Treadmillwalker

You may want to focus on more Protein as it will help you feel full. Sugar in apple sauce can make you feel hungry. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

It comes down to the skill of the surgeon and compliance of the patient in my opinion. I just had lapband surgery in October and I'm happy with my decision. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

Ladies you look great. Congratulations!! Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

I had surgery in October and I was not allowed any solids. For 10 days I lived on Protein shakes, creamed Soups that had been strained of solids (no pureeing), sugar free Jello, Cream of Wheat thinned, herbal tea. I was very tired since I was not allowed coffee or diet Coke. My blood pressure is always low. I was 105 over 65. Doctor said this was normal. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

"My goals are bigger than my appetite." I repeat this whenever food commercials come on TV or a sudden urge to eat comes to my mind. Head hunger is a battle and mantras are one of the tools that help me. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

Your band is not yet restricted. Your mind may be telling you it is hunger pain when it is really normal digestion. Talk with your surgeon's office. It is easy to let our imagination get away from us. Drink a glass of Water or hot tea or Protein shake. You can do this! Success will be yours if you invest the time and effort into yourself. Good luck and be strong. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

I use bipro Protein Water. I mix it 1/2 with ice tea or water. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

I disagree with your percentages, but respect your right to your opinion. I just don't agree with it, but wish you success in reaching your goals. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

Read the above and take my other hand and hold on tight. The three of us can do this. When that food craving hits change the channel. Think of something else. Pre-plan what you will eat. When possible pre measure your food and have it ready to go. I have pouches of tuna in the cabinet. Pre measured portions of cottage cheese and yogurt in the refrigerator. I keep the family's Snacks out of my site. Portion control is big for me. I can easily overeat if I don't weigh and measure. YOU GOT THIS! Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

Okay, take my hand. You can do this. We can do this. It is a new day and new month. Remember your reasons for having surgery. I say to myself when I'm tempted to eat too much "nothing tastes as good as thin feels." Drink a glass of Water or cup of tea and really focus on resisting the craving for more food or unhealthy food. BE STRONG. YOU GOT THIS. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

I agree with Bayougirl. I went through a bariatric center of excellence. I was presented all the surgical options and I took six months for classes. In the end I decided to have the band, and I'm glad I did. My doctor and I discussed pros and cons of al the surgical options. I chose the lapband based on my personality, eating habits and ability to be compliant with the requirements of this type of surgery. I believe that "all" surgeries have the potential for complications based on numerous factors such as the skill of the surgeon and compliance of the patient. Rarely is it a failure in the equipment (but it can happen). While the band can be adjusted and removed, they can't put back your stomach after removing 80%. I'm in a support group and now see people who discuss eating more than they should with the sleeve and RNY. While I can have my band adjusted if/when I don't feel the restriction, I am not aware of options to help sleeve patients beyond practicing self control.

I just saw this on Pinterest. I like that it is small portions versus making a whole pizza. I plan to give this a try in the next couple of weeks. LOW CARB PIZZA chips RECIPE: Ingredients: 20 slices pepperoni or salami (turkey pepperoni) 1 ½ to 2 sticks light mozzarella string cheese, sliced ⅓ cup Pomi pizza sauce, or use my homemade sauce recipe towards the bottom of the post Directions: Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place pepperoni slices on the lined baking sheet, and place a mozzarella string cheese slice on the center of each pepperoni. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or more until cheese starts to brown and pepperoni is crisp. Remove pepperoni cheese chips from oven. Let cool a little until cheese is dry (can pat with paper towel for excess grease once cheese is completely dry and crisp). Serve with or without pizza sauce. Low carb ranch dressing is also good for dipping these in. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

Thank you! Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

Thank you. Now I have to share I've regained a little. I'm only down 25. I've had one fill, but not feeling any significant restriction yet. At Thanksgiving I ate higher calorie foods. Now that the leftovers are consumed I will get back on track. My second fill is scheduled for 12/27. How are you doing? Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

I live in western Iowa and was banded on 10/12/16. I'm a month into my journey. I am wondering if there are any other Iowa Lap Banders and how you are doing. Any words of wisdom to share. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

I've had one fill of 3 cc. I don't feel any significant restriction yet. My band can hold up to 10 cc. The bariatric nurse and doctor both have told me it can take 3 to 5 fills to reach the green spot where I'm losing weight. My second fill will be on December 27. How are you feeling? Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

I recently discovered Choco Perfection mini Dark European chocolate bars. Each mini bar is sugar free, has 39 calories, 1g net carb, 3g Fiber and is gluten free. I love that I can have something small and portioned controlled during the holidays. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

My husband and I were at a family function and someone took my photo without me knowing and they sent everyone copies of all the photos they took. This is an excellent reminder for me of where I am at in this early stage in my journey. The photo serves as a great motivator. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

Great suggestion. I will print a few copies and strategically place in my home, office, and car as a reminder of what I never want to look like again. Thank you! Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

I love my band. Yes, less invasive. All surgeries have the possibility of complications. In my opinion those rest on the skill of the surgeon and compliance of the patient. I went through 6 months of classes pre-surgery per insurance requirement. I worked closely with the bariatric nurse and dietician to learn about the WLS options. I chose lapband as it is adjustable and we believe I will be successful with it. It is a tool o help me in my journey. I still have to eat less, exercise more--the same as sleeve and bypass. My weightloss may be slower, but the three year average is the same for all the surgeries per my surgeon. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

I made breadless dressing using garbanzo Beans, used sugar substitute in the sweet potatoes, and made numerous other healthier substitutions. Everything was great and our guests had no idea beyond seeing I made two types of dressing and they like both. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

For Thanksgiving I made two different dressings. I made one with cubed wheat and white bread and one breadfree using garbanzo Beans. In both I used onion, apples, red and green peppers, hot Italian and sage sausage, broth and seasonings. Both versions turned out great. Hubby and guests loved the traditional dressing and I enjoyed the low carb flavorful breadless dressing with leftovers for lunch or dinner. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

Happy Thanksgiving to you. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

Please let me know how it goes. I am sending positive energy to you. Yes, I feel like right now it is pure determination that is getting me through too. I feel the band was the best decision for me, and I look forward to when I experience more restriction. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

Thanks for thinking of me. The doctor told me at my first fill on 11/15 that my band holds 10 cc. He put in 3 cc. I go for my second fill on 12/29. I am not feeling too much restriction so I'm consciously tracking calories. The doctor said it may take 3 to 5 fills. How are you?? Had lapband surgery 10/12/16