Question:
I am 6 months since surgery, Lap band and I am craving sweets?

I have only lost 40 lbs and in a 6 week period I gain .06 lb. My doctor just tighten my band but I still eat a lot of food. and I want everything. How do you stay on track and eat the right foods? I am about to just give up because I am tired of counting calories and protein.......I want to lose the weight but it is not coming off because I eat too much. help ..........    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on October 30, 2006)

October 30, 2006
FIRST OF ALL,CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS.40LBS IS A LOT OF WEIGHT IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT.ARE YOU SURE YOU ARE EATING A LOT OF FOOD,OR DOES IT JUST SEEM LIKE IT IS A LOT OF FOOD? BECAUSE SOMETIMES WHEN I THINK I HAVE EATEN A LOT IT REALLY IS NOT THAT MUCH AT ALL,JUST SEEMS THAT WAY.I DONT KNOW IF YOU CAN EAT FRUIT OR NOT AT THIS POINT, BUT THAT ALWAYS SATISFIES MY SWEET TOOTH.I,M SORRY THAT I COULDN'T BE OF MUCH HELP,BUT PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ,WE'VE COME TOO FAR FROM WHERE WE STARTED FROM.
   — awebster

October 30, 2006
Weight lost first begins in the mind. Ever hear the saying "As a man thinks, so is he"? This quote is not just living in the fairytale land; it's true. If you think you eat too much, chances are, you are. The rest of the chances go to the fact that you just may be eating the wrong things which aren't helping you stay full for long with no nutritional value. Try this, substitute things. Things you know you are your trigger points, sub for something you know you skipped and should have. But never substitute the bad for the good; meaning don't sub regular ice cream with ice cream with 50% less sugar or calories. This only make you think you can have more and you end up eating way too much. Just change the way you think about WLS. You're no longer on a diet, you have a new way of living that consist of new, better foods and recipes. Hope this helped!
   — creatyvyti

October 30, 2006
Thank GOD YOU LOST YOUR WEIGHT! nOW MOVE ON
   — alsoto

October 30, 2006
I have heard that the lap band is not as restrictive so that's probably why you are experiencing more hunger but it could also be head hunger! Don't give up....you need to talk to the doctor's nutritionist, perhaps schedule some counseling sessions and move forward! 40 lbs in 6 weeks is a wonderful weight loss with the band...you should be losing 3-4 lbs in a week and you have lost almost 7! There are foods you can substitute for the cravings, like sf puddings with protein powder added. Good luck!
   — Sheri A.

October 30, 2006
Wow, 40 pounds in 6 weeks in great!! Look at that accomplishment & do not feel like you have not done well. Are you keeping track by diary of what you are eating how much & when you eat. How much liquid are you drinking that kind of thing. It is most likely your head hunger that is telling you to eat these things. Don't if at all possible stay on the right frame of mind. You have to tell you head that this is changing your life & you are going to do this. Try some protein (Whey) in a floavor you like that will help with those cravings. Drink more water as well. Good Luck & congrat on your 40 pounds. When have you ever lost that much weight so quickly. Sounds like you are doing just fine. Journal & that will tell you how much you are eating.
   — Marilyn C.

October 31, 2006
I too had Lap band in April and was a little disappointed that I haven't been losing more quickly. I've lost 50 pounds and thought I would have lost more by now. BUT, if I hadn't had the surgery I would still be where I was OR heavier. I'm losing (and you are too) at a healthy pace. I get myself sugar free, or Weight Watcher's ice cream treats to help with the cravings, so do South Beach protein cereal bars (esp chocolate). I try to exercise every day (TRY is the operative word, today I'm sick and my body aches, so I didn't), also my PA tells me drinking more water will help (I have trouble remembering to do that). Your gain was small, kick start your loss again with more water, more exercise and more protein less carbs. See if that works. That's what I keep hearing from everyone else. I'm waiting for my first plateau to start too. Don't give up, though, you've come too far. 40 pounds is ALOT of weight, be proud of yourself!
   — Debra R.

October 31, 2006
I know. I know you want everything. I know you're tired of counting calories and feeling as though your life revolves around food .. which food? how much? when? will it get stuck? .. but that is band/WLS life, at least at first. My best advice for you is to use a tracking software like Fitday .. it will give you a much better picture of what you are taking in. Make room in your nutrition for a treat sometimes. Learn about proper nutrition, if you haven't yet. Knowledge is power. Do you work out? That helps immeasurably to keep you burning calories night and day. Oh, and let me address this statement: "I want to lose the weight but it is not coming off" .. it's coming off. You are doing GREAT. The good habits you develop now will serve you well later. Best of luck!
   — Jeanie