bambam31

If you don't have adequate restriction then perhaps a fill is in order. BUT... We can't be afraid to eat! Eating too little food is just as bad - arguably worse - than eating too much. Food is fuel period. I agree that most doc's reasoning for no snacks is because they fear the slippery slope theory. We got here because we weren't in control, so allowing snacks to an out of control eater is probably not the best approach. But once you commit to a lifestyle change I would strongly urge you to have a discussion with your doc and/or nut about healthy snacks. I eat best when I eat small amounts every few hours rather than scheduled meals. There is no good reason for a bandster with restriction to have legitimate hunger. Brad

But I do admire his unfiltered offerings! Brad

Duck!!!! :wub: Brad

Rachel, You're doing the right things and asking the right questions. You're knowledge and information base is already deeper than mine was at your stage. You are setting yourself up for success! Good luck and stay focused. Brad

Thanks for sharing. I'm sorry your experience has been awful. I don't think I could decide to go with another band either after all you've been through. I would probably go the VGS route too. Good luck and whatever you decide - don't give up! Brad

Congrats and keep up the hard work! :wub: Brad

Put me in the "disagree" camp... I don't believe the band is an eating disorder... Brad

Congrats Whillow! Keep up the good work. Brad

Congrats on your decision and share your journey! Brad

For every pound lost on the scale, a portion of that will come from Fluid, fat, and lean muscle tissue. You physiologically can't lose solid fat - you just want to keep the ratio pointed the heaviest toward fat. The 13 pound loss was most likely tilted heaviest toward fluid and emptying of the digestive tract, as most all weight loss journey's produce at the outset. Exercise is great because it rev's up your metabolism and keeps the muscle you have toned and more efficient. Exercise is a must for long term success, but only proceed as fast as your surgeon recommends. That much exercise a week post op seems aggressive, unless it's just walking casually. It's best to give any workout routine 4-6 weeks before scouring the results too quickly. That will help weed out fluctuations and periods of adjustment. So long as you have an overall calorie deficit, any gains will likely be fluids so don't fret about them. It's less likely they are from fat - and even more unlikely they are from muscle gains, which almost always command a calorie surplus - regardless of exercise. Good luck and stay focused! Brad

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

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

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