Sistersue

I don't like protein bars, the are for the most part too much like candy, too high in calories for the long term, and basically a bunch of chemicals. Some of them actually burn in my mouth so I don't eat them. I make my own shakes so they are more natural and organic and frankly taste better. Also in the am when I have my shake, I could get down a protein bar with a crow bar. I am too tight in the am.

I live in Texas, so I know hot. I walk in the evening when it's cooler. I have a dog so she helps motivate me. I also ride a bike. I started slow. At first I could only walk about 1/2 a mile. Now we walk 3 to 4 miles a day. Think of sweat as fat melting. You don't want to miss out on losing your weight because of a little sweat do you? Get some small hand weights and a fitness mag and lift weights inside. Or go to your local library and check out exercise DVDs when you find one that works for you, you could buy it onAmazon. You've gone through too much pain and paid too much money to take a chance on failing because you don't feel like exercising. Like Nike says, just do it! You also need to exercise or you will lose Muscle mass. Lower muscle mass means a slower metabolism. If you build muscle, you build metabolism.

For mushy foods I just pureed good food but no rice pasta or bread. You dont have eat processed foods during the mushy phase, just cook. The best thing about being banded was how much my grocery bill dropped so I could concentrate more on natural local foods and organic.

In the post op phase I went for the sugar free because I am a diabetic, sugar was a no-no. After post op I went more for the no sugar added and cut out the sweets for the most part. I am working on cutting out added sugar and it's substitutes in my day to day life for the most part. I am developing a taste for things like tea etc without sugar and have stopped the jello and pudding etc. I want to cut out the artificial stuff and keep the real sugar low. The sweet stuff is a real trigger for me.

There is a post recently about what to eat during the liquid phase where the person, peachy something gave some great organic recipes for protein drinks. I've found protein supplements at my natural food store that are organic and you don't need the sweeteners go without or use something like agave syrup. Agave syrup is super sweet so you use less. Putting fruit with unflavored protein powder with water or any kind of milk works great for me. I prefer natural, local, organic foods, they taste better. I am lucky we have a store that fits my needs and they deliver.

I would add stage where you greive over the loss of food as your comfort, entertainment, distraction....etc. And find other ways of coping and enjoying yourself. I think this is a stage that really has to come before you are able to recognize your sweet spot but can come almost anywhere on the list. I think I am in your final stage, it isn't completely smooth sailing but I have enough restriction and am loosing 2 lbs a week. I have gone a week without getting stuck or being overly full, my goal right now is to stop when satisfied and to take as long as it takes to eat, no rushing. Exercise is now something I crave so I hope it lasts for the rest of my life. I also see that there is at least one more phase, maintenance. I have no real clue about that one other than I will have to again change my relationship with food a bit.

Hi Erin, OA is Overeaters Anonymous, there are lots of them around and they are a support group. You may want to check and see if there is group near you. Just go and see what they are like and if there is more than 1 in your area shop around until you find the group that's best for you. FYI, it's a free will donation usually so it's cheaper than weight watchers and keep in mind you don't have to tell them about the band. If you don't mind I will pray for you. I wish I had done something about my weight sooner, you are ahead of me there. I was going to wish you good luck but that's not what it takes, is it.

I think so, I've lost over 40 lbs in 3 mos and i started at 260, with my preop diet I've lost 62 lbs, starting at 278.

I was on clear liquids for 2 weeks. I actually dreamed about chicken salad. It's good I think, to not only rest you stomach, but it also rests you palate and teaches you that a lot of our hunger is in our heads. You also get really tired of sweet. Things tasted really different when I was done. I don't crave chocolate like I did, I have a mini bar once a month or so. I learned to entertain myself in other ways other than food. I would recommend highly that you not start eating things like bread and pasta and other no-no foods even if you can for a while because you don't have a fill. It makes it easier in the long run. I have had bread or pasta in 3 mos. I've eaten pasta at least 2 times a week all my life, but I dint miss it. Watch out for constipation, start working fiber into your diet. Good luck with your journeys.

Hi Erin, Think of how great it will feel if you take responsibility for yourself and make this happen for you. You are really the only person who can make you lose weight. That said support helps. Maybe you can find an OA group and of course you can come here. It may take you starting to doiton your own for your onto come around. If you don't have a job and can't afford food look for Angel food ministries on line. You can get a months worth of food for one person cheap. If I can do it so can you. Have you made your appointment yet?

Kieras, hello, yes you do need to stop eating but it may not be food that you are feeling, just swelling. Sipping water is good, or some warmish tea. That helps me. Then if the water goes down go on a liquid diet for a couple of days and slowly build up to solids. Let us know how you are doing. You can actually stretch out you esophagus when food backs up. One more thing to think about is that you couldn't have been hungry when you ate the muffins and cookies. That was emotional eating, you might want to think about why you did this to yourself. You hurt yourself with food., what made you do that. You don't have to share that with us, but just think about it.

Wow, truly, peachy recipes. I have coconut Milk at home already! Making a shopping list today for some yummy new options.

Try heat as well, my whole family gets them.

Food shouldn't get stuck all the time. Either you are too tight or not eating right. Plus something's you just can't eat. I can't eat bread, and all meats take tiny tiny bites and a lot of chewing for me.

Just FYI, you may need to go on liquids again for a day or two until the swelling goes down. I know from experience. Also hot tea helps alot.

Sometimes the band doesn't work for everyone. Your anatomy my be different than others who are successful. Can they do a sleeve when they remove the band? Did they check for a slip already?

Real name Susan Age 46 Weight on July 1 216.6 Goal weight 206, I'll be able to smell onederland Exercise goal, 16 mile bike ride to Kovar, TX Dietary goal, stop when I am satisfied Personal goal weigh every other day not everyday Banded mar 25, 2011 Total weight loss since banding 44 lbs

You need to workout or you will lose muscle and then not burn calories the way you should. Start slow and easy, walk in the morning or evening when it's cool, or get a bike. When I started I could only walk 1/4 mile. Now 4 miles is easy. Plus it's the best way to relieve stress and boardom seeing we can't eat.

You need to workout or you will lose muscle and then not burn calories the way you should. Start slow and easy, walk in the morning or evening when it's cool, or get a bike. When I started I could only walk 1/4 mile. Now 4 miles is easy. Plus it's the best way to relieve stress and Gordon, seeing we can't eat.

I'm in again, will post my stats tomorrow.

My band was empty after surgery but my first fill 6 weeks later was 5ccs and my second 6 weeks later was 1st. I don't think I'll need a third.

Ah! I love autocorrect it changed final to guano! I really should read it before I fit post.

Seeing today is still June, can I change my guano weight? 217.2 as of this morning. Down 7.8 lbs for the month. I'm in for next month, thanks Larry!

Disneymom, FYI, there is a big difference between something being neurological (how the band works) and psychological. I think you are better off seeing your doctor. I doubt the problem is mental.

Hi Dana, actually loosening the band might help. If my calorie count is too low I stop loosing weight, get tired, and other not so fun stuff. Keep in mind the what they mean by restriction isn't that it prevents you from eating any more or feel full. Instead you just feel satisfied or really just not hungry anymore. You could still eat more you just have to choose not to. You also have to drink enough water too. If you don't eat enough or drink enough the weight loss can stop or slow down. Frankly even if you are perfect at all that the weight loss still isn't linear. What can it hurt to have them remove some and then really make sure you stick to the diet, exercise, and water requirements. It won't cost anything.