TKW

My personal opinion... yes. The band controls my hunger and how much I can eat as long as I make the correct choices, and exercise.... I lose weight. I assume it works this way for everyone so when it doesn't I also assume they are not following the LB "rules". Of course you know what they say about AssUMe? I'm sure there are some exceptions but for the most part the band works if you work the band.

Ok, who am i kidding, if the brownie was there... I'd eat it!

Yes, soup would be a slider or like drinking with a meal. I eat soup once in a while.... hey, sometimes you just need soup but I seem to get full from it, it may not last long tho. As for the sandwich, It just depends on you. I could eat half of a grilled cheese without a problem since the bread is toasted, some people have problems with regular bread even toasty. If I were you, I would try soup and a grilled cheese tonight. I don't believe in not eating normal foods ( i mean, i wouldn't wolf down a brownie) it is all a trial and error process to see what works for you. Keep in mind high calorie foods but I say anything goes once in a while and in moderation.

I struggle with the night time snacking every single day. And I know I am not hungry. It is so all in my head. I have tried very hard to get this under control. It is definately my biggest obstical!

Ya.... if you don't follow the rules, you will have a hard time being successful! Protien really does help fill you up and keep you full, When you get hungry and snack between meals... snack on protien like cheese, or greek yogurt or turkey etc.

I can't help but wonder if you had much education about the band and how it works prior to having surgery. I am not saying that to be mean. I really wonder. My hospital puts you through the ringer before surgery. I had to go to a group psych class for 6 weeks for behavior modification amoung other classes and information sessions. I knew, before I did it would not be easy. You can do this. Follow the rules, fill up on protien and healthy veggies. You have to... HAVE to, eat healthy or you will fail. I wish you the best of luck!

I shoot for the 1200 mark

This!

Donna - We all have been there (feeling lousy about things and ourselves) and we understand. Pick yourself up and dust yourself off. YOU ARE SO WORTH IT!

I have no issues either. I had some restriction pretty much from the start. You need to Eat healthy and fill up lean protien and veggies. I knew the process from attending some classes pre-band and doing some research. My hospital had GREAT presurgery education about the band so I knew exactly what to expect. Could not be happier and would not change a thing. Really pay attention to your hunger. Are you hungry or do you just want to eat. It isn't always easy, but it is very doable. Best of Luck to you!

I have no issues with any veggies raw or cooked.

yeah!!! Good for you. I actually get a charge out of shopping at walmart for cloths because I couldn't before!!! I don't know if you have used clothing consignment stores but they are an AWSOME place to find cloths. Everything is in good condition and its all sorted and hung up just like in a regular retail store so it makes it easy to find your size etc. (plus it is a great spot to get rid of your clothing that is too big for you now and get a little cash for it!) Congrats!

wOW.... 27 POUNDS IS AMAZING. I'm losing like 3 pounds a month now, talk about going nuts! Every single pound is a victory in my book! Don 't let it get you down cuz that won't help anything.

Nice job. It shouldn't be a problem, they want to see that you are serious about losing weight!

Oh... thanks, Ya, I can see that. Just didn't register with me. I'm like huh?????? Thanks!

Never heard this before... why?

My first couple of fills were learning all over again too. I know that might seem a little strange but what we may think is a small bite or eating slow got smaller and slower with each of my fills. Ha! but eventually I got it right! I guess this is another one of those questions where the answer may be "It's different for everyone" Many of us get stuck often... it took me a while but I learned it was totally controllable by me.

Woooooooo Hoooooooo!

I don't really know, but I have days where I can just tell I am too tight. I think hormones play a part. I have heard of people who all of a sudden become too tight and have to have fluid removed. Something obviously changes but not sure what.

I can enjoy a Thanksgiving or Christmas feast and be just as satisfied as I used to be. It's funny I used to worry about missing out on things like these special days but it really just seems the same to me now. MMMMMM love Holiday dinners!!! I don't worry about getting stuck, I rarely get stuck anymore cuz I finally "learned". But when I am at a special event or out for dinner in a restaraunt I am very very careful about my bites and chewing. (learned the hardway) Besides... it's the Cookies you got to look out for!!! And they go down weather you are tight or lose!

I remember getting out of the 400's too! Felt so good. Keep up the good work!!!

I lived on cottage cheese and yogurt through that stage!

Wow.... you look great! Nice Job!

I think soup is your best option. Good Luck!