Suggestions Please

ok...as I have said before I know I need to update my profile....I promise, I will. I am up to 4cc's in my 5cc band. This scares me that I still dont feel like I have good restriction. I talked with Honore about this. She said she does not frown on the fact that I am vegetarian, nor would she ever talk me out of it or advise me against it, but she is wondering if the liquid protein is not staying with me as long as some solid protein would. (and I am not a real protein drink person either-gorss) I try to get it in with food, thats not meat or chicken or fish once in a while. I am half way thinking of starting to eat meat again. Honore told me to call Judy, but I know what the band rules are and what the diet should be, but if I was good at diets, I would not be here. Any thoughts on this??? I know the band rules, but I still feel like I am on a diet all the time. I know the band is a tool and I do my homework, but I struggle everyday and I know I eat more than I should. I feel like the band is just not helping. I STUDY the profiles of the people who had surgery around the same time as me and I am noticing that I am not losing as fast. It was great in the beginning, (when I didnt want to eat yet) but now....forget it. I have posted the discouraged feeling before, and I am just plum confused! I really thought at 4cc's I would feel good restriction. I have almost none. I have no hearburn, reflux, problem foods etc. I can gulp any liquid I want to etc. But everytime I go for a fill, all my fluid is there, so I know its not leaking. I have even moved up my last 2 fills for hopes of getting restriction, before the scales starts to climb. I am so stressed out that I have come this far for nothing. Yes I have lost some and I an down some sizes and I know that its an accomplishment, but I am one of those people that always strive for more and I feel so helpless, like this is the best I can do. I dont know if you could say the scale is moving in the right direction. its sitting still or going up and down the same 2 lbs. I am not seeing anything much go on here. What if I continue to get fills and dont feel any restriction???? I am right around the corner to 5 and then what???? I cant go anymore???? Could this not work for me???? Could the band be the wrong size for me???? Thanks once again for listening. As always, any suggestions are much appreciated!!! Bree

Bree, I'm not a bandster, so my opinion generally means squat, but, logic would say that heavier, denser protein would stick with you longer and fill you up and stay with you longer. What kinds of dense protein can you eat that's not meat? Tofu? That's kind of soft and mushy, and would wilt away...But it's better than just liquid. Do you eat eggs? You have to think up ways that you can get in your protein, and feel full at the same time. Talk to your plan dietitian to find out, if you're unsure. I don't think that you should put your way of life and eating (vegetarian) aside because of the band. There has to be something. How about legumes? Beans? Vegetarian chili? I know at a support group meeting that Dr Aranow spoke at recently addressed the band and fills. One woman was WAY up there on her fills, and he said everyone was different. Some never come in for a fill and it leads him to feel that it's mainly a psychological matter when this happens. That they are getting full on their own, and that the band really needs to be filled after the initial surgery swelling goes down to truly do its job. He also said that some people's bands need to be filled really full to feel any sort of saitiation or feeling of fullness. You really should address what types of solid dense protein you're getting in and making it stay put for a while so that you don't have to eat as often to feel full. I hope this made sense. I know that at one year out, my pouch has stretched and I need to eat more dense protein in bigger chunks to feel full. Dr Aranow told me to do this. It's logical. Also, give yourself a break...if the scale is going down, good for you. Don't compare youself to others that had surgery the same time. Everyone loses differently. Are you getting enough exercise and cardio? This will up your metabolic rate and help you to lose faster. It may keep you from eating as often. good luck, paula

Hi Bree, I wish I had suggestions for you. I am new at this, banded August 1st of this year and I lost a quick 20 pounds but it hasn't moved much since the begining. I had my first fill 2 weeks ago (1 cc) and went in today for a tune up. I now have a total of 1.4 in my band. I feel restricted right now but I am on liquids for 2 days so who knows what will happen when I go back to eating. I felt no restriction with 1cc and felt like I have been dieting for the past 2 weeks. I couldn't wait to get in to the doctor's today for a little more fill. I am wondering if you might get some answers on the Lap Band site. I have read that there are other vegetarians that have been banded on that site. Bette posts quite a bit over there and I have learned from that board as well. I hope this works out for you and I wouldn't give up! There have got to be some answers for you. Can you try another nutritionist? Good luck and I know you will find some answers! Keep your chin up! Nancy K

Hi Bree, I am also not a bandster, but have several friends that are. It seems that almost all of them have had slippage of the actual band. It sounds to me like this might be your case and you initial stomach area is way bigger than you want it to be. I would suggest making another appt with the doctor and insist on either an x-ray or Cat Scan to find out where the damn thing is. You must always be a proactive advocate for yourself. On the protein note, since you want to be a vegetarian, tofu is you biggest asset. It is so verstile and there are so many products out there already made with tofu and ready to eat. Good luck Tee

Thanks to all of you. It is so nice to be able to have a group of people that know what you are going through and are able to talke to. I really appreciate all of the help and suggestions. I am taking EVERYTHING into account now. thanks again, Bree

I wish I had an answer for you - hope you find it soon! I'm frustrated myself Bree - if it helps to let you know you're not alone! Hang in there!

Hey Tammy, long time no talk. I'm hanging in there. The last fill helped a bit. I need to get back to the gym. I have been sick for like 3 wks. I'm sure thats not helping either. I guess I was just having a "feel sorry for yourself" kind of week cause the scale hasnt moved. But, It did today. I whopping lb! yes ! I'll take anything at this point. Thanks, and talk to ya soon. Bree