Questions.. questions

OK a few questions...  I've been keeping up with what some of you Lapbanders are eating.. and all I have to say is AREN"T YOU HUNGRY???? Do you feel faint? like your body "needs" food Also at the seminar the other night he said if your choosing Lapband that the majority of people can not tolerate MEAT anymore... ex: steak, white meat chicken , pork...etc..??? Thoughts? Experiences? Thanks, Sandi

Hi Sandi, I have found that since my third fill that I'm not really hungry like I used to be.  My stomach doesn't actually growl anymore, it kinda does this little kitty mewing thing that is really odd!  I don't get light headed or weak but I do keep a protein bar in my purse as a "just in case." I never was a morning eater so the coffee with milk trick works for me until around 12-ish.  My next meal is around 3 or 4pm with dinner being around 7 or 8pm.  I do find that I will nibble a bit in the afternoon or while cooking dinner if I let myself.  I try to count it along with my evening meal (tonight I ate a few green beans while cooking) or as a snack.  I still think I'm consuming a little too much in the way of volume at some meals and could use a bit more of a fill (tweak) at my next appointment in March.  According to the NUT I shouldn't be able to eat more than a cup of food in volume at any one sitting but I could if I let myself. Meats are only a problem for me if they are overcooked and dry or if I don't chew enough.  I can't eat breads too well anymore and hashbrowns are difficult as well.  Until this last fill nothing bothered me and all went down very easily.  I am actually happy that I can't do breads anymore as before it was too much of a temptation.  Overall, I'm happy with my band and where i'm at on my journey.  I am still learning the ropes myself but please do feel free to ask me anything you want. BTW,  Dr. Tanner is my sister's doctor for her RNY and she's very happy with him!  Sounds like he would be a good choice, although I'm partial to Dr. Larson!  

Sandi, Before I finally got restriction, it seemed like I stayed hungry!  But now that my fill level is good, I almost never feel hungry.  That's what is so great about the band.  I've lost weight by dieting before, but I always felt hungry and was tempted to stuff myself in rebellion.  But the band allows me to eat a small amount (of the right foods, mind you) and stay satisfied for 4-5 hours.   I don't consistently have trouble with any foods.  I can eat breads, pizza, all meats, pasta--anything.  But I occasionally will have a problem.  I find that my problems usually occur when I feel stressed, when I'm not well hydrated, when I eat too fast or take too large bites, or when I don't chew well.  If I take my time, take tiny bites, chew well,and stay relaxed, I can almost guarantee I'll do fine with whatever I'm eating. Staying hydrated makes a big difference, and since we can't drink with our meals, that means I have to drink before I start my meal.  I drink 4-5 20-ounce bottles of water a day, and I drink an entire 20 ounces from 5-15 minutes before I eat a meal.  That guarantees that I'm hydrated and that I'll be able to go at least an hour after eating before I drink again. We have to eat enough in a day to get sufficient calories and nutrition, so it isn't like we starve ourselves.  I usually have a protein shake or hot cocoa for breakfast, a small meal for lunch (some cheese and crackers, or a cup of soup, or some tuna and chips), and a dinner about the size of a Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice frozen meal.  I also sometimes have a snack or 2 of string cheese, yogurt , cottage cheese, or fruit.    For my first year, I averaged losing a pound a week.  My loss slowed down at that point.  I just passed my 18-month mark, and I'm down 65 pounds.  My goal is to be at my goal weight by my 3-year mark.  That gives me 18 more months to lose 50 more pounds, and I feel as if that's very doable.  I feel great, and I am not at all deprived because I'm not on a diet.  My band merely restricts the amount of food I can eat, and it keeps me satisfied for hours. I hope that answers some of your questions! Kathy

Firt of all... Hi Sandi!  I can only tell you of my journey with the band so far and it has been a learning process. I read and read on the diet part of the band and thought I had it down pat. But, like Kathy, I have found that I too can eat just about anything as long as I stay hydrated and chew..chew...chew..  I have had two instances with meat and that was enough to remind me the next time to chew even more! Nothing drastic...luckily...but definitely painful! I have also learned that the band is a tool in weight loss...not a cure. I have some days where I do great and other days that I do not so great. But I have tried to just get myself into a routine of drinking 32 ozs of water every morning and staying busy. If I get in front of the TV....I start to want to snack. Needless to say I only let myself watch 6 hrs of TV a week now and have alot of projects constantly going on. I too have a business that I am trying to get off the ground and so I bury myself in it. I have read and compared myself to people I have gone through surgery with (5 of us that day) and others that had it around that same time frame. I felt like such a failure and that I had basically sabotaged my own progress until my last visit with Dr Allen. He said everyone is different and you have to figure out what plan works for you by trial and error. His goal for me was to lose a pound a week and if I happened to lose more than that then I could consider it a bonus! As long as I am happy and healthy and losing...that is what matters. I have joined the YMCA and have started going two times a week right now. With all the ice and snow...they have not been open much more than that!  I don't know if this helps.......but its my experience

 Hi ya Sandi~!~    I got a kick out of your post, my husband asks me that all the time... I very rarely feel hungry hungry.. My tummy does growl occasionally but not often. It's usually because lunch is running late at work or something has come up.   I can tolerate ground beef, chicken, and pork tenderloin if done correctly.. I haven't tried pork chops or steak.     I also am able to eat sauasage, and bacon and egg. I really havent seen anything that will really really affect my band.  Now the difference that I see is I have the new ap large band.. I know becka has  a smaller band than mine but I dont know if she has problems getting meat stuck. I didnt read the responses yet to this. I also have a loose fill right now. Im almsot four months out from my last fill and still loosing so I dont see one coming in march but we will see.  I have more problems with nibbling then I do anything, With a loose fill I know I can SNACK and get by with it!!! I battle daily to control that and I think posting with becka everday makes me keep a handle on that. Because I know I will post it for the internets to see!!! I have more of a problem getting in my water!! I feel like I drink so much water I will float away!!     My band is the best thing I ever done, I dont like it real tight, I panick when I can tell its there, but Im still loosing just not as much as I was.. So I think its all up to you. Dr. Shina has been great about me waffling between fill and not fill,  He told me to ride this one out as long as possible then we would discuss what amount to put in next..  I really dont even feel like I diet, I have choclate(spelled wrong)  and ice cream just alot less frequent then I did. I have only had a half piece of bread and I haven't had a soda in six months!! It was truly the best thing I ever did.  I wear a size 16  top from a 30/32 and a size 18 that is very fast getting LOOSE and needs a belt..    Good luck!!  Dawn

Thank you Ladies, so much. This board has really been a blessing@! I appreciate you all taking the time to post! Sandi