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Hi all,

Creativity is key! The stomach growling was a whole new world for me..and I constantly told myself..I am not going to die from being being hungry, but I might from being overweight...now 4 months out the growling still occurs when I am hungry, but I am used to it..I never allowed myself to feel it before...the black bean soup was a life saver, so were the yogurts..and I hate to say later on you will still find yourself having your soups and yogurts...in the AM when the band is tightest, that's all I can tolerate..it is a learning curve..the whole process, and each step..keep coming here you will find great ideas and support..

Hi and welcome,

I haven't been on the forum in a couple of weeks because I started a new night job...which has thrown my eating routine way off. The band is a journey and life continues...we just have to figure out how to live together. I was banded in March this year and for the first time felt I could actually live a normal life and Do This! So far I have...but not without learning. I did the band for maybe a different reason than others. My take was that I was sick of a lifetime of dieting and I wanted to be able to eat normally but not compulsively or overeat..Since March this has been 90% of the time accomplished, when not the band let's me know..the last two weeks especially with the new job and the stress..old habits just don't work...So, having explained this, I do eat pizza from time to time, thin crust one piece and it's the best! I think I read somewhere that pizza done right can be pretty healthy. Amy's makes come great frozen ones. I am now at the lowest weight I have been in 20 years--I know this because my son is 20...and after having him I was the same weight I am now a month after delivery. Funny, I still remember someone saying something than about loosing weight. Anyway, I am now on a plauto..my take is because my body is adjusting and fighting it..As someone mentioned, I am celebrating the fact that weight is coming off..however slowly, new ways of eating are being discovered, and I feel better than I have in 20 years. If it takes another year or two to get her done, I am OK with that..I know it can be...Figure out your journey, each step is a learning curve..its different for each of us but yet we are here for each other!

Hi all,

I enjoyed this thread and it is very timely. I am pretty much at a plateau which I knew would hit. This is the lowest weight I have been for 20 years and my body just ain't given it up. I have added more exercise and was thinking of another fill..still might, I too can eat more than 1/2 c food at a time. But, then again the cloths sizes are going down, I do feel restriction, especially in the morning..just tried an egg white wrap --oh that's a No--than I have added the stress of a new job which has thrown off my routine and added major stress until I get it down..so I'm thinking this all has to do with the stall. So, I may give myself another month to settle in and see what happens. Good things: I am not overeating, not eating to the point of nausea, learning to deal with emotions or I get slammed by the band, still working on meal issues..meat is just not my thing but then I don't get enough protein need higher protein veggies...and I get tired..anyway this is changing my life, is slowly...thanks again for the input.

Hi,

I was banded in March and yes, I did have some of the same issues. Mainly I could not do the Yoga that required bending at the middle. I was able to do some poses but not my entire routine comfortably for about three months...it does get better and it is so worth it!

Hi and thank you,

For allowing us to be a part of your journey! I have been looking at photo's of Pammie and am waiting for yours. I am seriously thinking someday, once I see what I am left with..luckily I do live West Coast..where is he located? I am a bit of a surgery scardy, so keep on posting! I too am anxiously awaiting your photo's!

Congratulations! and it is so good to hear from you. I too look forward to following you continued journey, as I looked at my stomach today which is beginning to show signs of sagging and not firming no mater the number of sit-ups! I am pretty scared of the thought of surgery later for this but if I have to in order to complete my journey then I will - I think, following you will help me decide. It sounds like from you and others on this site that this doctor is wonderful. I await more of you journey.

Thank-you

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for your continued story..it brings both a smile/shudder to my face. I wonder what I would do in your spot...hmm, it's weird how even after loosing weight the "fat mentality" is still ingrained in all of us. It is another testament to how our society is conditioned. Good luck, and keep us posted..where did you find sexy panties at 300 pnds? When I was 268 I could never find them...Just now able to buy them, but for me its wonderful how things like that makes you feel so much better about yourself. Much better than food!

Hi Lisa and all,

Lisa thanks for this latest post...it gives another side to a very personal journey, issue, emotional spot, you name it. I am still a baby on my new journey so this is another thought to a life long issue..and a problem that most likely won't come up for me for awhile, but great information to store....thanks again.

Hi Paul,

So, welcome to the journey, the life as a banded person. This is a great place for you to come for support and ideas. So, here is my story. I had my WLS a month after my daughter and it has been the best thing I every did for myself...self care...me first...all new concepts for me, along with learning what that means for myself. Slow baby steps, each step a journey, each fill a journey. I am a very personal person and so I have not told anyone about my WLS other than my daughter who shares the journey and those on this forum, my WLS family. I did not want to have to go into details, explain my eating, feel like I am being watched, deal with saboteurs, you name it..so far this has been the best way to go for me and I am able to do this journey the way I want. I also live alone and eat out a lot...I am able to do this by ordering small meals, like salads, or appetizers as my main meal..I don't miss the bread and I even have a glass of wine. Tracking my food allows me to do this and maintain my weight loss. My weak area is exercise, which I have begun to work on! Good luck, we are here for you...

Wow, all sounds real yummy, can you make these items? I am thinking low fat versions, or, eat just enough to feel full and track yourself. One of the reasons I got banded was so that I could give up my life time mentality of dieting..meaning learning to eat like a normal person, which includes eating foods I like within reason...

Welcome to the world of learning...in fact, I have a list of foods that "work" or don't, which I am constantly adding to. So as above here are mine:

1. No white anything, especially doughy bread...think ball of dough in a funnel.

2. Rice, one or two tablespoons

3. Steak, yeah right...unless you chew it to the consistency of baby food

Its a learning curve, welcome to the world of new eating behavior and food patterns...

Hi Sherri,

Hope you finding your way. I too do not like meat and have found tofu, eggs, cheese, beans, fish, and if I have to chicken. I have really worked hard at bringing up my protein because it does help with the hunger. I used to crave warm yummy bread but have found lower carb versions which work out ok. Once you wean yourself off all the "dough" you will find it easier. However, if I find I just have to have bread I have a small amount..more makes the band/stomach unhappy as you may find when you get another fill...Keep in touch.

Hi,

I have had two fills and both times went in early and went home the same day. I did just what you suggested and hung out...eating a small meal to see if all was "well" so far this has worked for both myself and my daughter.

Hi Gina,

I am a dental clinician and I went back to work in three days..in hindsight I would have given myself a week. I let HR know that I was having surgery (didn't give details) and would need light duty for a couple of weeks..the advance warning worked. I was on my feet and that was not a problem the bending was a bit uncomfortable and I did not lift anything heavy for a month..Good luck!

Hi Janice,

Great post..thank-you! I like the helpful reminders..as we continue the never ending journey to better health and life.

Hi,

ditto on the gas comments...but the med's I can understand. I have to take heart meds (have for 25 years), and they are big horse pills..I have bought a pill splitter and use it, but only needed to after my second fill. The capsules I initially opened and added to water or juice, and I take liquid/powder vitamins mixed in water..funny I didn't even think about the pills until after the fact. I could also ask my MD for smaller pills and take double but for now I am OK..

Hi,

I started by walking the next day after being banded...and I took it slow adding more mileage slowly, one day I did overdue and felt it the next so I rested. I agree with the comment about not pushing yourself. I was banded the last week of March and I felt anything I did Ab-wise for weeks, Finally the beginning of June I could do my Yoga without any pain or pulling, however I have just now regained my Ab muscles, barely--long way to go, but it's a journey..for life...no need to rush.

Congratulations and welcome to life as a bandster...now for the real journey and we are all on it together! Yep, the OCC is wonderful and makes it even more encouraging and positive.

Wow, great job!!! What an inspiration for the rest of us! You look wonderful...keep us updated on your PS, I will be thinking about it myself as I keep going..good luck and I will be thinking of you.

Hello,

As many bansters have stated on one thread or another, restriction after surgery isn't often felt except for when healing around the band due to the swelling. I found this to be true. I also didn't feel much after my first fill. Three weeks ago I had my second fill and can feel some restriction, and I am definitely eating less, still not 1/3. The rules are really important to follow. I notice I feel fuller when I eat my protein first, and the whole liquid thing needs to be followed as well. The key is you still have to make good healthy food choices and exercise. What I have noticed is that I can "live" with a growling stomach, when before it was pretty uncomfortable. Now I look at the distant rumbles and the band doing its job and me doing mine..good luck, its a learning curve.

Hi,

It will be interesting to see the responses you get. You like your Rock Star, I like my Monster..(low carb)..I miss it, but found the coffee Monster except it's not low-carb, so I only allow myself a sip...otherwise it may be we are out of luck..

Hi,

And thanks for posting and welcome back..as a newly banded person I appreciate your post and I am still learning how to deal with my band. The whole drinking/eating is my most difficult area since I am thirsty when I eat, but was told to use some ice..so far that's OK, I also forget sometimes and then stop. I worry about the very things your talking about and have resolved to work harder. I have added in exercise the past two weeks and am slowly loosing..I am glad your back, I know how life can throw curves your way..its hard not to fall into old habits and the comfort of what you know..food...everyday is a learning experience for me and my emotional eating..I am still a baby in this area but committed to the journey. I look forward to learning from you. Thank you.

More uneducated and unsubstantiated BS. Mexico, like any other country in the world has its good and its bad healthcare issues..as a healthcare clinical manager, familiar with all OSHA and HIPPA laws, the OCC far exceeds them and doesn't have to. Interestingly my boss just got back from a trip to Asia and some other countries and his comments were along the lines of "the US is being left behind in global growth" this from a doctor...so as usual a grain of salt.

Hi,

I had my second fill about two weeks ago. First off I think I was a bit swollen due to the fill and took it easy the first couple of days..soft food. Then I got brave so here is what I have learned in two weeks:

NO

Wheat or any other bread

fibrous veggies, AKA asparagus

fibrous fruit, pineapple

Rice

Beef

flour tortilla

YES

Chicken - brown meat, white too dry

Fish- any OK

Pasta, with a lot of chewing

Apple sauce

Cottage cheese

Fruit - canned or bottled (easier to chew/digest then fresh)

Almond bread or pancakes (made with almond flour)

Polenta - soft

Corn tortilla

Salad made from baby lettuce, baby spinach, etc.

Nuts - chewed well

yogurts

So, as the weeks progress I am still learning and making notes..I had one episode of "slimming" with beef, and another with the PBing I have tried to avoid so much with the wheat bread. So now I eat very carefully and keep notes! My suggestion, is to go slower, chew slower and more, give your band a couple of days rest with soft foods.

Hi,

Good luck! We are all here for ya.