A New New Dawn

Jello brand sugar free pudding is good. Also, there are fudge popsicles that are yummy and about 70-90 calories. I would suggest though only to do those once in a while as you don't want to be in the habit of it. For me if I have it every day it makes me want it more and it gets out of control. If I only have it when I am having a strong craving I can manage my calories and sweet tooth much better. I would strongly suggest using myfitnesspal.com (or the phone app) and log your food intake (caloric) intake. You should be keeping it around 1200 calories (unless your dr. said otherwise). A lot of us feel like we are taking in what is appropriate and until we log it don't realize we are taking in more than we should with large portions or liquid calories, etc. By logging it you can be real and see if you are taking in an appropriate amount. Also, I notice if I am not drinking enough fluids my weight fluctuates more as I am retaining and losing Water depending on whether I am drinking enough. Lastly, are you getting any exercise in (at least some walking)? Good luck to you.

I curb my craving with sugar free Jello brand chocolate mousse. Also, you mentioned you aren't losing much ~ can you define that better?

That is awesome!!! It is always great to hear from people that have had the band for an extended period of time. Congrats on your success!! You must be in the Chicago area w/ Dr. Rantis. He did my mom's bypass. Thanks for sharing your story.

That is awesome! I cannot wait to join you down there.

Great job - you do look amazing!

It sounds like you may need more fills. I know it takes many people months to find that green zone.

Great news!!! Welcome back to band world. Thanks for the laugh too!!

What is he trying to intake? He should be on clear liquids only (water, broth). Is he not able to get sips (not gulps) but tiny sips of water down? With the swelling he will only be able to take tiny sips of water initially.

The two previous posts say it very well. I, too, do not believe you made a mistake. Would you have lost the 55 lbs without the band? You have to work with the band; however, try not to minimize that you have lost with it. You may also need a fill aside from making better food and portion choices and that could help get you back on track. I am happy to hear you are working with a therapist. I would urge you to come on this forum daily for support and motivation. Get all/any junk or slider food out of the house and restock with healthier choices. If it isn't there, you can't eat it. There are many great recipes that are still tasty and will not make you feel deprived or that you are eating bland/boring food. I get a sweet tooth here and there (esp. once a month) and I keep sugar free jello chocolate mouse in the fridge or a skinny cow icecream bar in the freezer. I have my 70-100 calorie indulgence on hand for those moments and don't have to fret about it later. You can do this!!! You just need to believe in yourself and work with your band not against. Also, try to get out and walk. If you can't outside then go to a local mall and walk, that is so important and will help you feel better about yourself too. Best wishes to you.

I am very sorry to hear what your wife endured. First and foremost, I hope she is on the mend and getting over that nightmarish event. Why do you feel you have no recourse with the hospital or doctor? If the hospital is accredited you can find out by whom and let them know what happened for them to investigate it. You wouldn't get any monetary reward but it may prevent someone else from having to endure that. Best of luck to you and your wife!!!

Like CG said Also, go back to why you made this decision. I am pretty sure you did your research and thought this through. It is natural to be nervous. We have all been there. We may have felt we couldn't do it but we could and WE DID. You will too!!! You CAN do this and the weight loss even during the pre-op is quite motivating!!

I take small bites and wait in between bites. Also, by eating slower I am full before being able to finish it.

I would strongly suggest using something like myfitnesspal.com (or the phone application) and logging what you are eating each day. You may be taking in more calories than you realize. Also, have you ever had your thyroid checked?

no start anew tomorrow

Welcome!! I am glad that you have done your homework and research on the band and are not letting others influence your decision (especially when they do not have firsthand experience). There will be challenges and it is a tool, not a magic button in aiding in weight loss. If you follow the rules and guidelines you can be very successful. Best wishes.

I think CG said it well. I also feel like even if you don't feel like getting done up or putting on makeup, etc. make yourself do it. "Fake it till you make it". If you make your appearance better it will help you feel better. Kind of like when you are sick and haven't showered and then you take a shower and put fresh clothes on, etc. you feel so much better afterwards. You may not have had the energy or ambition to take that shower but are glad after you did. Muster up the strength and the rest will follow.

Glad you are feeling a lot better.

You may want to have a pillow for the car ride home to hold on your belly for those bumps or coughs. Also, if you have contacts, you should wear your glasses as those will need to come out. Leave any jewelry at home. Definitely the comfy clothes though. For me, chapstick was a blessing to have too.

To walk more and regularly. I walked to my bff's house today for the first time w/ my dog. It was 2.75 miles.

1000-1200 (leaning more towards 1200 also).

Donna, I hope things improve very soon. I can only imagine how challenging things are given the circumstances. I am certainly no therapist but your note leads me to wonder if you may be struggling with some depression issues as you cannot get motivated to do things and sound down in many aspects. I agree with CG and Mis73 that allowing yourself a woe is me day or pity party is ok. I would just take note if you are still feeling this way over more than a couple days, you may need to address this with your doctor or a therapist. Best wishes to you!

With all this talk about Pasta too, have you every tried multigrain pasta? I bought Barilla's multigrain pasta and it is really tasty. I have bought whole grain pasta before, not knowing multigrain was something different and I think it tastes better than the whole grain. To me, it tastes just like pasta and for a cup of multigrain pasta, there are 17 grams of Protein, 7 grams of Fiber, Omega 3, etc.!!!! I made a homemade pasta salad today and have a couple other pasta dishes to whip up with it. As long as I eat small bites and eat slow, I have no issues with it. Additionally, I have been making dishes using the light laughing cow cheese wedges too that are tasty. I have had a couple fills and am able to tolerate chicken quite well as long as it's not leftovers as they get too dry. If tolerated, I would strongly recommend the multigrain pasta so you are getting a lot of nutrients out of it.

I had pain under my ribs for a while but the doctor told me it was from inflamation. I had trouble sitting as it felt like my organs were jabbing into my ribs. It just took time to subside for me.

Perhaps try some hot tea to soothe your stomach.

For starters, bread is a big offender with the band even pre-fills. Many people are not able to tolerate bread. I do ok with small bites of toast but bread causes me to be stuck. Once you have a stuck episode, it can cause inflamation and irritation causing it to be easy to have it happen again. Many people switch to liquids the rest of the day after having such an episode. I really think it is just the bread you ate. Definitely worth mentioning to the doctor on your next appt though.