is there anyone out there like me?

I was banded in December I have about 4.5 cc's in my 10cc standard AP band.

I lost 18 lbs within the first three months but then between my second and third fill I gained 8 of those back.

my third fill has been pretty good. I am satisfied 9 times out of 10 on 1/2 to 1 cup of food. I had the third fill April 14th and have since lost those 8 pounds plus about 5 more.

There are some foods I cannot eat at all (corn chips, french fries, beef, yogurt (the yogurt thing is weird but no matter what it gets stuck..weird but who am I to fully understand the dynamics of my band) I can eat chicken, turkey, fine and do.

I can eat whole grain breads if I chew it well and take small bites.

ok so that sounds like alot of people but Im looking to see if theres anyone who didnt say "no sugar" no breads no no no. because I didnt do that and Im not going too. I just dont eat it in excess. for example the other day I really really wanted a hershey bar (my favorite desert) so got one I ate two squares off of it and gave the rest to my bf.

I just feel like im alone because I keep reading posts where most bandsters seem to just get the band then go on an atkins diet? so just wondering am I a minority since Ive chosen not to take that route?

You are not alone. I have avoided bread, pasta and rice since my surgery in December, but I do allow myself limited portions of sugar. I haven't gone totally Atkins - I just try to eat healthy food in reasonable quantities. I work at portion control every day; some days I'm better than others, but have been able to eliminate my two blood pressure medications, which was one of my goals going into this. It sounds as though things are going well for you; if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I'm like you. I don't do an Atkins diet. I personally don't think it's healthy. B vitamins are found in whole grains. These keep me from being moody and grumpy. While I don't eat a lot, and have cut way back, I have not done a low carb diet. I eat oatmeal. I eat brown rice. I have potatoes every once in a while, and if there is a special occasion, I do have a square inch of cake. I've lost 50 pounds in 5 months, so I must be doing something right. For me this was about eating healthy and being healthy, not starving, throwing up and being miserable for the rest of my life. I needed something I could live with. I don't want to be "different", just prudent and wise and make good choices. It's hard. It's not the easy way out, but I want quality of life as well as health.

I see more people on this site using Adkins or liquid diets than my other site. I chose this band because its a "tool" to help me eat normally within better portion control. My Dr said his goal is for his patients to lose slow and steady, to enjoy what they eat and eat normally. I was banded March 28, and have only used lig protein shakes about 4x. I use regular food when I can, just in tiny amounts, mashed a little if necessary and small chewed bites. Yes, If I really want a candy, I too take a small piece, put the rest away in freezer and enjoy that bite or two. Then down the line if I really want something I have it. I just don't eat the entire bar(s). I eat fresh fruit. I am losing slow and steady, not hungry, I do workout 4 x week pretty good. But I don't feel deprived or on a diet about to die. That was the whole idea relearn better eating habits and control. I have found often when I think I want something, after I get it, I don't have a taste for it. Which is just fine with me.

I do eat a few carbs, but they are limited,I workout and make sure I get all of my water in.

I can't eat bread.

My partner is watching his triglycerides. He doesn't eat breads or rice or Pasta very much. Neither do I. I don't miss them. I take Vitamins.

If something is working for you, I wouldn't give a second thought to what anyone else is doing. It's your body, after all.

If something is working for you, I wouldn't give a second thought to what anyone else is doing. It's your body, after all.

Well said!

fivebyfive, in answer to your question, my surgeon said "NO DIETS!". Adkins is a diet, and I am taking his words as lap-band gospel. He said the lap-band is there as a tool to teach us proper portions. I should be able to eat just about anything anyone else is eating, only much, much less. Since you have to take your time to eat anything by chewing it to oblivion, you should get the same satisfaction as someone taking huge bites and pretty much swallowing it whole. I do get that satisfaction. It also keeps me from bingeing because when I do eat something that some would think is a no-no, I have not with-held it from me long enough to go crazy with it. Besides, I have a little friend in there that tells me, "enough", with only 2.5cc in a 10cc band. I won't be getting anymore fills anytime soon, unless I get over ravenous all day, which so far I have been fine.

I was told however that I should only take small portions on a small sized plate. I should eat my meat or Protein and veggies first, then a little carb last. The only reason this is, is because you fill up quick and you want to make sure you're filling your little pouch with as healthy food as possible. You need (good) carbs to survive. Don't think of carbs as an evil enemy, which I see you do not, so that is great. However, I don't eat a lot of bread because it has a hard time going down and seems to make me full after only two tiny bites. I want to eat more than that.

Take it from me. I'm losing steadily at an average of 3.5 lbs per week, so no complaints here. You aren't doing anything wrong, so don't feel bad!