catfish87

Are you eating too much because you're hungry often? Portion sizes increased, possibly indicating the need for an adjusment? Also, congrats on starting to exercise again, as that should help as well. Best wishes and Never, Ever give up!

BAHAAHAHA! I think it directly relates to what one does...or doesn't do throughout the day. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/362798464

20 year rotating shiftworker here too. As others have said, please go back to your surgeon. I was at that point a couple of years ago....just as you describe. Embarrassed to go to my surgeon because I had gained, because I got tired of dieting! My surgeon was fantastic about it. "Welcome back....why be embarrassed...you told me you weren't good at dieting" he said. Now, things (the band) couldn't be better. A little saline can work magic! Never, ever give up! Best wishes.

Interesting article. http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/5-reasons-skip-breakfast-142000450.html 5 Reasons to Skip Breakfast By Details Magazine | Healthy Living – 4 hours ago Once considered the foundation of any healthy diet, the morning meal may now be negotiable. The belief that we won't have our get-up-and-go unless we down our bowl of Cheerios has turned the concept of eating upon rising into a die-hard dietary rule. Original research on whether breakfast made an impact on health did find that healthier people ate breakfast. But as we know, data alone doesn't always tell the whole story. "Lots of people who skip breakfast or practice intermittent fasting are healthy too," says Dr. John Berardi, co-founder of Precision Nutrition. "About 85% of the clients we work with eat breakfast and tend to follow a guideline of eating small, frequent meals throughout the day, but that's largely to help them learn to practice healthier eating habits. If you're a person who regularly makes good nutritional choices, then eating breakfast is more negotiable." The Virility Diet - What to Eat for Better Sex In fact, skipping that first meal may lead to some real benefits-from possibly losing a few pounds to increasing your level of anti-aging growth hormone. And don't worry, your metabolism won't suffer. Eating small meals throughout the day, starting with breakfast, isn't necessary to stimulate metabolism, says Berardi, who co-authored an extensive study review on meal frequency for the International Society of Sports Nutrition. His suggested revision to the dictate: Breakfast is optional. Hard-and-fast rules don't allow for much mindfulness, anyway-and that's an integral part of any nutritional approach. So if you love how breakfast gets you going, feel free to stick with that routine, but if you're not a morning person, there's no harm in forgoing food first thing. Foods That Will Make You Look Younger Here, Berardi's 5 reasons to skip breakfast: 1. It's not required to boost metabolism. The idea that metabolism slows radically in response to not eating certain meals in a single day just isn't accurate. The amount of calories you're taking in and the composition of those calories-Proteins, carbs, and fats-are really what impact metabolism. 2. It may lead to eating less overall. If you skip breakfast you can eat fewer, larger meals beginning later in the day, rather than six smaller meals throughout the day, which may be less satisfying. This can lower your total caloric intake for the day and may lead to weight loss. 3. There's a payoff even if you're only an occasional skipper. Intermittent fasting reduces insulin levels, so you can actually increase your insulin sensitivity for better blood sugar management. At the same time, your body will release more growth hormone, which helps to preserve lean tissue and burn fat tissue. 4. It can help lower your total carb intake for the day. Most of us are over-carbed. We eat too many refined carbs, too little Protein, and too much fat. Skipping breakfast can steer you away from the typical high-carb breakfast foods (toast, oatmeal, Cereal, pancakes) that may trigger an insulin response that kicks you out of fat-burning mode. 5. It can help you tune in to your body. You just might feel better sipping Water with lemon or a green juice instead of forcing down food first thing every day. If you're one of many people who feel nauseous early in the day, you're better off listening to your body's cues. Sure, you're co-workers come into the office, bagels with cream cheese in hand, but at the end of the day (and the beginning), you want to figure out what works best for you.

I went into this four years ago with confidence, absolutely sure IT would work. Notice I say IT would work. I wasnt so sure about myself, as I had failed at dieting several times. .... but this HAD to be different. It was surgery! Initially, I was doing fantastic....I was. But that waned, just the same as every other time I was "in charge". After FINALLY giving the band a chance. ....we, together can't fail now. Never, ever give up! Best wishes.

According to your profile, you've been banded since March of this year...so like 5 months? I'd suggest you are doing the right thing by "experimenting with fills"...getting your band properly adjusted. Then it will help with those weekends where there is an event and you go a little crazy. You seem to have done a very good job at dieting the past few months! Congrats! Just keep following up with your surgeon, discussing your eating habits/hunger/portion sizes, etc. He/she will know what to do. Best wishes for your continued success.

...definitely wasn't envious, as I couldn't be happier with my band.....I was just curious. But you are correct Elcee, it would have certainly turned me away.

Good article Terry....thanks for posting. There's a reason the experts called me MORBIDLY obese...instead of just fat.

Glad You're doing better. And the sleeve is working well for you. I wish you continued success. Your post this morning is such a coincidence!!......I hear so many people debating what surgery to get when I go to some of the seminars my surgical group puts on. ( They really like it when us "alumni" come back as they call me ) They like to show us off I guess....a product of all their hard work! But I really do like going when I can...just to talk with some of the folks who were right where I was 4 years ago, debating should I really do this. After all, they hold the meetings very close to my home, at a convention center with a top notch steakhouse/bar. (wonderful selection of beer/wine and crabcakes after the meeting!!!) But I digress.... My surgical team does bands, sleeves, RNY's and they discuss each at their seminars. Prospective people ask questions about each, as they should from what they've heard/read/seen on TV/heard on the radio/or even what they've read on here. The reason your post caught my eye was last night at work, I had some free time...ok a lot of free time thankfully. I thought I'd take a look over on sleevetalk....just to see how wonderful it was OR wasn't from people who are sleeved. Funny thing.....there were some very successful and happy folks on there....And some who were miserable, not losing, leakage, obstruction, can't eat, etc, etc. And those are the ones I feel sad for....How can they ADJUST their sleeve? Maybe I'll ask that question at the next seminar I attend, or next time I go to the office.

At 2 1/2 weeks post op, any post op swelling has probably diminished. Therefore, you may be in whats known as Bandster Hell...that period of time between surgery and when your band has been properly adjusted to provide that hunger/portion control. It may take one, two or several adjustments to reach that level....known as the "green zone"....when the band does its job. Do not worry....just do your best limiting portions ( just like any other diet ) and stick to the TYPES of food you have been prescribed to "eat".

Think of this for the long term....lifestyle changes! Congrats on the loss.

You're doing GREAT my friend! You seen your pics recently? Amazing difference

Are you serious?!?!? He really said that he's not happy? He needs to reevaluate his expections....and most importantly, his motivation skills....just my opinion. Keep up the great progress!

just seen this..how was it? Looks like it would have been fun! and fast!

Strict?.........mine was one WEEK of CLEAR liquids only...no protein, no salads, no veggies, etc. Basically ZERO calories....and I didn't cheat once. Hang in there. It could be worse.

I'd suggest that depends on your restriction level. It's definately not sliding through my band....now.

My surgeon request his patients NOT eat for several hours prior to a fill...because he wants to SEE what everything looks like. Pouch size, etc. But I'd suggest calling your surgeon to see what he/she requires.

If you're just looking to increase Protein, there are several "shots" at places like GNC, etc. Some are pretty high in grams of protein ( up to at least 45 grams ) to take at once. They are so small, less than 4 ounces, I couldn't imagine anyone not being able to tolerate a couple sips of them.... just hold your nose. http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2830571 New Whey liquid PROTEIN™ is the most convenient, best tasting way to give your body the protein it needs. With 42g of complete protein in just 3.8 oz., NEW WHEY is ideal for post workout muscle recovery or as a healthy dietary supplement. Lactose Free Gluten Free Caffeine Free sugar free Fat Free

I'm not sure of your age, but I see you are about the same "size" I was, according to your profile. I was 39 years old when I had a heart to heart with my PCP. He was very blunt....called me morbidly obese and warned me I was headed down the road to an early death, unless I made a change. I knew dieting wouldn't work for me long term. It HAD to be something that wasn't based on my willpower alone, because I would fail again. So upon advice of my PCP, I attended a seminar for WLS. I seen a couple of people there who were in much worse physical shape than I was at the time, but I knew I would soon be there with them. I read, I listened to YouTube, I watched video's, I read some more, I talked with a friend who had been banded a few years before me, and read some more....then made the decision. It hasn't always been an easy journey for me...but being morbidly obese wasn't easy either. Think about that...."Morbidly Obese". The experts use that term for a reason. This surgery has changed my life....I couldn't imagine going back to where I was 4 years ago. I can do ANYTHING I want now....well, at least within reason

Congratulations to you! You are an inspiration to many, many folks on here...to include myself. I've read your post for a long time...and I continue to read and LISTEN/LEARN to what has obviously worked so well for you. As I've said before, thank you for continuing to post your experience.

I was thinking the same thing.

Every day. ... almost four years post op. Like B-52, i'd be concerned if I didn't.

Keep ridin! I like that sayin. Youre doing half marathons...thats awesome! I'm gonna do a mini-tri soon....not much of a swimmer and just started running, but I'll do it at my pace.

I haven't had heartburn in FOUR YEARS....not once since being banded. And I used to get it quite often pre-op. Maybe I'm just lucky, but spicy food doesn't bother me in the least bit now.

Congratulations! You have done fantastic! As far as your band helping with portions...It can, it will, and it does....for me, now. Best wishes on your continued success