Hello. Never used a forum before. I was banded January 13. I've lost 13 lbs but It seems that I've lost many inches. I am having a hard time sticking with the low carb diet that is recommended due to work and I am trying to be patient with this process. Any helpful ideas?

Hello there Kbaird. Congrats on your success so far. Was it your doctor that recommended the low-carb diet? Because, to me, the best part of being banded is being finished with gimmicky, hard-to-maintain diets (Adkins, South Beach, etc) and eating more balanced, healthier meals.....

The low carb diet, as I am told, has to do with protein and it's effects on the band because the protein stays in the pouch longer, thereby making you feel full longer. What did your doctor recommend?

I've found what your doc says to be true. High Protein foods do help me feel "full" for longer. I eat protein first, then vegatables. There are no other restrictions, per se. I was concerned that your doc had you on a "gimmicky" low carb diet (ie, you can't have potatoes or carrots!!). In my own mind, I draw a line between a "low carb" diet and a "high protein" diet.......I know, I'm crazy.

It seems like I choose to eat higher protein now, but if I want some carby vegatables, I haven't blown my "diet" for the day. Make sense? Just knowing that I can eat carbs makes it easier for me to make healthier choices.

Anyway, there is such a variation of instructions for different doctors. I just wanted to make sure yours wasn't trying to convince you that banded life meant being on Adkins forever, lol.

Well, he does recommend no potatoes and higher carb things - which is why it seems like a struggle. He does say to eat protein first, then veggies, and starches last if you have to have them but they strongly urge to have about 30 a day. I recently had my first fill but I don't really see a difference in my appetite. He says to eat three meals, eat until full and no snacking but I find that I am a little hungry in between. Thanks for your input, I do not know anyone who has had this done, or who would admit having it done, so I have not had anyone I could bounce things off of. I just barely met the weight criteria to have it done so I am trying to be okay with the fact that my weight will come off slowly. it just gets frustrating at times.