Newbie

[joefab110 0]

Hi everyone!

I was just "banded" about 7 weeks ago. Although I have read a lot about the procedure and the lifestyle and eating habits after the operation, I still have a lot to learn!

I am 5'8",50 years old and was at 275 lbs. I am now down to 240. My goal is to get down to 165 lbs. I did the operation on my own. I paid cash because I didn't want to wait for the insurance. I was desperate to lose weight, get healthy....and buy new clothes!

I have been following my doctors instructions as much as I can. First week...liquids. Second week...soft foods. Third week....regular, but easily digestable foods. I had my first fill 2 weeks ago(3cc)and my second fill yesterday(3cc). Ever since the operation, I have only felt physically hungry a couple of times. I often had to remind myself to eat(or drink). At first, it felt weird...but after pigging out for 15 years, it was kind of a relief. I pretty much was very strict....except for some Hersheys kisses and a couple of ice creams(but, small scoops). I lost about 25 pounds the first 4 weeks, then 10 pounds the next 3 weeks.

After the first fill, my doctor said that he would fill me slowly. I explained that I had not yet felt full to the point of discomfort...and never had to vomit. He explained that he will take it very slowly over the next 8 weeks. He also said that after the third fill is when I would REALLY start to lose weight, He said the weight I lost up to this point was just a bonus! Of course, that really made me even more excited!

I had started exercising about 2 1/2 weeks ago....just treadmill 3 -4 times a week. Next week, I will start with weights(Total Gym)and will TRY to get in at least 5 days a week.

I am really excited. I feel "reborn". I can't wait to go shopping on Black Friday.

I would appreciate suggestions and help on what are the foods I can eat and what portions. I love to cook and even after the operation, I would cook for my family and guests...then I would just drink my liquids or Soup. Surprisingly, I never felt deprived or hungry.

As I mentioned earlier, my doctor is going gradually. I have had 6cc...and he said he would fill 3cc in 2 weeks and a final 3cc after 2 more weeks. Then, he said that at after the 4 fill, my portions would have to be really small. That's why he is going slowly. So i can "practice" how to eat properly.

If I follow my diet and portion controls and exercise, what will be my weight loss over the next 2 months. Is it possible to lose 50 more pounds by the end of September? Is that an unrealistic goal?

My other questions are...exactly how much can I eat and what portion size? Will I get full immediately or will it be gradual(while I am eating)?

Any help would be appreciated.

Sorry for such a long post!

Regards everyone,

Joe

[Astrasmom 1]

Hi everyone!

I was just "banded" about 7 weeks ago. Although I have read a lot about the procedure and the lifestyle and eating habits after the operation, I still have a lot to learn!

I am 5'8",50 years old and was at 275 lbs. I am now down to 240. My goal is to get down to 165 lbs. I did the operation on my own. I paid cash because I didn't want to wait for the insurance. I was desperate to lose weight, get healthy....and buy new clothes!

I have been following my doctors instructions as much as I can. First week...liquids. Second week...soft foods. Third week....regular, but easily digestable foods. I had my first fill 2 weeks ago(3cc)and my second fill yesterday(3cc). Ever since the operation, I have only felt physically hungry a couple of times. I often had to remind myself to eat(or drink). At first, it felt weird...but after pigging out for 15 years, it was kind of a relief. I pretty much was very strict....except for some Hersheys kisses and a couple of ice creams(but, small scoops). I lost about 25 pounds the first 4 weeks, then 10 pounds the next 3 weeks.

After the first fill, my doctor said that he would fill me slowly. I explained that I had not yet felt full to the point of discomfort...and never had to vomit. He explained that he will take it very slowly over the next 8 weeks. He also said that after the third fill is when I would REALLY start to lose weight, He said the weight I lost up to this point was just a bonus! Of course, that really made me even more excited!

I had started exercising about 2 1/2 weeks ago....just treadmill 3 -4 times a week. Next week, I will start with weights(Total Gym)and will TRY to get in at least 5 days a week.

I am really excited. I feel "reborn". I can't wait to go shopping on Black Friday.

I would appreciate suggestions and help on what are the foods I can eat and what portions. I love to cook and even after the operation, I would cook for my family and guests...then I would just drink my liquids or Soup. Surprisingly, I never felt deprived or hungry.

As I mentioned earlier, my doctor is going gradually. I have had 6cc...and he said he would fill 3cc in 2 weeks and a final 3cc after 2 more weeks. Then, he said that at after the 4 fill, my portions would have to be really small. That's why he is going slowly. So i can "practice" how to eat properly.

If I follow my diet and portion controls and exercise, what will be my weight loss over the next 2 months. Is it possible to lose 50 more pounds by the end of September? Is that an unrealistic goal?

My other questions are...exactly how much can I eat and what portion size? Will I get full immediately or will it be gradual(while I am eating)?

Any help would be appreciated.

Sorry for such a long post!

Regards everyone,

Joe

Hi Joe. Congratulations on your success so far. You sound like you are doing really well. The great thing is men tend to lose faster than women. That's where the jealousy comes in..heh

Anyway to answer a couple of your questions. I would lower your goal a bit. An additional 50lbs on top of what you have lost for September might be a little high. But then again, your a man so one can never tell. As I said, men lost quicker than women. I would cut that in half though to maybe 25lbs. The general rule is 1-2 lbs a week. But it's good that you are following your doctors guidelines because it does pay off in the long run.

Your portion sizes should be 1/2 to a 1 cup of food at every meal. You won't feel full right away. It's a gradual process but you will know when you are full. Many people have what is called soft signs of fullness. For me I get the hiccups. Thats when I know to stop. Biggest thing is to listen to your stomach do not listen to your head. When you feel full, cut yourself off.

As for food suggestions. I eat alot of chicken and fish. My family will eat different things than me. When i prepare something for them that I can not eat, I just make sure that I always have something for me. I plan ahead. Or i will make extra and freeze it so that there is always something for me. For instance I do not eat red meat, Pasta, bread or rice. When their meals involve that, then I will usually prepare myself some salmon or chicken burgers.

Anyway you have a good attitude and I wish you much success. Please keep us posted on your progress. And it is possible to lose the weight. I'm a little over 9 months out and down 104lbs already.

[THEMAXWELLFAMILY 0]

wow! you are doing great! what about making your goal 25 instead of 50?