San Diego

lefthander_1975 · March 3, 2005

It has been so long since I posted here.

Last post was 11/2003 right after I got my surgery-can't believe how time has flown by. I love my band BUT have been stuck at my current weight since August. I have lost 50 pounds and that is it and yes i am greatfull BUT I need to loose more by next year so I can start preparing to get pregnant. My doctor told me she wants me to loose at least another 30 to 40 pounds before I get pregnant. I probally need another fill or maybe I am just eating totally wrong because the scale goes back and forth between 202 to 205 every week. Very Frusterating!!!!!!

I actually started exercising alot since August- like 5 to 6 days a week for an hour a day. I do love it BUT hate that I am not seeing the scale go down.

Since you have been banded longer than I have and have had good success can you give me some tips to restart the weight loss. I am getting worried that maybe 50 pounds is all I was meant to loose w/the band and I don't wanna except that yet.

I am scheduled for a fill later in the month but in the past whenever I have gotten a little more fill than where I am at right now I get heartburn and then have to go back to get an unfill. That has also been frusterating because I never feel properly filled.

I can still eat bread at this fill level and probally eat more than I should be but if I am still hungry I eat.

Anyways I hope I can get some advice and I hope you don't mind me asking you for some advice?

Caroline

donali · March 3, 2005

Hi Caroline -

I was pretty darn successful while I was banded, but since my unbanding... not so much... :cry

But heck, I'll give you advice anyhow!! lol

Okay, the trick when you're not as tight as you'd like to be, for whatever reason, is to maximize what your pouch CAN do for you. So you have to think, "How can I get my pouch to get full and stay full for the maximum amount of time?"

Common knowledge:

1. Cold drinks generally tighten restriction

2. Hot Drinks generally loosen restriction

3. Water-loading gives an early pouch stretch, the sensation of which can last for some time, even after the pouch empties

4. Foods that do not "dissolve" with chewing tend to pass more slowly through the pouch - i.e. meats, raw veggies, fibrous things

5. Drinking sooner than 1 hour after eating washes food through the pouch faster, minimizing the amount of time to feel full, leading to return of hunger sooner

6. Exercise is a natural appetite suppressant

7. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger - most people are slightly dehydrated

8. sleep deprivation increases stress, which can result in weight gain

Based on the above knowledge, this would be my suggestion to you to try:

1. Make sure you're drinking all of your Water every day - .5 oz per pound of body weight.

Water and Fat Loss

The levels of oxygen in the bloodstream are greater when the body is well hydrated. The more oxygen the body has readily available the more fat it will burn for energy. Without the presence of oxygen the body cannot utilize stored fat for energy efficiently. Not only will the body burn more fat when well hydrated but because of the increased oxygen levels you will also have more energy.

http://www.tbfinc.com/water.htm

2. Get a good night's sleep - go to bed earlier than you're used to.

3. Do a brisk, 30 minute walk each day.

4. Water load before meals. Try to drink a quart of water in the hour before you eat, and then drink as much icy-cold water as you can, as quickly as you can, 15 minutes before your meal.

5. Eat solid Proteins and lots of raw/cooked veggies.

6. NO liquids for an hour after meals!

7. Plan, plan, plan. Plan your meals beforehand, so you know already what you're going to eat. Make your lunch and take it with you to work. PLAN on having Snacks, and plan what you're going to use as a snack, and make sure you have it with you so you have a better chance of sticking to your plan.

Good luck, and I hope some of this helps!!

I need to do this myself... lol

lefthander_1975 · March 3, 2005

Thanks so much for replying.I will definiltey have to make some changes because I think I am pretty much washing away my food because I drink too soon after eating.

How long has it been since you were unbanded?

I am sorry but I have not been on the boards for a while and was wondering why you had to have your band removed.