reverie

Congrats! Looks like you're off to a great start.

I eat every 3 hours; good for the muscles and the metabolism. 5 hours to me seems to be too much; your body needs constant fuel to keep it going. Each meal I shoot for a cup of food. 4oz protein (usually chicken or turkey) and 1/4-1/2 cup of veggies.

I think it all depends. With you doing exercise you may need more, but I'd test the waters first. I'm eating 900-1000 a day doing P90X and losing just fine. It really depends on your body; everyone is different. The fact is, however, that obese people do not need to eat as many calories as a normal person does.

I'd say exercise, eating more veggies, and eating a lot of poultry have been extremely important factors in my weightloss. Also eating every 3-4 hours has also been very helpful.

My port feels the same way. Though it may be scar tissue it is more than likely just your port that you're feeling. Mine has shifted and become more prominent as I've lost more and more.

Depends on your job. The more strenuous your job the longer time you will require off. I took off 2 weeks off though I could have went back in a week. I took advantage of my paid sick leave but I could have definitely been back in a week or so. Ask your surgeon what he thinks is best but really pay attention to how YOU feel physically.

That does sound pretty good. Will try it with some baked chicken. This can also be mashed so it's great for those still on the mushy phase!

I agree with a lot of the posts here. Though Spartan put it bluntly, maybe that's what you needed to hear despite your rebuttal towards him even though you started the thread calling yourself a moron. I'm not sure if you were looking for people to comfort/disagree with you or what you're seeking. Threads like this really make me wonder just how much people look into the WLS they're getting and just how much information they recieve from their surgeon. You should have been well-informed of what the Lapband surgery consists of. Very odd to me that you seemed well..clueless about what you were having done. While I doubt you've slipped your band or caused serious damage, you have interrupted the healing process of your stomach and you've basically admitted to resorting to old ways. I couldn't imagine getting a Big Mac down, fill or no fill. I'd really take some time to sit back and consider if you're truly looking to change. You're not just going to lose weight because you're eating less. I'd call your surgeon and speak to him/her. Maybe he/she will be able to guide you and sit down and explain in detail what you should and shouldn't do while banded. Best of luck to you.

It'll subside in time. Wait it out even though it is pretty uncomfortable.

A cup of food, 3 times a day with 2 smaller snacks.

I definitely love my band and don't regret the surgery one bit. I never imagined being 100lbs lighter, let alone losing 100lbs in just 8 months! My journey has been smooth as ever; no fills, only a handful of PB sessions, and yeah, I'm grateful for it!

Take a step back and realize you've lost 53lbs. That is A LOT of weight for your body to lose. Congratulate yourself on your loss so far. Until 6 weeks after surgery you are healing. Weightloss cannot and should not be a main goal during this time. You won't lose as quickly as you did with the liquid diet, please keep that in mind. Also remember that getting a fill does not mean weightloss. The scale will drop when your body is ready. Give it time to heal; you did just have a pretty invasive surgery.

New doctor! Find one who is encouraging, a good listener, and willing to help and support you when you hit a road bump.

That is right in line with the expected weightloss with Lapband. I think you're doing great!! Keep on pushing to get to your goal!

Train yourself to chew. Trust me when you don't chew with the band and you get stuck/PB, you'll learn to chew quickly!

I aim for 64oz a day as well. Water is a must have in weightloss.

I use Crystal Light and have recently come across protein water! I plan to try it to see how things go.

Congrats!! Awesome NSV. I was in a size 8 ring (my class ring) and it hasn't been worn in MONTHS! I miss it as it was my favorite ring but my fingers are now about a size 5. I love it!! Enjoy your tax return; I always owe, even at 19.

If you don't want to tell her you've been banded tell her you're dieting and watching what you eat and really sticking to it this time. Though it's highly sad and unfortunate that her sister's surgery did not go as planned and resulted in her dying, she'll have to realize (if you tell her) that lapband is a less invasive surgery and doesn't involve any cutting or removal of your stomach or digestive system. While she may resent you for it, which she shouldn't, she should hopefully be happy for you that you're not only looking to get your health back but that you made it through surgery safe and sound. At 450lbs, having any type of surgery is risky; I'm shocked the doctor operated on someone so large. Either way you don't have to tell her. There are some people who know I am 'dieting and exercising' which is true, I just have a little extra tool to help push me. She doesn't need to know that; do it when you're comfortable!

I did a lot of low sodium broth and cream of chicken soup, though I got sick of it easily. I mustered up my strength to drink my protein shakes though I hated the smell and taste. If protein shakes don't bother you look around for some protein shake recipes, there are some great ones out there! Torani sugar free syrup is a great way to add some extra flavor to them. Nowadays as I workout more I need more protein so I've been drinking RTD protein shakes. My favorite at muscle milk light and labrada lean body on the go. Both are low carb, low sugar, and high in protein.

Did your surgeon say you needed to lose weight before surgery in order to proceed? If not don't be worried. Some people lose a lot of weight on their pre-op diet (I lost about 12lbs) while other people any lose a little. The purpose of pre-op is to shrink your liver to make access to your stomach easier for the surgeon. As long as you stuck to your shakes and didn't eat foods outside of your pre-op diet allow list, I think you'll be fine! Don't over-worry yourself.

Congrats!!! That has to feel amazing. Before you know it you'll need a new pair of favorite jeans!

Common and though I didn't have a hiatal hernia repaired during my surgery I do know that it is great that your surgeon caught it before you were banded. They are known to cause problems post-op. Having your hernia repaired may lengthen your surgery but definitely not by much! Good luck.

Congrats at stopping the problem before it becomes a larger one! It's great to hear that you're looking to take charge again. Definitely drink protein shakes instead of all of the other unhealthy liquid calories you've been consuming.