MamaMichelle

You'll have to talk to Jena or Mona-Camille about that one lol.... It came from a post that was deleted during all the drama so they will have to explain it!

I also burp during meals sometimes but usually it's after a meal! Some people consider burping during a meal as a signal from your body/band that you're full... and you should stop eating

I think some of the link is missing but I found the pic on your myspace so here it is: You guys look GREAT!! And congrats on the new grandbaby Donna she is a cutie!!

I use the Unjury Brand Protien, you get it on their website http://www.unjury.com for $15 you get 15 servings/scoops and each scoop has 80 calories and 20g of protien, while it is "unflavored" you can't mix it with clear liquids like tea or water and not taste it... So I add a scoop to my morning shake, or if I have soup, you can put it into salad dressing or even into parts of your main entree, like once a week I'll have mashed potatoes witht the family and I will add 1/2 a scoop into my serving for an extra boost! P.S. Shipping is a flat $6 no matter how many containers your order and they also have sample and travel packs you can order if you want to try it first or take some on the go!

I used to be good about adding in the Benefiber but I have been slacking, thanks for the reminder that I need to get back on the Fiber Train! (I hear that's where all those cool girls from Team Craptastic hang out anyways!)

I believe the 1st fill with Dr. Dom was $385 and all future fills are $150 (they charge whatever the standard fill centers USA charge). My experience there was great, he sat down and took a good chunk of time talking to me about various behaviors that I could change it was all really informative!

Congrats on reaching this great milestone, who would have thought we would be excited about being able to do crunches? Lol Good for you on setting new goals and challenges for yourself, what a great way to stay focused on getting the results you deserve! Keep it up...

This sounds like SPAM to me, new member and their 1st post is a slam on another Dr... Maybe that office deserves it maybe not but this doesn't seem relevant to Dr. Ortiz or our board!

Glad everything went well, get some rest tonight and hopefully you'll have some energy for shopping tomorrow! Welcome to band-land!

band slippage signs usually mean severe vomiting and not being able to keep down anything (even water) Yes both the port and the band are stitched in place to prevent movement!

It's 115* here in Vegas so even going to the gym is a hot process!! Do you like workout DVDs?? I like being able to work out at home and get the variety of many classes without high gym fees! I have bought some really fun ones for about $5 at Ross, they are mixed in with all the regular DVDs but you can find yoga, salsa, hip hop, walking, jazzercise etc. If you have a netflix membership you can also rent workout DVD's from there, keep them a week or so and then send for another one! Netflix also has an option to watch unlimited videos online and they have TONS of videos you can just watch them off of your computer so you can basically take your workout to wherever the coolest place in your house is!

Dr. Ortiz is one of the primary investors of the Fill Centers USA and is on their medical board of advisors... While fill centers USA does keep records of their patients I don't think they report back to the OCC everytime someone gets a fill, if you were to request your fill center reports to be sent to the OCC I can't imagine Dr. Ortiz taking the time to review these kinds of notes unless someone comes back in and has some sort of problem!

Sorry that you had that negative experience during your fill, I will say that I have heard of people "testing" their fills (for the 2nd fill and beyond) when I went in for my 2nd fill there was a woman there who had lost 60lbs (started at 200lbs) and was right about at her goal weight, she had to have an unfill 2weeks before (I don't recall why) and had gained 10lbs back so she was there to get all of her fill put back in. She actually brought a McGriddle sandwhich from McD's with her to the OCC, she went into get the fill and then sat in the lobby eating the sadwhich (in all of about 2 min, bread and all which shocked me) then went back into the fill room to get more cc's put in... Sadly you will find that not everyone is a success story, but you can just as easily learn from their mistakes as you can learn from the success stories that you have read on here... It sounds like you're already seeing how their mistakes are ones that you don't want to repeat- so good job!! I really like this quote by George Washington Carver "Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses" 2cc's is a big fill it might be perfect or it may not be enough for now, either way you CAN work with what you have and make the best of it!! Best of luck sweetie!

Congrats on signing up for your 1st 5K- I used to run them a few times a year but that was years ago... I too am just getting back into in and will be doing my first race since banding on Aug 16th! Here's a great article about how to prepare for your first 5K- How to Run Your First 5K Judy Molnar still has the Popsicle stick she received for finishing her first 5k in 1996. "I remember I started giggling because at the time I was trying to lose weight and here they're giving me an ice pop," she recalls. Before the race she was overweight, out of shape and could barely climb a flight of stairs without losing her breath. Joining a gym and running a 5k were among her 1996 New Year's resolutions. Now director of Iron Girl, Molnar, 41, has completed many more 5Ks since then, as well as 10Ks, marathons, triathlons and even an Ironman. Angel Bell, 36, of Rahway, New Jersey, was intimidated by running. "I always wanted to run but never knew how to start," she says. Her opportunity came when a friend asked her to sign up for Running 101, a 12-week all-women program held by the Jersey Shore Running Club. She started slowly, walking a few minutes, running one minute, and then walking again. Each week she walked less and ran more until she gradually found herself running 30 minutes. The program culminated in a 5K. "I had tears streaming down my face when I approached the finish line. People you don't know are cheering for you," says Bell. "Now I'm hooked." As Molnar and Bell's experiences prove, taking small steps is key to successfully (and safely) accomplishing an athletic goal when starting from scratch. At first the idea of going from coach potato to Energizer bunny may seem impossible, but with determination and help from others you'll be surprised how fast the transformation will occur. Although the following guide for newbies focuses on running a first 5K, it can help anyone determined to start a journey toward a more active, healthier and happier life--no matter what the sport. The First Step If you're starting from zero, any first steps, no matter how few, are steps to a healthier, happier you. Regular aerobic exercise will not only help you lose weight and improve cardiovascular health, it will also help reduce stress, boost your energy levels and instill a sense of overall well-being. Before beginning an exercise program, you should check with your doctor. "You want to make sure you don't have any health issues when you start," cautions Jim Fraser, a Washington D.C.-based coach for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. Knowing you've ruled out potential medical problems will help you start with confidence. Overcoming mental hurdles--fears about being too out of shape or too slow--is the hardest part of getting started, says Jonathan Cane, a running coach for Brooklyn-based JackRabbit athletics store. "When we have meetings for prospective participants in the beginner running program, I ask the group, 'Who's afraid they'll be the slowest?' Inevitably, half of them raise their hands. My response is, 'You can't all be right, and who cares if you are?' " It helps beginners to see that others are just as self-conscious as they are and that they share the same doubts about whether they can become "runners," Cane explains. Mental hurdles can be more overwhelming than physical ones. Molnar says many women new to running are discouraged by preconceived notions of what a runner should look like. They feel they could never be a runner because they don't fit the stereotype. "Not everyone is super fit," says Molnar. "Runners come from all walks of life, sizes, shapes and colors." Oprah Winfrey, for example, inspired thousands of women after she finished her first marathon. If you have doubts, stand along the sidelines of any local 5K and observe the wide range of women who participate. You'll see teenagers and grandmothers, women from sizes petite to plus. Having a support system, whether it's a friend, family or running club, can make training less daunting and ultimately more rewarding. Fraser says Team in Training is successful because people find motivation in groups. "You're there to reach your goal and help others get through it." Molnar adds that meeting new people with similar interests helps keep motivation high and making a commitment to a group makes you feel more accountable. To find a group, she recommends tapping into your community. "Most local YMCAs will have a walking or running program, as will local running stores. Many charity races like Race for the Cure also have team training programs." Start Slowly Whether you're training alone or with a group, the key is to start slowly. Jenny Hadfield, a Chicago-based running coach tells beginners, "Start where you're at rather than where you want to be." Beth Swierk, 28, a radio show producer in Chicago, heard Hadfield speak on-air and something she said stuck with the longtime walker: "Run until you're tired, walk until you're bored." Beth thought the concept sounded easy enough so she went out and did just that. "I could walk ten miles but never had any interest in running. But I followed Jenny's advice and started running one block or one minute." Last June Beth joined a ten-week training program at Chicago Endurance Sports and in three months she was running three 12-minute miles without stopping. If you're starting off at square one--you've never run or you've been inactive for quite some time--give yourself eight to 12 weeks to build a base. Begin by going on a brisk walk so your body gets used to physical activity. Then progress to a walk/run. Try walking three minutes and running 30 seconds to one minute for a total of 25 minutes. Eventually shift to a run/walk with three minutes running and 30 seconds to one minute of walking. Gradually run more and walk less until you're running a full 30 minutes. When you're first beginning, it's important to run at an easy pace. You should be able to converse comfortably. Hadfield tells people to try the "talk test." If you can't say a word without gasping for air, then dial down the intensity. As with starting any new activity, the first few weeks are always the hardest. "The first three weeks are about making the effort to just get your run or walk in," says Hadfield. "By week three you'll feel 100 percent better." Rest is equally important and always scheduled into training programs. Cane says that once he gets newbies running, sometimes the hardest part is convincing them not to overdo it. "I get a lot of people who want to do more than I ask of them. They're the ones who get hurt." Doing too much too soon is the number one reason many people quit workout routines or training programs. 5K Training Plan Having a race goal keeps you motivated and gives your workouts purpose. "There's something about an entry form that makes you accountable," says Molnar. "Once you sign up, it's amazing how that enthusiasm comes out." Ask the staff at your local running store to recommend beginner-friendly 5Ks, often advertised as "fun runs," and include run/walk categories. "Your first race should be something that builds motivation," says Fraser. "You don't want to get so discouraged that you don't run again." The following training plan will prepare beginners to finish a 5K comfortably. Perform the workouts three times each week, with at least a day between workouts. Be sure to begin each workout with a brisk five-minute warm-up walk. Week 1: Walk 20 to 30 minutes. Week 2: Alternate walking 3 minutes with running 30 to 60 seconds for a total of 20 to 25 minutes. Week 3: Alternate walking 2 minutes with running 1 minute for 24 to 30 minutes total. Week 4: Walk 1.5 minutes, run 1.5 minutes; walk 3 minutes, run 3 minutes. Repeat three times for 27 minutes total. Week 5: Run 3 minutes, walk 1.5 minutes; run 5 minutes, walk 2.5 minutes; run 3 minutes, walk 1.5 minutes; run 5 minutes, walk 1.5 minutes; run 5 minutes, walk 2 minutes--for 30 minutes total. Week 6: Two days this week, alternate running 5 minutes and walking 3 minutes for 30 minutes total. On day three, run 8 minutes and walk 5 minutes twice for 26 minutes total. Week 7: On day one, run 5 minutes, walk 3 minutes, run 8 minutes, walk 3 minutes, run 5 minutes--for 24 minutes total. On days two and three, run 10 minutes, walk 3, run 10 for 23 total. Week 8: Run 25 minutes. Week 9: Run 28 minutes. Week 10: On day one, run 30 minutes. On day two, run 31. On day three, run 5K. Right now I am in week 3 of my training- it's been hard but I think I am doing OK... Again good for you for taking this big step in making exercise a priority!! Keep us updated on how things are going!

Plates It’s not just food portions that have increased; plate, bowl, and cup sizes have as well. In the early 1990s, the standard size of a dinner plate increased from 10 to 12 inches; cup and bowl sizes also increased. Larger eating containers can influence how much people eat. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that when people were given larger bowls and spoons they served themselves larger portions of ice cream and tended to eat the whole portion. Prices 32 ounces / 388 calories / $0.99 44 ounces / 533 calories / $1.09 64 ounces / 776 calories / $1.19 We Americans love to get the most bang for our buck. When confronted with a 32-ounce drink for 99 cents versus a 44-ounce drink for ten cents more, the decision is easy. You’d have to be a sucker not to go big. But our ability to get the most out of our dollar doesn’t always serve us well. Value pricing, which gets us a lot more food or drink for just a little increase in price, makes sense from an economic standpoint, but is sabotage from a health standpoint. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that Americans consume around 10 percent more calories than they did in the 1970s. Given no change in physical activity, this equates to around 200 extra calories per day, or 20 pounds a year. What is normal? Increased portion sizes give us more calories, encourage us to eat more, distort perceptions of appropriate food quantities, and along with sedentary lifestyles, have contributed to our national bulge. Unless you’re trying to gain weight, it might help to reacquaint yourself with serving sizes. The NHLBI tells us that a serving of meat should be the size of a deck of cards while one pancake should be the size of a CD. It’s unlikely that we’ll see a scaling down of food to these sizes anytime soon, so perhaps we should all become familiar with another image: the doggy bag.

Cheeseburgers Twenty years ago 333 calories Today’s Burger 590 calories According to a 2007 paper published in the Journal of Public Health Policy, portion sizes offered by fast food chains are two to five times larger than when first introduced. When McDonald’s first started in 1955, its only hamburger weighed around 1.6 ounces; now, the largest hamburger patty weighs 8 ounces, an increase of 500 percent. And while a Big Mac used to be considered big, it’s on the smaller side of many burger options. At Burger King, you can get the Triple Whopper; at Ruby Tuesday’s there’s the Colossal Burger; and Carl’s Junior has the Western Bacon Six Dollar Burger. Soda Original 8-ounce bottle 97 calories 12 ounce can 145 calories 20-ounce bottle 242 calories While the 12-ounce can used to be the most common soda option, many stores now carry only the 20-ounce plastic bottle, which contains 2.5 servings of soda. When presented with these larger sizes, humans have a hard time regulating our intake or figuring out what a serving size is supposed to be. A 2004 study, published in Appetite, gave people potato chips packaged in bags that looked the same, but increased in size. As package size increased, so did consumption; subjects ate up to 37 percent more with the bigger bags. Furthermore, when they ate dinner later that day, they did not reduce their food consumption to compensate for increased snack calories—a recipe for weight gain.

Movie Popcorn Twenty Years Ago 5 cups 270 calories Today Tub 630 calories We don't have to eat those extra 360 calories in the tub of popcorn, but that’s easier said than (not) done. Studies indicate that when given food in larger containers, people will consume more. In a 1996 Cornell University study, people in a movie theater ate from either medium (120g) or large (240g) buckets of popcorn, then divided into two groups based on whether they liked the taste of the popcorn. The results: people with the large size ate more than those with the medium size, regardless of how participants rated the taste of the popcorn. Bagel Twenty Years Ago 3-inch diameter 140 calories Today—Noah’s Plain Bagel 5-6-inch diameter 350 calories Because portions are now so large, it’s hard to understand what a “serving size” is supposed to be. Today’s bagel counts for three servings of bread, but many of us would consider it one serving. Larger sizes at restaurants have also contributed to larger sizes when eating at home. A study comparing eating habits today with twenty years ago found that participants poured themselves about 20 percent more cornflakes and 30 percent more milk than twenty years ago.

Pretty interesting article- For those of you on the pre or post op liquid diet phases you might not want look at some of these images!! (ed note- I can only post 5 pics per post so I'll have to make a series of posts to get all the pics in) Over the past few decades, portion sizes of everything from muffins to sandwiches have grown considerably. Unfortunately, America’s waistbands have reacted accordingly. In the 1970s, around 47 percent of Americans were overweight or obese; now 66 percent of us are. In addition, the number of just obese people has doubled, from 15 percent of our population to 30 percent. While increased sizes haven’t been the sole contributor to our obesity epidemic, large quantities of cheap food have distorted our perceptions of what a typical meal is supposed to look like. These portion comparisons, adapted from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) Portion Distortion Quiz, give a visual representation of what sizes used to be compared to what they are today. Two Slices of Pizza Twenty years ago 500 calories Today 850 calories Those extra 350 calories, if eaten a two times a month, would put on two extra pounds a year, or forty pounds in the next two decades. Cup of Coffee Twenty years ago Coffee with milk and sugar 8 ounces45 calories Today Grande café mocha with whip, 2% milk 16 ounces 330 calories When our parents ordered a coffee two decades ago, they weren’t given as many size options—a standard cup of joe was eight ounces, the size of a small coffee cup. Nowadays, most of us feel like we don’t get our money’s worth unless the cup is at least twelve ounces; it’s not unusual to see thirty-two ounce coffee cups, four times the size they used to be. When made into a mocha, the morning coffee has as many calories as a full meal.

So I know most of us have some history of yo-yo dieting and I bet that many of us have tried some of the diets listed below... I thought it might be fun to share some of the crazy diets we have tried in the past!! The Top Ten Most Ridiculous Diets By: Brie Cadman People will do almost anything to lose weight. While the most logical, sustainable means of doing so hasn’t really changed—eat less and exercise—every day it seems there are a host of new and outlandish methods to lose those love handles. Most of these ill-fated regimes will help you lose pounds, at least in the short term, but sometimes it’s at the expense of an organ or your sanity. Here are a few of my favorites: Dr. Siegal’s® Cookie Diet™ Make no mistake, you’re not going to be eating Pepperidge Farm Milanos, or Oreos, or Mrs. Fields’ White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookies on this diet. No, you’re going to be eating the concoctions of Dr. Siegal, a physician who specializes in hypothyroidism and obesity, and who also likes to sell weight loss books and snacks. However, his proprietary hunger-controlling cookies are a diet-deceiving indulgence; they look like bricks of fiber-coated oats sweetened with prunes. Although they may make you less hungry, the doctor also advises combining them with a restricted calorie diet, which, as we all know, is the main way you’re going to lose weight. I also like how he has trademarked the term “Let’s face it: hunger wrecks diets™.” Uh, so do cookies. The Subway Diet Ever since I worked in a building where the women’s restroom abutted a Subway sandwich shop, I have had an almost Pavlovian reaction to thought of eating one of their subs. It reminds me of the toilet, and makes me want to gag. So although I know many people like Subway, eating them twice a day for a year, like Jared Fogel, the guy on the Subway commercials who lost 245 pounds, seems inconceivable. And it seems like I could save a whole lot of money by just making my own sandwiches, and maybe going for a jog now and again. The Cereal Diet This is similar to the Subway diet in that you’re supposed to supplant two meals a day with the same thing—in this case cereal. From Special K to Raisin Bran, many cereal boxes now claim you can “lose six in two”— that is lose six pounds in two weeks. Of course, the premise is the same: when people have to measure the amount they are eating, they end up eating fewer calories, so they lose weight. And it’s not like these cereals are health food or anything. The third ingredient in Special K is sugar; it’s the second ingredient in All-Bran. And the last thing you want to be eating too much of is All-Bran—it’s not weight you’d lose, but the contents of your bowels. Cabbage Soup Diet Mmmm … cabbage. Good on St. Patrick’s day, not so good every day. Unless you’re trying to lose up to ten pounds in a single week, then maybe cabbage doesn’t sound so bad anymore. But being light headed, weak, and suffering from decreased concentration, as some diet participants have reported, does. Not to mention the inordinate amount of flatulence you are bound to have on a cabbage laden diet. Slim, but stinky. Slim Fast First a Subway sandwich, then cereal, now a Slim Fast shake or food item. The basic premise is the same: replace two meals with any of the above, you lose weight, and the maker of said item makes a lot of money. That is, until you grow so bored and tired of eating the exact same thing for two meals a day you quit, and realize that—wow—there are a lot of other foods out there that cost a lot less. Say, fruits and vegetables. Blood Type Diet According to this diet, different blood types should eat different foods. If you’re group O, you’re a hunter, and should eat meat. If you’re A, you’re a cultivator, and are best as a vegetarian. B? A nomad, eat dairy. The rare AB blood type should eat—you guessed it—a combination of the foods recommended for groups A and B. If this sounds more like the plot of a bad high school play than a diet, that’s because there’s really no evidence that your blood type has any influence on your weight or overall health. Look past the A’s, B’s and O’s, and you’ll see this a fad diet that doesn’t make much sense. Russian Air Force Diet This diet does not require you to stand in the bread line, but it does require you to survive on near starvation levels of food. Originally developed in the former Soviet Union to keep soldiers fit, you are allowed to put herbs, salt, pepper, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and ketchup on all your meals. But about those meals … breakfast is coffee only. Lunch: two eggs, a tomato. And dinner allows you to feast on a sliver of meat and a salad. Yes, you will lose weight. Yes, you will feel like you’ve enlisted. And yes, you will feel like you are back in the USSR. The Three-Day Diet/Hot Dog Diet These diets are similar, because both recommend eating franks for dinner. You also get to eat one cup of vanilla ice cream and one tablespoon of peanut butter in the course of this diet, as well as other strictly measured amounts of food. The result of losing ten pounds over the course of three days is due to severe calorie restriction, even if your calories are coming from precisely measured hotdogs. And after the three days? Regain. The Apple Cider Vinegar Diet Yummy—nothing like throwing back a few teaspoons of vinegar to get your gut prepared for a meal. Talk about an appetite suppressant. This diet relies on the premise that apple cider vinegar, taken fifteen minutes before a meal, will decrease hunger and curb the urge to nibble. There’s no real evidence that apple cider vinegar can help you lose weight, but reducing portions and exercising, like most of the proponents of this fad also tell you to do, will. The Writing Diet I can’t seem to figure out why we writers aren’t all size twos. Because according to Julia Cameron’s new book The Writing Diet: Write Yourself Right-Sized, we should be. The premise for this too-good-to-be-true diet is that people overeat not out of hunger, but because of emotion. By writing daily, we tap into our emotions, and put them on the page instead of in our mouths. While I can concede that having your hands on a keyboard will prevent them from grabbing a bag of Doritos, I can’t figure out how sitting on your butt is supposed to make it smaller. And the number one most ridiculous diet … The Atkins Diet Don’t get me wrong: the Atkins diet can help you lose weight. I’ve tried it, and I lost weight. But man, I felt like crap. And after a week, all I could think about was eating an orange. An orange! Of all the harmless food items out there. Of course, cutting out refined sugars and nutrition-less carbs is a good thing, but not all carbs are bad for you, and the good ones fuel muscles, fill you up, and are pretty damn tasty. Not to mention that the Atkins diet isn’t a healthful lifestyle change; it’s a limiting diet that requires you to eat a lot of not so healthy foods. And chances are you won’t be able to avoid eating carbohydrates for your entire life, nor would many people want to. While these diets are ridiculous, unsustainable, and often times dangerous, if your main goal is to lose weight, you just might find them useful. After all, extreme caloric restriction, per the Three Day or Russian Air Force diet, seems to be a tried and true method of dropping pounds. And they’ll stay off—at least until you come to your senses.

Here's a pic of what to look for:

I totally know what you mean about feeling like I was banded forever ago, it's been 4 months for me but it's hard for me to remember what I looked like back then or how terrible I used to feel about myself. That's why I'm glad I have photographic proof of how far I've come to remind me that this is a journey and we will all reach our goals eventually! Congrats on losing 25lbs!!

You know I always thought Dr. Ortiz just told people that (about only needed 1-2 fills ever) to get them to go back to the OCC so they can get the fees for the fills/hotel/transportation... But I would hate to think Dr. O would intentionally decieve his patients but it's possible that most people go back to the OCC only 1 or 2 times before going elsewhere so maybe Dr. Ortiz thinks people are fine after that when actaully they are just going somewhere else! KimmyinMD- it's not so much about telling yourself you don't want that cookie, it's like when someone says don't think about a pink elephant and that's the first thing that pops into your mind... Instead try to eat a healthy meal enough that "should" fill up your bandster pouch and that physical hunger should go away and thoughts of that cookie also vanish. I have not had any bread since my 3rd fill, I tried some after my 1st and 2nd fill and both times found I could eat it... so I would occasionally indulge in some (not good) I imagine that if I tried bread now I could eat it still but instead of even opening that door I'm not going to tempt myself. I have told myself that I can't eat bread so I don't- that's the best example I can give of thinking as if I have restriction!

Trina- Check http://www.unjury.com you get 15 servings of protien in one container (1 serving=80cal and 20grams of protein) and the cost is $15 (per container) plus $6 for shipping (that's the max for shipping no matter how many containers you buy).

Throughtout my journey I have often gotten questions about my success and what kind of tips I can offter to other bandsters, while I am by no means any sort of expert (and I still have a long ways to go before I reach my goal) so I can only offer my advice about what has worked for me, and what is still working for me... I hope it can help others!!! I pre-plan everything I will eat for the day, I don't write it down in advance but by the time breakfast rolls around I know what I will be eating for the rest of the day... maybe it's from my past life of eating a meal and already thinking about the next meal, lol. I also keep bad foods out of my house so I'm not tempted into thinking about indulging. I do have a hubby and son and I don't want them to be denied the things they want to eat, so I make sure that some of the "bad" things they like are things I don't like (oatmeal cookies, BBQ potato chips etc) they may not be their total favorites but they understand it's a way for them to enjoy what they like while still doing what's best for me and my diet. I do try to write down my calories and water for the day, I have used sparkpeople.com and fitday.com but lately I have been using my new phone that has a calorie counting program. If I know I will be going out to dinner, or if I am in the mood for a dessert one night I shave off a few calories here and there throughout the day to keep my daily total around 1,000-1,200. I also make sure that every meal has 20-30 grams of protein because my daily protien goal is 70-90 grams, I use unflavored protien powder in things like my slimfast shake, soup or even my salad dressing to help me reach those numbers! I am one of those who is more than happy to eat the same things everyday, this used to mean cheeseburgers for lunch and pizza for dinner. Now that my band doesn't allow many of those bad foods anymore I find my diet consisting of pretty much the same things daily: a shake for breakfast (about 200 cal), a salad with chicken or soup w/ protien powder for lunch (about 350 cal) and some sort of chicken or beef with veggies for dinner (about 500 cal). Yes some people may consider this kind of eating "boring" but for me I am eating the things I REALLY enjoy everyday (yes I do actually like my daily protien shake) and I am still able to lose weight so it is something that works for me! I like pre-packaging meals/snacks a few days in advance, this means I'll grill 3 chicken breasts on Sunday and then divide them up in mini containers (my fave are the Gladware Mini Rounds, each one holds 1/2 CUP or 4 OZ, perfect bandster size and only cost $3 for 8 Containers & Lids). This makes me less likely to overeat because things are pre-measured for me and it's easier to control calories because I know the exact amount I am eating. I even make batch of either sugar free mousse or sugar free jello each week and divide them up for a portion and calorie controled snack (1/2 cup equals about 80 cal). I do indulge in 1 or 2 snacks per day ONLY if I am hungry. Some doctors say 3 meals a day with no snacks and others say 5 mini meals per day is best, I think you need to find out what works for you. Because I limit the food I eat during my meals (keeping to bandster sized portions) there are times that I feel that twinge of hunger a few hours after I have eaten so instead of going hungry till my scheduled meal time (and risk overeating at that meal) I will have a snack. Usually something small and pre-measured like SF jello, SF canned peaches or some applesauce, whatever it is I make sure it less than 100 cal so that even if it's more of a craving than hunger it can't do too much harm to my diet. If I am being honest there has only been about a total of 3 weeks total where I have had "good" restriction, but I am determined not to fail with this band so even when I don't feel restriction, I eat as if I do have restriction. In my opinion this is one of the major attitudes one must have in order to be sucessful with the band, it's very easy to use the excuse "I have no restriction" to eat as one did before being banded. George Washington Carver said "Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses" so I choose to not use my little restriction as an excuse to make poor choices. This means stopping eating after about 3/4 cup of food (approx 20 bites the size of a pencil eraser) I find that when I stop after that much even if I "think" I am still hungry the hunger is gone (though I don't feel that magical feeling of fullness) and it stays away for a few hours. Of course there are times if I am really enjoying something I might eat more but usually I wrap it up or get it to go so I can enjoy it all over again the next day. I think the time I spend on the forum is very important to my success. I find reading the struggles and success stories that people post on the forum help me understand and explore my own experience with the band. I try to post helpful things to others or just encouragement when someone needs it because we all have had those good days and bad days. Many of you have said that I am an ispiration to you which is very hard for me to imagine but that is very flattering, for me posting my pictures and stats publically gives me an acountability because if I know others are watching my progress it helps me want to be more successful! That's all I can think of for now!

I think I found your answer: Reflux - why we must avoid it What is Reflux? Reflux (GERD or Gasto-Esophageal Reflux Disease) is caustic stomach acid that comes back up into the esophagus, where it does not belong. The stomach has a protective lining that prevents this stomach acid from causing stomach damage, but no other tissue in the body has this protection. Any acid that contacts areas other than the stomach tissues easily causes damage. Reflux causes ear infections, sinus infections, throat infections, new or worsening asthma, tooth decay, and if we inhale it at night when we wake up coughing and choking, it can cause a very bad aspiration pneumonia. Untreated reflux can also cause esophageal cancer, which is on the rise in the US. What causes Reflux (GERD) before banding? Many obese people have a hiatal hernia which causes reflux before banding. Most also have a damaged valve at the top of the stomach, called the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) that is damaged from abdominal fat back-pressure. The valve does not close correctly, allowing stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Many need surgery to repair the hernia, and/or acid-reducers to try to minimize the damage. Being very obese and having a hiatal hernia and it's associated health problems is one of the several conditions that is considered a "Co-morbidity" and a reason to get Band surgery.(NOT a reason it cannot be done) With Band surgery, most of these hiatal hernias need to be repaired, since the hiatal hernia is just where the band must go. They are so routinely repared that the Band surgeons sometimes don't even tell us we had a hernia, but I believe we should know. It can make recovery bit more painful and lengthy. With known reflux before sugery, some band surgeons want a pre-op upper GI to evaluate the size of the hernia so they can better plan surgery. Of those who had a hiatal hernia causing reflux before band surgery, about 76% are completely cured with Band Surgery. Another 14% see a huge improvement. A few see only moderate relief. What about reflux (GERD) AFTER banding? Reflux starting AFTER band surgery is another thing entirely, and with very different causes. Bandster reflux must be avoided., as it is harmful in a number of ways. When reflux starts after a new fill, it almost always means the fill is TOO TIGHT and needs some fill removed. If we get back in very quicky before swelling and damage occurs, as little as 0.2 cc or so out will relieve the reflux. It is not enough to simply cover up reflux symptoms with medication - the CAUSE of the reflux must be found and fixed. When new reflux starts that is NOT associated with a new fill, it is a sign of possible problems that must be checked out if it persists. First, though, be sure you're following the "Anti-reflux Guidelines for Bandsters", below. If new reflux persists despite these measures, we must consider a Band slip or pouch dilation as the cause and see our docs quickly for a fluoro and treatment. ANY Bandster with a new ear infecton, sinus infection, new or worsening asthma, or pneumonia must consider reflux as the cause and discuss this possibility with family and band docs. Family docs often don't know about this connection. We must help them learn. What are symptoms of reflux? 1. Chest burning or pain 2. Acid laryngitis. This is condition that includes hoarseness, dry cough, the sensation of having a lump in the throat and the need to repeatedly clear the throat. 3. Trouble swallowing (dysphagia). In severe cases, patients may even choke or food may become trapped in the esophagus, causing severe chest pain. This may indicate a temporary spasm that narrows the tube, or it could also be an indication of serious esophageal damage or abnormalities. 4.Chronic sore throat. 5.Persistent hiccups or burping . 6. Coughing and Respiratory Symptoms. Asthmatic symptoms like coughing and wheezing may occur. In fact, in one study, GERD alone accounted for 41.1% of cases of chronic cough in nonsmoking patients. The incidence was even higher when GERD and asthma were combined. ANY new or worseing asthma in a Bandster should be very suspicious of reflux. 7. Chronic Nausea and Vomiting. Nausea that persists for weeks or even months and is not attributable to a common cause of stomach upset may be a symptom of acid reflux. In rare cases, vomiting can occur as often as once a day. All other causes of chronic nausea and vomiting should be ruled out, including ulcers, stomach cancer, obstruction, and pancreas or gallbladder disorders. 8. Acid or metallic tast in the mouth 9. Chronic or persistent ear or sunus infections How can Bandsters prevent Reflux? There are several standard things Bandsters should do to prevent reflux. Since some reflux cannot be felt and the damage is still occurring, these preventative things should be very routine for Bandsters. As we get tighter and tighter with fills, the guidelines will become even more important to heed. 1. never keep a too-tight fill, thinking it will get better in time. A too-tight fill is the #1 reason for ALL the serious band problems, including reflux. There is just NEVER any good that results from too-tight fill. 2. Don't eat solids within 2 hrs of bedtime. Anything in the pouch or stomach when we lay flat encourages reflux. Some people may not be able to eat solids within 3 hrs of bedtime. 3. If you nap during the day, use a recliner with your head higher than your belly. The gravity helps keep stomach acid where it belongs. 4. Take no meds within an hour of bedtime. Take them one hour before laying flat, with a full glass of water to wash them completely through 5. ONE hour before bedtime, have a full glass of water (only)., whether you take "bedtime" meds or not. This rinses out the pouch and dilutes the night's stomch acid. 6. Stay very well hydrated, so the normal stomach acid is not concentrated. For Bandsters, this means at least 80-100 oz a day of no-calorie fluids. Adequate fluids are essential for Bandsters for many other reasons too, including good weight loss, normal stools, less variation in restriction, and much more. 7. Some foods/fluids encourage reflux. If you have any reflux, minimize or avoid them: Coffee, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, citrus (including tomatoes, kiwi, strawberries, pineapple) , mint, greasy/spicy foods, onions, garlic, all carbonation. A cup or two of normal-strength coffee in the morning is ok for most people, especially if buffered with milk or creamer. 8. Avoid clothes that are tight around the waist, as this increases the stomach back-pressure that encourages reflux. 9.. Those with severe reflux who cannot get in at once for an unfill should raise the head of their bed 6 inches on blocks or books, or sleep in a recliner, until they see their docs. This will help prevent the asoiraton oneumonia comon if acid is inhaled into the lungs at night. Just adding extra pillows is NOT enough; the head of the flat bed must be raised. 10. Avoid NSAID use for more than 2-3 days maximum. NSAIDs are known to alter the protective lining of the stomach after about 3 days, and then stomach acid can damage the stomach. THis alteration of the potective lining CANNOT be prevented by simply washing the NSAID thru the pouch, and is the major damage NSAIDs cause in Bandsters. Some surgeons feel this is one of the causes of band erosions. 10..Some other medications also increase the risk of reflux. Look up all meds you are asked to take, and request ones wih the least risk of reflux and stomach irritation. A good place to look up medications is www.drugs.com . Take all meds correctly, as per special Bandster needs. Acid-reducing Drugs Some with persistent reflux despite all preventative measures must take regular acid-reducers like nexium, prilosec, or protonix. However, These are not without side effects, so should not be taken routinely, unless really needed. Side-effects include nausea, constipation,an diarrhea. Many acid-reducers also interfere with medication and nutrient absorption, and used longterm, can cause nerve damage and B-12 deficiencies. Some wih kidney disease sould not take these meds (and many with diabetes have some degree of kidney disease even though routine tests may not show it) Others on low-salt diers should also not take some acid-reducers. As with ALL Bandster problems, PREVENTION of problems is the key. It's much easier to prevent problems by following good bandster habits, than to try to pick up the pieces after we are already having trouble. With a good understanding of reflux an it's causes in bandsters, it is easy to prevent it and all the problems it causes. Sandy Richards, BSN, MN Band Educator at goal 4.5 yrs