ThinknHealthy

I'm just curious. We all have cravings (head hunger) from time to time. Sometimes we want something salty, sweet, sweet and salty, chocolate, cold, hot, etc. When you get one of these cravings, what do you eat that is healthy yet curbs that craving? I just want ideas here.

Personally, I like non-fat yogurt, applesauce, fruit cups, Protein shakes, and Protein Bars. I eat these as Snacks between meals. They help to keep my metabolism up. You might also try bananas, peeled apples, peeled pears, and other fresh fruit in season. I know that many with the band do not believe in snacks. That is a personal thing. I like snacks and it works for me. Find what works for you. Our dietary needs are different. What works for one person will not for another. You need to learn what you can from the nutritionist and apply the part of it that works for you. You said you focus on "low-fat" and "high-protein" foods. You understand it is important to get healthy fats in your diet. You also need carbohydrates and plenty of vegetables and fruits. Don't forget your grains and sources of Fiber. Make sure all your bases are covered. Very important tip is to write down everything that you eat. Be ready to give that to the nutritionist when you see her. Hope this is helpful.

I'm a singer in a choir. We've always worn a black skirt and a long-sleeve white button-down blouse. Of course, I had to buy a new set for the concert this Thursday night and when I tried the ensemble on, with the new shoes I bought the other day, I looked in the mirror and was just amazed. Who was that person? I have literally nothing to wear for winter. The few things I have are really too big, but wearable. I'm going to take a shopping trip in a few weeks to bulk up my wardrobe and just hope the summer things I have will continue to fit until the season changes.

I too had a herniated disk ("huge" between L4 and L5), along with the accompanying sciatica, a few years ago before my previous weight loss attempt. That painful thing was the start of losing weight from 288 to 195. I was in pain from around July through October 2003. During that period of time I lost 35 pounds. No I wasn't exercising but I was in physical therapy and I did begin to do strength training things on my bed using stretchy bands. I did start to walk as I felt like it and increased my walking daily. By the next spring, when the weather allowed, I could walk 3 miles. I didn't stop walking until my mother died in 2006 and my motivation to stay on Weight Watchers died with her. I've been pretty much painfree ever since though so this is something that you can get through. You will always need to be careful about your back because the herniated disc will always be there. Be careful in what exercise you choose making sure it is low impact. Be patient and give yourself a little break here. Definitely try some Water exercises and keep doing the physical therapy. Don't be in a hurry to get back to hard core exercising, take it slow and easy and increase a little every day.

Walking is the best exercise for me. I mix in some jogging along the way. I also like the Elliptical but do that mostly in the winter months when walking is not practical (I HATE!!! the treadmill). Also, it is important to do some strength training exercises. Whatever you choose, find something that you enjoy and that you can sustain. Try something for a few weeks and if it is not doing the trick, try something else. Truly though, exercise is the key for not only a healthy body but also for a healthy mind. I am much more motivated and positive about this experience if I am actively involved in exercise. It's all those indorphins, ya' know.

Greywolf, Abbypoo is correct about the "starvation mode" and your metabolism. At this point, you need to increase your calories if you want to lose weight. I know, it doesn't make sense but that is what you have to do. You do the math. Check out http://www.ehow.com/how_5138_calculate-total-daily.html. I have learned from experience that when I allow myself to "cheat" it is those weeks that I lose the most. I've been on a real low-fat diet the past few weeks because of gallbladder problems, and I had experienced real slow weight loss. Someone suggested adding applesauce and other non-fat Snacks but that contained calories. I did and last week I lost 3 lbs. Simply increasing my calories did the trick. I know you are anxious to lose this weight, but truly you are still healing. As the swelling continues to go down around your band, you will likely begin to feel more hungry again. It took a few weeks for me. That is why they suggest around 6 weeks before your first fill. If you don't need a fill, then don't ask for one and don't let the doctor talk you into it. Be patient and above all, educate yourself by reading on this board from posters who have experience. There are a lot here. You have just started on a very long journey. Think of yourself as the turtle and not the hare. Don't start off too fast or you will run out of steam long before you reach the goal. You will get there eventually but don't lose heart because of a short plateau. Those are to be expected at this stage of your recovery.

Wow!!! This is all way to controversial and complicated for me to even read!! All I know is I love my band. I work it well. Best decision that I have made for myself. It is a personal decision and I would never want to argue another's decision to do something different. I feel we're all going to the same destination. We may take different paths to get there but we should always be encouraging to all those on this journey. I do applaud those who are so passionate about their opinions. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. This is a place we should be able to express those opinions freely where people can read them, or not ... agree with us, or not. Poor Blosmtx ... I wonder if she ever had her surgery.

According to my calculations, based on my journey, you should be able to lose about 100 lbs in the first year. That is 55% of your excess body fat. That said, remember that for everyone the journey is different. Some people lose at a real fast pace and others do not. It is completely true that the band is only one tool. You have to use other tools and you have to learn to use the tools you have effectively to reach your goal. You will have ups and downs, and you will have times of no loss at all. That is all part of the journey. Just keep plugging through and don't give up. Set mini-goals along the way and before you know it, you're 2 years out and at or near your goal. Where do you think you would be 2 years from now without the band? Have fun along the way.

I'm so jealous that you've had the surgery. I'm still waiting on a clearance from a cardiologist because my EKG was abnormal. It's taking forever for records to be transfered between my surgeon, my primary caregiver, and the cardiologist. Don't these people understand this has GOT to come out????? Anyway. How long did it take you to get back to normal activity after your surgery?

Wow. It's amazing how different it is for everyone. I was supposed to have my surgery last Friday but my EKG came back abnormal so they have delayed until that issue is resolved. I do so want to get the gallbladder out. I feel like I have a ticking time bomb in me just waiting for me to eat a little too much fat, a little too much of whatever will trigger it. My weight loss is basically slowed to a snail's pace. I'm also concerned about bouncing back after surgery. There is so much to work around this time of year that 5-10 days of recovery will impact. So frustrating.

I'm certainly sorry that you are having such difficulty. I must agree with those who have chosen to not hide the fact that they have had this surgery. There are certainly those people who do not need to know but there are a bunch of people who do need to know. Friends and family can be a huge well of support as you begin this journey. They have been with you as you gained the weight, they can be with you as you lose it too. An important reason to let certain people know is that you need their patience. See, you will take FOREVER to eat a meal. You will still be playing with your food while others are ready to move on. They need to understand that your band dictates what, how much, and how fast you eat. Their patience is key. Also, you need their cooperation. Restaurants these days generally serve HUGE portions, even for un-banded people. If those around you know that you simply cannot eat so much, they are more likely willing to share a meal with you. Lately, Chilis and Applebees have had deals where you get an appetizer and two Entrees for $20. It is intended for 2 people. In reality, there is plenty there for 3-4. Why not coordinate with your dinner mates. Everyone get enough to eat and you save a few bucks. Emotional support is probably the most important benefit of sharing. This is a long journey you are on. Why take it alone? You need to be able to call a friend in times of temptation, to vent to a co-worker, to share your success with a neice. Don't deprive yourself of this kind of support because of pride or shame. You have made a huge step in the process of being a better and healthier person. By not sharing this with others you take away their opportunity to show you how much they care.

I remember the nurse, before surgery, explained that it is natural to have a little "buyer's remorse" after surgery. So just know that you are not alone. This journey is your journey, it is different for everyone so don't start with a lot of expectations on how you think it will go for you. As soon as you do that, God will reveal he has other plans for you. So, just know that you've done something very positive for yourself and you have equipped yourself with an effective tool. It is not time for you to use that tool yet so just be patient and rest easy that it is there ready for you when you are ready to pick it up and use it. When will that be? Some time after your first fill, or maybe your second. Like I said, it is your journey.

Thanks, Cathy. Yes. Both my parents had history with gall stones so it's not surprising in any respect.

Watermelon has not been a problem for me EXCEPT that it really is liquid so do not eat it before or after a meal. Make sure you don't eat the seeds. Other fruit is okay with me. I stay away from skins but I've even had pineapple with no problem. The only thing I've found I have a problem with is Chinese egg rolls.

I am so sorry you are having problems. It is true, the lap-band is simply not for everyone. I am a little confused about your post. You stated that the last fill you had was too much so you had an unfill. If it was too much then you did feel restriction, am I right? If not, what made you think it was too much fill? Losing weight is simply a matter of burning more calories than you are consuming. If you are exercising 30 min a day, that is great but you must do more. I would suggest that you keep track of everything that you are consuming for a couple of weeks. Then check the calories of what you are eating to make sure that you are in a safe zone. You want to make sure you are eating enough calories but not too much. Probably you should be in the 1000-1200 per day range. If you are in that zone then you should be losing some weight. Personally, I'm a firm believer in using as many tools necessary to accomplish a job. Sometimes one tool is not enough. That is why I use Weight Watchers online to help me be accountable and keep track of my food. The lap-band works well with Weight Watchers as well as many other weight loss plans. Don't give up on your band, but do ask yourself if you are failing the band or is the band failing you. No disrespect intended, but sometimes we simply don't use the tools we have properly. Maybe we just don't understand how to use it. Or maybe we never learned the right way, we didn't have the right teachers. You have the tool, that's a big step. I see that you are new to this board. This is a wonderful resource and I highly recommend that you use the vast and worldwide wisdom available here. These people know how to use the tool. They can help. Don't give up.

How exciting for you!!! Congratulations and come and visit from time to time.

You didn't say what you've been eating. Are you sure you are getting enough protein and calories? You're post-op diet should include plenty of protein shakes and fruit juices, broth, etc. You need to make sure you get enough so that you don't get low in blood sugar. That's all I can think of. Do contact your doctor tomorrow and possibly the nutritionist. God Bless.

Wow. That is really strange for him to say that. The only thing I remember my doctor and nurse saying that was negative is to remind me that it will take time. They were right. It does take time. Honestly, my feeling is that I hired a surgeon to do the mechanical stuff. He is a good surgeon. But, does he really know anything about losing weight? I don't think so. Most of losing weight is about what YOU DETERMINE to do. Regardless of what anyone else may say. So just blow it off as garbage and get on with what YOU HAVE DETERMINED TO DO.

You all have some really interesting suggestions that I've never even heard of before. I love the international touch that this website provides. So many use chocolate pudding. That is a good suggestion. Like a lot of you, I am not one to deprive myself if my body sends strong signals that it needs something. Usually if I just go ahead and listen and respond, I'm good. That this is a new life style is totally correct. I look forward to reading more interesting ideas. Keep'em coming.

Maybe we should just get this started by some basic introductions. So, if Dr. Timothy Eldridge was your surgeon, please take a moment to introduce yourself. Let me get the ball rolling. Hi. My name is Paula. I had my surgery on June 18, 2008. I am very happy with the progress of my weight loss. Dr. Eldridge and his staff were great. The surgery center he uses was wonderful. I would recommend him to anyone considering this surgery.

Give it time. I didn't feel any restriction until 2 weeks after my first fill. It still wasn't enough but I did finally start to feel what people had been talking about. You will get there. Keep up the awesome work!!!

Definitely go in for a fill. That will help a lot. Also ... stay away from the sweets. Those are often slider foods that will go down easily no matter how restricted you are. Those darn sweets kept me on a 10 week plateau last Fall. On the other hand, I'm a firm believer in not depriving yourself. An occasional PLANNED sweet is probably ok. When you have it, enjoy it like it is your last forever. I enjoyed half a serving of chocolate cheesecake last week. I can still remember it. Lost 4 lbs anyway that week. Go Figure!

I think many people experience a plateau a few months after surgery. You need to be a little patient until you find that right fill level for you. Go to your surgeon and ask for another fill. I didn't get to that spot until more than 6 months after surgery. Since then, I've done pretty good, at least I'm meeting my goals.

It looks like you are doing awesome already without a fill. Good job. Your questions seem appropriate to me. Keep in mind that 2cc's might be enough for one person and not nearly enough for another. So that answer might better be (we'll see). My doc only gave me 1 cc at a time and then .5 cc as I got closer to my sweet spot.

It sounds like you are doing great. Keep up the good work. It will be tough for another couple of weeks until you get your first fill. Remember to be patient and forgiving with youself during this journey.