ppastore

I'll try soaking them and maybe blanching the veggies a bit. I'm not giving up on this option. I really love getting the veggies this way. Thanks.

I have had my band for 5 years and have had a lot of issues with it. It slipped and I had to have it readjusted, I am only able to tolerate micro-fills and have really had a hard time with night coughs, etc. I haven't had a fill in over a year and find that I am not hungry, generally, but I know that I am not getting enough fruits and vegetables (especially) so I bought a Nutribullet extractor and have been drinking vegetable/fruit combo smoothies and loving them. The problem: Gas. Horrible, horrible pains. I don't know if this is something that my system will adjust to or if this is just not going to be an option for me. I hate to give it up. I try to drink one smoothie a day (combo spinach, cucumber, kiwi and banana is my favorite), I've been counting my WW points and I've lost 16 lbs. I have been to the doctor to see if this was something other than gas but it isn't. Does anyone have comments about how to deal with this? I've tried a lot of over-the-counter gas remedies but generally they aren't helping. Thanks.

I gave up reading the WW boards a long while ago. Weight loss is such a personal thing. Like you, I am finding that they key for me is a nice balance between WW and the band. WW helps me get more variety into my meals and monitor the portion size. With the band I am not hungry, though I have had my issues with both. Don't let the negativity bring you down. Just don't go the boards. I love the WW tools, the weight tracker, recipe builder, etc but never go to the boards. Best of luck to you!

I had my lap band surgery in May 2010. It's been a very slow go for me, partially because of my own unwillingness to do what I'm supposed to do. I have always been a late night person and it's difficult for me to stop eating at 6 or 7 or even 8. Because of that I have suffered a lot of reflux, night coughing, etc and my weight loss has been suffering because of it. I re-joined WW online about 2 months ago and lost 10 lbs immediately. I stopped eating after 8:00 pm and I'm no longer coughing, etc. I've had micro-fills with the band because I can't seem to tolerate the regular fills. I think I'm still under 50% full. I find now that I am tracking points I can eat a wide variety of foods but because of the band I am unable to process the fibery vegetables, etc. I've added a green supplement to my diet, a good multi, Vitamin D and bee pollen for the B Vitamins...It seems to be going ok. I find now that I'm hungry so it's time to go for another fill but with the help of WW I feel that I am in control again. I know that the WW forums don't take kindly to the banders but we all have to do what we have to do. I personally find that the combination of the 2 is going to work very well for me. I can eat my points and not feel hungry or tempted because I am full. I will take the slow losses as long as down is the direction I'm going. I really need and appreciate this forum. I hope there will be a lot of interaction here. Thanks all.

I, too, am going on a long flight. I just had my first fill yesterday and my doctor said I would be ok, though the nutritionist suggested that I take protein powder on the plane in case the food won't go down. In the best of times airplane food doesn't go down very well!! :frown: I wil be as prepared as I can. Fingers crossed!

I am taking a long trip to Europe. I just had my first fill and I'm leaving next Friday. Did you notice a difference in the band while you were flying? I, too, am worried about the seat thing. I've lost 23 lbs but it's not enough to eliminate the extension. I've very concerned about flying.

Not to worry, you'll be fine. During the first 2 weeks you are allowed vegetables and sugar free Jell-O, etc. The point is to decrease the fat around your liver so try to avoid fatty foods but I had egg whites during my first 2 weeks and even threw in a few lentils into my broth and it was fine. But try to stick to the liquids as much as possible. It is in your own best interest. You can do it!

I felt the same as you. They want to show that you are serious about the weight loss and are committed to it and the insurance needs it (at least mine did) as part of their qualifying criteria. Another reason is to try to shrink the fat around your liver so that the surgery will be easier for you. I didn't lose any weight - maybe 2 lbs and I had to be on a 6 month supervised program. Do the best you can and try to restrict the fatty foods. The process pre-surgery is much worse than anything after that.