Question:
hello everyone. I had lapband surgery on 6/24..had my second fill 2 weeks ago and i

just want to make sure that i am filled enough. I am able to eat 1/2 bagel with cream cheese (i dont everyday..just today) for breakfast...is this alot? i dont know what i am "suppose to be able to eat. The 1/2 filled me, not too full, just right. I also want to thank everybody for being there for me with all of my questions over the past couple of months.    — jordanty (posted on August 21, 2008)

August 20, 2008
Hi Shannon! Congradulations on being banded. I was banded on 7/7/08 and have also had two fills. Was the bagel toasted really crispy? I have trouble with all doughy bread and would not be able to eat a bagel. I tend to be tighter in the morning and usually have a protein shake for breakfast. For lunch, I stay soft and I can eat solid for dinner. It is at night when I could eat (unfortunately) and I have to really use mindfullness not to. That is just me. I have heard that other people are tighter in the AM as well. Everyone is different and it is really up to you to decide if you have the right restriction. When will you be hungry again after you had the 1/2 bagel. My Dr told me that I should not be hungry after a meal for at least 4 hrs or so when I have good restriction. How big is your band and how many cc of saline are in it now? I would discuss it with your Dr. Good Luck.
   — barb12590

August 21, 2008
Hello! I had Gastric bypass so I can't speak to banding, but my Mom had banding. However, I don't know that there's an answer to "what am I supposed to be able to eat" -- as far as volume. However, if your surgery was only two months ago, I think the bigger concern is to stay clear of bagels. I realize you said you don't eat them everyday, but protein should be your A-number-1 concern. A bagel would fill both of our new stomachs like stuffing fills a pillow -- and provides next to nothing helpful for you. Just my two cents. :) Dawn
   — DawnVA

August 21, 2008
Breads and carbs should not be on your list of things to eat....you should be chosing High Protein things as you need to get 65 grams of protein in a day...if you don't you can start losing your hair....thinning nails and losing muscle mass......you can have carbs but only a few a week.....bread can get you stuck and that is very painful so I would be doing eggs.....bacon....ceral and milks but would avoid the breads..... Pam / Ft worth....Bandster Bites [email protected]
   — pphillips4720aol.com

August 21, 2008
I ate a half of a toasted pumpernickel bagel myself yesterday! It's really not a good choice food. (just to be clear) Even though you had lapband and i really don't have any experience with that surgery, BREAD is still bread...and as soon as liquid hits it, it can swell like a sponge and become very very heavy and as someone else described, like stuffing. Limit bread, even as a LBer...Try some soy crisps...They have butter flavor and just put a little cream cheese on them...They are filling and give you protein too. They don't swell like bread and 17 of them are 1 ounce, so you really feel like you are getting a good dea per serving! (they are very light) LOL
   — .Anita R.

August 21, 2008
Hey Shannon, On June 23 I had my lap band. I just had my first fill today. I haven't had any bread at all because I don't want it to gum up and a bagel is really thick bread. I couldn't even imagine trying a bagel and I just used to love them. I really try to have protein and really limit the bread and pasta. Believe me...it is hard because this is summer time and that is when we always have the cold summer pasta salads. So it has been "a chore" to behave myself but I just keep on a truckin and do the best I can. You can too...so best of luck to you.
   — snowlover

August 22, 2008
The ability to even eat bread let alone a bagel that early in the day indicates you might need another fill Those who have adequate restriction have difficulty w/breads & pastas. Ultimately, if you are losing 1-2 lbs a week you have adequate restriction. If you cannot eat solid protein especially for supper, you are too restricted.
   — Donna O.

August 23, 2008
Bagels for breakfast are not an option. Usually, bandsters with a good amount of restriction are not able to eat breakfast at all. We have to do some type of protein shake or maybe some mushy scrambled eggs. I'm a little concerned that you are so early in the game and eating the completely wrong food. I know you added that you don't do it that often, but..... as my surgeon says.... if you can get bread down, you need a fill. I would recommend a visit with your surgeon and nutritionist and get things checked out and a proper list of what you should be eating. Good luck to you, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic