Hi - this is my first post. I was banded July 5th, 2005. I lost 60 lbs out of 100 I need to lose. After the first year, I began going back to old habits a little at a time. . . a cookie here, candy there, little Protein. Finally ended up with a stomach ache that wouldn't go away so had to have the fill removed. Now, 6 months later, I've had time to think and realize I MUST have support. Quickly, 30 lbs returned and I can see that if I don't use the band as a tool and exercise self-control, I'll be right back where I was - and more - and $15K thrown away.

So, I'm starting over! :scared2: I had my first fill this week and met with the counselor. Some rules of what and how to eat have changed since I was first banded and I think that will help. For instance, where I go - the Surgery Center of Richardson - they say 'no protein shakes' - eat food. And eat it with a fork. Protein first, vegetables next, carbs after that. I can do this but have already succumbed to the temptation of sweets several days. I must have support and accountability - I know myself only too well!!

I think this Web site will be one of my support points. Looking forward to meeting you all here!

Jane

you can do it. this forum is awesome, i find myself here when the head hunger gets really tough. This forum has seriously saved me alot of calories LOL.

:scared2: I give you great credit for assessing the issue and doing what it takes to do the right thing about your weight. Thats the great thing about the band. You can always go get a fill and keep going. I think to many fall away from the "band rules" then don't pick themselves up and start again. Thats why the band rules are a LIFESTYLE change and we always need to go back to them even if we slip up. (Bandrules: no straws, no chewing gum, 30/30/30 no drinking with meals rule, no non-natural sugar, read food labels, no caffeine. 64 oz of water daily, Protein first, vegtables 2nd, carbs if you have room. Am I missing any?)

Hi all...

First off... congrats for being motivatied to get back into the swing of thigns.. you can do it! :scared2: Second.. what's this about not being able to chew gum?? !!!!!!!!! I have to chew gum... espeically when I work out.. can someone give me more info?

Hi Lisa....I'm not totally sure...but when I was in for hernia surgery a nurse busted me for chewing gum because he said that it adds to your gas.....so there you go....

The rules vary from doctor to doctor. I don't have any problem with gum or straws, they don't give me gas. I am encouraged to drink right up to the point when I eat, not stop 30 minutes before I eat. Caffeine in moderation is allowed by my doc, as well as NSAIDs in moderation for short periods when needed.

What it comes down to is... Follow your own doctor's guidelines along with a healthy dose of common sense.