legnarevocrednu

Sorry if this is repetitive. I was only told to buy two types of vitamins. A multi vitamin (Centrum) and Calcium Caltrate. They are both chewables which is perfectly fine for me. I don't think you need a liquid. I take the multi vitamin in them morning with breakfast, and the calcium caltrate at lunch and dinner. You are not supposed to take the multi vitamin with the caltrate nor the caltrate with milk or anything like that. I've heard people buy extra vitamins like Biotin for the hair. I haven't had issues with my hair yet so I'm going to wait and see on that. Also, I just went for my post op blood tests. Depending on the results of that, I may add more vitamins. I know I was low on vitamin D pre op, but I took vitamins for 6 months, plus both vitamins I take now have vitamin D in it. Anyways, maybe this will help. Good luck!

Name, real or screen~ Legnarevocrednu Age~27 Goal weight for January 29th~ 219 LBS Weight on January 1st~ As of today (12/29/11) 229 LBS Dietary goal for January~ Remain under 1000 calories per day Exercise goal for January~Walk for at least half an hour 5X a week. Personal goal for January~Lose 10 pounds Date banded~11/21/2011 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~29 Pounds What is your goal weight for the coming year~I would like to be at my goal weight of 145 LBS by the end of 2012.

Oh and by the way, you don't HAVE to eat the 1200. I think if you can reach 1000, you are doing real good!

I have yet to reach 1200 calories since surgery. I usually have a SF Carnation Instant Breakfast (150 calories), FF Refried Beans mixed with Low Skim ricotta cheese for lunch (170 calories), a snack (100 calories or less), and maybe a lean cuisine or lean pocket (270 calories) for dinner. That's my menu for today. Every other day I try to eat a little more. For instance, yesterday I had a smoothie as my snack and that was 280 calories. I seem to be losing weight well like this, but it's not the best suggestion. Why did you cut out cheese? Cheese is really good for protein...you can find low fat cheese. Why are you worried about the calories since you are obviously not getting enough? I'd say cheese is GOOD calories. I usually do not eat past 8PM, but if you feel the need, definitely only keep healthy snacks available. I have SF pudding and No sugar added applesauce. Good luck!

It is normal not to have any restriction. Doctors put very little (if any) saline in your band at the time of surgery. However, I do not have any restriction and I'm still being careful about what I eat. I suggest staying away from the sweets as much as possible and watching your serving sizes. Even though I have no restriction, I'm staying away from sweets and carbs and not over eating.

I kept going back and forth between the lapband and sleeve as well. I finally learned something about the lapband that made me feel better about going that route. Say after a few years of having the lapband you start to gain weight back...you can go in to get a fill to help you lose it. However, with the sleeve, there is nothing there. You fall off the band wagon, it's your own personal restraint that will get you back on. At least with the lapband there is always something there to give you a boost back up. That's just my opinion.

So as I'm sure we all know, the Holidays can be a little rough for those of us with the band...especially for those of us who just STARTED with the band. I just began regular food on Tuesday. I understand the phrase "bandster hell" because although I've been staying below 800 calories, I'm so super conscious of everything I put in my mouth!! I have yet to feel restriction but most of the time (depending on the portion size) I force myself to only eat half the meal. It can be mighty frustrating. I've been doing what I'm told and eating really slowly, chewing well, and I've noticed that I only get half way through my meal by time my friends are done (I've been out to eat twice now). This works because when they are done, I just stop and get the rest boxed up. So now I have leftovers that are also in a good portion size. Last night was my work Christmas dinner and I just kept praying the waitress would hurry up and bring me my box so I could stop looking at the delicious food on my plate. I just knew I could finish eating it, but I was holding myself back. This part stinks because I feel like I'm on a diet. I also had to stop myself from eating the bread and the salad that came with the meal...as well as dessert afterwards!! Although I am proud of myself for holding back, I have not lost anything all week. Nor have I lost any inches (I measure myself once a week). Yes, I do realize this can be normal, but I still feel like I'm torturing myself to get little or no results. I have lost 10 pounds since surgery on November 21st, so I shouldn't be complaining, but I also believe all my good decisions and restraint should show for something!! I'm just trying not to get discouraged. Also, to be honest, I have yet to start exercising. I was told to wait 4 to 6 weeks, yet I see a bunch of people on here exercising sooner than that. I haven't even walked for fear that I would damage something. Well, even though now I realize I probably didn't have to wait this long, I'm going to start walking next week, and then join a gym 2 weeks after that. I'm hoping this helps with the weight loss! I really just want to lose at least 3 more pounds before January 3rd (my next doctors appointment and possibly my first fill). I am glad that I have not GAINED weight since I started back on regular food. That's probably due to my miraculous restraint lol. Anyways, that's my rant for this week. Tune back next week for all new ones! Haha!!

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.

My port is also to the right side of my belly button.

I don't have much to add from yesterdays blog, but I just had to post on the fact that today is exactly a month from when I had Lapband surgery! I am extremely happy with the band thus far, and do not regret my decision at all! I've lost 12 pounds since then and I'm really happy with that. 26 pounds total and I'm getting tons of remarks from people I know AND people I don't. Plus, the guy I'm into complimented me on how good I'm looking. Also, my legs feel a lot better. Before, they would get tired real quick and when I first start to walk after sitting for a while, I'd limp. Now, they feel perfectly fine and I haven't noticed anything like that. And it's only one month in!! A lot of my coworkers have said that my face looks smaller too. It's hard for me to notice something like that, but I'll take their word on it. I'm so happy and excited!

You know that miraculous restraint I mentioned in my previous blog?? Well, scratch that! I caved yesterday. In my defense, I was sick. I skipped breakfast (I know, BAD!), then had 4 or 5 tortellenies(sp) from the healthy choice soup and threw the rest away. About two hours later, I took some meds to help with my horrible cold and the headache that came with it. 45 minutes later, I was throwing up muccus (I apologize for the TMI). It was awful! It was the first time I had thrown up since surgery and I am so nervous that it hurt something. I was at my moms and had such a horrible taste in my mouth, that I grabbed the first thing I could find and ate it...which happened to be a chocolate rice krispy treat. That was the first thing I've had sweet since surgery. That wasn't the only thing I had either but I won't bore you with the details of the day's menu and my bad choices. I did still manage to stay under my calories, but they certainly weren't GOOD calories! Then this morning I get to work and the post man brings in a Harry & David treat basket! I feel like crying. I had one chocolate covered cherry (50 calories) and that's all I'm planning on having. I didn't have breakfast yet again (not on purpose, I thought I had something in the fridge, but I didn't). I feel like crying! It's funny because I helped throw a bridal shower on Sunday and there were sooo many yummy treats but I didn't cave then! I didn't even have the baked zitti (which I LOVE!). I had 4 meatballs. 2 for Lunch, 2 for dinner. I actually skipped breakfast that day too. Totally not like me. Also, another bad thing I've been doing, is taking a sip here and there either right before and/or right after eating. It's not a lot. Just sips. I feel like it's really unrealistic to not drink anything at all an hour before and an hour after eating. I'm trying my best and most of the time I succeed, but I just can't help myself. I know I just need to jump right back on the band wagon. I've proved to myself I can do this. I just hate this feeling of guilt!! I hate feeling like I'm on a diet. Oh and another interesting story! I went to pick up a friend from the airport and we stopped at Cheesecake Factory on the way back. The cool thing about that place is that they tell you how many calories is in EVERYTHING and they have a separate menu for people who are trying to eat better. Anyways, I ordered the crab bites (suuuuupppperrr yummy!!! and only 400 calories!) and a peach smoothie (300 calories). My friend that was with me told me I needed to eat more...that I was starving myself. I thought that was hilarious! Actually, that was the most calories I've had since surgery (counting my breakfast and lunch that day). Miraculously, I lost weight over the weekend. 1.2 pounds to be exact. Very odd. I have a feeling my bad behavior from yesterday will catch up to me though. I pray it doesn't, but these things have consequences! I also heard that we are having pizza delivered as a Christmas gift to us on Friday. I love pizza! I just want to cry :*( I'm afraid I'm starting to become obsessive and psychotic about food. I didn't want that. I don't want to be weird about this. I just want to be NORMAL!! Anyways, that's today's rant!!

Thanks everyone! The support is awesome and much needed! Merry Christmas!!

I can feel my port. Not the band itself however.

Even though I just had surgery on Monday, I've already had a non scale victory! When I logged today's weight into my fitness pal, it said because I had lost more than 10 pounds, they had to recalculate my goals. I know my calorie goal was over 1300 (which I thought was a bit much) but now it's down 1240. I'm totally psyched! I'm not logging my food right now because I'm just on full liquids. I'm nowhere close to the amount of calories I should be having, so I don't see the sense in it. I love this app!!

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 keep your protein drink as one of your meals. I drank SF Carnation Instant Breakfast for breakfast. For lunch (in the soft phase) I would have some chicken in a can or tuna in a can mixed with low fat mayo. I wouldn't be able to finish it all, so I would have the rest for dinner. Sometimes, I mixed it with Low Fat cheese. I've been losing pretty consistently throughout the whole process. You will still lose as long as you maintain your portions and don't snack between meals. Good luck!

I'm so excited! Today I am down 25 pounds from when I started my pre op diet on November 11th! I'm also starting regular foods today but I haven't had any so far lol. This morning I had a SF Carnation Instant Breakfast and for lunch, FF Refried Beans mixed with Ricotta Cheese and shredded cheese. I seriously love that stuff. For dinner, however, I plan on having a Lean Cuisine. I had trouble picking some out last night. Even the Lean Cuisines are mostly pasta, bread and other carbs! I have no idea what to actually eat! I feel like once I take bread and pasta out of the equation, my choices are very slim. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be appreciated. What did you eat once you were back to "normal" food? I'm also kind of a picky eater so that doesn't help. My calorie intake is still between 600 to 800 daily. I haven't been hungry between meals, haven't been snacking or eating any sweets. Today I am not feeling well though. First time since surgery (besides the normal pain I mean). I have a headache and a sore throat. I almost didn't even want to eat but I made myself. I hope it passes quickly. Also, I'm at exactly 40 BMI! I started at 44. It's weird to think that if I go down just .1 more point, I wouldn't have qualified for the surgery as I have no other co morbids. Anyways, just felt like updating! I'm attaching a current picture (not very good).

The past week I have been averaging between 450 and 600 calories a day. I have not lost ANY weight. I just entered the soft food stage as of today, but I'm wondering if I'm not getting in enough calories. I'm technically supposed to be taking in 1200, but I'm not sure how to do that. I have three meals a day every 4 to 5 hours and am not really hungry between meals. Are the amount of calories I'm taking in at this point adequate for the stage I'm in? Should I be eating more calories? I know I'm still healing and shouldn't worry about weight loss, but I still think I should be losing if I'm eating right and staying under my calories. I'm really not sure how to take in more calories at this point. Should I not be worrying about this yet? I return to "normal" food in a week. Maybe this is something I should think about then. I'm just wondering if the reason I'm not losing weight is becasue I'm only eating half the calories I should be. Thanks!!

I just wanted to post this little quick recipe that saved me during the pureed/mushy stage. It's real simple, Protein packed and really filling...and REALLY yummy!! Ingredients: 1/2 Cup of Fat Free Refried Beans 2 Tablespoons (more if desired) of Low Skim Ricotta cheese 1/3 Cup Low Fat Grated Cheese 1 Tablespoon Fat Free Sour Cream Mix the first two ingredients together. Top with grated Cheese. Put in microwave for about a minute. Top with sour cream and enjoy! Aprox Calories: 263 Aprox Protein: 19 Grams Most of the time I could only eat half of this so I saved the rest for dinner. 263 calories is not bad for two meals! Enjoy!

Hello. I am newly banded (only as of 2 weeks) so I'm not sure what I can tell you. However, I realized early on that feeling "full" is not SUPPOSED to happen...even without the band. It means you ate too much. Feeling satisfied and not being hungry in between meals (like every 4 to 5 hours) is the goal. That's just my opinion. I have yet to feel FULL like I used to when I used to stuff my face and clean my plate, but I also don't feel hungry between meals. I'm happy with that. I would also discuss your concerns with your doctor. As for a different procedure, I would suggest the sleeve over the bypass. I did a lot of research on the sleeve because I was considering getting that done (before insurance told me it wasn't covered) and it's safer than the bypass. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

I'm sorta in the same spot. I was banded on the 21st. Lost 14 pounds pre op, 7 pounds since. The scale seems to stay between 236-238 the last week or so. And like you, I'm eating a lot less too. Between 500 and 800 calories a day. It doesn't make much sense. The only thing I can tell you is to make sure to take measurements every week. I noticed that in one week, I lost 2 inches in both my hips and waist. It makes me feel better. Just gotta keep pushing along! The scale will move soon!

I've had an easy time so far. I haven't thrown up even once. I take my time while I'm eating so I can listen to my body when it tells me to stop (usually with a hiccup or burb). It's pretty easy. I haven't thrown up at all. I haven't even allowed myself to eat to restriction (although I only have a little fluid in my band right now as I haven't had my first fill yet). I've lost 21 pounds thus far...14 of those being on the pre op diet. I have not started working out yet. I was told to wait 4 to 6 weeks. I plan to start walking every day in 2 weeks. I'll wait until my first fill and ask my doctor if it's okay to start doing more than that which will be on January 3rd. I keep my calories between 500 and 900. I guess you could say that's my one problem. Getting in ENOUGH calories. I don't think I'm eating enough. I just entered my last stage which is soft foods. I go to normal foods on Tuesday. It will probably change then. When is your surgery? Let me know if you have any more questions!

Okay so I'm freshly banded (as of November 21st) and have lost a total of 22 pounds (including pre op diet). I'm scheduled for my first fill January 3rd. However, I've told myself that if I can lose at least 7 more pounds before then, I'm not going to get the fill. That's the logical decision right? I'm sure my doctor might not even let me get a fill if I'm losing that much. I only get hungry about every 4 hours or so. However, I may be getting ahead of myself as I haven't even started on regular food yet. That's next week. So who knows if I'll be able to lose those 7 pounds. I do intend to stay under 900 calories so I should still lose...I guess it's just a waiting game! I decided yesterday to increase my calorie intake from 600 to 800. I hadn't lost anything for a week. Today I got on the scale and I've lost 2 pounds since yesterday! Sooo awesome! I love this journey!!

Hey! I am from South Jersey as well (Salem County). I was just banded on the 21st of November. Message me if you have any questions or concerns! It's an awesome journey!

Oh and I'm not on a liquid diet. Haven't been for well over a week now (and I've STILL been losing). I've been doing pureed and started soft food today.