auntlucy

I am saying this with love...just because you can tolerate everything doesn't mean you should eat everything. It's important to your overall success that you make behavior changes. It doesn't mean you won't ever eat a chip again, but you shouldn't make a habit of it as it will hurt your overall weight loss. Try to stick to 3 meals a day. If you are truly hungry and need to eat, eat a 4th meal made up of Protein, veggies, and fruit. At least that way you will be eating things that are feeding your body and not eating empty calories. I'm a little surprised that you are already on solid foods...I think I was on liquids for 6 weeks and then mushy foods for 2 weeks. I was really hungry weeks 2 through 6, but I just had to recognize that it was part of the healing process. You can do it! I know it's frustrating sometimes. I really need a fill right now and have to wait another week and a half.

You'll hit the right point...just have patience. I have only had one fill. I can gulp liquids and am able to eat more than I should be able to. I've only had one fill and have my next on 7/8. It may take you a while to hit the sweet spot. So, just hang in there for now and focus on the behavior changes you need to make. Good luck!

Good luck newkimberly! Sip on water and other liquids throughout the day so you don't get dehydrated. Try to get up and walk around a little bit so you don't get too weak. Focus on letting your body heal during this time period and don't get too focused on the scale. Healing is your top priority over the next few weeks!

I would focus on 1 to 2 pounds per week (use the lower end if you have a harder time losing weight). Recognize that some weeks you may lose more and others you may lose less. Some weeks you may even gain a pound or two. Try not to get too hung up on the scale. Just follow the instructions your doctor/nutritionist gave you by focusing on the new way of eating and other lifestyle changes. If you do that, the weight will come off. As part of your goal setting, you may also want to include some non-scale victories (NSVs). Those are actually more fun to achieve in my opinion! Good luck!

Don't give up! You are not a failure, and neither is your band. Remember that the band is not a magic wand that miraculously transforms you. It requires a lot of hard work. That hard work includes working to get the right level of restriction. Speak openly with your doctor about your concerns. Hang in there and remember why you had the surgery in the first place. You can do this!

leknigh, You are definitely not alone in those feelings. I had many of those same feelings too after I made the decision to have the surgery. I was so ashamed of myself that I had even gotten to this point and that I wasn't able to do it on my own. What I tried to focus on though is that I was taking control back by pursuing the band. My feelings of shame have changed after surgery. Now I'm actually proud of myself for getting the band...it is the tool I needed. There is nothing to be ashamed of in taking whatever steps necessary to help yourself become healthier! Good luck as you move down this wonderful journey!

Hi ercole! I live in McKinney, but I go to Pottsboro all the time because I have family there. You can do this! Commit to it up front and again every day after and you will be fine. It will take complete lifestyle changes. If you are anything like me, you will find that you don't even want most of the stuff that you probably ate in the past. For example, yesterday at work, I had to go to a lunch. They served chicken fried steak, gravy, mashed potatoes, green Beans, salad, rolls, and cake. The chicken fried steak and gravy looked disgusting to me. The thought of putting that into my body repulsed me. So, I went through the line and got salad and green beans. Other than the fact that I really needed some Protein, I was content. It's normal to be afraid and have questions and doubts. The morning of my surgery I was more nervous than I have been about anything. I kept thinking, "what if?!?!?" But, now that I'm 3 1/2 months post-op, I know this was the right decision for me. The real question you need to answer is: do I want a healthier lifestyle enough to make the necessary changes in my life?

Several people have commented. One lady at work feels the need to comment almost every day. While it could get annoying, I think she is trying to encourage me to keep it up. I know she genuinely cares, so I'm ok with it. We had a cookout at work recently, and one really sweet co-worker found the nicest way to let me know that he noticed. I had a very small piece of grilled chicken on my plate along with a very small spoonful of cole slaw and a slice of tomato and onion. He said, "You're being good!" and I replied that I was trying. He said, "Well, it's obviously working."

Fenton, 89 pounds is fantastic! I think it's time for you to treat yourself to some new clothes that fit better. I bet if you also shaved or trimmed your beard and got a hair cut that you would feel really good about looking in the mirror again! Keep up the great work!

Missrach, you are not alone...I was definitely afraid. I actually backed out of it a few years ago when I first looked into it. While I was afraid this time, I was ready to make the changes necessary to succeed. Believe me...once you get past the first 6 weeks, you stop wanting the same things (at least that's been my experience). You can do it! You should be so proud of yourself for taking these steps to a healthier you!

Lisa B, we're glad to yave you join in on the conversation! Good luck as you continue down this amazing journey!

You are cracking me up, you skinny knee hugger!

Congratulations MrsFlipFlops! You are doing great. Keep it up and you'll be in the 2's before you know it!

I used the New Whey Protein Bullets. They come in a variety of fruity flavors. 1 bullet has 42 g protein, 176 calories, 0 fat, and only 2g carbs. I mix 1/2 of the bullet with a glass of crystal light. My favorite is the fruit punch bullet mixed with fruit punch crystal light.

Andrea, I think you should talk to your doctor or nutritionist again. 1500 calories might be too much for you. I'm trying to stay between 900 and 1100 calories and I have no problem getting 60-70 grams of protein in along with veggies and fruit with that calorie limit. Occasionally I go over slightly in order to get more protein in. I definitely think the protein is most important, but you also need to stay within a reasonable calorie intake. All of our bodies are different, so I think you should talk with your doctor. Also, are you exercising?

Don't get us wrong...I think many of us think it could work for you if you are willing to change your habits. I know it's a hard decision. I almost did it 3 years ago (even had a surgery date). About a week before, I backed out because I wasn't ready. This time I was ready! I wish you the best as you continue to contemplate this.

Congratulations on your decision and welcome to the site! I'm completely addicted to it now!

Yes, mine have changed a lot! I crave healthy foods now. When I go out to eat, I get really excited when I see that they have a really great fish that I haven't had for a while. I've never cared much for plain tomato soup, and I pratically lived off of it during the post-op liquid stage. I still crave it. I went to a working lunch the other day, and they had pizza. I turned my nose down at it...didn't even look good to me. I still like spicy foods, and fortunately I can tolerate them just fine. I do have to admit that I still crave chips and salsa but have been a good girl and haven't had any.

Kris, I feel for you. You will be in my prayers as you and your mother make this decision. Many of us were in similar shoes when we were your age. Teenagers (and sometimes even adults) can be very cruel. Please know that there is life after this. The band is a tool that has helped a lot of people achieve their goals, and it's certainly helping me. Good luck!

The bottom line question you need to ask yourself is what is preventing you from losing weight? You really need to get to the root of the problem. If the band as a tool will help you solve that problem, then it's something you should consider.

I don't know if there is a cut off age when someone is emotionally ready. I started looking into it a few years ago at age 34, and I wasn't emotionally ready then. One thing I would suggest is that you get your daughter a good counselor to deal with the emotional aspects of it. My mom and doctor put me on a liquid diet when I was in high school without even really asking me for my input on the idea. While I lost weight, it wasn't permanent weight loss, and I think I ended up with bigger issues as a result. You might even want to get some counseling with your daughter. I do applaud you for being proactive in helping your daughter. I could tell from the tone of your posting that you love her a great deal and would do anything for her. I hope she appreciates you!

This was actually one of my concerns too...I have always been a person who drinks a lot of fluids. To counteract that dehydrated feeling, I try to always have a bottle of water with me. I That way, I can drink it on the way to the restaurant. I try to stop before I get there. Usually it takes 20 to 30 minutes to get seated, order your food, and have it served, so it's not a problem if you stop drinking before you get to the restaurant. Good luck!

I'm not trying to pass judgement, but it sounds to me like you aren't ready for the band if you don't believe you can change your habits. To be successful, you really need to be ready for it; otherwise, it is a waste of money and unneeded stress on your body with the surgery. Everyone who is successful with the band has had to makme drastic life changes. For a couple o fyears, I said that I didn't think I could get it b/c I didn't think I could not drink liquids while I ate and that I couldn't give up carbonation. But, now I've made both changes. It's not always easy, but I'm doing it and am having success! Whether you choose the band or not, you know what you need to do to reach your goals. You can do it! (I hope I didn't sound preachy...that was not my intent.) Good luck with your decision!

I never even tried the baby food...just had no desire. I ate a lot of tomato Soup..you might also try V8 or the V8 splash (doesn't that one have fruit). I mainly worried about getting my Protein in. The pain in your shoulder should get better each day. It took me about 4 to 6 weeks to really be feeling great again, but the good thing is that it gets better a little at a time.

Congratulations Lucymae! That is such a fantastic milestone accomplishment! Do something great for yourself to celebrate! I know it feels so good when you reach your goals. Keep up the great work! Here's ten thumbs up for you! :ohmy::thumbup::thumbup::smile: