A New New Dawn

I would suggest a couple of things. For starters, most people take a few or more fills until they reach the green zone. Until then, you may have little to no restriction. That doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't do your part though. It isn't just about getting that restriction and eating smaller portions, you need to be adjusting your eating habits overall. Are you logging what you are eating and getting exercise? The band is only a tool and will not do it all without your help. My doctor and many other people's seem to feel 1000-1200 calories per day is ideal. If you are "eyeballing" it and not actually logging your food, you could be taking in way more calories than you should to lose weight. Also, are you getting in any exercise (walking, etc)? That will make a huge difference. I have had 2 fills so far and have minimal restriction so I am using my own "want power" (thanks CG) and restricting my caloric intake. I started out sitting around, then walking and got up to 3 miles a few times a week. That too has helped jumpstart the scale moving again. I am averaging about 2 lbs per week, which is on track for the band. For your own sake, act as if you have full restriction. Restrict your calories and make sure your meal portions do not exceed a cup in volume. I bet you will see some more results that way. Good luck to you.

Great job and great attitude!!! Keep up the awesome work.

Congrats on all accounts

I love their "soycatash" in the freezer section. It is frozen edamame, corn and other veggies. I add a little spray oil, wrap it in a foil packet and grill it. Yum!

It is very critical you follow the surgeon's instructions and not progress to foods before you were told to. It is for you to heal appropriately and ensure the band heals in the appropriate place as well. What's done is done but you have to fight the urge to progress along too fast. If you cannot control those urges now, what happens when you are craving sweets, fatty foods, etc. By learning to control your craving now, it will help so you don't sabotage yourself later. So for your future well-being and for your proper healing it is so crucial to follow the instructions. It is hard but we all got through it. When you have a craving try to distract yourself w/ going for a walk or an activity, etc. Hang in there!

I like to make a cold Pasta salad (w/ veggies and sometimes added ham or chicken for extra protein); however, I use multi-grain pasta by Barilla as it is loaded w/ Vitamins and Protein. I add fat free Robusto (or Zesty) Italian dressing and whatever veggies. You can add low fat or fat free cheese too (just make sure to keep your serving size under a cup). Any chance you could talk to your work to see if they would allow a microwave or a toaster oven?

Sounds like you got it planned. Enjoy your dinner.

I agree w/ all the posts above. I would add that this isn't easy and we have all been there. Sometimes you have to take it hour by hour and day by day to get through the adjustment. You are in a mourning of sorts as you change your relationship with food. When you are really feeling that head hunger (craving), try to distract yourself by going for a walk or some other activity. It does get easier though as you start changing that relationship. Definitely follow the doc's instructions though, even if it sucks for now so you can ensure proper healing and instill good habits in yourself as you claim victory over the cravings. If you can control it now, you will be in a much better place to control it later when it is over sweets, or junk food, etc. You CAN do this. Just think, today you are one day closer today to the mushie stage.

Well, it depends on your doctor's instructions too... Some doctors prescribe liquids for 24-48 hours or mushies, etc. If you should still be on liquids, see if they have some sort of cream soup (tomato basil or something), if you are allowed mushies then perhaps minestrone soup would be ok being cautious to eat slow and chew very well. You should be ok though as typically the first fill often doesn't add much restriction. Good luck and enjoy.

For starters, I agree w/ others that you need to find a local doctor to get refilled. Without that, you aren't getting the benefit of the band. Second, I would suggest using myfitnesspal.com (or download the smartphone app) and start tracking your food intake and calories. You should keep it between 1000-1200 calories. By logging your food you can start to see what you are actually taking in and get back on track that way. I applaud you for taking ownership of you needing to do the work and for reaching out to get back on track before even more months and pounds went by. You CAN do this! Best wishes to you!

Definitely you have done a phenomenal job and you look great in your pictures. Normally, I would have gained over the course of a year so losing 50lbs to me is success. I also would recommend journaling your food intake and your activity. Perhaps using myfitnesspal.com or another site to see really how many calories you are taking in, how much liquids you are really taking in, and how many calories you are burning through activities. I was at a standstill the past couple of weeks and upped my exercising (have walked about 3 miles a day for 4 days this past week) and finally the scale moved again. You have done really well and perhaps just a little tweaking can kickstart your weight loss again. You may even need a fill too. Good luck on your continued success.

That is so awesome!! Congrats on your success! What an inspiration.

I agree with the prior posts; perhaps your portion was a bit too much and it sounds like the liquids put you over the edge so it came back up. I cannot drink liquid right after eating or it sends me over the top.

What an incredible story and great reminder of what the band can do in many areas of our lives! I am so happy things are going so well for you!!!

I love to make pot roast w/ veggies in mine or I make bean soup. If I make bean soup, I can add the bag of dry beans and whatever other ingredients and I cook for about an hour and YUMM. After your meal is done, make sure to release the pressure (as stated in the previous post) before removing the lid. I also make pot roast (recipe on the back of the lipton onion soup box for slow cookers) and it takes an hour to cook. It really is handy for making recipes in a jiffy that would normally take hours to cook. Just look up online slow cooker recipes and you should find anything you are looking for.

That is awesome and even more uplifting when you felt you haven't been doing that great!! Congrats!

congrats!!! Don't be surprised if you have that "omg, what am I about to do" moment that many of us have. It will pass and the rewards will be amazing!

I make a YUMMY chicken chili using a rotisserie chicken (without the skin), 5 cans of beans, salsa, and a couple other things. I get great reviews and my family loves it. Also the chicken (being rotisserie) is really tender.

Definitely try to eat the same as if the band were filled...

I got a card but not with any serial #s or anything. It was just a card showing I had a lapband in me. Essentially, it was just for me to show at a restaurant as many places will allow you to order off a kids' menu by showing it. I have never used it for that but have it on me. I had to ask my doctor for it.