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I definitely see your point of view on your weight loss. I am going to strictly follow the post band eating plan...but just try not to let it run my life. I tend to get a little obsessive about my eating when I join a new dieting plan. I spend hours logging what I have eaten and planning what I will have next. It seems to all go to heck after a few months because I can't keep up the time and detail obsession. I need to find a balance between strictly following the eating plan the dietitian and I have come up with, but be relaxed enough not to obsess about every detail. Does this make sense? I am looking at being banded as undergoing a LIFE changing alteration to my mental and physical mindset about my relationship with food. I need to find a non-stressful way to work with the band and not have the obsessive stress that comes with dieting. I want to live....not diet. Sorry for the long post. I am having last minute jitters about the surgery in two days. I am positive that I am ready for the Band, but just at this moment it seems a bit overwhelming! Deep breaths!

Refried Beans thined down- cheap, Protein, and tasty. 0% greek yogurt- not the cheapest, but not horrible either Couscous- not sure if I spelled that right, but it's a grain with low to no carbs and lots of protein and it's tiny so it will be easy on the band. My nutritionist said that this could be counted in softs. tuna salad Weight loss oatmeal thined with Water

Weight Loss For Teenage Girls Top 5 Best Diet Tips Ever<img src=http://www.fatloss4idiots.com/00009/photo4.gif/>from weightlossteenagegirls.comAre you hoping to shed some pounds in time for the summer so you can show off your new trim figure? Are you wondering how to keep it off once you have lost it? The information provided in this article; weight loss for teenage girls ¨C top 5 best diet tips ever will enable you to do just that and much more.If you are overweight and as a result you have lost your self confidence and all your friends ¨C this is for you too. If you will stick with it, you will not only lose the excess pounds but you will gain new friends and a new sense of achievement and self pride.You will have less anxiety about your appearance and your weight will no longer be ever-present in the back of your mind. You will feel healthier, have more energy and learn to enjoy many new kinds of foods.Top 5 Best Diet Tips EverSet realistic expectations ¨C 3,500 calories is equivalent to one pound of fat. A weight loss rate of 2 pounds average a week is a safe rate ensuring you are only losing fat and not muscle or water. The target and focus should be to consume fewer calories while getting more exercise.Get enough sleep daily ¨C Adequate sleep will diminish the urge to overeat during the day. Enough sleep will allow your body to burn off unwanted calories. It will slow down the aging process. It will restore, repair and rejuvenate your body.Exercise regularly ¨C If you haven't been exercising on a regular basis get together with one of your girlfriends and begin walking. Start by walking for 5 minutes 3 times a week and slowly build it up. Walk slowly enough so you can talk but fast enough so you can't sing. Develop it into a good exercise program with aerobic exercise, strengthening and toning and flexibility. Choose fun exercises that you enjoy.Eat a healthy diet ¨C for example layer fruit on the bottom of your ice cream dessert so that you will only take one scoop instead of two and still enjoy it. Eat more fruit, vegetables, lean meat, diary and whole grain foods. Eat less fat and drink less soda. Have weight loss smoothies instead. Don't go more than 3 ¨C 4 hours without food. Use a 9 inch plate to ensure you have smaller portions.Weigh yourself regularly ¨C at least once a week. It will help you stay focused and motivated. Depending on what the scales say for any one week you will be able to adjust your food intake and exercise routine accordingly.Apply this weight loss for teenage girls ¨C top 5 best diet tips ever and you will be happier in a lot of ways.Click here For More Ways For Easy Weight Loss

Cassie, I do not know if it was pregnancy or the prenatal vitamins but while I was pregnant I do not think I lost one strand of my hair. My hair was so thick for several years. Not anymore. I wash my hair and huge clumps fall out in the shower. Is this a result of weight loss or lack of vitamins? I don't know but I have just bought some chewable Flinestones in an attempt to slow the hair falling out. I will let you know if it gets better. It's probably a good idea to go ahead and start taking those vitamins now I wish that I had done that for an least a month prior to banding.

I have coarse, thick hair, and it hasn't changed at all since banding. And I had two previous surgeries, both serious, and didn't lose any hair then either... except for what the pre-op team shaved off! Each person reacts differently.

Hi everyone just wanted to know how much percentile your doctors said you would lose of your extra weight from getting the band just asking because i wanted to lose more than the 50percent they estimated and just wanted to get an average of what other doctors told others

Just slow down and breathe. This a process to becoming healthy. For some it can be a long process for others they see improvement quickly. You may not have any weight loss in the beginning or you might. It's different for each person. Don't become frustrated. Talk with your doctor. That's the best place to get information. Come here for encouragement and to read others stories. But always remember your doctor is the best one to tell you what should be happening.

Alot of us have been where you are. Post op recovery goes on for weeks. Your body is in survival mode and alot of us see little or no weight loss in those first few weeks. Some even gain as their bodies go into starvation mode. This process is all about patience......having patience for me, was the hardest part. Hang in there...

I am barely getting in 300 calories with all the diet stuff they have you drinking and food just sits there for an hour after just 3 or 4 bites. I have not started working out because I am afraid I will lose too much since I can't really eat. I still have not found any protien supplements that are good. Just got some Unjury's chicked Soup and some of these fruity drinks that you mix, but it is not enough to go full on working out. I am not losing at a considerable pace, but I wouldn't mind stalling for a few weeks just to let my body readjust. No stalls here. 2 pounds a week right now. I can already see my skin start to look not so great, but I also feel like I am losing muscle. I enjoy the weight loss, but 300 calories a day just seems WAY TOO LOW. I feel ok. Tired a little and probably dehydrated a little. I have to wait an hour before I can drink anything after I eat just three bites of food and right now sometimes I feel like I have to choose between eating or drinking. Like I can't do both. I am NEVER HUNGRY. I know that I have to eat. I don't forget, but eating is like punishment. I ate 3 thin slices of turkey meat about 30 minutes ago and it is still there. That was about an ounce of meat. I would give anything just to be able to eat 4 oz. If I can eat only an ounce of food one month out, how will I ever be able to eat a cup of food? Am I still swollen? Does it stretch? And what is really crazy is I went for a walk and was so thirsty. I was able to knock back a bottle of gatorade in no time, but normally I can not drink that much. I remember before surgery food would sit in my tummy for FOREVER. That hasn't changed. The amount of time it takes to digest something...I will have to look that up...Is that based on metabolism. I started to dip my turkey meat in a full fat dressing (no carbs) just to get my calories up a little. Then I can only eat two slices.

Hi Everybody, My doctor told me not to take anything except stool softners because its too soon after surgery to take anything else.......I had my VSG on June 30th and that was my same concern as well...and always do what your doctor tell you to do If not you will start loosing your hair and wonder why...please take your protein..and sip,sip,sip,....if your hair get brittle go to a beauty store and find some ALPHA_GEE hair shampoo and reconstructor,its like a conditioner and it is wonderful...just dont take anything that may be harsh for your stomach because it is very delicate and you can cause it to bleed inside at least up to 1 year after surgery ...donot lift anything till you are off medical leave no more than 5-10lbs for atl;ease up to 6 months later....and your doctor says its ok...after about 3-4 months it will be ok to take gas-x or mirlax.....or something for constupation....trust me it is worth calling your nutritionist or the assistance nurse or some one who works along with the doctor....its your stomach so please take care of it...( also if you feel your weight has stopped this means you need to get a little motivated to start the fat burning process...it not gonna fall off itself)..so you have to work with the sleeve in order for it to work for you...so keep up the good work...get a gym membership and get used to the tread mill..it will; become your best friend....trust me I know....best of luck to everyone.....

Hi I'm new to the forum but had my sleeve done in January I'm loosing but not like that what can I do speed up my weight loss . Congratulations on your weight loss????

Rule number 1 - the scale is not your friend. Stay away! Early in the weight loss journey the body will hold on to every calorie. Do not let that discourage you. Look for non scale victories. Can you move easier? Have you taken your measurements? Are they smaller? How are your eating habits? Have you cut back? Are you eating too much processed food? You can;t exercise away a bad diet. You make this journey like the rest of us, one day at a time, one meal at a time. Welcome to the boards.

According to my nutritionist after you enter the Maintenance phase, your meals should consist of equal parts of protein, fats and carbs but always put protein first. Fats are important because they help to control hunger. It is common to have some limited weight gain after weight loss surgery. They call it a 20 pound bounce. The important thing is not let go beyond this 20 pounds. Most times this weight gain is due to a poor choice of snacks. Snacks should be limited to primarily to whole food options: nuts, natural nut butters, fruits, veggies, boiled eggs, string cheese, yogurt with berries and almonds, tuna pouches. Avoid processed packaged foods as much as possible. Also do not expect to lose weight at a rate similar to right after surgery. Generally if you gained the additional weight over a couple years, then it may take a couple years of watching what you eat to get back down.

Hi everyone, I'm new the forums. I've updated my profile so you know my story. I'm been reading lots and lots on here as I've been looking for information and experiences from both the Optifast diet and WLS. I'm currenlty on the medically supervised weight loss program at Kaiser. Today marks two weeks. As I started this journey, I also wanted to know more about WLS because I thought I would rather eat real food than Optifast for 12 weeks. Well, after the introductory seminar I felt a bit defeated in my Quest as it seems to be more restrictive than I thought. I was hoping to ask my follow up questions here to help me better understand what happens after WLS, what can you eat/drink after WLS, etc so that I can make an informed decision on whether or not to proceed with the WLS orientation. I did receive a referral from my doctor. After WLS: Can you no longer have a glass of wine with a meal? They told us you can no longer consume liquids with your meal. How do you all handle this and how has it worked out? Only 3 meals a day can be eaten, no Snacks or small meals in-between. What do you do in social events, parties, picnics? You need to strictly monitor caloric intake and weigh and measure your food. Is there a standard typical caloric intake per meal and per day recommended? You need to avoid foods high in fat and sugar. Restrict alcohol. Restrict carbonated drinks. Any guidance, learnings and knowledge sharing from your experiences would be greatly appreciated. ~R

I'm basically in a 5 month stall, my weight loss has been minimal the past few weeks. Right before, I went through a very quick weight loss period (16+ lbs in 5 weeks) after the last slow down. I'm just trying to ignore the scale and keep doing what I have been doing and aiming for the calorie levels flagged by my nutritionist. It is really frustrating but this too shall pass... or that's what I am telling myself.

I definitely think the extra skin is one of the major reasons why I can't see my own weight loss. Its like losing all the weight and having so much skin still is rough. The fact that I "melt" when I sit down is frustrating haha Congratulations on your weightloss!! Thank you so much for your reaponse!

Favorite snacks: Vitamuffin (the chocolate is to die for - 2 oz each - 100 calories) Edamame (I buy the ones in the shells and boil for about 3 minutes) 100 calorie snack pack of microwave popcorn sf/ff pudding cups turkey pepperoni (45 calories a stick) Rye crackers and ultra low fat cream cheese (or laughing cow light cheese) fruit dry Cereal (1 oz) I am an evening eater (head hunger) and couldn't make it without planning at least one snack. My opinion (as shared by my WLC) is that snacking is a normal part of life and during the weight loss phase I should be eating as I would for the rest of my life, so that my weight loss is sustainable. :redface:

I wondered about that. I need help with getting my Protein in. My doctor is one who says no liquid. My frank opinion is that when I can hold more than 3 ounces of food, I'll jump right in line. Until that time, I am using the liquid shots and it's the only "rule" I break. I use 1 a day and at the end of every meal, about 10 minutes after I've finished eating, I take a swig of the protein shot. I do it that way specifically so that it absorbs into the food I've eaten and stays longer in my stomach. I have no idea if it helps and I didn't start this until 2 weeks ago when I was certain it was "safe". I can't tell any impact of doing it in terms of the evil "liquid" with meals issue. It's just one swallow, the tube hold just a bit over 3 ounces of liquid which is mixed with 5 meals. If I could eat 60 grams of protein (minimum) I would. The "unflavored" stuff mixed with my food just doesn't stay down for me. So for a while at least this is my solution. I'll know it worked or not when my hair either completely falls out or doesn't.

I just had surgery this past Wednesday, August 3, 2011 for the weight loss procedure the vertical sleeve. I attended sessions with the nutrionist and a support group before hand. Every day I am feeling stronger and more healed but am cautious as to what I can take in. I am taking Calcium and a regular every day Vitamin and what ever other medications that I am on. I am now at the stage where I can have Full liquids but am unsure of what that consists of. I was doing proteing shakes and bars just before the surgery but now my taste has changed and I literally gag trying to get a Protein shake down and I do know how important that is to my diet. So in addition to my Vitamins and medication can anyone tell me what types of Soups or liquids other than these Protein Shakes that I can have? I do have the belching and gas issues with certain things I have tried too with this procedure and just need some good support right now. <a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wAHjc73/"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wAHjc73/weight.png"></a>

I guess I'm feeling a little fuzzy this morning. I want to take a shower and wash my hair and I remember my doctor said I could do that - he said tomorrow..when you take a shower.. as I was being discharged.. I'm trying to remember what he said about this dressing over my drain incision. I think he said to take it off- and to be honest it's coming off already on one side and I can see that some drainage has taken place but- I can't remember if he said to redress it- or just leave it off exposed to air. Anyone have suggestions- if I can't recall or find his instructions with my paper work- I will call much later this morning-

Congrats on doing your pre-op weight loss goal! After entering the bariatric program where I was it took me 7 months to get into the mind set of 'wanting' to really drop the initial weight. Wishing you a speedy recovery from surgery, and of course, much success!

I know EXACTLY what you mean, Teddy Bear. I went to work with my old saggy clothes for weeks before my coworkers finally convinced me to buy new clothes. What I hadn't told them was that I DID buy new clothes, but I couldn't bring myself to use them. I had a real psychological hurdle to overcome. The weight loss draws attention to me (positive attention), but I still don't like the attention. It's weird getting all that positive attention. I'm not used to it. It took a long time to become comfortable with it. I didn't know how to respond to positive attention. EVERY time I would reach for my new clothes, I would be convinced they'd be too small. Even after putting them on, I still fidget and readjust nonstop, thinking that I have to move the fabric around to hide my fat rolls. The truth is that it's not necessary, but I still habitually do it. The old clothes give me a place to "hide". Big clothes can hide the fact that I've lost so much weight, and that takes the attention off me. The new clothes fit just fine, but there's some psychological block that prevents me from feeling comfortable in them. I ask my girlfriend all the time, "Does this look too small on me?" and she's so sick of it that she just replies to me with "Stoppit!" I still can't get rid of my baggy clothes. And just like you, I still feel more comfortable in them, even though I LOOK better in the smaller code. You said "I felt ugly for the longest time that it's too weird right now to feel & look good". I hear you loud and clear. I was always the heaviest guy in the room. Always. Now I'm not, and even though that's a GOOD thing, it's very hard to get used to. CHANGE is hard for me. Seems that it's hard for you too.

So i have recently been thinking about getting the gastric sleeve. My therapist is actually the one that recommended it to me. Just a little background, I am 5'4" currently 278 lbs ( i have recently gained a lot of weight after a breakup) I have hypothyroidism, and depression... currently on meds for both. I have an appt with the surgeon on Dec 19th, and there is a seminar on 12/9 that the receptionist said i should attend. I have Cigna insurance, i called and they do cover the surgery. I have been on and off WW for 4 years, in 2010 i lost 40lbs i cancelled for about a year, and then rejoined in August, but haven't been consistent with going to meetings or weighing in. I also did Medi Weight-Loss this year i signed up for 3 months, and went regularly for 2. I have all of the paperwork... and all of my bank statements. I have a question about the insurance would that be enough to show that i have tried? I have also done the skinny rules (bob harper's book) atkins, south beach, starvation, and every other diet known to man. My will power is great... but i can't seem to get below 215lbs. I am an emotional eater, i have been working on this for a long time... there is a lot of fear with giving up food, and there is a lot of guilt and shame around it. Anyway, i was wondering what you all did for your insurance requirements and how you deal with the emotional eating, before and after surgery? Thank you!

Thank you so much guys! I am very excited for my appointment on the 19th and will definitely keep everyone posted. I am worried about my insurance approval right now... hopefully i have enough documentation to prove that i have tried.. AND I HAVE TRIED! I have tried just about everything!!! I currently have 2 gym memberships WW membership and i am still enrolled with Medi weight loss. I have spent sooo much money on losing weight in the past decade, it is MIND BLOWING!!! Thank you all for responding to my post... I definitely need the positive feedback from everyone that has been through this!

Thanks how long did you stay in the hospital? I'm glad to hear are you keeping soft foods down? Any notice in hair loss and are you taking all vitamins also?