I'm just not understanding the food part of all this.

[ADJL 685]

I had my second fill yesterday up to 4ccs and I believe I've hit my green zone. I had a yogurt this morning and if I hadn't had to feed my kids I wouldn't have even thought about food all day...so I had a Protein shake (liquids and mushies only today!) and I really don't want anything else.

But...eating 500 cal/day is only going to hurt me in the end...

How do ya'll get in enough food when you don't want to eat? They say 3 meals /day but only a cup of food...how does that add up to enough?

I just am not understanding how I'm supposed to be eating. I already have an unhealthy relationship with food and I don't want to make it worse....

On Monday I'll be making an appt with my nutritionist, but honestly? I usually get better information from this forum.

Help! There are so many success stories...how are you doing the food part?

[stept04 465]

It's about a cup of food at each meal or about 4oz lean Protein, 1/2 cup vegi's, and 1/2 cup complex carbs. Make sure you start with your Protein then move on to your vegi's and finish with your complex carbs. Stop eating when your full though, just make sure your getting in your lean protein which is 60 to 80 grams a day. Hope that helps some.

~~~Stephanie

[lellow 1,713]

This is one of the reasons I think not counting calories helped me. The lapband isn't like a regular diet. If you're lucky and being in the green zone takes away your hunger (like it did for me) roll with it. You've been given help to slay the dragon (hunger) and following what your body tells you with help you lose. It did for me.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I try to get in the most nutrients and Protein when I do eat because my appetite is so poor most days. For instance, when I snack I eat things like string cheese or a piece of deli lunch meat. For meals, I always eat Protein first and then veggies.

If I know I'm not eating enough then I'll have a Protein shake to help make up for it.

It's not easy but you learn as you go. Be patient, you'll get there

[KAATNS 1,473]

I know exactly what you mean! My nurse told me I wasn't eating enough (SAY WHAT!?). I had a hard time wrapping my head around that one. You want me to eat more and I'm not even hungry??? I still struggle with it sometimes, but I'm trying to find that good balance. Most days I don't even hit 1200 calories and I'm totally fine with it hunger wise, but I have been a slow loser so who knows?? Let us know what your nutritionist says.

[pinklily27 61]

I agree with Mis73. Adding a protien shake is a good way to get some extra calories and nutrition. Hopefully even with a feeling offullness, you can still drink. If you can't drink in between meals than you may be too tight. Are you drinking ok?

[Maddysgram 6,159]

I too agree with Missy. I was also told that"if I'm not hungry, don't eat".

[karenw 21]

I am still trying to get healed , I wasn't sure if I should be tracking calories , but I do know I am under 1000 which is probably not enough went out and bought some more muscle milk today , i feel better if I have that in my diet.....

[karenw 21]

Had some wine tonight , white wine so im hoping that is a clear Fluid ...and yes it tasted great , and no issues with sticking ....not sure if I should but didn't see it anywhere in my not to do.... I wanted it so I had some , not going to beat myself up over it , it is what it is peace my fellow banders

[ADJL 685]

Drinking just fine...but if its anything with substance like a shake I'm definitely filling up fast.

I workout in the AM and the band gets tight so I almost always do a Protein shake in the morning.

This is such a crapshoot...eat too much and I sabotage...eat too little and I sabotage. I don't trust myself enough to just do what my body wants without some boundaries (like no salt and vinegar Pringles allowed) or I'd just eat crap and I don't want to be a fat skinny person. I want to be healthy and athletic.

I feel like I'm teetering on a tightrope between making it or not making it based on getting this right.

[txsonicguy 262]

How do ya'll get in enough food when you don't want to eat? They say 3 meals /day but only a cup of food...how does that add up to enough?

Thanks for asking this question. I've wondered the same thing.

[GoingforGoal 1,734]

I wanted to add that early on in the banding process I too would feel no hunger. But that has changed. I am 3.5 yrs out and in 'green' but I feel hungry more readily than I did before. Everyone is different of course but I think in time most adjust/adapt. Some people have had to set reminders for themselves to eat every 3-4 hrs. Ensuring adequate nutrition is your responsibility. You are a new bandster so realize things will change with time and you'll get the hang of eating Protein rich foods. I highly recommend keeping a log and getting figuring out what your ideal calorie target is. If it's 800 for example, than start finding foods that'll get you to 800 without feeling bloated/stuffed. Calorie input/targets are very controversial on this forum. Some gasp at those in the low digits (<1000) and others who exercise consistently are in higher digits (1200+). But the fundamentals like min 60g protein is essential for everyone

[ADJL 685]

I highly recommend keeping a log and getting figuring out what your ideal calorie target is.

How do you do this? Is it based on what your body says is enough or by how much/often you exercise? Or what? I do myfitnesspal and am pretty consistent at 1000-1100cal/day. That's me getting in my Protein first then eating what more I want. I'm not actually dieting as in forgoing food when I'm still hungry...that's me feeling satisfied after meals.

[txsonicguy 262]

Calorie input/targets are very controversial on this forum. )

Excuse my newbie ignorance, but why is that a controversial subject?

[PJ Geeser 108]

Count your lucky stars that you have found the green zone so soon...I am almost done with month 9 and still feel no help yet from my band. It is beyond frickin hard to keep on and with only 40 lb loss due to will power....well lets just say it sucks! I expected at least some help by now but will keep trying to get closer. I really do feel that there should be some way to get everyone to this green zone at a faster pace than it has been for me. I know there are a few others who it does take some time as a whole for most it is much before this time.

Cant wait to get to a point of no hunger so please be really happy you are where you are already.