CheckYes

Nope. You'll be fine.

I could have written this post. You and I are on the same page! I have followed the rules completely as well. Haven't had a bite of anything that I know are trigger foods for me since my surgery. I figure I might be able to try those things in moderation during maintenance but for now, my lifestyle change requires complete dedication too. The water trick is an excellent idea. I use it too but primarily because I don't drink at least 30 minutes before I eat. So, if I take a big chug of water or Crystal Light, I have to reset my countdown timer. That has helped me realize the difference between actual hunger and head hunger.

Hi, I think if you stick with the plan consistently, you will see some movement on the scale. You said you haven't been following the plan until recently. Just give it some more time. Recommit yourself to this journey and buckle your seat belt. You can do it. Sometimes turning over a new leaf is exactly the jump start you might need! All the best,

You said it yourself... You were in excruciating pain. That could not have gone on. An unfill was necessary. A seven pound gain is frustrating but you have been doing it without restriction for two months. If you have been eating poorly, change it right now. If you haven't been eating poorly, maybe start or bump up your exercising. You can do this. You are still very close to your minigoal. Refresh yourself and recommit to your eating plan whether you have restriction or not. Stay strong!

I was just saying today to my sister that plus sizes have a huge jump between sizes. My sister can fit an 8 and a 10 in the same pant without much difference but when I was in a 22, a 24 was huge on me and a 20 was impossibly small. Don't despair. You will start flying through sizes in no time.

Hi, I'd suggest you don't put a time goal. It can lead to frustration and cause you to not follow your doctors plan properly. I use LoseIt calorie/weight tracker and it says that if I plan to lose 1-2 pounds a week I should lose the rest of my excess weight by November (I think). I don't really go by that other than to sometimes think "Oooh, by next Christmas I might be THIS size". My doctor's office set an initial goal for me of 170. I'm currently 201.9. Started at 256.4. They picked that number because that was the lowest I can remember weighing in the past 20 years and I was only there for about a week! Technically, with the band you should lose 1-2 pounds a week (usually faster in the beginning) so if you really NEED a time goal for yourself - it would be one year (53.3 weeks) from surgery for lose the 80 pounds. Don't get discouraged by that though. It will probably go much faster!

It is totally normal to have emotions/worries/fears about surgery. Yes, a band is a huge change but it is FOR THE BETTER! I was pretty teary the morning of my surgery. The nurses/anesthesiologist/surgeon were all very kind and understanding. It was over before I knew it. I think on the second or third day, I woke up feeling so upset that I had to have surgery to lose weight. However, four months and 54 pounds later - I am so glad I have done this. Sure, I have a couple of scars but I'm wearing American Eagle jeans again - size 16 no less and am not even half way to my goal. I guess my point is - there are so many people relying on you to have a healthy, happy life. Think of this surgery as a way to get there. You can do this - you will be ok - and you sound like you have made a thoughful and informed decision. Trust yourself. Above all, be gentle with yourself. It's ok to feel nervous. Please keep us posted when you get home from surgery and let us know how it went.

My surgery was at 11:00 and I was home by 2:00. I totally agree - if you can't stay, you will be okay.

Can I suggest you look into food Addicts Anonymous. You can get the kind of support there that you need. You'll get a sponsor, work the 12 steps, etc. Check out www.foodaddictsanonymous.org for a meeting near you. I think they also have online meetings. I found that it was different that Overeaters Anonymous in the type of program you follow and the level of support that you will receive. There are meetings every day of the week in Northern California, so I imagine you might find one nearby. I know the idea of going to a meeting with a bunch of other people is a bit daunting. But, it's like being on LapBandTalk. They've all been there. I wish you lots of luck in this battle. Please just at least look at the website. www.foodaddictsanonymous.org

I bet your surgeon put saline in your band at the time of surgery. Call and find out. Ask to have it removed if there is fill in there. If there isn't, don't wait too long to do something about it. Being dehydrated is bad news! Best wishes!

I would guess that your surgeon put fill in at the time of surgery. I would suggest you have it removed if he did. I never really get why some surgeons do this. Seems to me that I read about problems from that sort of thing more often than I read about people having fill placed during surgery not having problems. For you not to be able to drink Water is dangerous to your healing and your health. Check with your surgeon - I bet if you do have fill and it is removed - you will be back to a walk in the park. Seriously.

I take Benefiber daily. I just mix it into my coffee - would never know it is there. I also primarily eat Protein because I am just not hungry for much else. I do try to make my evening snack a good veg - cauliflower or pickles usually. I have IBS but it has improved dramatically since I was banded.

Fat free Refried Beans are awesome. Good Protein and the fat free ones taste just like regular. Dannon makes a carb control yogurt that i ate daily. Cottage cheese, pureed chili or bean Soups. I didnt eat any potato or cream soups so i know there are lots of other choices. Once you are done healing you will be able to eat a variety of foods that include lean Proteins and veggies. Potatoes aren't great for weight loss but you are healing and should focus on that for now.

My mom refuses to drive on the freeway so we hit every red light and speed bump.... Not happy!

Do you have fill in your band which was put in at surgery? If so, have it removed. You should call you surgeon. Chest pain should not be ignored. Keep us posted.

Yayyyyyyyyyy! I see cute summer dresses in your near future!!!

I take B12 daily lately. Is there a reason you only take it once a week or was that a typo? The sublingual tablets are the only way I can get my body to absorb B12. Do you use those?

I'm feeling this way too. No fills yet but I haven't needed one. I only crave protein and veggies so I'm not really fighting any battles right now. I am sure that will change someday but for now I am enjoying the ride.

I use good old AVOIDANCE! Avoid them all until after surgery. Ask your friend to delete her comment.

Stick with your doctors orders! See if you can bottle that energy and save it for when you are allowed to work out. Walking doesn't hurt at all... Maybe you can do that until you have clearance.

Ok. I am torn about whether to say this or not.... but here goes... If you are not required to be on a pro-op diet - why put yourself through that? You will lose weight with the band and two weeks or tortuous denial of food will only prolong the agony. The post-op stage is hard enough to handle without having been denied stuff in advance of surgery! Plus, I would do your very best not to GAIN weight before surgery but I wouldn't restrict yourself too much. What's wrong with ribs? Protein is good for you. As long as it isn't a McRib, I say go for it. I am not trying to discourage you from trying to lose weight prior to surgery - just don't be so hard on yourself or restrictive. You will have enough of that to contend with post-op and during bandster hell!

i didn't use a food processor either. I ate lots of beans, fat free refried beans, tuna and scrambled eggs. My surgeon said there was no need to puree scrambled eggs or canned tuna.

I had that headache just after surgery too. I found that what helped me was drinking a tiny glass of lower sugar apple juice. Within fifteen minutes after that, it was gone until the next morning. I would ask your surgeon too. I found that I felt better once I stopped the pain pills. You may also want to get liquid tylenol. I hear it has been recalled by you can get the generic brand at CVS.

Give it a bit more time. It may change in a few more weeks. I felt that same kind of sensation at first too. Now, I only feel that way when I have slept on top of my remote control in bed!

I don't know if I have restriction but I eat like I do. I haven't had a fill yet either and really am not hungry and haven't been since surgery.