MyNewLife

I have came to another plateau and I am trying to figure out what I need to do different. I know that platues happen for alot of different reasons, which I understand. I have came across SO many websites in regards to Lapband and snacking. Most of the sites says that your are NOT suppose to snack, only eat three meals a day. I have spoken with trainers and others who say that it is ok to snack (good heathly, high protein snacks) to keep your metabolism going so that you will burn calories. I was just wondering how many people do eat snacks and who just stick to their 3 meals a day. Carrie

Arianna, I agree with the Coffee, it almost kinda curbs my hunger as well. I DO NOT even buy the 100 calorie snack packs. They are very good and I also tempted to eat more than one pack, they go down TOO easy. I do consider them a slider food for me, so that is a NO NO food for me. I have found that the Southbeach Diet Meal replacement bars, which are 180 calories with 12 grams of protein are my life savors! They are VERY sweet and the protein fills you up. I have one for a snack in the morning and in the afternoons if I am craving something sweet, it also helps me to get my calories in for the day. My fav is the Chocolate Carmel! YUM! Good Luck! Carrie

Shelby, First of all, you look amazing! I really do like the new hair. The band disorder is hysterical! That is so funny......... I have debated as well for another fill but have come to the conclusion that Im not going to get one just yet. I still cant eat breakfast, Im eating small portions for lunch and Dinner. There are some foods like chips and dips that I have to STAY away from because I can eat and eat and eat and never get that "full" feeling. For the most part I am doing ok with my caloires and food intake. If you are hungry and are eating more food than you are suppose to you might need a fill. The band is there to help you and you should not have to feel hungry all the time. So I say you might need a small fill, if you are hungry and eating good foods. Good Luck! Carrie

Paula, I have been overweight all of my life. I too felt like I was trapped. I decided, just like you are to do something about it. My insurance would not cover the surgery. I made a choice that I was going to change my life for ME. I started saving the money and search the internet as well. I came across the OCC website and then this forum. After reading and research there was no qustion in my mind that this was the place that I was going to go. My family almost had heart failure when I told them that I was going to Mexico and then did have heart failure when I told them Tijuana. I talked my sister into going with me for the surgery. I was a person hated exercise, honestly I was lazy. It was easier not to do anything than to do something, so I really commend you on your currect exercise routine. I did have my surgery 6 months ago last Thursday and it has truley changed my life and my families life as well. I will say it has not been an easy road. I had it in my mind, band= weight loss, no problem. I WAS WRONG. ..........Band +healthy eating+exercise+determination +faith+never giving up+stress+hating scales+on and on...I have NEVER worked so hard in my life but TRULEY 100% worth it. I eat heathier, everyone in my house does, Exercise is a part of my daily rountine, just better life in Gerneal. I encourage you if you dont have the money, SAVE, even if you dont thing it will help, SAVE until you can get it. Good Luck! Carrie

Robbyn, I am CONVINCED you will do great. You have ALREADY accomplished so much and NEVER have you given up on this process. I dont know if I could have taken everything you have went through, but YOU have done it. The stress of surgery, getting a surgery date, not having a surgery date, having a surgery date....WOW, you have already overcome SO much! This is doing to be a downhill slide! Just think about how strong of a person YOU are. This may be tough, but 100% worth it! You CAN DO THIS. Like Shelby said, dont look at it as I got this number of days left, take it one day at a time. Fiber pills are WONDERFUL for the Hunger pains! You are such an inspiration ALREADY !!!! I only wish you the best, you so deserve it! Carrie

Gongrats on your progress!!!!!! That is a great post! I have 6 months to go untl my one year, this is great advise. Carrie

Celia, We are VERY close to 199! Is it EVER going to get here...lol . Lets work really hard and we can get there together! Robynn, Thank you so much! I think post was a turning point for me. I am glad that it helped someone else! You are getting very close and I cant wait to hear and see how you do! Good Luck to you! Carrie

Thank Celia for the reply. You picture is just the sweetest thing ever! Good luck to you on your journey! Lisa, you told me it would be here before I knew it. So hard to believe that was over 6 months ago! You are such an inspiration to me and so many more on this board! Thank you both for all of the encourgagment you both have shown to me. Carrie

Congrats on the Surgery Date! I stayed at the Lucerne and it was WONDFERFUL. The treatment that you get there, they do everything but lay a red carpet down for you. EVERYONE is super nice and they almost kinda look out for you. The night before surgery we wanted to go out to eat. They told us which cab to take and NOT to take. They told us when we got ready to leave to let them know and they would get the cab. We walked down for dinner and there was our cab. The cab driver gave us a number to call him back when we were ready to return to the hotel. The feeling of being safe, not knowing anything about anyone was a very nice feeling. Good Luck to you! Carrie

Sabrina, Thanks for posting, I have been worried about you and know that you have been very concerned. I am so glad to hear that everything is ok. It is very hard to break old habits, eating and drinking slower is my BIGGEST thing that I have to work on and still need to work on. You are doing great! Carrie

Thanks for everyones comments. This board has helped me so much. Eveyones Support is AMAZing to me. We are all strangers but encourage each other like we all are best friends, that says alot about someone. I still have people that think I am crazy when I say I went to Mexico. I think I am going to start giving them this link so they can come here and look at ALL of the wonderful people on this board! I am so sure peoples opinions would change. Denise and Karen, you both are AMAZING to me. You both have done so GREATand LOOK AMAZING! I wish I do as good as you guys! I love reading and seeing your progress along with so many more on this board! Karen the tummy tuck pics are great . Thank you for sharing those.... Jenelle, Carrie and Jazzy! You guys are so Wonderful. Yall are doing great doing great and Jazzy your advise is always sooooo good. Donna your picture .... WOW! You look AWESOME! Irish thank you so much! Good luck in your Journey.... and last I would like to thank....lol just joking Thanks Guys! Carrie

Augie, Congrats on your year mark and the 75+ pounds lost, that is WONDERFUL! Yes having nothing to wear is a nice problem to have..lol. It is so much fun shopping for new cloths, I cant wait until I can get into stuff that really looks "cute". Again Congrats and Job Well Done! Carrie

Six Months today is when I knew my life was going to change. After being overweight my whole life and reaching my heaviest of 262 lbs, I was determined that I wanted a new life, a new Soul. My weight loose began with a pre-op diet that consisted of shake for breakfast, shake for lunch and Lien Cuisine for Dinner for two weeks. I was not sure how well I would do and wanted to start a little early so I my pre-op was for 17 days. In those 17 days I had to make a choice of, ok Carrie, either you are in or you are out. It was hard, very hard, but I did it and with the support of my WONDERFUL husband who has supported, encourage, and worked with me so much. Since being banded six months ago, I have learned so much and even though I am not where I want to be YET, this experience has already changed my life and my Soul! I found out that I really do like myself and I am very proud of myself, I have never said that before. It has been one struggle after another, plateau after another; I don’t know how many times wanting to smash the freaking scales …lol. I can honestly say I have learned to respect those scales! Today I am living MY life, eating so healthy and exercise has became parts of my daily life, which in itself is an AMAZING accomplishment for me. I want this to encourage people to NEVER give up. You WILL get frustrated, you WILL come to have a love hate relationship with your scales, you WILL hide them.lol, you WILL learn that there really are Lapband Gods to pray to when you get stuck (I PROMISE just let this chicken go down and I will NEVER eat chicken again I SWEAR!)…lol But I will say that if YOU want this, YOU will work with the band and you WILL succeed. I am so proud to report that my Goal was to have lost 60lbs within 6 months of being banded and my weight this morning I am at 207, whick is 5lbs away. I am SO proud of myself and I wanted to say thanks to everyone on this board for the support that everyone has shown. I have submitted update pics! Waiting for approval. The best luck to everyone! Carrie

Sabrina, I LOVE the Max Protein Chocolate from GNC. It is a little expensive, but it is 110 calories per scoop with 24 grams of protein. I drink one EVERY morning for Breakfast. Carrie

Here are some things that I kept before I was banded. Some of these are from the OCC website. The five rules for eating with a Lap Band For most people the word diet brings to mind suffering and failure, so let's talk about nutrition. The following rules will help you to succeed during your weight loss journey with the Lap Band. Rule 1: Eat three times a day Rule 2: Eat only solid foods Rule 3: Chew thoroughly Rule 4: Do not drink liquids with your meals Rule 5: No high calorie liquids By following these simple rules you WILL succeed with the Lap Band! 1) Eat 3 meals per day at regular intervals. Balance is the key here, most of us are tight in the morning and loose at night, try to balance this out by eating your dinner around 6-7 pm and not snacking in the evening so you will be hungry in the morning. Most of us can't eat immediately upon getting up, but after an hour or two allow yourself to consume 1/3 of your daily protein intake in the morning. (I like to do this with a protein shake in the morning -- sip it over the course of a couple of hours --) 2) Don't allow yourself to get too hungry as that is when we tend to eat to fast and burp! Banding is not supposed to be a state of deprivation, if you are hungry eat! Learn to listen and respect what your body is telling you. Most of us have ignored these subtle signals for years and we need to relearn what hunger feels like (as opposed to eating out of boredom) and we need to learn what full feels like (gentle satisfaction, not stuffed to the gills). 3) Don't drink with meals! Stop about 15 minutes prior to eating and try to wait 60 minutes after eating. Washing food through your pouch will defeat the band allowing you to feel full and satisfied. 4) Take your body weight and divide it in half, which is how many ounces of water you should ideally be drinking per day. Measure the capacity of your water glass and try to get in all your water each day without drinking at your meals. Gradually work on the water habit until you have integrated it into your life; Crystal Light and non caffeinated, non-carbonated, sugar free beverages may be used as you work into the water habit. 5) Minimally 30 minutes of physical activity per day! 6) Take time to eat your meals without interruptions. You deserve 30 minutes of time 3 times per day to feed yourself in a relaxed atmosphere. Many of us lost touch with what full feels like because we were too busy paying attention to the needs of others during our meals. Respect yourself enough to take time to eat no matter how busy you are. Be prepared to have to re-establish your boundaries as family members, friends and co-workers may not always understand this behavior change in you! (If people comment on your small portions you can always say you "have already eaten earlier"---which is of course true---they don't need to know how much earlier! 7) Protein: Strive for 60 grams of protein per day. Your body can only absorb 20 grams per sitting so anything beyond 20 grams exits without being absorbed. Figure your protein at 7 grams per ounce, so 3 ounces of meat is 21 grams of protein or 1 serving. You will need 3 servings per day. This is not a high protein diet! You will not be eating 8 oz (1/2 pound) of meat ever again! 8) Protein and produce! Chicken and vegetables, beef and vegetables, fish and vegetables are the staples of your diet. Add some small portions of fruit but be careful with fruit juices because of the high sugar content. 9) Chew, chew, chew. When do I need a fill: If you are not losing 1/2 - 2 pounds a week (and this needs to be averaged over 4 weeks), check these points before getting a fill. If you are doing all these things then you probably do need a fill. Are you drinking a minimum of 70 ounces of water per day? Actually the recommendation is to take your body weight, divide it in half and that is how many ounces of water you need to drink per day to keep your cells flushed and everything in working order. I know it is hard but try using a water bottle with measurements on the side so you can track it. Are you engaging is some type of physical motion on a daily basis? I hate the E word exercise because that happens in gym and life does not. So raking your yard, walking your dog, weeding the garden all count as do parking farther from the store, taking the steps instead of the escalator. It is cumulative and it all adds up so every little bit counts! Are you eating 60 grams of protein per day? 60 grams is not so much really. It is three 3 ounce servings per day. Figure your protein at 7 grams per ounce and so 3 ounces of chicken is 21 grams. Once you get the hang of it you become a pro at mentally tallying where you are for the day. Remember that your body can only absorb about 20 grams at a time so don't over do it. But protein is an essential building block for your tissues and cells and protein helps turn off hunger and carbohydrates seem to turn it on. If you need additional help you might try Protein drinks Everyone has their favorite protein shake. I’ve tried Wal-Mart, GNC, Unjury and Arbonne, but the best so far has been Advocare Meal Replacement Shake – 24 grams of protein for 220 calories. It tastes like and has the consistency of a chocolate shake – yum! They also have vanilla and berry. Are you staying away from liquid calories? Cut the slush and mush once you are 4 weeks past surgery, it just goes down way too easy compared to 3 ounces of lean beef and some broccoli. Are you eating protein and produce and leaving out fast foods and junk? We all have bad days. Forgive yourself and just move on. No more guilt. It is possible to eat on the road and have healthy meals. Instead of a fast food, try a grocery store deli. What should you be eating? Protein and produce. If it isn't one of those two items then it is something that should not be part of your daily diet. Eat chicken and vegetables, beef and vegetables, fish and vegetables, some fruit thrown in there and a little dairy. No matter how much fluid you have in your band there are only three kinds of fills, too little, too much and just right, the actual number of cc's is irrelevant. (The first fills don't always amount to much of a restriction---just hang in there---the body has to adjust to the band and you have to adjust to smaller quantities. Expect to "notice it more" with the third and fourth fills) Hope this helps~! Carrie

Arianna, I can tell you that you have came to the right place. There are SO many WONDERFUL people on this board who will give you 110% support. I have started a food Journal and have stayed under 1200 calories a day, 60 oz of water and alot of exercise. I have never worked harder in my life to eat right and exercise as I have with this Band. You have to work with it. I finally got that and the results have been great! Good Luck and keep us posted! Carrie

First of all I want to say CONGRATS on the 20 lbs! That is wonderful! Second I wanted to share this with you. I posted this a couple of months ago and it has really helped me. I had lunch with a friend of mine that was banded two years ago and is a size 4 now. I have been getting so frustrated, today is 4months for me! I have decided I HATE SCALES. I was weighing everyday, then twice a week and then once a week. My friend told me to stop EVERYTHING that I was doing and to live, just live life. She told me that I have now went from being obessed with food, to know being obessed with scales, protein, fiber, weights, walking, everthing I do or say is about this band which will cause so much stress and depression. She could have not been so correct. I think I thought ok, I have the band, the weight is going to fall off, wow was I WRONG! The more I was wrong the more obessed with doing everthing correct the more discouraged I was getting because I was doing everthing correct and the weight was still not falling off. I hope that makes since, feel like I am rambling. I have decided to live, just live life. Keep eating the correct food with my exercise but just live. This has been for the past week or two. Well guess what. I went for my third fill yesterday and am happy to report I had lost 9 lbs of fat and gained 3 pounds of muscle since my last fill a little over a month ago. That post sounds like forever ago to me... I think I was around 220??? (not 100% on that) Monday morning I was at 207.8. I do eat good food choices and I do exercise, which I think is a HUGE part of this journey! Keep up the good Work Carrie

WOW! You look Amazing! I have always heard that it is not good to be that tight. I am tight in the moring until around 10 and then I can eat a protein bar. I do drink a protein shake for breakfast every morning. If you are pbing you should maybe try different types of foods that you are eating, however if it is taking you an hour to drink a shake at lunch, I think you might be a little tight. Dr. Miranda told me that tight does not always mean good, it could lead to problems with your band such as band slippage or stretching your pouch. Good Luck! Carrie

Stormy, I so think you should NOT give up, I would start over with class one again and I would do it until I felt like I OWENED that Pole! You have made such a great decision to change your life and you have done so great! Lapband is not easy, it has been just as hard Im sure as this pole has been and hunny you have worked with this band and done GREAT, work with that Pole! ...lol Good Luck and Keep us posted! Carrie