DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I started dating an amazing man about 6 months ago, which was about 5 months after Lap Band surgery. I was honest with him from the very start. In fact, I was even honest about how big I once once (over 400 pounds) and all the excess skin I now have because of the weight loss. He's also aware of how much I still have to lose. I look at like this, if I have to hide parts of myself and life from a man so that he accepts me, then he's not worth my time. Accept all of me, my flaws and my strengths, or move aside and let me find someone who does. For the record? We just moved in together a week ago and are very happy. He's VERY supportive of me in all that I do, including losing weight and being banded. I'm glad I told him early on. It has helped him to better understand me along this journey and be supportive of me in the areas I need it most. Just my experience.

If you can't keep healthy foods down, and are resorting to slider foods, then you are likely too tight. You need to get back into your surgeon and talk to him. Contrary to popular belief, too tight isn't good. As you're finding out, it leads to weight gain because most slider foods are very high calorie. People are shocked when they have a little Fluid removed, they can eat healthy again, and start losing weight. Go see your surgeon, his job is to help you through times like this, but he can't do that if you don't let him. Best wishes.

Those are fabulous ideas!! I wish I'd thought of them back when I had surgery!

Wow you look AMAZING!!! Congratulations!!!

Keep in mind a couple things: The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating and fills don't make you lose weight. The band is supposed to keep your satiated on less food for longer periods of time and burning more calories than you consume is what makes you lose weight. Here's a really great link that I think may help you: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Also, many don't lose at all during the first 4-6 weeks post surgery, so the fact you did you lose is outstanding. You have to remember your body has gone through a lot and putting it back on solid foods is yet another big adjustment. Be patient and give it time. As long as you're sticking to band sized portions and restricting calories, the weight will come off. Best wishes.

I have a Protein shake for Breakfast every morning. 25g of protein, 4 carbs, 180 calories. I'd say it usually holds me over a good 3-4 hours without hunger. However, I am really tight in the mornings anyway. I think this may be part of it. If I had a Protein Shake for lunch I'm certain it wouldn't satiate my hunger nearly as long.

I couldn't agree with you more!! Very well said!!

Well, I've only been carb cycling again since Monday and already lost the 2.6 pounds I gained while on vacation last week. Needless to say, this makes me very happy. I'll definitely be carb cycling until Christmas Eve- I'm only 3 pounds from my Christmas goal and determined to reach it. I've decided while carb cycling may not be a reasonable option to do for months on end, it is a GREAT way to break plateaus and get back on track after minor set backs like vacations or "bad food days".

I also weigh my meat and measure everything else. And yes, my eyes are definitely bigger than my stomach. Last week I was driving across the country (literally) and was at the mercy of random diners and truck stops for food. I can't tell you how many times I ordered WAY more than I could ever possibly eat. In fact even last night, my boyfriend made lasagna for dinner and I only ate maybe half of what was on my plate.

I eat bread, pasta, and rice regularly without any problems whatsoever.

You need to remember the band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything, so being able to eat at as much as you could before isn't a sign the band isn't working. It's up to you to control your portions, not the band. Here's a great link to explain it: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html As far as what you're eating, I would suggest seeing a nutritionist to establish an eating plan and calorie budget that works for you. As stated in the post above this one, eating too little is actually a really common mistake. A nutritionist can help you figure out if you're eating too much or possibly not enough.

Research the facts, not anecdotal evidence on forums and YouTube, and make a decision based on the facts. One more thing to ask yourself: Statistically speaking, are you at greater risk of dying from obesity related illnesses or Lap Band band surgery? For most of us, the risk of death from obesity is MUCH higher. Best wishes.

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I think it depends on the type of Protein shake you're comparing it to. If you're comparing it to something in the same store aisle like Kellogg brands, then yes they're compatible. If you compare it to a good brand, like for instance unjury, then Slimfast is seriously lacking. Slimfast Calories: 220 Fat: 3g Protein: 10g Carbs: 40g Unjury Calories: 180 Fat: 0g Protein: 21g Carbs: 4g Get a good, quality protein shake. Slimfast definitely isn't it. Best wishes.

It's all a matter of doctor preference, however, as patients we need to take our own needs into consideration. Some people lose great without monitoring fat, some don't. Some eat high carb and do well and others need low carb. Just like all people are different, so are our diet needs. What works for one won't work for all. There is no "right" or "wrong" answer (diet), you just need to find out what works best for you.

Hello all! Well I just got home last night. I drove from Washington State to Michigan in 4 days. Can I just say...that sucked?!?!LOL According to the scale, I gained 2.6 pounds while I was gone for a week. I'm not surprised. While I didn't eat a lot, what I did eat was total crap. It was close to impossible to eat right while cruising across the country. More than once we stopped in small towns and literally had zero food choices beyond what we found at tiny gas stations. So, I'm going grocery shopping today and back to carb cycling tomorrow!

If you're on solids and staying within the portions your surgeon advised, it's fine.

You need to find a new surgeon ASAP. You're a human being, not a walking piggy bank for him to try to make the biggest profit out of.

That's not a problem. The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything, so don't expect it to. It's up to you to control what and how much you eat, not the band. Here's a link to better explain it: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html You need a fill if you're not satisfied on a cup or less of food for at least 4 hours without hunger.

That is so awesome! You should be so proud!!

I'm allowed to drink any zero calorie drinks I want so long as they're not carbonated. I just try to watch my sodium so I don't puff up.

I can eat everything you listed without a problem. And do often. In fact, there's nothing I can't eat.

Unfortunately, you'll find every doctor seems to have their own idea what works. Some do low carb, some don't restrict carbs, some do low calorie and other are more generous. I eat between 1000-1200 calories a day and aim for a minimum of 60g of Protein per day. I find if I eat less than 1000 calories a day, my weight loss actually slows down. Ultimately you have to do what's best for you and works best with your body. My major issue with surgeons giving identical food plans to all their patients is the fact we're all different and have different needs. What works for one person may not work for another at all and vice versa. Definitely talk to the nutritionist and see what she says. Best wishes to you.