vlp1968

I like to get steamed shrimp with veggies. I haven't had a problem with that. Although, I know not all restaraunts have that option. I agree to be wary of the sauce, can be very high in sugar. Also, if it's not steamed, it is typically cooked in a fair amount of oil.

I really enjoyed the show- hope it catches on and some real changes are made. The usda guidlines are just ridiculous. No wonder we have a nation full of obese children. I am a former teacher and was always horrified at the lunches. I wasn't banded yet and have to admit to eating them once in a while. I agree that it means the cooks have to actually cook. Also maybe some more money needs to be put towards providing healthy lunches for children.

I don't use a scale- I like to go by packaging/food lables. For example for chicked breast I get perdue perfect portion. I know exactly what I'm getting. Plus they are marinated so it goes down easier. For dry foods such as whole grain cereal I use a measuring cup ditto for cooked veggies. Hope this helps!

Good question. I don't know exactly what suger alcohols are (I know they act as a sweetner). However, on atkins I learned it doesn't raise your blood suger level like regular sugar does. Low carb is all about keeping your blood sugar nice and steady. I eat sugar free jello- only 10 calories.

Your list of trouble foods sounds very normal. They are foods lots of bandsters on this forum have mentioned. You may want to try turkey chili- always goes down well for me. I eat a lot of fish as well. Of course soft things like yougurt and cottage cheese go down well. I eat marinated chicken breast (perdue perfect portions). The marinade keeps the chicken moist. Hope this helps!

kells0802- I am glad your husband has stopped bringing sweets in the house. It's interesting that he began doing it more than ever after your surgery. I am not saying it's true for your marriage, but sometimes spouses sabatoge because of their own insecurity. They fear the spouse will leave them once they loose the weight. Just food for thought. Again, not saying it is true of your husband.

I have set a goal of 120 (weighed in at 217 morning of surgery). This is based on a weight I was in college (after a strict excersise and diet program). I am now lifting weights so I may end up a bit highet than 120. I am just waiting to see how I look and feel. I think I'll know when it's right, and I can then focus on maintaining.

Hey slimboy I too am sorry about how difficult everything has been for you. I too have mental health issues. I take meds for that and other things such as hp and diebetes. I take tablets with no problem. It is so important you get your meds, I would speak to someone about that right away. I was only on liquids for a week, then mushies for a week and then I could go to solids. I guess every doc. is different. I get lots of support through my surgery team. Whenever I see my doc. I also meet with a nutrionist and psychologist. Maybe you need to find another practice? I also am interested in an update. Look forward to reading your next post. Hang in there!

I had restriction after my first fill, but it only lasted a few days (I was warned about this). The restriction was probably due to swelling. My third fill was the charm. Best of luck on your journey!

Wow! That sure is very fast weight loss. I don't think it's normal (that is it's not typical results). I would talk to your doctor about this. Alot of what you lost may have been fluid retention. Best of luck on your journey!

I was hungry about 4 days after surgery. This hunger lasted until my third fill, which took about 2 months. No your feeling of fullness will not be the same. I get a slight pain in my chest when I've eaten enough. Usually burping takes the pain away. Then I just feel not hungry. I have found if I eat beyond the slight pain in my chest, the pain gets worse and I vomit. Still working on eating small bites and chewing chewing chewing.

I agree with the "tricking your body" idea. I have read it really works. I also agree you need to up your excersise. That's great your walking! I would increase a notch or 2 so you really break a sweat. Maybe integrate periods of jogging during the walk? Or at least walk really fast intermittanly. Best of luck! Hang in there! That last bit of weight will come off!

My nutritionist is fine with 2-3 snacks a day. I usually have the 2 dairy she says to get for snacks. Cottage cheese, low fat yougurt, low fat cheese sticks. I think elfiepoo is right on the money. Snacks that follow the guidelines (or call them mini meals) help keep your metabolism going all day. Whenever you eat your body needs to expend energy to digest it.

I weigh myself once a week. I'ts tempting some mornings but I have found I like the surprise each week. I would go crazy with flucuations if I weighed myself every day. However once I loose all my weight (42 pounds to get to goal) I plan on weighing myself everyday. If I see more then a 2-3 pound gain I know I need to reverse gears. Maybe go on liquids for 2-3 days.

I started loving my band once I got restriction. Before that I felt like it may never work. I have had 4 fills, the 3rd was the one that gave me good restriction. I have lost 58 pounds since Nov. 16th and am just thrilled. Best of luck!

Sorry you are feeling down. Keep in mind everybody has their ups and downs. I agree with starszie, excersise is great for the mind as well as the body. As far as eating what you want, everybody is different. I have other addiction issues (besides food) so for me I plan to stay away from high fat, high sugar foods completely. I do understand though, that some people can eat those things in moderation. I am not good at moderation. I think everybody needs to come up with an individualized plan that they can adhere to over the long haul. Best of luck!

Sorry you are having a hard time. It is tough when you don't have restriction. I would focus on eating the right things even if portions are larger than they will be once you have restriction. Be prepared that it may take a few fills for you to get to restriction. It took me 3.

You are doing great! They are right when they say to up the excersise. There are too many benefits not to do it. Best Wishes

I am also 4'11" (don't meet many people that short so I enjoyed your post). My goal is also 120. It's my weight Sophmore year in college, after a huge diet and excersise routine. I started at 217 and have lost 58 pounds so far. Over half way there! I was banded Nov. 16 2009.

It sure is tough when the damn scale doesn't move! Try not to just focus on the number. How are your clothes fitting? Can you now go up a flight of stairs easier? Take your measurements and you may see a reduction. After all, it's really not about getting lighter, it's about getting smaller. Best of luck to all!

I would go for the free gym on the base. Because well, it's free lol. Don't worry about other people, they are busy with there own thing, not worrying about you. Just think, you are working on your shape and will be going there looking better and better each time. The benefits of excersise are just too numberous to miss out on. Sooo, whatever you decide just decide to do something. You can start off slow and work your way up. Best wishes, you can do it!

Doesn't sound like you have restriction, if you can eat enough to have put the weight back on. I do think starting over is in order. My first thing would be to go back to the doc. I understand your embarresment but try to put that aside. I'm sure you won't be the first patient he/she has seen who put weight back on. The doc. can tell you how to get back on track. Good luck!

Yes! Stop when you are full! If you eat beyond that point you may get sick. You may find you need to eat a small amount every couple hours, I think that's fine.

I agree, could be swelling for sure. I have the same problem after a fill, but in a day or 2 it passes. I have found staying on a liquid diet 2-3 days helps a lot. Make sure you keep hydrated, if you can't keep water down I would call the doc. for sure. Hang in there!

I think some of it could be fluid retention. I didn't loose much the first couple weeks, then bam 8 pounds. I am not sure, but someone suggested they put saline in the iv???? Keep doing what your doing and you will see that scale move!