NWgirl

I would ask if you have any saline in your band; if you do, have them remove it.

I would say unless it's serious, then you don't need to tell.

My nutritionist likes to say there are no "bad" foods, just foods you shouldn't eat as often as others. I tend to agree. I also like to look at this as a lifestyle change and not a diet- I do track calories as well, but just so I know I'm getting enough Protein and sticking to lower calorie. I was also told to have some calorie wiggle room, such as 1000-1200 a day instead of a set number like 1000. Some days you are physically hungrier and need more food than others. Yesterday I was physically experiencing the painful hunger pains even though I had already eaten dinner. I chose to have a yogurt and my hunger was gone.

Awesome progress, you look great!I think the photos are harder to see your body shape because you are wearing dresses and not form fitting clothing... I can definitely see loss in your arms though

I'm not sure, but I think it's public? I've only seen other patients there, but like I said, there's not too many?

When> within 30 sec usually for me. The longest I've had was a couple minutes, but I guess if you really take a huge bite, it could be longer (I've heard of hours before). I can now tell if something is going to get stuck from listening to warning signals- if I stop and wait a few minutes and then chew better, I will avoid an incidence.

I'm sorry, but isn't it realistic to say that we are fat, no? Isn't that the reason why we are all here? So my use of the word fat is not meant as an insult, like your use of the word hefer. You've since edited your post, but you did call her fat in another part of the post, so I was just combining your terms. Like I said, I was just trying to remind you to be mindful of others struggles with weight, even when those people upset you.

I still occasionally enjoy a Starbucks skinny caramel macchiato (grande is 140 calories and 11 protein).

Funny you mention this, there is a device that is rarely new that the surgeon can use at the time of surgery (goes down the throat) to fill the band and the device apparently measures multiple things and can find the perfect fill level (or so they say). I wish I could find the thread on this, it was probably two or three months ago!

I also thought the drinking would be a huge issue for me. My nutritionist recommended starting not drinking with my meals about a month before surgery. I always used to have a huge cup of ice water with me when I'd eat and I'd intermittently bite and drink. After actively practicing not drinking, it is second nature. It's a matter of pulling off the bandaid and just doing it. PS: I am also able to drink water how I used to. I have 4.5cc in my band and haven't been forced to slow down. I drink out of a CamelBak 33oz bottle and love the bite straw.

See you tomorrow

I don't particularly enjoy getting fills, so I think it's normal. It seems each time it gets a little harder because of scar tissue.

To play devil's advocate here, there are studies that show the ghrelin hormone regrows over time.

I've gone and probably will be going tomorrow. There were only four other people the times I've gone before, but they said when the weather starts getting better that more people come out. I really like that they have a discussion topic each time and one of the staff (surgeon, nutritionist, physical therapist, or psychologist) leads the meeting.

That's unfortunate, but it's not a race either... I find as long as I eat high protein, I stay full. I believe I am at 4.5 out of 10cc now and can honestly say there's a difference. Do you go to the support meetings? There is one Wednesday evening...

I use loseit.com because the mobile app is convenient and can sync with my fitbit account. It also has a nifty barcode scanner.

Look into Quest protein, they are decent in protein and high in fiber (usually they have 20-24g carbs, usually 18-20 which is fiber).

I would recommend getting on the New York specific thread and asking if anyone knows of Dr's who do fills for patients banded elsewhere.

I would recommend pre-making your food or having it easily accessible so there is no excuse not to eat healthier foods.

I got my first at one month, and it was only 2cc. Some surgeons do their fills on a conservative basis and others like to fill you up really quick. It all depends on your surgeon. Please voice your questions about this to your surgeon, since they should be your right hand man.