vickyd

March Madness Weigh In

Some surgeons put in a small amount of fill during surgery but some don't. Mine was empty until I got my first fill... Hang in there, it does get better!

My first fill was 5 ccs. I was really nervous about the size of it because I was already doing well with my portion sizes and what I was eating, the only problem I was having was getting hungry within 2 hours of eating. I started to request a smaller fill but decided to trust the PA doing it and I'm glad I did...my portion sizes haven't changed (3 oz protein, 1/2 cup veggies) but I am no longer hungry at all between meals. I actually have trouble getting in my calories on most days because I am just not hungry.

I can see it...thanks! I set mine to share with Friends Only so you should be able to see it too.

So far, things have been easy for me too. I felt restriction from the beginning and never went through bandster hell like so many people do. I have had 1 fill since getting banded and that was more because I was getting hungry about 2 hours after eating. My portion sizes have never been an issue because I weigh and measure everything unless I am eating out and then I am very careful about what I order and how much of it I eat. I really think the big thing for me is that I worked with a therapist before surgery to help me address the reasons I was overeating and that helped me have my head in the right place before having surgery. I do journal every day...I'm a bit "type A" so I just really not the kind of person who can go out and wing it...it would absolutely drive me insane! The hardest part for me has been getting in my exercise...I would like to do it 5-6 days a week but right now I have only been doing 3-4 and that is just riding my stationary bike at home (or walking). I am thinking about joining a gym because I need to start doing something other than just the bike, but I am just not motivated to do it...

For several days after surgery I felt like I needed to burp but nothing would come out. I just knew I would feel so much better if I could just get some of the gas out! After a few days, I was finally able to burp (and fart) the gas out...normally while walking around the house. GasX and heating pads helped a little bit but the biggest help was time. As far as the nausea goes, I really didn't have any but a lot of people do. My doctor sent me home with prescriptions for both pain and nausea. I would suggest that you call and ask for something for the nausea...also, if you are taking the pain meds they can cause nausea. You can try to switch to a liquid pain reliever (Tylenol liquid was recalled but CVS has their own brand)...that might also reduce the nausea.

Do any if you know how you view someone else's food diary?

Me too (vickyd205)

First of all, this isn't Bandster Hell...that is the time before you have restriction where your band does not stop you from eating too much so if you follow your food plan you are always hungry. Now, to answer your question...it sounds to me like by eating a bit too much so early in the process you may have some irritation and swelling going on. My suggestion would be to go back on liquids for a day or two and see if that helps.

My mushie staples were scrambled eggs, fat free refried beans with cheese, ricotta cheese with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, tuna and chicken salad (my NUT allowed me this on mushies but not everyone does) and greek yogurt. You can also take ricotta cheese, add splenda, a little vanilla and lemon zest and get a nice little dessert.

First of all, it is completely normal to feel nervous. Don't beat yourself up about it. I really wasn't in much pain after surgery. My surgeon required that I spend the night and I had a morphine pump for pain. I hardly used it at all. I also hardly used the pain meds they sent me home with. It took me about a week to really start feeling normal after surgery. As far as worrying about enjoying food...I actually think I enjoy food more now. I eat so much slower and can really enjoy the taste instead of just shoveling it in as fast as I could like I used to. Also, since I eat so much less food, I make it count...it needs to be healthy AND taste great. I don't eat junk like I used to so I feel so much better about myself. It is honestly the best thing I have ever done for myself!

I love meatballs! When my family wants to go out for pizza I always order a side of meatballs and a side sald for my meal.

I eat 3 meals a day and add a snack if I need one to get my calories in...I stay between 1,000 and 1,100 calories a day. As far as drinking around meals goes...I was told not to drink 30 minutes before, during and 30 minutes after eating. I do great with the 30 minutes after and during part but I don't even try to stop drinking before meals and it hasn't bothered me yet. I keep either water or decaf tea with splenda next to me from the time I wake up until I go to sleep and I average about 100 oz per day.

Oops. I meant meatballs with marinara sauce (I hate the auto complete on my phone)

Breakfast: 1/2 cup egg beaters with laughing cow cheese and a turkey sausage patty Lunch: 3 meatballs with 1/4 cup marinate and 1/8 cup mozzarella Dinner: Mozzarella and roasted garlic chicken sausage with Ragu light Alfredo sauce Snack: Chobani blueberry yogurt

Yes, it is 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income. But you can only write off the out of pocket portion that is over the 7.5% threshold (not the entire amount). You can also write off prescriptions, mileage, office visits, etc. If your surgery was covered by insurance your out of pocket charges may not meet the threshold (mine didn't)...it depends on what your Adjusted Gross Income is..

I weigh daily but only record my weight weekly...it works for me but is not necessarily for everyone...but I don't let myself obsess with the day to day fluctuations but I feel like, for now at least, I need it to keep me accountable.

You may just be swollen from such a bad stuck episode...I would suggest that you go on liquids for a couple of days and see if that helps. If it doesn't, you may need a small unfill - I know several people who don't feel the full effects of a fill for a week or sometimes two weeks so it is possible that your fill is just now kicking in...but I would try the liquids first...

I think it is wonderful that you are taking steps to improve your health. I am sure your parents are just worried (like parents do) and probably uninformed about Lap Band surgery. Go to the meeting with your surgeon and get the information and then take some time to sit down and really explain the procedure to your parents...many people hear WLS and just assume it is all like GBP. Hopefully, by showing them that you have done the research and that you and your doctor feel that this is the best thing for you to do FOR YOUR HEALTH, they will come around. Either way, you will find a lot of support and information here on LBT to help you along the way... Good luck with your journey!

Checking in this morning at 268.2 - 3.8 down for the week and .8 below my goal!!! :party:

Mine was a little more involved...in addition to weight, measurement and diet my surgeon did check my incisions and removed the steri strips that had not come off on their own.

I would call your NUT... Besides that, you might want to try a lactose free shake...I like Isopure from GNC... Also, what are you using to mix your shakes? You could try Water, soy milk, almond milk. Maybe that will help.

March Madness Weigh In

Elfie, for me a hamburger with ground beef is an occasional thing because too much red meat does not agree with my stomach. If you can handle it and it fits into your eating plan then I say "Go for it".

I could not have done as well as I have (banded 12/2/10, 57 lbs lost) without counting calories. For me, if I don't eat enough I don't lose...plain and simple. I use an app on my phone (myfitnesspal) to track everything (including exercise and water) so I always know where I am. Some people can do it without tracking calories...at first it is a bit of trial and error to see what works for you.