Raych

I am also trying to conquer night eating. One thing I do is drink sugar free hot cocoa. It's soothing, sadly just like the food is to me. I've realized I can eat 1000 calories during the day and still eat 900 at night or eat 300 calories during the day and eat 900 at night, it's habit and comfort. I now plan for night time snacking and work it into my day if I feel like I'll really need it. With the band I truly am not as hungry during the day and realize the night snacking is also in my brain so I'll limit more what I eat during the day in order to snack at night. Lastly, I've changed what I snack like the cocoa or lower calorie Snacks. It's definitely been the hardest thing to get control of since being banded. Hope this helps; good luck!

I've used PB2 in the past and it's fine but their is a product called Better-n-peanut butter that is soooo good. You can get it at Trader Joe's and they have a website. It has 100 calories for 2 T and 2 grams of fat. It has really saved me, I love, love, love it!

What is the most weight you've lost in one month and what do you think you did differently? I'm just curious - always trying to try something new or change routine/food/exercise. Thanks

Something that I've realized with the band compared to all the other times I tried to lose weight is it goes in stages. Some months I'm super in-tune and lose well, other months it's a struggle. With the band you should eventually actually make that lifestyle change but it takes time, a long time to get it right. Like the others said, just keep plugging along and remember you will lose with the band. Good luck and hang in there, it's still so tough and I think at least for me, I was surprised at how hard it still is to lose the weight.

Push-ups are a great way to help the triceps. I have lost 80 and my arms are horrible. I just started using my kettlebell to do tricep exercises. Man, that sucker is heavy. I have 30 to 40 more to lose and I keep reading that we need to wait one-year before really freaking out on flab, that a lot of may go away.

I actually use a product called Better-n-Peanut Butter. You can get it at Trader Joes. It has 100 calories, only 2 grams of fat and 4 of protein for 2 tablespoons. Anyway, I do the 2 T and a bit of jelly and smash up a large cracker. That way I'm getting some crunch in. It's a yummy dessert for me.

It is food you can eat easily - doesn't get stuck in the band. M&M's, mashed potatoes for some. It's usually processed or unhealthy food that goes through pretty easy. Milkshakes, ice cream, etc. The band is the tool, our brain has to do most of the work. It has taken me quite a long time to avoid slider foods altogether.

That happens to me also when my band is tightened. It's restriction from the food - either eating a little too much or a little too fast. With me, it's a usually a little too fast. A year out and I still struggle with slowing down to eat.

Yep, got home about 6. I think they only do surgery one or two days per week so they schedule quite a few. Just be patient.

My only complaint was that my surgery was scheduled for 9am and I didn't get in until about 3pm. Otherwise, it was all good. Just bring a book or something to keep you occupied while you wait. Since it's a one-day surgery it was fine. Good luck.

Dr. Soong did my surgery in July, 2009. I was very happy with the surgery, after care and now my fills. Please contact me if you have specific questions, I will happily be honest with you about everything. Overall, I don't think you could find a better doctor.