Band_Groupie

Vicki- Whoever told you that, I hope it wasn't your doc, is wrong. I'll get to this, but first... IMO You're a little too tight. Sometimes all it takes is a very tiny unfill to let you eat solid Proteins again. I hear you and I see many frustrated people here in the same boat...many because they don't follow the rules, but many do and they just aren't at the right level of restriction like you and then there are others who admit they don't have enough self-control over their head hunger or they want to lose more quickly and they've made a choice to be so tight they can't eat (I've talked this over with others like you've mentioned and some of them have told me flat out...I know I'm not starving hungry between meals but I chose to have my band really tight so that I could only drink Protein Shakes and eat just a tiny bit. And that's what helps control my eating and it works for me). It makes me truly sad that you and others aren't experiencing the same thing I am. I fault the docs with not doing enough education about how we need to get our band to work for us and what we need to do. I think a lot of those docs would be shocked by how much PBing and drinking of calories there is here on LBT. Many go into this thinking the band is going to stop them from overeating...that there's going to be a big signal from our stomach to stop now/we're full...it won't keep you from eating too much. I was told the band would help me to decrease my portion sizes by making me feel satisfied and that I wouldn't be hungry between meals. It does just that for me. The key word is satisfied NOT full. If you're FULL, then you're stretching your pouch, eating too much and then for many the pouch sometimes reacts by making you vomit/PB. The key to this whole thing for me was realizing that. We fat people (me included) are so used to eating until we're FULL...sometimes 'Thanksgiving FULL' where our stomachs can't take another bite...you do that with the band and you're going to get the same thing you would get on Thanksgiving Day if you ate that 10th piece of Aunt Clara's pie after you're already over-stuffed...vomit. One of the biggest things we have to do when we get the band is to pay attention. I CAN eat way more than a cup at each meal (I'd probably feel FULL then), but I don't NEED to. The only way I know that is by trying it. I was eating a full serving of oatmeal with added protein, Benefiber and a topping like SF Maple Syrup every morning. As I got restriction I decided to test things...I tried 1/2 Sv. of the oatmeal with all the above (makes about exactly 1 C)...you know what? I wasn't hungry until lunchtime! I would never have know I needed less had I not tried it. I'm not stuffed or full when I eat, but I am satisfied until the next meal. I eat about 1C at every meal...normal solid foods with protein first. I never drink protein shakes (except after a fill). I sometimes have a snack even. I follow the other Bandster rules, like no drinking after, etc. I can't tell you how wonderful it is not to feel hungry. This week I lost 3 pounds and I'm never hungry (and my BMI is in the Overweight category now- I've only got about 25 lbs. left to lose). Lest that all sounds like a 'bed of roses' I can tell you it's been one of the hardest thing I've ever done. It hasn't all been easy (skim my daily blog and you'll see that), and just when you think things are good, it changes and you learn something new...I'm working it out as I go to stay successful. Sorry I got on my little soap box, but I didn't want to lecture, I truly wanted to educate others here so they can get the best results. I want us to all be successful and sometimes I think it's just because others haven't been taught how to work this band and what they need to do. If you choose to be too tight because that's how you want to do this, that's one thing, but if that isn't a choice you're making than you shouldn't ever be so tight that you can't eat solid protein because that's the whole premise of the band...no doc should be telling you that you should be so tight that you can't eat anymore. Good luck to you! Here's a Portion of my 10/13 blog about reaching "The Sweet Spot" and deciding to not get another fill next week: You see, I’ll tell you once again that getting to your Sweet Spot is a matter of personal preference. ‘What’s that?' you say. Oh yes, my LBT friends…the heaven’s do not open up nor do the angels sing to let you know you’ve finally made it to that magical (you were beginning to think mythical) SWEET SPOT! Bells do not ring nor does your WL stay absolutely consistent each day, let alone each week to shout to you YOU’RE THERE! Nope, it’s about paying attention (once again) and it’s all a matter of CHOICE. Could I get another small fill next week and be even tighter…but not so tight that I can’t eat, but tighter so I’d have more troubles with PB’s and start developing a long list of ‘Foods I can no longer eat’, yep, I could (we’ve all seen plenty here who are there). I’m sure I’d probably lose weight faster too. Could I get a small fill after that even and get to the point where I’d have to drink a protein shake every morning and maybe even at lunch too most days because I was so tight, yep I could (we’ve all seen plenty here who are there). I’m sure I’d lose weight really fast doing that. Now that next tiny fill might put me into ‘Soft food Syndrome’ where even protein shakes are hard to get down in the morning and I’m finding myself eating sliders, not eating many solids and drinking most meals because I get stuck/PB on most solids (we’ve all seen plenty here who are there). I’m might be losing a lot faster, but maybe not because ice cream would be one of the few foods I could choke down. [/url] You see, it’s all a matter of choice…how tight do you want to be? I’ve said this before; I made the decision since before my first seminar that I did not want to go on another diet…diets end…you can’t live on protein shakes for the rest of your life (and why get the band if you’re going to do that, just go on a protein shake diet…Oprah did). I’ve dieted before and done very well, but it doesn’t work forever. I needed a lifestyle change…small changes I could make and live with the rest of my life. I didn’t get the LB for quick WL (I can do that faster than the band). I got the LB to help me KEEP it off. Who do you think will have an easier time once they get to goal staying there…the LBer who’s been drinking two shakes a day and now has to learn how to eat to maintain (but probably got to goal way faster than me) or me who’s made those small changes in portions along the way. I’m hoping and praying that it will be me…I need it to be me. There is still nothing I can’t eat, no food is off limits, I don’t feel deprived, I’m not on a diet, I’m not hungry, I’m believing in my band and I’m losing about 1.5 lbs. per week…I’ve decided…I’m at my SWEET SPOT!

Well, here's hoping all those buy's go through (that will cheer you) and that that fill next week is perfect! -BG

Protein isn't that important just post-op as you're going through your first week of healing. Liquids are critical though and whatever else you can get in is a bonus. You don't want to get dehydrated. Best wishes and sip, sip, sip!! -BG Oh, and WELCOME to LBT!

Thanks gals! Hope it sticks. Find a way to get enough calories and Protein in even if it's shakes (you're gaining because your metabolism shut down). Keep a close eye on this and let the doc know next week if the eating isn't going fine by then...you may need a tiny unfill. Happy weekend all!

Like you said this may be all 'part of the plan' and really turn out well for you as it very well may be the reason you've gained weight. Best wishes for your surgery. -BG

Glad to hear it all turned out well! We eat normal to live normal...sounds perfect! Glad you're back! -BG

183.5...3 pounds! I'm definitely at my Sweet Spot! Love this band!

*Post Deleted for Lap Band Book

Oh my! Now I'm embarrassed...feeling like I was fishing for a compliment...it's just me still not comfortable with the photos yet honestly...and tell me how long it took you to feel great again when you saw a pic? My head just needs to catch up...I'm the eternal optimist/positive except when it comes to body image...the curse of us fat people. ...and hey, trust me, I don't expect to look like that again...it's been almost 30 years LOL! Thank you all for your positive comments...and I'm ditching those jeans. -BG

I just had to share a little laugh I had today. I got my hair trimmed yesterday (same style I've had the last 4 mo. or so) and I was showing the new gal how I wanted my hair with swoopy bangs and curled back...you know layered and flipped back like the 80's. Today I was trying on some more old pants from the closet and found this old pair of 18's I can barely fit into (I'm in a 16 at the stores now...more generous sizes...love that). They are those old high waisted jeans...hit me way above the belly button right on the port (which I put high enough that pants wouldn't hit them LOL). They would be described these days as 'Mom Jeans' yikes! I'm so glad shirts are long right now so I can camouflage the old styles, but when DD gets home from her business trip I think we'll have to go through a few of these and decide what looks too outdated. I was standing there in the bathroom mirror thinking I was styling like the 80's again! Well, I don't weigh 135 anymore and the hair isn't as 'BIG' (especially with half my hair falling out from the anesthesia…I think that finally stopped) but you know what I mean! ...and when will I start liking any photo of me...ugh. Pic 1- Me 1980 and my BIG hair, sorry you can't see the high waist jeans Pic 2- Me today and my still huge hips/thighs, pulled my shirt up...see how high these are!

Actually, the Quaker Weight Control Oatmeals have more carbs in them than regular Old Fashioned Oatmeal; it also has more calories, but it has a few more grams of Protein and fiber (you have to be so careful with all the WL food items these days LOL). With the 1/2 serving of the Old Fashioned Oats it's 13.5g of carbs and 2 of those are fiber (of course before I add all the protein and extra fiber). Really good for you and I'm never hungry before lunch. Had it this morning with a little SF Maple Syrup on top...yummm. Eating this helped my cholesterol come down even before I started losing with the LB. Oh, I should add it's over 20g of protein once I add everything...

Scooching over on the Loser's Bench for you! CONGRATULATIONS!!! -BG

I'm 6 months out about a week from now. My blog yesterday (in my sig) was about reaching my Sweet Spot after my last fill 5 weeks ago. I also discussed: how I can still eat everything (nothing is off limits), I eat almost everything my family does for dinner (and I'm not the cook, so I haven't changed the meals)...I sometimes don't eat a mainly Pasta meal, but sometimes add more meat to it and then I do. I'm losing 1.5-2 lbs. a week, and eat about a cup at each meal. I follow the Bandster rules; solid Protein first, no drinking for about an hour...yadda yadda... Here's the good part...I'm NEVER HUNGRY! ...and I'M NOT ON A DIET!!! For me it's be completely "As Advertised" (once I got good restriction...Bandster Hell...I was starving like everyone else). Although I know the benefits of exercise well (I used to teach 8 aerobics classes a week in my younger days) I'll admit here that I haven't really started an exercise plan since banding. I gardened a lot in the summer and used the treadmill and the Wii a few times...so really no exercise (and yes, I've exercised like crazy along with diets in the past). I know I need to get exercising as it's all part of the plan to get healthier. I've yo-yoed for 20 years, sometimes 50 pounds at a time, but always ending higher. I did VERY well on Atkins also (several times)...huge amounts of food like cheese...what's not to like...except who can eat like that and stay in ketosis forever?! I've lost 65 lbs. total now. Could I have lost it faster by dieting...yep, I've done that...again, here's the difference...I'M NOT ON A DIET...there is no food that's off-limits and I'M NOT HUNGRY!!! Now all that said...to each their own and everyone has to find what works best for them. Some here are gym rats, some are on WW, there's even a group on low-carb/Atkins here, some drink Protein shakes a long time out. For me, if this meant going on another diet, I wouldn't have done it...I'm a GREAT dieter...I didn't need another diet. I needed a tool that would help me make changes in portion size and keep me from being hungry and that's exactly what the LB has done for me.

I eat 1/2 serving of regular oatmeal with several scoops of soy protein powder and several of Benefiber (and some extra water to adjust it) thrown in. You can add SF syrup, sugar substitute, cinnamon or nutmeg, SF preserves, or fruit on top. It's high fiber and high protein. I have this almost every day.

I just had to share a little laugh I had today. I got my hair trimmed yesterday (same style I've had the last 4 mo. or so) and I was showing the new gal how I wanted my hair with swoopy bangs and curled back...you know layered and flipped back like the 80's. Today I was trying on some more old pants from the closet and found this old pair of 18's I can barely fit into (I'm in a 16 at the stores now...more generous sizes...love that). They are those old high waisted jeans...hit me way above the belly button right on the port (which I put high enough that pants wouldn't hit them LOL). They would be described these days as 'Mom Jeans' yikes! I'm so glad shirts are long right now so I can camouflage the old styles, but when DD gets home from her business trip I think we'll have to go through a few of these and decide what looks too outdated. I was standing there in the bathroom mirror thinking I was styling like the 80's again! Well, I don't weigh 135 anymore and the hair isn't as 'BIG' (especially with half my hair falling out from the anesthesia…I think that finally stopped) but you know what I mean! ...and when will I start liking any photo of me...ugh. Pic 1- Me 1980 and my BIG hair, sorry you can't see the high waist jeans Pic 2- Me today and my still huge hips/thighs, pulled my shirt up...see how high these are!

Yep, if they hate you now sometimes, you're doing a good job because you're setting limits...and more importantly carrying them out. My DD is now 22...she called me three times last night for some advice and to talk (on her first business trip down south). She used to hate me sometimes too...now we're good friends and she's acting like an adult (because she is one)...your DD is just acting like a teen. Love them and parent them...it's all we can do. It gets better.

Awesome! Any changes you can make now will only help! Just a reminder...because I can't remember...are you high enough above your minimum BMI for insurance that you can loose a lot of weight and still be above it (35 or 40 thresholds). Just checking because I was on the cusp and with your committment you'll be losing a lot. -BG

Sounds like my DS1- too smart for her own good! ...and why does their grounding mean that we're grounded too? Just remember...she'll be away from home soon enough (but I've learned you're ALWAYS a parent, sorry). We can't shoot them, but we can make them miserable...we know just how...we were teenagers once! Hope things come together tonight. Chin up, you're a good mom! -BG

Sorry this is coming late, but CONGRATULATIONS on your approval! I finally had time today to read through the thread...you've had quite a journey! I'm so pleased to hear that the insurance company approved you anyway...as well they should! You've had some serious health problems from your weight and we all know yo-yoing take a whole other toll on your body. I had just lost weight when I started this process and was very lucky in finding out here just in time that I had to gain a few pounds back (yes I did and if you need a laugh today read on LBT HERE). Am I proud I had to gain weight to get insurance coverage...heck no...I'm a really ethical person, but I'd just been that weight and should I be penalized because I CAN lose the weight (big weight like you even) but I can't keep it off (if you want to know how to lose weight just ask a fat person). The hardest part of this process was trying to maintain my weight during the six months...sounds so stupid but that 6 months was the longest I'd been about the same weight in 20 years...I SO badly wanted to get started losing again (even lost more than I probably should have my last month because I couldn't stand it anymore...but stayed above my BMI). I'm thrilled to hear that your insurance didn't penalize you for this (mine took the ending weight...also BCBS-but their different state/city even). Good luck on the rest of your journey and know that all this pre-op hassle will all be worth it. I've lost 65 pounds now and yes, I could have lost it way faster on another diet. In my blog here just yesterday on LBT (in my sig) I talked about getting to my Sweet Spot. I'm NOT DIETING, I'm eating like a normal person, I'm losing weight, and the best part...I'M NOT HUNGRY!!!!! I believe this is just the tool I need. I don't need help losing (although I love not starving)...I got the band to help me KEEP it off! This is a lifestyle I can live with...forever. Best wishes! -BG Oh, and there's a whole group of Low BMI banders right here on LBT under groups.

Yep, could be a virus, but when I 'PB' it's just like you described...whatever is left in my pouch coming up with heaves. The other thing I call just sliming...because it's mostly slime (and yes, the PB comes out with LOTS of slime in it). I know what you mean about looking for small bits and not finding anything big...the question is; did you feel stuck right before the PB? Sometimes I think there was something bigger stuck right in my new stoma and the act of heaving dislodged it down into my stomach. ...and no, I've never gotten anything that had already gone through my band awhile before to come back up either. Hope that helps...and you're a smart girl for going right to liquids...I've learned that one the hard way as now you're even tighter/swollen. Feel better soon!