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Other than what's in my Protein shakes, I don't really track or count or measure anything, so my routine might be a little hard to follow. I'm about 5 weeks further out than you, and I've come pretty far in how much I can consume over the last month...especially liquids. I can take several large gulps at a time now, and a month ago I was still kind of sipping. I also couldn't drink plain Water until this past month. During the week, I'm on the road working, so meals are tuff. I make a large Protein shake for Breakfast (at least 24 oz. and 30g protein) and take and hour or two to drink it in between appointments. Premier Protein chocolate with skim milk and blended banana is my favorite these days. Then I'll have a string cheese stick or Natures Valley Protein Bar (a month ago I could only eat 1/2) for lunch. In the afternoon I make sure I drink a liter of water or better yet a liter of Syntrax nectar (I mix 2 packets in a 32 oz Nalgene bottle which gives me another 46 G protein). Sometimes I'll eat one Chobani Greek yogurt if I have time. When I get home I eat whatever I'm in the mood for...always protein first...tuna, pork loin, crab cake, grilled chicken, hamburger, turkey curry salad, whatever. I don't cook, so most of my meals are whatever yummy thing they have at the local deli. The smallest container they have usually lasts me at least 4 meals before I end up giving the rest to the dogs. I get a few veggies here and there...squash, spinach, green Beans, cucumbers, or at least some V8 juice. I stop eating just before I get too full. I try and get some more liquid in before bed. Sleepy time tea is a stand by. Favorite Snacks are Greek yogurt, cheese slices, and apples with PB2 On the weekends I eat more food and only one protein shake/day. Yesterday I had 1/2 pancake and 1/2 piece turkey sausage, 1 Protein Drink, about 1/2 cup split pea Soup, 1 1/2 pork ribs, 1/4 cup acorn squash, 1/3 apple with PB2, 1 liter of water and Sleepytime tea. I could not have eaten this much and still gotten in enough Fluid a month ago. I learned early on to try and kill two birds with one stone by trying to make everything I drank have some protein in it. I also started hating the taste of artificial sweeteners, so I began drinking diluted organic juices instead of flavoring water with crystal light, Mio, etc. No idea what my calorie/carb/fat/protein numbers are. I really just wing it keeping fluids and protein a priority. Good luck! You can do this. Just find something that works into your busy and demanding schedule.

Im lucky that they have just open a group for " the large girls" of the village where i live at the small studio here. The girls meet 2 times a week and do something different each lesson. All the lessons are especially for us- nothing too stressful. Always fun and a good laugh - and we are all beginners which make everyone feel comfortable. Yesterday we had a "drums alive" lesson which is drumming on large balls and stepping around it. I think i brunt more calories from laughing.!!

So my parents want to get me an activity tracker for a late Christmas gift. My brother and his wife and daughter are totally into the Jawbone up24 and are actually looking to upgrade to the Up3. Of course I research the shit out of any purchase I make before I make it, so much to my dismay, I found way too many activity trackers to choose from! After reading all the reviews I could online, I figured I'd turn to good ol' BP members for advice. As for my activities, I do not have any sort of exercise routine. I do not run or workout or swim, etc. I do not use MFP or any other app to track calories or food. I simply have what I consider an active lifestyle and would like to keep track of steps, distance travelled, possibly elevation changes and sleep patterns. I'm thinking the data output may point to areas that I could improve on. So my first basic question is....which is more accurate, the wristband style or the clip on? I do a lot of movements with my arms at work, so am concerned that it may be interpreted as steps. Does the pedometer clip on style give you a more accurate step count? Also, I do occasionally ride my recumbent bike. Which style would more accurately track this activity since my arms aren't moving in this case? Thank for any insight. I will have many more questions once I proceed past this first obstacle of style.

My surgery is on Wednesday and I had to be under a 49 BMI in order to avoid the $1,000 charge for high BMI. I started at 335 in December and this morning I weighed in at 291.2! My personal goal was to make it down to 290 and I still have a two days to go so I think I'll make it, but I'm just happy to be under the doctor's cut off which for me is 294.5... 44 pounds gone in 3.5 months doing an 800 calorie VLCD.

Sleeve - first let me say I am sorry for your loss. You have a great attitude and you are right, it will happen. My husband's birthday is July 26th. By that date I would like to be down 12 1/2 lbs (I have 25 to lose to get to goal). To accomplish this: I will - 1) train for a 5K - signed up for a couch to 5 K class that starts this Thursday. 2) work with a personal trainer (signed up for 5 weeks of training) 3) continue to follow my current eating regimen of 70+ g Protein, 60+ oz of Water, calories in the 800-1000 range AND 4) take a Strong Woman class (10 weeks) This is SO do-able for us!!

Lemon is the cure. Suck on lemon flavored hard candy or drink lemonade. Minute maid makes a light lemonade in 2 liters or 12 packs. It's non-carbonated and only has 10 calories. I still remember how horrible that was in the liquid stage!

Hi Nicki - I was banded the 13th - but was told by my doctor not to focus in on weightloss on the first week but to focus on healing only . As long as you stick to the diet sheet you should definitely be losing by the second week. I know it's hard when it seems that everyone else is losing . I had this conversation with my doctor because I realised my post op diet was actually higher in calories than my pre op ! - but it's early days for me x

Why not have more soup? It is only a liquid with minimal calories. Even some more carrots, they have nearly no calories. Good luck to you.

I am not gaining...lost steady for 3 weeks, now am on a plateau for 2 days.......but i only eat 1/4 to 1/3 cup per meal... Keeping calories between 600-800 per day as recommended by my NUT...

You need much yummier food to make that little bit you can eat worth it. I have started baking and cooking again and make sure everything is super delicious and healthy since I can only have a couple of oz of it. Poorly made food just pi*&es me off now. I have a challenge where I find something high in protein and that I really want, and then I make it over and make it super healthy! Its fun to invent tons of new recipes (including baking 60 calorie cornbread love muffins for the occasional carb intake). I used to eat things in large quantities in the simplest way I could make them. Now nothing is simple, (but somehow ALMOST as fast) and has WAY more flavor.

Definitely do the my fitness pal. Under settings u can set ur only calorie goal. Make sure ur getting enough food and protein. And I agree with everyone else about muscle and losing inches. Try not to stress too much. I'm sure u r doin great!

after surgery i really could not eat much.. you could be feeling weak from lack of calories or you blood sugar going to a level your not use to...

I agree Jacqui. You do need carbs when you are exercising. That's why I don't really listen to my dr. I eat a bowl of high Fiber whole grain Cereal before I go to the gym. I feel really nauseous if I try to exercise with only Protein for breakfast. I know our bodies need a lot of fiber to have a healthy system. There is no way to get fiber into our diets without carbs. It's those junky empty calorie carbs that we need to watch out for. I watch my carbs and I eat the low glycemic carbs. Even veggies have carbs.

Mrs. Try the premmier protien tastes like chocolate milk but not too thick. Each serving contains 30grams of protien with only 5g of carbs and even less fat for a total Amy of only 160 calories. Also they are cheap compared to similar products. You can get them at SAMs or Costco.

First I would recommend taking stuff with you for the in between times (1 of package of Leave beef Jerky, 1/2 of of cashews, Protein bars, Premier Protein drinks if you can refrigerate them, premeasured protein. powder, etc). I am amazed you haven't eaten out in 5 months! That is great! I got for anything with grilled chicken (salad but just mostly eat the meat, fajitas tell them low oil or as little oil as possible). I have also had a lot of success with tortilla Soup (leave out any tortilla strips) or bean soup. Also some places have wonderful roasted chicKen which is very moist. Grilled shrimp is a good option too. I don't avoid cheeses but I do try to eat small amounts of it. Avoid any sauces, creams, gravies, dressings, etc unless you at have them on the side and can dip your fork in it and then your bite of meat. (Helps with moisture and only uses a tiny amount.). Oh and if you can get them to go to ChicFilA, you can get the grilled nuggets and some fruit. Their buffalo sauce is the lowest calorie. Hope that helps! I do lots of soccer tournaments with my nephews and have had great success still doing this. And hey, don't be afraid to say no thanks you aren't hungry and just eat your Protein Bar. You will do great!

On an average I would say 5-10 days depending if there is lifting involved in your job. I have a desk job so I took off 5 days and went back to work knowing I could not bend at the waist or lift anything heavier than 5 lbs. I was weak and still only taking in about 600 calories aday when I returned to work.

Yay! I have found another!! I've taken to eating all sorts of things - and plenty of carbs. You should see the huge glass of OJ I'm sitting here with at the moment. I don't have a carb monster anymore, as there isn't a food that is off limits or even a food to limit. I just try to meet my nutritional needs and caloric needs. Don't let the saggy skin fool you!! My photos before my plastic surgery made me look as if I was still obese, yet I am only 5-10 lbs less now. 5 lbs when I am exercising heavily and my muscle mass is better, 10 when I have lost muscle. (Which happens quickly!). Point being, looking at the photos I looked obese, but obviously it was just skin. I think I read you are planning plastics - it can be very hard to maintain weight after plastics as you can't exercise. (I expected the opposite problem, but with the high metabolism, and the fact that without exercising the appetite is even less, it was a problem). I lost a lot of muscle, and had to really fight to get the calories in. I didn't find that I needed to triple my calories, but I had a very hard time getting in even the same number of calories as usual.

I am trudging along in bandster hell, waiting for my first fill. I feel the same as I did before surgery pretty much. Trying to watch my calories though, get my protein in, etc. I am frustrated but know there's a light at the end of a tunnel. I'm anxious to really start using this thing!

Everyone's different. In Australia, they dont often give you a calorie range, because everyone IS different. If you're losing, you're eating the right amount, if you're not losing, you're probably eating too much. I lost on about 1500 a day and I maintain on anywhere up to 2000. If I ate 2000 too many days in a row I would gain a bit, 1500 to 1800 is better and keeps me where I want to be. A lot of people said why would you even need a band if you can eat that much, but sadly, my natural appetite directs me to eat more. I'm 5ft 10 and very active thought.

I initially had a big loss too and then stalled for a few weeks. Once I started increasing protein I was full longer so I didn't have a need so much for carbs. And the big thing for me was started an exercise program- that really got my weight loss going again. Are you exercising? I think our bodies also have to adjust for a while when we drop weight all of the sudden so fast, so it tries to hold on to calories for a bit. But is all evened out for me after a few weeks and I started to see the pounds drop again.

Breakfast - 6 oz apple juice mixed with a scoop of "Daily 5" (its all your vegies & fruites in powder form - 10 calories/2 carbs) Coffee mixed with DeVince Sugar Free carmel syrup, and a little whipping cream (sugar free) Lunch - 4 oz sf yogurt, 4 oz of cottage cheese, a handfull of granola mixed in Dinner - pasta salad with chicken added in Exercise - didn't make it to the gym Suppliments - Daily 5, Viactiv multi-Vitamin, liquid B-12 Weight today - 198.4 (no weight loss this month because no exercise lately and been eating what I want - I am back in control) Notes - I've been MIA lately. Just been so busy at home, at work and everything. I haven't made it to the gym the last few weeks because I've been doing a major remodeling job at my house. DH & I totally redid two bedrooms, including new carpet, paint, light fixtures, window treatments, the whole nine yards. They look great! Now that they are finished, I went to the gym yesterday morning. I managed to do 35 min on treadmill, burned 223 calories. I will be going tonight too.

ok i wasnt sure where i should post this but i believe i finally figure out this whole way of losing weight with the help of the bodybugg from 24 hour fitness. i have been losing weight slowly and i mean very slowly didnt understand why i would lost 4 bls and then the next week lose nothing. so i started to go to the gym working out for about 45 minutes every other day four days a week and on the other 3 days working out about one hour and 30 minutes still with this i couldnt figure out why i wouldnt lose weight much last week i lost 4 lbs and gained two everyone said cuz im doing strength training i am building my muscles back but then im not struggling with doing the weight training. so i saw this lady in the locker room with a bodybugg and i asked how she liked it. she told me its great she is training to do a marathon and that its not all about doing lots of excerise but its better to stay active in your daily life . i didnt get that much at the time. but i decided to give it a try. i been trying everything in the last few months i got banded in july and then i got myself a personal trainer 3 times a week and here i am going to the gym 7 days a week but not really much results just a lb here and there and i knew i could do that without the excerise since im banded. i have been using the bodybugg for 4 days now and i totally see results more then anything else. i finally understand what the lady in the locker room said about moving around in your daily life and its not all about working out hard. i do the eliptical machine and my trainer said i need to pin point my heart weight at 135 to 140 and i use to think that was a bit strange cuz i could be around 150 but he explained im not working out to go to a marathon im working out to lose weight. so these past few days ive been going slowly and steady on the machine (and let me tell you i feel really werid doing this cuz the people next to me on the machine is going so much faster and its hard to go slow and steady when you feel so slow lol). i have been putting in all the calories online with myapex.com and with the bodybugg i been downloading all the calories i burn throughout the day and i have been trying to burn about 3000 calories a day and trying to stay around the 1000 calorie intake and it has done alot these last few days i lost 3 lbs almost a lb a day. i finally understand and i know i hear it alot about you have to burn more then you take in and that is a fact but i always thought if you excerise then you will burn more then you take in but if you excerise and then come home and sit on the couch to watch tv or sit at the computer and play on the computer what does it really do for you? nothing and you are still at the same as you were before. i been killing myself trying to work out everyday and i havent seen much results and now i finally do get it i have to keep moving throughout the day. its not all about excerise its all about staying active throughout the day. i know alot of people here dont understand why they hit plateaus or just not losing weight enough or feel discourage and have no idea what to do so i though i would share my story with you guys and my experience and maybe this will put a light bulb in someone elses head. karen

I am struggling to find anyone else for support who is in a similar situation - whether it is because I am a rarity or that those of us with this issue don't frequent the support forum... I am not sure. I am getting frustrated over time and tired of working hard not to lose weight. I would never have expected this to be a problem! I had my surgery in May 2012 at 255 lbs and have been at goal for a bit over a year. I am currently struggling with a recurrence of depression, so the energy that I have typically been putting into getting all of my calories and exercise is flagging - I am getting treatment for the depression but it takes some time. I have worked very hard not to lose weight during this time and to keep my calories up. Typically I am very, very active. I expect that within a few weeks I will be feeling enough better to be back to exercising more. I usually exercise about 15 hours per week, taking one or two days off. Usually at least one day per week I get four to six hours of exercise, even as much as eight hours. I am an avid cyclist, hiker, skier, etc. My problem seems to be that I have a very high BMR of 2,000. So, I need at least that many calories on days with no exercise. Then, add exercise and I have days where I need 5,000 and even up to 7,000 calories in order to maintain my weight. Obviously those super high calorie days are rare, but I regularly have 3,000+ calorie days. Typically I am using lots of whole milk (at least 750 calories of whole milk per day) and on days when my weight has dropped below my comfort zone I start adding heavy cream or half and half. I also eat avocados, nuts, olive oil, butter, premier Protein shakes, etc. I also make green shakes - blended Protein powder, Greek yogurt, fruits, veggies. I use chocolate on days when I am desperate for more calories but don't have more room for real food - it's a total slider. I probably get minimum 1,000-1,300 calories from liquids and the rest from solid food. I have to choose the highest calorie foods out there - looking at a menu I will intentionally choose whatever has the most possible calories. My goal is to maintain at 130 when not working out and up to 135 if I am working out a lot. I was at lower weights initially (down to 123 at 5'6") and looked way too thin. At the lower weight I had too little muscle, was a size 0, and was told that I looked like a victim of weight loss. It wasn't a kind thing for someone to say but was accurate - at just a slightly higher weight I look far healthier and more proportionate. I am on the mobile app and have not updated my ticker from my lowest weight probably - but that is where I am at today and what I have decided is healthiest for me. It took a lot of effort to add muscle weight. When I was obese I didn't exercise and I am sure my metabolism wasn't this high. But now that I have lost the weight I worry that I will be thinner, fit, and set myself up for the same health problems by eating unhealthy foods in order to maintain my weight. I hear that weight gain is common at the 3 year mark. I also worry that the way I have to eat now in order to maintain my weight could set me up for problems later on. I currently weight myself regularly to make sure I am not losing weight rather than to make sure not to gain, though. I think if the depression would improve I would have more energy to pursue healthier high calorie food options. Looking for suggestions and other people in the same boat...

I was banded on August 18th and have lost 36 lbs since the preop diet. I was loosing 1-2 lbs/ week last month and I was o.k. with at least 2lbs a wk. My nutritionists increased my calories, carbs etc...and the weight started coming off faster! I lost 8 lbs in 1 week and 3 lbs the next week. Yes, 3lbs was water but the other 5 was fat! My sweet spot seems to be around 800-1000 calories..... over 1000 or under 800 makes the weight come off very slow. I would start counting nutrition info and see what your body responds to. By the way, 1-2 lbs a week is good weight loss! I wouldn't worry too much as long as you're still losing.

well, here's my story..... Had surgery on May 27th 2011, weighing in at a whopping 196 lbs, I'm 5'3 and was told I was in the obease catagory. By thanksgiving, i reached my goal of losing 70 lbs, (in 6 months time) i have since then lost another 6 lbs, now weighing in at 119 lbs. I did this by following the diet the dr. set fourth for me. i'm now a size 2, (from a 14/16 in pants) I'm trying to maintain the weight and not keep losing, my trouble is that I'm so dead set against putting foods in my mouth that are not "good" foods, that the pounds keep comming off. The foods that I eat are 100% on my mind all the time, i'm so afraid to put weight back on. I think i'm getting a little obsessed.....lol. I have very little loose skin, but I have been excersizing like crazy to work on that area also. My advise, iff you have hit a stall, look at the foods that you are eating, watch your calorie intake, make sure the foods you are chosing to eat have Protein, and low calories, low carbs, and DRINK PLENTY OF WATER!!!! Best of luck to everyone, i'd do this all again in a heart beat, it's been a wonderful experience and no complications at all.