nikki914

I am trying to come up with ways to thicken my Protein shakes without adding lots of calories or sugar. I know that ice makes it thicker, but I also feel that it flattens out the flavor too. I currently add part of a banana, and I know some people use a little fat-free, sugar free pudding powder, or Thick-it. Does anyone have other suggestions? Thanks!

If you are not a Greek yogurt fan, I would suggest trying a fruit flavored one as opposed to plain, vanilla or honey. The fruit flavored ones IMHO are much more flavorful and sweeter. You can use the plain in recipes to boost your protein. I agree that Oikos and Chobani are my favorites.

I like Soup and Greek yogurt a lot (and some Protein shakes) but not sure if they could be slider foods, or considered drinking with your meal. I know many of you eat them regularly - do they keep you full? Or do you eat them because at times you are too tight for more solid meals? I will check with NUT, just wanted your thoughts and experiences. Thanks!!

I am just getting to my sweet spot - I have a lot of Fluid in band but feeling good now. I am definitely eating less but was wondering which foods fill you up and keep you fuller longer. I am still experimenting and trying to figure out what works best for me but would welcome suggestions. Thank you!

Is the 6 month pre-op diet required by NYU even if my insurance company does not require it? Also, do you know if they take ANTHEM BCBS insurance? Thank you.

It is hard for me as well. I still find myself reaching for a glass when I eat - but stop myself ahead of time. If I do not, my stomach is unhappy! My biggest issue is, since I do not drink while eating, I tend to not drink much (if at all) throughout the day and I have become very dehydrated. I have even gone so far as to put in calendar reminders for myself to drink water.

I have lost about 50 pounds since January 1. I am proud of myself but have hit a plateau (I lost much weight quickly). I have not been exercising due to family issues then laziness kicked in. My questions are: How do you know you are full? Or How do you control your portions? Do you find that exercise really benefits your weight loss?

I agree, I love spicy food all the time and hotter than pre-band. They also fixed my hiatal hernia during surgery, so I think that may have something to do with it as well.

When I get a fill, I have to do 2 days liquid and 2 mushy. Is the same true for an unfill? Or can I go right back to solid food? Thanks.

I had my 3rd fill last week. Everytime I eat, the first few bites give me a little pain and I continue eating after it passes in a minute or two. I read this as signs that I have not learned yet to eat slowly and chew. My other issue is near the end of my meal, I get the same pain. This time I stop eating. Am I getting the 2nd pain because it is the sign that I have eaten more than enough and my stomach is telling me so? Am I too tight? Is this normal? Does anyone have any thoughts? THANK YOU!

Yes, I learned this past week that this works. I got stuck during a work/client dinner. I was socializing and not paying enough attention. Generally, I can contort or straighten up and it slides through but not this time. I walked into the bathroom and did the "downward dog" bracing myself on the toilet. it was not graceful but worked automatically and instant relief. Such a strange feeling and a relief once it passes!

I am having my second fill on Wednesday and I have a work lunch on Friday - which for me still means that I am on mushies. I know to order Soup but was wondering what others would/have ordered in this situation? Thanks.

I know that may sound like an odd question but I do not have an answer. My problem is that I eat slow and take my time - but eat a good (not very small but much less than I used to) amount of food. Then about 30-40 minutes later I feel STUFFED and most times will not eat the next meal because of it. I do not feel/notice any triggers so do any of you dole out a specific amount, use time limits or any other tricks you could share? I am willing to try anything. THANK YOU!

I had my first fill this morning. I was wondering how much Fluid (cc/ml's) you received? Also, did you feel the new restriction right away or in a few days? What was the first thing you thought you could no longer eat? Thanks for your help!

No amount of medication or fiber did the trick for me. Oddly enough, 5 prunes a day due the trick.

I swear by prunes! No medication worked for me. I take 5 dried prunes and let them steep in boiling water eat the prunes and then drink the left over water later. The prunes are fine the water is eh, but my body appreciates it. I pain I was in before, I was willing to try ANYTHING.

I ordered my dress over a year in advance. I would order a size down and then they can go from there. It should not be a problem to move it a size or 2. I would also talk to the place to let them know they probably have lots of thoughts/suggestions.

I am 3 weeks out of surgery and 2 days into regular food (aka Lap Band Hell!!). I have gained 4 pounds (still down 25) and am extremely hungry all the time. I am a little scared of eating lots of regular food so I am sticking to mushies mostly - but maybe this food is just sliding through. My first fill is next Monday. So my question for you is what foods make/keep you full? Thanks for your suggestions!

Hello Everyone. I am a little late joining this thread but I too was banded on the 13th at NYU in NYC! I have to say that I have been feeling pretty good but have been using the liquid pain medicine to sleep at night but tonight I will try to go without - it blocks me up during the day. I am on the "anything through a straw" diet for another 5 days or sa then mushies. I cannot wait for something other than soup! My first fill is February 11th. Thanks for all your postings - knowing what others are going through and that I am not alone!

What do I need for after surgery? I have heard that Gas-X is good but what what else would you recommend, food, medicine or anything that you wish you knew or worked for you! My insurance company finally approved me yesterday!!:laugh: My date is January 13, 2009. THANK YOU!!!

I am confirmed for January 13th at NYU in NYC. I am living and eating life to the fullest until the liquid diet starts on Friday! Good luck to you other New Year Hotties!

I have my info. session at 6pm tonight at NYU. I have the jitters and I do not know why - and not excited butterfly jitters more the unhappy kind. I guess that going to a meeting is another step in admitting I need help, but in front of others kinda scares me. Anyone felt the same way before their info session?:glare:

Really, you are going to your 5th! How did you like the others? Where were they? Once I was there I felt better. I also found it interesting that you have overweight people in movie theater seating :blushing: But it was comforting to know that it was not only me but admitting the issue in front of others is very difficult. Dr. Ren came highly recommended by my gastroenterologist. Dr. Fielding gave the seminar and he seemed nice. I am still considering the surgery but am still on the fence. I have also yet to contact my insurance company (Anthem BC/BS) to see if this is covered and what I would have to do. It seemed a bit sales pitchy at times but I guess that is part of the game. They did give good information and gave me more information to look at and diferent perspective to look at. I do not know what would put one hospital above the other so I would like to know why you are exploring many options - have you not been happy with the places you have seen? My brother had the Lap Band done at Columbia Presbyterian and all went well for him. I am interested in your thoughts. Thanks!

I have been recently looking into the LapBand. My brother had is about 16 months ago and looks great. I will admit that my first reaction to his telling me was "this is the easy way out". But looking at myself, I realize that I have been choosing the easy way out by not doing anything. I have been overweight most of my life and now I am at the point where I have to have enough with a BMI of about 46. I broached this with my husband who thinks that if we just tried we could do it and would not support my decision. Well, we have both been overweight since we met and have made attempts but nothing has stuck. I am really looking into this procedure but would need my husband there and would want his "blessing". Has anyone else had this issue? My friends and family who I have spoken about this with think that it is a great idea - how do I continue conversations with my husband. THANK YOU!

Yes, my health and wanting a child in the next few years are key. I just wait for the comment that if I am so concerned, why would I not stop eating and lose weight without th proceedure?