bar2373

I would consider myself a newbie since I was just banded on the 17th. I have been wondering, how many of you have met your goal and how long have you remained at your goal or close to it? I have been reading A LOT of posts about people on here gaining weight back or having slippage and such. OF course these things scare me, but also as I read them I am seeing things that indicate or flat out say they have not followed the rules for a while. I was just curious how many out there are years out and still happy with their band and still at goal. Would just love to hear some good of it.

I am 5 months post op with a 38 lbs. loss since surgery. In the past month I have noticed I have a very flaky scalp in the front. My hair is very dull looking and not very shiny any more and very lack luster. I have went through an entire bottle of head and shoulders with no change so I am thinking it is not normal dandruff. My nails are like wet paper when they do grow out. I have heard people talk about taking biotin, and I am wondering if I should start taking it also? For the ones who do take it regularly, can you tell a difference since starting it and does it sound like I should start taking it? Help, I am turning into a mess.

I am 54 days out from surgery. I have lost 28 lbs since surgery. I went in for a check up on the 5th of this month. I received a 1/2 cc fill for the first time at that appointment and now I am more hugry, sooner, than I ever was before. Was getting the fill a mistake or is this normal? My doctor wanted me to eat more solid foods, he said I was still eating a lot of what he considred soft foods (i.e yougurt). I normally have yogurt for breakfast just out of convenience and time. I have since changed to having two eggs in the morning around 7-8 am and I am starving by 11-12. I try to eat fish or something high in protein and a vegtable for lunch and I am starving again by 3 in the afternoon. I will eat dinner between 4-5 in the evening and have again, something high in protein like chicken or fish again and a vegtable and I am again very hungry before bed. I measure my food and weigh it carefully but it just doesn't seem to be enough to last me. What should I do? The doctor doesn't want me to supplement with protein shakes. Which I though was a great idea to boost my protein intake and keep me satisfied. With the 3 meals I eat a day I am not always getting a full supply of the protein that they want me to get to. I am so confused and hungry! I need help!

I do believe my doctor is very conservative with fills. A friend of mine has been going to him also, and told me she has been losing weight little by little after surgery, and he doesn't want to give her any fills until she stops losing. I was the one that kinda insisted on getting a fill on my last appointment. I am like catfish, if I could diet like this on my own I wouldn't have got the surgery. Thanks for everyone's input.

Thanks guys. I do use myfitpal, religiously. I am not getting even 1000 calories most days. Should I increase my calories you think? My weight loss is very slow, about 1 lb a week or two. I jump up and down between a couple lbs everyday. I am just trying to follow all my rules of the band as directed and hate to deviate from them much.

Down to 248. Can't wait for a fill. I would like to be losing faster.

Measure out your food and eat that and stop. You don't want to eat until you are full just satisfied. It's hard I know my head says eat more eat more but I stop and then glad I do.

I added about a third of a cup of pumpkin purée an some pumpkin pie spices with sweeten almond milk. You can also add some sf pudding powder like butterscotch to mix it up. Plus get some baking flavoring like coconut or coffee and try those. Made a big difference in my shakes.

Checking in. Still at 251

Hi everyone! I am three weeks post-op and I average about 500 - 800 calories a day (mostly lean meats and vegtables). I have lost 38 lbs from my highest weight back in June of last year, 21 lbs of that being from pre-op diet and a few post-op. I get a few carbs thru the day as directed from my NUT (about 100 -125 grams). I am getting about 60 grams of protein a day. They reccomended 60 -80 grams. I wondering if any one else supplements with protein shakes still post surgery. My NUT wanted me to get away from the shakes all together, but I have not lost any weight for a week and half now. Does anyone with more experience with the band have any thoughts? Thanks Becky

My guess is it could be gas still. I had pain in my side and in my back. For some reason the gas seems to effect the left side more than the right. At least I see more posts about pain on the left side. Hope you get to feeling better.

I am not replacing a meal with it, just supplementing to boost my protein intake. I keep reading where more protein can sometimes help boost weight loss. Thanks for everyone's input.

I am 8 days (tomorrow) post-op and have been given permission to start back on some soft foods. Tuna with a little light mayo in it was an approved meal. I mixed some up while I was making dinner for the fam. I have to say that was the best 1/2 cup of tuna salad I have ever had. I know it may sound silly but it is so true to a newbie. It felt good to actually chew something instead of just letting it slide down, lol. I chewed so carefully and enjoyed ever moment of it. I think I may try an over easy egg in the morning. I like the feeling of being full on a half cup of food and not a thanksgiving feast. So far I have not had one ounce of regret that I made this decision to have the band. I was so nervous and worried this time last week that I was making a mistake. Regardless of what anyone else that I have told thinks of this choice I know in my heart and mind that this was the right thing to do.

Once you get off of full liquids and start on more solid food you will get more calories in. I would not rush things. You will get there. As long as you are not hungry I would say you are ok. I lost about 20 lbs. when I was on full liquids.

I feel great. I down 38 lbs. no complications or even any pain from surgery. I am loving my decision.

Name, real or screen~Becky Goal weight for February 28th~231 Weight on February 1st~251 Age~39 Dietary goal for February~Stay under 1000 calories Exercise goal for February~Walk at least 30 minutes 5 days a week Personal goal for February~ Keep on pace with my online classes Date banded~1/17/13 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~21.5 What is your favorite Valentine's Day activity?~Helping my daughter make her class Valentine's and reading the ones she receives.

This is the best place for any answers that you have. Welcome!

Hope you feel better.

I am just a newbie but my guess is its the carbonation from the coke swelling your pouch. I thought that was a no no?

I use chocolate splendor unjury and add a few drops of coconut flavoring and it tastes like and almond joy. Try adding SF butterscotch pudding for a butterfingers flavor. I have a rum flavoring I haven't used yet but plan on it. You can get all kinds of flavorings in the baking isle at the store. Might try a table spoon of SF coffemate for a little added sweetness. I also mix mine with almond milk instead of cow milk, less calorie, more protein and more flavor if you get the vanilla.

You just wait and see, he will come crawling back before long. I have seen this from experience, they will miss what they had and long for the past and that is when you can stick it in his face. You are better off without him. A leopard never changes his spots is what is was always told so once a cheater always a cheater. Much love and hugs too you. Hang in there and stay strong, it will eat at him the stronger you are.