Search the Community

Its raining today, which the sun would shine and warm up just a little bit. Can't wait to get my 1st fill. I'm wanting something sweet, like a brownie or cookie. I'm a cookie monster big time. I have never met a cookie that I didn't like. Its been 4 weeks since I have had any thing sweet. Thats a really long time for me to go without sweet things. I'm drinking a glass of water right now maybe that will help. Who am I kidding. Its really bad when you have to tell yourself that water is the answer. I proud of myself, I haven't missed the diet coke at all. That really surprises me. I thought it would be the hardest thing to do, but it's not. Wish rest of the stuff would be that easy. I'm going to try tuna tonite for supper. I have never just ate tuna without bread. I'm to scared to try bread, besides if I fine out that it goes down easy, it might be to easy to eat something else that I don't want to start eating again. Time to get busy, and stop feeling sorry for myself. This is want I wanted. I do feel better, but still have low energy level, hoping that will get better soon.

I was banded on 11/10 at Day One by Dr. Ellie. Surgery was a lot quicker than I thought. I also had my hernia repaired so the healing is taking a little longer.

You had ur surgery 10 days before me, and I eat about 800 calories. So I'd say your right on track.

I'm from No. Cal but hopefully I can shed a little light. Up here we are required to go to classes while we are in the process of jumping from their hoops. We are also required to loose 10% of our weight prior to surgery. This amount is determined by the amount you weigh at the time you go to orientation. Yes, we had to have our blood tests, ekg and I think a chest x-ray prior to orientation. If it's more than 6 months before you get surgery, you will probably have to have them done again. To my knowledge, Kaiser does not require you to show you went to Jenny Craig or WW type of weight loss programs. They want you to go through theirs so that they know you have been educated on how to eat and what it will be like after WLS. They also require the weight loss and classes to find out if you are really dedicated to following the programs. You can loose as much weight as you want prior to surgery and you won't be "disqualified" from surgery. They psych evaluation is to make sure you know what you're getting into and to make sure you're not someone who will abuse the ability to loose weight. This is a truly life changing surgery and there will be times that without your shield of food you will have to learn to deal with something differently. It's not something that is overly traumatic to most people but it is a fact. Should you have questions prior to oreintation I would call patient services. They can either give you the answer or give you the number to the bariactric department. This is what I did when nobody could answer whether Kaiser did lap bands or not. They can also tell you the require

I, personally, think you should have decided on the band before you booked the procedure -- kind of scary to second guess this when your surgery is just over a week away. BUT... There is another website I frequent where someone just asked this question....you might like their responses. However, most people on that board that didn't have the band are pretty ill-informed about it. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/messageboard/postdetail/1262177.html?vc=0 http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/postdetail/171393.html?vc=0 http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/postdetail/170826.html?vc=0 My cravings are pretty much gone. Sure, every once in a while, I crave something specific: mexican food or itialian or something, but I don't crave food in general. I don't have the feeling that I need to eat, eat, eat. That comes with good restriction as I don't feel hungry. Here are the reasons that I went with lapband: (note: this is posted from my blogspot where I journal these things) There are a few different types of weight loss surgery. They each work a bit differently and the results are different. One of the most popular ones is called RNY, where they cut your stomach to make a much smaller pouch that feeds into your intestines. They also shorten your intestines to prevent food from absorbing into your body as quickly. Depending on the person, they can either do the surgery laproscopically or open. I believe the surgery takes a couple of hours. From what I understand, most of the weight lost after this surgery is in what they call the "window of opportunity"-18-24 months after surgery. People can expect to lose 50-70% of their excess weight. A newer surgery is called Lap Band. Most of these are performed laproscopically. They place a band around the top portion of your stomach to make it smaller (called a pouch). It makes your stomach like an upside down funnel. You have the full sized stomach, but the opening is alot smaller, so you feel full faster because you have to wait for the food to go through the funnel into the larger part of your stomach. The FDA approved this method in 2001 for the US, but it has been performed before that in Europe. Weight loss with this approach is slower, but there is no "window of opportunity". After surgery, people can get "fills". The band around the stomach is filled with saline and can be filled up to be tighter or emptied to be looser, giving the person some freedom. Here are my reasons for having the lap-band: 1. My stomach/intestines will not be cut/staped/rearranged. If I ever had to have it reversed, it is much easier to remove the band than to re-cut the stomach. 2. I do not have to worry about malabsorption of my food and nutrients. All my nutrients will be absorbed the same as they are pre-surgically. People with RNY really have to watch their Vitamins since their stomach and intestines don't absorb nearly as much. People with a lap-band have to watch their vitamins too because they can't eat as much, but what they do take in vitamin-wise will all be absorbed. 3. Weightloss is slower. This helps with skin not to be as saggy after the weight loss. It also helps me establish lifestyle changes instead of using the "window of opportunity". People who lose weight very quickly often get gallstones and then need their gall bladder removed. I'd like to avoid that. 4. The band can be adjusted if needed. If the weight isn't coming off well, the fill can be increased. If the weight is coming off too quickly, the fill can be decreased. If I ever get pregnant :-) and need to eat more, I can get an unfill. This is true even 10 years down the road. 5. Lower mortality rate by far. 6. Less complications post-surgical, since there are less changes in your body and no cuts. 7. Shorter hospital stay. Most Lap Band patients are in and out in a day, if they have a fairly early surgery time and no complications with anesthesia. Here is information on Lap-Band: http://wlssearch.com/surgicalweightloss.htm http://www.nevdgp.org.au/geninf/std_misc/OBESITY_SURGERY.htm http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/about.html http://www.lap-band.com/about.html http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mda/docs/p000008.html

It has to start somewhere. 2 years ago in the begininning of October I was interviewing Drs... shleping into their office with my 77 inch hips stuffed in my sized 2-3x shirts and 4x skirts... today I am buying small shirts and sized medium or 10 pants and skirts feeling like I own the world! You can do this!

Me too..,I just had to remember to stop before i got full SD: 10/10/12, Converted from Lapband to RNY, HW (before band) 263, HW (RNY) 230, Preop 219, after surgery 223, CURRENT... 191YIPPEE!!

I have a recumbent bike / elliptical that I use every day. I have a 20 pound kettlebell that I can't lift. I have 1,2,5, and 10 pound weights, plus ankle and wrist weights. I have a collection of workout DVDs so that I don't get bored, plus I can work out in my jammies and not have to get dressed to go out to a gym, for which I would have to pay to work out in front of lunks and Barbie Dolls. Here is my list with my personal reviews: MISS MAC’S EXERCISE VIDEO COLLECTION (With Reviews) CHAIR EXERCISES 1. STRONGER SENIORS STRETCH AND STRENGTH (Anne P. Burnell) It’s easy for people with mobility issues. 2. STRONGER SENIORS PILATES (Anne P. Burnell) Pilates based exercises suitable for anyone with limited ability or range of motion issues. 3. EASY CHAIR EXERCISES: PILATES AND CALISTHENICS (Sunshine) Easy to follow beginning level. 4. CHAIR AEROBICS FOR EVERYONE – BEACH PARTY (Ronit Amaya) Circuit training with ‘60’s beach music. Very easy – may be too easy and not much of a workout for some people, but if you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, this might be perfect for you. 5. CHAIR EXERCISES (David Stamps) a. Chair Salsa b. Chair Aerobics c. Chair Tai Chi d. Chair Boxing Trainer David Stamps is easy follow. I use these on “Bad Days” when I can’t do my workouts standing up or sciatica is bothering me. STRETCHES 1. STRETCH, FLEX, AND TONE (GAIM) Slow and relaxed Pilates and Calisthenics that can be done standing or in a sitting in a chair. Helpful for a tight back. 2. CLASSICAL STRETCH (Miranda Esmonde) As seen on her PBS show. Easy but effective. You really get a thorough workout, but she’s so pleasant that you don’t care. It wore me out, but I knew I had put my work in for the day. 3. PILATES FOR WIMPS (Natural Journeys) This is a good basic Pilates workout if you don’t feel like going to the gym. 4. EASY YOGA FOR ARTHRITIS (Peggy Cappy) Increases Mobility. Gentle movements with modifications. STRENGTH AND RESISTANCE 1. FUNCERCISE BOOMERS WORKOUT (with “Sunshine”) Gentle and easy slow paced strength training with light weights. Suitable for seniors and people with poor mobility 2. FIRMING AFTER 50 (Joel Harper) Full body workout – no equipment Three levels of effort; He does the advanced level. A pretty young thing does the medium level. His own mother does the modified level. *Easy to follow and works every muscle in your body. One of my favorites and I use it often. 3. FUNCERCISE RESISTANCE BANDS (with “Sunshine”) Twenty-five simple and easy to do resistance band exercises. CARDIO 1. WALK YOUR BELLY FLAT (Leslie Sansone) This is a calorie burner. Equivalent of three miles done in “one-mile” units that take about twelve minutes each to complete. Can be done outside or even in the house or standing in place if you don’t have much room to workout. (I have only been able to get to one and a half, but my goal is to make it through all three units.) It is still one of my favorites that I use frequently. 2. WHOLE BODY RESISTANCE (former pro wrestler Diamond Dallas Page) Intense Yoga that won’t compromise your masculinity. Remember he was a champion pro wrestler and used this method for his own training. He demonstrates modifications that make it usable for everyone. No lifting, no crunches, no running, no jumping, no equipment! Length of videos vary from three minutes to ninety minutes. a. Body weight resistance – 30 minutes b. Core – 12 minutes c. Balance – 30 minutes d. Strength Builder – 38 minutes for our body parts that break down first: Shoulders, hips, knees, lower back e. Thirteen key moves for body weight resistance – 30 minutes f. Lats and Biceps – 15 minutes g. Below the Belt – 30 minutes h. Breathing – 3 short minutes i. Diamond Cutter – 50 minutes Uses the thirteen moves he utilizes in his own training j. Double Diamond Cutter – 1 hour and 30 minutes – you need stamina k. 3. HIP HOP ABS (Shaun T) Fast Pace Cardio with moves that can be used in the club. Shaun T is easy to follow – makes this fun 4. CIZE (Shaun T) No rating for this yet. I just ordered it and am waiting for delivery, so I will give you the description on the Beach Body website: “The End of Exercize™ is coming! Shaun T’s brand new fitness program is not about doing push-ups or jumping, it’s about moving to the beat, and everyone can do it. You’re about to look forward to working out! Shaun T goes back to his dancing roots and makes losing weight an “experience,” with hot new moves and great music! And if you think you can’t dance, don’t worry. Shaun breaks down the routines, step-by-step, move-by-move, and builds them into a full dance workout. And at the end, you’ll get to CIZE™ IT UP to songs from Shaun’s playlist. You’ll be so focused on mastering the moves that for 35–40 minutes you’ll forget you’re actually burning fat and calories, and getting in the best shape of your life.” “Don’t say you can’t dance, because anyone can dance.” —Shaun T 5. WEIGHTED CARDIO GLOVES (The Firm) Fast paced interval training using boxing moves Including kicks, punches, bob and weave This is an aggressive workout Remember, sweat is fat crying! 6. ZUMBA (Beto Perez) Fun enough, but even more fun with somebody or in a group) Latin steps and rhythms that you can use in the club DANCE EXERCISES 1. DROP IT WITH DANCE (Prevention Magazine) Brief ten-minute Fat-Blasting workouts Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop, and 90’s jam for all levels of skill 2. SWEATIN’ TO THE OLDIES (Richard Simmons) Good if you like 50’s and 60’s music Incorporates aerobic movement with 50’s and 60’s dance moves 3. DANCE OFF THE BELLY FAT (Anchor Bay) Easy enough, low impact, instructor is easy to follow Even the “Belly Blast” section is not too harsh. 4. EXOTIC DANCE WORKOUT (Body Politics) Sexy practice. Classic exotic dance moves taught step by step 5. PUSSYCAT DOLLS (Robin Antin & Nicole Scherzinger) Sexy and fun. Learn moves for “Don’tcha Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me” 6. BOLLYWOOD DANCE WORKOUT (Hemalayaa) Sexy, saucy full-body workout Shimmy and shake Bhangra style This one is kind of fun 7. FAT BLASTING DANCE MIX (Jennifer Galardi) Brief Ten Minute Work-outs Fat burning calorie Meltdown Effective and quick 8. ISLAND GIRL HULA ABS AND BUNS (Natural Journeys) Hula is more of a workout than you would expect. 9. BELLY DANCE FOR BEGINNERS (Natural Journeys) Hot fitness routines to stretch and tone, integrating Pilates Sexy – Learn a new skill. 10. AFRICAN BEAT - LATIN HEAT (Natural Journeys) fusion of Tribal and Latin style dancing You will learn moves you can take to the club. 11. DANCE OFF THE INCHES – SIZZLING SALSA (Anchor Bay) Ten uncomplicated dance moves More fun than work Fat burning fiesta – then you will want a siesta Contents of Classical Stretch Season 8 Discs 1-4 DISC 1: 801 – Stretch All 600 Muscles 802 – Increase Your Energy 803 – Stress Relieving Workout 804 – Firm and Strengthen Your Butt 805 – Balance and Strength 806 – Lose a Pant Size 807 – Elongating Your Muscles 808 – Slenderizing Your Waist DISC 2: 809 – Improve Posture and Energy 810 – Strengthen Hips and Core 811 – Unlock the Spine and Increase Energy 812 – Improve Your Balance 813 – Strengthen Feet and Fingers 814 – Unlock Your Hips 815 – Increase Your Energy DISC 3: 816 – Tone Your Entire Body 817 – Strengthen and Shape Your Legs 818 – Burn Calories and Lose Weight 819 – Tone Abs and Strengthen Legs 820 – Full Body Posture Workout 821 – Strength and Flexibility to the Core 822 – Full Barre Workout to Loosen Hips 823 – Stretch and Strengthen Lower Body DISC 4: 824 – Spine and Abs 825 – Feet and Ankles 826 – Weight Loss and Toning 827 – Stretch and Strengthen Your Hips 828 – Strengthen Your Bones 829 – Improve Posture and Flatten Abs 830 – Strength and Flexibility of the Hips

It depends on where you are post-op and your doctor's goals. Mine gave me an IDEAL breakdown of 70-75% Protein, 10-20% good carbs (green veggies, fruits, some grain), and 5-10% healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, almonds). If you consider there are 4 calories in every gram of protein, and you're aiming for 70-90g of protein on say a 600-800 calorie diet (what most patients are for months 2-9), then it can be more like 45-60% depending on the day. Twenty percent sounds too low to get adequate protein

*Warning - A totally non-WLS rant posted because it's my blog and I'll post what I want to:tt2: My s-i-l hates to drive at night, so I'll be trucking down to the city to pick up my college age niece. Apparently she has a medical issue which she could've had taken care of at her university health center, but when her mother(my s-i-l) suggested this, my niece had a meltdown and demanded Momma make her an appt at home and fly her in. What a surprise! Momma does what baby wants. She may be 19, but emotionally more like 15...like her group of college friends who hang out together living a "high school but away from home" type of lifestyle. 20-some years ago when I was in college, we were a lot more mature and aware of key world issues. The effect of helicopter parents?! It's scary when my niece tells me she doesn't like kids but wants to teach 'cause she'll get lots of time off. Wow - just who I want educating the future! Back to the "Apple" topic - my niece is now upset because her mother told the doctor about the problem when she made the appt. Apparently, my niece wanted her to just say that it's for a "check up" (& no - this is not a woman issue)! My s-i-l (rightly so) told her that the doctor needs to know the real reason so as not to waste time. S-i-l wonders what her baby is thinking?!! RU kidding? Here's where it "falls from the tree"...my s-i-l is a DM2 who tries to deny it. It took 3 years of warnings of pre-diabetes and then 6 mos after diagnosis to get her on oral meds. She's still not testing and tries to "trick" her labs by fasting for several days prior or eating "healthy" the week before. Of course, the numbers are still bad because she's non-compliant and hasn't educated herself. She calls me post doctor visit to report that the doctor wants her on more "meds" because her "numbers are bad" and she feels he's probably getting paid by the pharmacutical companies to give her more "stuff". So I say - "Could be - what new meds does he want? what were your labs?". She says..wait for it.... "I dunno - I wasn't paying attention!". Excuse me? What is more personal than a visit to your doctor - how can you not pay attention when it's your health?? This then leads to a conversation we've had before of how her health plan works and me telling her again to print me a copy and I'll review it...which she forgets - as usual. I guess I'm not too surprised as this is some one who wishes she were back in high school, doesn't read the paper or watch the news, and threw a fit when her boss told her she was going to have to take some tech classes - started crying and shouting that she "didn't want to learn anything new!" I'm actually fond of my s-i-l as apart from the tendency to gossip she is a very kind and non-judgmental person(wish I could be more like that) - but I often feel like I'm dealing with a child. Not surprising - her mother (my m-i-l) is the same way. No, she doesn't want to go back to high school - instead she's fiercely independent...sort of. She's moderately more aware of what's going on in the world, but so flightly she only grasps half the story. When she doesn't get her own way - or doesn't get buy-in from the "fam" she just goes off and does whatever she wants then let's the rest of us pick up the pieces, the tab...whatever. When it comes to medical issues - see above. She takes whatever scripts the doctor writes but doesn't know why..."I'm not going to take this Liptor anymore - I don't feel any different...". She's still seeing this ancient doc-in-box who treated her mother. She nixed her prior doc because the doctor did an Alzheimer's test on her and was concerned enough to contact my s-i-l. Par for course, my m-i-l wanted my s-i-l to keep it a secret - Right! Her driving skills have always been sub-par and now they're even worse. Sunday night was a classic - when after two glasses of wine she was red-eyed, staggering and slurring but refused to give up her keys or let someone else drive her home and my s-i-l tells me, "She's not drunk - I'd know!"(sorta like, "She doesn't have memory issues - I'd know!") I'm torn between making a confidential call to the DMV before she hurts someone or herself or just stepping back and letting her kids take responsibility. Sigh - good to vent and hope it gives my readers a laugh; I'm sure plenty of you are in the boat.

Congratulations Dee Dee! Happy 3 month surgiversary! It seems like just yesterday we were getting ready for our surgery. But on the other hand, it seems like so long ago - so much has changed. Keep up the good work. You will be wearing your size 10 dress any day. Linda

I am very frustrated. I had the sleeve on 8/10/09 and have lost 38 pounds. However, I am on my second stall. Have not lost a pound in 4 weeks. I feel the urge to snack all the time. This is so upsetting to me. I want to lose more weight but it's not happening. Any hope?

01-06-10 Had 2nd fill previous since surgery had lost 32# with total lost at that time 43. Since then have only lost 12#. since I have given up junk food and I exercise, I expect to lose much more. I need a fill I guess. My doc said as long as I lose I don't need a fill but I disagree. I eat well and I get 70+ protein dly. I even gave up my over abundance of decaf coffee . Help me please..............................

I eat well and exercise. I initially had lost 32# at my 2nd fill on 1-06-10. 11 # pre-surgery for a total of 44, but since then I have only lost 11 #. I need a fill, possibly my portions are too much or water not enough. Can u tell me how and what u eat?

Well no fill since I've lost 11lbs since I was there 6wks ago on July 19

I am one of those ones that cannot drink cold liquids in the morning...It has to be coffee. I was tight with a fill one time, you will have pressure in your chest even with fluids. I waited 2 months, thinking it would get better...lost 22 lbs I finally had an unfill, it has been 6 mths since my unfill and I haven't lost a pound. I am going April 10 for one more fill...I would like to lose at least another 10 pounds before plastics in June Good luck to you!

The pain is mostly soreness and gas. Take the pain medications as prescribed and walk.....walk......walk. It works the soreness out and moves the gas on thru. Seriously, as soon as you can stand up......straight......walk. Sometimes the first walk looks more like a shuffle........hum a little tune and shuffle along. The first 24 hours after surgery were the most uncomfortable to me.....on a scale of 1-10, I'd have rated my worst pain as a 6 or so. And I discontinued the iv pain meds myself as the ones you take by mouth last longer and you feel better. This is awesome and the BEST thing I've ever done for myself........other than marry my husband.......well, and give birth to my 4 kids.

Na, I hit a great consignment sale and got a ton of stuff ($10/bag) so I have a lot of smaller sizes and I did try them all on. I went down 2 legit sizes. I'm almost in a regular XL shirt, but my bewbies are still ginormous, so they look like...well....like I'm trying to hard if I wear them. I feel more comfortable in the 1x for now. <sigh> Soon. Hopefully by the time I'm feeling almost back to normal post op, I'll be able to fit back into regular sizes. :::fingers crossed:::

When I hit a size 12 I was so excited. It seemed like for the first time I hit a "normal" or "average" size. But then it seemed like just a week later I was in a 10! Go figure. I was sure it was a fluke so I had to keep trying different stores and brands to believe I was really a 10. Now, being able to pick up something at Costco off the table and not even try it on, is so odd to me. I used to really regret that I couldn't even look at that stuff before, being a size 22. They say it takes 10 lbs to go down a size. This was not so true at plus sizes, but now I can see it. It's motivating to think that if I lose 10 lbs I'll be in a size 8. What? That's crazy talk...but I'm trying!

I also had to lose 40-50 pounds before it became evident, and before my clothing size started decreasing. But once it started, I jumped sizes. I would buy a few things when they were a little tight, and wear them until they were too baggy to wear. I'm in a 10 bottom and Med or small top now....and just can't seem to get to that elusive 8. However, even if I never do, 10 is good for me!

They suggest that you don't drink from a straw because when you suck the straw the first thing you get before the drink is air. Alot of people have trouble because the air bubble gets stuck same with chewing gum you take in alot of air. Now I'm 10 months out and I can do both. So take it easy to start and see how you do....good luck

If you are cursed then I am too :thumbdown: I am 7 months post op, I lost 22 lbs pre op and then only 8 pounds for 6 months post op! Now this past month (Jan) I have finally started to lose. I know the feeling of waiting for something to happen, I have 5.5 cc in a 10 cc band right now and it is so hard when I see other people losing fast than me. However, I do not get stuck (unless I try to eat bread of any sort) I am wondering if you need a slight un-fill? I am not a Doctor obviously so it is just my thought. Good luck to you, please know you are not alone and I wish you well, Barbie

I have noticed this to be a pattern with long term veterans (2-5 years out from surgery). Not significant gains, like 10-20 pounds. Is this something I can expect after a certain amount of time post sleeve? Doesn't it seem the norm? And when DO you just chalk it up to normal adjustments in weight and OMG I NEED TO DO SOMETHING? This interests me.....

Hi Everyone... I had my 2nd post-op visit today! I lost another 5 1/2 lbs this week! I am very excited. Dr. Kwon said I can have yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, and clear broth Soups this week! I am in good spirits and very exited. I am down 16 lbs total post-op. I cannot believe it! Since 8/10!!! I am dancing around my house! Now I just have to get myself motivated to excercise again! Lisa

1. My insurance covers either procedure as long as I'm approved for wls. 2. At only 27 I am concerned that lapband is not permanent enough since I would have to rely on a foreign body lasting inside me for hopefully 60+ years. - Even the manufacturers and FDA knows that the band will not last a lifetime. It's only listed for 10 years, I'll try to find the specific links for you. 3. The sleeve is totally permanent (scary). In my humble opinion, the band is not reversible. It can be removed, or unfilled, but once that thing is suture around your stomach, your anatomy is forever changed. 4. One of my biggest factors is that I plan on having more kids and I'm worried that the sleeve will not be compatible with pregnancy. There are successful pregnancy patients on Obesityhelp that have had the VSG, and have delivered healthy babies. Once you hit goal, your surgeon will help you determine when you can TTC. 5. I am a huge puke-a-phobe (this is a concern with both surgeries). Puking with the band is horrific and so uncomfortable. Puking with the sleeve isn't the same, it's like this creeper piece of food coming my esophagus, and I spit it out. That hasn't happened in months because I've learned how to eat with my sleeve. With the band, things get stuck and you never know when or what is going to cause you to puke. It's especially an unpleasant experience when eating in public and you have to rush to the bathroom because on that particular day, mashed potatoes didn't go down, and then you can't eat anything else because the stomach tissue swells. 6. I am totally ok with eating tiny portions, but the lapband seems way more restrictive on the kinds of food you can eat. With the band, some days I could stuff, and the next Water wouldn't go down right. meat always had to be slathered in a condiment or gravy of some sorts because my band didn't like meat, and it didn't matter how it was cooked or prepared. I could not eat any bread products with the band that was total trainwreck with my band. With my sleeve, I can have about 1/2 of a fajita size tortilla with cheese on it, or the inside of a super light yeast roll. I'm not a sandwich person so I don't eat sandwich bread. I do enjoy pita bread, but it's about 1/4 of a pita pocket with cream cheese and deli meat sometimes. Some other information about the band vs. sleeve. With my band once I lost restriction (the initial swelling with the band surgery), I never felt full, I was always hungry, but couldn't eat things some days so I ate slider foods which is completely counterproductive, but I had to eat. I had a flipped port, and could only get 2 fills post op, and then in February, my surgeon could not access my port. I was miserable, and in constant pain with band because the flipped port caused the tubing to actually tug on my stomach which in turn damaged my stomach. You won't get restriction with band until you get enough fills, and that could take months. Not to mention the unfills you may have to endure to find the "sweet spot". It's a lot of maintenance. With the sleeve, it's instant restriction, plus with ghrelin hormone out of the equation, the ravenous hunger is gone. I'm 8 months out and still have zero hunger. I still have to remind myself to eat. The risks with the sleeve are more common immediately following surgery such as leaks. But, with the band, the list of complications is long and can occur fairly early out, or a couple of years post-op flipped ports, esophageal dialation, stretched pouches, erosion, slippage, and those are the most common. Some have asked me why did I have the band. It was approved by my insurance, my mom has a band since Nov 2007 (and now she pukes 2-4 times weekly), I really thought I would be one of the lucky ones (so not the case), I needed surgical intervention, and I was so against RNY. I knew all the complications, but honestly thought I could be successful. Luckily, when I decided to revise, I found out that a military base close to us did indeed perform the VSG. I left my civilian band surgeon and transferred all my stuff to a military surgeon. My insurance (Tricare Prime) approved my revision immediately. I am not the type of person to really regret anything I've done in my life. I don't regret my decision to get the band. It taught me a lot about myself, and I did pick up some good habits with it. I do wish that I would not had of complications, and I wish I would of known that the VSG was approved at our neighboring base. But, I see a civilian PCM, so I get kicked to civilians for all of my referrals. Just my ramble. I hope that helps.