BabyGotBack

Thanks! I feels really good not to feel alone. Tonight I went out for Chinese, but my husband and I both split a two item combo. I used to be able to clear one out by myself and they really pack the plate. I can't wait to be one of those people with experience. I want to document everyday in my journals so I can watch my progress and help people with my journey. By the way, how do I put the link to my journal on my signiture line? Audree

Can you tell me how many pounds you lost a week on average? Did you have a lot of platueaus? I just want to know things like this in advance so I don't get discouraged. Thanks! Audree

Thanks for the advice!!! I needed to hear that. I just felt so out of control! Today I had eggs, mushrooms stirfry for breakfast and a small piece of pastry midday. I did so much today I didn't eat lunch or dinner. I asked my hubby if he'd take me out for chinese and split the one entree. I didn't think about my liver enlarging. I think I have gained maybe about 3 pounds or so. I really need this board as support. I feel like this is my support group. The only other time I had something like that was on one of my many attempts at Weight Watchers.... But, I love the convenience of the internet. I actually met someone who lives in Rancho Cucamonga online and we are going to meet up and support one another. Thanks for being there!!! Audree

Hi Ddee!! Can you share as a lower bmi bandster, how you did it? What you think helped you be successful? Many say that lower bmi bandsters lose slow and have trouble loosing? Did you find that was the case with you? How much did you lose a week and was is consistent? Did you hit many plateaus? There is a thread about Dr. Sanchez. If you do a search, there is actually the article someone translated into English. Unfortunately, it is true. Audree

Also, for those who would like to get more info on Dr. Oritz, I bought his book "Lap band for Life" on amazon.com Reading that book really made me feel and know I made the right choice choosing him. How many other doctors actually have a book with chapters written by the maker of the lap band and other top surgeons around the world? I was impressed!!! Audree:clap2:

I haven't heard of him, but I am getting banded by Dr. Ariel Ortiz. He wrote a book called Lap band for life (Amazon.com) and he is awsome. I have heard a lot of great things about him on the board. He was trained by the maker of the lapband and has taught doctors around the world. Hope that helps,Audree

I emailed my doctor and am waitin for his response. I will let you know what he says. Does anyone else know? Audree

I just needed to check in. I am eating more than I ever have, eating all the things I never allowed myself to since I lived my life from one diet to the next. I am getting really tired of fast food and eating out. I feel like crap. I am actually looking forward to my pre op diet on Jan. 29. I am a type of person that NEEDS structure. If I don't have a strict structure, I go crazy!!!:faint: I need guidelines. I feel so out of control. I have been eating till I am almost sick. Is this bad? I don't even want to see how much I have gained but I feel it, that I have. I am not even drinking my water. Why am I doing this to myself? I am trying to figure myself out. A part of my thinks, I will never get to eat this way again, so I am going to go to it! What is everyone else doing before their pre op? Are you on a feeding frenzy like me? Merry Christmas (since I doubt I will be on tomorrow). Audree

I am also getting banded in Mexico, on Jan. 5 by Dr. Ortiz. What do you mean by doing a yahoo group to find it easier? Let me know what we have to do! I am having major "last supper" syndrome, but it includes last Breakfast and last lunch syndrome also. I know for sure I have gained weight. I feel it and I feel like a rollie pollie!!!:faint: I, in a strange way, can't wait to begin doing my pre op diet on Dec. 29. , only 6 days to go till pre op! I almost can't believe it. This weekend is Christmas, and my kids are on Christmas break, so I know this next week will fly!!!! Then the following weekend is New Years. I will have a few days to get my stuff ready, Thursday January 4, I will drive out to Mexico and get banded on Friday the5th! I can't wait! Merry Christmas everybody!!!! Audree

Hello everybody!! How are we all doing? I am anxious as heck! I am starting to feel nervous now. I can't believe that Christmas is here this weekend already. I am going to eat to my hearts content! Then my pre op diet starts on Dec. 30, surgery is January 5. My pre op is only one week, thank God! I have been eating way out of control. I know I have gained some weight. I didn't get to exercise today, but I ran around a ton doing last minute Christmas shopping. So, then that must count because my legs are killing me. Is anyone going to be taking appetite suppresants during the 6 weeks before getting there first fill? I read some people actually gain weight during this time because they have no restriction yet. Looking forward to hearing what other Lower BMI ers have done to lose the weight. Is there anyone with a low bmi that had trouble losing or is it a myth? Audree:clap2:

I would like to know also!!! Audree

I just wanted to come over here and say CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! It sounds like it went awesome!!!! I can't wait to talk to you about it!!! Audree:scared:

My surgery is not until January 5 and I feel so anxious!!! I feel like it is never going to happen! So, I made the decision to be proactive toward my decision to get the lapband and began to exercise again. My preop diet doesn't start until Dec. 29 or 30? So, not for another 9 or 10 days. It almost feels unreal. I want to be charting my meals, stats, etc. I feel so ready. I think being on here helps so much and all that I am learning in advance. I read Dr. Ortiz's book and it has helped tremendously. It has answered all my questions. My funding is coming through. I will be able to transfer the balance due to the doctor on Friday!!! WHEWWWWWW I can't wait to begin my journey! I have been on a last supper mode and have had diahrea everyday. I am getting sick of food and really do feel like I am getting it out of my system forever!!!!! I can't wait to be healthy and tone!!!

My surgery is not until January 5 and I feel so anxious!!! I feel like it is never going to happen! So, I made the decision to be proactive toward my decision to get the lapband and began to exercise again. My preop diet doesn't start until Dec. 29 or 30? So, not for another 9 or 10 days. It almost feels unreal. I want to be charting my meals, stats, etc. I feel so ready. I think being on here helps so much and all that I am learning in advance. I read Dr. Ortiz's book and it has helped tremendously. It has answered all my questions. My funding is coming through. I will be able to transfer the balance due to the doctor on Friday!!! WHEWWWWWW I can't wait to begin my journey! I have been on a last supper mode and have had diahrea everyday. I am getting sick of food and really do feel like I am getting it out of my system forever!!!!! I can't wait to be healthy and tone!!!

Lap-Band System After surgery, it is extremely important to follow diet guidelines to assure proper healing and to obtain adequate nutrition. Your pouch that is created by the Lap Band needs to heal, so you must sip fluids slowly and avoid getting overfull. Once your pouch has healed, you need to continue to keep portion sizes small to maintain your weight loss. You will progress through the following phases of the Lap-Band diet after surgery. Liquid diet. For the first two weeks following surgery, you will consume only liquids. For one to two days after surgery, you will need to sip only clear liquids or fluids that you can see through. Clear liquids include diluted apple juice, chicken or beef broth, sugar-free gelatin and artifically sweetened, non-carbonated beverages. If you tolerate clear liquids without difficulty, you may add full liquids to your diet. Full liquids include the broth of low-fat, creamed soups, protein shakes, milk, yogurt and sugar-free puddings. Most people require two high-protein supplements daily. Your dietitian will calculate your individual protein needs and provide examples of how to achieve this amount. Avoid carbonated beverages as they may cause gas, bloating and pain. Pureed diet. You will need to puree your foods for approximately two weeks. Your meals will be small and should focus on high-protein foods. Regular diet. By 5 to 6 weeks after your surgery, you will be incorporating foods with more texture to your diet. You will always have to chew your foods thoroughly, avoiding tough meats, fibrous vegetables and doughy breads. But your diet should ideally include low-fat proteins, fruits and vegetables, healthy carbohydrates and heart-healthy fats. Protein. Getting adequate protein in your diet promotes proper healing and also helps your body to maintain muscle and lose fat. It is important to choose lean protein foods because they are lower in calories and will help ou maintain your weight loss. Also, high-fat foods can cause dumping syndrome and make you sick after surgery. Protein is made up of amino acids. The body can make 13 amino acids, but nine amino acids are essential, meaning they cannot be made in the body and must come from food sources. A food source is said to be complete if it contains adequate amounts of essential amino acids. The following types of protein products are readily available: Whey is a byproduct of the dairy and cheese industry and is a complete source of protein. <LI class=copy>Whey isolate has virtually no lactose in it. Lactose is the sugar naturally found in milk. Some people become lactose-intolerant after surgery and experience gas and bloating after drinking dairy. If you are or become lactose-intolerant, whey isolate would not cause intestinal distress. Lactaid milk and soy milk are great alternatives for people who are lactose-intolerant. Whey concentrate may contain some lactose in it; however, most people can tolerate this product without problems. [*]Soy products are made from soybeans. Soybeans contain all the amino acids essential to human nutrition and are a complete protein source. [*]Hydrolized gelatin or collagen. These products do not contain all essential amino acids and are not recommended for weight loss surgery patients. Protein Shake Recipes. Protein shakes are needed to get adequate amounts of protein after surgery. We have specific products that we recommend, but remember that if you do not like the taste of your shake you are less likely to drink it. The following recipes and tips may help you improve the taste of your shake. Simple Shake (28 grams protein) 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (20 grams protein) 8 ounces fat-free milk Mix well in shaker cup or blender. Banana/Peanut Butter Shake (12 grams protein) 8 ounces fat-free milk 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter 1/4 - 1/2 banana Blend until smooth in blender. Orange Dreamsicle (28 grams protein) 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (20 grams protein) 1 scoop (individual serving) sugar-free Sunrise Orange Crystal Lightâ powder 8 ounces skim milk Alternatives: substitute 4 ounces orange juice for 4 ounces milk; substitute 4 ounces yogurt for 4 ounces milk; add 1/2 tsp. orange zest to shake. Hot Cocoa (13 grams protein) 1 tablespoon Splenda 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa 2 tablespoons dried milk powder 8 ounces non-fat milk Dash salt Blend Splenda, unsweetened cocoa, dried milk powder and salt in large mug. Blend in milk, stirring until dissolved. Microwave 1 minute on high or until hot. Can also heat in saucepan on stove. Tips for Protein Shakes. <LI class=copy>Use flavorings such as vanilla, almond and coconut extracts to improve flavor. <LI class=copy>Coffee added to chocolate-flavored protein powder makes a mocha-flavored shake. <LI class=copy>Bananas, strawberries and peanut butter add the most flavoring to shakes. <LI class=copy>Unflavored cocoa powder can be added for a deeper chocolate flavor without adding fat. <LI class=copy>Freeze milk in ice cube trays to make milk cubes. Blend these with your shake to make it icy cold and to add protein without diluting your shake. <LI class=copy>If you are lactose intolerant, you can use Lactaid milk or soy milk to add protein to your shake. Yogurt can be added to shakes to increase creaminess and protein. Long-term Tips It is important to make healthy food choices throughout your weight loss process to be as healthy as possible while losing weight. Healthy food and lifestyle choices are critical to maintain your weight loss long-term. These tips are recommended for people who are in the maintenance phase of weight loss. <LI class=copy>Eat three meals a day. Have a healthy snack only if hungry. Skipping meals does not promote weight loss and results in overeating in the long run. <LI class=copy>Eat lean proteins first at each meal. <LI class=copy>Include fruits and vegetables with meals. <LI class=copy>Avoid drinking fluids with meals. Fluids may force foods through your pouch too quickly. This may cause dumping syndrome in gastric bypass patients but may cause all patients to become hungry quickly and eat more food throughout the day. <LI class=copy>Strive to drink 6-8 cups of water daily. Artifically flavored drinks are fine, but we recommend that you avoid carbonated beverages, even diet soda. The carbonation in diet soda may contribute to enlargement of the small pouch. <LI class=copy>Chew foods thoroughly. Your small pouch will not be able to physically break down foods that have not been chewed to a liquid consistency. <LI class=copy>Avoid problematic foods such as tough, fibrous or overcooked meats; doughy breads; pasta; rice; skins and seeds of fruits and vegetables; nuts and popcorn. <LI class=copy>Stop eating when you begin to feel full. It is critical that you do not eat to the point of feeling overfull. People have stretched their pouch by eating too much and have regained weight. <LI class=copy>Take daily vitamin and mineral supplements. Have labs checked annually. <LI class=copy>Weigh yourself weekly. It's much easier to correct a 5 pound weight gain (physically and psychologically) than a 25 pound weight gain. <LI class=copy>Attend support group meetings. Don't "forget" that you have had weight loss surgery. Staying in touch with other weight loss surgery patients is a great way to reaffirm your journey and stay on track. Exercise. Many patients know people who've lost weight without exercise, which may be true for a single individual, but most people who do not exercise have a more difficult time reaching and maintaining their optimal weight loss. And exercise has multiple benefits in addition to controlling weight such as decreasing risk of cardiac disease; lowering blood pressure; improving mental function; improving blood glucose levels; reducing risk of some cancers; and improving immune function. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Physical activity is defined as activities in addition to normal daily activities such as work, shopping or housekeeping. Hope this helps! Audree :clap2:

AltaLomaGuy: Do you live in Alta Loma, CA? I also live in Alta Loma, CA (Rancho Cucamonga). Does anyone else live out toward this area? Audree

Thanks Cindy for your post. I really appreciate it when people that are banded walk us through what we should expect. I thank God for this forum! Audree

Thanks for coming and checking out the group! I have read people say that lower BMI's have a slower weight loss, but when I actually talk to the people that have lower bmi's and lost they still lost, but you always slow down when you get closer to your goal. The think they stress is if you want results, especially being lower BMI, you need to really stick to the rules and exercise. I plan on really keeping to it. I didn't do all this and pay out of my pocket to not get results. Is there anyone out there that is banded and a lower bmi who can tell us there weight loss story and if it did take longer or if it was just consistent loss? Thanks,Audree:clap2:

Hey December lapbanders! I just wanted to check in here and see how you are all doing! My surgery date is in January so I have been posting there. Bandiva: How did your surgery go? I wish I was there with you like we were supposed to get banded on the same day. I hope all is well. Take care guys and see you around!!! Audree

Hello Everyone! Sunshine: I know exactly how you feel about people being tired of you yo yo. Everytime my family see's me, they always comment "So, what diet are you doing this time?" Or just tell me to give up and accept being fat! I tell them all I will never give up and will keep on trying until I make it! People can be so negative. My husband, mom (who is taking me to the doctor) and friend (who had the lapband put in a year ago and is very supportive of me) know about what I am doing. My husband tells me that the money doesn't matter, what matters is my peace of mind and my happiness. He has seen me suffer with this new diet, that new diet, gaining, losing over and over and over and over................. Feeling moody when I can't eat this or that, irratable, mad, sad, etc. I feel so anxious and can't wait. I didn't get to exercise yesterday, my mom and I ran so many errands. I did walk a lot around the mall! Today I finished my Christmas shopping. Walked around the shops. That is a lot more than I was doing! I am going to bring my elyptical machine in from the garage and do that too. How is everyone else doing??? Audree:clap2:

Pinky: I also have been feeling very anxious, like i want to get this done already. I feel like I should be doing something. Right now all I can do is come here, read about it, journal and I have added exercise to something I can do toward my surgery. I even can't wait to start my pre op on dec. 29 because it makes it feel more real. I did have the last supper thing going, like everyday, but it was making me feel sick. I JUST CAN'T WAIT!!!!! Sometimes I feel like it isn't really going to happen. Audree

I was on a medical weight loss program called Lindora and they recommended 1/2 a grapefruit with each meal. Also, for a plateau buster, 1/2 grapefruit and an egg for breakfast, for lunch and dinner white fish, spinach, salad and 1/2 a grapefruit. Audree

I got this list out of Dr. Ortiz's book LAP BAND FOR LIFE. :hungry: Cereals-grains like beans, lentils or whole wheat bread or oats Vegetables-carrots, cabbage, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, mushroom, onions, tomatos, squash Fresh Fruit-He suggest one piece at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Apple, blueberry, grapefruit, kiwi, orange, plums, mango meat, poutry, fish-the size a deck of cards, light meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, legumes, egg whites. Milk, cheese, yogurt-2 servings a day. non fat or 1% milk, low fat cottage cheese, nonfat yogurt Fat-3 servings. avocado, almonds, a little olive oil. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, low cal drinks such as Crystal Light. Buy a pedometer and log at least 10,000 steps. Audree

I have been taking cod liver oil pills because I was told they were really good for your health. I was doing the Makers Diet and it was recommended there. Why can't you take Vitamin E before surgery? I have stopped taking the cod liver oil, but am taking Omega 3, 6, 9. I will ask my doctor. Thanks for letting me know!! Audree

I just wanted to see how you are all doing? Today I did it!!!! I went to the gym after not doing any form of exercise for 1 month. I did the treadmill. I went on for 1 hour on an incline and did 3 miles!!! I just feel like I should be doing something toward my surgery to make it seem more real. I am just on the normal diet. I don't have to start my preop till 1 week prior to my surgery on Jan.5. So I don't start till the 29 or 30th. So, I think that if I exercise now and get back into the habit, my recovery will be better and I will be more agreeable to start back right away my exercise regimine. I have read Dr. Ortiz's book "Lap band for life" It is really awesome. The maker of the lapband Dr. Belachew, wrote in his book as well as many very well known surgeons. He gives very good advice in his book about nutrition. Here are some of the highlights on his chapter on nutrition. 10 Rules to Success 1. Eat only 3 meals a day. (By eating 3 meals a day, you fill your pouch, feel full, then allow enough time to empty it to feel hungry again, and then repeat your cycle.) 2. Eat solid foods only, slowly and chew thoroughly ( 20 times a bite)(Some people have a difficult time with solids in the morning hours. Open up your band by starting with a couple of glasses of liquids before your first meal. you should be eating a 1/3 of the volume of food you were used to eating. the brain takes 20 minutes to detect that your stomach is full) 3. Stop eating as soon as you feel full. 4. Do not wash down your solids with liquids. (Do ont drink within 20 minutes before a meal and an hour after.) 5. Do not eat between meals. ( You may be experiencing head hunger, not real hunger) 6. Eat only good quality food. 7. Avoid fibrous food. 8. Drink enough fluids during the day. 9. Drink only low calorie liquids. 10. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Audree:clap2: