bambam31

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

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

Medium rare Ribeye with corn on the cob was dinner tonight! :bolt: Brad

LeighaMason, good job on your exercise progress! It will increase your metabolism and allow you to enjoy more food. What explains the weight gain? Well I'm with BestyB and kcg on this one. It's almost assuredly fluids. From your post I'm assuming this is a significant increase in intensity and calorie intake all at once. It will take some time for your body to adjust to that, and in the meantime the shock of it all causes a lot of people to gain fluids. Rest assured that it isn't a legitimate fat gain so long as you're not eating a bunch of simple carbs, and still have an overall weekly calorie deficit. It would help to limit Fluid gain by slowly increasing intensity and calorie intake, rather than an abrupt and sudden change. This may sound weird, but the most effective way to rid yourself of extra fluid - drink more fluid - preferably pure Water. I find myself holding the least amount of excess fluid when I drink a gallon of water a day in addition to my other beverages. Unfortunately, that yields more trips to the restroom than I have time for so I frequently have to scale water intake back. Muscle gain is an interesting topic. It's really hard to gain period, but especially so for women (due to hormones). Training the muscle you have and making it more efficient is much easier - and often confused with a muscle gain. I know this is hard to do, but I would give your routine a solid 4-6 weeks in order to have a good evaluation period. Then you can make adjustments from there. If you have a good intense workout regimen going then don't worry about gaining a bunch of fat unless you're eating junky or extremely large amounts (which is hard for us to do). Good luck and keep up the hard work! Brad

My hunger really started coming back around day 5 and within a few days after that it was raging! Brad

IMO, since men have more muscle mass than women, I think it's much easier for us to lose - especially when properly exercising. Once you get your metabolism cranking, the calorie expenditure from the muscle mass alone will carry you further. Brad

Various studies have determined that a patient will lose on average between 50% - 60% of their excess body weight. Is this finding consistant with YOUR personal goals?

This may be relevant to your situation. Good Luck! http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f9/what-you-eat-how-much-118172/#post1496197 Brad

Centrum Chewables here, along with chewable Calcium plus D supplement. Brad

Hence the "IMO" qualifier... I stand by my post no less though... Good luck on your journey! Brad

Cookie cutter approaches are pointless IMO. There is no way a 160 pound woman who is sedentary has the same protein (or any other nutrient for that matter) needs as say a woman of the same weight who is leaner and leads an active lifestyle. Everone has to determine their own total daily energy expenditure and nutritional requirements. The principals are the same but the numerics will be different. Brad

Your body needs a complete protein source - one which provides all 8 essential amino acids - in order to avoid a catabolic state (your body will break down its own lean muscle tissue in order to supply itself with the amino acids it needs). Your body has no storage mechanism for protein except its' own muscle. For this reason I strive to eat at least a small amount of a complete protein source every 3-4 hours or less. Some examples of complete Proteins are poultry, eggs, fish, animal meats, and dairy. Brad

The only thing you truly hurt today is your pride, but you do want to keep days like this to a minimum. Once you start getting restriction from fills you'll need to pay particular attention to avoid overeating. Repeatedly pushing the envelope while restricted will cause your pouch to stretch. Good luck, Brad

Once you achieve satisfactory restriction, this is the way to go! Upping the calories and exercise simultaneously is a great way to get your body to give up the fat! Good luck and keep moving! Brad

Congrats! You've done your homework and are ready to "get the show on the road!" Good Luck, Brad

No offense here... Just want to give you as much ammunition as you need to make your case :tt2:... Good Luck! Brad

Exactly, people are quick to blame the band for all sorts of things. She could have been having heart attack symptoms but ignored them just figuring it was the band acting up. She tells two people she hasn't felt well and thinks her band is to blame. She has a massive heart attack in her sleep and WHAM - everyone just knows it was that band that caused her death! But, that does bring up a good point for discussion. The band from time to time does give us all aches and pains. It is important for us to promptly recognize what is normal and what is not. If you get unexplained symptoms that are out of the ordinary, don't come to LBT for three days seeking advice. If it seems abnormal seek immediate medical attention - it could just save your life. Brad