juliegeraci

Karen, isn't it wonderful! I hope you make your goal this year. Mine is my last 35 lbs.

Make sure you follow the doctor's diet to a tee. The first 6 weeks are crucial to heal. Don't go on solids too soon. Eat creamy soups if you get really hungry. Julie

Andrea, the rules are lean protein first, vegies the carbs. I would say you could barely get all 3 categories down, especially when you get restriction. Good luck.

I quit smoking a week ago so I'm happy about that one. My goal is to lose 35 more lbs this year. That would put me at goal.

amillerjones, I struggle with alcohol too. Right now I am trying to not drink during the week. I haven't had a drink in a few days now which is really good for me. Try and just limit yourself.

Hi Jeremy, first the operation isn't as serious as the sleeve and bipass. While you do tend to lose a little slower the results in a 3 year study are the same. My doctor told me its roughly 62% of your overall body fat. I am at 65% 18 months out with another 35 to lose. When you initially get your band you may not be hungry. After a couple weeks the hunger may return in full gear. As your healing progresses it will be time to get a fill. The fills really do help the hunger. It took me 5 fills to reach optimal level of restriction. yes, it can take some time to get there. I eat anywhere from 1/2 cup to 1 cup of food. I can eat everything, even bread. My relationship with food has changed completely. I no longer eat fast food because when you eat so much less you really need to get in the most nutrition. I also don't binge eat anymore. I am really glad I was banded. The other surgeries sound so much more invasive. That was why I didn't go that route. Best of luck to you on your journey. Don't look back, just forward. Julie

My port site was the sorest, probably a 5 or 6. No other complaints.

Out of curiosity, where do you live?

you may want to post this under cosmetic surgery.

Way to go. Great NSV!

Just make sure you get doctor's clearance first. No, it will not slip your band.

yes, you need a barium swollow to make sure everything is okay.

GNC has a protein shake in soy and milk based which is really good. I take the chocolate most of the time. I believe a big canister is around $40. I think it is around 60-80 servings.

I eat everything just less of it. If you are tight you may have some acid reflux and you may want to avoid spicy foods. Depends on your body though.

I agree with her. When you have good restriction you may only be able to enjoy 2-3 pieces. Because sashimi is so tender I can eat an entire sashimi meal with some rice. Very high in protein.

Probably a week or 2 more.

Nauseau can be very common following surgery. You may want to ask your doctor for an anti nauseau medication.

Drinking with meals, avoiding alcohol and fast foods.

Longhorn, the RN that runs the Bariatrics program at the hospital told me that they use to have you stop before you eat. Now she said you can drink up until your meal. I do without a problem. Julie

leemoe, I went to Dr. McKeen as well. Glad to see you are doing well! Julie

Hi Karen, if you can eat a cup of food and still lose you are considered lucky. For me, it is more like 1/2 cup of food. Typically I can eat 2-3oz at a time without a problem. Do you measure your protein? Is it more than 4 oz at a time. How is your weight loss and hunger? Julie

Karey, it sure feels better eating solid foods. I am calling him on Wednesday to see if I can get .2 or .3 put back in. Thanks.

Hi Lachica, I lost 40 lbs preop so I am considered a slow loser at 65 lbs in 18 months. I am however proud of myself. My main motivator right now is that I am still categorized as obese. At 185 I would be considered overweight. 165 would be average. My doctor said most patients lose 62% on average so I am slightly above average now. My band has been giving me problems for months. Fills, unfills., etc. I am hoping I can take the 35 lbs off with weight watchers which I started today. Yes, I look really good in a size 18 at 5'9". I really wish I wasn't considered obese still! Julie

Hi My Life Back, I made a decision that I need a slight fill for the hunger. If I can get the hunger to subside I will definitely stop taking it. Thanks!

I love my magic bullet. You blend your protein shake in the same cup you drink it out of. It is really good for everything.