hope2

I have been banded almost a year now and have been a vegetarian for about 7 years. Last month I decided to end being a vegetarian due to the band. I however did not have a moral reason for being vegetarian, I just don't have to have meat. I was having a difficult time getting all nutrients not just protein. I do not eat a lot of meat but I try to have something one time a day. Being a vegetarian I found that my options for quick food to eat was too limited with the band and my high paced job. It can be done with some planning but I was so tired of worrying about it. There are so many meat alternatives out there now days, I am just a very picky eater. I wish you the best of luck. Quinua was my best friend as a vegetarian. You can eat it hot or cold and spicy or sweet.

I had a fill in March that probably was too tight. I just really focused on eating small bites and chewing. After a weeks it got better. I have not gone in for a fill since then because I get stuck fairly easily. About a month ago I began getting stuck on everything. I eat my yogurt...stuck. I cannot eat anything of any nutritional value. I thought going on liquids a few days would resolve this and it does help for about one meal and then I get stuck on everything again. I am now to the point that I am pretty miserable. I will call the doctor Monday morning. I am not a complainer so I did not want to go into the doc for every time I get stuck. I want this to work after all this is what I signed up for. I am feeling a bit defeated. Any recommendations?

I am feeling much better. I am not constantly stuck. I worry a bit about not having the restriction but I will let you know how it goes. It is very nice being able to actually eat a small meal without PBing. Thank you for asking.

you all are awesome. thank you.

Went to doc. Nothing damaged but did take .2 out. I hope I don't regret this but they thought it would be best.

Thank you everyone. I do have a lot of gas pains in my chest even before I try to eat anything in the morning and all day. I am going in to see the doc next week. I will have him check everything and unfill if needed but if it is just learning how to eat I would rather just leave it. I still have a lot to learn just being banded in January. Thanks again!

I have been this way for a while now. I thought I could deal with it but I am going in next week to see if I need a tiny un-fill.

Go for it. Only you can decide if it ills worth it. I had 50 to 60 pounds to lose and I did it and don't regret that decision one bit. It has been hard and it has had it's ups and downs but it is worth every penny I spent (self pay). I now have so many more options to keep myself healthy. The band reminds me everyday that it controls my eating which is what I needed. Good luck to you!

Artic Zero ice cream!! It is really frozen protein shake but it is 150 calories for the entire pint. Yes, for the entire pint...and it's good for you. I don't eat the entire pint but it helps me with my love of ice cream.

I think "stuck" is learning how to eat. We have to learn to eat with the band. Being stuck is a learning process. I have been stuck almost daily. At times it is stuck for a minute and other times for 30. Some days I can eat almost anything while other days I have difficult time with everything. I actually really am appreciating the learning process because I truly believe the way we eat added to our weight problem in the first place. I really cannot wait until eating is no longer an issue on any level. It will be a blessing to just live without having to address food issues. Good Luck to you!

I have attempted to sign up twice and have not received the email confirming.

You are gorgeous!!

Hello I wanted to respond to you mostly to validate what you are saying. I have worked for over 20 years with juveniles with mental health issues. I have seen first hand the weight gain with the psych meds. I really commend you for staying on your meds to deal with your bi polar. I know this must be very difficult for a young lady such as yourself. I think if your doctor believes it will be ok then why not? I would just make sure your meds come in liquid form or can be dissolved. I know many of those meds are very large and time released. Great job on your journey to wellness.

Amen!! He has risen!! We are all truly blessed. Happy Easter!

I know exactly what you are feeling. I don't know what I was feeling but was very emotional about a week before surgery. I still have moments of being emotional even now, 8 weeks out but I think it may be because my weight has been a huge burden to my self esteem and confidence. I know good things will come if I just stick to the program. I am not losing as quickly as I had hoped but still on target. It rounds out to 1-2 pounds a week. I was happy...just emotional. lol

I had to mix mine with twice as much non fat milk because it made me nauseated. That helped a lot. I think my stomach just does not do well with that much protein at one time. Now I can tolerate the premium chocolate shakes/drinks from Costco. You can do this, just adjust to the feeling. It will be so worth it in the end.

what is paleo?

I sent you a message with my number.

yes!! I am really frustrated. I know it will take time but for some reason I thought it would come of quicker. I have lost 20 pounds. 10 with the pre-op diet and 10 right after surgery. Not a single pound since. I go a few days knowing it is going to take time but then get on the scale and feel like crying. I have had two fills. The first one did nothing but the second one I could feel a bit of restriction but I still don't stay full for long. I go in next week for my 3rd fill and am hoping this one will do the trick. Sounds like you are doing great. Sometimes your body will go in to starvation mode when you are not taking in enough calories. Relax, I am sure you will do great and start losing again. We need to be patient and let our bands start working. Where about in Seattle are you?

Hello I am from Port Orchard just across the water. I was banded on January 11, 2013. So far things are going pretty good, I have lost only 20 pounds but know it is going to take some time. I would love to keep in touch.

I am very glad to hear that the change comes slowly. I am only 2 months out and still I need head adjusting. I forget Im banded sometimes and eat too fast or too much. I try new things everyday. Today I just made sure I cut things into very small pieces and ate one at a time. I hope this gets better. I want this so bad but to be honest I am scared right now. Good post.

How do you know? I had my second fill about 3 weeks ago and finally feel some restriction. I have had a stuck episode and am learning to slow down. It has been more difficult learning to take small bites. I get what I think is a soft stop of hiccups or a lump in my throat. I do not stay full for 4 hours. I guess I am wondering how do you know if you should get another fill? I am scared because of the stuck episode. I am scared my next fill will be too tight since I have had a stuck episode. I read if you can till eat bread or rice you are not tight enough. I can eat both as long as I don't eat too fast. I can eat a little more than a cup of food before I get the soft stop. I guess I just need some advice from people who have experienced this. Should I get my next fill which is scheduled next week. I will ask my doctor as well and tell him my concerns but I would like to hear from you all as well. I have lost 20 pounds so far and was banded in January 2013, Most of that was from my pre surgery diet. I am a bit discouraged and I know I shouldn't be.

I paid 15,000. I live in Washington State. 1 year of aftercare and fills

Hello, I live in the area. I live near Bremerton, Wa. I am new and have only been banded for about two months.