A New New Dawn

I was told about 1000-1200 calories per day and 60+ grams of Protein per day. Also, I was told 3-4 ounces of protein per meal (about the size of a deck of cards) so I am wondering if because you are only doing 2, you aren't staying fuller longer. The protein is what is going to help satiate you. Make sure you are drinking a lot between meals too as that will help with the hunger. You are doing great, keep it up!

There is nothing wrong w/ some mashed potatoes; however, they aren't going to give you the protein and nutrition you need. Protein is what is going to help you remain full. If you are on mushies, you should be able to eat some tuna salad, or blenderized meats. Others have had refried beans mixed with some salsa and lowfat or ff cheese and liked it. It can help be filling too. For this stage, I took baked chicken and mixed it with a little soup base and put it in the blender. It doesn't look the best but it tasted just fine and offered nutrition. Other suggestions are scrambled eggs and cottage cheese.

Also, since it has been a few years you may want to consider going back to your surgeon. Perhaps, it's time for another fill. I know some of the Fluid is lost each year. Also, I do agree to have a conversation with your father; however, I do wonder too if some of your frustration is really from within. I am not judging or criticizing that you have gained and am only concerned. So, I hope you can get back on track for your own well-being. Best wishes to you.

Wow, that is awesome. I was banded in July and I would be estatic to share your success story on my one year bandiversary!!! Congrats on your success. You are glowing in your "now" picture and look great! Do you notice a big difference in how you feel physically and emotionally?

Congratulations! I am so happy it went well and you are feeling good too!!! Put your hands up in the air... wave 'em like you just don't care ~ wooo woooo.

I, too, have an off brand magic bullet type blender and love it for pureeing and I make my shake in the morning and it crushes the ice. Not sure why it didn't work for one of the other posters but it works for me. I was lucky enough to come across mine at a garage sale for $5.

Interesting topic, I never knew surgeons or insurance companies actually tested for it. I don't and never have smoked thankfully so maybe why I was unaware.

Also, don't be afraid to ask what is in the food and how it is prepared. We have some items in our work cafeteria that I was unsure about (ie. their cottage cheese, was it lowfat, etc). They brought out the container for me to see. On their Breakfast yogurt parfaits they emailed their main office (our caf is run by Sodexho) and emailed me back the nutritional values. Lastly, when going out make the obvious choices of grilled over fried, order foods w/ the sauce on the side, minus mayo, things like that so you know there are no heavy added calories.

Ditto to everyone above. Also, try to find some activities to keep you busy and refocus your mind from food to other things. Maybe go for walks, craft, call a friend, etc. but stay busy so you don't get hyperfocused on food or lack thereof. We have all been there and it really does get easier!!!

Pack them up in a sealed container (so they don't "smell so decadent") and light a candle or something to get the smell out of the house. Seriously, the smell alone is going to torment you. I had a candle I bought once that was cookie scented and I got rid of it because the smell was making me crave cookies. You can do this! Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels, remember that. The strength you find now will help you later when these cravings resurface. It does get easier the longer you don't eat those items. Going forward there is no harm in having a small treat on ocassion; however, when you know you cannot stop at one it is best not to start.

Congratulations on all accounts!!!!

I am glad you called your doctor and definitely follow up as they said. However, if it gets to where you cannot get liquids down, do not wait until Monday. I would strongly recommend you do only liquids for a couple of days, then mushies. It may be irritated and doing liquids may help it "settle down". If that doesn't help, you may have a slipped band; however it really sounds like you may just need to let it settle if you are that "stressed". I have heard of people that, when quite stressed, have issues with their band. Good luck to you!!!

That's awesome!!! Congrats and Happy Birthday to you. What an awesome present to give yourself.

When you do meet with the partner, I would definitely share what happened. No surgeon should be hosting a seminar to not recommend it. I don't know anything about the switch so I cannot speak to that. I chose the band because I wanted something that was minimally invasive (I am rather fond of my intestines and would like to keep them in tact). Also, I wanted something where I could still eat essentially any foods just in moderation. Lastly, my mother had gastric bypass a few years ago. She went to HELL and back from the procedure. I don't like the "malabsorption" aspect of it. I am sure it works for some but seeing my immediate family member and what she has been through, I wanted no part of it. She has had blood transfusions because they cannot get her blood levels up or her Iron, she takes high Rx doses of Vitamin d and they cannot get it to safe levels, she is worn out tired and "sickly" most of the time because of the malabsorption issues they haven't been able to get under control and now is in a pre-osteoperosis state. She has told me she would rather have the weight back than continue to live as she is. Aside from that, because it was more invasive (cutting into the intestines, etc) she had to have 2 subsequent surgeries to correct issues caused by scar tissue, etc. Sorry for all the graphics, my opposition to the bypass gets me a little fired up. I am happy it works for many, just not for my mother. I am 3 months post-op w/ the band and LOVING it. There are days I get frustrated but it is more related to my changing relationship with food than the band itself. Good luck on whatever you choose. Also, if the surgeon you meet with says he doesn't believe in the band either, I would hightail it outta there. You don't want someone operating on you that doesn't believe in what he is doing.

Awesome!!! Glad it went well. Enjoy your journey!

Also, as for the pain in your chest, the band is pretty high up on your stomach (which itself is higher up in your body than most realize) so it is normal to feel it behind your breastbone area when you do have a stuck moment.

This is definitely normal. I think it is the reality coming together of what you are about to undergo. I was very excited and then when it became the reality of undergoing surgery and even just thinking about all the life changes and losing my best friend (unhealthy eating habits) it was a bit nerve wracking or unsettling. It hit me that my whole life was about to change, plus even though I wasn't scared about the surgery, I wasn't looking forward to the actual physical aspects of going through it or emotional. I knew I made the right decision and kept focused on why I did it. Now, almost 3 months out and 45+ lbs down, I don't regret it for one second. So yes, I feel it is quite normal. Just try to think about the positives that will come out of this and all the new adventures you have to look forward to. Best wishes to you for a speedy and easy recovery! Hugs!!

I think Missy covered all the bases. Definitely get your fluids in to help flush your body. Some people react that way from the meds and/or anesthesia.

That is very unfortunate that your mother is reacting that way. I wonder if she may be a bit jealous that you are losing weight and will be "competing" with her at some point. She may be resentful that you are regaining your youth and she just got there from having done her surgery later in life. By the way, the first months until you get that enough fills to find your green zone (which could take several fills), you are essentially doing this of your own will and want power. So for only having one fill and staying on track you are doing an awesome job!!! As far as I see it you have 2 options: 1. Tell her that her comments are very hurtful and unappreciated so the topic is off limits going forward (being as stern as you feel necessary) OR 2. Take the cool and collected route and share some literature with her that explains that 1-2 lbs per week is the expected weight loss with the band so you are even exceeding expectations, explain how the fills work and how until you are in your green zone, you are essentially doing this on your own. Your doctor and you are happy with your results and need her to refrain from negative comments or you will begin (or even further) resent her. Either way, I would urge you to do something now before you add any further stress on yourself or this will have a big impact on you personally, could impact your success by adding undue stress, and will definitely build more resentment or distance in your relationship with her. It's really unfortunate she is being very insensitive and now is the time for you to be strong and take control of the situation. One of my all time favorite quotes is by Eleanor Roosevelt ~ No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. So don't allow someone to have that power over you. Be strong and you are doing WONDERFUL in your weight loss progress! Don't let anyone take that from you!!! Keep up the awesome work!!!

For me, my doctor and nutritionist haven't really pushed "low carb" and seem more focused on low-fat and low calories (1000-1200 per day). So far that is working for me in tandem with exercise. I don't think it is realistic for me either to cut carbs completely out. However, one thing that I have been doing with carb foods is buying a healthier alternative. If I am going to make Pasta (pasta salad or something) I have been using multigrain pasta and it is quite tasty for the squeemish eater I am. If I am going to have rice, I try to have brown (whole grain) rice or barley. That way I am satisfying my urge for the carbs but making it a more nutritious option. Also, you mentioned not having as much energy, etc. Are you getting any exercise? I have noticed since I have upped my exercise that I am more alert, more energetic, etc. Also, if you aren't getting in enough Protein per day, that can affect you too. Congrats on your wonderful weight loss thus far!

Awesome! Glad to hear you will be following up w/ your surgeon's office.

You sure have been through a lot. I can empathize that it may be overwhelming right now. However, I agree with Carole, before you make that decision please consult with your surgeon as there may be other issues (such as a slipped band) or something that could be easily remedied. You have come so far and it would be sad if you made a decision out of frustration without weighing all your options. The band when working and treated properly, can be a life saving mechanism for you as you know from your initial research. When it comes down to it, maybe it is no longer right for you but please make that an informed decision with your doctor. I would think your surgeon wouldn't judge you as you have been through quite a challenging set of cirumstances. Best wishes to you to fighting the cancer and finding your way with or without the band.

Please let us know how she is doing now and if you made any progress with the hospital. I hope she is well.

As for insurance, you can call your carrier now and find out if they cover weight loss surgery, they can also tell you what there requirements are for covering it. Ask them if they have a restriction on what the minimum BMI is that they will cover and if yours is under that are they ways it may still be approved (such as having 2 comorbities). My BMI met the requirement as it was high and I also had 2 comorbidities (high BP and sleep apnea) so my surgery was easily approved. They can answer the coverage aspect. Once you know if it is covered and whether you may want to proceed with getting knowledgeable, sign up for a seminar in your area to learn more about the procedure. Definitely do your homework so you know what is involved. Good luck on your journey!