RestlessMonkey

I just had a thought. Denouement, if you are alone, just DON"T buy candy and junk like that! It works for me. I don't really have anything in the house right now that I could snack on. I could COOK something but normally have enough will power to not do that. :thumbup: I don't have any candy, any chips, crackers, cookies, popcorn, cake, etc so if I want to snack i'm gonna have to bake some Gorton's fish filets or just eat grated 2% cheese! LOL It's easier to resist temptation when there isn't any.

Obesity is a nasty disease, that's for sure. I went to my therapist as my "last rope" before surgery and she helped, but not enough that I felt I could lose the over 200 I need to just using what she taught me. I did well with the band (esp once I hit my green zone this May! It was love at first sight! LOL) but life is stressful and I found myself falling back into the "grazing" thing I used to do at night. It's a struggle, but then what isn't, right? My therapist is helping me and between her and the band and my desperate desire to lose more weight, I think (cross fingers) I've got the right mix! :thumbup: And thanks, ReadyinCT, for your nice words! I googled "behavioral therapists eating disorders San Antonio" and that's how I found "my" therapist; so if your idea doesn't come up with anything, try google! :frown:

Walgreens has it. Mine is "NOW" brand but any should work. If you have a large supermarket, it may carry it too. My DH bought the bottle I have now, but I'm getting another bottle to keep in my purse. I love it. :thumbup: AND thanks for your kind words! :frown:

Just another suggestion; I don't want to be "different" (like using special utensils etc) because I've been different (fat) for far too long. If buying special equipment doesn't appeal, this is what I do. I cut a normal "bite" and then half it and it works for me. :thumbup: If it's something that doesn't need to be cut, get your normal "bite" and then put 1/2 back before you take the bite of food. Works like a charm for me! :frown:

Wow 8 years? That's amazing! :thumbup: You were a young guinea pig, weren't you? :frown:

The pouch probably does just hold a little, but until you are restricted (filled) it is essentially useless because food just goes on through to the rest of your stomach. And some DO have swelling and reduced hunger etc post op, but not all. I didn't, for example, and I'm not alone there! I understand how you feel; for some it takes 6 months or more, other lucky souls hit the sweet spot early on. Just hang in there!

I go to a therapist so I wasn't being high horsey either! :thumbup: In fact I went to her for a year before I got the band and just started going back about a month ago. I think it's vital if you are struggling with head hunger, actually.

If I may suggest it, buy some papaya enzyme and keep it on hand. It will help dissolve stuck protein (and the one I have is formulated with lipase and cellulase so it will also dissolve fat and veggie matter). It doesn't work on living tissue, and it has saved my fanny and my sanity AND my evening more than once. If you are stuck and it won't go through, Papaya enzyme can almost be miraculous.

I agree with LindaD. Either you'll learn to slow down and chew well, or you'll be in pain a lot, or you'll turn to slider foods only and not lose. For most of us, it just takes putting your hand on the hot stove once to learn that we need to CHEW and take small bites! If you're like me, it takes more than once (LOL) but you do learn.

Ask your doc. I was on liquids for 2 weeks post op and can't imagine even WANTING a drink then...I Wanted FOOD! Not liquor ! and liquor would've just made me more likely to cheat, sadly! Anyway let your surgeon guide you on this.

7 cc's. And it took 7 fills (and 1 unfill) to get there.

Ask your surgeon! :thumbup:

I guess you decided not to have your band removed? I honestly suggest therapy. The band won't take care of head hunger; you have to handle that on your own.

Yes that's what a minor "stuck" incident feels like.

You apparently weren't well educated and shame on your surgeon for that; for most the band doesn't do much until it is filled to the "sweet spot" or the "Green zone" as the chart in my doc's office calls it. If your surgeon is conservative as mine is it may take 3-5 fills to hit good restriction. Regardless right now you are healing and you need to concentrate on that, not loss. It will come; this is the band, not bypass. The loss is slower initially. You're expecting too much too soon from yourself and your band. Relax, follow your docs orders. It will happen, just not as fast as, unfortunately, you expected it would.

Ok Bandster25. I do know that dry=tight in band world, so you may be onto something about drinking loosening the band! I'm going to experiment with that. I'll keep my Papaya enzyme handy though! :thumbup:

Yes, call your doc for clarification. For example, I was on liquids for 2 weeks but week one was clear liquids and NO protein shakes. Each doc is different. Call and find out exactly what yours wants you to do.

I can eat popcorn fine. I honestly can eat any food fine, or at least any I've tried! I'm at my sweet spot, too. I guess it just depends. I can even eat white bread untoasted (I know because I tried! LOL) Some things I have to take more care with than others, but nothing is on the "never" list.

You may have to go as "The Incredible Shrinking Man" :thumbup:

But Bel, the liquid doesn't STAY in the pouch 10 minutes! I mean, unless you drink a lot or are super tight. It goes through. Liquids flow...they aren't just going to hang around up there for the fun of it. That's why i wonder. Maybe it's only REALLY tight people, or a LOT of liquid? Because for me when I forget and drink while I am eating, let me tell you there's no food flowing through. It may come back UP but it isn't flowing. It hurts like the devil. So if there's still Water or liquid in there when I eat it's going to hurt, not make me able to eat more. AND I'm not arguing in case it sounds like it. I'm really honestly trying to understand the logic of it. I don't believe in "disregard authority" but I DO believe in "Question authority". If the reason isn't sound, THEN I'll disregard! LOL

AH where we get stuck! Right? Yes I will. I'd better write it on my calendar so I don't forget. I'd been going to go at the end of Aug but am still well restricted, losing well, feeling great, so I postponed. :w00t: Thanks for reminding me. BUT I am really curious about the pre meal liquid thing. DH is pretty good with anatomy and mechanics etc and he has no clue either. Anyone?

I have to say I went on a job interview in April and the jacket I wore is too big. I bought the same jacket (LOVE that jacket) in 2 sizes smaller (and it's not stretchy, and it buttons. so there's no "forgive" in it) and it fits and is a little loose. THAT is exciting. When you have a lot to lose it is hard to see it, and it takes a bunch to go down a size, but when it happens, there's a PARTY! :w00t: (no food, just fun! LOL)

I'm glad to help! :blushing: I know we're all a little different but I figured that what happened to me would be at least a starting point for others!

It honestly took me about 55-60 pounds to look different. I felt better sooner, but I'm looking slimmer (figuratively, I'm still really large but I'm a smaller large!) and moving more smoothly etc. :w00t: It'll happen!

Sounds to me like you should be pretty glad you changed now. I don't really understand why you are so blue. Your surgery may be delayed a week or two but that beats getting incompetent care. Believe me, the aftercare is just about more important than the band itself. You're lucky you switched now, IMHO.