nothereanymore

I just by the liquids vitamins at Costco. I brought the bottle in for one of my nutritionist to look at and he gave the AOK. (I sell high end custom vitamins in one of the businesses I manage). I thought pop was going to be an issue for me, but its funny - I can drink it now since I'm past 6 months, but I'm so done with it. And many studies are showing that diet pop is horrible for you so I'm glad I kicked the habit! The trick of not drinking while eating - don't let any liquid be near you when you eat! The hardest part is having the waiter stop putting the water on the table for me - it seems to really bother them. So I've learned to just let them do it - then I move it away from me as far as possible. I'm sure even today, coming up on 2 years out in Oct I'd still drink if it was in arms reach! Congrats on your decision!

Look at you! I just noticed that you've lost over 50 pounds! Congrats Ms. Sexiest legs on the forum!!

Anita..... I just love you!

For me it really varies, I'm a firm believer that you can eat anything if you take small enough bites, eat slow and chew it up well. However it is very personal and people have created lists of what banded people can’t eat, unfortunately (or fortunately) I had tried eating most of those items with success. And don't get me wrong - some days I can eat something and the next day I can't. I always say this, if I like something and its good for me I’m going to try, but I will take small bits, chew the crap out of it and eat it slow!

This is absolutely normal, the time after your surgery before your first fill is your hardest. It is the bandster hell timeframe that we all talk about. Really fight and focus on not overeating and stretching out your pouch. You might try measuring your food and counting your calories during this time just to get a really good understanding of how much food in volume and calories. Pretend like you have great restriction and put that into your mind. Sounds like you're doing great, the only thing I’d cut out is the snacks. From what I’ve always done is only 3 meals a day (however if you’re not a pt of Dr Ortiz, make sure to check with them). Take care! Lisa

Hey!! Welcome back! Sorry about the weather, but glad you had fun and looks like you did well using your band so congrats! We missed you! Lisa

That's great, I hope your second fill is the best one ever and you hit the sweet spot with great restriction! Have fun shopping and don't tire yourself out to much! (I have it when those dang planes are late - happening way too much these days)! Best, Lisa

When I was in high gear to loss the weight I used Isopure Dutch Chocolate http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp...amp;catid=31664 Now since I weigh less and don't need as much protein I use Premier Protein Shake Chocolate. http://www.premiernutrition.com/Merchant2/...e=PROTEIN-SHAKE However they now have it at Costco and I think it was $23.99 for the 18 pack box. 30g of Protein, 1g of Sugar, 3g of fat and 160 calories per serving. I drink one every morning and sometimes at mid day if I’m working out hard, had surgery… or just feel like I need that protein boost to get me through the day. I don't have a problem with protein shakes, this one is chunky, and I have to say I like the individual servings better, they are costlier, but at Costco its only $1.33 each and if I take two a day its $2.66. It’s a latte for me, and since the morning one is usually breakfast I'm OK with that. Good luck!

I'm 46 and did fine - many of us are in our 40's to 50's and it takes longer but we get it done!

I have the VG band and it over 21 months I had 9 fills up to 6.2 ccs. Since I'm trying out maintenance I'm now down to 5 ccs. You need to get good restriction, not the killer kind, but enough so you aren't hungry and you can only eat small amounts. If it doesn't work go back and have her add more. From what I’ve been told you can actually add up to 11 ccs in our VG bands. Good luck, I know its hard getting to that sweet spot and the truth is with a VG band it does take longer. But you'll get there! Lisa

They should, sit down with them and have a frank discussion. I've always worked hand in hand with the person giving my fills. But also on the safe side, check their unfill policy, I have seen someone too tight and they were at a point that it was pretty scary looking. Many doctors may be afraid of filling you too tight and causing a flip. My weight loss center worked with me and had discussions with me long enough that we got to the point were it was a great team effort. Good luck!

Welcome back - hope you had fun and I can't wait to see the new pictures! I just had my 3rd surgery done last Friday to repair the damage done by the weight, and then the weight loss at an older age - only one more left! OK, this last one wasn’t as much to repair as the last ones but to give myself a “boost”!

I'm not sure either and I had also asked my personal trainer back in the day when I first really started working out. He said the same, get protein, keep a good regimen and surprise the body. He knew I had a band and that my caloric intake was low - his main worry was that I was getting enough protein to build muscle. It worked....

Congrats Nicolek and congrats to your husband! I'm sure its almost more nerve wracking to be there for a loved one's banding than for your own! Take care, get some rest and go out to that wonderful restaurant by the pool at the Lucerna and have a wonderful dinner! Take care our thoughts are with you and your husband! Welcome to Bandland to Cujo!

I haven't but the reveiws are really good for it: http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp...904&tab=1#1 So I'm hoping it will work when and if needed!

Its norm with many of us, however if I have heavy protein, steak or chicken breast at night for dinner it usually does work.

That's the trick, it wont happen at all if you eat slow, eat small amounts, chew each bite 30 times. (don't drink when eating) Its pretty simple really, however most of us make the mistake (myself including) of eating too fast, taking to big of bites and not chewing properly. So if you're smart and follow the rules you wont do it, if you're use to eating fast and have a harder time learning to chew 30 times per bite (me!!) it will happen. No one can really say how often - its really dependant on you!

PB'ing: productive burping This is what happens if something cannot get past the band. It comes up, like a burp, with food in it, (and often lots of saliva since you create saliva when something is stuck, we call this sliming). Just make sure your band isn’t too tight, you’re eating slow and chewing each bite at least 30 times and you should be able to avoid it. best, Lisa

You need to get a handle on your stress; it really caused havoc for me and looks like it does for you as well. When you are going through something focus on your breathing, just take in good deep cleansing breaths and think about it, feel it, hear it as it goes through your body. (It really works) Then, try not to eat when you are totally stressed out. And when you do eat make it a relaxing time for you. Start with a warm cup of soothing herb tea, sit down and make this your time, at your table quite and only positive talking when eating. Put flowers on the table, and make your place setting pretty. I know it sounds weird, but it works. Then when you eat do it very slowly, I know your on liquids, but just move slow. You’ll get back on track and I know its hard with young ones but really try to make eating a relaxing part of your day. And rent some breathing taps from the library and yoga if possible. You’ll get through it – your mind really affects your body, which in turns affects your band. If you can’t do everything, no worries – baby steps. Get the herb tea to start your meals and do breathing before you eat while your relaxing drinking your tea. Try taking your meds after a cup of tea and if possible spread them out through the day. Talk to your pharmacist and Doctor for help - they really are good and there may be ways they can help you! Good luck!

I didn't, only had it once during a stress time when my band tightened. But quick question - does it come at night? If so make sure you try not to eat a couple of hours before bedtime and let your pouch empty out. If its all the time that’s a problem and I would call the clinic. Take care and sorry about this!

Hello Paula, Congrats on your restriction! Make sure you get enough carbs that can cause you to get tired. Sometimes mid day I will eat a little bit of watered instant oatmeal, for some reason that picks up my energy and metal level. Also if you can’t take your pills that’s a problem, I’m sure you’ve talked with both your doctor and pharmacist to make sure you’re taking the easiest to crush and smallest pills. (Just watchen out for you)! Take care please! Lisa

(Your new picture is so cute)!! Here's the tips I use from Dr. Weil to calm my stress levels. Stress really affects my band and I've had to really focus on techniques to calm it. I also make sure to take time out for me, massages, facials and I focus on my breathing... Not bad and its worth the money that I spend - I hardly ever have to deal with stress now, I'm much better at managing it. (That could be one of the reasons I look younger as well). http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00536/reduce-stress.html Take time for you!

I have Promethazine on hand, liquid form and it is a script my doctor wrote for me. I just started buying Nauzene Chewable Tablets, this is an OTC line, and since its chewable not liquid I can bring it on planes with no problems. Thanks, Lisa

To be on the safe side make sure to have some anti nausea medication to take in case you do get it! (I always have some close by)!