need success tips!

[Wheetsin 714]

My family is the same way. My mother was diagnosed with melanoma (on her foot) and had to have part of her foot cut out, from just under the ankle bone, back to the start of the heel, and down to the start of her sole. About 1.5" deep. She was showing me one day and I told her it looked like Chinese food. From then on she's had the nickname "Lo Mein". My family has had so many struggles, losses, challenges... that we're to the point of having to laugh at it, or we'll cry.

[leatha_g 4]

I STAY hungry and unfortunately can get down pop-corn etc but have real trouble setting down to a "healthy" meal and when I do, it can take me 3-4 hours to eat.

This part concerns me. Yes, carbs are easy to fall into if you're having trouble getting a fill you can live with. BUT - taking 3-4 hours to FINISH a meal is something you probably do not want to continue. There is no need to FINISH a meal. Placing a small portion of Protein (fish, chicken, eggs, cottage cheese, beef, etc) and a small portion of veggies on a dessert size plate would be a good place to start. Protein no larger than the size of your fist. Bites no larger than a pencil eraser. If you begin eating the protein first, chew chew chew. (I tend to mix my bites, so I get both protein and veggies). If you can only eat 4 bites of protein due to your fill, you may want to chew more or put your fork down between bites to allow it to move through, but DO NOT stretch your meals over a 3-4 hr period. This is basically eating around the band in order to get MORE food in. Have your meal, spend 15-30 minutes on it and try to move on to something else. This Portion Control is why we were banded in the first place. Easy to say, tougher to put in practice, I know. But think of it like this. We want to see how LITTLE food we can get by with (and be healthy), as opposed to how much we can get in and get by with. The object is weight loss and better health and you'd be surprised how little your body needs to maintain good health! Most of us have plenty of reserve on board. We are not going to starve. and, if you find yourself terribly hungry an hour or two hours later, then have another bite or two of protein. You'll get it!!

[cathgr8 1]

Just wanted to take back my complaint of yesterday about my slow weight loss. Sometimes it just takes patience. This morning I was down 3 pounds, so my weight loss is pretty much on track with my BMR.

[cathgr8 1]

I also wanted to add that my doctor's philosophy is, eat three meals - Protein first, 3 oz. Then, if you have room, have some veggies (1/2 cup) then, if you have room, some carbs (fruit or complex carbs). I'm unfilled, but this method of eating means I always get my Protein in, and almost never get any carbs, because there's never room. If you need Snacks, they should be high protein, not carbs (FF string cheese, cottage cheese, sliced meat, beans). He does not push Protein shakes, because while they do have the protein, they go right through the band and don't have the satisfying effect of food in the stomach.

I know if I ate carbs first when I was hungry (which has been my lifelong pattern), or for Snacks, I'd overdo them and never have room to get in my protein. For instance, I see a lot of people on the boards eating oatmeal or Cereal for Breakfast. If I did that, I'd be lightheaded long before lunch. I eat scrambled eggs or leftovers with meat or Beans. If you really can't get protein down, if you eat it first, and after chewing a lot and taking small bites, you need to talk to your doctor.

[MoOrLess 0]

I just wanted to post WHY I eat oatmeal every day for Breakfast -- I'm not banded by the way -- I eat it to get my soluble Fiber in - I have high cholesterol and after 2 years of medicine it is not going down (it's in the genes) and oatmeal is a good way to get that fiber in, as are apples and pears and oranges and walnuts. Just wanted to share........banded folks eat differently and I totally agree with you Cathy - Protein first!

[cathgr8 1]

You go Oat Girl! :clap2: I know I'm lucky that I had no co-morbid conditions, given my eating habits and weight. I've heard lots of stories about how this surgery can result in lower cholesterol, are you having it soon? I hope you're one of the lucky ones. I have been concerned that I don't get enough fiber, myself.

[LapBandit 5]

You have to eat to lose weight. We are the same weight right now and I eat between 1200-1500 calories of good food each day and no junk food at all. You need to eat something for Breakfast, even if it's just a Protein shake. Plus, I eat six times per day. I exercize at least 30 minutes every day. And, I drink as much Water as I can stuff down my throat!!

I know you said you have no energy but the exercize will spark both your metabolism as well as a feeling of well-being.

If you are really struggling with getting food down then get your band properly adjusted. Instead of eating popcorn, drink a Protein Shake. Yes, Protein shakes are just liquid but atleast they have some solid nutritional value that will help nourish your body. Or, my doctor said soy chips are what he recommends if you really must eat a snack food. Just some ideas for ya!

Good luck and let us know what your doctor says!