ThinknHealthy

I hate to disagree with someone but I do not think it is psychological. A growling tummy is not in your head. I'm wondering how many calories you are eating each day. Make sure you are getting enough. It may be that you need to eat more often. For me, a small healthy snack helps calm the growl. A low cal yogurt, applesauce, or a piece of fruit is what I reach for. Kuddos on your creative title! God Bless!

I hate to sound like your Doctor but in a way he is right. Plateaus are an expected thing when losing weight. If you are lucky, they will only last 2-3 weeks or so. I had one that lasted 10 weeks. It was frustrating, but it was also my fault. When I finally got my "head in the game" again, with the help of an adjustment, the scale started moving again. Please be patient with youself. This is a lifelong journey that you are on and even though you've been banded for over a year, you are still in the early stages of that journey. Your body know what it needs right now. It wants to hold on to the pounds, for now anyway. I bet by spring or early summer, you will be advising others and telling them how you made it through your plateau. You are doing the right things. Have faith in that. God Bless!

I've had five fills since being banded in June. Finally, after my last fill last week, at 6.5 cc I'm getting the restriction I was expecting and now the weight loss is ridiculous! I've lost 5 lbs in 5 days! I do exercise vigorously 5-6 days a week for about an hour and I do eat 1100-1300 calories (22-26 WW points) a day. Everyone is different. Some need almost no fills, some need a lot. We are not all the same. Be patient and use this time to develop positive habits. Expect some plateaus and some weeks where you gain a little. When you go in for a fill, be honest with the Doctor about how much you are eating so he can judge how much saline to use. You'll get to that sweet spot eventually. I'm not sure yet, but I may be at mine. God Bless!

I lost 15 lbs in two weeks. God Bless!

At Walmart you can get capsules of Biotin very cheap. Just open one up and sprinkle in your shake. It is tasteless. My Doctor said that the hair loss was due to rapid weight loss. When your weight stabilizes, it will grow back. I promise, you won't go bald. But do get your Protein, your Vitamins, and your biotin and enjoy the ride. God Bless!

Well, I'm not a nutritionist but it looks to me like that if you are exercising that much, you definitely need to up your calorie intake. Your metabolism will slow down at too low a calorie intake and will drastically slow down the weight loss. You should visit with your nutritionist again and make sure she knows how much exercise you are getting. Regarding counting your calories, research shows that those who keep track of what they eat in some way have more sustained weight loss. There are many websites geared toward helping in this logging such as CalorieKing.com. I would recommend that you check those out.

Yes, it is very normal to not feel a difference after your first fill. For me, it was a couple of weeks later after that first one before I noticed a difference. Some people don't even ever need a fill, while others need more and more. I'm at 6.5 cc and now think I am nearing my sweet spot. My doctor is conservative when giving fills and will only do 1 cc at a time. That works for me, I'm in no hurry. So really there is no "normal" when it comes to fill levels because we are all so very different. Just be patient.

You all keep at it, you're doing great! My doctor said to expect a period after surgery when you would not lose weight. Your metabolism is slowing down because you are not getting as many calories as you were before. This will cause your body to go into the dreaded "starvation mode" which really just means the weight loss gets real slow. Once you are able to consume a more healthy level of calories you will begin to lose weight. Be prepared to get really hungry in the next few weeks before your first fill. Don't worry too much about losing weight right now, focus on following the rules so that your body can heal. Once you are on solids, then the journey really begins. Just be patient. God Bless!

I have finally decided to put myself back on my priority list. I know it's very "Obrah'ish" but for weeks I've let other things take over my life. The holidays are over and I've painfully thrown away all the yummy Snacks in the house (except the ones my skinny daughter has hidden from me, bless her). I've restocked my shelves with the food I know works for me and I've started exercising every day. I had a small fill last week and almost immediately noticed a difference. So, I think I'm all set to see what the next few weeks have in store. There's nothing like just cleaning house and giving yourself a fresh start. I was stuck at 219 lbs for 10 weeks (at least no gain!) and the scale finally moved. Looking at my chart, I'm still doing better with the lab-band than I was doing on Weight Watchers alone at the same time. So all is good. Still have a long way to go but I'm up for the challenge. I'm not going to look back, only forward. God bless you all!!! You all give such encouragement and wisdom.

Well, I have a pretty boring diet. I eat oatmeal with cinammon and raisins every morning, for lunch I usually have a Lean Cuisine. For dinner, I usually take my Dad and Daughter out to eat, depending on the day. If not, I'll fix something but I'll get the ingredients that day and don't store them. Left-overs are split up in individual portions or thrown away. At work I keep some fat-free yogurt and small plastic cups of mixed fruit in the refridgerator. For evening, I make sure I have my GNC Cookies 'n Cream Protein Powder that I use with Lactaid Fat-free milk. I usually throw some frozen strawberries in the blender too with some ice cubes, agave nectar, and all my powdered medications. I do let my daughter buy some ice cream but she gets the individual one-serving cups so she can monitor them. They really don't tempt me. What got me over the holidays was all the gift baking I did. I think I ate more than I gifted. Big mistake. I won't do that again. It would be better to just buy already made gift baskets and have them shipped directly. This year I also received a lot a goody-gift baskets. That was tough. Hope this helps. God Bless!!

I can now wear Blue Jeans again!!! I had a couple a pairs stored away in a "someday I'll be able to wear these again" box and that someday has come!!! In fact, I might have waited too long cause they are a little roomy. Oh Well, I'm not complaining. Great Thread Idea! God Bless!

Kristi: I was banded the same day as you. I got my first fill of 3 cc on Aug 13 and then only 1/2 cc on Sept 18. My doc is happy with where I am on weight loss. I cannot say that I feel any restriction and I've had no problems with PBing, sliming, or anything else. I can and do eat what I want and I feel no consequences. HOWEVER, I do follow a diet plan that I rely on more than the band. I've found that merely following the banding rules doesn't work for me. So following Weight Watchers flex plan, something I'm familiar with, does work. It gives me the structure that I need and I like logging my food in on their website. My plan is to have the minimum amount of restriction for as long as possible so that I can enjoy the freedom of eating a wide variety of foods (while limiting the quantity). As long as I'm meeting my weight loss goals of 2+ lbs per week, there is no need for more restriction. When I reach a sustained plateau then I'll ask for more restriction. I suggest that you find a free website where you can log your food. Try not to rely only on the band to know when to stop eating. You'll find your way, you have the tool, now you just need to find out how to use it. My way may be different than yours. God Bless.

The hair loss is simply due to the rapid weight loss. No matter what method you use to lose weight, some people will also lose hair. That's just the price we pay. HOWEVER, from personal experience, I know that the hair will grow back after your weight stabilizes, that is, unless the hair loss is genetic in nature. Nothing is proven to improve your odds but you should always keep up on your Protein, Multivitamins, and Biotin (get the cheap capsules at Walmart and sprinkle in your shakes). God Bless and Keep up the Good Work.

My advise is to 1. Keep a log of what you eat with volume, calories, Protein. Calculate over a few days how many calories you are eating. It is vital to get enough calories. 2. Eat a variety of foods--only tuna and wheat thins is unrealistic in the long run (sorry to disagree with your Doc). Do eat your protein first but chicken is also a good source and I like to order a small ground sirloin steak and mashed potatoes when we eat out (which is often). I share the steak with someone because the steaks are usually too big. 3. Drink recommended fluids--difficult to do but important (I get a score of "F" for this one) 4. Get recommended protein 5. Exercise (I walk 3 miles a day 3-4 days a week) 6. Take your Vitamins, yada yada (I also get an "F" here). 7. Quit eating when you even begin to feel full--stop taking those extra "couple" of bites (another "F" for me--I'm still getting used to this one). 8. Give each fill a few weeks to kick in. I was disappointed after my first (and only) fill but after a couple of weeks it really started to make a difference. 9. You might also try to follow a specific weight loss program as a tool. I like Weight Watchers because it has worked for me before but the Band has given me that extra tool that WW alone couldn't do. There are a lot of healthy alternatives and maybe one has worked well for you in the past. It's just a way to organize, in a sense, all your food choices and sets some boundaries that just "feeling full" alone may not have. Thanks for reading my two cents. God Bless!

A few year ago, my sister and I were both losing weight. She went on Atkins and I went on Weight Watchers. She was much heavier than I was to start out with but she lost like 100 lbs in no time! I was beginning to question my choices in weight loss method when I remembered the tortoise and the hare story I was told when I was a kid. In my story, my sister burned out on her diet months before I did and she gained an enormous amount of weight as a result. I continued to lose weight and when I did gain it back, it was slow and never got to the max before I was banded and now going back down again. Word of the day ... PATIENCE ... take it slow and enjoy the journey. The hare doesn't take the time to enjoy the scenery, to experience mistakes and learn from them, to enjoy every step along the way. Be the tortoise and prove to yourself and others that you are in this for the long haul. This is a life-long marathon and as a tortoise you have the best chance of making it through to the end. God Bless!

I really feel bad for you. I haven't been banded that long but I already appreciate it so much. I would strongly suggest that you join a weight loss group immediately such as Weight Watchers or Overeaters Anonymous. You'll need their support (I wouldn't tell them your banding story because there is a strong bias especially at WW). Your battle is not over, you just need a new strategy. The sooner you get back into it the sooner you can continue. You've learned some incredible skills in losing as much as you have. Also, guard youself against any feelings of "I deserve" whatever. It would be easy to feel sorry for yourself because your body has rejected the band, but don't give into that feeling. You have some difficult times ahead of you (and a surgery to recover from). Plan now how you are going to deal with it. You can do it. You are not alone in this battle. God Bless You!

I'm also a singer. I had no concerns before surgery concerning this and everything went well. I can't imagine there should be anything to worry about if you have qualified individuals taking care of you. I suppose it still comes down to the risk of doing it compared to the risks of not doing it. The best you can control is picking the right surgeon who surrounds him/herself with the best staff. God Bless!

It was a good 2 weeks after my first fill before I felt any restriction. I noticed it first when I couldn't finish a Subway 6" ham 'n cheese sandwich. It was like really cool. That's the first time I couldn't finish one. Fortunately they have those "Mini" subs that are 4". Now I'm still struggling with knowing when to stop eating. I've heard all the advise about stopping as soon as you feel a little full but I'm still adjusting to the feelings. I think I usually eat a little too much, wanting to take just a couple more bites. Just be patient. The restriction will come and you'll start understanding more what it is all about. I'm still new at this too. You're not far behind me. God Bless!

Regarding the belching. Get used to it. It will be part of your new normal. As you eat and drink, you ingest a certain amount of air. How you process that air is now different than before. I'm sure there is a medical explanation but it is the reason some rules include not using a straw, not gulping your Water, and especially not drinking carbonated beverages (I hear that's painful). God Bless!

Fortunately I'm being successful eating pretty much anything I want. Yesterday we had family over and had sandwich stuff for everyone. I was the first in line and fixed myself half a ham&swiss sandwich and 4-5 cucumber slices and sat down at the table to eat. After all 10 had helped themselves and finished their big sandwiches and had already moved on to the next activity, I was finally finishing my last satisfying bite. You should be able to eat anything, just smaller portions, chew well, and take it slow. Remember how to enjoy your food again as it should be enjoyed. Don't deprive yourself. Try to find ways for the band to fit into your lifestyle. That's how you will be most successful. God Bless!

First of all, never compare yourself to anyone else. We all lose at different rates. Anyway, at this point your body may be reacting to NOT having enough calories so it will hold onto your fat, that may be why you are not losing. Your body is basically in a "starvation mode." My DR told me not to expect to lose much weight during this stage. 2nd, in this time before your first fill, you will get hungry between meals. My DR said it was okay to have a little something between meals. Be sure and ask when you see him next, or call his office. God Bless!

We're all thrilled for you. It is a significant milestone and proves that the effort has been worth it. Keep up the good work.

I had my first fill a couple of weeks ago. I do get hungry an hour or so before each meal. I have Snacks at the office to help me through until I eat and this system works great for me. Small fruit cups, Weight Watchers yogurt, or a Protein shake works well for me between meals. That way I'm not famished when I eat my meal so I don't eat too much too fast. Also, in the evening about 2-3 hrs before bedtime, I have my last shake. In this GNC shake I add some frozen strawberries, ice, some Splenda, and my powdered meds to the blender. This has totally stopped any late evening snacking which was my problem before banding. So far this system is working for me and I'm happy with the progress of my weight loss. I totally agree with Restless, 600 calories is definitely too low. There are several websites with calculators to help determine how many calories you need to eat to maintain or lose weight. Just googling, I found this one right off Calorie Control Council | Healthy Weight Calculator You won't do yourself any favors if you deprive yourself. This is a lifelong journey you're on. Just like a marathon, you don't want to go too fast early in the race or you won't have enough steam to finish. Take the weight off slowly and enjoy the journey. God Bless!

I was banded June 18. My surgeon was excellent. I can't even feel my port when I try. The Dr tried to help me find it but I couldn't. He seems to know exactly where it is cause he did the fill in his office without xray or anything. Went perfectly, no pain or nothin'. The only non-normal thing you may experience is increased belching. It is very difficult to control cause the air must come out. I have noticed however, that I'm not nearly as gassy as I used to be before surgery. My family is very happy about that. Just remember, that you are going to have something done to you so you won't be the same. You'll be very normal, but it may be a different normal that you were before. It won't be uncomfortable and is certainly nothing to be concerned about. After the surgery and healing period, you'll often forget you are any different than anyone else. God bless!

Nancie: Have you ever had success losing weight before? Like on Weight Watchers? If you have, you might try following those general rules again. I know that I'm having success using the Weight Watchers points system (I use WW Online). I've only had one fill, and I don't feel a lot of restriction but am still losing weight because I'm following a plan and am logging in all that I eat. I allow myself a 1 pt snack in the morning and afternoon and I always have a protein shake with strawberries with my meds in the evening. Oatmeal for Breakfast, a Lean cuisine for lunch, and we eat out every evening (I have a small scale I keep in my purse to make sure I get all the protein I need). So far I'm happy with where I am. Find a site where you can log what you are eating, that's what really works for me because its an active thing to do. That way you are not relying solely on the band. Above all, be patient. You just have to find your groove. You now have that tool in your toolbox, that's a done deal. Now you have to do the work. God Bless.