juliegeraci

I use GNC's protein powder. They have it in soy or whey. With 1 cup skim milk it is either 25 or 30 grams of protein depending on which one you drink.

Some days I think I get in 40-50 grams. That being said, it is pretty easy to do if you start your day with a protein shake. With 1 cup skim milk mine is around 30 grams. I eat protein at lunch and dinner too so I don't have a problem.

Chris, what are you in Baghdad for?

I seem to do the best on no more than 1200. I do lose better if I do 1k. I believe a lapband diet is around 800-1k a day.

Dave, I know how that is. I am one size from my goal too. Congrats on the NSV.

That is wonderful! Keep up the good work.

What you need is a serious fill. I would call your surgeon first thing in the a.m. and go get one. With that being said, you need to recommit yourself today and get moving. You can do it. Count your calories and only eat 800-1k a day. No more junk! Do it now!

I ate whatever I wanted up until midnight the night before.

I spoke to my doctor at length about it. The stats for bipass vs. band are exactly the same 3 years post op. Bandsters lose 60% and bipass losses 90%, however at 3 year post op both surgeries equal 60% of weight loss due to the relapse and stretched pouches the bipass patients typically get. With the band you just have to be patient because the weight loss is much slower. Good luck with your decision. I am very pleased that I chose the band.

What would locked do?

What are your thoughts on McCain vs. the other nominees?

I had the real hair glued it. My only complaint was how expensive they were to uphold. Other than that it gave me a ton of hair.

I'm not sure if it was a requirement of UHC or not but I had to do the psych eval, nutritionist and bloodwork. I think they have a predispostion BMI rating for surgery. You may want to find that out.

I'm not sure if it was a requirement of UHC or

What you are experiencing is very common. The band can be very fickle. Sometimes it only takes .1 ccs to make a difference. If you feel like you are eating too much I would go back in for a slight tweak. Most bandsters eat between 1/2 cup and 1 cup of food, 1 cup being too much at times. Good luck trying to find your sweet spot. It took me forever and I still struggle with it 19 months out. Julie

I would go with experience. Also, please make sure you have a follow up doctor for your aftercare. Some doctors will not take Mexico patients.

Hi Heather, it sounds like you are eating correctly. Just make sure you get a ton of protein to keep you fullest the longest. Your hunger will go away once you start to get fills. Good luck.

Lower your carb intake and up your protein. Also, try and limit your alcohol consumption.

Take it really slow and take small bites. Definitely don't chug your water either. Good luck.

Acid reflux is very common to bandsters. Typically the only way to combat it at nighttime like you are describing is medication first then a slight unfill. My friend just went through the same thing and it took her 2 or 3 fills and slight unfills to find the spot where she didn't have it at all. Like you the symptoms were the same. Good luck.

Congrats on your weight loss to date. Glad you are feeling better.

Hi there. Typically the band is not filled during surgery. Most surgeons make you wait about 6 weeks before they start giving you fills. Initially after surgery you may not be hungry. The hunger however may return. Fills do help with the hunger. Typically it takes 3-5 fills to get to your sweet spot. Good luck.

I take the Chantix for 3 months. I am starting my 2nd month right now. I smoked 1/2 to 1 pack a day before. It does work but you have to keep taking it.

You look fantastic. Out of curiousity do either of you have to have plastic surgery?

Hope it all works out for you. Good luck.