EcMjawad1

Hello,

I have had two fills since banded in March. I too can eat more than the 1/3 target. But there are foods I can no longer eat without getting "stuck" I have to remind myself that this is a "tool" and my goal is to eat less, within the limits I can manage. I will most likely go for my third fill in November or December, But I don't want to be too tight.. I think a lot of it is personal decision and tolerance. I will only get my fills done at the OCC so I also take that into consideration when budgeting. Bottom line is sometimes I feel restriction and sometimes I don't...so do what you feel is best for you.

Thanks for the info. I use Bob's Red Mill when cooking but I will try the tip of keeping it in the fridge. I also look for healthy food choices that contain flaxseed, like my new found tortilla chips. I also just made my family pancakes with flaxseed and they were pretty good. I am still having trouble with adding in protein..but just have the liquid form as needed for now. I am also trying out a new program starting the 4 of November to address my new busy lifestyle and hope it works. This plan has prepackaged, fresh organic foods, delivered to your door on a weekly basis. By working day and night I have found I am finding little time to eat properly (meaning healthfully) and I hope this helps..I live alone so I don't want to cook or eat at 11 PM when I get home...I will let you know how it goes, I am trying the three week trial plan. Keeping giving us those healthy hints!

Wow, thanks for all the information and inspiration. I will think of you on your journey...keep us all informed. My daughter and I each had the band, and are loosing slowly. I haven't weighed in at this weight in 20 years..feeling good but I think my body is in shock since it is holding on to every ounce...I will not give up and your story is very inspiring. Thank you! Good luck with this new proccedure which will be interesting to follow.

The OCC is wonderful....call them...we are all different after a fill..I was swollen for about two days and then was fine..but I made a call...

Hey I'm with you on the shopping thing..I am exciting I can buy cloths now that look good..but I am trying hard to hold off. Just today I had a mental talk with myself..hold off until next year for that.. you can wear it well then..fall is my favorite cloths season!! The shoes too..I want a pair of killer boot's with heels..next fall's goal..In the mean time I am starting to save for a TT, and BL (any ideas on what to wear under cloths until the "Girls" get fixed?) This has all been well worth everything...

I too live in the Bay Area, and I only have one day off...So, I usually go early flight and come back the same day (evening). Make sure you plan this for the border wait. Sometimes in fast and sometimes 3 hours..I have had both. If you get in to San Diego early, just have lunch (good way to see how restriction is). And rest. I always have homework or a good book.

Great Job,

I have printed and posted it where thou may seeist often!

MJ

Consider this a new life and new learning...things will not change overnight without serious thought from you and commitment to change habits. I was an emotional eater for my entire life..the band is a tool..I have slowly noticed changes, both self imposed, and band imposed. Here are some ideas that have helped me:

1. Online food diary (my personal fav "Calorie King").

2. Blogging, either on this site or in a personal diary-depending on what I want to share or not.

3. Learning things about myself and making changes. For instance; not eatting in a hurry and taking time to sit and eat, finding some time to exercise even if it's a 20 minute walk during lunch, self care which doesn't include eating, realizing that I am worth the time and effort, learning food--real food--what I like, need, or can tolerate.

4. Reading on emotional eating, two of my favorite books; "Food Rules" by Michael Pollan, and "Eating Mindfully" by Susan Albers. These two books are low key and get to the point.

5. Forgiving myself, breathing, and getting back in the saddle..

and finally,

6. Realizing that this is not going to happen overnight..but that I will not give up and I am in for the long haul, picking myself up when I stumble.

For each of us this is a personal journey..you will need to follow your path and figure it out..but you are not alone..we are all here!

Hi and Welcome!

I live in the Bay Area, and have been working through all the life changes the band has brought...wonderful and also, at times, challenging. I work two jobs but would be happy to talk with you on this forum or via email.

Good luck..this is a great family and support system!

Great post...a whole new way of eating and chewing! I have also found "eating on the run" is no longer possible either! Along with eating when stressed, upset, or not focused..these things make the band tighten up or me..both make it hard to actually eat and have the food not stick..this has been a great new lesson over the months and I am learning new habits for the first time.

This is a great reminder for everybody newbies, to pro's. Thanks for the great information and the inspiring facts....a lot of it was very helpful and never understood!!

Thank you...I just hate my Wii when it tells me "ooo that's obese" anyway I'm going for a smaller waist size first!

Any type of dry meat is a no no...Trader Joe's Mahi Mahi burgers are the latest failed attempt...of course the time of day and stress and make almost any food a no no. I have found smaller snack type portions the best bet..and appetizers as a main course the best when eating out!

I was a normal weight until around 18, when I stopped my daily swimming routine, ate the same, and hit female development...then it just got worse..two pregnancies later, and 80 pounds heavier for the past 20 years..I didn't keep gaining though, and now I can't loose..my body fighting me every step of the way!!! I won't give up though..feel the best in 20 years..

HOT DOG....Or should I say quiche! Thank you soooo much..wow..I can hardly wait. Today I just went out and bought a "frittata pan" from Williams Sonoma, one I have been eye ballin for awhile..much better than spending the $$ of the wrong kind of food....I will be eggin it up...of course with the egg issue here, only eggs from the local Farmer's market. Thanks Demalove..

Michele

Hi Damalove,

Thanks for your reply. Now that I am done with school I will be home weekends with the ability to cook more...I use some of the same types of foods you have mentioned. I would like more info about the crust-less quiche...that sounds like a great breakfast!! I have problems in the AM with breakfasts. I also like your ideas of having food ready for the week, especially since I work day and teach nights. I think this weekend I will give it a try..

Thank you!

Hi guys,

Question. First off how do you get in 90gr protein? I have tried and can't see to do it? I have been trying to follow the atkins..what is your plan? Are you loosing with it?

As far as gaining..it could be the sugar...in the fruit...my husband was a diabetic and any fruit or juice would raise his sugar levels..weight was not an issue for him though...I would call the OCC and talk with them after a few days of careful journaling to see if they have any suggestions..

Wow that pizza looks great! If you could eat two pieces I say fill time too. I would most likely get one piece down slow....but I too have been on a plateau but I think its my body fighting me every step..so I am not that worried..yet..I still get in 1200-1500, and I am the lowest weight I have been in 20 years, so I'm just enjoying that fact. I still have a hard time in the AM so I guess based on your photo I don't need a fill yet...Good luck and keep us updated.

So,

If I understand you right you can eat some solid meals on some days...? and the band is tight in the AM?...You sound pretty much like me. I think alot of mine had to do with stress..I started a new job and found that if I tried to eat, no matter how slow or how many times, I would feel the food get stuck...so when I am alone and relaxed I can eat...sometimes foods I can eat one day fine...don't go down easy on another day..I consider it all part of the learning curve...I too retain water easy and notice if I drink more water in a few days the added pound or so goes away..currently I am on a holding pattern but am the lowest in 20 years.

Hi

Where is Cosmed? is this the same place everyone else is talking about for PS? I am beginning to think about saving for some "work" as a final goal for the new me..ideas and comments would be great! My 50th gift to myself!

Hey,

I am still trying to figure the AM thing out four months post op..this is the hardest meal for me. Sometimes things go down OK than a week later they stick..so to play it safe I go with yogurt or rice/tapioca pudding I make myself in order to make it healthy. Also, cottage cheese with apple sauce seems to be a winner..

Congradutlations.....It's not the destination, it's the journey....good luck as yours continues!

Thank you for confirming what I already knew...you just cemented my resolve..I have never been treated as well in any medical procedure as I have been by the OCC and their staff....I will continue to go there for all my aftercare...Great sharing!

Hi Debbie,

I am four months out and at this point can't feel a thing unless I do something I know I shouldn't like eat too much. I agree with dermalove who can feel it at certain yoga positions. It wasn't until a month ago that I could do the bending at the waist thing..I do feel it with certain moves. Meanwhile the rest of the time I don't feel a thing...you don't feel it around your stomach but you can feel it (after three fills) about midway between your breasts if the food gets blocked there..as for the port..I never feel it, in fact I still am not sure where it is and am glad that the ICC uses floro to find it..We are all here for you..good luck!

Hi all,

I did the Atkins version too...and I too am on a modified version..no bread, sugar, learn protein. Works well..good luck!