Boy's Mom

Good morning, fellow bandsters. When I saw this thread I thought this is what I really need. I know that if I followed all the rules (ok, even SOME of the rules), I would be more successful than I am right now. Today I would like to do the following: 1. Not graze in between meals. 2. Finish taking down and putting away the Xmas decorations (what's the rush, it's only JANUARY 10th!!!!) My kids get home at 3pm, and #2 has to be finished by then. You guys are all great. When I'm feeling down, I spend a little time here, and I can feel my spirits rise. Thank you. Mayra

Isn't it funny - I have absolutely no trouble with rice (in small quantities) which is a good thing I am a Cuban girl and we love our rice and beans. Now on the other hand, the other day I had one of those Star Kist tuna in a pouch, which I chewed to death, ate two bites and pb'd. Go figure. Mayra

I am having so much trouble losing ... I had my surgery on 2/28 and had good initial loss, but even though I'm up to 2.5 cc's, I seem to be stuck and haven't lost any weight in a month. I'm up and down the same 2 lbs. Iam now walking 1 mile 5 times a week (4 times around the high school track, who would have believed this 6 months ago!!). I feel I don't eat a lot, in fact have quite small meals, but I do have the tendency to "pick" throughout the day. A little piece of cheese here, a saltine there. I think I'm probably taking in way more than I tell myself I am. I'm very good at lying to myself. In the past I read about a website that keeps track and tells you how many calories you're taking in, but I searched around and couldn't find it. Could you guys help me out? I need to start losing again or I will lose my mind !!!! Thank you so much!!! Mayra

I know what you're saying but ... My doctor has a monthly post-ops support group meeting - we meet with a social worker and a nutritionist. Last month the nutritionist said we should be aiming for 800 calories. This sounds almost impossible to me!!!! I said so, and she told me this was during the first 6 months. That's why I feel like the band doesn't work for me since I can't consistently eat like that.

Thanks so much!!! I just posted what I've had this morning (it's only 10:45 am) and I've had 381 calories. NO WONDER. And my mile walked is only 37 calories??? Thanks for your quick reply!! Mayra

That is so true! Skinny people don't understand. My Dad has weighed 155 lbs all his adult life and I watch him eat, he serves himself a "normal" portion, eats very slowly and pushes the plate away when he's full. If you ask him "are you full?", his response is "I'm not a gas tank, I don't need to be full". My mother also is small. I don't understand where I came from I must've been switched at birth! I don't know why I overeat, I;ve had a normal life, I'm reasonably happy, I have a great supportive husband, healthy kids, we don't have a bad life, so what is my excuse? I just eat! I just feel like a pig. Even now that I've lost some weight, the band is beginning to give me restriction, almost every day I will do something that I shouldn't do. I'll grab a handful (or ten!) of my kid's sugary Cereal. WHY? I don't even like it that much. I'll pick while I'm cooking instead of waiting. I see some of the numbers posted by some of you, and I feel like this will be another weight loss failure for me and there are no options left. Thanks for listening. Mayra

I too have Blue Cross. My plan booklet said specifically that anything related to weight loss was excluded. However, because of my high BMI (49), diabetes, joint problems and just diagnosed sleep apnea I was approved based on "medical necessity". So don't give up too easily. I was approved within 2 weeks of submission by my MD. My first visit to the surgeon was 11/16, and I had surgery on 2/28!! I am truly grateful to everyone along the way. Mayra

Absolutely yes! I have been a stomach sleeper forever, and I figured I would have to learn a new way to sleep, but I was banded on 2/28 and have no problem whatsoever on my stomach, although it took a few weeks before I did it. My doctor said it was ok. Mayra

Last summer I was at my in-law's house (they live right on a lake, and there's a floating dock that juts into the water), my kids were swimming in the lake so I went on the dock, and as I stepped on it it started to sink and it broke off from the walkway I thought I would die. I had to stand on it (and not move) while my brother in law nailed in the broken piece. I was so humiliated I didn't go down to the Water for the rest of the vacation. (never mind wearing a bathing suit ha). I am hoping for a better experience this trip. Mayra

Corgi, I'm sorry I hate to sound stupid, but what does "stage 5" mean? Thanks! Mayra

Jack - was it ricotta?? On the South Beach diet, you mix ricotta with splenda (or equal, etc) add cinnamon, or some other flavoring, and it makes a low carb sweet treat. Mayra

I was at the deli this afternoon picking up cold cuts for my kids' lunch. While I stood there I knew I just had to have a yodel ... sneak it on the way home so no one would know ... then I read the calorie count (440 for one serving!!!) and I put it down. I told myself why did you bother with the surgery to do this! Now this may not seem like much to some of you, but believe me this is a big deal for me. I would buy those family size boxes of devil dogs and eat the whole thing. So I'd like to pat myself on the back and share it with you guys who will understand!! Thanks! Mayra

I have Empire Blue Direct HMO. The manual said no coverage for obesity related; however with a BMI of 48, diabetes and sleep apnea, it was found to be medically necessary and I was approved within 2 weeks. I am very pleased with my insurance company! Mayra

I got my band on 2/28, and experienced those horrible first two weeks, then after I felt better, I had very little appetite. I thought, this is great, look how little I am eating. I have lost 27 lbs. (including weight lost on the one week liquid diet). I know that is outstanding and I am thrilled. My problem is that I am now hungry. I'm on soft foods and I think I'm eating way too much. This is what I've eaten today: Breakfast: one egg, a slice of chopped up kielbasa (polish sausage) Snack: yogurt Lunch: The insides of a subway tuna wrap (with lettuce, tomato, pepper) I also had two cups of coffee before Breakfast, and some Water in between! I chew everything well, I've experienced no problems, no PB's (thankfully!!!). I'm scheduled for my first fill on 4/19. I can't imagine what's going on inside me. I think I must have no restriction at all. I'm worrying that I'm somehow going to screw this up. I mean, can I "blow up" my stomach?? Please help me! Thanks Mayra

I don't believe the slimfast shakes are the way to go. Someone on the board recommended the Atkins shakes, and I found the chocolate royale to be quite tasty. These have 20 grams of protein each, so getting 50 grams a day is easy. Good luck!

Hi everyone! As I've posted before, I was banded 2/28. After a rough 1st week, last week went very well (drink that water!!!). Tomorrow I go for my check up and I am assuming will be cleared for mushies. So here is my question: any ideas on how I can have some of my family's planned corned beef and cabbage dinner on St. Pat's? I know I can forget about the cabbage, but what do you think, put it thru the food processor, mix with a bit of mashed. I know this whole thing is a bit sick, but truly I was on liquids for 1 week before surgery, plus the 2 after and I am DONE with Soup and shakes! Thanks! Mayra

I was banded this past monday. I am finding it impossible to eat everthing I am supposed to according to my MD's office. They said it was OK, for now, just to make sure I drink plenty of Water. Well, I can't drink the water either. Everthing tastes TERRIBLE. I bought flavored water (not carbonated), nice bottle water. Hate them. The Protein shakes I force myself to have one a day (MD wants 3). I wonder if anyone had a similar experience, if it passed. I'm worried I could be doing damage by not taking enough protein in??? All I ate today was a NF yogurt and an egg drop Soup for dinner. And some water. I'm not hungry, but I think this is not right. Anyone with this problem, please help me!! Thank you! Mayra

Thanks Penni, somewhat. I tried the Atkins shakes and they seem much better than the ones I got at the health food store. I'm also doing Carnation Instant Breakfast. Maybe not as much Protein, but tastier. Last night's egg dropsoup was wonderful! In the meantime to caution everyone I made a real mistake. Because everything was so "bad tasting" including Water, I was not drinking anywhere near as much as I needed to. I found myself not feeling well, tired, etc. when I woke up Monday morning I realized I had not gone to the bathroom ALL DAY SUNDAY, and my tongue and throat were parched. I called my surgeon's office who told me to get to the emergency room. They found me to be dehydrating and put me on IV. I now feel much better, and although things still don't taste as they should I am FORCING myself to drink. (I was never a big drinker pre-band). I am told this early period is difficult for everyone, and in another week I will be moving to mushies (looking forward to that tuna, yum!). So everyone, be careful, and drink that water!!! Mayra

Penni - the taste is sweet, but not pleasant. I am diabetic, so I've had the sweet taste before, but this is very, very nasty.

After months of waiting, tomorrow I am having surgery! This is my first post, I finally feel like I belong here! I have been reading the threads the past few months, and I've learned a lot from all of you. Will let you know how I'm doing. Mayra