Angelsma

I agree, this is a great stream of notes, it's been very helpful. You can see from my signature line that I've been in the same boat....absolutely at a stand. I had gotten to the point of not wanting to eat for fear of getting stuck and running to the bathroom. However, one of my greatest lessons (which I knew but didn't listen) eat smaller bites and chew, chew, chew, and chew some more!! I need meal/menu suggestions (especially lean proteins). Here are some of my current favorites: tuna w/ a little fat free mayo, cottage cheese, hummus, scrambled egg whites, protein bars, chocolate protein shakes. Thanks!

Unfortunately, if you're feeling like this and haven't had the surgery I'm afraid you're going to be sadly dissapointed post surgery. I haven't read all the responses but please know the band is not the magic bullet....tut diet and exercise together is! Please be honest with pschologist (they've heard it all) maybe you need to have your hormones/depression checked as well. All the best to you.

sooner or later we all have to deal with our emotions (some deeper than others) that, in the past were dealt with by stuffing down with food. I know exactly what you're talking about. I journal, pray and have begun attending a weekly "anger management" support group at church. There have many things in my life that could explain the deep anger but I have to take personal responsibility for it and get help because the weight comes off, and I feel more vulnerable emotions WILL surface. I hope this helps you.

bread or obviously anything that clumps up easily. (probably could eat very small pieces that I chew a 1000 times

Hello, it does sound like you have a lot going on. Personally, I believe the emotionally adjustments can be as difficult as the physical simply because we can no USE food like we did (speakng for myself but if you have the band may be the same for you as well). To combat feeling overwhelmed (vs stuffing my emotions with food) I am praying, journaling, walking, writing letters to old friends and reading self-help books and checking in here on a regular basis. You will find a wealth of knowledge and friendships with others who understand what you're experiencing. All the best to you. It will get better just don't be so hard on yourself. Give yourself time to heal emotionally, spirtually and physically (usually the last thing to heal).

I can attest to the beer situation..since I can no longer drink soda w/ the band beer has been a "safe" altnerative. However, I find that (1) I tend to drink too much and (2) unable to let go of my normal 1-2 lbs per week. I haven't posted this before but wasn't sure others may have be affected by the same issue until I stumbled on this thread. I have told myself this is the LAST 6-pack of Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus that I'm going to buy....bought a bunch of Crystal Light instead. Hopefully, your friend is watching all of their other food intake and is exercising. I can't agree more on the calories in / calories burned theory. All the best to you all!

Thank you!!!! This is the best explanation I've seen/heard yet.

I seriously need your prayer as I walk into the future with a new attitude about food. I am under a tremendous amount of stress for a variety of reasons that I won't list here. In the past I've used food as a drug to calm my nerves, and sooth my hurts etc. When I am unable to do that I find myself very sad at times. Although I haven't had a fill, and I am able to eat just about anything I know that I shouldn't. I am 3 weeks post op and I've eaten things that I know that I shouldn't i.e. potato chips, cheese cake. :thumbup: Thank you.

if you can't keep liquids down after 8 hrs it's too tight.

Unless your dr. told you different than what is expected w/ the band, you're right on target. You may possibly be confusing your new way of life with a "diet" (what we are accustom to doing). NOoooooooooooo this is a way of life and your body is losing/releasing the fat as it should and slowly....1.4 lbs per week is nothing to wink @.

trust me, you will know it...if your doctors says DON'T EAT a specific type of food DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT. I can't stress chewing, chewing and chewing some more simply because once you reach optimum band adjustment the hole is about the size of dime so chunks of food will not go down and you will begin to vomit. Sorry to be so harsh but I had to learn the hard way. All the best to you.

You're experiencing the normal feelings and thoughts about surgery. Just know we all have had some level of aprehension which is normal. Just do everything your doctor says, asks questions and just go with the flow. The band is the best thing you could ever do for yourself. Just figure, if you don't do anything you'll stay on this roller coaster of weight gain/loss which is far worst on you physcially than than the anesthia. I hope this helps.

I stalled ALOT before my 4th fill...it was excrutiating. Just think, you're actually ahead of the game. Actually, with the band we're supposed to only lose 1-2 lbs per week. I'd say you're ahead of the game. Keep going, stay motivated and please be sure to exercise - it really does make a difference.

Trust, you will be fine! This is the beginning of the rest of your NEW life. Don't get caught up with all that can rob you of what you're about to experience. God bless you with peace! Email us when you're up to it and let us know how how you're doing.

It sounds like your band may be a tad bit too tight, however, I haven't heard anything about reflux or sliming. It's good that you're monitoring the situation and plan to call your doctor if it's uncomfortable for you. It took me til the 4th fill to get any restriction that seemed to only last for 3 months. I think I'm going in for 5th soon.

This makes perfect sense...I am insulin resistent and have had some trouble losing with the band. Admittedly, I didn't follow the post op diet strictly, however, I didn't over do it either. I've lost 30 lbs since my 7/10/08 surgery. I don't believe everyone loses 1 - 2 lbs a weeks as reportedly - that is the average weight loss. Some weeks it's .5 and other weeks it's 3 so it all averages out. I am exercising and eating the proper protein, veggie and carb ratio and still don't see the huge losses as most others. I hope this helps.

Hey guys, your nervousness is understandable but no need - you will be fine!! Enjoy the process and the journey Maybe you can journal your experiences and share with us once you feel up to it. God Bless!

for me...for quick meals I enjoy scrambled egg whites omellette, tuna/chicken salads, cottage cheese (w/ salt and pepper), oatmeal, home made Soups (if you buy Soup look for low sodium / low fat), as far as snacks...blended frozen fruit, jello/pudding or yogurt (some have added Vitamins and fiber). I hope this helps

Yes, it's totally a personal choice. However, I too attended several seminars at local hospitals and found one trying to steer me toward the bypass over the lapband. I believe they know the lapband process is truly not the magic bullet, instead it's a tool used along with portion control and exercise. Some people need the drastic reduction a bypass offers while others (like me and countless others) who need help in the process of losing weight. From what I can tell most people are just tired of trying and feeling so desperately let down when the weight comes back (with a vengence I might add). I hope this helps.

While I truly believe everyone is different, it appears from what I've read (and from personal experience) that after the intiial swelling post surgery there's very little restriction. So, many people report they are able to eat as much as pre-surgery. That was personal experience as well. However, don't do it - for there are risks. Trust me, you're not alone.