I attended a Local Lapband Support Group

[MyNewLife]

First of all it seems to me that all Band Doctors are different, I understand that. I attended a local meeting last night, I was the only Mexico Bandster. They are told not to exceed 800 calories per day, 30 carbs per day and 1100 sodium per day. They are also told not to eat over 3/4 cups of food at a time. Meat is not to be over 2 ozs. I get the fact that everyone is different however, I have a couple of questions.....

I eat Lien Cuisines and can eat the whole thing which is WAY over that amount and they are, for the most part, LOADED with Carbs........Are we suppose to be able to eat a WHOLE one? I have been making myself eat and snack even when I am not so hungry to get to my 1200 calorie mark....Should I stop trying to reach this? I was told the reason I was not loosing was because I was not eating enough calories. If you eat the good food and stay away from the bad foods, it is HARD to eat 1200 calories without snacking....

I guess I just want to do everything correct and I dont want to streatch my pouch.....I would like to know what everyone thinks...

Carrie

[determination]

Carrie, I too do not see how you can eat 1200 calories a day by eating 1/2c. protein, 1/4c. veggies, and a 1/4c of fruit and 1/4c of carbs if I still am hungry. I have been following the directions that Dr. Miranda gave me which was exactly those measurements. I was also told not to snack. And to drink plenty of water. I usually eat anywhere from 750 - 900 calories. I do not supplement with protein, but I often have a protein drink that has 37 grams of protein in it. I feel that you have to glean information from where you can get it and do what you think is best for you and works for you. I know that others here have been told different directions. It all comes out when we have discussions. Good luck with whatever you decide in this matter.

Anne

[nothereanymore]

I ate more like they did, I still can't eat a whole lean cuisine (and I never ate them just because I could feel the salt plump up my body). I was really eating 1/4 cup of clean protein, 1/4 veggies, 1/4 fruit (or less) and carbs if I had room. I can eat the "heavy" brown rice for my carb and really only needed to eat very little and chew really well. I'm still eating the same way, just switched to organics. (my max out was between 1/2 and 3/4 cup so I would try to portion between the fruit and carbs depending on what I was craving for).

And I followed the plan that was mapped out for me at the OCC, back in my day no one said I had to hit 1200 calories, it was just something I heard on the board, and I had already lost my weight so I'm glad it didn't come during the time I was focused on losing.

I think different people get different information and you have to find what works for you. And the truth is, I can't put that much in my pouch and if I did - I really think I would stretch it.

[MyNewLife]

I ate more like they did, I still can't eat a whole lean cuisine (and I never ate them just because I could feel the salt plump up my body). I was really eating 1/4 cup of clean protein, 1/4 veggies, 1/4 fruit (or less) and carbs if I had room. I can eat the "heavy" brown rice for my carb and really only needed to eat very little and chew really well. I'm still eating the same way, just switched to organics. (my max out was between 1/2 and 3/4 cup so I would try to portion between the fruit and carbs depending on what I was craving for).

And I followed the plan that was mapped out for me at the OCC, back in my day no one said I had to hit 1200 calories, it was just something I heard on the board, and I had already lost my weight so I'm glad it didn't come during the time I was focused on losing.

I think different people get different information and you have to find what works for you. And the truth is, I can't put that much in my pouch and if I did - I really think I would stretch it.

Anne and Lisa,

Thanks for the response. I guess I am so focused on what I "should" be doing that I am not listening to my body. I DONT want to stretch my pouch. I think since I have sworn myself away from the scales for awhile, I am going to try to go back and stop with the snacks and eat my 2-3 oz and 1/2 cup of veggies...that is pretty much all I can do. I do however find my self hungry between, so that is when I was told to start with high protein snacks.....In doing this, I will most likely be getting in around 700 calories a day.

Carrie

[nothereanymore]

Listen to your body and depending on how tight your fill is you may be able to eat more. And one other note, since we don't eat much I was never big on low calorie or diet food, this can really help you get in enough calories. (And I'm talking about the good stuff, not the junk, so eat real food as much as possible).

Lisa

(And sorry if this sounds cranky, I'm yelling at 19 year old boys to turn down their amps as I was writing.....)

[bigali]

I eat about the way they are telling you. I have never been able to consume 1200 and I don't recall ever being told that. I eat about 800 a day and I do not feel like am hungry or depriving myself. Good luck to you.