goosapotomus

So, I'm at that dreaded point in my journey that some refer to as "Bandster Hell." I've lost 31lbs to date and just got my first fill on Tuesday 5/24. I had started really feeling hungry in between meals for the first time the previous Friday. It's discouraging and at the same time, I knew to expect it. It's something I haven't experienced in my first 6 weeks of the band. Hunger, what's that?!? lol. Anyhow, I was hoping to get some perspective from some current bandsters. What's a good snack to stay full in between meals? I don't have any Protein Powder because, frankly I didn't need it in the past month! Any suggestions are welcome!!!!!

I am on a diet that consists of

A Protein Shake for Breakfast and lunch in 8oz milk

2 servings of fruit

Lean Cuisine or Smart Ones for dinner

Unlimited sugar/sodium free clears

My question is, had anyone done a diet similar to this and if so, did the high Protein cause you to be gassy or constipated. Big TMI... It's hard to tell if I am constipated because I had a bowel movement on Wednesday so I don't know. And my calorie consumption is only around 900 so I'm sure I don't have as much waste anyway. This is the first day I've had some discomfort. It's not terrible and I just took some Gas-Ex to see if it helps. Any input would be great...just curious to see what everyone else has experienced! Thanks!!!!

Jordan

My surgeon required a 2 week pre-op diet that consisted of:

Protein shake for Breakfast and lunch.

2 servings of fruit

Lean Cuisine or Smart Ones for dinner

and unlimited sugar free and sodium free Clear Liquids.

I'm consuming around 900 cals/day but I feel great! The Protein shakes really keep me full and Pure Protein Rich chocolate powder with 8oz milk, 1/2 banana and some ice cubes is fab!!!

The benefits are so much better, in my opinion, than just shrinking your liver, although that is it's primary function. The particular diet I'm following can shrink it by as much as 25%. I'm also sleeping better, in a better mood and have lost around 11lbs. I'm due to be banded in 6 days! Can't wait! Good luck on your journey!!!

I will say, although we should keep to healthy eating habits, indulging has to be a part of life. Without a little indulgence, we end up frustrated and deprived! Give yourself a break!! lol, you seem to be doing great! I work at a hospital as well but luckily my surgeon doesn't work at my hospital!! Good luck and have a cookie every once in awhile!!

I just moved and started a new job at a local hospital. The lap band doctor's office is in the next building over. I always wondered if I would run into him at the hospital.'

Well, today I was in the cafeteria trying to decide if I wanted the lovely chocolate chip Cookies or get 4oz of chicken salad. I made the right decision and got the chicken. As I was leaving the cafeteria I run into my doc!! I wanted to show him I made the right decision but decided not to. He said hello and that was that. If I had got the Cookies I feel certain that would be the day he would ask me what I was eating!!

It is nice not to feel guilty.

This post just made me not only smile but also made me tear up a little. I can't wait for that moment. Everything that has happened in my LapBand journey up til now has seemed fruitless but now I'm 30 days pre-op and reading everyone's stories, frustrations, support and love has made me emotional and very excited! Congrats everyone...hopefully soon I will be a "skinny bitch" with you!!!

Thank you for posting this. I never would have thought about it like that. I'm getting banded April 14th and it's good to know to expect that. In my psych eval we talked about the emotional side but mostly as it pertained to be able to handle the changes, not to expect grief. Which, really, makes quite a lot of sense. Good luck to you!!!

Yes that's totally normal. It's like you don't realize that your life revolved around food until it can't anymore. It's eye opening for sure and it takes getting used to.

Just keep moving and walking and find a new hobby instead.

Hi, I'm new to this board. I was banded on Feb 11, 2011. Glad to find a board that's got people actually posting and exchanging.

I had my surgery done by Dr. Coburn at SWLC in Ontario, Canada. So far, I've lost 20 pounds including the pre-op period. Only another 80 to go!

ECK

Welcome!!! I'm getting banded in April and have been on the site for a few months! It's such a great support tool! Hope you are doing well with your band!!!

I am scheduled for Monday, April 4th!!!! Sooo nervous & excited!!

@KaylaTX...I'm so glad that you are feeling better about the surgery. I was reading over your post about the preband jitters and I'm so glad you have decided to go through with it and even better, are excited!!! I'm getting banded 10 days after you on April 14th and I can't wait!!!

I'm so glad that we have this site. I have learned so much and had so many questions answered. I love to be able to interact with all of you!!! What a great support system we have!!!

Good luck to all!!

It feels so unreal to be able to say that I am getting banded. It has been a long process but totally worth it!!!! I am April 14th as well!!! I'm only anxious about anesthesia...I have never been in the hospital for more than just an ER visit, so the while the procedure doesn't scare me, the anesthesia does! I work in a hospital on a surgical floor and I see dozens of people every week that are perfectly fine post anesthesia so I know I'll be fine!

Congrats to everyone who is getting banded this month...let's go ladies and gents!!!

So, I know everyone is different and I have drastically changed my eating habits in the past year. I just got approved for my surgery today! I'm so excited, but reading this post the biggest question I have is...these foods you miss, are they ones you cannot tolerate with the band or are they foods that you just don't eat now because it's a better choice? I was just curious. Mostly because the thought of not tolerating potatoes really make me want to cry!! lol, I know that everyone has different tolerances but just curious! Congrats on your weight loss ladies!!!

Congratulations!!! What an accomplishment! All of my info got submitted to insurance yesterday so I'm playing the waiting game! Hopefully someday I can also break out of the obese category!!! Good job, be proud!!!!

I absolutely love MyPlate on Livestrong.com. I am pre-band and it has made a world of difference. I think seeing things down in black and white put a reality into it. Seeing the cholesterol numbers and carbohydrates had made a huge difference. I haven't really lost any weight, however, I've gained a HUGE amount of knowledge concerning the way I eat as opposed to how many calories I consume. Also, this is kind of silly, but I love on the left hand side where you track your water...that little CONGRATULATIONS it throws up when you have reached your 64oz goal makes me happy! It's the small things in life!!!

Thank you for your response. I think I will definitely have to plan on having at least some kind of reconstruction. My "ideal" weight would require me to lose about 130lbs. I'm sure that once all is said and done I will be much happier with my results after having some type of plastic surgery. Luckily my insurance will cover a panniculectomy as long as I meet their requirements, so we shall see. I'm very excited for my band and just getting that weight off will be a very exciting milestone! Congrats on your weight loss, I hope it's been an amazing journey! :blushing:

Hi, I'm in the approval process for my Lap-Band®®, hopefully only 2 more visits still I can schedule surgery with my insurance. I am 24 now and I was just wondering about more people my age, do you need or have you had plastic surgery post band? If so, what procedure and did insurance help with coverage? I know I'm ahead of my game but I just want to start saving/funding for a possible reconstruction if needed. Thanks for answering!

That has been a big question for me too...I love Asian food, especially white rice but I don't particularly like the sticky type rice, glad to hear that there are some that can tolerate it! Hope I'm one of those!!!

Thank you ladies! I actually had the urge to tell two of my closest plus size friends last night, one was VERY supportive and the other was a little snide at first but then lightened up and said she would support me in any way she could. It helps talking to people who have been banded.

@khunt719 Yeah, I was lucky to have my fat be pretty proportionate, lol, at least my inherited fat genes were kind in that way! I'm sorry that your self esteem has suffered, I grew up with the most amazing Mom and Dad who continually told me that I was beautiful. My Dad passed in 2005 and one of my last amazing memories of him was him telling me I was beautiful. Sorry, don't wanna get all sentimental and long winded!!! He's just also a big reason why I'm getting banded. He would be very proud.

Hi, I'm brand new to the site and although I had thought about weight loss surgery I had never pursued the idea until about 1 month ago. This may be kind of lengthy so forgive me but anyone who is willing to listen and share are welcomed!

I'm 24 years old and cannot remember a time when I wasn't heavy. I am now 284lbs and wear a size 2x shirt and size 26 pant. And ironically enough, I'm ok with that.

I have always been very confident but I have decided that my health is the most important thing for my future. I am a full time student and full time employee at a busy hospital. I am not involved in any romantic relationships or have any children. I have a wonderful support system of family and close friends that all support my decision to get banded.

Here is a list of things getting banded would help:

I currently suffer from PCOS, my GYN said that a large reduction in my BMI will help relieve and possible eliminate my PCOS.

I have both IBS and a hiatal hernia. Both ailments could also be significantly reduced or eliminate with banding according to my GI doc.

Cosmetic purposes of course have come into my mind but I truly love the way I look right now but can't wait to love my body in a bathing suit!!!

My dream is to be able to play with my neices on the floor and run with them out in the yard, or for heaven's sake to be able to walk up 3 flights of stairs without feeling like I ran the NYC marathon!!! lol

I'm also a graphic design student and although I know that obesity isn't a plague, I also understand that my new career will be something completely visually based, so my image will matter. I want to show that to my clients.

Here are some of my worries:

I have some plus-size friends that I am afraid to tell about getting banded. I don't want them to be envious or think I'm taking the easy way out.

Honestly, I have a KILLER wardrobe that I really really really love and will be sad to part with but I know the trade off will be worth it.

And my last worry seams stupid to even type out on here. As previously stated I am a confident beautiful plus size woman. And to be honest I worry that when I lose all my weight and get to be thinner that I will become a vain witch! Is that stupid? It's honestly what I worry about most which I think will help me not become that person, I just worry about it.

If you stuck with me on this post, thanks so much, I would love to get feedback and advice! I have my first seminar on 7/24/10 and have already started the ball rolling with my insurance company. All in all I am very excited about all the new possibilities the band presents and the new life it would give me! Thanks again in advance!