Just checking in to find out how my other fellow October 2011 bandsters are doing...

Hi! I was banded 10/8/11 and I think I'm doing pretty good! I have lost 71lbs and am feeling amazing. It really is a completely different life. I am only half way there and still want to lose about 60lbs more, but definitely off to a great start. Do you think my goal of 135lbs is too low?? Should I shoot for something higher to start with? Let me know what you think!

You are doing great! I haven't lost that much. I was banded on October 5, 2011. I finally hit the 25lb lose mark. It has been sloooooooow. Since I started the pre-program I have lost a total of 32lb. What is your secret? What are your typical meals for the day?

I'm sorry to hear that! Have you had enough fills? Maybe you can still eat too much? Basically, it's no Pasta, rice, bread, tortillas, etc. I do eat some bread, but it has to be toasted and no more than a slice a day. I don't eat Breakfast because my band is very tight in the morning and anything that goes down, comes back up. =/ ...but I've heard that's very common. So, here is a sample of my daily menu....

Breakfast: Muscle Milk Light chocolate Protein shake

Lunch: Lean Cuisine steak tips portabello meal

Dinner: A 1/2 cup of chopped lettuce with shredded cheese and boiled eggs. ...and Ranch, and a small piece of chicken.

Ranch is the ONE thing I have not given up, I just go very sparingly. =)

I haven't been able to eat most red meat since my surgery. It just doesn't agree with me anymore. I don't snack at all. If I get hungry in between meals (which is rare) I eat a Nature Valley Granola Thin. They are only 90 calories and are delicious. It took me 5 fills to get to a good place. Some things get stuck and I have to let them back up maybe once a week, twice on a bad week, but I feel like I am able to eat what I should. Also, no candy, cake, ice cream, etc. Lot's of carbs/sugar. Make sure you aren't eating more than you could hold in your hand and no soda! If you need coffe, try caffeine free. I have some issues with lettuce, so if I eat a salad I cut up the lettuce very small, or buy the bags of shredded lettuce instead.

Hope this helps! Let me know how you are doing!