I need ur advice please

[GayleTX 1]

Gabi...please to go 'use cp' and edit your signature to add in your surgery date, beginning weight, current weight, height....that way people can give you replies based on your own personal situation...that's important)

Gabi......are you saying you have not had a fill all this time???!! If so, you have not really had a functioning band all this time! You've done it by yourself, which is pretty remarkable. But, if you're like most of us with eating disorders, you won't keep it off.

I am shocked that your surgeon did not give you more instructions and guidance...have you looked thru your paperwork again to be sure there's nothing in there?

You will probably need 2-3 more fills to be able to have a functioning and effective band. The band surgery is just Step One....what you do afterward is what makes the band work. There are many eating rules you must follow to keep off the weight or to lose more (and to care for your band):

Eating guidelines:

No carbonated drinks....ever!!!

No liquids during or for one hour after a meal....ever!!

Drink at least 64 oz of liquids a day (Protein supps count, caffeine drinks

do not)

No fried foods, no sweets (there are wonderful Desserts you can make

with Splenda, etc, though....you don't have to suffer)

Take in at least 60-100 Protein grams a day.

At each meal, take in your protein foods first, then eat your veggies next.

To keep your weight loss moving and to control your cravings, eliminate

all white carbs from your life (i.e., starches...white bread, pizza crust,Pasta, rice, potatoes, corn, etc).

Don't every let yourself get too hungry...or too full.

You need to start tracking your food intake on a site such at www.fitday.com so you can monitor your carbs, calories, etc. Don't try to keep your calorie count too low....you'll stall out, especially as much as you've already lost. Most of the new research says you need about 1000-1200 cal. a day to continue to lose.

If you are not sure of what foods have Proteins, carbs, etc, google and find lists of good protein sources (meat, Beans, peas, etc)

Find yourself some good protein supplements and use them for the rest of your life to protect your muscles and hair. Make sure the ones you use are for bariatric patients, not athletes. There are some excellent, good-tasting products out there so don't settle for something you don't like.

Exercise is important to keep your muscle mass as it should be and to keep your heart healthy. Vitamins are also important. Make sure you have blood work done every 6 mo to prevent anemia, low potassium, etc from sneaking up on you.

Best wishes....

I hope this helps you. Again, I'm impressed you've done what you have essentially on your own. Let me know if I can be of help.

[Chris S. - L.I. 0]

Rubyjade,

"I have been banded almost 3 years and have been drinking with my meals to try and eat more food for at least 2 of those years. My esophagus problems were caused partially by this and partially by a too tight band. "

What type problems do you have? I have been banded since 9/2003 and I can eat alot more then I used tobe able to. I also drink when I eat mostly when I go out to dinner.

Chris

[Gabi 0]

Hello guys!!

I am really impressed with this huge advice u provided me with, and to be honest, I needed it today.

I just ordered again pasta:( and desert:( yes i am bad bad.. after i went to 255 pounds am back to 260 pounds!! .. I know they are mostly extra Water from eating junk food but it hurts to see the numbers at the scale, especially after a long week of commitment and feeling hungry!

I did 3 tough dancing and aerobic this class, but seeing the numbers drop so slow again really hurts me.

Eating anything more give me more pounds.

I cant set my mind mentally, and i am really sick of being fat.

I think I will never reach my goal, and losing this weight was just it.

Why am i starting to feel that hungry lately?, is that normal after first fill?, will it disappear?.

Help me againm I am sorry for asking too much:(

[Gabi 0]

I've been able to lose more rapidly by following the band rules. .

Any more rules i would love to be filled in with.. either than not drinking and avoiding junk food?

I really need to know more plz!!

I am shocked that your surgeon did not give you more instructions and guidance...have you looked thru your paperwork again to be sure there's nothing in there?

I am shocked too!! he is kind of the doctors who dont talk much!!

I think i was like a baby learning stuff on his own through this operation!!

Don't every let yourself get too hungry...or too full.

how can that happen? Yes i followed the rule of not drinking while eating, i get hunrgy after an hour of eating!!!! NOW,how can i avoid this ?

[GayleTX 1]

Gabi.....most doctors will give you a fill within 3 weeks after the first one...make an appointment and get a little more restriction....it will become much easier.

[DeeFaludi 0]

Hi All,

I just got banded yesterday! 12-15, I'm having a little problem peeing!

anyone else have this problem? How long does it last?

Dee