sara7venus

Hello everyone, I'm 31 and married with a child :grouphug:) I'm available as a buddy if anyone needs me! I have been losing a lot faster since my 4th fill, and I feel like I finally have a handle on how to use this band to lose *lots* of weight, and stay healthy at the same time. It's both exciting and scary! I'm available to chat, e-mail, eat lunch/dinner together ... I'm a very social person and I like to get up and go! If anyone is in need, let me know. Best, Sarah H.

That pretty much says it all! Reading it was a great way for me to remind myself why I'm doing this (although it sits in my mind, always). Great essay.

Hi Val! Feel free to PM me here at LBT if you ever need to chat or need advice about anything. I have a cell phone, too, if you're ever in need of a more lengthy conversation! I'm very motivated by my weight loss, and just continue to be amazed by the Lap Band's assistance with this whole process! Yay! You're doing great, by the way - awesome job!

One more thought - even if someone is eating 100 grams of protein per day, that's still only 400 calories worth of energy. Relatively speaking, that's not a lot - if you're eating the rest of your calories as fat (9 calories / gram) and carbs (4 calories / gram), that leaves a lot of room to have a pretty diverse diet.

MacMadame, that is a great point, considering that you are a bypasser. Regarding lean muscle mass, everyone should be worried about losing muscle during weight loss. The nutritional requirement for adult women is approximately 46g of whole Protein per day to avoid a deficiency. I don't think any of us posting on this board eat whatever we want to, whenever - we all have guidelines we use to control our eating, whether it's intuitive, counting calories, logging our food intake, etc. Part of however we lose weight or maintain our weight is to keep track of ourselves somehow - this likely includes making sure that we are healthy, along with the benefits of actual weight loss. Here's an example. On a *typical* day, I eat 30% or less of my calories as fat (about 470 calories). 20% - 30% of my calories come from lean protein (about 200 calories), and about 30% of my calories come from complex carbs (another 550 calories). I eat roughly 1200 calories per day, depending on my activity level. While it isn't considered "low carb", it is low-calorie, low-fat, and generally HIGH in protein (slightly more than 46g per day). I work out and am very physically active, so my personal protein requirement is increased. This is true for anyone who is very physically active. I have known people who have suffered horrible consequences as a result of losing weight quickly without paying attention to consuming enough protein. Protein deficiency leads to nitrogen deficiency, which can have disastrous effects on the body. I had a good friend with hair loss, immune deficiency issues, and tooth loss because she failed to eat enough protein. She lost weight, yes, but was extremely unhealthy in the long-term. Just my humble opinion, which I've formed from past experience. Be well, everyone!

I love the compliment from your husband!!! Any type of unsolicited (and positive) comments like that are good for the heart AND soul. That's awesome that he's noticing, and actually telling you so. Regarding the band, I know *exactly* what you mean. On the days when I am really busy and not THINKING about food, I can go a really long time without eating. One thing I've started to pay attention to is the TYPE of hunger I'm feeling. "Head hunger" is real, but the physical hunger is not. I try to pay attention to whether my stomach is actually *growling*, or if I'm just bored or something. Also, sometimes I have an *emotional* need that isn't being met. I pay attention to that, too. I tend to eat when I'm stressed, overwhelmed, sad, angry ... It is at those times when I know that I need to be especially cautious of "head hunger". I hope this helps! You're doing great - awesome job!!! -Sarah H.

MacMadame, Great informed response! I know what you mean about not being interested in food very much. I can't believe how the focus of my life has shifted since I had this surgery ... I tend to eat low-carb, because I feel better when I eat less sugar. I have an occasional piece of bread here and there, and once-in-a-while I eat something with, say, barbecue sauce on it (that's not exactly low carb...). I know that there are those out there who claim that low carb is just a "quick fix", and that as soon as one introduces carbs back into one's diet that the weight will just come right back on. As someone who has been living a relatively consistent low-carb *lifestyle* (it isn't a "diet") for several years, I can honestly say that I have more energy, am less hungry, and can concentrate a lot better when I make low-carb food choices. Also, if I choose to introduce *one serving* of something with a lot of carbs, I don't feel the negative effects like I would if I had been eating a "high-carb, low-fat diet". Low-carb, lean-Protein works the best for me, so far, and I only feel the negative effects of high-carb foods if I keep eating them for more than a couple of days. Otherwise, it's all good. I also believe that different people have different nutritional needs, so some people may not do well on lean-protein and low-carb. It's just my take on something that has been working for me for many years. Happy new year, everyone! -Sarah H.

It isn't just "Oprah bashing" going on here. She has every right to voice her thoughts and opinions, but so do we! She uses her position to influence people. I have a band, but it isn't like I don't work very hard to lose this weight! It's still a daily struggle (that I don't always win!). She has pretty much judged everyone who's been banded, by saying that WLS is a cop-out. If she has the guts to judge all of us :tounge_smile:, then I think we deserve to speak our minds as well !

Oprah is about the best example of narcissism in our society as I have ever observed. She tries to make up for her self-perceived "flaws" by over-compensating. She shows off her "generosity" as much as possible, yet has no real connection to actual REAL LIFE. I live in Chicago; I have been watching her for years. It's all an act, and she does it to make herself more money. The issue with her weight is HER issue. She has to deal with it the same as the rest of us. The biggest difference is that she somehow thinks that she's SO wonderful that if she "speaks out" about her issues, that it will somehow "help" all of us poor, unfortunate souls, who have nothing to live for. I haven't watched Oprah since I was in college 10 years ago. She is a hypocrite and is out for herself.

Thanks, Heather. I think you're right, and I'm glad that there are some people using this message board to be positive.

Jacqui - More argumentative blather to cheer everyone up - thanks for that. As my previous posts will evidence, I never mentioned once that "my doctor told me he was putting me into some magical weight loss mode". I also never suggested that staying on Opti Fast long-term was a healthy choice. If you're here to put words in others' mouths, then I graciously ask you to please keep it to yourself. Thanks, but no thanks for the suggestions. I'm all about having constructive conversation; when I start to feel insulted, that's where I draw the line.

Ummm ... Yeah ... You do sound argumentative. The idea, as described to me by my *surgeon* is to get the liver to shrink, and to get the body into a weight-loss cycle. Whatever your surgeon has described to you may be different; I'm just communicating what has been told to me by the various healthcare providers in my life. It is your opinion, and your opinion alone, when you say that eating low-carbs/opti-fast before surgery "is in no way good for you". Having a fatty liver is, in fact, bad. Look it up in Wikipedia if you don't believe me. I'm pretty sure this isn't a good place to be arguing opinions of various doctors on different continents. That discussion could likely be had in a different forum.

First and foremost, people have to *want* to lose weight in order to lose weight. The band has helped, but it doesn't keep me from being hungry 100% of the time. Most of it is up to me. Tracking calories takes time and commitment. Weighing and measuring food all the time takes a lot of dedication. Using the band as a *tool* for weight loss does take practice, but the person has to be dedicated. Joiful, I can understand that you want to have a sweet once per week. I also enjoy a "treat" every now and again. But maybe it's this idea of loving the treat more than yourself. Enjoying 1/2 cup of ice cream is not that big of a deal, once in a while. Taking control of food and not letting food control us is the true battle here. We all contend with this *constantly* everyday, don't we?

Joiful, I hate to sound like a nag or a negative person, but if food is getting stuck in the band, then it's working ... Emotional eating isn't just a made-up thing ... It's real, and it sounds like you might be having quite a bit of that going on.

The body goes through phases of weight loss. The first phase is the most difficult, since the body doesn't want to let go of any of that stored up fat. Some doctors will shock the body to get it past this stage quickly; this is the 2-week liquid diet that many surgeons have their patients go on before surgery. This also shrinks the liver, which is good for the surgeon during surgery. If you're eating too few calories, your body will not let go of any of it. Also, be aware of your sodium intake. If you're eating too much sodium, your body is probably retaining a lot of Water. Many processed meats have too much sodium in them. I suggest trying imitation crab or something similar in consistency. It's lower in sodium, is fat-free and loaded with Protein so it makes you feel full fast, and for a long time. Just eating low carb is not always the answer. Eating LEAN protein is the key. My calories are around 1200 calories per day, but I don't always lose weight (especially if I'm in the luteal phase of my menstrual cycle). This makes a huge difference. I usually lose 4-5 pounds after my cycle starts over again, but it can take a couple of weeks for my body to let that water weight go. Keep at it ... Don't give up. The weight WILL come off. I get frustrated sometimes too, but I know that if I keep at it, I will eventually see results. You will too! :w00t:

I'm in Grayslake ... I could use a buddy, myself! Let me know if you still need someone to talk to. -Sarah H.

My surgeon didn't ever say "low carbs" ... but the idea (even on the "Atkins" diet) is to eat LEAN protein and LOTS of vegetables. I have been doing low carb for many years, but that doesn't mean high fat, either. Eating refined carbs is a no-no for all bandsters, regardless of which "diet" they're adhering to. Also, white bread, rice, and pasta can be trouble for people with bands. They can get stuck and cause issues ... Why risk it just so you can eat something you only WANT, and that isn't even good for you? Whole grains have way more vitamins in them and actually have FIBER in them, which is something that a lot of bandsters have issues with.

Jorge, that is AWESOME! I'm so happy that you decided to get your first fill. How did it go?

Jorge, do not give up! I didn't lose a whole lot until I got my 4th fill (in a 14cc band). I think I'm at around 10cc's, and I feel LOTS of restriction now. Just keep at it. I know from experience that carbs don't work very well with the band, but getting some restriction might be just what you need to get motivated again. The surgery is only the first step. Try and look at the band as a TOOL for your weight loss. The band needs maintenance in order for it to work. Think about fills, at first, like getting an oil change for your car. You will probably need to get two or three fills in order to get to your perfect level of restriction, but once you're there, I promise you it will be like night and day! You have the desire, now you just need help feeling full. The band is working great for me - since my last fill, I'm really tight, and able to stay under 1200 calories per day without a problem. I carefully monitor everything I eat to make sure that I get adequate nutrition, too. Protein is #1 on my list. When I stick with eating lots of protein, I lose really fast. meat and veggies have been my best friends. I used to be a carb addict too, but I broke myself of the addiction with the pre-op and post-op diets. I am now able to control my hunger with the band, and keep myself from overeating (cuz it's just too painful!). Best of luck to you. If you need any more advice or input, you know where to find all of us!

I actually suspect that I have/had PCOS ... When I was at my heaviest, my cycles were at around 60 days, and now they're solidly in the 32-35 day range. Since my latest adjustment, I've been so tight that I've hardly been able to get in 1,000 calories per day. Since October 30th (my last adjustment) I've lost close to 10 pounds. Of course, I'm thrilled, but also trying to make sure I get 100% of my RDA of protein, which is difficult, to say the least. I'm seriously hoping that I can get the first 80 pounds off by next year, and then I will chip away at the rest ... It's hard work, but SO worth it.

I have accepted the fact that if I don't weigh myself everyday, and track all the food I eat, that I will not succeed at losing the 150 or so pounds that I need to lose, even with the band. I was banded in June of 2008, and have so far lost only 33.5 pounds (although quite a bit of it has been recent, after my last and tightest adjustment).

Your question is "can a person just diet without the band and get similar results?". I think the answer for me is *absolutely not*! The result, for me, after a day of eating no more than 1100 calories, is being unable to sleep or concentrate on anything but my hunger. Another result of that inability to sleep is an inability to focus on taking care of myself, the way I should be. As I said previously, the band takes away the hunger that I used to feel. I feel full after eating 4 oz. of food! I would say that's pretty miraculous, especially for me; I have always had a seemingly insatiable appetite. The band changes things for people. I can already see that there are questions about how much food I eat. "Is that ALL you're eating? You must be sick." Well, for the first time in my life I feel truly HEALTHY ... The band controls something that was completely out of whack for my entire life - my hunger. I am here to tell you that, no matter what anyone says, it is your decision. All of this is entirely up to you, and if you let what other people say discourage you or alter how you're thinking about yourself, then you will not succeed. If, on the other hand, you make this decision for yourself (and for no one else), and if you approach it with honesty about your weaknesses and strengths, you will have a much greater chance of succeeding. I think I speak for everyone here when I say that we all want you to succeed. Best of luck to you. -Sarah H.