HeatherinCA

I would wait till you are back on solids, then it's fine I mean I can't imagine it would feel good if you aren't eating at all. But remember, alcohol has a ton of calories.. so try to limit it to special occasions.

I actually wasn't that hungry.. but my fill KILLED my hunger, after it set in for a few weeks, I just lost my appetite (I got 5.5ccs for my fill), I'm almost never hungry anymore. If you get a really tiny fill, that may not happen, it may take a few before you get that feeling. Gaining weight or not losing at this point is normal, the first 6 weeks is about healing it'll even out

Yea, if people know they will be looking at you to lose weight. I think most of my friends and family are just really curious, and want to know how it all works. But nobody has ever been rude about it, or mean spirited. They are all supportive! I don't have a do not eat list, I can eat anything... well I just don't do carbonation. Generally if something is too high in calories I just won't eat it. It's not worth it. I mean I'd rather lose weight than eat a Hostess Cupcake I've decided. Ya know? Yea I started losing hair too. It's normal though, from excess weight loss and from surgery, my book says it starts about 3 months after surgery and can last for a few months. I've been a little bit plateaued too. I know it's my own fault, I've been eating too much, I only lost 6lbs in March (which is still "normal" but i'd like 8 or 10). I really slacked on my exercise, I hurt my thigh and it was killing me for most of the month ugh) I'm trying to pick it up a bit more lately. OMG congrats!! I think I'm gonna cry when I hit onderland. I honestly and truly can't remember being under 200lbs. I always would lose about 50lbs and get to like 205.. but then i'd stall out. Never quite hit it. Can't wait!

I feel pretty settled now, I've been banded about 4 months. It's more.. I just don't think about it as much anymore. I kinda know what I can eat and what I have to do, like not drink before meals, take my vitamins, and drink my water. But I mean, I'm always going to have to think about it. The world is working against me. Restaurants don't have healthy options, the grocery store is tempting, you just have to pay attention.

I agree with both of you! I physically can't eat WAY to much food, or I feel totally uncomfortable, But I definitely eat similar to you. I always felt weird seeing people eat like 1 egg for a meal... I tried that today I had 2 eggs and a tomato and I was starving in like 2 hours. The band kicks in the 20% I can't stick to my diet. It gives you that little bit of leeway.

Lucky! haha. The pre op is mainly to shrink your liver for surgery, some doctor's don't require it, and some don't require it if your BMI is lower. I personally liked it for the Water weight loss, I lost a good 15lbs from it, it was a nice jumpstart to my weight loss . But it's HELL haha.

Well, it's hard!! If you follow the rules, eat a 900-1200 calorie diet and exercise you WILL lose weight. (though that is easier said than done) It is a HUGE mental battle, and you have to force yourself to change your habits. I've been banded about 4 months, and I've had a good size fill and my hunger is gone. Do I still eat too much on occasion? YES. Even if I'm not hungry, it's a constant battle with my mind whether to eat or not. I would say if you are a grazer.. make your meals small, and allow for Snacks, for me I like 3 good size meals I do about 300 for Breakfast, 350 for lunch, 350-400 for dinner and about a 150 calorie snack somewhere in there. The band controls my hunger so I don't really feel the need to snack that much. If you snack a lot make your meals smaller so you have the calories available to you

You never know what will be the right spot for you. Listen to your body and when you can go 4-5 hours without being hungry then you are good. Don't look for "restriction" and for it to stop you from eating, because that won't happen.

The band doesn't stop you from eating and it never will. There is a hole, and food will pass through. Regardless you still need to follow a 900-1200 calorie diet to lose weight. That is simple math. I can eat anything I want, and fairly large portions, but I don't because I won't lose weight. The band should control your hunger level.. but it won't stop you from putting food in your mouth. Yea, it's possible there is another problem, but it also seems like you aren't following the rules. I agree with fluffy, I'm not hungry, so I don't feel like I need more Fluid in my band.

Leslie Sansone Walk at Home! I love those. I did 2 miles this morning. It's easy enough for someone larger, not a lot of stress on the body, but it's still a good workout. You can watch some of them free here: http://www.exerciset...=leslie-sansone (or plenty of others you can watch there) or I found them on ExerciseTV on demand (on Time Warner Cable) Also I've been doing the 30 Day Shred from Jillian Michaels, it REALLY kicks your ass if you can handle it haha. It's about 25 minutes, and it's a lot of impact, jumping jacks, push ups... etc but it's a really good work out in a short amount of time. Aha I actually wanna get the Richard Simmons ones! He actually teaches classes around here, I so wanna go

Healthy diet is 900-1200 calories a day.. I know you are fairly early on and may not be able to eat so much, but I'd up it a little bit and see if that helps. Remember this is your new life, it's not as much a "diet" don't starve yourself, eat a good regular, healthy diet.

Yea eat more just fill yourself up with healthier choices. Like, I wouldn't be satisfied eating 1 taco.. or 1/2 cup of Pasta. So I fill up on things that are lower calories. I'd rather have 4 turkey meatballs with sauce and cheese, than 1/2 cup of pasta.. Then I don't feel deprived. I also find low calorie substitutes for unhealthy things, like a bite size sugar free candy bar, instead of a big one. Or fat free frozen yogurt (it's a california thing lol), instead of ice cream. Or a pre-portioned Lean Cuisine pizza instead of slices of pizza from a restaurant. I still eat everything, but I do watch what goes in. If it's too bad for me, I usually don't want it! No food is as good as skinny feels

I'm doubting that is what she eats.. she's only lost 50lbs in 6 months. I'm sure if would be much higher if that is all she ate @ElfiePoo Yea to each their own, if they wanna do it fine. I don't see any harm in it. I just feel like it's a HUGE expense and a lot of work to lose 50lbs.

Ok I watched it. I I both agree and disagree with what was shown.. While, if you only need to lose 40-50lbs I don't understand why you would go through major surgery and spend the money. That's like $500 a pound.. But, seems to me, from reading this board for a few months a lot of people only lose 40-50lbs with the lapband then they kinda stall out. So maybe it is a good option if you have less to lose. I wish I could have done it when I was a little smaller (but I never had, and still don't have co-morbidies, even when I was 300lbs), but I think it's a bit ridiculous to do it to lose 40lbs. Especially because of the amount of work you still have to put into it to lose the weight. Also I didn't like how they portrayed the food... I would hope the lady that was 6 months out isn't eating 5 tablespoons of yogurt for lunch..I think they just worded everything wrong. Clearly that is what the liquid diet is for 2 WEEKS. It's not accurate to say you'd be satisfied eating that... also not accurate to say if you have another tablespoon of yogurt you'd puke LOL

I think it depends on your insurance company.. I don't know though. Yea like Spoilitmom said, if you just want it removed... i doubt that will be covered.

Congrats Mandy! You look great!

Depends on exercise and your body shape. I weigh 252 pounds and I wear a size 18 pants.. I've lost about 2-3 sizes on the top and bottom at 46 pounds down. I saw someone post just now they wear a size 22 pants and weigh 200 lbs.. so who knows!

@Purpleshell I was told to take a multivitamin and 1200-1500mcg of Calcium Citrate a day (like I take Viactiv) and then b12 1000mcg once a week. I wouldn't worry too much about it.. but I mean we don't eat THAT much food, it's a good boost for your system regardless, surgery or not.

Just make sure your meals are as protein rich as possible that will keep you full. Or things like Oatmeal fill me up good. Hunger will be there until you are filled to a good spot. (some people call this bandster hell) For me, a few weeks after my fill (I got 5.5ccs), my hunger was gone almost completely. Try to focus on other things also remember you are used to eating SO much food, that it's hard to feel satisfied on the small amounts. You will likely always have the capacity to eat whatever... you just have to control it and watch the calories. Yes, I can't eat nearly as much as I did before, but I can get a pretty good amount down if I I chose to.

I set my DVR. I saw the commercial the other day. I feel like I could eat less food, and still not be hungry, but there is no way my mind would be satisfied with 4 tablespoons of food. That's what I ate on the liquid diet haha... maybe that is what they meant?

I'm always hesitant to recommend a doctor to anyone. Since everyone has their own opinions and problems, and every body is different. My surgeon was Dr. Paya, his office is in West Hills, CA (I think there are other offices he visits also). I was banded at UC Irvine (center of excellence). I was recommended by a friend. http://www.surgithin.com/ I've had no problems. Surgery went off without a hitch. His office staff can be a bit dingy at times.. but they are helpful. The only thing I would say is he doesn't have much bedside manor. He just wants to get things done. But he was thorough at my consultation, and let me ask questions and everything. He's done over 1,000 surgeries. I've had one fill, he did it fluroscope, and I feel I'm full enough for now (5.5ccs, he's not one of those that is gonna give you .5ccs at a time, he wants you off and losing weight. asap). I think you do have to remember they do the surgery, the rest is up to you. I didn't pay any sort of "program fees" I paid to see the Nutritionist and the Psych.. (I had been going with him before I switched insurances so I paid $300 for each, but I'm sure it would of just been a co-pay if I was using insurance). Then I had to pay my personal doctor to get EKG, Chest Xray, and blood work. Do keep in mind the co-pay for surgery with insurance is about $3,000 for everything with anyone you see. My only advice is make sure you feel comfortable and it get it done at a HOSPITAL (my insurance required a Center of Excellence). I know I would not of felt comfortable at a surgery center. I know it's an easy surgery but you are still under full anesthesia and they are cutting into you! I want to make sure it's safe, and if there is an emergency they can do the best to fix you. This isn't like going to your doctor when you have a tummy ache. It felt more like plastic surgery to me.. yes they want your money, I think you would be hard pressed to find a surgeon that wasn't interested in that. It's ELECTIVE surgery, they are in the business of making money. Also if you don't lose weight, it's your own fault for not sticking to the plan. I think a lot of people are biased and bitter about the surgery and the money they spent.] I had gone to I believe Beverly Hills Surgeons before I saw him (I live near BH and wanted a close surgeon) and I felt extremely uncomfortable, and the doctor was extremely weird and old. I had to fill out a 250 question from about if I wanted to kill myself or if I hate the military stupid things like that, everything about the appointment was awkward..

I was banded 12/13 and i've lost 46 pounds. That's including the the 15 or so I lost on the pre-op diet. It's going pretty well. I agree it's hard to stay committed, but I do good most of the time. I could probably be better though.

My doctor had said once a week.. I have a sublingual liquid... pretty sure, i'd have to dig up the book. Vicky aww I'm sorry that happened. I've told everyone. I mean I don't like broadcast it at every meal. But nobody has been unsupportive or anything, or made comments about what I eat... I think it's good, because they all know so they will be looking at me, and there for rooting for me to succeed. Also I have a lot of family members and friends that are overweight, and I know they all want to know how I'm doing, to inspire themselves to get on track.

Some people have trouble with bread.. so it might ball up on you, especially since you aren't fully healed. I'm sure a bite or two would be fine. Maybe do some ice cream instead get a low-cal or something?