OMG ...I know what you mean about christmas party...my co workers had a party last night at this resteraunt (small, and private) so the chef only cooks certain things, they have a menu but only offer a few things and serves the same veggies/sides with EVERY order. So there I am lookin for mashed potatoes and there are none!!! No soup!! Im like Oh no!

I ordered a chicken marsala with green beans ...right away I asked for a to go box and boxed up half of the plate ....Then i chewed a piece put down fork and chated a bit, took another bite and did the same .....I kept in mind the piece of chicken I ate was the size of my palm ....I hope I did not hurt anything

OMG ...I know what you mean about christmas party...my co workers had a party last night at this resteraunt (small, and private) so the chef only cooks certain things, they have a menu but only offer a few things and serves the same veggies/sides with EVERY order. So there I am lookin for mashed potatoes and there are none!!! No soup!! Im like Oh no!I ordered a chicken marsala with green beans ...right away I asked for a to go box and boxed up half of the plate ....Then i chewed a piece put down fork and chated a bit, took another bite and did the same .....I kept in mind the piece of chicken I ate was the size of my palm ....I hope I did not hurt anything

Sounds like you did everything right! If it wasn't, you would have felt it! It's horrible when are choices are cut so slim. Like, I'm having difficulty finding things that don't have bread or pasta involved. I told myself i would wait for 6 months after surgery before I tried that stuff. But the dish you ordered sounded good. I had broiled crab cakes (only ate one) and mashed potatoes (only ate half). Half the game is making better choices and I think we are both winning that part. Doesn't make it any less frustrating though! Merry Christmas!!

I would have eaten the salad with dressing on the side and also may I ask why are you staying under 800 calories? Maybe if you add 200 of some good protein like chicken you would start losing. Chicken is very low in calories and you would at least be satisfied. When I have hunger issues I will eat half a chicken which is only about 200 calories for six ounces of chicken and it will make you full. Hardly no fat and I buy the tyson already cooked strips in the bag you can find it in the meat section and its not frozen I also buy the steak too which is very tender and you can eat it. I think your selling yourself short about 200 calories a day and yes you have to start walking the weight loss will come I assure you and good job on retraint it was worth it and now you know you can do it

I've been banded for several years now. There is no science to my experience at all but I've come to think that in the beginning, the stomach pouch is so stretched it takes time to shrink it. I use to eat enormous amounts of food but those days are gone. I can tell you I target protein on any buffet or plate. I want that in me first ( had this paranoia about losing my hair and heard protein..protein..protein). Over time, the body does change if you are persistant in what you put in it. I like to call it 'SELECTIVE'.

I hit a stall as I started on solid food. Keep doing what you are supposed to do and you will power through your stall.

My doctor also discourages exercising until 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. I was told I can do light cardio, i.e. walking only.

CONGRATS ON BEING BANDED!

I agree with the above comments...you must get your protein first, then follow with veggies and then some fruits. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water (as it will help to keep the hungries at bay before your next meal). I find that chewing sugarfree gum is also very helpful iin the afternoon.

Another tip, you have to exercise, there is just no way of getting around it. I am not a walker, but forced myself during recovery since it was all I was permitted to do. I did find that I really enjoyed riding a bike so now have that as my first choice, either in my neighborhood weather permitting, or at the gym. Since I needed to step up my exercise routine, I now do some treadmill also.

You go girl. You are gonna love your band. And you WILL get through the holidays, just keep making the healthy choices even if you need a little more to fill you up.

I just had surgery 11/29. I was doing pretty good until I find out that my lap band hasn't been filled yet. I felt like my chance to eat more until it was done. Why am I doing this to myself!! I want the results but I still cheat. I am only hurting myself. I can figure this out but I have gained 2 lbs. Any good advice on this.

I just had surgery 11/29. I was doing pretty good until I find out that my lap band hasn't been filled yet. I felt like my chance to eat more until it was done. Why am I doing this to myself!! I want the results but I still cheat. I am only hurting myself. I can figure this out but I have gained 2 lbs. Any good advice on this.

It's all about making the right choices. I buy sugar free pudding and have one of those if I'm wanting something sweet. Also, go grocery shopping and only buy healthy things. I have no restriction, but am still trying to make good choices. For the most part, I succeed. It's an uphill battle, but it's worth it.