Bob the builder

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

I figured I'd post this here as I'm sure other veterans can relate. I was banded in 2008 and over the next year lost 106 pounds from 326 to 220. I was looking and feeling better than I had in years. Then the wheels came off. same old story divorce, lost job etc. caused me to lose focus, become depressed and of course cheat my band. fast forward to the present. I gained all the weight back and then some and finally decided I needed to go back and see the doc. I told him the band wasn't working so we agreed to unfill and try and revise to the sleeve. My insurance denied the request which was both a blow and a blessing. I've decided to give the band another shot and get back on the horse. I've had one fill so far and am seeing the nutritionist. Down 10 pounds in 2 weeks and have my mojo back. I came here to find support and encouragement as I start chapter 2 of my journey. This time I am sticking with it no matter what!

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.

I agree with everyone else. Protein first. We all have trouble making the right food choices. Get yourself a food journal and fill it out honestly. Also, read the nutrition labels of everything you eat. Most restaurants post nutrition data on their websites. Tracking what you eat and especially seeing how many calories/carbs you're eating will be an eye opener. Look for alternatives to the bad foods. It's almost like people who quit smoking. We have to break our food habits. Difference is, we can't quit "cold turkey" as our addiction is necessary to keep us alive. But we can eat healthier foods and exercise to prolong our stay on the planet. If you can stay away from sugar and high carb foods for a couple weeks, you'll find your craving for them eases up quite a bit. You will have broken your physical addiction. Your mental addiction is a whole other issue. Occupy your mind with a hobby or something to keep your mind busy. I find the more bored I am the more I want to head for the kitchen. Good luck in your journey.

I mix the body fortress whey Protein powder with silk unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Get a shaker cup it mixes well with no clumps. It makes a thicker shake that stays with me longer. You can also add a bit of Fiber powder to help feel full but be careful with that.

How much and how fast are you eating? You should only eat a cup or so and eat slowly and chew well. Sliming is an indication you're overfilling your pouch.

Oh I had the side effects. I was eating high calorie foods (chips ice cream etc.) and drinking with meals. I had all but given up. The band does work if used correctly. But as the old adage says "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink". I am now reborn and have cut all sugars and starches from my diet. I do need another adjustment or two to find my sweet spot and I'll be good to go. I've found you can prepare some tasty meals without carbs or at least very low carbs. And once motivated exercise feels much better than a bloated tummy.

You will be able to eat enough to compensate for increased activity. Add a multivitamin and you'll be fine.