Hi everyone, I am new here but not new to the lapband. I was banded June 28, 07 and have lost a total of 15lbs since and that was in the 1st 2 weeks. I had my surgery in Mexico and all was great but I didn't get any follow up support. I live in BC, canada and drive to Arlington Wa for my fills but even being almost full am not losing, infact this last month I may have gained. I was so hoping to be thin this summer and its not going to happen as I have 80lbs to lose and we are in mid March. Anyways, my questions to you all are....

1) What is the 5 day pouch test diet I read about on another thread?

2) Those who have had success, could you give me an idea of your average daily diet.

I am quite tight in the morning and will start nibbling around 3pm then eat later at night. I am thinking it is the later at night that is causing me the problems. Any info you can help me with would be so grately appreciated.

http://www.5daypouchtest.com

Above is the link to the pouch test.

I am somewhat new to the band still...had surgery on November 4, 2008. I would not be a good person to answer the rest of your questions. I'm sorry.

I do have the sense though, after talking with my doctor, that tighter isn't always better. I find that when I get less calories, my progress stalls. My body might be more sensitive to panic attacks when it thinks I'm going to starve it. ha ha ha So actually, eating more works best for me.

In the morning, when the pouch is real tight, I stick to Protein shakes. Even though I'm not hungry, for me, it's much better than just waiting until I am actually hungry. I also try my best to time my liquids so that I do strictly follow the drinking rules of the pouch.

I hope you will get some good suggestions here and also some support from the team that does your fills. Have they offered you any suggestions??

I find that keeping a food journal is essential for me. I use myfitnesspal.com to log every single thing that goes into my mouth.

I usually eat five to six small meals per day. I watch my portions carefully. Fat grams, carbs and sugars are what I really concern myself with, but protein is numero uno! I try to keep the protein between 60-80g per day.

For breakfast I have either a poached egg, or a special K granola bar or a bowl of cereal and skim milk. Then I have a snack of fruit or a yogurt. Lunch is usually a protein and some fruit. Then for another snack I have sugar free jell-o or a protein shake, maybe some carrots w/ fat free ranch. Dinner I try to get a protein, veggie and fruit, again, watching portions. And I am absolutely ADDICTED to sugar free popcicles! 15 calories and NO fat! :sneaky:

I drink water all day, and never any juice. There are alot of sugars and carbs in most juices, and carbs are my nemesis. I try to never have more than TWO starches per day. And never more than 1 serving of fat per meal.

But logging it all online makes it so much easier to keep track. It is time consuming, but is totally worth it when I step on the scale! Hope this helps!! Wishing you continued success in your journey!!

Hugs,

I am getting my band in Mexico as well. I know that I will have to take charge of my 'after care'. A great friend, and lapbander, suggested the website:

dailyplate.com

She said that she was able to set up goals and pacing guides via the websit, another she suggest was:

sparkspeople.com

She found that the through website and being actively in control (planning) she didn't need a 'group' or 'nutritionist'. She is also active on Lapbandtalk.

What about going back on the pre-op diet to 'cleans' the carbs from your system. I am a mega carb addict, but now that I am on day 5, I feel SO much better. It is a suggestion...

Good luck, we are here for you,

k

Sorry about the repeat post, but here was the rules my friend gave me:

The basic band food rules are:

every meal has about 4 oz of Protein, then veggies or fruit (but more veggies than fruit should be the rule) and then carbs if you have room. she suggested that I eat off of a dessert plate instead of a big one, and that 1/2 of it should be protien, 1/4 veggie, 1/4 carb. Your total food should be about a cup to a cup and a half. After you have restriction you should not be hungry for at least 3 hours. No eating 1/2 hour before and after meals, and nothing but a few sips if needed during meals.

I think that food journaling is the KEY!!! Start monitoring what you eat and drink! It is all about calories in and calories out. I am like Rachel, if I eat to few calories I do not loose anything. My body starts to freak out because it thinks I am starving it! I fluctuate between 1000-1200 calories a day, and have found that to work for me right now.

Hey I only eat three meals a day no snacking for me is the key.Dont think of yourself as a failure you have lost 15 pounds,I hope it gets better

Thanks for you help everyone. There are definitely some suggestions I can try. I am going to weigh myself tomorrow morn and see where I am in a week. I am going to start the 5 day pouch diet.

Edited March 19, 200917 yr by Lolo44