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Both of those will create an obstacle for you. Add unflavored protein powder to as much as possible or even supplement with a protein added to crystal light to get both the protein and water in. Sip, sip, sip water throughout the day. Good luck!

Woo Hoo! That is wonderful, Congratulations! I am going to be joining you shortly if this last pesky half pound would like to leave, that is!

For many of us we have to stop drinking a half hour before eating and can't resume drinking until a half hour after eating. If you do not sip water contiuously throughout the day it is difficult to get all 64 ounces in. I learned to carry a small bottle of water with me. Sometimes, while running errends, at work meetings, at kids activities it isn't easy to access water and sometimes it is inappropriate to be consuming anything. While not impossible to work around it sometimes takes some practice and planning.

They sure seemed put off by having to cook real food that had nutritional value. I'm pretty sure the gov't guidelines are created by many lobbiests for certain areas of the food industry. Such a shame especially when so many children are at or below the poverty level in many public schools and are relying on school Breakfast and lunch to sustain them. Those meals could be a way of teaching sound nutriton, it is a shame they are not.

I thought it was really good as well. Anyone who knows anything about sound nutrition knows that school lunches are the worse things out there. I don't care how healthy they say they are! Friday, the HS I teach at had motzarella cheese sticks (you got 5) a medicine cup of tomato sauce, canned green Beans, and a "salad" which is a quarter cup of iceburg lettuce and nothing else as well as your choice of milk and some strawberies that were in a frozen cup and all runny--looked like ice cream topping and it was loaded with high fructose corn syrup--strawberries was the fifth ingredient. One of the girls at work bought school lunch for a few weeks straight, and she put on over 10 pounds, the weight came off when she stopped eating the unhealthy foods. Everything is processed. OP wasn't the chicken nugget experiment gross? I could not believe how under educated the children in that school were--sorry basic use of a dull knife and fork as well as not knowing what veggies were. I about fell off my chair when the head cook said the kids could only eat with spoons because they were too young to use other utensils. My kids were eating with dull knives and forks by the time they were three. The principal was a bit out of touch as well.

My first fill was recently and they used the numbing stuff first. I am glad they did as I am not sure I would have been able to hold the ab crunch while they inserted the big needle without flinching or worse. She did get the port on the first try but I was surprised by how much bruising I had from it!

My first fill was a part of my aftercare. I believe that it is considered aftercare for 90 days after surgery with my insurance plan. Then I was told I would have to pay two specialist copays for each fill. One copay for the fill and one for the appointment. I'm still not clear and will take it up with my insurance for clarification.

Hmm...my guess is just like every surgeon has different "rules", every nutritionist may as well. For me right now I am at beginning and getting in enough of anything seems to be difficult, so I do track calories. I do not "count" them trying to stay under a certain amount or anything , but I do log my food to be sure that my calories are within a certain range, much like I track my protein grams to be sure that I am getting in what I need to.

KayC, I'm sorry that you had to endure this, but I am confused. Did you have bypass or a band? The reason I ask is that lapband and realize bands (the adjustable bands have not been around for 16 years) so that would explain why you have not had fills.

A typical day for me when I am using solids is around 600-800 calories I need to get that to 1000-1200. How can I do that? A typical on solids day for me would be Breakfast: 1/2 packet of high fiber/high Protein cream of wheat with a scoop of unjury powder to boost the protein(175 cals, 23.5 grams of protein) or 1/4 cup egg substitute with 1 tablespoon chopped spinach, chopped mushrooms and 1 oz of lowfat cheese or (about 100 cals, 14.5 grams of protein) just a Protein shake if I am in a huge hurry or if I am feeling tight (180 cals, 28 grams of protein) Snack of a 40z Greek yogurt if I am hungry, nothing if I am not (110 cals, 10 grams of protein) lunch 1-2 ounces of chicken or turkey or 2.6 ounces of tuna 1 tablespoon of a starch, 1 tabelspoon of a veggie (usually 120-220 in calories and 18 grams of protein) Snack Hummus or a shake if I am hungry (50 cals and 1 gram protein or 100 cals and 20 grams of protein) dinner 1-2 ounces Chicken, turkey, beef or tuna 1-2 tbsp of starch usually couscous or mashed potatoes) 1-2 tbsp of veggies (150-200 calories and about 20 grams of protein) If I am under protein calories I will add an additonal shake to the day either made with milk for 28 grams of protein (180 cals), or with Water for 20 grams of protein (100 cals). Thanks for any ideas you can share with me!

Wednesday when I went for my fill the PA went over my calories with me and said to be sure they are between 1000-1200. She did notice I was falling short when we discussed what I was eating and when she downloaded what I was tracking from the realize my success site. I do not have anything resembling restriction yet, so yes I guess I can increase the amount of protien, starch and veggie that I portion out. Usually I do get my full signal by the time I complete my usual dinner and lunch, so I thought I should stop eating to get my habits in line for full restriction. Before fill I was getting a hunger signal about 3 hours after eating. Now that I have had my fill I am back to closer to 4. I know when I have too much sodium I retain water wicked bad so that holds up weight loss and I stear clear of processsed foods. Thanks for the ideas so far!

I had a fill on Wednesday. I could do clear liquids ofor 24 hours, then full liquid for 48 hours. I will start mushies tomorrow at dinner when my 48 hours is up! I am not supposed to progress to my regular diet until 7-8 days after a fill.

You can do it! I started my pre-op on a Friday as well, using the unjury powder. It went very well for me so I am sure it will go well for you too! If you want to add a little something to the strawberry sorbet flavor I use 16 ounces fo water, 2 scoops of unjury and 1 packet of crystal light lemonade--it tastes really good and really packs in the protein.

I use it to track my food and such. I don't love the site but it isn't awful either. I like the Realize band site better, but it won't unlock all of the tools if you don't have a realize band.

The week before my first fill I could pretty much get anything down. I ate half a 6 inch subway sub with double meat and cheese. I used a plate and a knife and fork and cut the pieces really small. Next time I will just get the salad, but I didn't have any issues with the bread.

Sounds to me like he may be getting negative feedback form the insurance companies where bands are concerned, and he prefers to work with a "sure thing". The band is 70% us and 30% the tool we have to work with, where the bypass is the opposite. I am curious about what extra "stuff" you did. DId you do the paych eval and the nut? Were they "canned" to get the sign off or were they real? By that I mean, has your nutritionist gone over menus with you? Has s/he worked with you to figure out if you have foods that don't work well with you--like white refned carbs, etc. As someone who has struggled with my weight nearly all of my life and gained/lost/gained back more time after time I think you should be proud of your loss so far. While it is not the 2 pounds per week that is stated it is still a good loss. I would suggest that you see a nutritonist since your dr. seemed to be venting but not productive in his suggestions. If you encounter the same attitude the next time you go, I would ask for his suggestions or find myself a new practice.

I have lost about 6 pounds since being banded. It was rather discouraging because I went three weeks with no loss, but once I could eat solids agian I was in business! I have been careful to keep my protein up and get in at leat 80 grams, sometimes more. I still rely on shakes and plain protein powder to help keep the levels up. I am going to get a photo so I can update mine, I think I have lost a good amount since that picture was taken. Sheer willpower is what I am running on. I am constantly hungry, I believe I could eat the table and all four legs, but I keep trying to stay away from the darkside. Protein is helping, but sometimes at work the hunger gets over the top. I am working on finding a better way to deal with it. I did cave and get a salad from the school cafeteria--I wish I could say it was healthy, but just iceberg lettuce, 1 ounce of shredded cheese and three small cucumber slices with ranch dressing can't be too healthy. I'm going to go easy on myself since it wasn't cookies and my stomach was making enough noise to disrupt my students! Things I have been able to do that I have not been able to do in a long time--I fit into my size 18 jeans and dress pants now. That allowed me to purge my closet of 26, 24, 22 and 20. I may keep one pair of 26 to remind myself of where I have been. Meanwhile I guess I'd better separate things into lots of similiar size and item to get onto ebay. I just hate to throw away good clothes! I went to my daughters cello concert and really fit into the seat, not sorta or sideways but really fit into the seat--that was huge! I go for a fill on Wednesday...good thing too because currently any small animals that cross my path are in danger! I am going to make sure I am all stocked on clear liquids and full liquids for the 2-3 days after my fill. Overall my energy has returned, although by the end of the workday I could still use a little nap! I have no real pain except near my port when I bend in certain ways and my waistband tugs at the area. All but one incision is completely healed. I ventured out with DH, who needed a new wardrobe, on Saturday. He started South Beach with me back in August when I started this journey. He had about 40 pounds to lose and lost it all--yeah him! He needed all new clothing as his pants were way too big and he was swimming in his shirts. We were in the store a long time and it got past lunch time, so for the first time since surgery I ventured to a restaurant. It went well, I ate very little--asked for an appy plate, moved my food to it and it worked well. I did not; however, remember that I am not supposed to drink with meals so I ordered an unsweetened iced tea. I will try not to make that mistake again. I did get a few sips near the end of the time there since it was about a half hour after I finished my salad. I was trying to avoid going out, but now see I can do it and not miss the things I used to eat. One more pound and I have lost 50 since starting my initial office visit in August. I'd like to lose it before I head to the Dr. on Wednesday. If it is still here on Wednesday then for sure it will be gone by my next fill! I am still very happy I decided to go ahead and do this. I keep thinking about how great it will be when I reach my sweet spot!

I have lost about 6 pounds since being banded. It was rather discouraging because I went three weeks with no loss, but once I could eat solids agian I was in business! I have been careful to keep my protein up and get in at leat 80 grams, sometimes more. I still rely on shakes and plain protein powder to help keep the levels up. I am going to get a photo so I can update mine, I think I have lost a good amount since that picture was taken. Sheer willpower is what I am running on. I am constantly hungry, I believe I could eat the table and all four legs, but I keep trying to stay away from the darkside. Protein is helping, but sometimes at work the hunger gets over the top. I am working on finding a better way to deal with it. I did cave and get a salad from the school cafeteria--I wish I could say it was healthy, but just iceberg lettuce, 1 ounce of shredded cheese and three small cucumber slices with ranch dressing can't be too healthy. I'm going to go easy on myself since it wasn't cookies and my stomach was making enough noise to disrupt my students! Things I have been able to do that I have not been able to do in a long time--I fit into my size 18 jeans and dress pants now. That allowed me to purge my closet of 26, 24, 22 and 20. I may keep one pair of 26 to remind myself of where I have been. Meanwhile I guess I'd better separate things into lots of similiar size and item to get onto ebay. I just hate to throw away good clothes! I went to my daughters cello concert and really fit into the seat, not sorta or sideways but really fit into the seat--that was huge! I go for a fill on Wednesday...good thing too because currently any small animals that cross my path are in danger! I am going to make sure I am all stocked on clear liquids and full liquids for the 2-3 days after my fill. Overall my energy has returned, although by the end of the workday I could still use a little nap! I have no real pain except near my port when I bend in certain ways and my waistband tugs at the area. All but one incision is completely healed. I ventured out with DH, who needed a new wardrobe, on Saturday. He started South Beach with me back in August when I started this journey. He had about 40 pounds to lose and lost it all--yeah him! He needed all new clothing as his pants were way too big and he was swimming in his shirts. We were in the store a long time and it got past lunch time, so for the first time since surgery I ventured to a restaurant. It went well, I ate very little--asked for an appy plate, moved my food to it and it worked well. I did not; however, remember that I am not supposed to drink with meals so I ordered an unsweetened iced tea. I will try not to make that mistake again. I did get a few sips near the end of the time there since it was about a half hour after I finished my salad. I was trying to avoid going out, but now see I can do it and not miss the things I used to eat. One more pound and I have lost 50 since starting my initial office visit in August. I'd like to lose it before I head to the Dr. on Wednesday. If it is still here on Wednesday then for sure it will be gone by my next fill! I am still very happy I decided to go ahead and do this. I keep thinking about how great it will be when I reach my sweet spot!

WooHoo that is fabulous. I am so excited for you!:thumbup:

Concurring with those that say your protein grams are too low. Up your protein. Centrum complete chewables are what I use for my vitamin. The taste isn't great, but it has everything in it!

Are you on clear liquid or into the full liquid stage...since drs vary so much I just was wondering. If you are on full liquid mix the contents with something a bit more viscous--pudding or apple sauce. It will stick to the food more and slide down rather than get stuck all over your mouth. I was able to take all pills in full form after my surgery so this grinding of pills and opening capsules isn't something I had to deal with.

Why not just do phase one of South Beach if you are trying to detox carbs and feel fuller longer? I don't think of South Beach as a diet, but more of an life plan for eating healthier and keeping my body working at its best. High on protien and clean carbs it works well with the band.

About three inches below my right rib. I can feel it when I sleep on my right side--not very comfy!

I would be pissed as well. Sorry but if you know someone is known for not getting it in the port than don't let that person do fills! If you paid copays I hope you are getting them back! Very unprofessional!

My Dr. shared that no weight loss or even a small gain could occur until proper restriction is achieved especially if eating habits are not changed before the surgery. During my first three weeks after surgery I had only a one pound loss, but as soon as I was able to eat solids again the scale started moving again. I am glad because the first three weeks were very discouraging. Now I do not expect the huge loss I had when I completed the pre-op diet, but when I get on the scale weekly I am looking for it to read a little less than the previous week--I figure my goal weight is so far away that I no longer set mini-goals of 20 by x amount of time, I simply say the next time I get on the scale I would like to be one pound down from where I am now. Of late I am seeing a 3 pound weight loss per week and am happy, figuring it will slow to 2 pounds a week which I am still ok with. Seriously dropping about one size per month is something I can be happy with.