Manda87

A fill or lack of a fill does not determine what you stick in your mouth. Your band has nothing to do with what you stick in your mouth. YOU determine what you stick in your mouth, not the band. When your stomach is growling, that means it's empty - not that you're hungry.

I wonder if people know the difference between vomiting and a productive burp. I've had my band since April, and I have never vomited. I had a really bad productive burp (orange juice came squirting out of my nose at a very high speed) but it was NOT a vomit. I've had food get stuck several times, and it came back up. However, it wasn't vomiting...

I was 22 when I was banded. I graduated high school at 244 pounds. I wish I had done it then instead of gaining 83 pounds in 4 years!

My doctor fee was $1,000 and I had to do the Optifast diet for 2 weeks and I had to pay $250 for that.

800-900 a day is NOT reasonable. That is NOT enough calories. Some people go on 1200 calorie diets, and those are for those who are sedentary. I eat 2000-2300 calories a day and I burn between 3000-3300 calories a day, and I lose weight. I lose around 2 pounds a week, which is perfect! You're not getting enough to eat and that is why you're not losing weight. As for sugar free pudding, there is nothing nutritional about it, unless you add Protein powder in it. Why not an apple, orange, carrots, etc as a snack?

Lately, I've been seeing this on infomercials. The concept is a great idea for those with the Lap Band. Here's a link to QVC: Xpress Redi-Set-Go Cooker w/4 Removable CookingPans - QVC.com I was looking at the reviews and most of them say it sucks. There was one great review from someone who had the Lap Band. QVC's price is way cheaper than the infomercials. I just wonder if this is ok to try. I need to start making healthier meals, and this seems PERFECT. But is it really? Thoughts? Suggestions? Advice? Also, if anyone has the George Foreman Grill, please comment on that also! I think I'm leaning towards the George Foreman, but I would like to know your experiences! :thumbup:

It's not the exercise. It's the fact that you only eat twice a day. 3 meals and 3 Snacks. If you don't eat, you won't lose weight. Simple as that. Make sure you eat whole foods. I eat around 2000-2300 calories a day and I burn 3000-3300 calories. So I have a 1000 calorie deficit. I AM losing weight. I average about 2-3 pounds a week. I also exercise 3-4 times a week usually around 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes each time.

I still chew gum. I'm an adult, and I can handle chewing gum. Sometimes, other people "forget" they have gum in their mouths and swallow it. So, if you're one of those people, I would suggest avoiding it forever now. :thumbup:

It's not in her signature. It's above it. I have no idea what it is though. :thumbup:

The whole purpose of not TTC within the first 18 months after the surgery is because this is the time to lose weight! Generally, when you get pregnant you gain weight. I knew a lady that had PCOS, and was told she couldn't have children. She got the lap band and lost weight. She became pregnant unexpectedly.

The first month is about healing - not about losing weight. You're doing fine. This is a process. :thumbup:

I felt like crap even 2 weeks after my surgery. The crappiness will go away. :thumbup:

No matter what you say, you're still not starving. I went through it too. I went for 2 weeks on Optifast with only 800 calories a day. I knew I wasn't starving though. :thumbup:

After nearly losing 60 pounds, I thought I should start dating again. I just started talking to this one guy. He knows I'm trying to lose weight and he knows I've lost 60 pounds. But he really doesn't know how. Luckily are first "date" was getting coffee. I'm sure we'll go on a dinner date soon. And, of course, there is always that possibility of getting stuck. Anyway, I would like to know when and how I should tell him. I mean it's really not that serious, but should he know? Advice would be very appreciated.

You're not starving. There are kids in Africia starving, but you're not. :biggrin:

Depending which sandwich you get, it can have the same amount of calories in it as a Big Mac. Just because you add a couple of veggies on it doesn't make it healthy. Like someone else said, make sure you realize it is what it is...

The amount of liquid in your band doesn't determine how much weight you will lose. There is a woman in my support group that hasn't had a fill since her sugery and is losing weight just fine. You need to be able to eat. If you don't eat, you won't lose weight.

I thought I was going to get denied because of my age. I'm 22, and I thought they would think that I should at least "try" to lose weight. (I had recorded weight loss attempts since I wa 12). My BMI was like 52 and I did have some hypertension, but I wasn't on medicine for it. However, I was approved with no issues. I think you will do fine. Just give you insurance a call. If your surgeon's office is as wonderful as mine, (I have a wonderful insurance lady that does all the dirty stuff for the insurance) they will help you with your insurance battles.

For some odd reason, I felt like my second fill did nothing. By the third fill, I did better. It will get better though. You just have to make good food choices.

I know what you mean. In July I went through a "I can eat whatever I want" phase. Ha. I only lost 4 pounds that month. Have you heard of the Bodybugg? BODYBUGG :: THE SCIENCE BEHIND BODYBUGG I have one, and I love it! I know it's a bit pricey, but it is worth it in the long run. It has helped me so much. I suggest you look into it. Within these past 2 weeks, I lost 7 pounds. Seriously... look into it!

40g of protein is actually a lot of protein. That's more for body builders. I would only use half of a scoop.

What kind of foods are you eating? That's so important. If you're eating 1/3 cups of chips, pudding, ice cream, etc. then you won't lose weight. Also, are you exercising?

You really have to establish a difference between real hunger and head hunger. I think many bandsters struggle with that.

I didn't really have bandster hell. I wasn't like "OMG IF I DON'T EAT I'M GONNA GO CRAZY!" Even three weeks out from my surgery, I would have a Protein shake and I would be soooooo full. I only lost a pound during the first month after surgery, but it's more important to heal than to lose weight during that time. It will get better for you though. Now when I eat, I feel satisfied and then I go about my business. My relationship with food has totally changed.

Right now, only 6 months out, I have dropped one pant size (26 to 24) and a couple of shirt sizes (4x to 2x). However, with scrub pants I can wear a 2x. I guess it really just depends on where you carry your weight.