Can't afford fill and need nutrition advice, Help!

[Rchsphmelli 1]

Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting to this forum (and second time trying to post here because my cat just jumped on the keyboard and erased my almost-completed message from 20 minutes ago. Lovely.) Anyways, I'm 25 yrs old, got banded 5 years ago and am down 130 lbs. 215 lbs today, still working at it.

Here's the problem: I'm going to school for the second time around, I relocated to Florida from Wisconsin to go to college. No family down here, and no insurance as a student. While this is temporary (10 more months to go of this hell!) I'm eating like 3 cups of food a day mostly while driving. Working 2 jobs minimum wage. No time to eat, stressed to the MAX. I know I'm in desperate need of a fill, but I cannot afford these fees to get an adjustment! SO, anyways, I need help. I want to take control of my life and make a structured menu for myself to follow in order to ensure that not only am I eating what I should, but I can go into the grocery store, march in, get what I need, and not make rash decisions on what snacky foods full of crap to buy. I don't know how much I SHOULD be eating (some forums say 3 small meals a day, others say 5 meals of 1/2 cup, etc. etc), and nothing posted online says what my normal diet should be.

I'd like to know how much Protein and carbohydrates I should be taking in a day. I'd like to know how many cups of food I SHOULD eat and that's it. I'd LIKE to know if there's any freaking way to get an adjustment in Florida with no money or insurance. I know I should probably call around but I'm just on my last nerve, exhausted and ANGRY because I've gained weight (ok. Only 5 lbs but still, 5 lbs is a lot for me). On top of this, next week is Thanksgiving (cue the scary music) and that means potentially thousands of calories for me to ingest. So, so worried here folks. I think I need a hug, haha.

[annieM 2]

Wow, you've done great! :blushing: Maybe instead of buying junk, put what it would have cost in a jar to save up for a fill. Junk food is very expensive and that could mount up pretty quickly.

Just a thought.

Good luck on your journey!

[newlifebegins2017 25]

First of all, here's a big hug for you. ((((hug)))) You are doing great! Look at the big picture of where you have come since being banded. Where would you probably be without the band? You are doing very well so stop beating yourself up for a 5 pound gain. It happens to all of us at some point.

I am going to be watching this thread as I have several of the same questions that you do and I cannot get a fill until after January 1 due to insurance and no money. I have not had a fill since May and I really need one. I, too, have to skate through these holidays so by joining forces, we can make it work.

As far as meals go, I need the same help. I am unsure of what foods to be eating in order to get the proper nutrition.

I was told to eat three small meals per day and allow for two very small Snacks so I do eat five times per day when I am focused on what I am doing.

Some times I stress eat and will graze all day long. So I know what you are going through. Hang in there and I hope I helped a little. Lets see what everyone else has to say.

Hugs,

Dianna

[JuneAct2 0]

Hugs to you!!! Don't fret about Thanksgiving. Just be mindful of what you put on your plate. I don't count calories at a holiday meal, but I limit myself to ONE holiday meal! Like someone else said, it's a holiDAY, not a holiWEEK.

First of all, call around and find a fill doctor/fill center. Find out how much it will cost for a new previously banded patient. It may not be as much as you think. Then I'd ask for money for Christmas and put it toward the fill! And, while you're on the phone, chat up the receptionist and see if she can give you some written diet material.

You can also google diet plans and get some ideas.

You already know that eating out is not the best plan, but sometimes it's the only option. I get that. My daughters are on the $1 menu diet, as well! It's just part of college!

If you're eating in the car, that means fast food. And, working with that, take a few minutes to figure out which fast food is healthiest. Then make sure you eat only the healthiest thing on the menu. For instance, Taco Bell has a nutrition calculator on their website. A grilled chicken fresco taco is only 170 calories, 4 grams fat, and 12 grams Protein. Not bad for junk food! Order 1 or even 2, and that's all! No sides or extras, and NO soft drinks. It will take some research, but you can work out a plan that works for you. Write it down. Make a list of "acceptable" fast foods and keep it in the car. Know ahead of time what you can order!!

Go to one of the food tracking websites and track your intake. You have to know where you are before you can figure out where you're going. I use www.livestrong.com You can figure out how many calories to eat, and track your Water intake and exercise, too.

Now, you've moved to sunny Florida! Yay!!! That means the weather is much better than Wisconsin, so get outside! Walk everywhere you can walk.

You have done great so far! I am excited for you. You have taken the right steps to get healthier, and you've come a LONG way! You can do this! I wish you all the best!