HeavyDutyQ-tee

Thanks ladies!!! As for singing along, I do that alot. I dont go anywhere without my ipod... ... I just use to snack on chips & pop but i have let all that go but i will definitely try some of these options u guys have suggested. I was eating the yoplait light fat free yogurt. I have tried a couple greek yogurts & they taste just awful to me!!! I know I have a long ways to go and alot to learn but thanking everyone for your support throughout my journey!!!

Thanks a lot... I guess I'm not fretting over 20lbs per-say... It's the no pounds in the last couple weeks that are getting to me but I will keep pushing forward. Nice job on your weight loss. Great outlook at the pasta thing. I wanna be at 50lbs myself by 6months post-op because i am going on my first cruise. So to be out of the 300's will be a great accomplishment. Thanks again. Good luck on your journey as well!!!

Hello October Bandsters!!! First I wanna say everyone is doing great and I am glad we have this group because everyone has the opportunity to inspire someone else throughout this journey. I am getting a lil discouraged though... Today makes 1month post-op for me and I am only down 20lbs... For the 2wks the scale is just not moving. I am staying around 1000-1400 calories but on most days I am at 1200cals. I am starting to feel very hungry again. I will be getting my first fill this Friday the 18th. Currently i have no fluid in my 14cc band. I just wanna know how has everyone's journey been? Any regrets? Anyone doing any vigorous exercise right away? Also for those out there who understand carbs... I need help!!! On a daily basis, I am trying to stay at 1200cals, 60-80g protein, & under 100g carbs... I just dont understand how people say they stay under 30g of carbs when there are carbs in just about everything we eat including high protein foods also. If I eat yogurt for breakfast, thats 20g carbs just from my a.m. snack... Can someone please explain carbs to me? I have been avoiding pasta & rice and minimal bread but I do have a bagel thin or english muffin once or twice a week. Any help or advice would be great!!! Thanks Everyone... HDC

Hey Floridays... Good job on your weight loss. How much exercise are you doing? I am almost 3wks post-op. I was given a total of 6wks to be off work. But I am a truck driver and I work nights anywhere between 10-12hrs and I'm also in school... so I dont have lot of time in the day to to vigorous exercise as well. I have to get my rest in order to drive and be safe at night on the road. So I was just curious as to what you do n what kind of tips you may have for me being that I am over 300+ pounds as well and I can't exercise as much??? How much Fluid in your band? I have no fluid in my 14cc band. I go for my first fill on Nov 18th (1wk before Thansgiving) WOW!!! But anyway, thanks for sharing!!!

Hello all... I have to agree with jeeptrk03. My doctor doesn't want me counting anything either. He told me to eat when I'm hungry only. If I'm not hungry... Don't eat!!! He says once I start thinking bout food eat something. Don't restrict myself to eat only 3xs a day. There is no rule that says I have to eat breakfast. My surgeon just tells me to make sure I'm getting protein at every meal. I'm not allowed to drink protein shakes n stuff. He rather me eat protein n start fuller longer than drink protein n have it run straight thru my band. I still keep a food log and I'm usually between 1000-1200. Somedays I go over but most days I don't but I don't beat myself up either when I do. Its a long journey ahead. I'm almost 3wks post-op. I was down 19lbs then gained 2lbs during my TOM. Make sure your drinking plenty water n doing some form of exercise 30mins a day. I wish you nothing my the best during this journey. Keep me posted on your success!!! I'm definitely ready to officially be a ' LOSER'!!!

Hello Band-Land… I am 18-days post-op… I am down 19lb so far. I have no Fluid in my 14cc band. I have been doing pretty good with my food choices, measuring everything, and actually feeling full. I have been trying to get 30mins of exercise in a day. I do have lots of questions still… 1. (Women only question) What do you do for cravings and appetite when it's that time of the month? Does your weight fluctuate during this time as well? 2. Because there are carbs in almost everything we eat, how do you determine what is a good amount of carbs per day? My fitnesspal says 249g is a go number. 3. What kind of exercise do you all do and how much and for how long? 4. Any ideas on things I can do as a truck-driver that works nights? I will be going back to work in a couple weeks and snacking is how I use to make it on the road. I need ideas or even some healthy snack choices to get me through my nights at work driving down that lonely highway. 5. I am scheduled to have a fill on November 18th. If I am still losing pretty good and considering the holiday is right around the corner, should I consider the fill or should I wait until I'm no longer losing weight or come to a plateau? 6. Are sunflower seeds bad? 7. So far I have been eating 1200 calories of less per day, along with 80g of Protein and trying to keep my carbs under 100g. Is this ok??? I'm really unsure… Just still so confused and need some words of wisdom on certain things. Bandsters please share any advise or tips to help me through my journey. I appreciate all comments and I accept all the supportand encouragement I can get. Thanks a lot lbt…

Hello October Bandsters... Thought I should check in & besides I have ???s I am 18-days post-op… I am down 19lb so far. I have no fluid in my 14cc band. I have been doing pretty good with my food choices, measuring everything, and actually feeling full. I have been trying to get 30mins of exercise in a day. I do have lots of questions still… 1. (Women only question) What do you do for cravings and appetite when it's that time of the month? Does your weight fluctuate during this time as well? 2. Because there are carbs in almost everything we eat, how do you determine what is a good amount of carbs per day? My fitnesspal says 249g is a go number. 3. What kind of exercise do you all do and how much and for how long? 4. Any ideas on things I can do as a truck-driver that works nights? I will be going back to work in a couple weeks and snacking is how I use to make it on the road. I need ideas or even some healthy snack choices to get me through my nights at work driving down that lonely highway. 5. I am scheduled to have a fill on November 18th. If I am still losing pretty good and considering the holiday is right around the corner, should I consider the fill or should I wait until I'm no longer losing weight or come to a plateau? 6. Are sunflower seeds bad? 7. So far I have been eating 1000-1300 calories or less per day, along with 80g of protein and trying to keep my carbs under 100g. Is this ok??? I'm really unsure… Just still so confused and need some words of wisdom on certain things. Bandsters please share any advise or tips to help me through my journey. I appreciate all comments and I accept all the supportand encouragement I can get. Thanks a lot family!!!

Hey Maggie... I have a couple questions??? Do you workout or exercise a lot? If so how many times per week n how long each time? Also what kinds of things do you eat? What foods do you enjoy now that you couldn't enjoy in the beginning of your journey? What is a good amount of calories, protein, and carbs per day? Thanks a lot. Btw, good job on all your success and thanks so much for 'giving back'

Allyson LapbandLiving Lewis Look me up!!!

I was banded on Oct 14th... My doctor only required 1week of liquids. At my 1 week post-op appt I was cleared to eat regular food. No mushies. He just told me to start with softer foods and gradually increase to regular food. I have been doing great... Things like rotisserie chicken, baked talapia, tuna salad, crab salad, lots of eggs, broccoli... Just to name a few. I hope you have fun and enjoy your cruise.

Hello Bandsters... Quick question??? in a few weeks I will be attending a pizza party with my daughter. I was wondering is it ok to eat just the topping of pizza... no crust... no bread... Sausage & cheese pizza topping only. Thanks for any answers or suggestions.

Hey Allison... My name is Allyson as well... Lol. I have a 14cc band with no saline in it. I do feel fullness after I eat but no real redirection. I'm not even sure what restriction feels like but I haven't been starving n I'm satisfied when I eat my smaller portions now. When you say a slice, do uuu mean a triangular slice for example, pizza hut... Or a square piece like at home run inn pizza? Thanks to everyone for your comments. Truly appreciate any words of wisdom from my fellow bandsters.

Wow... $2000 is a lot for a deductible. The thing about insurance is that they will not pay for a procedure until the deductible is met n paid in full. So 99% of doctors will require you to pay the deductible upfront. Are you sure the deductible is $2000 and that's not the amount of your yearly out of pocket amount? Just wondering, because that's quite a bit... My procedure was done in a regular hospital as well and is considered an outpatient procedure. My insurance deductible for outpatient surgery was only $50. Regular surgery would have still only been a $300 deductible. My yearly out of pocket amount is $2000. So my insurance pays 90% and even if my portion was say $2500, I would still only have to pay $2000. Now say I had other things done in the same year and say I had already spent $600 for the year, then my out of pocket for the surgery would only be $1400 because my maximum is the $2000. So the week before surgery, I put down a nice amount, but technically all I had to pay was $50. You are really not required to pay anything on your surgery until they bill insurance and you get you statement in the mail explaining what portion you owe. Deductibles are the only thing required before the procedure but some doctors still want you to put some money down towards the final payment as well. Hope this helps but I would definitely find out what they are going to require of you but I believe if you do not have at least the deductible, they might make you reschedule until you can pay it. Hope everything works out... Good luck to you...

Just wanted to share a victory with you all... Well I met my 1st goal... So about 3 wks I turned on my Wii game n went thru my past weigh-ins on Wii Fit. I was so shocked when I discovered that I was 42lbs lighter back in February 2011. It sometimes seems so unrealistic that we can gain weight that fast. Well, on that same day 3wks ago when I wanted to see how much I had gained... so stepped on the Wii Fit Board & my heart sank when I was told I was over the weight limit for the Wii Board (330lbs maximum weight) & the computer asked me to step off the board. Well, I'm down 13.9lbs n the Wii Board is No Longer Rejecting Me!!! So excited!!! Might not seem like much but to me it was the best thing ever!!! So overly excited to finally be moving forward with-in my Journey #ThisIsOnlyTheBeginning

I hope to be down at least 50lbs by April 2012 and officially out of the 300's for good. But what excites me the most is that my sister booked our trip. Me, my sister, and my daughter are going on a 7-day cruise on April 8th-15th, on the Norwegian Spirit on a Western Caribbean Cruise round-trip from New Orleans. 1st stop Costa Maya, Mexico; 2nd stop Belize City, Belize; 3rd stop the Bay Islands of Roatan, Honduras; final stop Cozumel, Mexico… and of course back to New Orleans! This will be my 1st cruise ever. I have the greatest sister in the world. ♥ I should be a few pounds lighter, a lot more energy, a new wardrobe, and a cute swimsuit... ready to set sail. I'm looking forward to actually booking myself on a few excursions and not be fearful of weight limitations. I really enjoyed reading all your post my fellow bandsters!!! Good Luck with everything.

Hello My October Bandsters!!! Just wanted to share a victory with you all... Well I met my 1st goal... So about 3 wks I turned on my Wii game n went thru my past weigh-ins on Wii Fit. I was so shocked when I discovered that I was 42lbs lighter back in February 2011. It sometimes seems so unrealistic that we can gain weight that fast. Well, on that same day 3wks ago when I wanted to see how much I had gained... so stepped on the Wii Fit Board & my heart sank when I was told I was over the weight limit for the Wii Board (330lbs maximum weight) & the computer asked me to step off the board. Well, I'm down 13.9lbs n the Wii Board is No Longer Rejecting Me!!! So excited!!! Might not seem like much but to me it was the best thing ever!!! So overly excited to finally be moving forward with-in my Journey #ThisIsOnlyTheBeginning

Hello My October Bandsters!!! Just wanted to share a victory with you all... Well I met my 1st goal... So about 3 wks I turned on my Wii game n went thru my past weigh-ins on Wii Fit. I was so shocked when I discovered that I was 42lbs lighter back in February 2011. It sometimes seems so unrealistic that we can gain weight that fast. Well, on that same day 3wks ago when I wanted to see how much I had gained... so stepped on the Wii Fit Board & my heart sank when I was told I was over the weight limit for the Wii Board (330lbs maximum weight) & the computer asked me to step off the board. Well, I'm down 13.9lbs n the Wii Board is No Longer Rejecting Me!!! So excited!!! Might not seem like much but to me it was the best thing ever!!! So overly excited to finally be moving forward with-in my Journey #ThisIsOnlyTheBeginning

Hello My October Bandsters!!! So, I had surgery this pastFriday Oct 14th… Surgery was a success. My surgeon told my family Idid a great job shrinking my liver. I was at the hospital a total of 5.5hrs.The actual surgery was only 1hr. I have been pretty good pain wise. The gas issomething else but walking really does help a lot. I had to stop taking the liquid narcotics becauseI had an allergic reaction to the meds. I was itching all over, everywhere… andwhen I say everywhere, I mean everywhere (lol)… I had nausea only on the veryfirst night. I don’t really have a large appetite but I have been doing a halfof Jell-O, a Popsicle, and ½ cup of soup daily, some Gatorade for dehydration,and definitely getting enough water intake. I’m kind of glad that my doctor allowscreamy soups as well because the broth is just plain nasty. So far I am happywith my decision. I will start to add my protein shakes & vitaminstomorrow. I don’t have a scale, so I wontknow how I’m doing weight wise until my post-op appt this coming Friday. I hopeeveryone is doing great. I pray for a successful surgery and recovery for myentire fellow Bandsters (pre-op & post-op). Good Luck and I’ll keep everyone posted.

Hello My October Bandsters!!! So, I had surgery this pastFriday Oct 14th… Surgery was a success. My surgeon told my family Idid a great job shrinking my liver. I was at the hospital a total of 5.5hrs.The actual surgery was only 1hr. I have been pretty good pain wise. The gas issomething else but walking really does help a lot. I had to stop taking the liquid narcotics becauseI had an allergic reaction to the meds. I was itching all over, everywhere… andwhen I say everywhere, I mean everywhere (lol)… I had nausea only on the veryfirst night. I don’t really have a large appetite but I have been doing a halfof Jell-O, a Popsicle, and ½ cup of soup daily, some Gatorade for dehydration,and definitely getting enough Water intake. I’m kind of glad that my doctor allowscreamy Soups as well because the broth is just plain nasty. So far I am happywith my decision. I will start to add my Protein shakes & vitaminstomorrow. I don’t have a scale, so I wontknow how I’m doing weight wise until my post-op appt this coming Friday. I hopeeveryone is doing great. I pray for a successful surgery and recovery for myentire fellow Bandsters (pre-op & post-op). Good Luck and I’ll keep everyoneposted.

Hi Fabulous@fifty... Yes I had surgery this past friday. I am two days post op. doing pretty well thus far. Definitely looking for support and people to share my journey with. keep in touch

7 hours and counting!!! Yay!!! So excited. i can't sleep. See u all on the other side my bandster family!!!

Hello... Idk yet... Being banded tomorrow morning 10/14 @ 7:30am... Can't wait to join you!!! What have you been eating? Good luck on you n blessings on a great recovery...