butterfly40

Hi all, I was banded in October of 2015. My weight loss has been pretty slow but it's not necessarily due to me "trying" really hard and doing all of the right things. I'm just having a really hard time finding high Protein foods I can eat easily since my second fill around 4 weeks ago. I like that I'm feeling restriction and maybe I just have to eat smaller bites, take a longer time and chew a lot more but there are foods I already stay away from. I don't want to grow sick and tired of certain foods but right now I find myself gravitating towards grits (I'm a US southern girl) with cheese (for protein), instant potatoes with cheese (also for protein), Cereal with milk (try to find high protein cereals) and...soups. Even before lap band, I've never been a big meat/poultry eater but after trying chicken a few times, I'm okay staying away from it. I tried eating a banana at work the other day (I'm a teacher and usually have about 20 minutes, if that to suck it down) and it did not go down easily so I stopped eating it. I guess I just want some ideas so I don't feel like I'm eating all pureed foods like someone without teeth-LOL and so I don't get so frustrated! I've been avoiding salads because I'm afraid they will not go down easily. I'm thankful for the weight loss but I didn't expect not being able to eat "healthy" foods easily. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone, Thank you for your input. I don't want to sound smart-that is really not my intention but if your only advice is to tell me I'm currently eating too many carbs and to talk to my nutritionist I'd appreciate not stating the obvious. I'm asking for DIFFERENT foods to try as I'm frustrated with what I'm currently eating. I'm not justifying my diet. I'm just telling you what I've been able to tolerate/swallow. If you do not have a band, you have no idea what I'm referring to. If you gave me suggestions or videos, I'll look into them and watch them. I've been educated about the band. In all honesty, I don't think the place I was banded has an amazing setup and the nutritionist is overweight herself so it really doesn't make me want to ask her. Sorry, honest/real answer. I am self pay and am able to ask very few questions when I go see the doctor. I don't think it is a wonderful setup but I do think this is a wonderful tool. If I could find answers from my doctor/nutritionist, I would not be asking you guys. Again, thanks for your help but if you cannot or don't want to contribute in ways that will help, please avoid commenting. Thanks- A frustrated bander

Thank you so much dubaiboy!!!! I love knowing I'm not alone on this journey. I really appreciate you sharing. This will get better...I needed to hear it from someone who's living it too. Thanks again!

Hi all, I am at the point of needing some input and encouragement. Since I'm pretty anonymous here, I'll just keep it real After going 4 weeks with the liquid, being told I'd have to reschedule, then going on liquid again, post-surgery for me was difficult. Like all of us, I've waded through the waters, trying to see what I would be able to eat. Initially I wasn't too bothered because of the weight I was losing. I'm not even going to lie...Thanksgiving was hard for me. I was scared I would feel bad so I ate very little and nothing I really wanted. So, for some reason, since then, I've been trying to make up for it. I feel like I currently have no restriction but I go for my first fill next Tuesday. My "real" questions for you are this: Did you still struggle with cravings and what you eat or is it just me? I'm dedicated and determined to do this (I'm self pay so that gives me even more incentive), but I know things aren't going to change overnight. I guess I'm really frustrated right now. I chose to do this so I shouldn't be. My husband tries to be encouraging but when he found out I'd gained a few pounds, he fussed at me like a dad fusses at his child. What is the process like? Or what has it been for you? I haven't really added in the working out because I've been so focused on what I could/couldn't eat. I feel like I'm rambling. I'm just feeling some kind of way and being an emotional eater hasn't miraculously disappeared. Ugh! I'm not going to keep rambling. Anyone who is willing to share and help me see the light at the end of the tunnel, please do so. Thanks and I really do look forward to hearing from you...

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know I was successfully banded yesterday (Fri) morning & was released today. Things went really well. Praise Jesus! Only stomach tightness/pain now. I'm curious to know...how long does it take for that get better? And how long were you out of work before you went back?

Thanks so much for your help guys!

Hi guys! I have a question. What do you guys do about medicine? I take Claritin D 24 hr now but I feel the pill will be too big post surgery. What about something for heartburn? I'm just trying to be proactive My surgery is next Friday rescheduled from September. Thanks!!

So glad things went well dubaiboy! Best wishes in your recovery!

Thanks for the encouragement, guys! I trust God's timing and am so very thankful I have a surgeon who is as thorough as he is. Best wishes to the rest of you and let us know how it goes!

Hi! My name is Jennifer and I am scheduled for surgery on 9/4/15. I'm currently attempting to fulfill the pre-op requirements with a liquid diet but find it to be rather difficult. Day 1 was horrendous and Day 2 was better but Day 3 was hard. It doesn't help that I'm a teacher and this past week has been our work week-LONG hours, high stress, lots of "to do" lists, and adjusting to the 4:30 alarm every morning. My almost 11-month-old not sleeping hasn't helped the situation so, right now, I just need to get all of my concerns, fears, frustrations out of me. I'm hoping someone can offer encouragement but from a REAL place. I have a friend who had lap band done a few years back but, when I ask her questions now, she paints this cake-and-pie picture for me. I ask her what she misses and she says "nothing." I asked her if it was hard initially and she says "no." Well, I'm on day 3 of a liquid diet and, coming from someone who's used food to soothe me and comfort me, it is hard. I know it's doable but I want people to be REAL with me. Tell me how long the fight lasts. When does the nagging at least quiet down? I tell myself that maybe this isn't the right time but when is really a "good" time to do this? If you have lived your life centered around food, no time is a good/right time. I want to do this and believe it is the best thing to do for me but this close to things I'm starting to freak out. Am I normal? The whole liquid/pureed foods for weeks afterwards, the no caffeine deal (with some doctors-not sure about mine), the PBing issue (I've watched lots of Youtube videos), etc. If anyone reads this and has a minute to share, I'd be so very grateful. My husband doesn't have weight issues. He is supportive but doesn't understand the CRAZY emotional attachment. I also HATE artificial sweetener. Hate all of it. But it looks like I'm forced to ingest the stuff for the next 8 or 10 weeks. And PLEASE let me adjust quickly to no caffeine. My students need it to happen quickly and painlessly-trust me! LOL! I'm sorry for being a negative Nelly. It's been a REALLY hard week and not being able to eat to make it better has stunk-I'm sure that has come across well. Thanks for letting me vent and I look forward to any encouragement you can offer. Sincerely, Jennifer

Hi guys! I'm pretty bummed. I had a skin procedure a few weeks ago & the surgeon would not do the surgery today because it wasn't completely healed. I have to reschedule. All of that hard work has to be repeated I just wanted to let you know. Best wishes to you all as the day quickly approaches!

Hi guys! I'm pretty bummed. I had a skin procedure a few weeks ago & the surgeon would not do the surgery today because it wasn't completely healed. I have to reschedule. All of that hard work has to be repeated I just wanted to let you know.

Thanks @@Bandista - I really appreciate you being so willing to share your experience with me & for your honesty. I'm nervous about the pain post-surgery but I'm excited to begin this new chapter! Thanks again & best wishes!

Sorry @@willow15 Thanks all! I'll keep you posted

Thanks @kseton101 ????

Hey Guys! My surgery is Friday & I really want to know what to expect. How long does surgery last? What's the process afterwards. What can I expect? Please share the good, the bad, & the ugly Thanks! Jennifer

I wrote a long message but didn't want to discourage anyone. The pre-op diet is a struggle but I'm managing with a few bumps here & there. I wish you all the best!

Hi dubaiboy! I'm getting banded this Friday, September 4th. I'll do my best to keep in touch and let you know how it goes! Best of luck to you!

Thanks Ronnie! I really appreciate your encouragment. Everyone's encouragement, really. And thanks for the honesty. It is hard and I haven't done it 100%. I've been able to stick to liquids today but when I'm at my most frustrated, even my 11 month old's Snacks are like heaven. For me, I've found variety is a must so I'm adjusting. Kicking and screaming all the while, but still adjusting Thanks again! I'm sorry my responses are so short. Time is so limited, especially during the week. Take care and I wish you all well! Sincerely, Jennifer

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for all of the encouragement! Reading your posts has helped me tremendously. ???? I teared up while reading many of them and even read them aloud to my husband. I appreciate you being real with me & for helping to calm me down in the midst of everything. I'm so glad I found this site! You guys rock! Sincerely, Jennifer