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I think its with anything if you do it occassionally and not every night and have several drinks its fine. My thing I will have a couple of drinks on one night a weekend. But I make sure Iwork out that day. If I dont work out I dont get to drink. I also try to make it low calorie as possible. My doctor allows us to drink diet soda in moderation so you mix that with a rum alot less calories than my old pineapple vodka and malibu drink.

I am at a VERY frustrating point in my journey. I had a lap band on 9/2011 & I'm only 40 lbs down. I work out daily & I record what I eat. I can proudly say I am a very good lap band patient. I do everything right. Which makes this maintaining rut I'm in all the more frustrating! Dr. office tested my resting metabolism, it said I should consume 1900 calories to lose weight. But I am only consuming about 1100 - 1300. But my band simply won't allow me to eat much more! It's so strange, in the beginning of this journey, it was all about eating less, and losing weight. But could it be that now I need to eat more to lose weight? I can easily eat three meals, but remembering to sneak in some Snacks is hard, I'm simply not hungry. But maybe I have to give it a try. So this week I'm going to try to increase Protein. I have a few friends online that are lap band patients and they seem to do well when they increase the protein. My morning Breakfast is already packed with protein. I make a shake in the morning that has Jay Robb Protein powder, plus Chobani Greek yogurt, milk and fruit. I also munch on a few almonds, so my breakfast has 62 grams of protein. My dietitian for lap band told me that we need at least 20 grams of protein with each meal. So I'm obviously getting a jump start in the morning. But others I've seen have lunch and dinner with protein in the 20-30-40 grams. So maybe that's what I need to be doing? This weekend I went to Sam's Club and spent a fortune on pre-cooked meats (because it's easy). I bought sliced beef brisket, chicken sausage, pork Jerky (because it's tender), and chicken. I feel like a total carnivore! LOL! I was just wondering if anyone else out there is or has experiencing the same problem. Any suggestions? Thanks!

First, losing weight is different from losing fat. Don't think that losing weight is a linear path to being skinny. It just doesn't work that way. Our body weight consists of many parts. Bones, muscle, fat, organs and skin just to mention a few. I can eat a high carb, high sodium meal and gain 5lbs in one day. But it's not fat, it's my body retaining fluids. I can also workout every day, eat only 1200 calories a day. I might lose 2 lbs of fat but I also may have created and built up 2 lbs of muscle and an extra 2 lbs of fluids that my body demands to help repair the damage I've done by breaking down my muscle tissues. If you are into measuring your body, you will notice it shrinking in size but possibly not see it on the scale? tmf

I had surgery August 1st, 2013... I eat about 700 - 1200 calories a day... But I exercise at least 5 days week. Combined with the exercise and calorie counting I net about 500 calories a day. Most of the meals I eat are protein (4 oz) and usually dense protein like chicken or beef because that makes me feel full.

Yes, you're hearing the right things here. Hydration trumps caloric intake while you heal. It took me several months to hit my daily nutritional goals of 80+ grams of protein and 800 calories a day. Eventually you'll get there. Right now focus on getting 64 oz. of liquids in each day and taking it easy while you heal. If you were heavy enough for surgery, I promise you won't starve to death in the few weeks you'll have such a limited intake. ~Cheri

Well, for what is it worth, I am jealous that you can't even eat half a sandwich! :-) I'm not there yet regarding intake restriction from the band. So in the meantime, I am totally aided by making sure I eat 80 grams of Protein a day (it keeps me satisfied for several hours between meals), and writing down every calorie I put in my mouth. SEEING it in black and white really helps. And as you already know, getting the sabotage foods out of the house is helpful! Just last night, I would have gone for it, had it been in the house! Good luck to you! You can do it!

All the soy protein sold in stores has whey has an ingredient. I purchase mine from the internet: www.revivalsoy.com. They are expensive, but since I couln't get protein from any other source I paid the price. Now that i'm able to eat again, i'm only using the shakes for breakfast. They are very tasty, come in blueberry, strawberry, vanilla, cappacino, and chocolate. I use soy milk to mix them, but you could also use water. I stay away from smooties, or jamba juices. Anything that tastes so good, is surely to have extra calories in sugar. I stay away from sugar, if it doesn't come naturally in the fruit with is a high density food, i'm not going to waste my points on it :-)

I was a huge lapband failure. I got my band done several years ago, developed an aversion for the doctor, never felt a restriction after 4 fills, dealt with infertility, infertility procedures, adoption procedures, adoption and new child issues. After hearing the doctor I didn't like retired I returned for a fill and faced how ashamed I was to have not succeeded. I kinda demanded a larger fill because I was unsure if I would ever come back based on my previous history. Holy cow I finally felt restriction! WOOT! And I lost weight! Woot! All of this has happened since the last day of July. Currently I am on a plateau after loosing weight very quickly. My band is working and my calories are very much under control. Very much. What are good ideas for getting off of a plateau? Will my continued efforts finally just kick in again? Any hints. I’m working out a bit ( times last week and in a few minutes with weights…although I need to be doing more cardio but I will) I’ve also ordered some protein drinks to help. How well do those protein drinks help?

I try and aim for around a average of 1200 too. Up the Protein, you have to fuel that weight loss. Maybe your body is just catching up to the 18 lbs you lost really fast. I joined sparks people and you can track food on there and your other goals. Its also free. Many places to track calories. Sparks people has everything in one place.

Oh I would never think to reward myself with food on a daily basis! I have been extremely, extremely strict with my diet. Have not had anything sweet or above 300 calories since November 11th. I was kidding about the pizza lol. Thanks for your ideas!

You're NOT too far out for an incision to be leaking, nor are you too far out for a stomach leak. HOWEVER, you probably don't have a leak. It's very rare to have a leak and you don't mention any of the symptoms that others have mentioned when they did have leaks. As for feeling crummy, you may still be reacting to the anesthetic given to you during surgery. Also, your body may require a lot of your energy to heal, which will also leave you feeling blah. It does take a while to heal and get that energy boost for many people. Be prepared because most sleevers experience a weight loss stall at 3 weeks out. It's perfectly normal and is related to the surgery. Our bodies hold onto weight for a few days to a few weeks because we have suddenly changed how much fuel we are putting into them. It will pass. Many doctors keep their patients on liquids for up to 4 weeks, so if you don't feel ready for pureed foods yet, don't worry about it. However, being on only liquids may be contributing to your tired/crummy feelings. It's tough to get in enough calories on liquids alone, so you may want to try adding some pureed food to your daily diet. You might find that it helps you feel more alert. Maybe try some watered down mashed potatoes or some strained cream Soup. I even liked the liquid from egg drop soup at this point. Also, and this will probably sound strange, are you walking and getting any exercise in? Exercise plays a big role in how good we feel about ourselves, helps with weight loss, and may encourage you to eat/drink more. Good luck! I hope you feel better soon!

We all need a little perk , how many calories are in a margarita?? It slides down easy but I think it is loaded. Don't want to sound like your mama but using food as a pick me up or reward can be risky behavior..as you start this lifestyle try to find something less dangerous then food to reward yourself..

I'm now 2 lbs. below my goal and would like to stop losing. I'm adding more calories, but I'm walking more cause I just love to walk! I'm also giving myself a few treats I would have never eaten before. I weigh every Saturday so we'll see next week what happens. Sent from my iPad using VST

@@LizBeth82 I am so sorry to hear you are having problems with your back. I have been through hell with mine and am still going through it. In June I had to have a 3 level cervical fusion. When I found out I was terrified that I would screw up my goals. I knew what to expect from a recovery standpoint. Back problems are long and honestly never go away once you have them. I have had a total of 6 back surgeries, 2 since June. In June I was at 210lbs with a goal of 165. I knew I would have to rely 100% on my diet if I wanted to hit my goals because exercise was very limited. I can walk but very short walks and I can do small basic exercises for my arms and legs. Some days I cannot do anything. For me, I have to focus on a diet that delivers 70 grams of Protein, under 90 grams of carbs and less than 1200 calories if I want to continue to lose. I have done it with diet. I am currently at 163lbs. I am not sure where you are at with diet but that is what you likely need to change up. I would be happy to help if you want to pm me?

I looked through the info I had received from my dietician, but I can't find where it tells me how many calories I should be getting each day for optimal weight loss. Can someone please tell me what their dietician has told them. I would like to know the calories, the limit of carbs, etc. I am 3 weeks post op. Thanks in advance for any info you can give.....

Hi, i was sleeved the same day. I haven't been counting calories, but protein. I'm having protein drinks, soups, and cottage cheese, low fat babybel cheese to get in my protein. I think I am getting around 800-1000 calories a day.

You aren't alone in this. I am sure most people succumb to old habits at some point. The goal is to not give into that stuff but every so often. You just will not be successful if you can't get that under control. I eat out once every week or so, but choose places that will allow me to have options at least (a salad or protein and veg). You can find okay options at most places... At KFC, for example, a grilled chicken breast, and 2 green bean sides contains 260 calories, 7g of fat, 8g of carbs, and 40g of protein. Not so bad unless you are watching your sodium (1230mg). Everything else Is loaded with carbs, salt, sugar or fat. At Taco Bell, there is a power menu bowl with chicken that will pack in 500 calories, 20g of fat, 53g of carbs, and 28g of protein. It is 12 ounces, so if you eat half, you are clocking 250 calories, 10g of fat, 27g of carbs, and 14g of protein. Everything else is blah. I used to love KFC and Taco Bell, but wouldn't be caught dead in either of their drive-thrus or dining rooms. There is just too much temptation there for me. I prefer sit down restaurants over fast food, although I have been known to devour a small Wendy's chili with cheese and onions (only once or twice over the last 4 months, I swear). Learn to forgive yourself though, and move on when you mess up. Letting it linger is not going to help you. Formulate a plan if you are going out. Look at the menus before hand to see what on their menu is healthy, and have that. Remember, success means doing the right things 90% of the time. I doubt that having a taco or some fried chicken once every 10 days is going to explode your diet, especially if the rest of your eating is on point, but it is a slippery slope nonetheless. Good luck.

i am struggling a little, i am trying to keep my calorie intake no more than 1500 calories per my nutritionist but sometimes i find that my protein intake is lower than its supposed to be. somedays when i eat more protein my calories are higher. if i go back to the basics and eat more chicken, eggs, tuna, etc maybe this will keep my calories down. i go in to the surgeon on tues and havent lost any weight now for 4 months. the last time i went in she seemed very disappointed in me. i would get another fill but she said i was tight last time only at 1.5cc in a 4cc band. i have to say that in the past week ive been getting full quicker and not thinking about food as much. i just started using myfitnesspal.com to keep track of my calorie intake, it also keeps track of your protein also andrea

i think 1500 calories is to high also i was losing like 6 pounds a week when i ate 1200 a day and only exercised 3 days a week for 30 min. now i am exercising more but also eating more calories. i also havent been eating enough fruit and vegetables. thanks for the support tomorrow is a new day and im not giving up yet. it is frustrating not to lose for 4 months but my eating habits are so much better since ive been banded i just need to regroup and try something different andrea

Jenymac - you have my complete support. I too struggle with over-analyzing food. I spent about 3-4 weeks eating only one meal a day, desperate to see the scale move. It was driving me crazy, literally. I've also had to take a step back, stop weighing myself every day, and follow the advice of my nutritionist. I'm doing Carb Cycling right now, which has shown me 1) how much better I feel when I am eating regularly, and 2) if I do eat 3 meals and 2 Snacks a day, I'm not going to wake up and be right back at 243 lbs. It's pulled my focus away from the sheer calorie count of everything and now I concentrate on carbs - which is essentially the same but it's forced me to look at the overall content of the food. Is it a healthy choice? It may be 200 calories, which makes me cringe, but the carb count is good and it's a healthy carb. I feel like I'm making smarter choices for my overall nutrition instead of just focusing on that magical calorie number. Good luck to you on your continued journey. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Congratulations for getting help with your eating issues. That takes a lot of courage.

I am pleased that you came here and shared your story with us Mummabear. The first step in making a change is acknowledging that something isn't working. Some questions to ask yourself.... am I willing to experience some short term discomfort if it means I live my life in a way that is meaningful to me....eg. you mention your children, think about a value related to parenting that is something important to you ...being a loving mum, being there for my children etc. What does being a loving mum mean to you? When you are taking that bite of a high calorie food is that helping you to live your life as a role model for your kids? When you are beating yourself up about the see sawing you have done over the past few months....is that helping you to teach your children how to become healthy and resilient young people? It is wonderful that you have a supportive family and friends. Make use of them, let them know that your plans for the week include making healthier food choices etc and give them permission to gently remind you when they see you making choices which could be improved. I feel as though I am a slow loser when compared with some of the people on here - big lesson - comparisons are not always helpful. :hurray: Whenever I feel as though my eating needs a tweak I start writing down everything I eat...yep, including the bits of chocolate I sneaked when no one else was looking! Don't use this as a tool to beat yourself up, instead use this as a tool to help you figure out what could be improved. Food diaries can be very helpful and are also a great reality check. Acknowledge that you have thoughts and emotions that are not always helpful for you, eg the defiant child feelings....you know what...you can have those thoughts and emotions and STILL make healthier choices. For example, I can have the thought/belief that only eating some chocolate will satisfy me while I am chewing a cracker biscuit. It is possible to have thoughts but to not necessarily have to make them true. Thoughs in themselves are merely words grouped together...it is us that makes them reality. When you say you are 'like a defiant child' that doesn't mean it has to be true, you are having the thought that you are like a defiant child...it is very different to being one. Whenever you notice yourself beating yourself up with your thoughts eg. I am pathetic, I will never succeed, I am useless ...put the words "I am having the thought" in front of those thoughts to remind you that you are not your thoughts. A book that is fantastic for anyone who is experiencing depression, anger, anxiety, eating issues etc etc etc is The Happiness Trap by an Aussie Dr Russ Harris The Happiness Trap | Stop Struggling Start Living by Dr Russ Harris . I am pretty sure he said recently that this book is available at Dymocks in Australia now. It is using a psychological cognitive behavioural technique called ACT (acceptance and committment therapy) - I use this with my clients quite a lot (I am a psychologist) but more importantly, I have been using ACT in my own life for a number of years. And by the way, I don't know Russ or stand to gain anything from promoting his book...I simply find it a great starting point for people to use on their own or together with a therapist. His website also has some tips for people who are working through the book on their own. Also, if you do continue struggling with a low mood I would suggest you have a chat to your doctor as there are a number of low cost counselling agencies and also with the new-ish medicare scheme you can get referred for up to 6 sessions of counselling with a psychologist and get a rebate so often the out of pocket difference is less than $30/session. It can be useful to call around as fees vary from clinic to clinic. There are also other counselling agencies that offer a sliding scale of fees (sorry I only know the ones in WA or I would provide the links). Wow, I have written a lot here!!!! I have bolded a few of the key points I was hoping to make. If you have any other questions please feel free to send me a message. Today is a new day for you. I wish you all the best. :cry_smile: edited to add: and by the way what a fantastic start you have made to have lost at the very minimum 10 kg's. Recognise the things you HAVE achieved so far as well.

FYI - the Calcet Lemon Creamy Bites are pretty good. I did not like any of the chewable calcium citrate products. I don't really like swallowing horse pills either. I have only found them online, but they are like little pieces of lemon pound cake with 500mg calcium citrate (well, more like lemon pound cake batter - but tasty either way). The only problem I have with them is that I need two a day and they are 40 calories each. However, I like them and use them as a sweet treat and get my calcium too. To answer original question - I take adult gummy vits daily. I also take a chewable Iron a couple times a week and they above calcium. My labs at 3 months post-op where perfect so I guess I'm good.

Fruit has "sugar" and even apple sauce is a soft food so it's no to both. It's all liquid, no sugar, no fizz, no caffeine,... for ten days pre-op and then four weeks post-op. After that it's the soft foods. I had to drink the barium stuff for my upper GI test today and i asked about the calories- very few BTW, but sugar to flavor it. I'm calling that meal #1 today. Siyah

So most everyone I read on here talks about their calories counts. I understand in the first few weeks while recovering one is taking in 500-800 calories a day, but how about when you are back to your daily routine (working, exercising, etc...). Do you really have the energy to do everything on 700 calories a day? That seems very very low?

Hey Guys Is won ton soup considered a mushy stage food? I am a huge texture nut and the thought of eating pureed meat and the like kinda grosses me out. i was trying to think of some foods that I like that are naturally mushy and won ton soup came to mind. I checked it on fit day, the calories aren't bad and it has more of the good fat than the bad, though its kinda high in carbs. Question is, will it go down smoothly if well chewed in the mushy phase? Any other ideas that don't involve blending a steak would be appreciated too