kristinc1985

Get your next fill. Lower your calories (I aim for 1000), exercise more, drink more. You could be off to a slow start. But getting discouraged won't help, because that can lead to giving up. So even though it's hard, try to avoid that. Just put your energy into working it.

No question is a stupid one!

I drank it preop. I'm a year out and very occasionally drink it. When I drink it, I get the smallest serving available and sip it. If I chugged that would hurt. I'm a believer in moderation. I don't think one soda a month will hurt ya, but once a day? Negative. My doctors office has never told me differently. They're pretty big believers in moderation too.

I'm so making these for dinner tonight, minus the tortilla!! YUM

You could be off to a slow start. Don't get discouraged. The last thing a bandster needs is negative head thoughts.... Do everything your surgeon asks of you. Work out and follow the rules. If you're eating what you feel is too much, get a fill. Slow and steady wins the race!!!!

Congrats on your succeses!!!!!

I was so happy when I hit that milestone. I totally understand. Congrats!!!!

My doctor always says if a person chooses not to have liquids (or solids), that's their prerogative and a bad choice. But if they're physically unable to do so, that's a red flag. I agree with everyone else, go get seen. You don't want to get dehydrated, or worse...

Great work!!!

Anyone can do anything they set their minds on! The pre op diet is good preparation to get you thinking that way, and prepare to work hard with your band. You got this!

Awesome post!!!

Unless your insurance covers removal, you're going to have to pay for it. It's probably going to be easier, cheaper, and healthier to just learn to live with it. So what if there's no support available. I'm sure you're capable of reading a book.... Support yourself!

When my family would eat crap like pizza in front of me, while it only made it a little easier, I'd remind myself that's how I got fat. Then I'd get some sugar free Jello and go hide in the bedroom!! You'll live!!!! Will pass quicker than you know.

Depends on your level of motivation. Do you want to fail, or don't you? Generally low fat, low carb, high Protein is recommended. So that's what I try to eat most of. I do have a little bit of junk food (sparingly. Small portions) every couple of weeks. Just because I love sugar. But most of the time I'm eating well. The band doesn't stop what you decide to shovel into your mouth. It only effects how much you can eat. The rest is all you. So, is it Hard? I think it depends on the person and their accountability and motivations.

Don't freak! That's my advice. I was.scared too, so I know it's easier said than done. Use this time to get educated, prepared and comfortable. You'll do great!

Welcome!!! I've been banded just shy of a year. I'm also pleased with the results. I think the most important thing to do before banding is to educate yourself. See what you're going to be in for. No WLS is a magic cute of course, you'll have to make changes with it (food choices, emotions, etc) but it's an awesome tool to help you succeed. Education is important during, too, to keep yourself supported. Go to the library and read all you can. Bond with like minded individuals. Refuse to allow failure. If you do, you can't go wrong! Just be weary about some of the stuff you see online. You can see a lot of scary negativity. Don't buy into it. Believe through your experiences. You got this!!!

I wouldn't worry too much pre op. You'll have plenty of time to exercise after! I've never heard of anyone trying to strengthen their stomach muscles before surgery.... But I guess if you really feel compelled you could go old school with some crunches?

They're right. I think everything can be had in moderation, so I still eat some old favorites, like candy, etc. But I have a small serving and I do it once every couple of weeks. Not every day. 95% of my food choices are healthy ones. Low carb, low fat, high protein.

Good luck and congrats!!!!!

I'd try posting this in the complications section.... Start a new thread.

You won't really have any restriction right now. Once you get fills, you'll feel different. Congrats and welcome to banded life!

You won't really have any restriction right now. Once you get fills, you'll feel different. Congrats and welcome to banded life!

Just wanted to share my progress! My surgery was June 4th, 2012. My beginning weight was 276. Today (5/19/13) I am at 197. So almost 80 pounds gone. I have lost 8 pant sizes and 4 shirt sizes! Total awesomeness. The first picture was taken 2 months before surgery. The second was taken about a month ago. I was 15 pounds heavier than I am now in the second picture, but it's the most recent that I have!

I don't really have a specific diet so to say, I just try to make healthier choices. When I cook, I love using hungry girl recipes.