Bob the builder

I am still doing low carb. I have stalled a bit but just got a fill yesterday so I expect I will start losing again. It was hard for a while until I got used to not having sugar/starches, but now I don't miss it all that much.

I got a fill today too. My doc always says to only do liquids for a couple of days after a fill then to the "mushies" stage and then to normal foods. The key is to take small bites and chew well. Unless you're too tight, after a couple days most meats (I have trouble with steak unless it's really tender) and veggies should pass.

Today it was Logans. Grilled chicken salad. No croutons and No yeast rolls. I am so happy to be able to resist these former temptations without a second thought. Sure a craving sneaks in now and then, but I find a healthier alternative with no sugar.

Keep on your doctor. If you are having issues as you describe with no Fluid in your band something is wrong. It could be as simple as your stomach is irritated and swollen where the band sits. To answer your question insurance was the deciding factor for me. I was denied my request to revise to the sleeve. It probably would have been approved but I hadn't been going in for regular checkups. I can't see age being a factor in getting the sleeve. If it works today it will work when you're 80. However it is still just a tool. You have to eat the right foods and watch your caloric intake or it won't work either. Sounds like you're pretty disciplined with your band so you should have no problem with the sleeve. Good luck whichever way you decide to go.

I have been on a very strict low carb low sugar diet since rededicating myself at the first of the year. At first I had all the side effects Dizziness moodiness (outright rage sometimes) and utter exhaustion. I pushed through it and now I am discovering that I don't really crave it anymore and my energy levels are soaring. A month ago just walking down the hall at work at a fairly slow pace I would get out of breath. Today I had to slow down so another guy could keep up with me and I was breathing normally! Then I was faced with a challenge. Some people were in from out of town and wanted to have lunch at an awesome mexican restaurant (Chuy's). I ordered a taco salad (less guacamole) and didn't eat the shell or a single tortilla chip. This was a BIG test for me but as I sat there watching them eat their meals I found I wasn't craving it and actually didn't even want it! I feel like today was a big step for me in my journey.

My nutritionist scolded me when I told her I was eating them. Most are sweetened with sugar alcohol, which is good for diabetics as it doesn't affect glucose levels but still has a high caloric value. Most manufacturers don't include them in the carb count but she says they should. She suggested string cheese or veggies instead.

As we all know when starting a diet the weight loss in the beginning is substantial because 1. we are losing Water weight and 2. our bodies are used to a much higher caloric intake and our metabolic rate is higher.Whether its the band or low carb or whatever your body will try and lower your metabolism to compensate for the reduction in calories. With all the diet plans and "miracle pill" garbage out there weight loss is a very simple formula: Calories burned > calories consumed. If you are eating less calories than your body requires to run, it will have no choice but to tap into its fat stores for energy. There are several online BMR (Basal metabolic rate) calculators out there. Find your BMR and if you are consuming fewer calories than that number, you will lose weight.

Being a good ole southern boy my one vice is sweet tea. I have been able to transition to using splenda so there are no calories but I struggle with avoiding drinking tea with my meals. I'm just so used to it that I find myself doing it unconsciously. Anyone else struggle with this?

Get yourself a food journal and start logging everything you eat. Read nutrition labels. That will help you see how many carbs you're taking in. You'll be surprised at the things you will learn about your eating habits.

Anyone have some quick on the go ideas? I prep my lunches beforehand most days but not breakfast or snacks. Most protein bars have too much sugar. I like plain instant oatmeal but that gets old after a while. I enjoy my sleep too much to get up early enough to prepare breakfast, and I dislike yogurt. I'm looking for some low calorie grab and go items for breakfast and snacks.

I put a store brand fiber powder in my morning protein shake. One teaspoon seems to work. 2 teaspoons and its Katie bar the door. Lol

Update: Went in for a fill today. Down 18 pounds in just under a month. Can definitely feel some restriction now. Now to get back to a regular exercise routine. I go back in 6 weeks and really want to lose 25-30 pounds by then.

Use your fear as motivation. I know what you're going through as I did just what you're afraid of. I am back on track now and with just a fifteen pound loss so far I am already feeling better. And now it's the weight loss I crave more than the sweets. I was in a very bad place for a while but getting my resolve back has been great for me. Oddly reading about others who are going through similar struggles has helped me realize I am not alone. It helps to know others have similar demons. We are in this together and we can succeed. Glad to see you getting back on track.

Your doctor should have discussed this with you. You should also be going in for regular checkups. But to answer your question if you are eating correctly (Proteins first then veggies chewing well and taking your time to eat) you should only be able to eat a cup or so of food at a meal. If you can eat more than that without feeling restriction you should get a fill. Can you chug a glass of Water? If so you need a fill.

You should be fine to take pills.