Okay I'm trying to get back on track with my band and losing weight. I had my friend/band put in in June 2007 and I've lost 96 pounds with only like 10-15 more pounds to go. I'll admit to not being the best band patient in the last 9 months since having my new son. Now I can't seem to get back on track. I did the 5 day pouch test and lost some weight, but now I don't know where to go from here. I'm confused when reading labels as to what is considered too many carbs in an item or if it has too much sugar. Is there a total carb/sugar count we should be staying under for the day? Need some guidance here. I'm really scared I'm going to gain this weight back. Over the holidays I gained 8 lbs but then lost it with the 5 day pouch test. For health reasons for sure, I can't afford to put back on my weight. Plus I need to get it off to be healthy for my family.

It depends...are you trying to follow a low carb diet? If so, low carb is generally recognized to be anything under 60gm per *day*. I do low carb *and* eliminate all wheat and sugar products (which tend to be too high carb anyway). A typical menu for me:

B: 2 eggs, 1 oz cooked bacon

L: 3 oz of Protein (pan fried, grilled or broiled), 1/2 cup low carb vegies (green Beans, broccoli, salad, etc.)

D: Same as lunch but I'll add 1/4 cup of rice, potatoes or beans.

In between meals, I sip on hot tea or bouillion if I need to soothe my 'cravings'.

Melody

What is the 5 day pouch test??? I have seen it in a lot of postings and was wondering what do you do. I may need it.

I ate low carb and low fat- lost 107 pounds in about 10 months. Be sure to get at least 60 gms. of protein in- I ate lots of tuna, fish, chicken breast, lean port loin. I stayed a way from all bread, pasta rice. I ate berries for fruit- they are pretty low in carbs. I was taking in probably about 25-30 carbs a day. Hope this helps. Good luck! Good for you getting back on track.

What is the 5 day pouch test??? I have seen it in a lot of postings and was wondering what do you do. I may need it.

Here is a good link I found for the 5 day pouch test:

http://www.5daypouchtest.com/index.html

I can't consider my self a low carb person because I have no idea how many carbs there are in what I eat and I don't look. I will say though that I don't keep bread, crackers, chips, cake, candy, ice cream in my house. I have Kashi Go Lean High Protein Cereal that is supposed to only go in my morning yoghurt but I occationally have 1/2 cup snack (dry no milk). Personally I focus on what my protein is going to be and then add healthy options around it. I make baked chicken breast and have half a sweet potato instead of white.

I am a big proponent of acknowledging that you will occationally eat something that is not health conscious (like the small piece of birthday cake at my great nephew's first birthday party. Oh and some ice cream.). Not to create emotional trauma but your next trip to the store; when choosing an item ask yourself "Would I have eaten this the first six months after I was banded?" "Would I be embarrased if I met my doctor in the store and this was in my cart?".

"Would I be embarrased if I met my doctor in the store and this was in my cart?".

Oh my gosh...I love this! This will be on of my shopping rules!