catfish87

I agree, it's pretty much up to you....just experiment over time and find your comfort level, and a level of restriction that helps you achieve your goals. If I paid attention to every post that said you can't do this or you must do that.... I'd be scared to death!! I had some oysters just Sunday... with a crab cake and a few bites of Cajun rice... when I stopped for lunch during my bike ride. Yummy!

After discussing eating habits with NUT and then surgeon, if an adjustment is needed, they now have me stand on the Fluro Tilt table, locate the center of the port, then insert the needle while standing.... They've say they have found at my surgeons office, this causes LESS discomfort for some patients. I've never had any numbing medicine...hardly even feel the stick. Years ago, they used to have me lie down while inserting the needle. Didn't hurt at all for me that way either. They then remove the Fluid, check for any discoloration, amount, etc. Then have me drink a little bit of barium contrast.....through a straw....and adjust as needed while watching my restriction level.

See what a difference a day can make! Glad you're feeling a bit better already. Don't worry about the 22nd.... just today.

For me, I usually notice the greatest amount of restriction about two weeks after an adjustment. I think it's because I baby it early on... then just go back to eating normal. .. the new normal.

GREAT job! Congrats on your success!

Yes...that sounds good as well! I enjoy a protein smoothie or shake quite often myself. You will find such a wide assortment of powders, drinks, etc. I was just saying FOR ME, the 42 grams that come in a tube of the New Whey Liquid the OP mentioned is too much AT ONCE.

LOL....they aren't what I'd want to drink to celebrate with, but they are a good choice for protein. Just my experience, the 42 gram ones will give me a belly ache If I take it all at once. I usually will only do half at a time....hold your nose and down it goes. just try not to taste it.

And every pound lost, is twice as good as a pound gained. Congrats! You're off to a great start!

Sorry to hear of your issue. I have flown several times with a pretty tightly restricted band....without the symptom you describe. Did you have any issues prior to your flight? Possibly eat something that has caused some irritation? I hope youre feeling better soon!

I so hear ya! Couldn't believe some of the BS I was seeing on here the last couple of days. Someone sayin' "don't listen to your nurse" You're not allowed to eat THAT! ...do as I say. Wow..... Really?? I guess she's a expert now...a couple months post op. And then a new "old timer" expert that has came out of the woodwork the last month or so spouting......"you must", "you shall", "you can't", "I know because I have 8 years experience watching, listening, studying, etc." Give me a break....

Sorry to hear of your discomfort, but it will get much better soon! I'd suggest to try and walk around as much as you can tolerate, and sip your Water or other liquids ok'd by your surgeon. Some folks find anti-gas strips/liquid helps with the discomfort. It's not uncommon to hear the "buyers remorse" you are describing, but soon you'll be on your way to a new life! Take it one day at a time. Best wishes!

Everyone can provide their own opinion, based on their experience, but I don't see you mention any symptoms that indicate you are "too tight". You don't mention anything about food or liquids not going down....just that you are scared to eat...and discomfort with liquids sometimes. Is it maybe a Protein shake/smoothie? I get discomfort sometimes if I try and drink a thick shake/smoothie...especially early in the day. Hear it all the time on here from successful people. "No heartburn, nausea, or vomiting." Those would/could indicate a problem...yet you don't have any of those symptoms. PB'ing occasionally, especially while learning a new restriction level....changed how I ate. Thank goodness it did! I needed it too... Belching....happens quite often for me. I don't think thats a sign you're too tight? A little discomfort when I ate too fast, OR even drank too fast, was/is a reminder to me to slow down! If I wouldn't have changed my eating habits.....I WOULDN'T HAVE CHANGED. But no matter what, certainly not dumb to ask those questions.... And If youre not quite ready for that restriction level...what could possibly be wrong with getting a bit removed? After all, ITS ADJUSTABLE for a reason. I wish you much success in your journey.

My PCP suggested it...and then I read up on it, discussed it with my surgeon, and talked to a couple folks who actually had it. Last night, I went to a support group meeting I attend sometimes. I left there happy with my decision....once again. Here's why I am so happy in my decision. There were folks there last night who had the bypass, sleeve and lapband. And as they go around the room at the beginning of the meeting (introductions/etc) I hear the following.... From the bypass person "I've lost about 130 #'s....BUT, I'm stuck...haven't lost anymore in months....and don't know what to do." From one of the sleever's...who has lost about 160 #'s (she started at 409#) "I'm not losing anymore now, but thats ok...just look where I started". Then there were some bandsters there. One, who previously was at a stall...BUT is following up with her doctor, BECAUSE there are options to improve with adjustments, etc. And she's back on the losing track! Yea her! One had a temporary port issue, but has done FANTASTIC so far, and will continue to....she's got the motivation and determination. And me....when I wasn't losing much a couple of years ago, because I was eating too much, getting discouraged, etc....and I went back to my surgeon...he say's "why would you be discouraged. You told me you weren't good at dieting. Lets adjust your band." I think about that particular visit often.....I wish everybody could have a surgeon like that. AND, an option to adjust....if things aren't working to desired results.

We'll get that run in soon! Now you just rest and heal up.

Bingo! If it didn't change your eating habits, what good would it be................ Happy for you! Congrats.

I don't drink soda, but have no problems drinking beer....I just drink them slowly. AND I waited until one year post op. There is a "lapband pioneer" surgeon who says as much diet soda as you want. You can find that info on Dr. Simpsons website. The actual quote is from Dr. O'brien.... From his 7 Golden Rules.

Never, Ever Give Up!

Eating more net calories has NEVER caused me to lose more... just the opposite. Ensure adequate Protein and plenty of Water,then minimize net calories and I burn FAT.... just my experience/opinion. Im not a believer of the "starvation mode", unless one gets to a body fat percentage of around 5 or so, providied you consume adequate protein....I won't have to worry about that for a long time.

I've flown several times.... never noticed any difference.

I've had a Ninja for about 6 months. ... since my magic bullet bit the dust. I love it! I don't have the same model as you, but it makes snow out of ice. Enjoy!

Donna, Sorry to hear of your struggle with the inner ear issue...hoping it passes soon. Do you by chance like Lentils? Reason I ask, is you mention the only thing that sounds good is Soup. And youre struggling with enough Protein. I make this quite often....its hearty, super easy, and lots of protein. Keep in mind, its NOT necessarily low cal/low fat....but it is high protein, and I never have any problem eating it. Take a package of country ham pieces, the very little pieces, (provided you like it and not too much salt for your likings or any dietary restrictions), put it a pot with a diced up onion. Cook til the onions are pretty done, about 10 minutes. Put in a bag of lentils and about 10 cups of Water. Add any other of your favorite seasonings. Cover it and bring to just a slight boil. About 30 minutes later, YUMMY! And you know exactly whats in it. Last me a few days....unless I take the pot to work. Then it last about 30 minutes! You could also use smoked jowl cut into small pieces as well. Goes wonderful on a cool fall day, watching some Big Blue basketball!

I posted this reply in another topic... One of the most important words in this journey for me was and still is Patience. It's not always going to be that you eat correctly, correct amounts, get some exercise, then jump on the scale and see 10 lbs per week/month disappear. It just didn't work that way for me. Its been 4 years this month for me.....and I STILL get frustrated when I don't see that scale move as fast as I want it to. But...it's going the right direction. I was thinking just yesterday, as I was going to a run event....where would I be if I hadn't stuck with it....if I'd given up and said it won't work? Probably 350 lbs....or more! And it literally brought a tear to my eye, almost four years after surgery. I've never felt healthier in my life! SO many people have been where you are right now...and have become VERY successful. You'll read on here from people who have lost tremendous amounts of weight....but most of those have probably had a time when we thought the same things you are saying right now. But one thing is for sure....if you have the desire and determination...you will be successful too! Just never, ever give up!

One of the most important words in this journey for me was and still is Patience. It's not always going to be that you eat correctly, correct amounts, get some exercise, then jump on the scale and see 10 lbs per week/month disappear. It just didn't work that way for me. Its been 4 years this month for me.....and I STILL get frustrated when I don't see that scale move as fast as I want it to. But...it's going the right direction. I was thinking just yesterday, as I was going to a run event....where would I be if I hadn't stuck with it....if I'd given up and said it won't work? Probably 350 lbs....or more! And it literally brought a tear to my eye, almost four years after surgery. I've never felt healthier in my life! SO many people have been where you are right now...and have become VERY successful. You'll read on here from people who have lost tremendous amounts of weight....but most of those have probably had a time when we thought the same things you are saying right now. But one thing is for sure....if you have the desire and determination...you will be successful too! Just never, ever give up!