i had surgery Oct. 18, 2013, Weighed 323. Today I weigh 289. Was suppose to get a fill on Dec 16, 2013 and didnt my dr. became ill and i still waiting to see what my next step is i am at a lost and feel myself eating more and not actually understanding what to eat and not eat and portion control can someone pls assist me.

i had surgery Oct. 18, 2013, Weighed 323. Today I weigh 289. Was suppose to get a fill on Dec 16, 2013 and didnt my dr. became ill and i still waiting to see what my next step is i am at a lost and feel myself eating more and not actually understanding what to eat and not eat and portion control can someone pls assist me.

You made the first step in getting banded. You have lost well and evidently have been using your lap band tool. Did you visit a nutritionist before or at the time you were banded? Can you check in by phone with her? When portion control became a problem for me I got a regular serving & then halved it removing that in take-out container (even at home or senior centre at lunch). A few days of shrinking my tummy and my "zone" came back . . . . . walk, walk & walk, get out of the kitchen. . . . don't have junk food in the house. . . Check back with your doctor's nurse, my insurance company requires them to do good follow-ups on weight loss surgery . . . . it's cheaper for them to have excellent results than to have future health claims. . . . keep in touch with BariatricPal.com and maybe use a nutrition/calorie tracker. . . I did this for 6 months and it was really an eye-opener to see why my weight loss was stalled. . . , , , wish you a healthy happy future!

I agree with Joanne. Have you called for a fill since you are not ill now? You have lost really well, but if you want to get back on track, and feel that you can't due to losing your way, call the nutritionist if you can't get a fill. Best wIshes, Karen..aka..kll724

Hi there, I'm with Joanne and Karen -- put those medical professionals to work! The after-care is very important. Meanwhile you wan to eat protein first then veggies. Practice chewing very well and eating slowly. This is a time when were learning new behaviors but also your band has to be adjusted properly. That's the whole idea. Best wishes!

Hi nuttynettyp (cute screen name, by the way!)

I agree with the rest of the bandsters who have chimed in...check your notes from your pre-surgery days - I'm sure there were lots of suggestions on preparing to live a banded life, your mindset, and what you'd be eating after surgery. Since you are likely eating "regular" food, go slowly. Bulkier foods may or may not go down easy. If you're finding that you can eat more and more (quantity) then I'd suggest calling your doc's office and scheduling a fill. If you're still having trouble getting down the foods you used to eat (solids) then re-evaluate what you are eating.

Try a new food (especially fruit and veggies) every week or two so you don't get bored. Have you investigated alternative Protein sources? Tried a new fish dish?

When my weight loss slowed down and I was hungry all the time, I knew for ME it was time for a fill. Start noticing (and maybe journaling) your feelings and what you're able to eat. You'll develop a feel for when your body is telling you a fill is in order. Try to occupy your time with things other than food. Are you working out? If not, start to develop an exercise routine (walking, videotapes, exercise classes) that works for you. If you are working out, shake up that workout by trying something new and different to help keep you occupied, burning calories, and thinking about something besides food!

Definitely check in with your doctor - maybe a repeat visit to the nutritionist is in order to help you develop a plan for the next month or so regarding your eating. Then, as long as you are following the bandster rules (in part - chew, chew, chew!) and losing at a satisfactory rate, you could go a little longer between fills.

Don't hesitate to use the resources at your doctor's office as others have suggested. You've lost 34 pounds - that's great! Perhaps it's time to reward yourself with a new pair of cross trainers for your exercise routine, walking shoes if you're a walker, new workout gear to show off your slimmer self, or perhaps a new outfit that you can mix and match with existing clothes in your closet that will also show off your loss so far.

Keep going - you're on the right track!

i had surgery Oct. 18, 2013, Weighed 323. Today I weigh 289. Was suppose to get a fill on Dec 16, 2013 and didnt my dr. became ill and i still waiting to see what my next step is i am at a lost and feel myself eating more and not actually understanding what to eat and not eat and portion control can someone pls assist me.

Typically surgeons have "backups" or assistants to help out with adjustments if they can't do it. You need to call your surgeons office back to ask them if your surgeon have a "backup" or someone else that can help you, or when will your surgeon be available to start filling your band.

If not you need to start looking for a new surgeon to help you, it's unethical for a surgeon to just leave you hanging...the lap band DOES NOT WORK unless it is properly adjusted.

Good luck

You shouldn't feel lost as to what to eat. Your surgeon and nutritionist should have thoroughly explained this to you, You shouldn't be second guessing what your diet is supposed to be. Get on the phone and talk to the staff so they can guide you in this phase of your weight loss. Everyone can offer suggestions but it may not be the plan set in place for you by your doctor. Call them, ask them all the questions you need to make you feel like you are understanding what is needed post op. No one should feel lost after weight loss surgery.

Have you rescheduled your fill?