sarahNT

I just learned about the papaya enzyme the other night. It really works. They are chewable and taste good. They help break down the food that is stuck. I am so glad I know about this. I have been banded for over a year and a half and I am just finding out about them. Go to Walmart and buy them ASAP!

Would someone please explain what the papaya enzyme does?

Hey guys. I was just telling someone today that I don't know a single person in Tallahassee who is banded. I am glad that someone started this thread. I have been banded for a little over a year and have done pretty well with it. Although I have not lost anything in the last couple of months. I believe this is due to stress and lack of band restriction. I am trying now to refocus my energy on eating right and jump starting my weight loss. BTW there is a bariatric weight loss support group meeting in November if anyone is interested.

Paulax - The changes that I have made are....obviously I eat less (much much less); I am trying to be more active, for example when someone says lets play beach volley ball I say I'm in; I am thinking about starting ballroom dancing in January; I joined a gym, but I hate it so I am not sure if I'll continue.

I was banded on 9/24/07. I have lost 35lbs so far. I would like to know what you guys have done to lose your weight besides just being banded. I have not really been exercising or counting calories. I just eat until I feel restriction and then I am full for hours. I want to make the most of this tool and would like to know what you all have done.

Should we really be calling it cheating? I believe that I should be able to eat anything (within reason) without feeling guilty. The key is to eat a small amount, like you did. If I had wanted to go on a diet and deprive myself I would have continued with weight watchers. Instead I chose the lapband tool so that I could finally become the thin person I should be, without constantly saying "no I can't, I'm on a diet." To me, this is not a diet this is truly a life stlye of minimalism. I say great job!! Keep making those smart decisions.

I am 25 and was banded 09/24/07. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I hated who I had become but now I am a different person. I never wanted to go out. I never wanted to try new things. I was depressed and had given up. Now I have so much energy. I want to try new things, for example last weekend I drove a four wheeler (never would have before the band). It has been emotional. I have lost some of my focus at school and am having to re-define me. It is true that no matter how much reading and researching you do about the band you won't know what is like until you get it done. I am still struggling with what I should and should not be eating. I have not had any pain associated with the band (thank God) but I still have guilty feelings about food. The thing is that this whole process is just as much a mental journey as it is physical. You will not regret having the surgery and having while you are still young means that you have more life to live as the new healthy, thin and active you!! Good Luck!!!

I know how you feel. I hated going to new places because I wasn't sure what kind of chairs they had. Would I be able to fit? I was always concerned about whether or not I was too big for a chair or a whatever. I am about two months post op and now I don't worry so much about it. In fact those chairs with arms (which I hated too) are not too small for me anymore. My point is that there is hope. After your surgery you will feel great, like you can do anything. And you will look back on your worst fat day ever and smile b/c things are different and you will never be that person again. Believe me I get it. You are not alone. Good luck on your surgery day. I love the new me, so I know you will love the new you!!!!

I had my first fill on Monday. He only put in 1cc and I don't feel that different. I can still eat like I did before the fill but I am full for hours so I guess it is doing good. My nurse couldn't find my port at first either. She had to get the doc to come in a do it. They poked me three times. It didn't hurt but did feel weird, they were pushing pretty hard. I have a big purple bruise. It's all worth it for sure! ~ S

I love pumpkin pie! Thanks for this I am going to try it this weekend!!

beth, sorry I've been away. I use ... List Price $26.99 Sale Price $19.99 Optimum Nutrition 100% Any Whey Protein(Unflavor) 1.35 Pound powder Serving Size: 1 SCOOP from Vitamin Shop, it has 30 servings. It says "virtually tasteless" but it does have a slight vanilla flavor so with OJ it tastes like a thin smoothie. Works for me anyway.

I have been adding flavorless protien powder to OJ in the mornings before I go to school. I sip that all day and then maybe have a piece of cheese for a snack. I stay full, which is great b/c I get so busy. I am hoping that I am getting enough nutrients. I feel great. After adding more protien to my diet I am losing more.