DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

checking in, still 225. Not a dang ounce in either direction lol.

I would talk to your surgeon about it. Tell him what you read and ask if it's relevant to your situation. Are you having problems with your gallbladder already?

Congratulations!!

No one is trying to upset you, however, they are giving honest answers. It's imperative to have your head in the right place before going under the knife. As the saying around here goes, the band goes around your stomach not your brain. It can't change the way you think or feel about food. I'm not saying to postpone your surgery, I'm just saying that you need to have a honest moment with yourself before going forward with it: Are you emotionally ready for the major lifestyle changes being successful with the band will require you to make? Best wishes on your journey.

The only thing off limits after being banded is carbonation. Anything else you can have in moderation, just be sure to always count them in your daily calories. I believe very much in moderation not deprivation. If I want a piece a pizza or a cookie, I have it. I just don't have it daily (or even monthly), I moderate my portion, and I make sure it can fit into my daily calories.

It's never too late to start over, that's part of the beauty of the band. I'm guessing it's been awhile since you've seen your surgeon or been filled, so the very first thing I'd do is make an appointment with your surgeon. Get your band checked and decide with him whether or not you may need a fill. I would also make an appointment with your nutritionist. They are a very valuable resource and will be very helpful getting you back on track. I would also start tracking your calories, it's the only way you can know for sure you're not accidentally eating too much. I would also start measuring your food portions so don't go over 1 cup per meal. It's going to take some work to get back on track but you can totally do this. Best wishes.

I've not used it but my good friend Pattygirl talks about it all the time. She adds it to everything! LOL! I plan on getting some to try this weekend. I think it would be yummy added to a chocolate Protein shake.

It's wonderful you're following up with your doctor again. It is entirely possible that a band that's too tight can slow your weight loss. In fact, it can even result in weight gain. It's great that you're realizing this and letting your doctor help you through it. Have a look at this article, I think you'll find it very interesting: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/page/index.html/_/support/post-op-support/tighter-isnt-always-better-r118 Best wishes!

Wow that's a very interesting article!! I actually do tend to eat bananas if I need an afternoon snack, after reading that I may have to start having a half an apple instead. I also find it interesting that brown pasta, apples, and oranges have more satiety than beef! Thanks for sharing

Well to be honest, if I only ate 800 calories a day I wouldn't lose weight and my doctor would get on my case for eating too little. When my calories were under 1000 per day for awhile, my weight loss drastically slowed. I have to eat between 1000-1200 to lose optimally. I guess it goes to show how surgeons' ideas of what works can vary drastically.

I've had them, they're yummy! They're a great snack on the go, too. Perfect for a sweet tooth without killing your calorie allowance.

Take a stool softner, not a laxative, because a laxative will cramp you up something wicked. Drink LOTS of Water. (TMI coming in 3... 2...1...) If you can feel the feces near the exit but just can't go because you're too constipated, you may want to try a suppository or enema. Neither are pleasant options but they're not painful either. They both work pretty quickly, too. Hang in there.

This is exactly why even 14 months after surgery, I still count calories and measure my portions. As you get more and more used to eating with your band, you can also eat more and more, especially if you ignore your body's hunger signals. I don't have a healthy history with food and the fact I weighed over 400 pounds is proof. I count calories so I don't do the calorie creep without even realizing it.

I agree. My doctor could care or less if I sweat so long as I get my heart rate up. Sweating is completely irrelevant.

Actually, watered down grits and oatmeal are both ok! Use milk to thin them so they have more Protein and flavor

I would ask the nutritionist very specifically -How many calories a day should I be eating? -How much Protein should I be eating? I would also make sure you're given a very detailed post op diet to follow by your doctor. I would also ask your doctor how often he does fills and what to expect when he does them. Good luck!

Really, anything that's baby food consistency or you can put through a blender to make it that consistency will work on the mushy stage. Mushy/puree food should have no chunks whatsoever. Scrambled eggs wouldn't be a mushy food, though. It would be on the soft food stage. Baked potatoes wouldn't be a mushy food either. The tuna and egg salad work if you put them through the blender first. Cottage cheese is great to blend into cream soups. Extra Protein and flavor. Best wishes!

How many calories a day are you eating?

That is probably why you're not losing. Most people who don't track there calories are surprised how much, or how little, they're actually consuming. If I were you, I'd start tracking your calories so you know for sure where changes need to be made. Best wishes

How many calories a day are you eating?

I personally say you should do what works for you. If Weight Watchers works for you then go for it. It's a very nutritionally sound program, you'd just have to make adjustments so it's a little more band friendly.

So the 2 protein shakes a day are the only thing you're eating or drinking? Nothing else? You're only consuming a total of 600 calories a day?