peggy1011

I was banded in June, Lost 30 lbs between pre and iimmediate postop period, and have been stuck between 230-235 for about 3 months. Have had 3 adjustments so far, and have a dr's appt this Thursday. I agree, it's so frustrating...though I can definitely say I'm starting to feel restriction. I think just a tad more of a fill and I'll be there, and hope to see the weight loss really kick in.

Hello! Utica here.....

I've been somewhat in the same rut. As soon as the cold weather arrived, I stopped walking. Then started doing nothing. Glanced at my exercise bike every so often, but found every excuse not to get on it. I finally got fed up a few days ago and hopped on it. I was amazed at my deconditioning. That is what really has motivated me. I look forward each day now to get on the bike, and try to outdo my time on it from the previous day. And I love the feeling afterwards, knowing that I'm doing the right thing.

I have 90 lbs. to go, and I'm determined to meet my goal by my birthday in October!!! :-)

I frequently enjoy the steel cut oats that you need to cook about 10 minutes. They have a lot more texture. Occassionally I'll chop up 1/2 banana or throw in a small handful of blueberries or raspberries and add it right before serving. Delicious...and I have not had a problem with it getting stuck.

I also was on Phen fen, and I clearly stated that when I filled out my evaluation forms. I've had no problem, and it didnt delay or deter my surgery at all. Good luck!

Another good choice is Tilapia. I'm the kind of person who doesn't like fishy tasting fish, and I absolutely love Tilapia. Coat a filet w/nonfat mayonnaise, then sprinkle with low fat parmesan cheese, and what ever herbs you like. Bake for 15 minutes 350 degrees. Moist, delicious, and best of all not fishy!!!

I hear ya Anna! I'm having a tough time with slow weight loss as well. I would've thought with the small amount of food I eat, that weight would be just dropping off, but it is not the case. So...I need to step it up, and pay even closer attention to my food choices. Here's to success for all of us!!! Peggy

Breakfast: Banana and 2 cups coffee Lunch: 1/2 sandwich of ham and swiss cheese w/mustard Dinner: 1 Cup macaroni with tomatoe sauce and sausage snack: 1/2 cup chocolate ice cream

I was told to avoid protein shakes once I got to the regular food stage. My doctor even doesnt like it when I eat mushy food such as cottage cheese or oatmeal. He stress solid food so that I can feel the restriction and curb my eating. He explained that protein drinks and soft foods such as those I listed slip right through the band, thus defeating the purpose of the band.

I've flown since being banded, and no problem with the metal detectors. I've also gone scuba diving, and didnt have a problem. Didnt have any issues with pressure changes.

Toni, Just out of curiosity, when did you get your band? How many fills have you had? I got mine this past June, and have had two fills. The weight loss initially was fast, but I seem to be stuck,no matter what I do. And speaking of "stuck", I'm also having a lot of trouble with PB'ing. But I know it's all in my mine set and my actions. I MUST force myself to take smaller bites, chew better, and wait before next bites. I refuse to let this thing beat me. I have times when i'm discouraged, but then I sign onto this site, and see others progress, and I get enthused once again. "IF" you dont have it removed, why don't you and I support each other. Yes, we may be slow losers, but at least we'll try together, and hopefully lose together. Good luck to you...in what ever road you take.

I recently met with a nutritionist who recommended the following: Breakfast: 1 Cup kashi Go Lean cereal with skim milk or 1/2 English Muffin with tsp. peanut butter. (I also drink coffee first thing when I wake up) Snack: small piece of fruit such as 1/2 banana, small apple, some grapes Lunch: 1/2 sandwich of turkey, ham, cheese, egg or tuna salad. (I toast the bread and am able to tolerate it better) Snack: skinny cow cheese stick, or 1/8 cup unsalted roasted peanuts Dinner: Lean meat or fish (the size of a deck of cards), vegetable, occassional starch. Throughout the day: water, water, and more water. It increases your metabolism, and decreases the head hunger. I've followed her diet suggestions for a week now, and already my weight loss has increased. Good luck to you..

I started feeling the depression the day after surgery. All I could think of is what have I done to myself. My first week home was pretty rough. Crying at the least little thing. I talked to my primary care doc, and she started me on some Lexapro....which I took reluctantly because I didnt want another pill. What a difference the med and time has made. I feel wonderful.

Skyeblue, I'm very similar to you....my tolerances vary from day to day. One day I can eat a McDonalds cheeseburger, the next day I cant tolerate grits. I'd have to say my biggest No No's are squishy white bread (can eat it toasted), and any cold leftover meat such as chicken or pork. It's a new experience each and every day. I've had the band for 5 months now and it's still a learning experience.

It's exciting to start getting the fills, isnt it? I've had 2, and finally feel some restriction. Glad to hear everything went well for you!

My doctor doesn't use any numbing, but I havent found the fills to be that uncomfortable. I've had 2 so far, and they've went well. Just a slight pinching feeling initially. No pain or tenderness afterwards. You'll be fine.

Hi and welcome! I'm in Upstate NY too, near Utica. Where abouts upstate are you?

Hi Everyone.. I was just banded this past monday, 6/25. I'm trying to get an idea of the initial couple of weeks, what to expect, etc. I seem to be having a hard time of it. I wasnt aware that my port incision would hurt so darn much and limit basic functioning such as getting out of bed. I didnt know I'd obsess over not being able to eat like I am. I'm bloated like a pregnant woman, and frequently feel like i need to burp, without success. And the worst thing is, sometimes I just sit here and cry and wonder what the heck did I do to myself???? I'm scared to death to have a fill because I'm so darn uncomfortable already. Has anyone else had these feelings, especially the emotional ones? Thanks in advance for any advise.... Peggy

Kimmie, I was banded the day before you, and initially was doing well, but I seem to be at a standstill right now. 2nd fill was last friday, and I had only lost 1.5 lbs from the 6 weeks previous. I'm now at 1.2 cc in my band...and can feel some restriction. Hope the next 6 weeks brings me some additional weight loss. It's hard to not get frustrated. I have friends on weight watchers losing more than me. We're in this together!!!!

I've had one fill so far, and also feel I can eat a lot of the same, but do experience some restriction with certain foods that I didnt notice before. Weight loss since the first fill has been VERY slow. I'm scheduled for my 2nd fill this afternoon and am actually excited to go to the dr!!! Hopefully this fill will offer greater restriction.

mine is next to my belly button, on the left hand side. Was painful at first, but now (4 months later) I dont even know it's there unless I feel around for it.

Awesome news!!!! Congrats to you This site is a great inspiration.

Carie, I too was banded in June and seem to be stuck at 235. I've only had one fill though, and am scheduled for my 2nd fill this friday. I know I'm making wrong food choices...and I desperately need to work on my protein intake. Ingesting the proper amount of protein will make us feel full. I'm going to request an appt. with the dietician so I can get some more clear guidance on what and how much i should be eating. My only other nutritional appt. was preop and they threw so much info at me, I barely retained 1/4 of it. All I can suggest is we gotta stick with it, and see where we can make improvements. We're all in it together, and I refuse to give in and let this beat me. Good luck to you, and keep me posted on your progress, and I'll do the same! Peggy

I thought I'd pass along a good cereal I've found. It's Kashi Go Lean High Protein, High fiber cereal. It's got 16gm protein per 1 cup serving. Like everyone else, I'm having trouble getting my protein in daily, and this cold cereal helps!!! Tastes pretty darn good too!