cathgr8

I don't know about your meetings, but mine usually have 30-40 people. In the alloted time, the moderator speaks for 5-10 minutes, usually about a topic, each attendee gets about 1-2 minutes, usually off the topic, and then we go home. I don't find it at all helpful, and prefer these boards, since there is so much information available on every subject relating to the lap band any time of the day or night. The support group is about 65% bypass patients and 35% lap band, so a lot of what's said doesn't even apply.

I went to the doctor today, but he decided I don't need a fill. He said my weight loss is excellent, asked me if I felt restricted (I do), congratulated me and sent me on my way. He said some people just have a restriction without the fill, and he was concerned that I would be too tight with one. So eight more weeks, but I'm not complaining. I'm rarely hungry, get full after 3 oz of meat or fish, have to work to get 1200 calories in a day, and lost 3 pounds on my vacation last week, though I drank wine with dinner almost every night. I should say, though, I follow the eating plan pretty religiously, I walk a half hour almost every day, and I drink 64 oz of liquids or close to it every day (even on vacation). Back to the water challenge...

Welcome ndbeekeeper!

Woo Hoo! The SoCal bandsters have caught up with the Texans!

You go Oat Girl! :clap2: I know I'm lucky that I had no co-morbid conditions, given my eating habits and weight. I've heard lots of stories about how this surgery can result in lower cholesterol, are you having it soon? I hope you're one of the lucky ones. I have been concerned that I don't get enough fiber, myself.

I also wanted to add that my doctor's philosophy is, eat three meals - Protein first, 3 oz. Then, if you have room, have some veggies (1/2 cup) then, if you have room, some carbs (fruit or complex carbs). I'm unfilled, but this method of eating means I always get my protein in, and almost never get any carbs, because there's never room. If you need Snacks, they should be high protein, not carbs (FF string cheese, cottage cheese, sliced meat, beans). He does not push Protein shakes, because while they do have the protein, they go right through the band and don't have the satisfying effect of food in the stomach. I know if I ate carbs first when I was hungry (which has been my lifelong pattern), or for snacks, I'd overdo them and never have room to get in my protein. For instance, I see a lot of people on the boards eating oatmeal or Cereal for Breakfast. If I did that, I'd be lightheaded long before lunch. I eat scrambled eggs or leftovers with meat or Beans. If you really can't get protein down, if you eat it first, and after chewing a lot and taking small bites, you need to talk to your doctor.

Just wanted to take back my complaint of yesterday about my slow weight loss. Sometimes it just takes patience. This morning I was down 3 pounds, so my weight loss is pretty much on track with my BMR.

OK, I just calculated my BMR, I should be able to eat 2600 calories a day to maintain. I haven't ever had more than 1200 a day since I was banded June 9, yet I've only lost 1/2 pound in the last two weeks. I've seen people on the boards say they can predict their weight loss from this calculation to the ounce. Doesn't really seem to be working that way for me. Maybe I'm not getting enough calories...

I used to walk in the early morning, but it got too hot. My son works at the local mall, and I pick him up, so I go there early and walk laps. If you have a mall nearby try it, but don't bring any credit cards. I window shop while I walk, then go back later and buy things I don't need! It is extra walking though...

I was banded June 9, and thought it was about time I joined the crew. I'm still unfilled, and lately, I seem to be hungry a lot, so I took your cue and started drinking more water. So far today 50 oz. We'll see if it helps. Good luck everyone!

Christa, Here's what I found on a website unrelated to lap banding: "To to burn a pound of fat, you have to metabolize as energy 3500 calories more than you take in. That difference between energy use and intake is called a "caloric deficit". Now here's where it gets tricky - severe caloric restriction triggers a fasting state that slows your metabolism down, and also causes muscle loss. Moreover, it causes your body to increase the level of "fat storing" enzymes (lipoprotein lipase) in the body. Exactly what you don't want. In short, as you lose weight, your body subtly tries to gain it back. The only way you're going to counter that is by increasing muscle mass, intentionally maintaining muscular activity (through cardio and weight training) while you lose fat, properly setting your portions, and being careful to avoid sitting around all day after your workouts. Extreme caloric restriction (e.g. less than 1000 calories a day) doesn't work because it ignores the body's tendency to "survive" by shedding muscle, increasing fat storage efficiency, and slowing metabolic activity." Try getting in 1000 calories and change up your exercise regimen a litte for a few days. Taking in so few calories can also lead to infertility, as that is the body's way of protecting itself from the burden of pregnancy when it's starving. Also, tell your fiance that your hormones will likely level out again once your body gets used to the quick weight loss and shifting caloric intake, if that is what's causing the problem. Good Luck! Cathy

Hi Christa, I also had a problem with my cycle. Though I have endometriosis, I'm 51 and haven't had severe cramps in years. This past month, I was in bed for a day, and had cramps for 4 days straight. Thank goodness I had some Lortab left over. My googling led me to believe this was from the sudden weight loss, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed the next one won't be so bad. Your body has probably gone into starvation/weight preservation mode with the amount of calories you're taking in. You're going to have to eat 1,000 - 1,200 calories a day, or you'll be defeating yourself. Can you drink Protein drinks instead of plain Water? That should help with calories, but you should call the doctor, you may be too tightly banded. Also, are you exercising? That can help get past a plateau. Cathy

Hi Susan, I'm in the West Hills Support Group, how about you? If you are coming there for the next meeting, let me know and we can meet. I was very ready for my band. I had counseling with my own therapist who helped me think through my priorities, potential problems, etc. I was sick of food and my weight controlling my life. Dr. Paya's staff, nutritionist and therapist were all wonderful. I was scared about the surgery, but my fears were unfounded. I had very little pain, discomfort really. The anesthesia wore off with no side effects. I had almost no gas. I had the surgery on a Friday, and was back to work the next Tuesday. I was walking for a half hour every day with rare exceptions within a week. (I just discovered mall walking last night. Sure beats walking in the valley sun!) The pre-op and first weeks were challenging, so be prepared. I found out later that Whole Foods has single serving samples of Protein drinks. The first few days until my support group, I could barely choke down the one I had bought. Then I got some recommendations and found some good ones. I'd find a tasty one ahead of time if I had to do it over again. Also, until I started eating solids, I was hungry a lot, and I wasn't expecting that. But I had a lot more energy than I expected too. I also hate the taste of liquid prescription meds, chewable vitamis and Calcium. I almost have to hold my nose to get those down. Now, though, I'm never hungry unless I really miss a meal by a while. I haven't had a problem with the extra chewing, partly because I'm not really that hungry, so I don't have an urge to wolf down the food. A couple of times, I did eat too fast or not chew enough, but I felt it right away so no real problems except the "golf ball" feeling. I cook in the crockpot a lot to make meat super moist (chicken thighs in marinara sauce, turkey in low fat cream of chicken soup), and eat a lot of ground beef and turkey with no problem ( and hooray for Wendy's chili!). I have had a challenge getting enough Water. I'm usually so busy at work I don't think about it enough, and don't want to be running to the restroom all day, then have to make up for that and also add extra calories after work, which is hard. I resort to drinking milk or a Protein shake in some cases to accomplish both. I've lost 30 lbs so far without a fill. Let me know if you have any other questions, and best of luck!:clap2: Cathy

I was banded by Dr. Paya on June 9. My HMO paid everything. He is fabulous. The experience was so much easier and less painful than I expected. I haven't had a fill yet, but don't really need one. Since going off liquids I am not hungry and struggle to take in 1000-1200 calories a day. He also has a good support group. If you need any other information, let me know.:eek: