kgloverii

Are you talking about eating only SLIDERS?

I have a taste for finer things now.. finer cuts of meat, better produce, lots of nuts. Our grocery bill has probably gone up cause there are no breads or pastas filling up my stomach, and only good stuff.

If I had a nickel for every time I said I saw the light about my weight... :thumbup: I didn't see any light until my band go to the right fill level and it dimmed my appetite into that of a normal person. If I lost my band, I am sure my brain would morph back into that of a fat person. It sure is nice to think normally for once in my life.

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You need to talk to your doctor about getting another fill. Often, a bit more restriction will do you a world of good as far as your appetite is concerned.

As a longer term bandster, I'll tell you that I LOVE hot foods... and I am loving them even more post-banding. No issues here...

Sarae, There are no guarantees with the band. At all. I will be honest with you... I am over a year and a half post op, and consider myself a success story. I will ride my band until the wheels fall off. But I do figure, statistically, something will happen down the line, that will make me end up having to have it removed. There are more and more statistics that are showing that by the 10 year mark, almost 50% of people have to have their band removed for some reason, whether it is a complication, a slip, erosion, or insufficient weight loss. I don't PLAN on being in that 50%, but I do know it is a reality. And if that is the case, I'll be revising to the sleeve. I hope everyone is realistic and has an alternate plan for if their band doesn't stick around forever. I know if mine doesn't, I'll put the weight right back on. So, I've got a sleeve fund started, just in case. I am sorry my post is not all positive 'Suzy Sunshine' cause in real life, I am a super positive person... but on this forum, I want people to know the positives AND negatives of this surgery so they can make a completely informed decision.

A lot of people have a size range in mind, and not a weight. If they get to that size, then they are satisfied with the results of the band, and when they stop losing, accept themselves at that weight and don't push to go farther. The farther you push, the more restriction you have, usually... In order for me to maintain my weight as is, I eat VERY small portions, and cannot tolerate some foods. I keep a pretty tight band, and some people simply don't wish to live like that. My way is NOT the right way, each person has to figure out what works for them. A lot of people lose 60% of their weight and are satisfied...

I just wanted to share something I've learned along the way in my Lap-Band journey, that I am hoping will help others. I have never been one to subscribe to the whole counting calories, fats, etc. while losing with the Band. I have been very vocal that I believe getting to the right fill level will make you much more successful than trying to 'have self-control.' The Band, for me, has SIGNIFICANTLY dimmed my appetite in where 'self control' is just a natural thing. I think like a thin person now. I eat when I am hungry, and stop when I am satisfied. In the past few months, I have been trying to be very mindful of what I put into my body. More fish, veggies, nuts, healthy fats, more nutrient-dense foods. I've gotten to a very healthy weight and paying myself back, by treating my body with the utmost respect, is the best thanks I can give to myself, and to my Band. One of the changes I have made is the DAILY addition of almonds to my diet. I eat a serving of almonds for Breakfast. One days when I am tight due to Water issues, or the band being fickle, almonds still work well for me, so I will choose them as a Protein source if meat doesn't agree. 1/2 to 1 serving when I eat them satisfies me, and I eat the ones without extra oils added. My favorites are the Blue Diamond Jalapeno Smokehouse Almonds, but I also like plain, ones with sea salt, and ones with cinnamon. I also make my own by buying raw almonds and roasting them with chili powder. Almonds have become a mainstay for me, and they have replaced other foods that are not so good for me like white carbs, etc. They ARE higher fat and calories than those things I am replacing. However... here is the kicker. I've lost few pound with the addition of them to my diet. I was quite happy at 138, and figured that was where I was meant to stay, but over the last month and a half, I have dropped to 133. My skin is clearer, I have more energy, and I in general, feel BETTER. I am not attributing this ALL to almonds, but I want to put this out there. If you're suffering from a plateau, want a BETTER protein source than just meat, and want additional health benefits, the addition of these healthy nuts will ADD to your health and weight loss. DO NOT be 'scared' of the fat. Americans in general focus too much on the fat aspect, when more and more information is coming out showing that fat is NOT where our focus should lie... Here's some more info I found, and I hope this helps someone... it sure has helped me!! Almonds Aid Weight Loss and Lower LDL Cholesterol

My doc said, if you have it taken off or unfilled when you hit your goal, you'll get fat again. I agree with this. All statistics show this, and every banded person I have ever seen that has had a significant unfill/removal has put the weight back on.

I want to jump in here because, with the band there are many ways to lose the weight. I DID NOT COUNT CALORIES when I was in my weight loss mode. I got my fill level to the proper restriction, which dimmed my appetite and I did not need much to eat. If you eat the proper foods, you'll get filled up on a small amount, as long as you have the right restriction. I also DO NOT subscribe to the 'bad foods' or 'wrong foods' mentality. No foods are 'bad' if eaten in moderation. Once you start swearing off foods cause they are 'bad' you are setting yourself up for failure. The whole point of the band is to create a new relationship with food and yourself. You need to view food from a healthy perspective, as a fuel source, when you are hungry. When I was fat, I woke up thinking of Breakfast and planning what I was going to have next, and when I could eat again. With my appetite dimmed, I eat when I am hungry and my mind is no longer consumed with thoughts of food. Counting calories at the beginning, is fine, until you get restriction. But know that long term, you need to just think of food as a thin person, eat when you're hungry and in small portions. That is your ticket. Some people want to create that healthy relationship earlier on in their journey, and rely on getting proper restriction, thus having slower weight loss in the beginning. Each person must make their own road as they go on this journey. And last, that 2k/day to maintain that weight is a bunch of bunk. For some people, that might work. But for most bandsters who are maintaining, they are not eating nearly that much on a daily basis. I maintain my weight on approx 1200 cals/day. That's maintaining. When I was losing, I was only eating about 800, if you calculate it. For me, that's what worked.

It takes a long time for your head to get wrapped around the new size you are. I still have a lot of issues surrounding what I REALLY look like vs. how I think I look. There is often a big difference. And as Jacqui said, when I was really heavy, I never saw myself like that. I convinced myself that the fat pictures were usually bad camera angles, lol. Dressed, my excess skin is not that noticeable, but I DO have excess. And I may look hot in a bikini, but I have a LOT of excess skin hanging on the lower stomach. I have arms with extra skin and my thighs, well, they jiggle extra now, and dimple too. But I look WAY better now than I did before, so I am NOT complaining... Self tanner and good fitting clothes make a big difference. Jacqui mentioned the boots thing. I am the EXACT opposite. I have 'fankles' with fat still on my ankles. And my calves, even at a size 4, require big girl boots. They are ALL muscle. Its like my body is waiting for me to get fat again. But, it is a small problem to have, and even though it is out of proportion, others don't notice it, so I don't fret. You are way harder on yourself than others are on you. Promise. As you lose weight, you will be more confident. Your method of dress with change, to reflect your new body. And you'll notice people will treat you differently cause you are not overweight. Some of it is due to your new confidence, but some is due to people viewing thinner people differently. I've attached before and after pics.

They are basically looking for a complete health history. If you've had these conditions, be upfront and honest about them. This will allow the doctors to help educate you as you go along on your journey about your diet, things you may have to give up, things you might need to incorporate, etc. This will also allow you to see down the road, if any of your conditions have cleared up as a result of your weight loss. For instance, I no longer get migraines!

It is usually about 25 almonds in a serving...

These surgeries are two VERY different surgeries. The bottom line is, if you are not able to make the TRUE dietary and mental changes the go along with the surgery you have performed, you will not be successful. Before I had my band, I thought people who had RNY were dumb, desperate people who chopped their stomachs in half risking long term complications. I thought band people had it much easier... they could eat anything in smaller portions and be successful. 20 months post band, my perspective has changed. I know people with the band, and with the bypass. I see people who have had GREAT success with the band, like myself. But here is the truth... I am successful, but I do NOT eat like a totally 'normal' person. I eat A LOT less. There are a lot of foods I cannot tolerate well. And there are days I get super tight for no reason and eating most foods causes pain in my back that makes me want to rip the band out from inside of me. For the most part, I like my band, but at almost 2 years post op, my eyes are open, and I know it is not the end all, die all. I have a good friend who had the bypass. She lost a significant amount of weight with it, but never got past a size 12, even with a highly malabsorptive procedure... She was still considered obese, I believe, according to BMI charts. She has had weight regain 5 years out. She's now on diet. It is a vicious cycle. More people are successful long term with the RNY. There is also worry of weight regain with the RNY. There are a TON of people who have their bands removed within 2 years of surgery. There are a LOT of people who don't lose a lot of weight with a band. Pick your poison. I am NOT a naysayer here. I'd still get my band, even in hindsight. Well, actually I'd get the sleeve now, but 2 years ago, the sleeve wasn't very well known, so I didn't consider that option. So, with that option off the table, I've made the band work for me. I am healthier, leaner, meaner, and cheerier post band. But, I do recognize that there are both rosy and not so rosy perspectives on both surgeries.

Tons of Americans are Vitamin D deficient. Just take the supplements, even better when taken with a glass of milk, and you'll be fine. This will not hold up your surgery.

Oh yeah... I take some secret pleasure in it. Someone told me the other day that they were 'really worried about me' and I shouldn't lose anymore weight. I am NOT underweight... just a nice size 4/6. I know it was jealousy talking, and I told them as such. Usually, I am not so blunt, but this person irritated me, because they were alluding to the fact that I was anorexic. :blushing:

I agree... .5 ccs does not seem like much, but it makes a HUGE difference when you get to the end. The last fill I got was .75 ccs and I ended up having to get .4 ccs taken out, but that got me to the PERFECT spot. It is amazing how much a LITTLE can change everything...

If you are hungry every 30 mins, you need fill. If your doctor won't do it, you need to find someone who will. The band is supposed to help you lose weight, and you should NOT be relying on 'self-control' to get you there. I have 6.5 ccs in a 10 cc band. And let me just tell you, even 1/2 a cc can make a huge difference. Every single person is different. Some people need a max fill level to get that proper restriction. To be honest with you, I think your doctor and his staff are not being supportive in making you successful with your band. You need to have a heart to heart with them, or try to find somewhere else to go for that support. Working out is a VERY SMALL part of your success. Your eating is a large part of it, and right now, your tool is not helping you like it should because your doctor is being unsupportive.

I agree with the previous poster, about the plan document. Some have it readily available, and some may not, though. The typical info they give you will not advise you if they have a WLS exclusion on the plan. You can also ask HR for their group number and call the insurance company yourself for specifics.

Another pound gone today!! I can't believe it!!! These nuts aren't magical, but my gosh, they sure make a difference... and the Fiber really DOES help with keeping things on track... I bought a big canister of the Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds from Sam's Club yesterday and I have got to say, they are DELISH. No added fats, only a TINY bit of sugar, and they are divine. Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds I hope others get the benefit I get... the nuts are truly a great addition to our whole family's diet. I made a GREAT Chinese Roasted Pork salad the other night and added some crushed peanuts and pecans to the salad. The family ate it up like they hadn't seen food in days, and the nuts made it extra filling.

I lost just over 100 pounds. I am in my early 30's and have some skin issues... My breasts sag, I have some tummy issues (but a well cut bikini covers it up), my upper arms are saggy, but a typical short sleeve makes it not terrible, and my thighs, well, they could use a bit of a lift, but God knows they look a ton better than before weight loss. I will wear short shorts, because they don't look that bad... Some things I've noticed... I good compression garment is your friend, as needed. A good bra with lots of foam fixes the sags. And some self-tanning lotion makes the sagginess in the arms, stomach and thighs much, much, much less noticeable and bearable. Someday, maybe I'll spring for plastic surgery, but right now, I am pretty comfortable with my body in the **hot** shape it is in!

The changes in band tightness with stimulants are not just due to blood pressure issues. It also has a direct correlation with changes in water retention... i.e. dehydration. I can pump fluids all day long with my Adderall but still lose fluids and this, in effect, tightens my band. As a fellow bandster who **cares** I really caution you on the long term use of phentermine... I hope that you can get the restriction you need so that you can be successful without the medication. Warmly,

Water should ALWAYS go down... If you are having issues with liquids, you need to get a slight unfill. that is NOT normal. Your weight loss is slow because you are only able to eat 'slider foods' and not real foods. People who are too full often have problems gaining weight or not losing. You should be able to eat all sorts of foods, just in small quantities.