was too tight and my 6th visit I had some taken out. It is a learning process that takes some time to find that "sweet spot". These days, I am on autopilot and really enjoying the success of the band.

Thursday weigh in - down a pound - I'll take it. Down 24.6% since surgery....

Follow advice of your surgeon !! Mine told me low fat/high protein 2 weeks prior to surgery. No other guidelines and he did not require shakes/liquid only at all. I just find the shakes post-op a convenient way to start off the day with a high protein kick - I am not nor never was a breakfast person so this makes it easy...

Jubei - can really eat anything - just a lot less, and yes, some foods are more tolerable than others. But the goal of the band is not deprevation, just smart eating ! In terms of shakes, I still have an isopure shake in the morning,,,,

Not a problem at all. Your primary food intake should be protein anyway, which encourages muscle growth. I bench my weight now (haven't done that in years). There are plenty of strings in the mens room specific to weight training, so go ahead and check them out...

I have those moments where I don't lose (usually weeks) as well bigrick. In fact, I gained a pound this week - even though I ate well and exercised regularly. Like you, I'm not giving up and at this point, I don't let it bother me. Slow and steady is fine with me. I'm really starting to enjoy the NSV's at this point as well - I donated a large bag of clothes to my church that don't even come close to fitting anymore !!

Guess I'm the only one still doing this (Plain??). Up a pound this week (no biggee). Staying the course....

Good stuff. Congrats on your progress !

In my experience, once you have hit that "sweet spot", and are comfortable with your eating, there is never a need to loosen the band...

No experience with the Phen fen but I think you will be happy with the band. Congrats on your decision and welcome !

I missed my usual Thursday weigh in (batteries on my WW scale died!!), but the good news is down 2 lb's this week for a total loss of 82 lb's (24%)

wow - great job so far ! keep at it. so many times when my eyes are bigger than my stomach, I am so gratefull the band does what it does. i can sit at t-day table with a big plate, eat about a quarter and now be just as happy...

I've had the VERY occassional dip and an even more occassional cigar with no problems - except as noted by Jack above !

Thursday check in for me - nothing lost this week, but nothing gained either !

very supportive. i think from every angle my wife is as happy as i am and encourages me along...

Has anybody had any luck with insurance paying for at least part of their TT or lift, etc...? If so, what plan and how did you approach it ? I have Aetna and they say it needs to be pre-certified first, which has me cautiously optimistic ???

I know I am "off cycle", but I weigh myself on Thursday's (and Thursday's only). Down 1 lb this week and down 22.8% since banded.

You NEED calories or your body will definitely slow down. On liquids, 1200 calories would be a minimum - yu are not trying to deprive yuor body of calories at this point - rather the liquid stage allows your body to heal. Focus on high protein shakes - I know, maybe not the best tasting, but it is a blip in time. Your weight loss will "normalize" - expect only a couple pounds per week (and even none some weeks). Keep exercising and try to see a nutritionist who has experience with lap band patients for at least one or two visits - definitely worth the cost !

i am told mushies for 48 hours

this site was floating around the mens room and wanted to share it - apparantly it has sugar free mixers (e.g., maragarita mix) that are pretty good. enjoy !! www.bajabob.com

bigdaddy - scroll down the strings in the mens room and you will find a few threads regarding working out / lifting that have some good stuff in them. Personally, I am at the gym 5am at least 5 days a week and do 60 minutes on the treadmill and then around 20 minutes lifting. On Wednesday nights, I play tennis indoors and Thursday nights softball.

On this site, I have noticed that surgeons reccomendations vary widely. Personally, my surgeon said no alcohol for at least 1 month. I waited almost 2. Since then, I have had wine and harder alcohol (no mixers) and the occasional beer. Beer is tougher for me, because the carbonation. I go regularly (monthly) to my doctor/nutritionist and let them know what I'm eating/drinking. They say its fine as long as it doesn't bother me and they remind me to be mindfull of the calories. Bottom line - listen to your doctor !

Hey Bigdaddy - my band does get tempermental at times it seems - especially when you do have good restriction. Sometimes, its cold liquids, or a certain food, time of day, which way the wind is blowing (just kidding - but it is that erratic). But I have a good feel for it and just work with it. In terms of lifting - At 6'4" I am a pretty big guy. I used to lift when I was younger and could easily bench in the 350 range. Nowadays, I completely agree with Plain. I am so much more focused on reps and trying to get toned. That said, I can still bench more than my body weight today (a NSV for me as I have not been able to do that in a long time....) and I am happy with that. Good luck !

welcome back guys and good luck !

I have been slowly reducing my BP dose (my cardio does not want to do too quickly). Hope to be off by end of year ?? I understand his caution and am patiently waiting for him to give go -ahead. The best pill reduction since I have dropped a bunch of weight - I no longer need to take advil/aleve anymore for my knees !! Literally have not taken any pain medication since February. Prior to surgery, often taking aleve up to 5 days a week.