Maggifer

I was banded in January 2009 and had to have my Gallbladder out in December 2009. I had bad Gallstones but my surgeon thinks it may be due to my previous diet experiences. I did Atkins about 5 years ago and I think it seriously messed up my body. But I'm the only one in my group of 'bandsters' that's had gallbladders issues. And I'm the only one who did Atkins... I wouldn't worry too much, worst case you'll have to have it removed but it's a super simple procedure

I'm so glad you posted this! I'm going through the same thing. I'm not sure what we should do? I'm getting enough Protein and drinking about 100 ounces of Water a day, and limiting carbs. But if I exercise 2 or 3 days a week I keep fluctuating the same 1-2 lbs. This week I worked out one day and I've lost 4 lbs. I have NO clue what's going on with my body?!?!

melmarlem, I am wondering the same thing! I want to do low carb because I've hit a plateau too. Anyone have any good ideas/advice on the carbs?!?!

Awesome, thank you vlp1968! I will go there after work tonight to check them out :confused:

Stephanie, I'm SO glad you posted this! I'm fighting the same 1 to 2 lbs too. If I may ask, what kind of Protein shakes do you drink? I am probably going to buy some this week to see if that helps me. I'm struggling to get to 60 grams of protein some days. -Maggifer

:blushing: I'm going through the same thing! My weight loss has stalled a bit, and I think it's because I'm not eating enough. I'm trying to stick to 1200 calories a day, but I should be eating around 1,500 to 1,800 I think. Maybe we can help each other with food ideas/moral support?!?!

I've been banded for about 5 months and the ONLY time I PB is if I take too big of a bite or eat too fast. You have to listen to your band and I think when we do PB or slime it's telling us to SLOW DOWN! I think I've finally hit my sweet spot, and I couldn't be happier:) And I'm down 45 lbs in 4 1/2 months!

Me three :smile2: I was in the middle of mine and it was not fun, but I just couldn't wear a tampon during the procedure. I wouldn't post pone it !! You'll be fine chica :tt2: The damn 'diapers' they make you wear aren't cool, but I don't see any reason to not have your surgery. Good luck!!!

Hell NO I don't consider an indulgence once in a while cheating. Now, instead of eating a King Size Snickers bar, I have 2 or 3 mini ones if I'm craving chocolate. And I agree, I didn't have my surgery as a 'diet'. I did this to completely help me change my lifestyle. I love my Mom, and she's been SUPER supportive, but whenever she sees me she's always asking "how my diet is going"? I just smile and say, "It's NOT a diet Mom, it's a lifestyle change". You're doing great so far! Hell I know if I was told I could NEVER have chocolate or something sweet again, I'd go bonkers!! :thumbup:

Hi Sadie I'd say go with some an apple or banana, some lean lunch meat, low fat cubed cheese and a few crackers. That always works for me! Granted you may not be able to eat all of it, but it's a good mix of things to keep you full! Good luck, have fun on the field trip :thumbup:

I have 5 cc's in my Realize Band and I'm finally getting good restriction. I'm having a little trouble eating spicy foods. Both time's I've tried them I've PB'd :thumbup: Has anyone else had issues with spicy stuff? I really hope I can learn to tolerate them again, I LOVE spicy foods!

Hey there, I've had my CPAP for 5 years (I got it when I was age 22). Yes, it can be socially 'embarrassing' in the dating world, but it's definitely worth it. I had just started dating my boyfriend and didn't use it on the nights we stayed over together. This went on for about a month and I finally told him, and boy did he REAM me. He told me he had noticed I had some odd sleeping patterns, and some nights he would lay awake making sure I was okay. He made me feel completely at ease and was even upset that I didn't tell him I had sleep apnea. Don't let your pride get the best of you on this one, I think it's imperative that you follow the doctors orders for all of your pre and post op steps. They wouldn't of had you take a sleep study and get you a CPAP if they didn't think it was necessary and it could help. Good luck :crying:

I'm still not at my sweet spot, so if I'm super hungry I get the Wendy's Taco Supremo Salad, minus the tortilla chips and sour cream. I use 1/2 of the Ancho Chipotle Ranch dressing and it's perfect! As far as fast food goes, I'm for Wendy's all the way. I can always make a healthier choice there for myself.

I'm with Restless Monkey 100% on this. I haven't ever thought of my band as another 'diet' for me. And so far it's worked awesome! I'm down 25lbs in 2 months. I eat the 'right' and 'healthy' foods 99 percent of the time, and once in awhile I let myself indulge. BUT my indulgences are FAR less than they used to be. For example, instead of an entire regular size Snickers bar, I have two mini ones instead. It's the same thing just smaller portion Good luck, I'm sure you'll do fabulously!

Crystal- Your post was such an inspiration today! You're 100% right :w00t: I've been banded for 2 months tomorrow and I've lost 23 lbs, and I've been 'beating myself up' for not losing MORE. That's ridiculous! It's not a quick fix and it does take longer. But you're right, at least I haven't gained! Hell I have more energy and I'm actually enjoying exercising now! Thanks for the online 'pep talk'. Ciao! <3- Maggie

Hi! I was banded in Topeka, KS. I'm about 8 hrs away from Chicago (driving) or a quick 1 hour flight! My total cost was $13,500. This includes 3 years of fills and 3 years of post op care. I am a self pay too. The surgery was outpatient and I was home that afternoon! I'm not sure what else I could add, but if you have any questions feel free to PM me:) Good luck!

I have the 100 calorie bags, and I can't always finish them. I think they are correct in the calories? But I'm not sure... But I do love popcorn :biggrin: It's been a great snack when needed!

Hey! Welcome to the site I was banded about 2 months ago and with my pre op and post op I've lost a total of 23 lbs. I'm stalling now for some reason, but I've only had 1 fill and haven't hit my 'sweet spot' yet. Good luck on your journey!

We have the exact same surgeon and facility! I love Dr. Berntsen, she is amazing Next time you are in town for a fill or something maybe we could meet up for lunch or dinner?

Thank you so much Joann! I appreciate your honesty:smile: I had a feeling it would take another fill or two (maybe more) until I have good restriction. I'll just keep on trucking making good food choices and sticking to my exercise.

Hi everyone! I was banded with my Realize Band on January 14, 2009. So far I'm down 23 lbs, and I've had one fill. Currently I have 3 cc's in and I have some restriction, but not as much as I want. I can still eat more than 1 cup of food per meal. I go in for my next fill on March 23rd. I love, love, LOVE the website associated with this band. I log my daily weight and exercise, as well as keep my food journal on there. I will admit it was a huge 'bonus' for me to have the online access, as that is why I chose Realize vs Lap Band. I am curious, did it take everyone awhile to feel restriction with your fills? Or did you start feeling good restriction after your first fill?

Thankfully no meat has proven difficult for me to eat, however an hour or later after eating I get wicked bad gas. Does anyone else have this issue?

Eartha- Are you getting banded at Tallgrass in Topeka? I was banded there on January 14th and had my first fill yesterday. Trust me, the pre op diet is the WORST part of the whole journey. Keep on trucking

Lellow- I'm 6 weeks post op and going in for my first fill tomorrow. This post is JUST the 'kick' I needed to stay focused. I was starting to let my nasty, critical self in, saying I was losing weight too slowly. Hell I've lost 22lbs in 6 weeks, not to bad if I say so myself! Thanks for inspiring me :w00t:

I'm glad I'm not alone either. I have 130 lbs to lose (my personal goal), the doctor said 110. But I would LOVE to be 170 if possible. So far I've been banded 6 weeks and I'm down 22lbs, which feel great I get my first fill on Wednesday, I'm exicted/nervous. I definitely could use some more restriction though. My weight loss has stalled a bit.