mattie7632

One of my doctors recommends the Protein smoothies too due the awesome nutritional content. They are not necessarily liquid calories as stated above, but yes, some are meant as a Meal Replacements not a supplement in which case some calories are ok. Thanks for the tip, as summer approaches that will be a great idea for hot weather!

That was an awesome article-- thanks!

Okay, I've only lost 30 pounds since being banded, in 4 months. Exactly WHY is my hair thinning so much? It's not like it's been rapid weight loss, not even close!!! Can someone please explain the science behind this? It makes no sense....eating more nutritious foods, more protein, losing weight slowly....doesn't make sense to me!

True....I have to add Snacks so I actually eat about 5-6 times most days in small amounts totalling about 1200 calories. Before I used to eat 2 much larger meals which was obviously terrible on the metabolism . But hey, I'm no expert. If I was I'd have been skinny a long time ago. LOL

I refuse to "stop eating" and go to just shakes or an unrealistic life-changing diet. If we do that, it's just crash dieting and we are bound to gain it all back when we start eating food again. I prefer a healthly diet in realistic caloric ranges (1200-1500) because I know it is a change I can stick to for life. True, I might not lose 10 pounds in a month, but at least the weight is coming off in a healthy way and I'm more likely to keep it off.

Yes, SILK makes an almond milk which is very good, they have vanilla and dark chocolate flavored which are so good! Also try Coconut Milk which is really good for you too

I agree with both Humming and Fluffy. The band does stop me from eating...when I eat the right foods. But of course, I could grab a bag of chips or something and eat a whole lot, but why would I sabotage my weight loss like that? Maybe go back to basics and start eating mostly Protein as recommended and see if things change

I do not feel deprived at all. I can pretty much eat whatever I want. Some foods I will have to chew more carefully than others and you will figure out your own "be careful" foods. You don't HAVE to eat healthy or how and what is recommended, but you will lose more if you do. Many of us won't lose at all if we continue to eat junk even when portion controlled. Good Luck, it will work out fine!

It's hard when you don't have spousal support. What your wife doesn't understand is that the band will help you to make those lifestyle changes that thus far, you have not. She doesn't believe you will do your part because so far you haven't? Well, NONE of us did our part until now that we have the band, else we wouldn't have needed the band! You will drop weight fast during pre and post op and that alone will motivate you to eat right. Then as you continue to lose it will motivate you more and at some point you will have enough energy and motivation to start exercising. I just started exercising at 4 months out.--not a lot--but I finally have enough energy to commit to a beginner regimen. If you talk to her the right way you can convince her. You know they say it's all about the delivery, not the words!

Thanks! Can't wait to try it, haven't eaten there in awhile!

I also don't understand the clear liquids for 2 weeks. Even pre-op clear liquids was just a week, and when I get a fill it's full liquids for the day only. But hey, clear liquids will make you lose a ton of weight real fast! Just don't be confused and think the fill had anything to do with it as it will be due to eating nothing but Jello and broth! Good Luck! Not sure I could do the clears for that long !

I had the surgery 4 mos ago. I am just starting to notice my hair thinning a bit. Though, I'm not sure why really. I've only lost just under 30 pounds which by all means is not too rapid and I get plenty of Protein, probably a lot more than before the surgery, even. So as to why we lose hair, I have no idea. This is a mystery to me.

I love the Beach Club! What makes it an "unwich"? Is it wrapped in lettuce or something or do you just get the meat?

Mandy you look beautiful! I don't care what anyone says, you ARE a success. Did you even read your list of what you've accomplished? It is more than most people whether they will admit it or not!!!

Once you are eating solids you will find that most times you CANNOT drink while eating or right after, as it will cause you to start belching uncontrollably and possibly even make you have to go upchuck.

This is a funny post, and the moth comment was hilarious.

Oh girl, join the club! PMS is terrible for the diet isn't it? It's hard and I cave during this time, we all do. I try to keep my favorite salad leaf and toppiongs around as well because I love salad and if I"m gonna overdo it, I can at least overdo it on a salad a FEW of those times right Those that say "I just don't keep it in the house" well obviously don't have husbands or kids that need food supply too! In the real world there is crappy food all around us and we have to figure out a realistic way to deal with it both during PMS and not.

Hi Christie! I'm your neighbor on the other side of the river Welcome to lapband talk. Are you past the starving stage yet???

I'm glad you're feeling okay! Wow, I can't believe I forgot about those drains!! And the tummy band..Yikes. It will be worth it in the end! Hang in there, and my husby was also my man servant for awhile. Enjoy it, you deserve it! It's not that often in life we get our men to be barefoot and in the kitchen!

For me it's really not clear cut if I need a fill or not. Maybe that means I'm not quite there yet, maybe I am there. I dont' know. Do any of the rest of you experience this or have you in the beginning? True, I think I do have some "restriction". I eat what I am supposed to but normally I am able to eat more than the doctor said I should be able to. Not always, of course, which is why I really do not know what to say to him next week when he asks me if I need a fill!!!!!

It didn't occur to me that the tubing would actually retain saline as well. Does anyone know if it is a significant amount or perhaps just a mili-cc or something like that?

Perhaps you have a firewall or pop op blocker or something like that preventing you from accessing the site? It could possibly be something like that, or the browser you are using. Some sites don't like other browers so I will have to try Internet Explorer then. Hope this helps you get to the bottom of your problem!!!

Marcy, I just want to mention that I am approaching my monthly, and I am very tight right now. This also happened to me last month but being it was the first time, I didn't put 2 and 2 together. I think it's very possible that hormones affect things......

What your surgeon has told you--whether that's accurate or you have misunderstood--is different from what most of us have been told. That alone, would make me question what he has advised you to do. Personally, I always question. Medical errors are something like the top 3 reasons for deaths in the US each year!

There's always got to be some righteous person to use this forum as an outlet for their rage. I completely knew what you were talking about, and I also didn't think you had unrealistic expectations. We are learning about our bands, and that's exactly what my surgeon said also...."we are learning". To wonder or ask if you might need a fill is normal. Grrrrrrrrr