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Thanks! I think making new habits that include big crunchy salads will help us stay on track! I personally like having a big bowl in front of me... I can't always eat it all, but it makes me feel normal. The stomach will relax and stretch a little over time, but filling it in with lots of veggies is a great way to stay on track... I think my stomach stopped getting bigger at around a year out. I had trouble with weight gain after that time... but filling it up with veggies, raw and cooked, helped me feel full without the calories.

Crod; A few things come to mind. First, congrats on your success. MANY Band Patients do not make it to those last 15. You have done very, very well. First, you said you exercise, but you did not specify what KIND of exercise you do. In a later post you agreed that you should start doing cardio. If you have not been doing much or any cardio up to this point, then you really have not been working out. Cardio is KEY to losing weight. You should spend most of the hour you dedicate to exercise on cardio, with your pulse in the correct range. That might be all you need to shed those pounds. Also, you said that you ate correctly %99 percent of the time, but you did not specify what exactly that means. To many people on this forum, "eating correctly" means having only ONE Snickers instead of 3. I have stated many times on this forum that it is the constant, small decisions we make in what we eat that will determine whether or not we are totally successful. I seem to continually get into arguments here with people on the subject of alcohol. I won't open that debate here, but in fact those couple of glasses of wine that many people have at dinner or bedtime might be inhibiting their weight loss. I saw a post recently where one member (LeighaMason, I believe) had difficulty losing her last 10 or 15 pounds. When she cut out her glass of wine, the weight came off. It is NOT always a matter of Calories in/calories burned…..different types of food have different effects on your METABOLISM. Alcohol is one of them. I am not suggesting that this is your problem, but I would encourage you to take a serious look at what you are consuming. Culturally, we are very conditioned to think that certain things are "good" for us, when in fact they are ONLY good for the people who SELL them. Milk, for instance, is one of those foods. We are the only creatures on earth who continue to consume milk after we have been weaned from our Mothers, and with all of the hormones and drugs that the dairy animals are given to promote growth (and profits), there is a good possibility the Milk we consume can be, in fact be having a detrimental effect on us. Most of the positive nutrients in Milk are destroyed during the homogenization process, so you're not getting much nutrition from your Milk, but you ARE getting some fat, calories, and other things that are NOT desirable. You can get all the Calcium you need from a small serving of vegetables. So, I would encourage to you take a close look at what you are eating. There might be some things that you can change that will make a difference. You have done very well, so you must be eating fairly well. I suspect, though, that adding in as much cardio as possible in the exercise program will be of great benefit, in a number of ways. Cardio is tough to get going on, but after you have done it for a while, you will begin to look forward to it. Best of luck; keep us posted! S.

Thanks everyone! I work out on the Total Gym probably should do some cardio and see if that helps. Also varying the calories is a good idea too. It is coming off one way or the other!!! Cheri

When it's hot outside I make the following: I scoop Protein powder or one container of Greek yogurt I cup of frozen tropical fruit 10-12oz of calorie free liquid 4 ice cubes. Blend the jeepers out of it and enjoy a summertime smoothie--approx. 180cal and 15-24+gr of protein. Yummy and so cooling. Good luck and keep cool. Prayers going up.

minimum amount of food-I want my protein and such but want to eat as little with as little calories as possible and feel full-tell me what you eat in a day .Thanks:)

Hello all ) I just wanted to ask some questions to ease my mind a bit. I was banded Sept 2010. My weight loss has not been that great but that is mostly my fault. I had my last fill at the end of November and decided not to get another due to surgery that I had in January. When I first had my fill everything was good..but about 3-4 weeks after I started having some discomfort when I eat at times. Sometimes its just with the first couple of bites...and sometimes I just give up due to getting stuck. Sometimes everything is fine...its so frustrating ! I have been sliming and PBing quite a bit but have only actually thrown up a few times. Im scared to death this is going to hurt my band. I have no other problems with acid reflux or liquids or anything like that. Recently my weight loss had picked up a bit and im quite happy with that...just dont want to mess anything up with the getting stuck part. Does it sound like I'm too tight or is this just something I will have to deal with on a normal basis? Other than this ..I love my band ! I am hardly ever hungry but try to get my protien in. I think the reason my weightloss actually slowed down was because I was not getting enough calories and protien in. Thanks !

I use mustard on chicken breast "wraps" made with lettuce leaves. Mayo is a no too high in fat and calories. I would disagree that you can't have olives. Greek Olives (black) are where you get Olive Oil from which is good for you. They are high in calories and fat so eat them in moderation. You can however slice them into thin pieces and put them on things.

I have lost 105 pounds it sound like your too tight. Sometimesyou find yourself eating easier food but it may be higher in calories. I lost 100 pounds in 10 months. Its possible.

Same as what I eat now, but in much smaller quantities of course Dense protein: Eggs Tuna (Any fish, really) Shrimp (Any shellfish, really) Lean red meats (occasionally) Chicken Turkey SOME dairy (IE REAL cheese, REAL butter, but in limited quantities) ONLY get your carbs from veggies, and limit starchy veggies (asparagus, cauliflower, potatoes, etc...) stick to mostly green veggies and salads. Stay away from iceberg lettuce and try to do romaine and spinach for salads as much as possible. NO SUGAR (Or as little as you can possibly get away with) Snacks: Cheese, almonds, Jerky, low fat, low sugar greek yogurt Drink TONS of water! I GUARANTEE you will lose what you need to lose and then some if you religiously stick to this and track calories. Good Luck!!

Hi- I had my surgery Feb 1st and have lost 20 pounds, and yes, I eat cheetos and cake- sorry :shades_smile: I just don't eat a lot of it and I make sure I don't eat it every single day. I cannot eat pizza for some reason, but other than that as long as I eat slowly and DO NOT DRINK with my food, I can eat just about anything. At the end of the day, the number of calories you eat is what dictates your weight loss. Also, it is VERY important that if you are hungry or able to eat more than you should that you contact your doctor and schedule to get the band adjusted. I am going in today for an adjustment because I am starting to be able to eat much more than I want/should. I was very, very, very nervous about having the surgery but I am so glad that I did it. My advice is to go for it and to visualize yourself each day as having a positive reaction to the surgery. Don't be negative- imagine yourself for five minutes a day in your mind as a thin, healthy, happy person who loves life. I promise it will help! Best of luck.

why i agree with your point (helpful advice isn't very helpful!) your advisor is correct that there is evidence that drinking diet soda triggers hunger and therefore is NOT an effective solution to reducing calorie intake while drinking soda. anyway, it is kind of weird that people feel the need to tell you this unsolicited...

Yum! It is so good! I made it during the summer when I had a ton of Zucchini! I liked it better than the regular recipe! I made the recipe from skinnytaste.com Zucchini Lasagna Skinnytaste.com Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1/8 • Old Points: 8 pts • Points+: 9 pts Calories: 345 • Fat: 17 g • Carbs: 16 g • Fiber: 2 g • Protein: 36 g • Sugar: 8 g Sodium: 801 (without salt) Ingredients: 1 lb 93% lean beef 3 cloves garlic 1/2 onion 1 tsp olive oil salt and pepper 28 oz can crushed tomatoes 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil 3 medium zucchini, sliced 1/8" thick 15 oz part-skim ricotta 16 oz part-skin mozzarella cheese, shredded (Sargento) 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano 1 large egg Directions: In a medium sauce pan, brown meat and season with salt. When cooked drain in colander to remove any fat. Add olive oil to the pan and saute garlic and onions about 2 minutes. Return the meat to the pan, add tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper. Simmeron low for at least 30-40minutes, covered. Do not add extra Water, the sauce should be thick. Meanwhile, slice zucchini into 1/8" thick slices, add lightly salt and set aside or 10 minutes. Zucchini has a lot of water when cooked, salting it takes out a lot of moisture. After 10 minutes, blot excess moisture with a paper towel. On a gas grill or grill pan, grill zucchini on each side, until cooked, about 1-2 minutes per side. Place on paper towels to soak any excess moisture. Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and egg. Stir well. In a 9x12 casserole spread some sauce on the bottom and layer the zucchini to cover. Then place some of the ricotta cheese mixture, then top with the mozzarella cheese and repeat the process until all your ingredients are used up. Top with sauce and mozzarella and cover with foil. Bake 45 minutes covered at 375°, then uncovered 15 minutes. Let stand about 5 - 10 minutes before serving.

Eating more solid foods isn't what makes you lose weight, what helps you lose weight is the fact that solid food SHOULD keep your hunger away for relatively long periods of time. Which means on solid food you should not feel hungry for 3 - 5 hours. If you do feel hungry within 3 hours despite eating solid lean Protein, then you need more fill. If you've transitioned to solids, but are eating frequently and/ or eating solids that are high in calorie content it will mean you will gain weight. It will make anyone gain weight. Solid lean protein, eat ONLY when you're really hungry, don't eat high calorie foods. If you're actually hungry despite eating solids within 3 hours or so then yes get another fill.

this is what you said: When I was "done" with a diet, I'd go right back to eating a whole pizza and a pint of ice cream. No wonder I piled the pounds back on. That won't be an option with my sleeve. I would really have to work against my sleeve by eating slider foods, grazing, or drinking my calories to regain the weight and I feel like I'm very unlikely to do those things. I've never been a snacker/grazer so why would I start now? I haven't drunk caloric beverages in years and years... since LONG before my sleeve, so why would I start now? That is my problem now! I am a snacker and chose unhealthy foods. that is why I have gained back but 14 lbs of the 41 total I lost in 2012...How does the sleeve help in this particular area...? I would think that before getting the sleeve a healthy mindset would need to be formed and I don't have it right now..Even with my health problems and how yuck I feel after eating unhealthy, it seems to still NOT be enough for me to stay on track.

You're the one that has to live in your body and mind...Not your family, not your friend. Yes, there's a stigma to weight loss surgery - people do not realize what it entails. Some may say this is the easy way out - I can guarantee you, that is not the case. Here's what I know...I was not going to lose the weight on my own. I had metabolic syndrome, I was pre-diabetic, and have thyroid issues. What I would need to do to lose weight was not sustainable - I would have to severely restrict my calories and work out many hours a day in order to lose a few pounds. Giving it "one more try" wasn't going to work. I finally decided to lose weight when I reached 256 pounds - barring marrying my husband and having my son, the decision I made on 08/21/13 was the best decision I made in my life. I decided to tell 5 people prior to surgery and have only told one more person since surgery. I don't expect people to understand my decision - sometimes I can't believe I decided to do it myself; it is a very drastic action. This is your decision - people around you are going to have their opinions. I decided early on that since I didn't want to hear negativity, so I was very careful who I told. My dad totally did not understand - he asked me "Will you be able to give up all of those foods you love?" My reply was, "Dad, I have eaten enough bread for a lifetime. It's time to stop." He started to cry - he totally didn't understand. Now, he asks me about my diet and how I feel when I eat. He calls the surgery "a necessary surgical procedure". He sees how great my life is now and how happy I am - I am finally living the life I am supposed to live. So, do what you need to do for you - this is your life.

I am currently 415 pounds 27 years old and a mother of 2 beautiful kids. I have finally made a choice to lose weight. I have tried everything in the book from weight watchers to b12 shots and calorie counting...but i am at the point where i cant stick with my diet and i cheat on my diet alot of times. i made an appt with Dr. Lidor at John Hopkins University for 4/27. Anyone already go through surgery? All these videos on youtube are freaking me out!! Someone HELP!!!!!

Good Post :-) No fills yet Breakfast: Egg Beaters and Salsa Lunch: 5 crackers w/ chix salad ($1 at the dollar store) and some cottage cheese w/ fresh garden tomato slices Dinner: Canned chix breast w/ salsa and a dollup of full fat sour cream to bring it together Plus two slices of dill pickle For a snack mid day, I had three lil sweet pickles. All in all about 1000-1100 calories

I love food, I mean really love food (which is why I hit 247). I have always been a foodie. While sweets were never a huge pull for me, I find myself wanting them more now, but I have managed to stay away from them except special occassions. I am and always have been a protein / carb girl. I am mildly adventurous, willing to try new foods and such. Since being banded I have found I like: Greek Yogurt, couscous, beans. I eat a lot more fish (talapia, salmon, mackeral). Being that I love to cook I am always researching new things and new ways of cooking. I still, however, do enjoy going out to eat. What I like best is having someone else clean the kitchen! Last night, Valentines, the hub wanted to go to the 1st resturant we ever went to. That resturant is On the Border, which serves southwest style food. I love southwest/mexi, but it is loaded with salt and calories. I downloaded the nutrition and was shocked the my southwest chicken taco's were 1200 calories- ouch. I found that the fajita mix was a better choice, I was able to order the chicken with grilled onion, pepper, zuchini, with no sides (beans, rice, tortillas). I ate just the meat and veggie and ask for sauce on the side (which I only used a bit of). Since I hadn't been there since surgery this really showed how my eating has changes. Before surgery I would eat the meat, veggies, rice, beans, tortillas and a dessert. Last night I wasn't even able to get down all of the meat and veggies. Wow, what a change. My husband said he was so proud of me. I went home feeling good and not over stuffed. Yes, this morning my weight was up by a pound, the salt really worked on me. So today I am drinking my water like a made woman and cutting the salt back. I guess this is what life should be like, not giving up the food we love, just cutting back on the amount and making adjustment for the bad stuff. What in the heck did I learn this years ago??

I have seen and read a lot of posts on here that have mixed opinions about the pre-op (liquid diet). My doctor suggests a 14 day liquid diet consisting of 4 protein shakes and one 400-600 calorie meal a day. It has been a rough road! Day 3 I had a headache that wouldn't subside. I've had to say no the Valentine's Day chocolates, going to a buffet lunch with my in laws (who are in town), had to practice self control while grocery shopping and so on and so forth. I've missed food so much I've cried. I'm addicted and that's why my weight has gotten this high. This pre-op diet has forced me to face hunger. To feel what being hungry really feels like. To practice saying no to myself, my family and my friends. I'm now 6 days in to this diet and I'm feeling better. Sure I'm hungry and want some things but it's getting better. Saying no is getting easier. I am proud that I can do this pre-op diet. That even though I want to eat badly I'm not giving in. I'm learning how to take care of myself. This is just the beginning. So to anyone out there having a terrible day know that you're not alone. You'll have rough days. Days when you want to eat your sadness away. Days when you want just the texture of some food. But stick with the diet your doctor has put you on. This is just the start of your lifelong journey. You will be saying no a lot once you get the surgery so start now!

Friday was a big day, 4 hours worth of appointments. sleep Study set up, thankfully it's at home. I have to do it for two nights, and will finish that tonight. Yay. This was a part I was not looking forward to, maybe I am afraid of the results. Not sure. But I will find out on Friday what the verdict is. Medical Assistant did my body composition (down 3% in fat since August-woot!), EKG, blood work and metabolic test. They did the Resting Energy expenditure. Turns out my metabolism is slow, I only burn just under 1800 calories at rest. Well no wonder the diet I had been on hasn't been working. I've been eating too many calories. Which leads me to... Nutritionist, where we went over what the diet will look like and what my goals will be. It was pretty general in the sense that I didn't get much in the way of written instructions. She said the Dr. will go over that when I meet her in a few weeks. She did say to start getting in the habit of slowly eating and chewing a lot. She told me to find a Protein drink that I like and can tolerate for 6 weeks. She said she's not very "strict" on the nutrition label, besides being 20g of protein or more. She said she'd prefer that it be sweetened with Stevia. Ok, I can do that. She also said I should aim for 1500-1800 calories a day (more on heavy exercise days). I had been doing 2200, so this is going to be a bit to get used too. Then I met with the Exercise person who set me up on a strength training program to bulk up my muscle. He told me to cut back on my spin classes, only 2 now instead of 3. He wants me to lift 3-4 times a week instead, really aiming to build the muscle mass. He said the muscle mass will increase my metabolism which will burn more calories. I kind of knew that, but he was really cool; avid cyclist too! He gave me tips on wheels for my bike! Best part was telling me I will be back on my bike and spinning 4 weeks post op! That was the best news!!! Next up is psych evaluation on March 2, then I meet with Dr. Patterson on March 12! This was starting to get real, and I was very nervous last night. But I am feeling better about it. The exercise Dr. said most sleeved women lose 20-25 lb a month. Wow! So for those waiting to do the pre-op, this is what I did. Hope this is informative to you.

I was already on the following plan when I started my 3-month supervised plan: 1200 calories a day + exercise calories Low carb (10g or less per meal) Lean Proteins Exercise 4-5 days a week (3 days weights + cardio, 2 days cardio only). My cardio preference is HIIT on elliptical. My nutritionist approved my plan an I continued doing that until my pre-op. Best wish on your journey!

Again, I'll mention what I do whenever I stall…..I actually eat MORE! Healthy and calorie conscious of course, such as more Protein (lean meat), Protein shake, salad, etc., but I eat 5 meals instead of 3 and so far this has gotten me out of 3 stalls within just a couple of days. I can't say that it's scientific but it works for me but I actually got the idea from someone that posted it on this site so apparently there must be something to it.

Your 100% correct Paul but sorbitol is also used as an artificial sweetner in some foods. We don't dump it in our coffee but it is in alot of products like sugar free gum and mints and folks should be aware. I think low carb diets are wonderful (not no carb imho) but a clean low carb. From Wikipedia encyclopedia. Sorbitol, also known as glucitol, is a sugar alcohol the body metabolises slowly. It is an artificial sweetener often used in diet foods. It is called a nutritive sweetener because it provides 2.6 calories (11 kilojoules) per gram versus the 4 calories (17 kJ) of sugar and starch. Sorbitol is poorly digested by the body. It is also used as a humectant in some cigarettes. Sorbitol is also produced by the body. Too much sorbitol in cells can cause damage. Diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy may be related to too much sorbitol in the cells of the eyes and nerves. Ingesting large amounts of sorbitol can lead to some abdominal pain, gas, and mild to severe diarrhea. Sorbitol can also aggravate irritable bowel syndrome. Sorbitol is often used in modern cosmetics as a humectant and thickener. Some transparent gels can only be made with sorbitol as it has a refractive index sufficiently high for transparent formulations. Sorbitol is used as a cryoprotectant additive (mixed with sucrose and sodium polyphosphates) in the manufacture of surimi, a highly refined, uncooked fish paste most commonly produced from Alaska (or walleye) pollock (Theragra chalcogramma).

My pre-op diet was different from yours, but I found it to be incredibly miserable. I was allowed three Protein shakes per day and one green salad with calorie-free dressing. Plus unlimited sugar-free Jello and popsicles. It totaled out to about 450 calories a day which was terrible! I was expected to keep up with my cardio, keep going to work full time, and I still had 100% of my stomach at that point! Ugh! I had terrible headaches the first few days as my body went into ketosis. My breath was terrible. And I had NO energy. I ended up having to scale way back on my cardio intensity to still get any exercise in.

I was on three shakes a day, one green salad with calorie-free dressing, and sugar-free jello and popsicles. I was making my own shakes with 4 oz. of unsweetened almond milk, 4 oz. of water, one scoop of Now Sports unflavored whey protein powder, and various Torani sugar-free syrups for flavoring. I eventually ended up replacing some of my shakes with EAS AdvantEDGE ready-to-drink shakes for the sheer convenience of having a ready-to-drink option.