OldMomOf3

The more I sit here and think about it, the more I realize that I need to do 2 things: 1. Chew better 2. Eat better I can do the chew better part. As far as Eat better goes, I need to 1. Not let myself get so hungry 2. Stop eating slider foods so much and eat more substantial foods. I've also really realized that I don't know what to eat, so your food suggestions are VERY helpful! THANK YOU!!

After reading your replies, I am thinking that perhaps I'm not chewing enough because I'm waiting until I'm too hungry (today I was shaking) and then I eat too quickly. I'm thinking that I don't chew enough and that causes me to get stuck. Just a spoonful of rice or 2 bites of toast will cause me to get stuck, so I mostly avoid those foods, but many other foods cause me to get stuck too. chicken is a little bit easier, but still a challenge. I feel like I don't know WHAT foods to eat. I've been banded for 4 months and some days I do okay, and other days I just don't know what to do. Do you have any suggstions for foods that don't make you get stuck easily, but also do not slide right through? Fish is one of those foods for me, but I need something that's faster and more "on the go." Part of the problem is that I'm constantly in a hurry, due to my schedule and the schedules of my kiddos, and I rarely have time to eat a normal meal. Sadly, slowing down just isn't going to happen, so I need to learn to eat with what I've got, so to speak. Thanks for your words of wisdom and suggestions.

I just can't take the incompetenc of the staff at The New Program in Newport Beach, CA. I need to find a new doctor, but I've heard it's hard to get a new doctor to care for you and your band if they didn't put it in. Does anyone have any experience or advice on finding a new band doctor?

Hi Patty, I was banded the same day you were and am at about the same place you are - 30 pounds down since surgery and pre-op. I lost about 18 in pre-op (2 weeks) combined with post-op (2 weeks), and the other 12 pounds have come off very slowly, since about mid July. I have had 2 fills for a total of 3.8 ml and I find I can stay at about 1200 calories a day, with considerable hunger from time to time through out the day. I don't know if I have the restriction I should have, but I'm okay where I am - might go for a fill in a month or so, depending on how it goes. I know what you mean about being frustrated with how slowly it comes off. I find I bounce around for a few weeks (down 2, up 1 down 1 down 1, up one) then settle at about 3 pounds down, and stay there for several weeks. I don't change anything, just keep to 1200 per day, then it seems to start bouncing down again, slowly. As long as I'm not up, I'm okay with the slow weight loss. I think we will be better off if we lose it slowly. I don't know about you, but I'm so ready to lose weight that I want to just cut it off, and we're working hard to stick to it. I'm proud of you for the amazing 25 pounds you lost in 3 months! Wow, congratulations. I know you want to lose it qicker, but don't give up! So far you are doing great and you'll only do better as you get to the green zone. Remember we're in this for the long haul! Best wishes!

Holly Dolly, I just read your story and WOW, it was inspirational. I can relate on so many counts. Congratulations on all you have accomplished! Thank you for sharing,

So, I checked into it and you are right, the $1000 isn't covered by insurance. :-( I'm going to try sticking with my doctor, but I'm very unhappy about it. Fortunately, I think I'm in the green zone, for now, and I really only need to go when I need a fill. I'm not going in for the regular check ups because of the way they are with scheduling, but those appointments are more for thier benefit, than mine. I'll go when I absolutely have to. Good news, the terrible doctor was fired after only 3 weeks, so I don't have to worry about them sticking me with him again. Thank you so much for your input and advice. It was very helpful.

Thanks Holly! I sent you a private message, but I'm going to follow up on your lead. Brea is a ways to go for me, but Irvine is only about 30 minutes away. Every other Tuesday might be an issue though. Still, going to check it out. My options are fairly limited..... Thank you!

I just can't take the incompetenc of the staff at The New Program in Newport Beach, CA. I need to find a new doctor, but I've heard it's hard to get a new doctor to care for you and your band if they didn't put it in. Does anyone have any experience or advice on finding a new band doctor?

I'm 30 pounds down in 3 months, and happy with my band. Just as many others have esperienced, I am losing A LOT of hair. My drain is clogged and I'm collecting gobs of hair on a daily basis. The same thing happend after I gave birth to each of my 3 children (all about 3 months after delivery). I didn't do anything but wait, and eventually the hair grew back. It looked terrible when it was falling out and even stranger when it was growing back (it stuck up all over the place). Here's my question. Has anyone NOT taken Biotin, or NOT done anything else, except wait, and found that the post-band hairloss stopped and then your hair grew back on it's own? If so, how long did it take? I'm asking because I HATE to swallow pills and I struggle enough with the ones I absolutely have to take. BTW, I am consuming plenty of food and plenty of Protein (1200 calories a day and 80+ grams of protein). Thanks for reading and advising.

Thanks for the replies and the picture! The picture was helfpul. So, what I hear you saing is that the hair does grow back and the biotin may or may not help, but it's likely that it helps it stop falling out sooner and start growing back sooner. Bottom line, it's a matter of speed, with the same end result. The hair does come back. That's great news! And yes, I agree that if this is the worst side effect of the band, it's totally worth it! So far, for me, the hair loss and a little bit of residual port pain is all I have to say as far as negatives. The rest has been WONDERFUL!! Just today I put on jeans and crossed my legs! A first in a long time for both, and it felt very rewarding.

I had my second fill on Friday, this time from a new doctor at the practice (I was not expecting that and NOT happy about it). Anyway, with the first fill (.8ml) i felt nothing when the needle went in or when it came out. With the second fill (.5ml), i felt the poke (no biggie) then felt a HUGE yank when he pulled the needle out. I could have told you exactly where my port, tube and band ring were at that moment. I felt the entire thing move as he yanked the needle out. Anyone else have that happen?

Broke my 4 week plateau! It took almost 3 months and 27 pounds down, but today someone nocitced! I've been off HBP meds for 11 weeks and my BP was 112/70 at the doc last week! I did a full 1 hour ropes course (100 feet in the air) and a zipline today and didn't have to worry about exceeding the weight limit

This might be TMI here, but... I wasn't sure my husband would support me, but when I brought up the issue, and told him I wanted the surgery because my weight was inhibiting my ability to enjoy sex, he was listening. When I told him I really wanted to jump on top of him naked and make love in broad daylight and feel great about it like we did as newlyweds, he warmed up to the idea....quickly. No, it wasn't because he wanted me to look different, it was because he wanted me to feel great about being naked with him and making love more freely. Now, just 28 pounds lighter and 2 months post surgery, I enjoy sex much more and it makes him enjoy it more too because he knows I feel better about myself already (and the 28 lbs barely shows, I just feel better in my mind). Of course there were other reasons as well - reasons why we both ended up seeing the surgery as a good idea for me, and he was amazingly supportive once he got his mind around it. Nevertheless, if sex has been a challenge for you, as it can be for so many of use when we don't like our bodies, maybe that is something you can bring up with him because it will improve his quality of life too.

I'm so sorry you are discouraged and facing a real struggle to lose weight or take it off again. I am sure that is very diffiult, both physically and emotionally. Are you able to get down foods like tuna or other fish, or protein shakes, or other foods that will sustain you? If so, maybe you can talk to your doctor again, or perhaps see another doctor in the office or another office. Let them know that some foods are hard to get down, but others are not, and that you need a fill to succeed. I know at my doctor's office there are 3 doctors who do fills and they each have such a different perspective. They have a vested interest in your success because your success is also their success, as professionals. Don't give up! You have lost a lot of weight and you just need to re-energize. Your addiction to food will eventually make you miserable, sick or dead! Be strong and courageous and make a fresh start! You can do this!

It's strange that people mockingly call the lapband, "the easy way." Frst of all, even with the band, the weight loss is HARD! We have all the same issues non-banded folks have when trying to loose weight....make right food choices, exercise, stick to it, etc. Secondly, being banded is difficult in terms of the surgery, risks and the committment! There's nothing easy about that!!!! Finally, Yeah, it is easier to lose weight with the band. What's wrong with that? Isn't everyone looking for an easier way to lose weight? Whether it's a diet plan, pill or program, we all want it to be easier than it is. What's so bad about "the easy way?" Personally, I think it's the smart way and research proves that with the stats that show WLS patiens KEEP it off 80% more often than traditional dieters. Who cares how you get there. It's not like using steriods to qualify for the olympics. It isn't a competition with rules we have to follow. Weightloss is weightloss, no matter how you get there - as long as it's healthy. That's my 2 cents on the matter. That stated, I didn't tell anyone, except for my husband, about my band. I'm not interested in their opinions and my weightloss isn't their business. I don't have time or space in my life for negative people and people who would be excited about my weight loss wouldn't care how I got there. The rest are just envious of the resolve to lose it.

Ever since starting my pre-op diet I've had really bad breath. I'm 2 months post op and still have it. At first I thought it was ketosis, but I eat about 1200 calories a day, so that shouldn't be the issue. Is it just me, or is anyone else experiencing this? Is this common, unusual, unrelated? PS I brush with an electric toothbrush 3x/day, use mouthwash and floss regularly. UPDATE: (2 days later) I visited my dentist for a cleaning today and had a little chat with him about my bad breath. I followed his instructions today and found it to be helpful. He said that there isn't a cure for "diet breath" as he called because it's a result of ketosis (as the very bright people below commented), but it can be managed by doing these things.... DO THESE THINGS Brush and floss regularly Rinse with a medicated flouride rinse (which I got from the office) Drink lots of Water Get a toung scraper (which I did and I think it was the most effective thing on this list) Chew sugarless gum or eat breath strips Increase your carbs (which I won't be doing) Eat an apple (which I didn't do, but may try, though I don't think apples are going to go down very well) DON'T DO THESE THINGS Rinse with mouth wash containing alcohol Chew sugar gum PS Does anyone know what happend to the spell check feature that used to be part of this forum?

My doc was thrilled with 3-5 lbs per month. I've been closer to 3 lbs per month since starting solids. I lost 9 lbs in 2 week pre-op, 11 lbs in 2 week post op diet, and 5 lbs in the 6 weeks since going on normal food. I track every crumb I put in my mouth. I've been so busy I have not been able to make it to the gym at all. I walk about 2x per week. I tend to try and make my "meetings" in a place where I can also walk. I have walking dates, where I used to schedule dinner dates or dinner meetings. According to the medical charts, I was 80lbs overweight. My goal is to lose 50 and then think about setting new goals. I think that's realistic. If I could get to my pre-baby weight (of 14 years ago), I'd be happy. That would require me to loose a total of 60 lbs.

Thanks for the feedback! I haven't noticed the BO, but my urine has a very different smell too (sorry TMI, but related). I hadn't connected that until you mentioned the BO, but it started with pre-op diet also. Hmmm, very interesting. FamilyGirl, What are Keto-sticks and how do you get them? Can you tell me more about them. please?

This is a direct market company, so I had a rep that I ordered from. However, I stopped doing that and started going directly to the company phone line. I do like this shake and it's full of good things, I also like Bariatric Advantage, but I can only take 1 scoop in milk, not 2 in Water, otherwise it's too sweet for me. Isagenix isn't as sweet as Barriatric Advantage. PS The New Isagenix shake and the Original formula are very different. I prefer the Oiginal, vanilla and the New chocolate. And I make it with milk or half milk and half water. Here is the contact information. http://isagenix.com/us/en/home.dhtml 1-877-877-8111

Amanda, I'm sooo like you in every way (8 weeks out and 23 lbs down). I weigh every day and get in a super bad mood when I'm up. Yet, I just can't skip a day of weighing. I bounce all over - always have. I used to be up or down 4-5 lbs in one day. Lately, I've been between 20-23 down for the past month and I'm trying to not loose my mind. For me, the heat really makes it hard to lose weight. I'm not motivated to exercise in the heat and I retain water. I guess I don't have anything to offer you. I'm sorry. But I thank you for your post because it lets me know I'm not alone in my struggle and frustration.

I stayed overnight, by choice, and I was so glad that I did. I was in a room by myself and I closed the door to the hallway and slept all day and all night. Yes, they came in every 2-3 hours to check on me, but that made me feel well taken care of. I was so happy to have someone taking care of me (help to the bathroom, eating, liquids, walking, etc). It was also nice to have my pain managed with stronger IV meds they cannot give you at home. I would not have done it any other way. Bring your phone and charger, download the ap for this site so you can check in and have your questions answered too.

Is it a good idea to get a fill at this point? I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow, and of course, I will ask his opinion and follow his orders. That stated, I'd like to hear what banded folks think...sure my doc is the expert, and I respect that, but for now I'd like to hear from you all.... I was banded 1 month ago. I feel like I have restriction. I say that because I can't eat much at one time (1 cup-1.5 cup), get stuck (very painful) if I don't chew very well, stay full for approximately 2-3 hours. I mainly eat yogurt, Protein shakes, tuna, salads...etc, things that go down easily. I have no desire to eat most foods because they will get stuck or because I'm just not hungry. I eat fewer than 1200 calories a day and I am 90% satisfied and do not find it to be much of a struggle. Right now I'm comfortable with my food intake. CONFLICT....I have not lost weight in 2 weeks (since starting soft foods). I'm not terribly bothered by not loosing weight, but I will be if I don't lose soon. Should I be loosing at this point? And should my current lack of weightless lead me to get a fill, even though I don't feel like I need more restriction? So that's it basically: Feel restriction with only slight discomfort, eating a great diet, not loosing weight. Oh, and some additional info: Consuming less than 1200 calories a day. I track every bite of food I eat via My Fitness Pal Less than 90 carbs a day (from fruit, veggies, yogurt, beans), 60-90 grams of protein Around 45 grams of fat (mostly from eggs, mashed Beans, tiny bit of salad dressing, and lite mayo in tuna- must have mayo to get the tuna down due to dryness). I'm eating about half of what I ate pre-band and it's all healthy stuff (and I wasn't even gaining weight at that caloric count pre-band) I'm exercising 30-40 minutes a day 3 tines a week (which is new for me). My bad...I'm only getting in about 1/2 of my Water due to fullness. Please chime in with your thoughts...

UPDATE: Doctor urged me, so I got the fill that day (July 19). I went from 1.5 to 2.3 (or 2.8, can't remember). I don't feel any different. Still eating 1100-1200 calories a day, quite easily (not desiring much more). Still get stuck and it comes back up if I don't follow band rules. Im scheduled for another fill in 2 weeks and I will get a small one. I'm keeping the fills small until I can't eat 1000 a day, or I feel too uncomfortable. I expect to get there soon. I'd like it to come off faster, but as long as I'm moving down the scale, I'll be happy. I have lost 2.5 pounds since the fill (almost 3 weeks ago - SLOW, but steady)

**I don't know why the spell check isn't working, and I have bad eyes and cannot even see my spelling errors or type-os. So sorry!!!! Hi Mag, I'm 7 weeks post-op and I've had restriction since the first day. I had 1 fill, but only because my doc said I should. I have 2.8cc now. To be honest, that fill has not changed my restriciton. I still eat about 1100-1200 calories a day and I still get stuck very easily if I don't follow band rules exactly. So, obviousy, we are different in that regard. However, like you, I have lost about 25 pounds, and just 13 of those pounds were post-band. Since being on solid foods, I have lost just 3 (that's in the last 5 weeks - not great, in my opinion). I get frustrated sometimes, well okay, a lot of the time. However, I'm just sticking to the plan and facing the reality that this will be a slow process. It took me 13 years to gain the 70 pounds I need to lose. I'm hoping to lose it in 13 months, but each day passes slowly and it's easy to feel defeated. Nevertheless, we can't give up! This thing WILL work, if we give it time and do our part. I think you will see it working once you get to proper restriction. It may be slow, but it will come off if you are doing what you know you need to do. I'm not suggesting that yo aren't, of course, I'm just encouraging you to stick with it and be patient. Also, know that you are not alone. Oh, BTW, I can very easily feel my port also. It hurts sometimes - especially when I'm doing dishes and leaning on the counter. My doctor said he was going to put in a low profile port, but then he forgot (and I forgot to remind him). I was bummed becasue I don't like feeling it or hurting from it. I cannot see mine now, but I think I probably will in about 15 more pounds. I don't cary my weight in my waist, so there isn't a lot to pad the port. Oh well, at least fills are easy with a port so easy to find.....My fill felt like a blink.

What are you allowed to eat in terms of: Calories? Fat? Protein? Carbs? I'm 2.5 weeks post-op and allowed to eat soft foods (tuna, Beans, bananas, eggs, etc. But I forgot what amounts I'm supposed to consume. I have been tracking my foods on My Fitness Pal and I love it, but I don't think the amounts are correct on this ap (at least not correct for my banded lifestyle). I basically made up what I think I remember my doctor telling me, and I will ask him when I see him in 2 weeks, but for now I've been eating 1200 calories or less Under 40 grams of fat Under 100 carbs About 60 grams of protein But am I doing it right? I'm not loosing or gaining weight. I was just cleared to exercise and started today, I hope that will get things moving. Just wondering, what are you eating in those 4 areas? ...and what about veggies?