bambam31

Do some searches for "bandster hell" and you'll find all the answers to these questions. Many (most) have experienced it - but know it does get better.

Good luck and stay focused!

Brad

Great loss and congrats on your progress! Restriction is a "your mileage may vary" topic, as so many with the band are.

I'm very tight in the morning, but by evening have to be careful because I could have easily fall off the wagon a lot of days. I wouldn't want my band any tighter because it would be to the point that fluids would be difficult in the morning. I just have to watch my energy balance and eat accordingly - the band sure helps that though!

Good luck and stay focused!

Brad

This is a great time to get a good exercise regimen started, or at least as soon as your surgeon clears you for exercise. That will start to rev up your metabolism so that when you get restriction you're off and running.

Good Luck!

Brad

Pre-band, I was so used to eating until I was stuffed that I didn't know how to recognize when to stop. I now know to stop when I'm "satisfied" not when I'm "full."

Brad

I think we all have things about our body we wish were different. Some things are within our power to change and others are not. I think a reasonable goal is to play the hand your dealt to its maximum and then realize what you've accomplished.

Good luck!

Brad

It is an awesome tool if you're committed to a lifestyle change. A properly adjusted band combined with exercise and eating reasonably will shed your unwanted fat slowly but surely.

Good luck!

Brad

im being banded on the 8th aug starting my preop diet 2mrw :w00t:

Just remind yourself constantly why you are doing this. Stay focused and you will do fine. Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. :rolleyes2:

Brad

Highly unlikely you did any damage but you should return to your surgeon's previously scheduled programming already in progress.... :rolleyes2:

Tell your doc what you are experiencing. A lot of docs will give you a test food to try from the next step to determine how you tolerate it and let you move on.

Brad

Can't help but warn you that the band won't eliminate your cravings for those foods. It isn't like a light switch. All the food demons you have now will follow you into bandland.

You'll have to manage those demons or you'll be eating and cheating in short order. The band is only a tool and it can be manipulated to eat all of the things you mentioned.

Good luck and stay focused on the goal!

Brad

coffee... gotta have it every day!

Beyond that I enjoy ice Water, ice tea, Gatorade Zero, Vitamin Water, crystal light, and occasionally some beer or mixed cocktails.

Brad

"Bandster hell" isn't that bad. I think it has been over exaggerated here. Tough it out. It will be ok. Short term hunger won't kill you.

Yah, bandster hell isn't bad at all when you're no longer experiencing it... :rolleyes2:

Like hummingbird said, this period requires you to "diet" to get through it without gaining. Talk to your doc about how much exercise you can get during this period. It will probably only be walking, but now is a good time to at least get that going because exercise is still a crucial part of long term success.

Good luck and stay focused!

Brad

"Active" is important, but "Exercise" and getting a grip on your energy balance is non-negotiable. There's really no butt kicking to it. You are only responsible to yourself.

Good luck!

Brad

Once the surgery swelling subsides you basically have an empty band in place. Trust me, you'll know it's there when you start getting fills.

Good luck and congrats on getting your journey underway!

Brad

Long Island Iced Tea is my poison of choice!

Brad

As MrsCabes said once you have restriction it will help, however, head hunger has to be managed. The food demons you experienced pre-band will not just go away.

You will have to find a way to manage those demons. Some people can do it on their own, while others need counseling or group sessions (OA) to maintain control.

Good luck!

Brad

Doesn't sound like you have adequate restriction yet. Once you achieve this the amount you can eat at a sitting will be greatly reduced.

Brad

I'm with the last 3 posters... I would have a serious discussion with your doctor about his/her philosophy. Yes, you have to be the one do to the work and the band is just a tool, HOWEVER, it's not even a tool if it isn't providing any restriction.

It can take many fills to achieve satisfactory restriction so waiting makes no sense...

Brad

I have purchased several that I didn't care for alone, however, I mix them in smoothies and workout shakes. When there blended with other stuff they are much more tolerable.

Brad

Congrats on your renewed dedication Diva!

Just know that a solid 1 1.5 pound loss a week is not slow! Just think... that's up to 6 pounds per month... 18 pounds in 90 days. It adds up quick. This would equate to restricting about 5250 calories per week or 750 per day through diet and exercise. That is a great goal to shoot for!

Progress breeds motivation.

Keep up the good work!

Brad

I've tried quite a few different ones. I prefer the BSN products for their taste/mixability. They are fine in Water, although I usually mix with fat free milk.

When making a workout shake I prefer whey Protein isolate rather than the Protein concentrate products.

The supplement industry is a dog eat dog world - you have to do your homework to avoid wasting big dollars!

Brad

So am I the only person who has had a problem with Peanut Butter? I tried some on my third weekend after surgery and was very careful to have only a small amount and made sure it was the stirrable extra creamy kind, and some got stuck. But it did not come back up, it just stayed there and I had pain for a good 24 hours from irritating everything. Since then I have read lots of post-op food "don'ts" and it seems Peanut Butter is on a lot of "don't" lists.

But I guess everyone is different.

Everyone is different, but DO's and DON'Ts change over time. You could try a VERY small amount and see how it effects you. Many people find it best to try new introductions later in the day when your band is more forgiving.

I eat peanut butter more days than not. On toast, melted in oatmeal or Protein shakes, as a dip, or as "The Big Boy" said, right off the spoon! I prefer either a natural product or the Smart Balance brand. You have to watch the labels because a lot of Brand name spreads have added refined sugars and hydrogenated oils.

Brad

I definitely would not set my goals based on what other people think they should be. I've even had people say, "wow, you look like you're sick." They just got used to seeing the plump fat guy. I normally respond, "Thanks, I'm glad to see you too." :cursing:

So many people around us have toxic components. We have to recognize those for what they are and disregard their ignorance.

My doc supervises my progress. Beyond that, the only person who

determines my health/fitness goals is me. So long as I can smile at how I look and feel - everyone else can take a flying leap! :wub:

Brad

I read the article and agree... it is what it is. And like typical media BS, it generates more questions than it answers...

One thing really makes me shake my head is when reports say things like, "bariatric surgery compared to diet and exercise." It's not an alternative!!!!!!! They should publish some reports about combining bariatric surgery with diet and exercise!

Brad

Some people experience a very fine line with restriction. I have had some fills as low as 2/10's of a CC...

Brad

If i had to choose it would certainly be sugar free over fat free.

Brad