happy2lose

I have Kaiser So. Cal. and I believe they just recently resumed doing the lapband but they really push the gastric bypass. I got so tired of the run-around that I just self-paid and did what I want, where I want. To answer your question, you need your primary doctor to refer you to the bariatric dept. then the bariatric dept. will schedule you for orientation. Once in orientation you register for the Options program. After 6 months of Options classes you will get to meet with the Preventative Medicine doctor.

Just follow the band rules........protein 1st, veggies, 2nd, fruit if you still have room. Otherwise, you can pretty much have anything as long as you only eat 1 cup or less depending on your fill level. Just eat very slowly, take small bites and wait between bites to chew very, very well.

Wow! You have amazing self control Great job!

solid food will keep hunger at bay longer. Start off with tiny bites of chicken, non-fat Greek yogurt, tuna, eggs (if you can tolerate) cottage cheese. You just need to find solid Protein that you can enjoy.

Gosh Shmack, I sure it heals quickly for you and isn't too serious. Feel better, Donna

Yes, there is a signature where you can add our ticker. Go to your profile and click on customize profile and on the left there is an area to edit your signature. This is where you put it.

I hope you are feeling better. I hate stomach bugs and pray I don't ever get another one.

I agree to the OP that you need to find what works for you and am not interested in arguing the merits of either opinion. I just felt it was important to share with you what I have learned and I have been pretty darned successful with the advice I have followed.:biggrin:

EAS has a ready-made Protein drink called Myoplex Lite. It has 20gr of protein and is 170 calories. 2gr fat 20g carbs 5g Fiber 1g sugar Doesn't taste bad either. Available by the case at Sam's Club.

All other diets I have tried suggested 6 small meals per day. This is not a diet as we all know it is a lifestyle change. I believe the lesson being taught by most of these surgeons is to only eat 3 meals per day so that we are not eating between meals and not eating when not hungry. My surgeon has performed over 3,000 bariatric procedures and knows his stuff. I trust him and my nutritionist when they tell me that lapband patients should only eat 3 meals per day.

Sounds like you are doing great! There are many threads on this subject already that may help to answer your question. Donna

I enjoy a prepacked non-fat Greek yogurt with fruit already mixed in. Add just a little granola and it's yummy!

If you pound your chicken and flatten it out before cooking it will cook faster and is easier to avoid over-cooking. Try cutting leftovers into very tiny pieces and making chicken salad with reduced fat mayo. or cook in crockpot until it shreds apart and you can use it in enchiladas, pot pies or just for munching.

Not at all the case, I am eating Oikos zero fat Greek yogurt at this very moment.

As soon as you have good restriction your appetite will decrease significantly. Until then, you must rely on your will power. I suggest you establish a daily exercise routine. Exercise is proven to stave off hunger and will make you more thirsty to aid in getting all your Water in. Be sure you are waiting an hour after eating to resume your water drinking.

You are very welcome Monique. I guess I just like to get to the point without any fluff mixed up in it.........Funny, I come across so bland (without personality). In real life I'm not at all that way. I'm actually pretty nutty!

It's been proven necessary to stay properly hydrated to obtain healthy skin and cleanse and cool our bodies among other things.

This surgery is recommend for people 50 pounds overweight not 100. You will have to change your lifestyle to be successful. Seems like you are doing research to me. Good for you!

Hope my answers help you make a decision. Donna

At 300 calories your body is in starvation mode. Soon you will notice tingling in your extremities. If your body is starving it will not give up the stored fat. You need to consult your nutritionist to find out what and how much you specifically need to eat.

If you read through all the threads you will see that it is completely normal to gain wait during your pureed/soft food stage. The first 2 months are for healing, not weight loss. Some people do lose during this time but most do not. Until you have restriction you most likely will not lose weight and should not worry. Also, if you recently began exercising you are probably gaining muscle at the same time as losing fat and I'm sure you've heard it before....muscle weighs more than fat! You are just a band baby. Give it time and if you follow the rules you will lose weight.

One thing I forgot to say.....my nut. told me 1200 to 1500 calories per day is my target however, I have found that 1000 calories works best for me. Hope this helps!

The plan I was given was only 3 meals per day, no snacking. I follow this most of the time but there are times when I am hungry and I have a snack of low fat string cheese in between meals and lately I've been eating popcorn in the evenings. If I don't lose weight one week, I cut back on my calories a little the next until I find what works. I am not perfect 24/7 but I do stay within my allotted calories most days. Head hunger is something you need to deal with because you cannot continue to feed it or you will remain fat. Unfortunately, there are those people in the health care field that think fat equals stupid and treat us as such instead of taking the time to make sure we understand. You are paying for the service of medical professionals, stay on them until they explain what you should be eating. Perhaps you should make another appointment with your nutritionist and have her sit down with you and give you a diet plan to follow. Until you have good restriction, you have to rely on good old will power to get you through the hunger. Be sure you are drinking at least 64 oz of Water and not drinking with your meals. My doc says try to wait 2 hours after eating to drink your water. Always eat high Protein for your meals. Greek yogurt is a very good source of protein. Try just nibbling at chicken and see if it helps you eat it. My band is so tight now that nibbling is about all I can do but solid protein is going to sustain you much longer then cottage cheese or Protein shakes will. Good luck to you!

If you can't tell the truth why bother telling people anything at all!!! I don't really need anybody's approval or opinion so I just state the fact "I had lapband surgery" like it or lump it....the truth is the truth!

As the others have said, check with your doctor first, but I eat popcorn all the time lately. I just include it in my daily calorie allowance. I cook it in mazola oil and don't add butter. The salt I use is actually a salt substitute. It has not affected my weight loss.