juliegeraci

Yes, I was reading a book about "grace". The grace of God, etc. It said in there that if you need help with one area of your life you should seek it. I called my surgeon the next day. It was a sign. I had lost 40 lbs on my own but it had stalled. I had lapband surgery June 6, 2006 and I'm 30 lbs from goal. Good luck to you!

I use to eat in larger quantities. I would have a 12" subway for example. Now I order a childs size which is probably 3-4". It takes me an hour to eat it all. I eat 1/4-1/2 cup of food at a time. Some bandsters can lose 1-2 lbs a week eating 1 cup of food at a time. You may or may not be one of those people. The band really helps me with my hunger and portion control. I do not exercise and that is why I ony lost 65 lbs in 1 1/2 years. I had lost 40 before surgery so I'm down 100 lbs now. I have 30 more to go. The exercise now starts to be key for me. You will find that you will lose even if you don't exercise in the beginning. Bandsters eat 800-1k calories a day. Some people eat 1200 calories and still lose. I love being banded. It really has improved my life. I no longer binge or feel the urge to eat large portions of food. Good luck with your decision.

Mellie, for me good restriction is when I can only eat 1/4 - 1/2 cup of food. If you are consuming say 1 cup and not losing you need a fill. You should be losing a minimum of 1 lb per week. Good luck.

YOu are doing great. It will probably slow down when you move to mushies or solids. You may actually gain a few lbs as well. I gained 7 between fills. Good luck.

Congrats on getting your first fill. You will do great once you get the proper restriction. Good luck.

With good restriction I can't eat more than 1/4-1/2 cup of food. I supplement with a protein shake in the a.m. When I don't have as good restrictioin its more like 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of food. I feel satisfied either way.

Mandi, yes with good restriction that is eating like a bandster. Some folks can consume 1200 and still lose but not me. My doctor says 800-1k is customary while banded.

Truthfully, it is hard to get all your fruits and vegies in. You have to rely more on protein as a bandster. At least that is for me.

I rode after being banded. For you its just a matter of whether or not your port site is tender. If it is I wouldn't ride it. Good luck.

Susan, each one is different. I can eat bread without a problem. I had a piece of french bread at dinner just the other night and consumed the entire piece. I have good restriction too. You have to try it and see.

I am 5'9" and weight 218. I comfortably fit into a size 18. Good luck. YOu will get there.

Solid protein like chicken. Liquids only last 2 hours.

If you really want my opinion you need another fill. You shouldn't be as hungry as you are. That is where I would start. Also, try counting calories instead of Weight Watchers. You should stick to 800-1k a day. Good luck.

mrsgriffin, I would ask your surgeon's office for a list of phsyciatrist that they use. If they aren't on your plan I would pay out of pocket. It shouldn't me more than a couple hundred dollars. It will be well worth it to speed the process up. Good luck.

Rose, glad you are feeling better. Thanks for the tip.

I did it and ony gained 3 lbs. It was worth it for me. I enjoyed my vacation a lot more. Good luck.

Rain, that is fantastic new. Keep up the good work!

Welcome to bandland and your sweet spot!

The only thing I have is gurgling. My stomach will gurgle when liquids go down the pouch.

Bacardi is low in calories. I think 1 shot is probably 80-100. Light beer is around 120 but the carbonation is a no no. I pour the Bacardi in a large glass with ice then the rest crystal light. Really is good!

Smoking, alcohol and spicy foods. I take daily Zantac and it helps. Otherwise, you will need an unfill. Acid reflux, while common, is not a good thing. It can really hurt your esophogus. I would take control and let your doctor know.

Enjoy it while it lasts. If I were unbanded I would go for a Big Mac and a Subway sandwich. I miss both! Try not to gain!

Josy, if you have truly gained 50 lbs you really need to go back into your surgeon. Do you PB often at your fill level? Chances are you need another fill. I'm sorry I can't help more. Restriction is key. That and dealing with your emotions. Good luck.

Bandacat, I don't like the thought of you throwing up blood. I would tell your doctor and have him to a barium swallow to make sure your band is okay. You can have an erosion if it is too tight all the time. You can also get a slip. When I'm tight I vomit sometimes on a daily basis. But I got .3 taken out and only vomit 1-2x a week now. I haven't lost any weight but I am much happier being able to eat healthier. I would stay on liquids, then mushies and solids. I would definitely get into some type of therapy. I can relate about the vomitting. All I have to do is run to the bathroom and it just comes up. When I brush my teeth I can vomit too. I would first heal for a few weeks then go in for a slight adjustment. The key for you will be to eat like a bandster again. Taking very small bites (the size of an eraser or M&M) and eating very slowly. If you do those 2 things you can pretty much tell when you are getting full. Hopefully this will eliminate the need to PB. Also, there is nothing wrong with losing weight slowly. If you can be unfilled and lose 1 lb per week I would stay there. You really risk the chance of a slip when you vomit so much. Hope this helps. Good luck. Julie

I live in California and Safeway carries 8 to 10 flavors. Raspberry is my favorite. When I want an alcholic beverage I put in some Bacardi and juice. Very low in calories.