La_madam

Here is a helpful link about Fiber and how much we need daily, below the link is the article from the link if you do not wish to go to thesite. http://ks.essortment.com/fiberhealth_rvef.htm Fiber is important for health. This article will help you determine how much is needed and if you need to make a change in your daily intake. Fiber originates in plants and the use of fiber has been since ancient times. But it was not until recently that researchers began to realize how important fiber is in our daily diets. The western civilization is the worlds worst in fiber intake. Researchers estimate that the average person only takes in about twelve grams of fiber per day, while the body needs approximately twenty grams to help in reducing widespread illnesses and certain cancers. While some people choose to take large amounts of fiber drinks and other supplements, this is not recommended. It is recommended to intake fiber gradually throughout the day for best results. Most of the fiber that is indigestible comes from fruits, vegetables, dried Beans, cereals, grains, nuts and seeds. The outer part of grain has the most fiber content and is usually lost in processing. If you buy products like brown rice and whole-wheat bread these are higher in fiber than bleached (White) grain products. There are a few suggestions for increasing fiber intake from the foods that you already eat. Such as when eating potatoes, apples and other fruits and vegetables eat the skins, most fiber are in the peelings. Avoid using the bleached processed flours, use whole-wheat products. If you feel you are not getting enough fibers and make the decision to increase the amount of fiber you intake on a daily basis. It should be done gradually, not all at once. If large amounts are taking it can cause severe stomach complications. Symptoms could include stomach cramps, bloating, and an extreme case of gas or even bowel obstruction. There are consequences of consuming too many fibers also. Too many fibers can prevent the digestive system from absorbing valuable nutrients and minerals the body needs. If a well-balanced diet is followed this will provide as much and not too much fiber as the body needs.

What a beautiful smile she has. Blossom will surely be missed around here at LBT, she had such a sweet and caring way about her. Thanks Nana for bumping these pictures of her.

Nykee, you are doing just fine, you are only 5 weeks post op. How are you able to eat Pizza yet. I was banded by Ortiz a year ago and I was not allowed solids until 6 weeks post op, did he change his post op diet? You have not had a fill yet, once you get your fills and have good restriction, you will be on your way to weight loss, remember the first 6 weeks are for healing, any weight loss during this phase is a bonus, I'm sure Dr. Ortiz told you that didnt he? SO do not get down on your self, the band is designed to be inflated to work its best, you have no fill yet so of course you wont have much restriction, hang in there, you will notice a difference with your first fill, especially if you are going back to TJ to have Ortiz/ Martinez do your fills, they are very agressive on their fills. Dr. Ortiz use flouro and will fill you by how they see the baruim flowing through the band, they will not over fill you however you will have restriction, Do not be foolish and have it so tight you can not even swallow your own saliva, Ortiz and Maritenz will not let that happen anyways, he will most likely make you go and eat a meal after your fill before you head back home on an airplane to make sure you are not too tight. He did that for a friend of mine who lived in PA. With Good restriction, you will not be able to eat a whole piece of pizza, atleast for me it is that way. Hang in there Nykee

Great Pics , Chris and Robin & Leo and Vampy you all look fantastic! I would love to hear how any of you are doing this far out? Please post and update us if you are here

Shelly, Congratulation! I'm so happy for you. He sounds like a wonderful , loving caring man. I loved how he proposed to you I wish you both much happiness

Patti, I can hear the excitement in your voice.. I'm so happy for you. It only gets better and better Keep it up my friend , you are doing great

Kirsten, it doesnt sound like you are eating all that much..are you eating less then you did pre band? It is what you are eating is the problem in my opinion When you drink Water , are you waiting an hour between meals to eat, if you are drinking water too soon after you eat you are washing the solids thru the band which makes you hungry again quicker. Yougurt goes right through the band which is why you could be hungrier quicker. eggs are a soft Protein too which will not last as long as hard Proteins in your pouch, try hard proteins like chicken, steak, ground beef, chicken works the best for me in staying in my pouch the longest. You seems to be in the soft food syndrome, got to get out of that, soft foods go right through the band and offer not satisfaction from hunger. Protein also helps with hunger, by what you said you ate today, it does not look like you had much protein. Carbs crave carbs, so the Pasta probably made you crave more carbs like the yogurt... Try starting your day tomorrow with strictly protein and I bet you will notice a difference in your hunger level all day long. DOnt be doscouraged, change some of the things you are eating and see if that helps..good luck and hang in there

Great Job Lauren, 31 lbs does make a difference. Go pick up 31 lbs of dog food at the grocery store see how heavy it is, I do it al lthe time, it is kind of motivating to me to go and pick up 80lbs of dog food or 80 lbs period and see how far i have come , you're doing a great job! Congratulations

I still go out with my friends and eat..actually it makes them eat healthier and better when Iam with them so in a sense it is good for them. Plus they get jealous I get all of the attention now...my turn has finally come and I am enjoying every single second of it! How your friends are acting is out of pure envy or jealousy is how I see it. I have a co worker who out of 7 women is the only one who has not been supportive or encouraging, you know why? She is overweight, I am now smaller then her, I where a smaller size then her and now weigh less then her, she is jealous, Plain and simple ..all of my other co workers who are not overwieght have been so supportive and encouraging..Thats my take on it... You will know who your true firends are..the rest, kick to the curb!

Yes you all must go over there and read..it is such a great story! Why hasnt she posted over here her good news???

Alice only you know how you feel. , personally I think you are being a very responsible bandster, we have the rest of our lives to get to goal. Having . 2 removed can make a big difference in the foods you can eat but yet stil lgive you enough restriction to still lose weight.

I have yet to see it, it comes on at 8:00 pm here in California, it is my favorite show!

Scotty, good idea, save the moneyy, you will need it later to buy smaller clothes.

Glad to hear you are doing OK I'm real close by if you need anything

Great News brandi..I hope everything works out for you and you get your band soon

Thanks Betty, Please tell her hello next time you talk to her. 70 lbs is fantastic, she must be drop dead gorgeous because she was gorgeous before. WOW! Impressive. I am so happy for her

Your tell tell sign will bewhen you eat solids, Yes liquids go right through the band. I always had a milkshake from Mcdonalds on the way home from my fill and with it I noticed a difference since it was so thick, but the true test is when you eat solids for the firsttime after a fill.

Kara, I can totally relate, Refired Beans were the best tasting thing after 3 weeks of liquids. They were my main mushy food , I loaded them with melted cheese and hot sauce from Del Taco Yum Yum!

Hmm..I'm different because, I'm wearing different style clothes now, I wearing more make-up now, spending more time on my personal appearance every morning. Enjoying going out more, enjoying cooking more , spending more time with my 3 boys doing things I never did pre band, that is the best difference of all. My husband and boys have all reaped the benefits of my 84 lbs gone forever. Even my dogs get to go on more walks now

Great News Grammi! How soon before you are banded? Grammi is a cute name, it is what my kids called my mother instead of grandma,

Congratulations Mary, Welcome to the start of a new you

I lost 19 lbs before I had my first fill at 9 weeks post op. It is normal to be hungry before you get a fill, and do not get discouraged if the first fill does not take away that hunger completely, sometimes it take 1-3 fills to get to the right spot but every little fill does help.

I love Dark Chocolate, now I wont feel so guilty

HRV, I still have fear and I am 11 motnhs post op..I think it is a normal reaction. Once you have your first fill and the Dr. tells you everything is ok it will give you peace of mind...everytime I go for a check- up or a fill I feel so much better knowingeverything is where it should be

Norma my band piched alot too for the first 3 months, I had it checked under fluoro and it was fine, I hope thisis the case for you too