kansascase

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I hope this comes to an end soon.

Hey guys, I am running into trouble. I had my surgery on June 4th and have had 1 fill. I am about due for my second one but I find that I can eat too much and I am fighting hunger. I've followed the Protein rules and discovered that Fiber does help to keep you full. I think I am also in a plateau. It has been a couple of weeks since I lost anything. I added a few carbs to my diet - was trying not to eat any but I needed some fiber. I still limited my carbs. I don't believe that I am overreating but nothing is coming off. I've tried to incorporate some of the South Beach products as they are full of nutrients, high protein, low carb and fiber and that is pretty much what my nutritionist recommended. What is going on and how do I break this? I've been tempted to try something like Dexatrim or some other over the counter product. I am not too happy right now and wonder if I have done something wrong. I've been on a lot of diets in my life but I expected that this lap band would be a great tool and I just don't seem to be getting much assistance from it.:cursing:

String cheese. It is a protein and filling and about 80 calories. It is a snack I use to fight evening hunger.

I can't say that I have ever worried about that. I am of the opinion that the doctor has done his job and that his sutures will hold unless there are unusual circumstances. You know that your body will heal and fortify those stitches long before they are dissolved. I wouldn't worry about doing anything except heavy lifting which can cause a hernia.

I am not to do Snacks unless they are Protein snacks. My instructions are not to drink during a meal and no liquids for 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after. I have found if I can do this, my pouch stays full longer and I am less hungry. The protein also helps to keep me satisfied longer. During a meal, I am good for 3-6 hours depending on what I eat. I have found that Beans (refried and kidney) really do keep you full. My string cheese "snacks" also help a lot between meals.

I eat a lot of cottage cheese. I can eat about 4-6 ounces per meal. The nutritionist recommends 2-4 ounces 3 times a day. So, basically I am on 90 percent Protein and 10 percent complex carbs. My calorie count is probably somewhere between 600-800 right now. I use protein supplements and Multivitamins, B complex, Calcium and D Vitamin. I eat a lot of string cheese for Snacks. I eat eggs, yogurt, deli turkey slices, cheese, chicken, and I have added a whole grain Cereal to try to get more fiber. I eat Beans - refried and kidney, sausage, bacon, chili, Soups, broccoli, Protein Bars, fish and hamburgers without the bread. I use to keep a journal daily - now I just jot down notes. You are certainly eating better than I am and I need to eat more to prevent my body from shutting down the weight loss. My problem is that I am short and I cannot eat as many calories as others can. Normally, I probably can't have more than 1200 calories per day. If so, I will gain weight. It is a little depressing but that is just the way it is. If I go exercise crazy I can eat more and I have done that but it is a lot of work and maintenance - we are talking Richard Simmons. Lots of luck to you.

I haven't found a good fiber alternative - I've tried Fiber One, Metamucil, and Milk of Magnesia. These do not work for me. Some of them can even cause a lot of gas pain. Now, Crystal Light has a fiber mix to add to Water. There is a recipe called Fruitlax that contains prunes, dates, orange juice and prune juice - thought I would try that as the recommended about does not exceed 4 TBS. I have researched and purchased some of the high Protein, low carb and high fiber bars. I found a lot of fiber in some of those bars from Atkins. How much food do you have to eat to get 90 mgs? I can't eat much per meal and what are you eating?

I think you have your answer - 65 gms of protein. I find that it is hard to get that without a supplement.

According to my nutritionist you should about 50-60 mg per day spread out in 3 meals. I am to eat 2-4 ounces per "meal." 90 percent of the food I eat should be Protein and the other 10 percent complex carbohydrates. The protein is extremely hard to get. It was recommended that I use a product called New whey. It has 42 gm of protein in a 3.1 ounce vial. Basically, from my perspective this is very similiar to the Atkins diet. The protein helps curb the hunger and is absolutely necessary for the functioning of your body. The complex carbs stay in your pouch longer which also helps with hunger. I count protein and carbs. I have discovered an issue with this diet though. I was also instructed to take quite a few Vitamins - well, those vitamins and this protein diet really have very little fiber and that is not good. Even with all the Water and exercise I had a problem. Fortunately, Crystal Light has a product that contains fiber - yeah. I don't yet know how well it will work. I talked to the doctor about this and about the recommendations that I was given and basically he said that I would have to find a solution that works for me. His recommendations produced so much gas that I was in pain. I have found some answers on the internet including one natural recipe that includes prunes and dates. Of course, both of these are rather high in carbs and calories - but you only use 1-4 Tbs a day - "Fruitlax." Anyway, hope that above helps. This is what was recommended to me. It would be a good idea to touch base with your doctor to find out what exactly how much protein he wants you to have. All the doctors seem to be a bit different.

Did you talk to a nurse in the doctor's office that you need a fill? I don't understand why they can't do it during your August appointment. What does it take - 5-10 minutes. I would be quite angry too! I feel for you. I think I would consider finding another doctor. I don't know if you could get in any sooner but at least you might find a doctor that can be a bit more flexible and willing to work with you.

I, too looked at other posibilities than the lap band. My reasons for choosing this option were due to the information I was provided by the Bariatric Group and two friends that had the bypass. Both of the people that had the bypass wished they had gotten the band. I will tell you that after the bypass surgery, you will be extremely sick and in pain. One of my friends said they would rather die than go through that first week again. One of my friends with the bypass has now joined Weight Watchers - she is having trouble keeping the weight off. She also has problems with vomiting. The people who had the bypass can't have it undone - they have to live with it. That is not true with the band. Also, since they cut out an important part of the small intestine - the part that absorbs foods and Vitamins and minerals. Even with the lap band you have to take vitamins, etc. but the bypass people have to be very careful. I was not ready to make such a drastic decision - mortality rates are higher as well. Of course, you will have to decided for yourself but I suspect the difference in weight loss is not as signicant as you think. It takes longer to lose weight with the lap band, but I suspect it is just about as much overall. Choose whatever tool you think you can live with. If the lap band doesn't work well for me or I have problems, I can get the gastric bypass done. I was banded on June 4th and I am quite satisfied with my weight loss and "living with the band."

I don't count calories - I count Protein grams and carbs. My doctor and dietician put me on a high protein/low carb diet - 90 percent of the food I eat per day is protein - 10 percent is complex carbs. For all practical purposes on this diet, you aren't hungry because you can snack on something that is protein. Calories are just not an issue. I was banded on June 4th and had my first fill July 9th - yesterday. At about week 3 I started to have trouble with appetite. My fill wasn't determined by whether I was losing weight but my appetite and a loosening of the band due to weight loss. After surgery, I was instructed to eat between 2-4 ounces per meal. At about 4 weeks, I could eat about 6 ounces before feeling full - never got to the point where I could eat 8 ounces. Actually, the 1000 calories per day is probably healthy. But, I suspect that I eat less when my band is properly filled. I may not be able to eat 500 calories today which is not a problem as I have no appetite.

I was soft foods/mushies the 2nd week after my lapband surgery. I was on full liquids from day 4 - 6. Your diet depends on your doctor and dieticians. It may be that there are special circumstances in your case but as I said I was food much sooner than you are. It didn't harm my band and I had no serious side effects. Almost all the time I do follow doctor's orders but some times I have eaten something that I am not ready for.

I think we have about enough for a party! I think we need to keep track of each other. I had my first fill today - kind of interesting. It feels a bit tight. I am on liquids now for 24 hours. They put in 3cc which I think is quite a bit but an usual amount for the first one. I sure won't be eating much with this fill. Talk about sipping! Kerry

I really didn't think that the Weight Watchers diet is suited to those with lap bands. Not only do we have to have so much Protein, we also can't have the carbs. With protein, you usually get calories. I don't count calories - I count gms of protein and carbs - 90 percent protein, 10 percent complex carbs. I've looked at the Weight Watchers dinners and products and they have way too many carbs for my diet. Now I know some people do Weight Watchers when it seems they are gaining weight again. I don't know how that works out. It may be very good for support though.

Oh, he will change his habits when something happens - like a heart attack or when his joints hurt so bad he can no longer walk or do stairs, or he has to take shots every day for diabetes. Something will happen some where down the road. Does he have sleep apnea yet? Kind of like my husband - he has gained a lot too but my surgery has not really motivated him. I am afraid he will learn the hard way - we may not be old together. The difference is that I am married to him - this is for better or worse. I know that I cannot change him - he has to do that when he is ready. And the same goes for your boyfriend - you can't change him - can you live with the present circumstances "for better or worse" and not criticize or complain? Can you completely accept him as he is? If you believe that you cannot accept that then I suggest you get out of the relationship now. The fact is that it might just motivate him to do something. Tell him you are afraid for him - you want him to be around and just tell him you have to go on ... Anyway, that is my opinion. You decide what is best for you. There are a lot of fish out there.

First of all, get rid of the straw! If you want gas, use the straw. I was informed never to do so. Also, I suspect the pressure you are feeling is simply that your pouch is full - it can also make your feel a bit nauseated. How much food are you eating at one sitting? Generally, it should be in the area of 2-4 ounces - eaten slowly and chewed thoroughly. I am only good for about 4 ounces. As soon as I feel any pressure, I immedately stop - to go on and finish may very well cause you to be sick. Oh, I have messed it up so I know. It is pretty miserable. I also had gas pain as well and that is not fun. Hope that helps.

I know two people that have had the gastric bypass and before I got my lapband I also did a lot of research of both procedures. I really would not recommend the gastric bypass - it is permanent - there is no fix. The people that I know didn't have the option of a lapband - not available yet. They would tell you to get the lapband. Both of them have quite a bit of trouble with vomiting and they are now gaining weight as well. The surgery for the gastric bypass is absolutely horrible - you would be one sick individual. One of them thought they would rather die during that first week after surgery. A lot of doctors push the bypass as apparently there are a few more people that keep the weight off than with the lapband. But the difference is probably within the margin of error - pretty small. I also suspect that the surgery is quite a bit more money. Lots of luck to you.

I have purchased those supplements at www.wholesupplementstore.com and www.bodybuilding.com. They are available at many others as well - just google. I think that the above two may be more reasonable - I would expect to pay about $28.00 for 12. You may also check these for chewable vitamins. I have to take 2 multivitamins, 1 B complex and 2 calcium supplements per day. I may need to take a fiber chewable as well. I imagine that all doctor's offices are different, but the above supplements are required by my doctor and nutritionist. I've looked at the bariatric websites and the products there are quite high. I was concerned with all the vitamins but then, generally all I am eating during the day is protein - 90 percent protein, 10 percent complex carbs. I am losing the weight fairly quickly. Lots of luck.

You should receive a schedule of your "diet" from before surgery through the fill. I had 3 days of Clear liquids, 4 days of creamed type Soups and Protein supplements, 1-2 weeks of mushies, and then 3-4 you can start eating moist meats. After 4 weeks, it is pretty much what your stomach can tolerate. When trying a new food, I start out with just a small bit and will increase it if there is no problem. As far as the protein, it is very hard to get. The best products are concentrated whey type protein. One is called IDS New Whey Liquid Protein - 42gm of protein in a 3.1 ounce vial. You can buy them in boxes of 12. There is also ProSlam 45 which it also in a 3.1 ounce vial. These are a good way to get your protein without drinking a whole glass. They come in fruit punch, orange, grape, peach, etc. I also have the whey protein that I mix with milk. Unfortunately, I have to drink 8 ounces to get 25gm and I can't do that in one sitting. I am sure there are other products out there. The vials are reasonably priced compared to other bariatric products. In fact, I buy them at a health, excercise and sport shop online. Lots of luck.

I was banded on June 4th and have yet to throw up. Your pouch feels like it is under a lot of pressure. When it feels like that, I stop eating immediately. Is is kind of different as there is a "fullness" near the breast bone. I have had some heartburn and just a touch of nausa one time. You will know when the pouch is full - don't worry about that - just remember to eat slowly.

PMCHALE, Have you tried the New Whey 3.1 liquid protein vials that have 42gm of protein - it comes in fruit punch, orange, grape? There is also the ProSlam that has peach and has 45gm. This is the only way I can get my protein. Some days I only use half of the vial and other days more. The thing that is nice about these is that you get all that protein in 3.1 ounces. Also, you can carry these anywhere. I also heard they had a whey tasteless product - haven't ran across this yet. This is just what my nutritionist said to use.

Ask yourself why you did the weight loss surgery. Like most of us it was probably to improve your health. With that thought in mind, do you believe that your current weight is healthy? You've done great! The objective of the surgery was to change your eating habits. Have you done that? I would personally seek a therapist or a psychologist for assistance. You probably need some talk therapy. Hypnosis can be used - if that is what you really want. I have found it hard to relax enough to slip into hypnosis so it didn't work too well for me. Seek the advice of professional - are you dealing with food addiction? You have come so far that I am sure you wouldn't want to gain any back. If you are stuck in a plateau, you might try more exercise. Think positive!

I was on clear liquids for 3 days, liquids for 4 days, mushies for 2 weeks, soft solids for two weeks and finally most anything as long as it doesn't bother me. I wouldn't worry about the doctor's orders. I suspect we all could have had mushies and solids sooner. Really the most important thing is that you get the required protein - unless you use concentrated supplements that is hard to do. I really like cottage cheese - full of protein and a calcium product. Take care.

This is one of those things the surgeon hates to see. I do think everybody goes through that stage - I did too. You have to look at the situation in a different light. You will probably have a 2 week diet prior to surgery. It is important that you lose during this period as the fat around the liver needs to shrink to make the surgery safer. At some point in the future, you will be able to eat some of the things you are giving up - but you won't be able to eat as much of them. You are really not giving up anything except the weight. You might want to start working on your mental thoughts. You are doing this to make yourself healthier, right? It really is not so bad after the banding. You have some time on clear liquids and protein, and shortly you will be on soft foods. I do know where you head is at - I ate like I would never eat again. I had to chamge my thinking.