jkitch

So I am scheduled to have my lapband revised/replaced tomorrow morning. Currently I have no restriction and a leak somewhere (port or tubing.) My doctor recommended I have it fixed, which I was surprised because the sleeve is so common. I feel like no matter what surgery, it takes meal prepping and planning so that’s why I want to try the band again. Any suggestions?!

Hi! Just looking to see if their are any Sussex county or Passaic county banders here? I'm from West Milford! Looking to get a nice chat/group going

Has anyone done this? I am looking to re-motivate myself and I want to do the 5 day pouch test to help "go back to the basics." I feel like I am not paying attention to what I am eating or how much I am consuming. I have a few questions though... Days 1&2 are like the basic liquid diet post-op, right? Days 3-5 I understand are different consistencies of Protein.... When you get to day 4 or 5, can you include the protein consistencies from 3 and 4? Like can you have steamed scallops and then a peice of baked chicken on the same day..?! And what can you eat for Breakfast? Protein shake in the am and the soft/firm/solid Proteins for lunch and dinner? What about fruits and veggies?! Can I have that with the protein?! What about yogurt?!

Hi! I just need some words of advice. I have had 2 fills since my surgery (that was on March 10, 2014) and my band has 5.5cc's in it. I can't tolerate bread or Pasta. But lately I feel I can eat more.. Tonight for dinner I ordered take out (Thai food) and I had 3 cups (maybe a little less) of Pad Gra Praw with chicken (it's like a vegetable stir fry in a spicy basil sauce) and 1 cup of white rice. I'm not sick, I didn't get stuck but I am satisfied. I had a granola bar for Breakfast, 12oz of chili and a cheddar cheese steak for lunch and 1 cup of salad with a hard boiled egg for a snack... Plus my waters.... totaling 1,290 calories for the day (I'm "still under" according to myfitnesspal.) Do you think I should get a fill? I mean 3 cups of stir fry (I think it was less then 3 but it's hard to fit in the serving cup because the veggies are cut weird)... And 1 cup of rice... Can you eat rice?! I haven't really tried eating rice yet. So far I have been successful, I'm down 63 pounds and I'm averaging a 1.5-2lb weight loss a week.

You def have to stay extra hydrated! Being dehydrated can lead to preterm labor. Honestly your going to have to increase your calorie intake by I think it's 500 calories towards the end of your pregnancy- I would think unfill?!

Hi! I truly think this is something you should talk to your health care provider about. I don't want to seem like a know-it-all but I'm actually studying maternity and high risk pregnancies and this is a huge topic. Obesity and pregnancy don't go well together. It is the #1 reason for post partum hemorrhage and there are so many other risk factors that can effect your pregnancy if your overweight. Plan your next pregnancy- be at a healthy BMI when you conceive and you won't have to worry about loosing weight. Dieting while pregnant is not recommended and isn't safe for the baby- they need the nutrients to develop correctly. I hope this helps!

Thank you guys!

I used to drink redbull and vodka, wine or beer or gin and tonics. After surgery, I waited a month or so before I even had a drink. I find that because us banders eat less, you get drunk quicker. If I go out to eat and then drink... I can drink the same normal amount as I would. Now if I don't eat, I get bombed lol. It's worse when your drunk and then eat because like any drunk person, you loose self control. I now drink vodka and crystal light lemonade (or any sugar free calorie free mix) or sweet tea vodka w lemon or wine. I had my first beer today actually. I was at a country fest and wanted to try the craft brews. Other then that, it's basically staying away from the carbonated beverages (which I really don't understand why? They say it expands your band.)

Kathy! I see you has Dr Gritsus. How are you doing? Hudson is far isn't it? How is your progress? You like Dr G?!

I had my surgery at chilton hospital in pompton plains ???? thanks for the love !

So! I did it! I reached my first goal. March 10, 2014 I had my lapband surgery and I weighed in at 343lbs. This weekend I weighed in at 298.2 and that is a number I haven't seen in probably 4 years. I had been over 300lbs for quite some time so I ate my first goal to loose 44lbs, to make me less than 300. I'm loosing on average about 2lbs a week. It is slow and steady but I am super happy with my lapband decision and everyday is a new day to learn and grow into a better, healthier me. I am down a pant size or two and I am loving all the compliments that I am getting. I feel like I am glowing! My next goal is to loose another 20 by September 6th! I have a wedding to go to so I am setting my standards high and reaching for the sky!!!!

Congrats! That is amazing!!!! Keep up the hard work!!!!

Thank you! I think this is a good way of going back to the basics, i may not have a real pouch but I'll be able to get in touch with my band! Lol

Do the prenatal and biotin! Make sure your getting enough protein and I do find the weight is coming off slower but I am ok with it, taking 20 lbs at a time now

Has anyone done this? I am looking to re-motivate myself and I want to do the 5 day pouch test to help "go back to the basics." I feel like I am not paying attention to what I am eating or how much I am consuming. I have a few questions though... Days 1&2 are like the basic liquid diet post-op, right? Days 3-5 I understand are different consistencies of Protein.... When you get to day 4 or 5, can you include the protein consistencies from 3 and 4? Like can you have steamed scallops and then a peice of baked chicken on the same day..?! And what can you eat for Breakfast? Protein shake in the am and the soft/firm/solid Proteins for lunch and dinner? What about fruits and veggies?! Can I have that with the protein?! What about yogurt?!

Hey. Are you taking your vitamins? I would make sure you are def getting enough nutrients out of your smaller portions, take your prenatals AND what about a vitamin for hair skin and nail growth or biotin. Congrats on your weight loss! Are you still loosing? I'm down 46lbs in 5 months and kinda feeling like I am not as focused :-( it's so hard... I need to loose another 110! Share your successss lol!

So I'm looking for a friend, pen pal, social media cheerleader, etc. My friends support me... My family supports me.. But not one of them know what I am mentally going through right now. If anyone would like to private message me here- go for it and you can find me on Instagram @jkitche

I live in northern New Jersey

I use myfitnesspal and I consume like 1300 calories on average. I just measured myself today and took some scary photos lol! For any newbie, I would def track everything. I have good days and bad days. There are days I don't track, and I will admit I still don't give 100% to this lifestyle change but I am eating less then I ever would. I think once the summer fun dies down (I tend to drink a lot with my friends) the weight will come off even quicker. I don't eat bread or pasta. If I have 1/3 of a cup of pasta I feel so stuffed. Like today at my deli job, I cut three slices of ham, provolone and salami... Put some lettuce tomato and onion in it.. Rolled it up.. And dunked it on oil and vinegar. Normally I would have had a "12 inch hero and a whopping side of like potato salad..I miss bread. But I have learned to substitute what I used to love without those carbs! Thanks for the love everyone!

I like in northern nj

So, I am finding it super hard now that it is summer and everything revolves around sitting in the sun with a cocktail. I am 26 and I love to mingle..... If anyone cares to know what I have been drinking it usually consists of Firefly's sweet tea vodka with water and lemons.... And today I found a new flavor fav which was stoli blueberry vodka with water and I used half a packet of propel's sugar free raspberry lemonade and seriously it was great. I don't drink beer or soda, but when I do drink with my friends I try to stick to sugar free drinks w/ whatever vodka... (What do you drink?!?) I probably sound like a major alcoholic! I do find I'm slowllllllly loosing weight.... Shame on me!

Make sure you stay hydrated, get your protein in and don't worry about #2 just yet. Your not eating anything to actually "go to the bathroom" ya know?! Good luck!

So, I am finding it super hard now that it is summer and everything revolves around sitting in the sun with a cocktail. I am 26 and I love to mingle..... If anyone cares to know what I have been drinking it usually consists of Firefly's sweet tea vodka with Water and lemons.... And today I found a new flavor fav which was stoli blueberry vodka with water and I used half a packet of propel's sugar free raspberry lemonade and seriously it was great. I don't drink beer or soda, but when I do drink with my friends I try to stick to sugar free drinks w/ whatever vodka... (What do you drink?!?) I do find that I am slowly loosing weight, and I don't want to blame it on the booze but I do mingle a few times a week & I count it in myfitnesspal! I probably sound like an alcoholic... Just had to share!

Wendyyyy.... How many carbs do you have a day!!?

Yesss I did Wendy! How are you doing?!