juliegeraci

I plateaued for 7 months, my last 20 lbs or so. The only thing that helped me was a good fill (I can 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food) and following the Weight Watchers core program. Its high protein, fruits and vegies. You also get 35 extra points a week for whatever you want. You also get whole wheat pasta and brown rice. I have lost 5 lbs this week and I eat frequently. Julie

Hi Michelle, my girlfriend had the same issue but hers was caused by acid reflux. The only thing that helped her was a slight unfill and I think she took Prilosec for the acid. It took her a good few months to get balanced and to get a fill again. It is repairable but it does take time. Julie

I plateaued for 7 months. The only thing that helped me was a good fill and joining Weight Watchers. I follow the core plan which is high protein, fruits and vegies. The only carbs I get are like oatmeal, whole wheat pasta and brown rice. I also get 35 extra points a week for whatever I want, like wine or breads, real mayo, etc. I have lost 5 lbs this week, finally! Julie

Ask her how many calories a day you need to consume as a bandster and post it back here. Some say 800-1k and some say upwards towards 1500. I think 1k is good. Good luck to you.

I know longer eat unhealthy. Because you eat so little (1/2 cup) with good restriction you have to eat a lot of protein first. I don't think about food at all. I eat to live now. Your relationship with food will definitely change. The key with the band is to get good restriction. That can take several fills however. I know what you mean about your friend. If you don't meet with your doctor regularly for encouragement and fills you will not lose, plain and simple. You have to work with the band. It is quite different than RYN. Julie

If you like Atkins you will love the core program. The only thing you have to count is what isn't on core. You get 35 extra points a week for breads, cereals, alcohol, etc. You eat unlimited amount of high protein, vegies and fruits. There are also some soups on core. You can eat whole wheat pasta and brown rice for free too. I lost 5 lbs this week. Very good program.

Sounds like it might be your port. Mine is on my left side around mid section.

Does anyone follow the core program? I love it. How are you doing on it?

You are brave to get down to 150 at 5'8". Wow, I am impressed. I am 5'8" too and my goal weight is 185-200. My lapband doctor is happy with that. Weight Watchers wants me at around 160 I believe. I am fine with a size 16 though.

3 weeks out is a soft diet I believe. Try and stay with cottage cheese, chili, soups things like that. 1/4 cup to 1 cup is standard without a fill. Goes down to 1/4 to 1/2 cup with good restriction. Good luck with your journey.

What's the BEST thing about being banded? Loss of hunger, restriction What's the WORST thing about being banded? Not being able to eat volumne. I would love to have a big Subway sandwich or a big bowl of Pasta.

My doctor just prescribed me 30 mg phentermine. I have to lose approximately 16-20 lbs left. My weight loss has stalled for 7 months. I think I've lost about 3 lbs this week. I am only taking it for a short period of time.

I joined Weight Watchers last week. I told the WW Leader I had lapband surgery 2 years ago and she was fine with it. They want me to get to 169. My doctor said I am okay where I am now at 220 but I would like to get to 200 with a stretch goal of 185. She said no problem, just have him write a note on a prescription pad. I am following the Core plan which I believe to be closer to a bandsters diet. High protein, fruits and vegies, only brown rice or whole grain pasta. You get 35 extra points a week for bread, wine or whatever. I have lost at least 4-5 lbs this week on Core. I love it. Let me know how you do.

Karey, you have been through so much. Please take care of yourself and let us know how you progress. Glad they replaced your band!

If they can't get you in I would suggest getting on a waiting list or something. Having 2 ccs removed is too much. You should have only gone down .3 or .5. I have been through fill hell so I know how it can be. .3 or .5 makes all the difference. 2 ccs is way too much to take out at once. I would go back up to 6 at the very least then try 6.5 or 6.7. Good luck and keep us posted. Julie from CA.

I ate everything just less of it.

At 4 1/2 weeks post op you most likely will be on solids. Enjoy yourself! Go for it.

With good restriction I eat 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food. There are days I can consume more but not too often. I eat everything I love. I can't eat sushi though because of the rice. I eat sashimi instead. If I want a Subway I order the 6" and eat it all over the course of 60-90 minutes. I enjoy all the foods I did before just less. I do not eat a lot of junk food or eat out fast foods. I do however love a hard taco from Taco Bell. They go down good. If I go out for Chinese I always take left overs home. I can eat cheese enchiladas without a problem because that is considered soft protein. This a.m. I shared a bacon, spinach, cheese and avocado omelett with my husband. I ate about a 1 to 1 1/2" piece along with a little hash browns. It took me a few minutes to finish but I held it down nicely. Lapbanding is a life style change that is for sure. I don't obsess about food anymore like I use to. Good luck in your journey. Julie from CA.

Diva, I am one of those who has a very fickle band. The majority of my weight came off the first year. The second year I probably lose 15-20 lbs. I have had well over 20 fills and unfills to get to my sweet spot. I do know someone that has gotten there in 2 fills however. When I have good restriction I lose 1-2 lbs a week. I am approximately 16-18 lbs from goal. I have lost 70 lbs in 2 years, 100 lbs with preop. Each bandster is different. If you exercise you will lose faster. Don't be shy to get a fill either. It does help when you have good restriction. Good luck with your surgery.

Becky, that is truly unbelievable. I am so happy for you!

You may want to get a second opinion. I was at my surgeon's office a week or so ago and there was a woman there that was banded. She looked close to 400 lbs. No preop diet. My doctor doesn't do them.

I had mine removed almost 7 years ago, 5 years preop. There wasn't a problem at all.

Ariel, what she did to you is completely unfair. 4 appetizers, good grief! I would tell her you can only contribute $20 to her meal.

Congrats to you. I know insurance can be tricky so that is great. Good luck in your journey. Julie from CA.

Hi Jenn, you need to be patient with fills. It can take several to reach optimal level of restriction. Sometimes its as little as .1 ccs. If he took out 1 cc then maybe your sweet spot is .5 or .8 more. Good luck with your fills and weight loss. Julie from CA.