fakeDIY

I am in the exact same boat! I've discovered that there really isn't a lot you can do. Walking around is good, as is taking off your bra (if you're at home, at least). I also found that if I hold my arms above my head, that works works well too. It's terrible, isn't it?

Thank you both for the support. :thumbup: I will talk to this problem with my therapist, but I have bigger issues that I feel like I need to tackle first. Leigha, I know you're right! It's just so hard for me to look at things like that, you know? Especially when I'm feeling so down and defeated. It doesn't help either that I neglected to take any "before" pictures! It's very frustrating. But thank you nonetheless. I'll try to think about things more positively.

I've been on a great journey since my banding, as has everyone else, I'm sure. But here lately, well...I just don't know. I've hit a plateau because of some intense emotional issues I'm facing at the moment (for which I now need therapy and medication), and the lack of weight loss just makes me even more depressed. It's also gotten to the point where I look in the mirror and no longer feel confident or good about my weight loss; I just look like I did 70 pounds ago. I also worry that I've begun to develop an eating disorder (aside from the compulsive overeating that I had to deal with before going into this). Maybe it's because I'm young and silly, but I don't even want to eat anymore because I'm scared of gaining weight. Each pound gained or not lost feels like failure. I constantly feel guilty for eating. Has anyone else experienced this, or am I just a crazy? :frown:

I have a tiny fork that I use when I eat. Sure, I look kind of stupid using it, but it really helps when it comes to small bites.

Has anyone heard of these or tried them? I saw them at a sample both at Costco the other day and tried one. They tasted like Jell-o, which is great because I HATE the taste of protein shakes! They come in 25g and 42g tubes, and I'm seriously considering stocking up on them. Does anyone have any experience with them?

Hey everyone. I was banded on May 18th and was losing weight steadily until August. Then things sped up! I lost nearly thirty pounds in two months. This, I believe, lead to gallstones and a very painful gallbladder attack. Anyway, long story short, I had my gallbladder removed yesterday. I've been reading some stuff on the internet, and I'm really worried because a lot of people were talking about how much weight they'd gained after the removal. Has anyone else had to have their gallbladder removed after having the lap-band? And did you gain weight rather than losing it? Also, does anyone take any supplements or vitamins after gallbladder surgery? I was reading about bile salts, fiber pills, and digestive enzymes. Any help? I'd hate for all my hard work to go down the drain!

Thanks, kiz! Did you notice any weight gain after the gb surgery (if you don't mind me asking)? Or do you find it harder to lose weight because of the gb removal?

Hey everyone. I need some help compiling a grocery list. I'm a college student, so things that are healthy but still quick and easy are key! Healthy Snacks are also a plus. Also, I can cook (I have a fully equipped kitchen in my dorm. I know, I'm spoiled.), but most nights I'm tired and just want something that requires little effort. Here's a list of what I keep in the dorm: Pepperoni Peanuts Frozen chicken tenders (I usually cook five or six of these up with some olive oil and garlic and then store them in the fridge for later.) Frozen tilapia filets (I cook them the same way I do chicken.) SF Jell-o SF popsicles Protein bars Slim Fast (But I'm guilty of skipping Breakfast...I just can't get anything down in the morning, and I can't wait for my band to loosen up because I have class.) Hershey kisses (One a day! For a little sweet treat.) Huge bottles of Water Diet green tea Various Soups Anyway, I'm getting a bit bored with this stuff, and would love some suggestions, as I go shopping on Thursday. Thanks!

I love tuna and it's on my list of things to get, but sardines...eh. I'm not a big fan of strong fish. Cheeses are good and I've got some on my list as well as SF pudding. I've never heard on putting salsa on carrots or apples...is that actually good? I'm looking too for quick and easy meals though. Thanks for your suggestions! You reminded me of a few things I forgot to put on my list.

Walk walk walk! It may be a bit difficult three weeks post op, but it will start to get a lot easier. I started walking for 20-30 minutes a day and then added a stationary bicycle to the mix. Just learn your limits and stick to them.

I've had a killer sweet tooth lately! I've been trying to satisfy it with vanilla yogurt and sugar-free popsicles, but sometimes they are just not enough. :confused: How do you guys tackle having a sweet tooth?

It took me a while just to start sleeping on my side. ): I think it all depends on how you feel.

My diet seems to be VERY different from everyone else's. It worries me a little bit. I was only on liquids until my third day post-op, at which point I was told I could start eating soft foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, refried Beans, Soups, etc. Then I was instructed to ease back into a normal diet 7-14 days post-op, which I've been doing. I've had no issues. Weird??

I took Gas-X chewables, and they helped a little bit. You can also try closing your eyes and taking deep breaths in through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Walking around (although it may be hard to do if you're sore) and taking deep breaths definitely helped me out! Good luck - I know those gas pains are just the worst.

I'll have to look into that. Speaking of Wii Fit, has anyone tried it? Does it make for a good workout as well? I've heard good things about it.

I had surgery on the 18th. I was in a lot of pain at the beginning, but I'm definitely feeling better now. Still, there are a few things I'm concerned about. The first is that I am feeling a strange tightness right around the middle of my chest. Mind you, my port is right around there, so I don't know if that has anything to do with it. Anyway, it's making it really difficult to take deep breaths - almost painful. The second is that I am often dizzy. I've always had some issues with getting dizzy easily, but this is different. It's worse after I wake up or stand up, and it's really bothering me. Any help? :thumbup:

Thanks you guys! I feel a bit better about it now. RestlessMonkey - my diet is not very restricted. My doctor already has me eating soft foods like scrambled eggs and soups, and I've had no problem with it. So I don't think that's what causing my dizziness, but I will call him nonetheless. Thanks!

This isn't quite the same, but my mom and I are taking the journey together! W were supposed to get it done around the same time, but she went ahead and had hers done in November '08. I'm a little bit behind, but we're really looking forward to being able to share meals and I know she'll be able to help me through a lot. :thumbup: I think having someone who has been through it makes everything a lot easier!

I have the Loritab elixir too. It is pretty gross, and it hasn't helped me either. I mean, it maybe BARELY dulls the pain, but it's never that noticeable. Whyyy??

I had horrible gas pains yesterday. Try taking deep breaths in through your nose and let them out through your mouth. It helped to ease my pains a little bit!

I have glue, and I'm somewhat confused about it. Will it just start coming off on its own? If so, when can I expect to see it escaping? ;P

Macaroni and cheese is my ALL-TIME favorite food. I'm gonna miss it a lot. In fact, I already miss it! I miss Taco Bell too...mmm. Luckily, I have developed a love affair with grilled chicken and steamed broccoli!

I was banded on the 18th too! Are you in a lot of pain? I know I am. ): And I definitely feel you on the jell-o thing! I'm pretty sick of it too. :cursing: