juliegeraci

Just an update. I joined WW 3 weeks ago. I am suppose to eat 27 points plus 35 points a week free. Well, that is too many calories. After going down to 20 points a day and 35 extra the weight is really coming off. That is becuase that is 1k a day plus about 200 extra which is 1200 calories. Bandsters typically take in 800-1k no more than 1200 so my guess is you MAY have to lower your points if they give you too many. I have perfect restriction, still stop when I am full and am really enjoying the program now. It really keeps me straight throughout the day as far as consumption goes. I did tell the Leader that I had bariatric surgery and she didn't say anything about me not being able to make lifetime. Also, given the fact that the success rate with lapband is 62% of your excess weight my doctor is fine if I go 20 lbs above goal weight of 162 and hit 185. I would still be considered overweight but truthfully speaking I look terrible at 165, not thin. With a doctor's note I can still become lifetime. I however, would not be able to work for WW if I hit the 185 goal because it is not there standard weight. Let me know how you do. I weigh in this Saturday and I know I am down at least 2 lbs this week eating most of the day. Its nice to implement more fruit and vegies into my diet!

Sarah, quick question regarding Kaiser. My girlfriend got her referral weeks ago from her doctor but for some reason the Bariatric center isn't calling her. Did you have to wait very long before they contacted you to move forward in the program?

Dave, doesn't if feel great~ Glad you have some restriction now.

I eat about 1/2 cup at a time. Last night I tried a cup of pasta with sauce and after my initial PB I was able to consume the entire cup. So depending on what the food is I would say 1/2 to 1 cup.

Yes, it can take a week or 2 to relax. You did the right thing. Also, if you lost a few lbs on liquids while you were tight that probably helped.

I was sore for about 2 weeks at the port site.

That is fantastic news! Good for you.

Almonds do the same thing for me and they are really good for you!

If you have a problem with solids until early afternoon it is best to start the day off with a protein shake followed by soft proteins until dinner time when you can eat solid protein. Cottage cheese, chili, tuna salad, those types of foods until dinner. This is very common with the band.

The ones with sugar aren't as good for you. The one that you have to actually cook on the stovetop with some splenda and milk is much healthier.

If you move to solids I would choose food that was gentle on your band like mushies for a couple weeks. Tuna/chicken salad, chili, cottage cheese, soups. Those kinds of food. Good luck and yes, you may gain a few lbs.

I tend to eat either oatmeal or a protein shake.

I use GNC's protein powder. They have it in soy or whey. With 1 cup skim milk it is either 25 or 30 grams of protein depending on which one you drink.

Some days I think I get in 40-50 grams. That being said, it is pretty easy to do if you start your day with a protein shake. With 1 cup skim milk mine is around 30 grams. I eat protein at lunch and dinner too so I don't have a problem.

Chris, what are you in Baghdad for?

I seem to do the best on no more than 1200. I do lose better if I do 1k. I believe a lapband diet is around 800-1k a day.

Dave, I know how that is. I am one size from my goal too. Congrats on the NSV.

That is wonderful! Keep up the good work.

What you need is a serious fill. I would call your surgeon first thing in the a.m. and go get one. With that being said, you need to recommit yourself today and get moving. You can do it. Count your calories and only eat 800-1k a day. No more junk! Do it now!

I ate whatever I wanted up until midnight the night before.

I spoke to my doctor at length about it. The stats for bipass vs. band are exactly the same 3 years post op. Bandsters lose 60% and bipass losses 90%, however at 3 year post op both surgeries equal 60% of weight loss due to the relapse and stretched pouches the bipass patients typically get. With the band you just have to be patient because the weight loss is much slower. Good luck with your decision. I am very pleased that I chose the band.

What would locked do?

I had the real hair glued it. My only complaint was how expensive they were to uphold. Other than that it gave me a ton of hair.

I'm not sure if it was a requirement of UHC or not but I had to do the psych eval, nutritionist and bloodwork. I think they have a predispostion BMI rating for surgery. You may want to find that out.

I'm not sure if it was a requirement of UHC or