Sherri

Lindsay,

Thank you so much for your post.

My weight today was 185 and I am 5-6. I am able to eat protein still but if I drink cold drinks fast that gives me more problems. Especially if I am not relaxing when I drink , like when I am working out hard.

I am a bit tired and I think I do need more fats .. I will get the flax seed oil and maybe try to add some avocados. I think you are right about needing more calories on the days I work out.. My cardio monitor says I burn about 500 calories from my work out.

I am working out with a trainer twice a week at the gym 1/2 hour weights and 1/2 hour cardio. I also do cardio on the third day myself. Today I am going to start a beginning running class that will end in a 5K in September. They meet once a week and then give us a plan for two more days to run a week at home. It looks like today we will walk for five minutes and and run for one minute during the group. Hope my knees hold out.

I have the 12 cc Johnson and Johnson band from the OCC and it has about 10cc's. I don't think they use this band in the USA. My doctor here was not used to adding so much fluid. I had to assure him the OCC said it was OK.

I am not too fond of eating protein. I do like the Greek Yogurt , string cheese, and cottage cheese. The chicken and fish are getting old. I am not too creative on ways to prepare them.

Do you have any suggestions on other proteins?

Thanks again for the info..

Hey Sherri!

I'd be curious as to why your (registered?!) dieition/trainer is having a fit you're only taking in protein?

She needs to reminded you're going goal is fat loss. I would guess she's not under the full understand of what the lapband is.

Most (i'm going to generalize) doctors & professionals in the diet/nutrition field don't understand the entire 'i can only eat 1/2c of food PER MEAL', which is what us lapbanders are dealing with. To them, it's completely barbaric, and unhealthy.

We can not eat nearly as much as they'd like to see us eat ... therefore, we have to really be cautious of what we do put in our system, to ensure we're being smart about the calories we do take in.

High protein diets are extremely common for weight/fat loss, as it causes the least amount of muscle mass.

If you feel your energy is low, increase your fats (ie. add a Tbsp of flax oil on your chicken, then eat) -- this will really make a huge difference.

You will be adjusting your diet, based on your results and the way you feel.

Carbohydrates are completely unnecessary, if you feel your energy levels are manageable.

Because we have restricted amount of room in our stomach, we really need to ensure we're taking in VALUABLE food sources.

I would NOT suggest going below 1200cal a day .. I don't know what professional would suggest 600-800 cal a day if you're working out regularly.

This will not only deplete any muscle gains, it can also do a lot of damage in terms of bone density, and blood sugar levels.

It can also do serious long-term damage to your metabolism, which is a bitch to get back into gear ... once it slows down ...

While you have great weight loss at first, on an extremely low caloric intake, it will come to complete halt --- at which time, you'll need to reset your body by taking in even MORE calories, usually in the form of protein.

What is your height & current weight and bodyfat %?

Also, what is your current workout routine like?

How many cc's do you currently have in your band?

And now many does it hold?

...

Hey Sherri!

I'd be curious as to why your (registered?!) dieition/trainer is having a fit you're only taking in protein?

She needs to reminded you're going goal is fat loss. I would guess she's not under the full understand of what the lapband is.

Most (i'm going to generalize) doctors & professionals in the diet/nutrition field don't understand the entire 'i can only eat 1/2c of food PER MEAL', which is what us lapbanders are dealing with. To them, it's completely barbaric, and unhealthy.

We can not eat nearly as much as they'd like to see us eat ... therefore, we have to really be cautious of what we do put in our system, to ensure we're being smart about the calories we do take in.

High protein diets are extremely common for weight/fat loss, as it causes the least amount of muscle mass.

If you feel your energy is low, increase your fats (ie. add a Tbsp of flax oil on your chicken, then eat) -- this will really make a huge difference.

You will be adjusting your diet, based on your results and the way you feel.

Carbohydrates are completely unnecessary, if you feel your energy levels are manageable.

Because we have restricted amount of room in our stomach, we really need to ensure we're taking in VALUABLE food sources.

I would NOT suggest going below 1200cal a day .. I don't know what professional would suggest 600-800 cal a day if you're working out regularly.

This will not only deplete any muscle gains, it can also do a lot of damage in terms of bone density, and blood sugar levels.

It can also do serious long-term damage to your metabolism, which is a bitch to get back into gear ... once it slows down ...

While you have great weight loss at first, on an extremely low caloric intake, it will come to complete halt --- at which time, you'll need to reset your body by taking in even MORE calories, usually in the form of protein.

What is your height & current weight and bodyfat %?

Also, what is your current workout routine like?

How many cc's do you currently have in your band?

And now many does it hold?

...

That is not 'normal'.

If you're gagging on liquid (water at the gym) you are definitely too tight.

If you're only taking in an average of 3 oz of chicken (breast, specifically) a day, that's about 30g of protein.

You should be taking in about 1g of protein per POUND OF BODY WEIGHT per day.

Ie. I weigh 145lbs, and take in a minimum of 140g of protein A DAY.

Lindsay,

Thanks so much for the reply. Yikes........ I had no idea about the one ounce of protein per body weight. My doctor who did my fill said if I could eat 3 oz of protein each meal that was enough. He even said I did not have to eat anything except for protein , water and vitamins until I reach 75 percent of my weight loss. Also that it should be about 600 -800 calories a day. My trainer who is a dietitian is having a fit when I tell her about only eating protein. Today I was able to have a protein shake for breakfast , 3 oz chicken for lunch and 3 oz fish for dinner. I was able to drink today without having any problems at work. I still am debating driving four hours tomorrow for an unfill. I wonder if I can increase the protein like you said and not have any problems. What is your typical diet that you eat each day? You look wonderful...

Thanks so much for the reply

I had a fill using floro last Friday in Nashville. I was only able to eat 2 oz of chicken yesterday and 3 oz today at lunch today. It took me about 25 minutes to eat it. Before that I was only able to tolerate protein shakes, yougurt and cottage cheese in very small amounts. I am wondering if I should go back for an unfill on Friday or not. I have lost about 8 pounds since Friday and I would really like to be able to keep my current fill if I can. I also have trouble with liquids if I don't sit down and relax when I am drinking. Today at the gym I tried to drink water when I was on the treadmill and I about threw up. I was ok when I got off and drank it slow and waited for it to go down. Does anyone else have this happen?

I have a history with my fills being too tight even using with Floro. When they take out fluid then I am too loose and can eat about anything.

Any suggestions?

ps I am cooking fish tonight so I will see if that will go down or not.

I just had a fill yesterday . Now I have 9.8cc's in my band. I hope I will feel some restriction now. Just wondering if anyone else has a large amount in their band. Does anyone know how much fluid total can be added? The doctor who did my fill said after 9cc's there is a higher chance of adhesions. Kind of worried about that .

Thanks so much,

I had my fourth fill today and i am at 6 cc's. I still dont have restriction and still eat like a horse. Just wondering what kinds of foods everybody finds keep's them the fullest??

Hi Sherri,

Congrats on the excercise you are doing!!! Keep going.

Just thought I would add my two cents on the subject. Please take it for what it is worth. It doesn't sound like you are doing enough exercise. You are going to the gym frequently but not doing enough.

Think of it this way. It is actually very simple. You probably don't need a trainer or fancy classes at this point. JUST WALK!! According to most fitness experts you need to walk 10,000 steps every day to lose weight. For most people, that is the equivalent of 5 miles. If you are walking a 15 minute mile, which is a little slow, you only walk 2 miles in 30 mins and that only equals about 4,000 steps. Way short of the 10,000 needed for weight loss. At a 15 minute per mile pace you need to be walking (outdoors or on a treadmill) for about 1.5 hours. As you get in better shape your pace will pick up, but even if you get your pace down to 11 minute miles, fairly brisk, you still need to walk for about 55 minutes or 1 hour EVERY DAY.

While you are walking you can break up the walk by doing push-ups on the back of a bench and squats and/or lunges during the walk. This will help build your core and firm your muscles. Try to build up your biggest muscles first as it will give you the most bang for your buck. That would be your quads and glutes. Voila squats.

I realize the 10,000 step goal is lofty and it is supposed to also encompass the other activities of your day but for me personally, I walk about 6 miles most days of the week (at least 5 days) and then consider all the rest of my daily activities as "gravy" on that.

Hope this helps!!

All the best to you in your journey.

Kim

Kim,

Thanks so much for the reply. I am going to go out today and buy one of those pedometers to count my steps.

How many calories does everyone eat per day? I was told by the Surgeon that is doing my fills that 500-800 calories is the average for the people who are loosing about 2 pounds per week with the Lap Band. Do those of you who are losing weight find this to be about right? He said people who are Morbidly obese need to eat less calories per day to loose weight. He also said as long as I take my vitamins and make sure I am getting my protein, veggies, and water then that is all I should need... I guess you must have to have a band that is pretty tight to feel full after that few calories...? I get my next fill the end of the month and I hope and pray for some more restriction at that time.

To gain weight, you'd have to be taking in more calories than your body is using up ..

Please post a food journal, as this usually gives a very clear indication on where changes can be made.

Have you had your body fat and/or measurements taken?

This is much clearer indication of progress than a # on a scale.

It sounds like you're very confused, and unfocused .. lifting, cardio, yoga, pilates, spinning ...

What sort of recommendations has your 'trainer' given you in terms of days on/off, and cardio?

Lindsay,

I need to do a food journal... Thanks so much for the idea.

Sherri

Sometimes you just have to go on faith - it will show in time. And you have to be really honest and open with yourself. Make sure you are watching your intake - some drinks can add in high calories. But and its a big one (no pun intended) when you first start really pushing yourself and you're on the muscle building program you may see slow weight loss but high inches lost. I do yoga and palates - looked like a fool at first and now people walk in and ask if I'm the instructure - you'll get it. If I'm looking to really burn calories I'll do 15 minutes of intense cardio before the class. These days I'm just looking to stay the same.

This is a long term, life long program - you will see changes and you will make it if you keep it up. It took us years to get fat and out of shape - don't expect things to change fast. Take your time, enjoy the ride - I use to hate to exercise as well but now love it. Its like brushing my teeth - I feel icky if I don't do it.

Love ya, and don't stop!

Lisa

Thanks so much Lisa.... I need to watch my intake more... I really do since I have no restriction now.

I tried Yoga for the first time last week and I enjoyed it..

I will keep in mind that this is long term. I just wished I was one who lost weight at a faster pace.

Thanks again,

Sherri

Yes

It does stick out. And yes, the majority of the time you can see it .. but apparently it looks like one of my abs.

.. otherwise, it's just a bump, that I'm proud of.

I never thought I'd get this size.

So I don't care

You should be proud.. You look great....

anything/everything is just fine!

(speaking from personal experience!)

I do feel some discomfort with specific core exercises, when my ribs rub against my port .. but I just don't do what bothers it!

Lindsay, You are so skinny now... Does your port stick out of your stomach where you can see it now?

There are a few of us that have never had a fill. Some on this forum lost all of their weight without ever getting a fill. The most awesome I remember is a woman that has reached goal (actually I think under goal, 147 lbs) without a fill. I am nearly at goal and as such beleive I will be able to do it without a fill as well. Right now I am working on toning and think that it will get me over the last few lbs/inches to my goal. All that said, I am so sorry you are having so many issues. Hang in there, I have faith that things will turn around for you as you travel on this adventure. If there is anything I can do to help, whether it be a venting spot or what ever you need, know that I would do that for you. You can send me an email and I will give you my #

Roxanne

Washington State

Thanks so much Roxanne for the support. I am so happy to see the pictures and read stories about the Lap Band really working .

I made a mistake being honest about having Lap Band surgery with my friends, family and coworkers at the hospital where I work. Everyone thought I was CRAZY for going to Mexico for surgery. I think they still do,especially after all the issues I have had. I constantly feel pressure that I need to be loosing weight so I can show everyone that I did not just throw my money away... Kind of feel like a Lap Band failure at this point. But I am not giving up.... I hope and pray my next fill will give me some restriction and not be too tight.

As I have found out the hard way, it is hard to determine exactly how much fluid needs to be put in your band at the time of your fill. It also was very expensive to find a US Wt Loss Surgeon who would accept me as a patient to unfill me after my overfill at the Fill Center. I will never have a fill again without Floro so that is also an added expense. My friend and I had our surgery done at the OCC at the same time. She lives in Portland has not been losing weight either. We both had our first two fills at the OCC together. She finally found a doctor in Portland who will see her for $2,100 for a one year period. This includes 6 fills without Floro. At least the Plication has no aftercare cost and may be a plus for those who do not have many options that are near them for fills.

on the other side of the coin, I as wells as quite a few others on this forum got the band, never needed fills and have lost the weight we wanted to lose with no issues. Just wanted to give you as much data as you need.

Wow, You never needed a fill at all? I had no idea that some people never need fills.

Hi

I am scheduled on Jan 21st for the lap band. I'm thinking of doing the plication instead. I'm 65 lbs overweight. Anyone have any thoughts between the two. It was an easy decision for the lap band. Then I started researching alot mire and am thinking going the other way. What helped you guys make the final decision.

Jane,

Did you end up with the Lap Band or the Plication? Hope all is going well post op for you.

I have 10.4cc's, if my fill center is figuring it correctly, and only a small restriction!! I had surgery 1 year ago, lost 12 pounds early on, have gained all 12 back. I guess I just don't get it! The band really does not help control portion size for me, at least not enough to lose. I plan to go back to OCC one more time to see if they can help me understand why... if not, just a big disappointment!

I would head back to the OCC as soon as you can so they can take a look under Flouro and make sure all is well. Maybe just .2-.6 cc's will be all you need to hit your "sweet spot" . Let us know what you find out. How many fills have you had to get to 10.3 cc's?

I too can relate. I don't think it is very helpful when those of you that CAN control your intake make those of us who can't feel like losers! Yeah, I get that the band just being there has caused a change in your eating behavior, but that is not the case for some of us, so give it a break!

I understand where you are Christy. The band has not worked for me either. If I could just control my portions, I would have without the band. I guess I misunderstood what the band would do. I thought it would prevent me from overeating, control my portions for me and decrease my hunger. That has happened a little, I lost about 12 pounds, but have gained it all back since I was banded 1 year ago. I have an 11cc band and have 10.4cc in the band now. I can still eat way to much so no weight loss. I am going to go to OCC and have Dr. So take a look, but I am really disappointed in the whole thing for sure.

I can relate too.

I sure wish I was a person who felt some kind of restriction with my Lap Band. I have been banded for 6 months and I truly feel the majority of the weight I have lost has been by my own effort. I just don't like protein and I have to force myself to eat it and then my vegetables.. Dr Acosta told me after my first fill at the OCC that I may be the kind of person that the band would not work for since I crave sweets and carbs and both go right through the Lap Band.

He said I should think about everything I was about to eat and then if it would dissolve quickly in a cup of water then I should not eat it. Things like cookies, breads, candy, chips etc never make you feel full. He said he would rather have me go out and buy an expensive steak and eat that since it would stay in the pouch longer and then I would not feel as hungry.

Hang in here .... I think there are people who the band works easier for. I wonder if the plication or gastric sleeve might have worked better for me? It seems like quite a few people who have Lap Bands have been going back to the OCC for Plication in the last few months.

I am kind of frustrated because I am gaining weight. I don't have any kind of restriction and and can't get another fill until next month so I am trying to do what I can to loose weight on my own.

I have been exercising 4-6 days a week for about two months now. I went ahead and booked a trainer to make up an exercise plan for me to follow. I have to pay extra but it has given me incentive to show up to the gym or loose the money. I am hoping that I will learn to love exercise so I will want to go to the gym and work out on my own. I think my weight gain is probably muscle weight but still it makes me mad.

What types of exercises do those of you who have lost large amounts of weight recommend that I do? I think I need more cardio than I am doing? I am trying to do 30 minutes every day but usually get it in three times a week.

I tried a beginning spin class.. Not sure if I like it or not...My butt hurt for a week after that class. I think I am still too fat to fit on the small seat. My trainer has had me lifting weights and working on my core strength but I really feel that has aggravated my neck issues. Last week I broke out of my comfort zone and took a Pliates Reformer and a Yoga class even though I felt so out of place. I am really making an effort without anything to show for it on the scale. Any suggestions?

Baxter's French onion soup - very tasty, low salt, just don't eat the onions.

Campbell's Butternut Squash soup

Glen Oaks drinkable low fat yogurt - Vanilla is very very yummy. Good for 2nd week.

Campbell's Select Harvest: Harvest Tomato with Basil soup. Lots of flavor.

Anyone else with suggestions? I could use some too.

I ordered a few books from Amazon for Wt loss surgery patients.

They gave many more ideas for foods than the handouts they gave us at the OCC.

Does Dr Ortiz still say 21 days of liquids?

Most of the books that were written in the USA added "mushies" after the liquids. I remember watching Dr Ortiz's U Tube where he said to eat regular food after 21 days. After my second fill Dr So had us eat lunch before we left the OCC. I think most of the US surgeons have you do liquids for 48 hours after a fill.

Here are a few ideas to get through the liquid phase.

Sugar free Jello, Sugar free 5 calorie Popsicles, Freeze Crystal Light in a water bottle for a few hours so it is slushy. Special K Protein powder that you put in your water.

Make homemade potato cheese soup and put it through the blender to take out any lumps. Diet Sugar Free pudding. Greek Yogurt, Make your own protein shakes using almond milk original flavor.. 60 calories per cup.. The vanilla flavor is better but 90 calories. Add ice, protein powder and 1/2 a frozen banana. Put in the blender until smooth.

Malt o Meal or Cream of Wheat hot cereal made very soupy . I used the Brown Sugar Splenda that is reduced calorie and added skim milk or almond milk and it tasted like a dessert.

Just be careful of the sodium in the canned soups. Too much can make you retain fluids.

I have started the pre op diet option #2 a week ago today. I have contacted Dr. Miranda today to see if she can maybe answer for me why I am feeling so tired!!!

Has anyone ever experienced this while on the diet? I thought it would pass but by mid afternoon I feel like I could crawl into the corner for a long winter's nap!!!

Any suggestions?

I am not diabetic or have any comorbidities that I know of .... would really like to have more energy!!!!

Hang in there. I was tired too. Make sure when get enough protein when you are on your liquid diet.. You can have protein shakes and Greek yogurt as soon as Dr Miranda says it is OK.. There is a light muscle milk that has 20 gms protein and 150 calories at Costco. They also have a chocolate shake at Costco with I 24 gms of protein and 140 calories.

Even though you are tired try to get in 30 minutes of exercise every day. It will help you have a bit more energy. When you are on liquids your calorie intake can be as low as 500-800 calories a day . I bet that is why you are so tired. I ordered a few cookbooks from Amazon.com that were for Lap Band Patients. It gave me some new ideas for foods that I could make.

If you like split pea soup here is a recipe... Add split peas, carrots, onion, celery, and potato. I used chicken broth and cooked it all day in a crock pot. You can then mash it with a potato masher until it is soft. Hope this helps..... As soon as you get on a regular diet you will have more energy..

I have started the pre op diet option #2 a week ago today. I have contacted Dr. Miranda today to see if she can maybe answer for me why I am feeling so tired!!!

Has anyone ever experienced this while on the diet? I thought it would pass but by mid afternoon I feel like I could crawl into the corner for a long winter's nap!!!

Any suggestions?

I am not diabetic or have any comorbidities that I know of .... would really like to have more energy!!!!

Hang in there. I was tired too. Make sure when get enough protein when you are on your liquid diet.. You can have protein shakes and Greek yogurt as soon as Dr Miranda says it is OK.. There is a light muscle milk that has 20 gms protein and 150 calories at Costco. They also have a chocolate shake at Costco with I 24 gms of protein and 140 calories.

Even though you are tired try to get in 30 minutes of exercise every day. It will help you have a bit more energy. When you are on liquids your calorie intake can be as low as 500-800 calories a day . I bet that is why you are so tired. I ordered a few cookbooks from Amazon.com that were for Lap Band Patients. It gave me some new ideas for foods that I could make.

If you like split pea soup here is a recipe... Add split peas, carrots, onion, celery, and potato. I used chicken broth and cooked it all day in a crock pot. You can then mash it with a potato masher until it is soft. Hope this helps..... As soon as you get on a regular diet you will have more energy..

Hey all!

Has anyone been getting fills through USA fill centers? I went to FL for my first fill and it was a great experience with Kathie and got 5cc's. Now for my second fill I went to MD (Dr. Ulmer?) and it was just HORRIBLE! They didn't have flouro but it is the closest location to where I live so I figured I would give it a shot and failed! She tried for about 10mins straight poking and jabbing me until I had to tell her to stop! Felt like I was getting butchered, no numbing or anything! I ended up leaving without a fill and got SOME not all of my money back! I couldnt bend over for the rest of the day, it felt like my insides were all scraped up! Is that normal after a blind fill? I hope she didn't mess my band/port up! I just scheduled again my 2nd fill but this time I am going to NJ because they are the closest to me that has flouro. Has anyone gone to this location before? How was it and how many CC's do we usually get on our 2nd fill?

Thanks!

~D

Just stay away from the fill center in IL . The Nurse there had the needle in my stomach for about a half an hour putting in and pulling out fluid. She had no idea of how much saline to put in since I had no feeling of restriction just drinking water.

Dr So told me the third fill is usually about .5-1cc and she put in way too much. Total overfill. Then she went out of town within the 72 hours that they are to be there to unfill you... The only other option I had using the Fill Centers to fix their own mistake was to drive about 8 hours from IL to Alabama to get unfilled. I also would have had to re pay my original fee for the unfill since it was a different doctor. When I talked to the Fill Center in Al they told me they were a "pain center" and just started doing fills ...They have flouro there but personally I would want to make sure the person who is doing the fills does more than a few fills a month like they do in IL and several other fill centers.

Just my two cents.

I saw my fill center yesterday. They were so amazing and informative. My band is still in good placement, pouch is still fine....ahhh, that felt so good to hear. They decided to take out 0.5 cc to help with the severe fluxuation and inconsistency due to stress, water retention, salt, hormones, etc. They just said that they see alot of women that have a hard time with the band since their bodies tend to be more influenced by the above mentioned issues...they think I might be one of them! They are hoping that will help so I can actually "eat" meals in the morning and at lunch so I won't be so hungry and tempted by evening to help allow me to eat slower and more rationally. I was getting very frustated because all the doctors tell you to only do solid meals and avoid drinking protein shakes and liquid calories, but when I couldn't get more than 1-2 bites of anything solid down before sometimes 1pm...it made for a very hungry girl by evening. They are actually happy with the weight loss so far. Down a total of 67 pounds from my highest weight. Soooooo....this morning after a cup of warm tea, I was actually able to EAT all three meals with very limited portions....and I feel so much better and satisfied. Living with the band has such a steep learning curve. I do agree with all of you...the band will only do so much for me, I have to do the rest. Thank you for all of your input and help.

Glad you had a good appointment at your fill center and you can now eat more than a few bites.

You are so right it is a Learning Curve and our bands can only do so much for us..

I now have 7.6cc's in the Johnson and Johnson, Realize Band. ( I think it holds 11cc's total) I still do not have any restriction.

Dr So at the OCC told me after 7.5cc's the next fill is usually only .5-1cc. so be careful your next fill.

I had an overfill on a "blind fill" so I am not going to push it too fast.

It is sure easier to lose weight if your band is helping you fill full.

I wanted to pass on another option for a place to get a fill in the USA with a Doctor who uses Flouro. Dr Houston will "adopt" patients who have had their surgery in Mexico.

This is my second go around on fills after getting my band filled twice at the OCC without problems. After that my horrible experience with a third fill attempt at the IL Fill Center by a Nurse Practitioner who did not know what she was doing. I had to be hospitalized and have a total unfill then wait 6 weeks to start this process again.

I still don't have much restriction yet but Dr Houston said he did not want to take a chance with my band being too tight. I really like him and his office staff. I stayed in the Union Station Wyndham Hotel, which was beautiful the night before and then drove 5 minutes to his office. I bid on my room at priceline.com using the Downtown Nashville option and got a great deal. Another place that is fun to stay at is at the Opreyland Hotel.

If anyone wants information you can call Dr Houston's office. His phone number is (615) 342-5820 . Elizabeth is his secretary. I was able to get my Flouro paid by insurance for $40 instead of $150. Hope this helps