I just wanted to share something I've learned along the way in my Lap-Band journey, that I am hoping will help others.

I have never been one to subscribe to the whole counting calories, fats, etc. while losing with the Band. I have been very vocal that I believe getting to the right fill level will make you much more successful than trying to 'have self-control.' The Band, for me, has SIGNIFICANTLY dimmed my appetite in where 'self control' is just a natural thing. I think like a thin person now. I eat when I am hungry, and stop when I am satisfied.

In the past few months, I have been trying to be very mindful of what I put into my body. More fish, veggies, nuts, healthy fats, more nutrient-dense foods. I've gotten to a very healthy weight and paying myself back, by treating my body with the utmost respect, is the best thanks I can give to myself, and to my Band.

One of the changes I have made is the DAILY addition of almonds to my diet. I eat a serving of almonds for Breakfast. One days when I am tight due to Water issues, or the band being fickle, almonds still work well for me, so I will choose them as a Protein source if meat doesn't agree. 1/2 to 1 serving when I eat them satisfies me, and I eat the ones without extra oils added. My favorites are the Blue Diamond Jalapeno Smokehouse Almonds, but I also like plain, ones with sea salt, and ones with cinnamon. I also make my own by buying raw almonds and roasting them with chili powder. Almonds have become a mainstay for me, and they have replaced other foods that are not so good for me like white carbs, etc. They ARE higher fat and calories than those things I am replacing. However... here is the kicker. I've lost few pound with the addition of them to my diet. I was quite happy at 138, and figured that was where I was meant to stay, but over the last month and a half, I have dropped to 133. My skin is clearer, I have more energy, and I in general, feel BETTER. I am not attributing this ALL to almonds, but I want to put this out there. If you're suffering from a plateau, want a BETTER protein source than just meat, and want additional health benefits, the addition of these healthy nuts will ADD to your health and weight loss. DO NOT be 'scared' of the fat. Americans in general focus too much on the fat aspect, when more and more information is coming out showing that fat is NOT where our focus should lie... Here's some more info I found, and I hope this helps someone... it sure has helped me!!

Almonds Aid Weight Loss and Lower LDL Cholesterol

I'm preband and have a stupid question.. how many almonds are in a serving. My container says one ounce is a serving.. well, how many almonds is that?

Go get thee a good food scale. You don't need to spend a big load of money, but get one that you can "tare" [put a dish on and clear it to zero], one you can easily switch between grams and ounces and that goes to several pounds.

I have a nice Chef's Mate that I got at Target. Spent a bit more on it than I should have, comes with a book of codes and already has foods in it that you just put a code in for and it comes up, but I NEVER use that part! Could have spent less and gotten the same thing without that part and it would have been fine.

It's low profile and pretty flat on top so can easily put a plate or bowl on it to hold food to weigh. It's digital and the buttons are all easy to get to right on top there. It also doesn't take up much counter space tho I do keep it handy on a cupboard shelf above.

You will find yourself more and more weighing things. Especially at the beginning. If your doctor is telling you 4oz of this, that or the other, it'll be easier to just weigh. Don't eyeball things, especially at first, you'll not get it right! LOL! I still have to weigh stuff, or measure it! And this is after YEARS of WW and then pre-op and now post-op, etc.

Best wishes!!

Oh and it's totally time consuming but until you get a food scale, the container should say how many servings are in it. Count it out. If it says says 8 servings, start with 1 almond in each of 8 spots and make piles til they're all gone [like when dealing cards for a good game of Go Fish! :thumbup: ], then bag up the piles in snack bags and you'll have your approximate ounce. It'll make it easier at snack time too, just grab a bag and go!

Now, if it's a huge, mondo, costco bag, then it'd be quicker to get in the car and drive to Target, WalMart, Kohl's or wherever, buy a scale, come back, unbox it and it start weighing your portions! LOL!!