Jewelsm1127

Any options for seated upper body work with weights or something? May not be your usual amount of exercise but you could get a little something in?

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Good one!!!! Who says a baby spoon can't be a weapon?

I'm one of those people that doesn't/can't react to things until they are actually happening. I had no worries/nervousness until....I was literally on the gurney, talking to my surgeon, about to get wheeled into the OR. And yes, I freaked out and almost got up and left. But then I stopped, took a deep breath, and got a grip. It wasn't the lap band that bugged me out, it was more the surgery itself (anesthesia, blood clots, etc.). But it was over very quick, I had no side effects from the anesthesia and I stood up as soon as I came too. And everything has been just fine since then. Like the others said, if you weren't a bit nervous you would be a rare breed! I think you're just fine!

Tara - I use an app to track my water but haven't looked into anything to remind me. My aunt also had lapband done and what her doc did is program the alarm on her smart phone for every one often to drink water and to get up and walk around a bit. This has been working well for her. Not sure if it would be an option for you? Try setting multiple alarms over the course of the day and I think after they go off they automatically stay on for the next day so you don't have to reset them daily...at least that's how my alarm works on my iPhone. I would have to manually turn it off if I didn't want it to go on at the same time the next day.

That is so awesome! Congrats!!!

Definitely the no drinking after meals!!! I can't drink 30 minutes before but that's not so bad because I just stop once I start preparing dinner, etc. drinking with meals isn't an issue, but afterwards I can't have anything for one hour. Sheesh. I've done the swish and spit once before too. But if that's the worst thing I have to deal with I figure I'm in fantastic shape!

What I've already gained is energy. Having lost about 34 lbs in total and having no sugar or caffeine in my system I feel "leveled off". I sleep better and have more energy in general. Range of motion - I was having issues just reaching around my back or bending down to put on socks or shoes...not anymore! Not constantly obsessing over food because I'm just not that hungry. Getting back into some of the clothes I haven't fit into for a year. Compliments - although I haven't lost a ton what I did lose is noticeable...apparently because people have remarked that I'm looking good. Confidence - I'm already standing taller and feeling so much better about myself. I didn't have low self esteem but I wasn't happy with how much I weighed and I carried myself that way. So many wonderful things to come too!

Again I'm a mutant. If I have too few calories I stall completely. However if I start packing in the protein my weight just flies off. In the past 4 days I've dropped three pounds (21 days post op with no fill). However I still am not up to a cup of food either but the meals I am eating are strictly protein with a little spinach or some other veggie...no taters or starch of any kind. But I have to agree that I think some docs don't fill in their patients completely and some people don't research enough. I googled and you tube'd and attending seminars and talked to people that had the procedure done ages ago. But, I'm like that about everything...inquiring minds want to know. And since I'm not a pill popper or a big fan of any kind of major medical intervention I made darn well sure I knew everything I possibly could before investing the time, money and effort into getting this done. For me, it was the right choice but even my doc warns patients about the band and makes sure that they know its the hardest of the weight loss surgeries to deal with and that so many people gain weight because of sliders and liquid calories. To sum it up you have to be very well informed and mentally ready before being banded. I wish major luck to all that have it. Bit can be done but we have to exercise will and want power. :-)

I've been using salad forks and teaspoons ever since I can remember wherever I go if they are available. For some reason I hate full size utensils.

Being cold - I swear I sweat all the time! Not huffing and puffing going up stairs. Seeing my eyes again as my cheeks get smaller. The energy which has already kicked in. Not walking slumped over because my back hurts. Getting back into all my cute shoes and size 10 clothes! And...shopping shopping shopping!

Missy - it is baffling! I even try adding full fat Laughing Cow cheese or real butter and I'm still under. And I suppose its not that I'm afraid of fills but the fact that I just don't want to get one before I find it necessary. If I'm still eating smaller portions and the weight is coming off I would rather reserve the fills for later if things change. I know I'm just 21 days out but I'm still struggling getting in 1/2 cup of food 3 times a day. I'm going to ride that wave as long as I can. I figure if my resolve waivers later I'll get the fill to hit the spot to help me maintain. I guess I'm just goofy in that I want to do as much myself as possible and not rely too much on the band until I absolutely need it.

Missy - I sure do. I'm going Atkins style so I can hopefully avoid getting a fill and having issues with food going down. Protein fills me up and I ate quite well today and just barely broke 800 calories!

Tango - Congrats!

Jen - I'm a rule follower too and honestly I'm going to so everything I can to avoid a fill. I am hitting the high protein/low carb road and have already lost 1 lb in two days. I haven't had any issues with any of the foods I've eaten but I haven't gotten past 3/4 cup 3 times per day. I don't know what restriction feels like but I do know that I'm just not very hungry. I portion out my food on a small salad plate or saucer and it seems to be the perfect amount to tide me over until the next meal. I asked my doc if I was losing weight could I refuse a fill and they said absolutely. I think there are several others here who were very successful with an empty band as well. It's what works for you and you are doing awesome!

Miss V - I had the same issue and so did all my family and friends...they were all trying to feed me like I was on death row! By the time I started my pre op diet I was so sick of eating .

Everyone is pretty different. Whatever happens just listen to your body! I think (being newly banded myself on 12/21) that we are going to have to do that a whole lot from now on! :-)

I didn't start getting really hungry until about the 4th day post op. But even then I was only able to get down 2 ounces about four times a day. I still don't think my appetite is where it should be but I'm definitely not eating to the point of being full. I just eat enough to not be hungry so it could be I'm not stretching my pouch out? Or I'm just a late bloomer. I figure the appetite will come around.

So far so good. I'm going totally low carb and high protein with eating. Atkins style so to speak. I'll be 4 weeks post op this Friday. Since I started eating soft foods this week like chicken and fish my weight loss seems to have jump started again. Although I'm still only eating a couple of tablespoons in the morning and about 4 ounces of protein for lunch and dinner. No hunger in between meals and I'm not up to one cup yet. So far 31 lbs lost from pre-op to now. How about everyone else?

I must have a pretty high pain threshold. I had surgery on a Friday and was out and about on my feet for 8 hours on Monday running errands and shopping. I never took any pain meds. I just slept almost all day Saturday and part of Sunday. Monday I was feeling right as rain and I was driving the next day. I say see how you feel. If you need to take the time, then take it. Make sure you take care of yourself and don't overdo it!

Dana - I absolutely live wings. First thing I had when I started soft foods? Chicken breast tenderloin dipped in wing sauce! That did the trick.

It is interesting how people carry their weight. 5'5" and 245 and I'm in a 16/18. At 165 (my goal weight) I'm in a size 10 and medium shirt.

Adrianna - I did the same thing on Christmas Eve when I was 4 data post op. my family was eating smoked BBQ ribs and a smoked BBQ brisket. It smelled good and I wondered if it tasted good - it was a mail order gift from my brother. I took one small piece of meat, sucked all the flavor out of it and spit. It was tasty...that's all I wanted to know and I haven't done it since.

Look out! Hot stuff coming through! You do look amazing and inspiring!

I was two weeks post op this past Friday (banded 12/21). I'm in the soft food stage and at this point, according to the doc and nutritionist, I should be at about 3/4 cup of food 4 or so times a day. I've been eating lots of protein (tuna, chicken, light laughing cow cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, etc.), but so far I can manage about 1/2 cup three times a day and I am good to go and not hungry in the slightest. Using myfitnesspal and the max calories I've hit so far are about 800. I lost 7.5lbs the first week on liquids and haven't lost since then, which is fine since I lose 23lbs pre op - I'm ok with slow and steady. I'm just wondering if anyone had some good suggestions on getting those calories in? I'd like to at least hit 1,000. I don't do well with too few calories, but do very well on high protein diets. But if I'm not hungry, what's a girl to do? I have no fill yet and won't be due for one for another 5 weeks, but I'm thinking if I can't eat now, why in God's name would I get a fill. Anyone else been there done that? Any good website recommendations for bandster recipes? I've tried Googling, but thought I'd come here to the experts! Any info is appreciated.

Thanks Love! Protein is good, calories definitely not. I'll just keep an eye on them and hope I start getting a bit hungrier. Weight isn't budging (yet) but I'm hoping with the added protein it will. BTW, is your avatar you? Very beautiful picture. Love the hair.