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Sassy why did she say it was too early? Have you had a fill recently? I like the Zone protein bars. I don't do the shakes, yuk. Its hard to tell if you really need a fill or not. With myself I try to see how I'm doing calorie wise and if I'm following the band rules, how much time between eating before I feel hungry. My PA asks me all that before he will schedule the fill so I track it myself too. I don't think getting "stuck" is the same as needing a fill. Getting stuck or pb's, sliming all happen to me when I eat too fast or too big of a bite. Nikki we all go thro the disappointment in ourselves. Don't be embarrassed to get a fill bc you haven't lost anything! Thats all the more reason to go in. Just keep checking in with us and you'll get on track again. 30-35 lbs is great!!! BK - wtg on the measurements!!! It feels great doesn't it? And yes the scale is the evil one. It told me today that I haven't lost a pound this week! A couple days ago I was down 3 - but today was my tracking day. I actually think I need alittle more fill now. Its been 3 weeks and I'm beginning to feel hunger alot faster and its harder to keep my calories below 1200. I went to the wedding yesterday and I did pretty good, no alcohol (wasted calories) but I was so hungry before the food started and I drank 2 ice teas they were sf but then I had all this liquid before I ate, I think I ate more then a cup - but its so hard to tell. Yummy food, flank steak, chicken alfredo... CAKE.. I just did a little bit of it all. The groom was chef at the club for a few years and he created some of the recipes - he was amazing when he worked with me, and he knew I loved food so he'd always bring me samples to try - any wonder I got fat? Anyway I took a bite of the steak and went uhoh! Sat my fork down and waited for gravity to do its job, then I took the tiny little bites like I should and it was great. There was a man at our table who we thought we should know and just couldn't place him, through conversation we realized we did know him... when he was 240 lbs heavier! He had been 500 lbs and had gastric bypass! So then the topic turned to my lapband. I was the first person he'd ever met who'd had it done. His brother died from the bypass back in the late 70's, his other brother almost died, but he still went through with it. He said his dad died at 47 so he knew he had to do something. It made me very thankful for the lapband. Its supose to be 78 here today - there's still snow in the shady spots! Anyway I'm going to church then I'm going to get my flower gardens ready for spring plantings. Have a good day!

Hey! I'm down from 283 to 253 since Sept 26th so 30 lbs in 5 months. I've lost 62 since July. I've had 2 fills and I'm not in the green zone yet. I am happy with my progress considering I haven't been on an exercise regime and still eat some things that aren't considered diet food occasionally...plus I drink alcohol daily

I am adding my two cents here. FF--get ready to raise your blood pressure again because you anger is RADIATING off the pages. Yes, your band did not work for you. We hear you. BUT you are allowing your less than satisfactory experience taint your view of others and that is simply not right. No one said you were in the wrong and no one commented on your experience. What people here were asking was more follow up to a post that said "my band does not work" but then offers no more details. Talk about dropping a load in the forum but with no information. So people asked follow up questions--there is nothing wrong with that. So, you jumped to the conclusion that people were picking on Swirl which is simply not the case. I too have to ask (because someone asked before) why do you stay? To continue to share your bad experience and be mean spirited in this forum? I get you want people to know the band does not work for everyone but truly folks--you are embarking on major surgery here with a doctor cutting open your intestines. You should know all the risks and the failure rate before you allow yourself to lay on the operating table. If people do their homework, they will find articles and statistics on the success and failure rate on this surgery. Second, if someone comes into this journey saying "I want cheeseburgers" and they want to eat cheesecake, cake, and Cookies but in limited portions, then they are setting themselves up for failure. There, I said it. NO LIFESTYLE CHANGE WILL WORK UNLESS THE PERSON REALLY WANTS TO CHANGE. That's like saying to an alcoholic "well I am apporaching soberity as I can have one drink a day instead of none". Or the drug addict can have one joint a day. NO--doesn't work that way. Addicition comes in many forms but overweight people are addicted to food. You can cure an addiction by saying "well I can have just a little" because a little is never enough. Sorry but that's just the truth. So, FF and Swirl, yes, the band doesn't work for some but for others it works but people self sabatoge themselves by saying it doesn't. So it didn't work for you. We get it. But for the majority of us, it has and enabled us to have totally differnt lives. Don't diss the people that have made the effort to get the most out of this journey. It's insulting and rude.

Hi fellow Feb ‘19ers - well, I was doing extremely well and as for all of us, Covid hit... child with autism at home, zero therapy for her, husband lost his job, yada yada I gained 25 lbs back. I really fell off the wagon, especially with alcohol. I hardly drank before but used it to get through those hard months. Even though I have gained, I have actually done pretty well by my standards haha. Skip to now - kid back at school 2 days a week, husband working again (from home) and I’m getting a grip on life again. I went to see my surgeon and we are working towards getting a distal bypass done. I’m currently taking Saxenda to get me started on the journey and so far so good. Anyway, I hope you are all doing well. The photos you have posted are amazing!

I am scared of Big Medicine, I am in serious denial about my weight and when I see something like that it's as if I am being slapped in the face " Wake up! You are well on your way to death. You are morbidly obese" AAAAAH! It's funny because I always think of myself as my skinny single self, I only know I am fat because the labels on my back say 2x Denial has been a huge problem on my weight loss process, for some reason I think I am not fat, and every time I hit a new high I somehow convince myself that it's not physically possible to get any heavier so I have nothing to worry about... let me tell you I am my own worst enemy. I am going to have to work my brain a lot in the upcoming months, years really. My family has a huge history of addiction ( my cousin was a drug addicted, who ODed and died) of all kinds: alcohol, drugs, sex, food. I guess I lucked out by getting hooked on Hersheys instead of meth or something, but still an addiction is an addiction and will be hard to break. But I am absolutely determined to try and totally suceed. I am glad I have you all to share my experiences with. I have been needing a support group for a long time. :mad:

Good Morning Ladies! ok my DIM SUM DILLEMA.. I actually did good considering all the carbs it all had. I had one small shrimp dimsum 2 pcs of small asparagus 1/4 cup or probably less of Tofu with chicken for dinner I had 1 small piece of chicken breast baked and half a banana I've been drinking ALOT OF water and I notice that really helps alot..:scared2: Tonight might be a lil difficult, one of my friends in the military is here for the long weekend and they wanna go out to dinner.. Where ever we go.. i'm stickin with a soup or salad... its just the ALCOHOL part.. I like drinking with friends.. but I feel like i'm on a good roll I don't wanna mess it up.. but in the same token.. I wanna have a drink or 2.. uggh.. We'll see.. I think I might have 1 hard drink. Anyways... HAPPY FRIDAY!! YAY!! LONG WEEKEND IS HERE!!!!

Day 21 - Week 3 Post Op - 212lbs (-10.4lbs from SW of 222.4lbs) Good morning. So today is one of the milestones: Week 3 Post Op. Just wanted to make a couple of key observations and I will probably post my food log for a tiny bit. It appears that the 3 week "stall" is alive and well perhaps? For the last 2 days, there really has been little scale love. It's been bouncing around between the same half pound--up and down. Yesterday I was up to 212.2lbs and today I'm back down to 212lbs. LOL. I realize that can be simple scale fluctuation. No scale is that accurate--even Tanita. I do have a slight feeling that all the sugar alcohols from my vitamins along with the 60cals/day that they provide is crazy making. And they may also contribute to the scale stuff. But I'm just gonna document and wait it out. It's not as if I have much option. LOL. I see the surgeon next week, and then see the RD right behind that appt. So I will def ask. The other thing that bothers me is the lack of consensus about volume. I continue to fear that eating too much volume, too early will stretch out my anastamoses. Fact or crap? No idea. But from 5 different references, each gives a different volume amount for 3 weeks. My RD (verbally at 3 weeks): 1/4c working up to 1/2c food + binder with diet--1-2oz protein, 1/4c soft veg or soft fruit, 1/4c starch; 3 meals per day; 2-3 snacks optional--1/4c-1/2c food depending on slider nature--1oz prot + soft fruit **This equals: 1/4-1/2c protein + 1/4c veg + 1/4c starch or fruit = 3/4-1c of food! . My Hospital RD (written diet) still alternates protein supplements with 6oz yogurt with a meal. Meal consists of 1oz protein + 1/4c soft veg on an alternating schedule. **This equals: 1/4 protein + 1/4c veg = 1/2c of food! . My Surgeon (verbally at beginning at 2 weeks) may advance to soft, fork tender foods stage, eating to tolerance 1-2oz protein + a couple bites of veg + a bite or 2 of soft fruits or starch. **So that's about 1/2c of food at 3 meals. (Plus I can have a snack.) . Obesity Coverage Website (thanks @Apple203)-Soft mechanical diet that actually per them begins week 4-5: (click to enlarge it) **This fluctuates between 1/4-1c of food per meal. . Big Ward: The doctor made a comment on I think Episode 7 that said up until about 3 months, you will be eating 1/4c of food at a time. . Dilemma: I don't really feel any restriction at 1/4cup. I can gulp (about 2-4 gulps before feeling a little discomfort and stimulation to slow down liquids). I can easily eat 1 large egg in less than 5 minutes! I do feel about 3 hours of satiety from 1/2-1c of food. But I'm only 3 weeks out!!!! I can eat this meal easily in 20 minutes: 2oz pan sauteed chicken tender=1/2 cup of food! 1oz brown gravy=1/8cup of food 1/4c smashed roasted cauliflower=1/4cup of food 1/2oz green beans=1/8cup of food This totals nearly 1 cup of food by volume!!!! . I can eat this meal easily in 15 minutes: 3oz Greek yogurt 3oz 2% cottage cheese 4g peanut butter slim powder 1/8c applesauce or 30g lite canned peaches . I just don't know if I need to MAKE myself limit to 1oz=1/4c of protein as per the example in Obesity Coverage image. Or do I go ahead and advance THIS SOON to 2oz per meal? I limited food to 1oz protein per meal yesterday and felt hungry all day. My meals only lasted me about an hour or two. Is it too early for me to feel satiety? Or do I have one of those cases where the surgery didn't help my hunger level? Do I have one of those stomachs that can handle eating more? I'm so scared of this! Yes, I'm having the crazies this morning. LOL. I just flat out don't know what to do. And it looks like the 3 weeks stall is here.

I haven't heard of being tested for alcohol. I have been having a glass of wine here and there while I wait for my surgery to get closer. I only have to do a 2-week pre-op diet, so I won't be indulging at all during that time. I would assume as long as you don't have alcohol in your bloodstream for the pre-surgical tests, you'd be fine?

Well my scale says 348 this morning... finally down from the 350-351 it's been saying... though my ticker is still set at 346 which I was about 2 weeks ago! I'm still debating on a fill tomorrow or not. I've kept my appointment. I'll go and see what the NP thinks. Basically, I go on vacation a week from today, so if I'm too tight I can go back in for a slight unfill before I leave... I"m not too concerned about that. I just want MORE restriction!! I dunno. This whole band thing is hard. Lol. It's good to help feel full faster and stuff, but if it could only make Snickers taste nasty I'd be in business!! For years now I've said that I wish there was a medication for food addicts like antabuse for alcoholics. Lol!!!

Well say 'hi' to the sharks for me. Personally, I don't swim in anything that's no chlorinated...although I hear that hasn't stopped alligators in Florida from crawling into a few. Went to my first meeting. Not quite what I expected, but I'm going back and we'll see what happens. I'm doing very good today with avoiding those carbs. Can't say I'm not craving them, but every time I reach for one (like a cracker), I remind myself that it's my 'alcohol' and walk away. If I can get through this first week, the following week will be easier because we'll be at Disney where there are tons of things to do to keep my mind off food and I won't have ready access to food. Yeah I know there are food places all over, but it's still not as easily accessible as opening up a fridge. Oh goodie...it's 2:30 and I can have my Protein drink! That should help with the cravings! Melody

Yeah, my neighbor is a real creep. His nickname in the neighborhood is "the child molester", which he's not (to my knowledge), he's just an alcoholic and super creepy. You could be dressed like an eskimo and when he looks at you it makes you feel naked. YUCK! I love my neighborhood! I just wish he would move...he's only home two days a week, though, so not too awful. Baseball bat? The cops told me to keep my gun handy...I didn't think they usually would say that? I was lucky and I got away from him relatively unscathed, but it was difficult...he really had me. I'm dreading having to go to court on this, but I can't let him get away with it.

I will try to come up with a healthy fat that I actually like (dont like avocados) and will avoid sugar alcohols for the first few hours Sent from my SM-G950U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I can't seem to quote your quoted quote... No, silly - not alcoholics anonymous - american airlines (something special in the air my ass....) The spa is across from A23. Next time you fly out of DFW, give it a whirl - it's a great way to relax after dealing with ticket counters, security, and the other dumb-asses who mess up the general travel experience... And yes, you're Hottie McHottie also! Sweet Dreams! B

Chewing gum makes you produce more spit, which makes you swallow more, plus sugar free gums have manitol / sorbitol in it which is a sugar alcohol and that alone can cause alot of gas. I was wondering about chewing gum while banded.. guess I don't have to ask LOL. Nes, I'm glad you passed the gum, I can't imagine what that would have felt like if you didn't ICK !!!! Thanks for posting about your experience.

Okay ! I tried this yesterday and today and it is WIERD but is working. Dont know if I will ever not want to sit and eat a "regular" hamburger or something. Thanks for the support. I need it. I guess I am like a alcoholic, the wanting part never leaves but I have to realize what the "bad" thing is doing to me which is eating like I use to do. It is hard to eat out but I am trying to eat a nibble or two and wait. Seems to be better today. I am getting the "is that all you are eating" from everyone. I have no idea how many calories, dont even want to try to figure it out. I feel fine though. More energy than ever. I know... box, box, box !

NAT...I don't know that we'll ever stop being so hard on ourselves re: food that we eat!! I'm trying to get back on track tomorrow after a weekend of way too much alcohol and food w/my best friend! We had a blast (except for the groping that occured at the dance club last night by the short dude!) but it's time to get serious again!! I guess its a good thing we don't live so close to each other! LOL I am going to set my VDAY goal to be down another 10 pounds, although honestly, I'd be happy to be down just 5!! The good thing was that my BF (gotta love her!) Told me that my ass was getting smaller and that my boobs are now more noticable b/c my stomach is shrinking!! Leave it to my BF To make me feel good! LOL!

I to use thedailyplate.com. I was intimidated by the site at first, but then I gave it an honest try and now it's super easy. This is the eating habits I stick to: - 800 to 1200 calories a day - 60 grams of Protein a day minimum - 64 oz. of Water a day minimum - no non-natural sugar - no more than 20 grams of fat a day - no more than 100 grams of carbs a day - no white carbs (sugar, flour, rice, bread and potatoes) - no chewing gum - no caffiene - no carbonation - no using straws with drinks - no alcoholic drinks - no sugar alcohols (like sugar free candy, etc) I promise, it's easier than it sounds!

CINDY !! your birthday is today ? Well girl dang !! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, YOU SWEET WONDERFUL WOMAN Patty, nope I don't remember sheriff John...? I was in diapers in the 60's LOL. Actually I do remember some stuff from the 60's. I remember the man walking on the moon, I remember my easy bake oven. Watching I dream of jeanie. My sister fussing over the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Why do you ask? Tomorrow is real food kids.... I get to eat real food, I'm so nervous. I feel almost like a druggie taking a small hit of speed or something like that. Like here alcoholic, you can have 1/2 a beer instead of a case. Does anyone understand how I feel? I've been starving these 4 weeks but I've felt in control, now that I can have "FOOD" I'm almost terrified. Guess I'm afraid of gaining and losing control again. I know I'll be okay, I just had to get that off my chest. Where is everyone this beautiful evening ?

Now is a good time to share a picture of my grandson who spent last weekend with us. He always has a great time at Gram's house. Having a drug addict/alcoholic grandma has its perks.

OMG! I felt like crying, what a sad story... I mean, just unbelievable... I do feel bad for him because obviously he drank to medicate himself, plus I strongly believe that alcoholism is an illness, and then the incident with the little girl...who I feel horrible for and her family, and then after everything he already went through, he had to endure this also... I believe his heart was broken too... where his body injuries the reason he died? was he very sick? oh how terrible.... Was is ever determined if he was indeed drinking while he was driving that day? Oh Lord, what a story... I can only imagine having to testify....thank you for sharing this..:thumbup:

I am with Cheri, I have depression and have also been in AA for years. I would think most of us used food for comfort like an alcoholic uses alcohol. Now without the food, you may find yourself without the thing you turned to for years. I know that was part of my problem, when I got sober I started using food..then when I was banded I had to deal with other core issues & face why I over-indulge in everything. It might be time to talk with someone or see a doctor. I know I could not pull myself out of depression, I needed help. You are not alone. Patty

So, how was your first time introducing alcohol into your new body?

After I came out of surgery I said some pretty crazy stuff while coming off of anaesthesia. It always happens...It's so embarassing. I can't stop talking. I kept talking about wanting to be thin and saying I hope the surgeon didn't screw up. I also talked about the last time I was on the stuff for my wisdom teeth removal. - I'd asked the nurse if she looked at my boobs during surgery and then told her they were private. Then I asked her if she farted. >.< I felt the need to tell this to the nurses while I was having my lap band done. There was also a poor girl next to me trying to sleep. I yelled at her 'HEY! what did you get done?'' and she said, 'colonoscopy'...Gah...I feel like a total jerk now that I look back, but at the same time it's kind of funny lol. Some things are hazy too. My surgeon said that I'd asked at one stage if I was dead...I don't remember that, but it sounds like something stupid I'd say. The same thing happens when I drink alcohol - which is exactly why I don't touch the stuff. I act like a total dork.

Hi everyone, been super-busy like everyone else, but checking in. Still holding at 172 which I guess is OK. Have a doc appt in a couple weeks. Nicole, hope you are feeling great again... Pneumonia is serious stuff. I like your idea of New Year's liquids. I've done that a couple days this week myself to make up for the horrid aftermath of the office Christmas party. I did so many things wrong that day. First off I was tired and decided to have a caffeinated peppermint mocha on my way there. It did pep me up since I haven't had caffeine in a year! Then I ate spicy food and drank margaritas. I was in a world of hurt the next day with my stomach. I will not be drinking alcohol for New Year's, thank you, it is not worth it! So onward and downward, wishing all of you a very joyous and prosperous New Year! Bandiversaries are coming up!

Hello Everyone, wow I have a lot to catch up on.. I had to go back and start reading from the 19th.. JDI- I still run 3.1 miles 2x's a week with my running group or in my neighborhood and occasional add in a short run (about 1.5 to 2 miles) too. But Next time I register and pay for an official timed race I just hope to be at my goal of running the entire course. It's just a personal goal that's all always challenging myself. Rkimom - I know I'm late but glad you've joined the group, I've read your posts and since I've been back to taking my vitamins on a regular basis..I am terrible with that but getting much better. LadyB - I worry about erosion and slippage every time I get a stomach ache, I noticed over the holidays I did great with food but did bad with the wine & mix drinks on Tues, Wed & T-Giving and noticed by Friday I felt like my band was having spasms I got really scared, so I stopped the alcohol and no more spasms, then tried a mix drink on Monday (as a test) and boom, spasm feeling again. I guess me and alcohol no longer get along! well thank goodness I'm not a heavy drinker lol so this should be an easy issue to fix. I see everyone survived Thanksgiving..that's wonderful. I had 1 plate of food, 1 small dessert and I was done with dinner for the day (no seconds) I shared cooking with my mom and my daughter cooked the desserts so that helped with the pre-meal eating. I cooked the vegetables and "light" sweet potato casserole, that helped too. I forgot to post my Monday morning weight still 192. All the running doesn't seem to help however I'm maintaing just perfectly lol, guess I need to switch it up a bit either run more and/or add in some strength training or something. To reach the yearly goal I set by 1/17/13 I'm suppose to be at 175. hmmm, may not quite make it, right now I'm about 17lbs off, but I feel great so I'm ok with it (but I'm still going to try to get as close as possible )