honk

Ahhh Red Lobster Biscuits. We no longer have Red LObster near me but those bicuits are good! I am nearing restriction and can eat bread. I occationally go to KFC and have grilled chicken (no skin) and veggies. For "dessert" I eat the crispy outer shell and throw away the soft middle. Not because I can't eat it but because of the calories. For me the issue really would be deciding if they were "worth it" calorie wise. Per http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/red-lobster/cheddar-bay-biscuit/ they have 150 cal and 8 g fat.

Hi. I did not start to see any restriction until 9.4 cc's after 5 fills. Until restriction it's a diet.

As noted above liquid calories really add up. I don't drink fruit juice ever but if I really want it I would look for a reduced sugar version (yes I know artifical sweeteners). Another big yes about calories in coffee. Poor coffee is so innocent with like NO CALORIES; but what we do to it is sad! I used to take my coffee cream and suger. Years ago I switched to black with equal. I can go without the milk but I have to have it sweet. "They" say splendra is better for your body than equal so that's what I use now. Also are your smoothies Protein based or just milk with fruit? If you are having a Protein shake to up your protein consumption that is one thing. Having a fruit frappe/milkshake is another; esp if you are using something other than fat free milk. I do think you need to up your exercise. I shoot for 7 days a week so that if I slack off at least I exercise 6 times that week.

Vicyd I agree with your concept that some people have foods that they can't control. For me its' sweet childrens cereal: peanutbutter captain crunch, lucky charms, Count Chocula. I would eat them by the box, plain no milk. They are about 100 cal per cup; but if you eat 5 cups that 500 calories. I no longer buy crackers, bread, or chips of any kind (not even low fat versions). I do however allow myself to have to have 1-2 crackers at a party. I do not however buy into the idea of being detoxed. I have even heard Nutritionists on news programs who also debunk this theory. While white flower may raise you blood sugar it is NOT a TOXIN. TOXIN's are literally poison.

I think you should be able to find a gym that will let you join month to month. The other question is whether they will charge a "program fee" or some such rot. Basically a special charge just to start using the gym (which I think are obscene).

I had a hernia as well. I have to say I was pretty lucky regarding pain. I did not have perscription pain medication so I took liquid tylenol the first few days every 4 hours.

For ready to drink from Costco Premier Chocolate is quite good. For making protein powder I highly recommend the Hamilton Beach personal blender; $15 at Walmart/Target the blender cup is like a travel mug so you can make it and take with you. Liquid Tylenol. MRS Dash to add to broth and creamy soup.

I have low blood sugar issues and have needed to stop while out and eat because I was not safe to drive. I think it is imperative that you space out your meals AND keep snacks on hand in case of emergency. Snacks could be low fat cheese stick, grapes, baby carrots, individual applesauce cups (no added sugar), Premier Ready to Drink Protein shake (160 cal 30 g protein). Remember the more hours you are up and moving the more calories you burn so never feel guilty eating enough calories to stay mentally sharp.

I am just now getting some restriction at 9.4 CC's. At 6 I had nothing.

I am the least patient person EVER. I really did not see any ongoing restriction until my fifth fill. My doctor requires at least 2 weeks between fill; as it can take that long for the fill to settle. So sometimes you get initial restriction which goes away; or it will take 2 weeks to hit. It's been 2 weeks today since my last fill and I do think it has settled somewhat but I have some restriction. I am going to call and see if they will fill me if I can get an score a cancellation. I have lost about 6 pounds since my last fill so they may not let me have a fill. Did I mention I'm impatient? I have been a slow loser until now; which is why I am anxious to reach the green zone. Find out how much time your doctor requires between fills. If it's 2-3 weeks call the office and see if you can go in for a fill the next time they have a cancelation. If your schedule is flexible.

If your doctor said creamy soups they probably meant tomato or sweet red pepper, squash, etc; and not chicken noodle.etc blended. A blended Chicken noodle will be much thicker then the ones mentioned above. Just a thought. FYI Mrs Dash (Salt free) added to soups can make them a lot more interesting. I add it before heating which reconstitutes the garlic etc.

Mewizza, how old is your brother? If he is above 8 the next time he does that you need to retaliate. Childish yes. Needs to happen yes. He knows he's hurting you but does it anyway. Pick the most humiliating thing you can think of and shove a sharp stick in there. The more humiliating the better. Sounds like this is his own personal joke. You need to tell him the party's over. If he complains explain the whole turn about is fair play thing.

andrea0121, if you're going lap swimming I highly recommend a waterproof MP3 player. Makes an hour of swimming sooo much more pleasant. There are several on Amazon. Unless you have a physical limitation I would start swimming now. When I started I desperatly needed to loose weight because I had HORRIBLE knee pain. So bad I did'nt want to go or do anything. I went online and bought a fat lady swim suit with a skirt and I started swimming. Once you are in the water no one can see anything.

I swim 7 days a week; on VERY rare occation it's 6. I was more or less at a plateau for a month (keep in mind not yet at restriction). I think since I'd been exercising every day for 18 months prior to surgery my body was'nt going to be shocked into losing weight. Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems like you are working out 3 days a week. My though is that you need to bump up your exercise to at least 5. I don't partically want to work out either but once you make it a habit your body starts to like it. If I don't work out it's harder to fall asleep at night; and I just miss it.

ChopswyfT, it could have been that they don't want someone having a lot of salt and sugar. Keeping in mind I don' have kids and have never bought babyfood. I'd bet that you could find "crunchy granola" baby food that has no salt or sugar.

Personally I was not really hungry for the first week. Are you alowed to have protein shakes? If you are I would have your broth wait an hour and then have the protein shake. By spreading them it helps with the desperation of I am hungry and it is 3 hours before I can hve something else. Also (keeping in mind I am not a doctor) could you have extra broth? After all there is only like 25 cal. per cup.

Stevey, It sounds to me like you need another fill. I have 9.4 cc's and am just now getting restriction. My doctor says if you can't go 5 hours before being hungry you need a fill. It could be that you had restriction; lost weight around your stomach, and now the band is not tight enough, thus needing additional fill. Cindy, I have similar a simular situation where sometimes I have a hug gap between lunch and dinner. And to top it off I go to the gym in between. Anyone who tries to go 7 hours between meals is going to be ravenous. I think your Nut is concerned you will train yourself to need a snack and will have it even after restriction when you aren't really hungry. But again if you have'nt eaten in 7 hours you ARE hungry. My Nut approved in those situations having a low fat cheese stick, or a low cal/fat Protein shake. I like the Premier chocolate from costco (160 cal, 30 g protein).

<br /><br /><br /> I'm sorry to hear about your mother. I lost my father at a young age and it is very difficult. I know it's stereotypical but I'm not shocked that your father would have trouble verbalizing to his mother that he does'nt like the way they speak to you. Some people may disagree but I think when they make a hurtful comments that you should call them on it. You have rights as a person and their being your elders does'nt give them the right to ignore that.

I also did not notice hair loss the first couple months but in the last month it has increased a lot. I have always had seriously thick hair. My mother would always say "I don't know where that hair came from certainly not from me". When I get a hair cut they have to use the thinning scissors. Getting concerned! Anyway, I have an appointment with my hemotologist (had a blood clot 16 months ago) and will talk to him about Bioten. I want to check before taking it because Vitamins and minerals can affect alot of things. I will let you all know what he has to say if anything about vitamins that can help hair growth. I'm think working in oncology he will have some thoughts.

I can't consider my self a low carb person because I have no idea how many carbs there are in what I eat and I don't look. I will say though that I don't keep bread, crackers, chips, cake, candy, ice cream in my house. I have Kashi Go Lean High Protein Cereal that is supposed to only go in my morning yoghurt but I occationally have 1/2 cup snack (dry no milk). Personally I focus on what my protein is going to be and then add healthy options around it. I make baked chicken breast and have half a sweet potato instead of white. I am a big proponent of acknowledging that you will occationally eat something that is not health conscious (like the small piece of birthday cake at my great nephew's first birthday party. Oh and some ice cream.). Not to create emotional trauma but your next trip to the store; when choosing an item ask yourself "Would I have eaten this the first six months after I was banded?" "Would I be embarrased if I met my doctor in the store and this was in my cart?".

You mentioned swimming which is a GREAT exercise for overweight people. Disclosure: my mother swims every day and has done for the last 30 years. My 80 year old mother has had both hips replaced due to arthritis. So yes she swam before having her hips replaced but she continues to do so. Two years ago I could no longer take the pain in my right knee and finally went to the doctor. He said the weight had to come off, gave me some pain medication and showed me the door. Anyway presurgery I lost 82 pounds modifying my diet (sometimes more than others); and swimming 6-7 days a week. I wonder if her doctor has this opinion that to be fit and healthy you need to be this ultra gym rat who can run marathons. I don't run, have never run, and don't plan on running unless it's life or death. I guess I don't understand where the doctor gets off saying someone is'nt a candidate because they don't like their chosen exercise. My doctor wanted to know what strokes I did because he was on the swim team in college.

Are your parents still around? I'm sorry but I can't imagine a parent letting someone to abuse their children. What you are discribing is abuse. I know you are an adult but you are still your parent's child.

Did you ask your doctor if they put any liquid in the band. Some people who have a lot of trouble drinking post op discover they have a few CC's in there and when it's taken out they feel much better. As for pain I took liquid Tylenol for the first couple days on schedule to stay ahead of the pain.

I belonged to gym preband. I've never heard great things about Curves. Most people say they get board after a while because it is regimented. Another complaint was that hours were not convenient for someone who worked (open 9-6). Personally I swim so that limits me to a certain number of clubs. If you have health insurance see if they offer special discounts for certain gyms. Some will give a cash refund if you prove that you go X number days a week. My gym gives out a print out of everytime you logged in. I would decide which are the frontrunners and then ask for a free pass and then go when you would normally use it to see how busy the place is.

Disclaimer: speak with your surgeon. My person experience was 1 week clear liquids, but could have whey isolate Protein shakes (which are'nt clear); 1 week thicker liquids (tomato soup for example but not chicken noodle blended) plus Protein Shakes, 1 week soft low fat ricotta and cottage cheese and again thicker liquids, week four added in scrambled eggs and tuna fish and canned chicken. <br /><br />At my two week follow up I asked if I could move forward to next stage (2 days early). The answer NO! <br /><br />Yes doctor's order vary greatly. I know many people say this but my doctor is very well respected (people go to him to fix problems caused by other surgeons); and so far knock on wood I have'nt had any problems. I'm not saying this to be mean but often when people post about having a food issue immed. post surgery it's becuase they moved ahead on their own and ate something they should'nt have. Most doctors use a diet similar to what I was given and they do it for a reason. Your stomach undergoes a level of trauma during surgery and needs to heal around the band. I highly recommend watching a surgery on YouTube. Very cool and no blood.