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Good morning all! Well, my scale FINALLY moved...only 1.2 pounds, but at least it was in the downward direction! I've been getting frustrated and wondering if I needed another fill..that's the first loss in almost a month!! For me, a Wendy's side ceasar salad is a full lunch. (minus their dressing...use my own) Sometimes I add some boiled shrimp on top...YUMMY! I actually think the boost of protein may be what moved the scale. (We just got 50# of shrimp so I've had some every day.) Ms Vicki: How do you like Dr. Spivak and his staff? I have been less than impressed in all honesty. I haven't seen Dr. Spivak since surgery and only for a moment on that day. I've called his office on three occassions and none of the three did they return my call. When I had my first fill, noone even identified themself as the Nurse, PA or whatever, so I don't even know who it was that did my fill, although it was totally easy. They gave me the "fill criteria" as 1) wanting to eat everything in sight, 2) loss of less than 5# in a month. Otherwise, said they never need to see me again. (that's real friendly, huh?) skbishop: third time's a charm, huh??? I have only had one- hope I don't have two to go. With what I'm eating right now (and how the chest feels when I eat) I'd be a little nervous about getting another fill right now, even though I'm not losing hardly any. SIGH...guess I'll hang in another couple of weeks before deciding. Julie: I'm a coca-cola junkie too. My RNY friend says "yeah, I'm not supposed to, but I drink at meals and I drink diet coke all day long" but I've decided that I'm not going to have any coke for now. I don't miss it THAT bad and I look at it this way...either I won't be able to tolerate it, then I'll feel deprived OR I will be able to tolerate it and I'd probably overdo it...so either way, leaving it alone AS IF it's off limits serves me better. I'm sure at some time I'll try a swig, but until it's just really "CALLING" to me, I'm gonna consider it an "OFF LIMITS" item...very black & white...makes it easier for me to resist in my mind. prinnie: WELCOME to the best thread on LBT. We have plenty of support for you!!! JanetC: I think you're right...we all PMS and/or are prone to binges at roughly the same time each month. Harder to have a "voice of reason" available, but easier to have "pity parties" together!!!! I don't want to take any chances at stretching my pouch or "causing" conditions right for slippage, erosion, etc. so I'm trying to stick to the rules as closely as possible. For me, if I give myself an inch, I'll be eating the entire pantry!!! I know me, and it's not PRETTY!!! That's why I've chosen to keep portions down to 1 cup or less...no carbonated beverages...no snacks between meals (unless a protein shake or yogurt if feeling poorly)...trying to up my activity...no bread...I want to TRY to help the band do it's job as much as it can. Like all of you...WAY too much money, WAY too much post-op misery and WAY too much pressure from those who know about the surgery to let it NOT be a success. I'm just trying to measure my success by the doctor's standard, not by the by-passers or the people at work, etc. who don't understand that the band works differently. That's the only way I don't feel overwhelmed by the task at hand and just crumble! When I feel deprived or overwhelmed (which actually I haven't much--which has been the best surprise of the whole surgery!) I allow myself 1-2 M&M's or a fat-free fudgcicle or ice-cream bar as a "SLIP" and drag myself back onto the wagon. (kicking and screaming, but I get on!) Hope everyone "weathered" the weather in the plains states and everyone up north is enjoying some springtime. Texas is already headed for "HOT"-the main season here! Talk to you all soon! Thanks for your support. Nanster

Hi ALL! Tragedy last night...cable went off half way through Idol!!! But, back on tonight...I missed the last 4 performers:confused: ! Hubby and I went out to dinner tonight...he wanted seafood. Went to Joe's Crab Shack...YUMMMMY. I was able to eat a little bit of the salad...first time for salad and it was A-ok, but couldn't eat much. I ordered crabmeat-stuffed mushrooms (an appetizer) and ate 3 of the 4....was TOTALLY satisfied, full and happy!!! No PB's, no heart burn and.....LOTS of leftovers to eat tomorrow!!!! :eek: I'm generally eating a frozen (diet) entree for lunch and being happy with it. I eat an egg or a yogurt for breakfast usually. For dinner, again, an egg, entree or crabmeat(or tuna). (Now I can add SALAD!!) I haven't eaten bread AT ALL. My portions are all smaller than before for sure!!! Disappointed in the loss on the scales, but oh well*sigh* it surely will get better. I HAVE to talk positive to myself, because I'm generally my own worst enemy!!! I successfully ate a 1/8" slice of a Snickers bar, put the rest into my desk and never even heard it call my name!!! For me, that's not just great, it's a miracle!! It has now been in my desk for 3 days and only 2 small (1/8") slices are gone. I'm actually VERY proud of myself for that, because I have NO WILLPOWER when it comes to chocolate. I'll get to personals tomorrow night. Got some chores to do tonight and still want a little "relaxing" time for myself and hubby too! JanetC: Thank you SOOOOOOOmuch for keeping the charts on us and letting us all know how great we're really doing ---stuff that's MEASUREABLE!!! You clearly put a lot of time and effort into our thread and I really appreciate it. I look forward to coming to our thread EVERY SINGLE DAY to see what's up with all of you. Later, Nanster

Hey guys, I haven't posted in awhile but I'm doing well, I've cut out some of my ice cream habbits and I lost a couple pounds yay! It really is mind over matter pelo, get some frozen yogurt and keep it in the freezer for when you get a major craving, it worked for me.... I went to try on my maid of honor dress for my best friends wedding yesterday and when I got sized in Jan they wanted to order me a size 20 and I was like NO WAY, order me a 16! They thought I couldnt do it but when I slipped it on last night I was able to clasp the top and zip almost all the way up! I think about 10 more lbs and a body shaper thingy and it would be perfect! YAY Anway, I thought I'd share lol Keep up the good work girls!!!

HELP! Guys I'm pulling my hair out! It is almost "that time of month" and I have gone from not being able to finish 8ozs of yogurt to being starved for the afternoon and craving chips, chocolate, ice cream and milk! I have done so good since my last fill and even last month, went through this a little but not much. But starting around lunch, I can't get my mind off those "bad" things. I still don't eat near what I used to. A bag of chips is now about two handfuls, a 1/2 gallon of ice cream has been reduced to about a cup and chocolate milk, well 8ozs satisfies that in the evenings. Luckily, by dinner, things calm down and I only eat about 1/2-1cup of food. But I wish I could head off the afternoon issues. What all do you guys do when things like this hit? Oh, Bea -- keep us posted on Ike and how it affects you and your family! I'll be keeping you guys in my prayers!

This is an email from the lady I told you that lost 130 pounds in a year. I asked her to email how she did it!!!!! It is awesome!!!!! Anyways,you CAN be at goal in 6 months,believe me and you have exactly what it takes..............................determination and discipline. That is going to get you where you want to be.I know you noticed right away how all these women have lost only 40 to 50 pounds in a year or even longer.I was right where you are a few months ago and I said to myself,that is NOT going to be me! I spent alot of money for this band and I am determined to make it work for me,no matter what!I was banded on Feb 20th and by October I had lost 115 pounds and than no longer had fat to lose but had alot of hanging skin,that's when I had my tummy tuck done. Like I told you at the meeting.I ate (eat) only once a day,sometimes twice depending if my family invites us to go out to dinner but I count all calories and try to pick things that are really low in calories. Most of the times I am way under what "they " require but hey,like I said to myself, I'll do what ever it takes.Like you,yes I was tired when I didn't eat enough,so I started to make sure when I did eat it was meat .In the very begining I would usually have a weight smart frozen pot roast with veges meal for lunch and I still wouldn't get full so I would have a large salad on the side or some days I would have a large chicken breast on a salad. My favorite and most eaten meal was a carne asada taco salad from a real mexican restaurant,I just don't eat the shell! I would eat this "lunch" as late as I could hold off,usually around 3pm because I never ate breakfast.Then usually after eating that much food,( I really stuff myself with this meal) my hunger would stay away until really late at night,that's when I would have a yogurt or one of those 100 calorie snacks.When I am hungry before lunch or even after I keep drinking coffee,it keeps my hunger away bug time.I was never a coffee drinker until recently.Most importantly,I walk everyday about 2-3 hours after I eat my lunch and walk 2 miles,then when the weight started to come off,I found walking to become easier and I started to run a little between walking. The weight did stall sometimes and I would have to eat more for a few days,then I would notice the weight loss again. You are so lucky,you did this with your BMI being so low,you have so much less to lose than the rest of us.You're going to be beautiful by summer time!

I had my surgery yesterday (4/28) and I guess I am doing well so far. I do have some soreness around the port and some neck pain from laying on that hard or table but other than that I am doing ok. I do notice some gurgling in my throat but as I am still on clear liquids I am just taking that as a time to slow down a bit. Tomorrow I get to start mushy foods. I bought some bananas, cottage cheese and yogurt today. I dont think I feel the band at all but like I said it is sore around the port. I am itchy today too but I think that is a post anesthesia thing. Hope everyone is doing well.:blushing:

So nice to read a post from you...it's been awhile! You did not mention any recent appointments with your surgeon. From what I have read, hunger between meals means that the band is in need of adjustment. I am just starting to get hungry, and that's the time I get a glass of the milk or cup of yogurt I am supposed to have 2 times a day. I don't see my surgeon until 3/29, and he has already told me that he will not be adjusting my band at that appointment. My band is still empty. Great work so far...happy for both of us!

Most will say don't and you shouldn't but if u do my dietician said reach for Protein. So how about a piece or two of dry tandoori chicken with a little yogurt dip? I forgot to add cheating once can lead to more cheating. Which given you are very close now could be a very bad thing.

Wow you've got good choices I was Water only first two days basically I got upset about it haha I was allowed a clear soup which was amazing then Optifast last night for tea but it was made with milk which made me nauseated then this morning i was given yogurt for Breakfast and fruit purée only had a few teaspoons of the yogurt as couldn't tell if I was full or not so I decided to not risk it. Are you looking forward to going home? Are you staying on optifast for how long after do you know what your plan is yet? Sent from my iPhone

Sounds like you are doing great I weighed in before and I've gone up 1.5kgs since Friday so odd just be Fluid or something. Congratulations on your first 10kgs that's a huge achievement to be proud of. So you think if it's just mushy I could try that I don't want to drink savoury foods like watery yuck I'd rather stay on shakes which I hate. I'm totally hearing you on the savoury front I'm over sweets too. I bought some refried Beans to have with some melted cheese and sour cream I might try that tomorrow. I might have some yogurt tonight and see how I go. Sent from my iPhone

What is it about yogurt that has you focusing on that for meals? Is it always matcha flavored? Or do you vary the flavorings and toppings?

My bowels sucked! Now I have a daily formula which keeps me pumping regularly. Here's my recipe for terlet success. 17g Miralax (Clearlax) 2 Colace (docusate sodium) 12g Now Brand whole psyllium seeds dissolved in 14oz of Lipton Cinnamon Apple Spice Tea (drink it room temp) + 6 drops liquid vanilla stevia lots of leafy dark greens + broccoli + cauliflower + asparagus healthy fat 100+ water per day limit dairy except Greek yogurt raw fermented veg (sauerkraut, kimchi, lactofermented veggies hummus

I’m still frustrated. I’ve been working at increasing calories to 1000 to slow down the weight loss. I’m adding nuts and peanut butter since I can’t eat a lot volume wise. I tired half a protein bar. I felt fine but the past few days I have been having more BMs and dropped another pound. I’m thinking maybe it’s the increased fats? Any suggestions for slider foods that are higher calorie. I’m eating a ton of 4% yogurt, milk etc. at this point I’m tempted to purée meat to drink 🤢

I feel like I'm in such a weirdo in between space. I don't care as much about food these winter months. SAD? i swore this was when all the cooking would happen. Not for myself anyways. I'm like it's just food, I'm hungry. I'll just eat yogurt. I like yogurt. I need to get back in cooking track

Orea, you get to be on full liquids already? I had to wait until today...my 11th day! =( On the 9th I did get to have a yogurt smoothie, 10th day I started 1 protein shake and today I incorporated the cream soups and stuff. These docs are all so different.

Hey Ron! I had my BP on the 6th. I’m doing pretty good as well. I don’t start vitamins until Tuesday a full two weeks after surgery. I guess they want to make sure I’m eating something to protect me from getting nausea. I saw my nutritionist yesterday and he said I can ease into soft foods with yogurt and cottage cheese. Luckily I love both! I was able to have about 1/2 a cup without feeling uncomfortable. I just stopped eating and I wasn’t hungry or wanting more. A few hours later same thing with a Greek yogurt. I’m so ready for eggs, tuna, cheese etc. I also was told to wear my binder for 4 weeks. It definitely makes me feel more secure. My glue is still on my incisions. I guess they put a super deluxe hospital grade glue on me. I’m not scrubbing it off or peeling it off until it comes off naturally. I’m too scared to open something up. So, good luck my friend. And everyone else hang in there with your liquid diets. It’s definitely worth it. It will make your surgery go smoother and recovery easier. 💖💖💖

I talked to the nurse the other day about some vomiting issues I had been experiencing, about 5 times in total over the past 2 weeks. While the first time was almost certainly due to overcooked/dry food, there was concern over the other times, especially a few days ago when I was sick twice in a day with quite a bit of pain and multiple times of fairly aggressive vomiting. I had a longer, more complicated surgery than usual (6 hours) due to some scarring and issues with my intestine, so my doctor decided I should go back to the liquid phase until I see him on April 2. Not gonna lie, 11 days of protein shakes and yogurt is not what I was hoping for. I thought they would say just avoid the foods that were making me sick. But I guess the doctor feels my systems need more time to heal. I can have some simple creamed soups, though, and plan to supplement those with unflavored protein because I can't stand the shakes and protein waters. At least I'm having no issues with hydration.

Day 5 out of 14 on the pre-op diet and I've settled into somewhat of a routine. I do a Bariatric Fusion cappuccino shake at breakfast with a 20 oz decaf tea that has 1/2 cup Fairlife milk and a scoop of collagen in it. Oikos triple zero yogurt for a mid-morning snack. Bariatric Fusion chicken soup shake for lunch. Jello for snack. 2 scoops Syntrax Nectar unflavored powder in one cup of Pacific Foods tomato basil soup for dinner. Jello for dessert. Sometimes a Good Night protein hot cocoa before bed if I'm hungry. I also take my chewable Celebrate One 45 vitamin, 3 celebrate calcium chews, 2 scoops of Benefiber, Vitagut liquid probiotic, and a liquid omega 3. Believe it or not, all of those supplements add 160 calories and 14g carb to my day! I also drink three 32oz waters with a sugar free flavor packet in each. Total average daily macros: 850 calories, 105g protein, 11g fat, 50g carb Weight loss so far: 7lbs

@BlueParis The liquid diet isn't so bad. I guess it's a good thing I'm not actually hungry. I bought a bunch of smooth soups to add my protein powder to so I wouldn't need to do shakes, and picked up some favorite yogurt flavors. For the vitamin issue, are you able to buy Celebrate or Bariatric Fusion brands of vitamins in France? If so, they both make multivitamins that are iron free, and then a soft-chew iron supplement. I would suggest getting your multivitamin in first thing and then taking the soft chew iron in very little nibbles throughout the day. Celebrate's cherry flavor is pretty good, and the texture is like a chewy candy (like Starburst, if you are familiar with that candy). It's probably the 45mg of iron hitting all at once that's causing the issue, so if you took the very tiniest of bites 6 or even 12 times per day, you could get the iron in by the end of the day without the shock to your stomach.

Ty! Yes we are! Some of that weight loss was pre-surgery, lost about 26# since surgery. I feel really good actually. a) I too need to stop eating before I’m too full like so many others here, I’m having a hard time with that. b) I was super nauseous for the first 3 weeks or so but was lucky in that my surgeon gave me Zofran for it. My Dr. cleared me to eat whatever (as long as it’s healthy) I want after my 1 month follow up and so far so good. My new favorite food is canned chicken crust pizza I make. It’s soooo yummy and gives me tons of protein intake with just one piece. c) I’m definitely feeling the stalls, I’ve had 2 (one currently) which is what makes me come see how y’all are doing and then I realize it’s not just me so that makes me feel better. It’s just so annoying bc I typically eat about 750-900 cal a day and my brain just doesn’t want to get why the weight doesn’t just drop off 🤣. I think it thinks I’m starving to death 🤦🏼‍♀️😂 d) I have on occasion gotten super hungry which I hate. I was so hoping that feeling was permanently gone but 🤷🏼‍♀️. It’s only happened to me 2 or 3 times so maybe I was dehydrated? That’s what I’m telling myself for now. I also have a hard time getting 64 ounces of fluid in but I try. And going back to the nausea thing….i just had a couple of suggestions that I’ve tried and have helped me, but of course ev1 is different. Even the thought of protein shakes now make me want to vomit, I do everything I can to avoid having to drink them. I try to hit 60-80 gm of protein a day. I eat a lot of tuna, chicken, Greek yogurt, the Only Bean roasted edamame beans and chicken pizza crust pizza. And use liquicel if I need a protein boost before breaking down and having a shake. I don’t ever take my vitamins on an empty stomach, I always eat light and fit Greek yogurt first. water makes me nauseated now. So I very rarely drink plain water. I usually drink decaf unsweetened iced tea and now add Mio to my water but I’m trying to integrate the plain water back in, I think it’s just some kind of weird mental block. And just keep in mind that dehydration itself can cause fatigue and nausea! Of course so can the vitamins were all taking 😂 Sorry for the vvvveeerrryyyyyy long post guys! And thanks again for all y’all’s unknown help. I wish ev1 the best on their weight loss journey!

Leftover trout mixed with Greek yogurt.

Key lime yogurt w/protein granola. :-)

I second the Healthy Choice frozen Greek yogurt. I just had some.

Yep I am so glad it is on mine too because I can't stand protein shakes. I am trying to get my protein from food. It is really hard to get to 60-65 grams but I am trying. Greek yogurt at 15 grams is my bff except I can't quite finish them.

Lunch was some plain Greek yogurt, a handful of mixed berries and some protein granola. So good!