vickyd

I don't think you need a fill right now. Before you make any decisions you need to get back in the saddle with your eating. Try the 5 day pouch test to get things jump started and then go back to the bandster basics...once you go back to eating what you should then you can evaluate and determine whether or not you need a fill. There are lots of us here who support you and are available if you need someone to chat with...You can do this!!

I tried to practice taking small bites and chewing completely but I dont think I really "got it" until I got stuck for the first time. I knew exactly what I had done but I still have to remind myself to slow down and take smaller bites.

1 - 1 1/2 cups sounds about right. Sometimes a bit less depending on what I'm eating and whether or not I'm feeling tight.

I choose not to eat bread and pasta (although my band doesn't prevent me from eating them. I don't really miss it. When my family has spaghetti and meatballs, I just have the meatballs and marinara. I do the layered lasagna without the noodles and I have also put meatballs and sauce over spaghetti squash. The latest thing I found was shirataki noodles...they are made out of tofu, look like noodles and have a noodle like texture (and only have 40 calories per serving). The point is there are ways to get the flavors you want and still eat well.

It's very common. I actually got so worried when it happened to me that I called my Dr about it. The lactose free milk (or soy milk - which I prefer) might help some but don't be surprised if it sticks around until you start to eat solids. Just make sure you are drinking enough to stay hydrated and you'll be fine.

I'm glad you had such a good experience. The next few days can be a bit tough...just remember to walk as much as you can and use a heating pad and/or gas-x to help relieve the gas pains. Good luck!

I regularly take left overs and I agree with Melissannde about lube to help with dry meat. I love alfredo sauce and found that Ragu has a lowfat alredo that only has 60 calories (2 Protein, 2 carbs) and I put that on chicken or shrimp to add flavor and help keep it from being dry. I also like the chicken sausage from Sam's club - you can eat it plain or add marinara sauce. In a pinch, I just do a salad with 3-4 oz protein and low fat dressing. I know that everyone has their own opinions about Snacks, but I take snacks with me to work just in case I need them...while I rarely eat them, it is good to plan for it so you don't grab junk if you get hungry. My favorite small snacks are Babybel Light cheese (50 calories, 0 carbs, 6 protein) or Light String Cheese (50 calories, 1 carb, 6 protein).

I agree with the others...you should definately eat with your family. Besides, I would think that it would make your family feel more uncomfortable if you weren't eating with them than if you do but just eat whatever is on your plan at that point in time.

I do low carb and I don't know why you would think it wouldn't work with the lapband. With the band, our food choices should be protein-focused which fits nicely with the low carb lifestyle.

Agreed. I didn't have my first (and only fill) until 3 months after surgery. If you are losing weight and don't feel hungry in between meals then there is no reason to get one. Go ahead and keep your appointment so they can track your weight and answer any questions you have but don't let them talk you into a fill if you don't need one.

Just because MFP adds it back to your allowed calories doesn't mean you have to eat them...I never eat my exercise calories. If I were you, I would stick to what your RN says unless you stop losing. If that happens you might want to bump your calories up a bit.

I was told nothing 30 minutes before, during and after a meal. I do ok with the during and 30 minutes after but I have never followed the 30 minutes before rule...don't really have a good reason why. That said, if I am eating something that is a bit spicy or I feel like I need a sip of something while I am eating then I will take a small sip but for the most part I don't drink while eating.

I agree with this completely! My food choices are drastically different then they were before banding.

I have lost 90 lbs with 1 fill and I think it is due to a couple of factors...band placement and what you are looking fir your band to do. I felt some sort of restriction from the beginning but I've never looked for my band to physically restrict what or how much I eat. Instead, I want my band to help me feel satisfied (not full) on a smaller amount of food and to not be hungry for 4 hours after I eat.

Congratulations Dave!!! You are a rock star!!!

I take all of my meds whole...depending on how big yours are (and how tight you are) you may be able to take them one at a time.

Name, real or screen~vickyd Age~45 Weight on July1st~234.6 Goal Weight for July 29th~225 Exercise Goal for July~ZUMBA 3x each week Personal Goal for July~find a new job Date Banded~12/2/10 Total Weight Loss Since Banding~90 lbs

It sounds to me like you don't need a fill at all. You may not be losing because you aren't eating enough. Try increasing your calories with high protein foods(even if it has to be with mushie type food)and see if that helps.

Absolutely!!!! I'm 7 months post op and have lost 90 lbs...I started at 325 wearing a 4x top and an uncomfortably tight 28 pants and now I'm in a L top and comfortable size 18 pants. I haven't been this weight in 20 years and I feel great! I'm no longer on BP meds and I spent my free time actually doing things with my family rather that just sitting on the sofa! It is a lot of work to do this correctly but the benefits are so with it!!!

Brag away...you deserve it!!! Congrats on entering the 200s! I know when I did it I promised myself I would never see a 3 at the beginning of my weight ever again!

I do the gummy vitamins but you have to keep in mind that they don't contain iron so you may need to take an iron supplement. I also take biotin and a chocolate chewy calcium that I got from whole foods.

It's interesting to see the responses...in the recovery room I was at maybe at a 4 or 5. My surgeon requires an overnight stay and they attached a morphine pump to my IV. During the rest of the day and overnight I think I used it about 5 or 6 times (the nurse even commented that I hardly used any of the medication). When I got home the next day, I was about a 3. I used the pain meds each of the first 2 nights to help me get comfortable to go to sleep but that was all. I never thought about it, but I guess I have a high pain threshold.

I completely relate...for me it was my DH and MIL who spilled the Beans. As a matter of fact I added a post to my blog today about this very subject. There is nothing you can do to change the fact that it is out there so hold your head up and move forward. Best of luck to you!

Thanks so much Larry!! :thumbsup:

Checking in at 234.4 - down 2.6 from last week and 8.2 for the month. I didn't meet my goal of 232 but at almost 7 months post op I am still very happy with my rate of loss.