How many calories a day?

[cherry lane]

I just had my first fill on the 4th of Dec. I am wondering what and how everyone eats. I am a patient of Dr. Ortiz and had to get my fill here in the states. Not real fond of the DR. I have to do my fills but poor people sometimes have no choice. I am just wondering what amount of calories I am to take in and a typical food day for a bandster. I can't remember anything that Dr. Miranda told me, (Memory challenged)so I need some help please.

[LoriBecky]

Hi Cherry,

First let me tell you, you are welcome to call or email Dr. Miranda anytime. Once a patient of ours, always a patient! You can reach her at the toll free number ext. 86.

As far as calorie intake, I don't really have a number for you. Eat as little as you can with the band to feel satisifed, instead of seeing how much you can eat.

Try to stay to 1/3 of your pre-op intake. I usually can eat about 1/2 of a chicken breast and some salad or veggies for lunch or dinner. Most mornings I'm really restricted, so I don't have much breakfast and tend to stick to protein shakes (i know i know - we are supposed to chew all our calories... but I don't have time in the mornings to baby my band so I drink my breakfast!!) I will tell you that I let myself have one little treat per day (sometimes I go a little overboard, but generally keep it in check) a small piece of chocolate, or some low fat ice cream or pudding. I need that to not feel deprived, I think its very important to my long term success. I understand it may take me a little longer to get to my goal... but that's OK with me!

Once you have your band, if you are doing all the right things, and hit a plateau for more than a few weeks and you stop losing inches as well... it may be time for another fill Most people average 2 -3 fills, some do need more, some need less, but only you know your body. If you find your are able to eat food more quickly, or are easily eating more than 1/3 of your pre-surgery intake... call and schedule a fill

[tuesdaythecat]

I don't know about other people, but the 1/3 of preop amount doesn't give me much frame of reference. Mainly because, I could undertake some serious pigout sessions. Such as, a whole medium pizza and large slice of cheesecake for a chaser. I just had my first fill on the 8th, did my 3 days of liquids, and just started eatting solid foods yesterday. I did a lean cuisine dinner of beef tips and green beans, seemed to fill me up. For supper I had 1 meatball, 1/2 cup mixed vegetables, and 1/4 baked potatoe; filled me up. I was beginning to wonder how much I could eat before I felt discomfort. I know probably not a good idea to test the band, but curiosity. For lunch today I had 3 chicken tenders, 1/2 cup vegetables, and 1 slice of bread. The bread was definately too much, felt uncomfortable after eatting it; but did not throw up. But it is nice to know I have restriction.