DallasDi

I have been banded since May 29, 2008. My highest weight before the pre-op diet was 368. Getting the band was the best decision for me...I'm down to 154lbs. I feel amazing. The challenge is that throughout my journey I never even considered calories, just ate as they suggested, 6oz. total, 3 times a day. 4 oz. of that protein, 1 oz. veggie, 1 oz. carb. (although, I routinely enjoy flavored creamers, and sf/nf lattes..occassionally I eat an afternoon or evening low carb snack) Now, my surgeon says the max he wants me to lose is 6-7 more lbs. I'm so afraid to change what I'm doing and attempt maintenance--I don't even know how many calories I've been consumming. Thank you all for sharing your calorie counts!

Today I ate: B-light yogurt, coffee with flavored cream L-4 oz. chicken breast, guacamole (.5 oz) & beans (1.5 oz) & salsa D-4 oz. chicken breast, sour cream, & beans w/ salsa (leftovers from lunch) S-sugar free fudgecycles liquids: FUZE slenderize, V-8 Spicy, Diet Cranberry Juice, Tea, Coffee, Water:tongue:

150 lbs lost, and I had my first experience in getting stuck today....oh my goodness....! I ate an Adkins Advantage bar on the way to church....I had never tried this particular one. Evidently it swelled up after I swallowed it (crisped rice). Then....because I was so uncomfortable, I took a drink of water from the water fountain which apparently made the situation worse. I guess I experienced "sliming", lots of pain.....and finally threw up some. That was at 8am this morning. I just ate some refried beans and a little chicken (at 6pm).....it feels fine. But...I am giving those bars away. Warning to all.....might want to consider foregoing the bars made with "crisped rice"~

I eat a lot of Beans. They are great sources of Protein and Fiber. I eat beans daily since I was banded on May 29th. Some other ideas you might consider: I also add lowfat cheese on top of grilled chicken breast for some additional protein and add salsa to spice it up. Skim milk in your latte also adds protein. When I was going through several months of nutritional visits prior to insurance approval, one of the things that helped me the most was the consistent emphasis that after banding, each meal must consist of 2/3's protein and only 1/3 of healthy non-protein choices--basically, 1/2 cup of protein and 1/4 cup of veggie. Hope this helps!

It is so awesome to see your success! I have not told anyone how much weight I have lost....I am ashamed of how much I weighed, although I thank God for the success I'm having with the band. I am 5'4" and weighed 367 at my highest before the pre-op diet in May 2008. I am now at 238. I want to be under 200 by Easter, if possible and down to 140 by next year at this time. Does anyone else struggle with people insisting on knowing a "number" of how many pounds they've lost? Even people who don't know me well. Am I the only person who doesn't want the world to know their pre-band weight? (of course...except you all...my anonymous, cyber friends! LOL!)

Hi Renee'! I live near Mesquite, but I exercise at home due to my time factor. I recently purchased an elliptical to use everyday that I don't get enough walking in. I occassionally walk at City Lake Park--it is so pretty and 1 lap is 1/2 mile. I was banded on May 29th and have lost 80 lbs since my surgery. I went to Dr. Benavides in Richardson. I hope you find a daily exercise buddy! Until then....just know that YOU can do it...you've come THIS far!

Breakfast: Kashi Go Lean Oatmeal (w/ cinnamin & splenda) Lunch: 4 oz. Pinto Beans & 2 oz. leftover lean hamburger patty Supper: 4 oz. baked chicken, 2 oz. peas snack: sf fudgecicle

Yum! I can't wait try the chicken salad recipe. I'm so glad that you are taking the time to share your recipes. I was banded on May 29th and am trying to learn a new way to cook. I look forward to re-visiting your website often! Congratulations to Brett on your fantastic success in your weight loss journey.

Hello! I too am participating for only the 2nd time, although I get online and read others comments, questions, and advice regularly. Congratulations on your success! I was banded on May 28th by Dr. Benavides in Richardson. I've lost 44lbs since surgery--lots more to lose. I'm trying not to think about the weight....just living healthy. Question: I am really enjoying water jogging and water aerobics (backyard). I am concerned about activities to enjoy at still a heavy weight this winter.....anyone have any advise?

Hello from Dallas! Although I've visited this site many times, I've never posted a message here....or ANYWHERE before. I was banded on May 29, 2008 in Richardson by Dr. Benavides. I am having some problems getting all of my Protein shakes in. I'm very pleased with my progress and I'm looking forward to cyber friendships with you all.

Hello! Yes, I do feel some restriction, at least I THINK that's what I feel... I get full after about 5 oz. of mushy food. I am not generally hungry very often--what a change for me! I have the AP band and it does have some restriction in it already. I go on June 26th for my first fill. I'll bet when you get your first fill, you'll feel a difference. Hang in there....you can do it!