Anyone Have A Gastric Band?

SetecAstronomy

If so, and you need a drummer...

*ahem*

Seriously, do you have a gastric band (like the LAP-BAND)? If so, what are YOUR nutritional goals?

I was given a booklet before surgery and it gave examples of a 1000-, 1200-, and 1500-calorie plans to be on AFTER surgery, but they don't go into specifics as far as number of grams for calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, etc...it only gives suggestions on number of servings for starch, meats, vegetables, and so on.

Upon joining this site, it was suggested i stay under 1820 calories. Most days I don't have this problem, and with exercise I get "extra" calories in case I slip up. And I'm still getting regular adjustments to my band...right now I have 6.25 cc's of saline in it, and will probably go up to 6.50 in the next visit. I just feel that, 6 months after surgery, I'm still eating more than I should be (but fortunately, it's less than it was prior to surgery, even with a nutritionist-assisted program).

So I'm reaching out to those who have had the gastric band surgery, and asking: Were you given SPECIFICS as to the amount of calories, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (and anything else) you should be consuming? I'll be inquiring with the nutritionist I consulted with earlier, but I'm just curious what YOU were told.

WhiskeyGirl1971

I have a Realize Band, and was given specifics of a minimum of 60 g of protein daily, and plans for 1000, 1200 and 1400 cals. There may have been more specifics regarding fat and carbs, but my paperwork is filed away, and I know it was more than what my personal preferences are. At at my fill level, (8 cc in an 11 cc band), I'm finding 1000 is about my limit if I stick to my 1 c serving sizes...unless of course I eat sliders or junk...lol

budgetqueen79

It's a lady on Youtube called BandedWendy that has the band down to a science. Check out her videos. ANuMe1109 has great recipes on her channel.

SetecAstronomy

I have a Realize Band, and was given specifics of a minimum of 60 g of protein daily, and plans for 1000, 1200 and 1400 cals. There may have been more specifics regarding fat and carbs, but my paperwork is filed away, and I know it was more than what my personal preferences are. At at my fill level, (8 cc in an 11 cc band), I'm finding 1000 is about my limit if I stick to my 1 c serving sizes...unless of course I eat sliders or junk...lol

I know the band is different for each person...a friend of mine who had it done over 18 months ago has lost over 100 pounds since her journey began (which includes weight lost prior to surgery) but she lost considerable inches in the time after her surgery. I guess I was hoping for similar results (or even better results, since I have more saline in my band than she does). But I know the problem is with me: I was not exercising like I should (which I am remedying now) and not watching my calorie consumption close enough. But since being on MFP, and noticing I can "easily" stay below 1820, it just concerns me that I'm still going over 1500.

SetecAstronomy

It's a lady on Youtube called BandedWendy that has the band down to a science. Check out her videos. ANuMe1109 has great recipes on her channel.

Thanks, I will check her out!

WhiskeyGirl1971

I have no trouble going over (eating around the band), and I did, for much of the last year...that's why I've only lost 64 pounds in 18 months. But if I follow all the bandster rules (protein first, no drinking with meals, eat slowly, no sliders, no junk, etc), and watch for my soft stop, then I can be satisfied at the 1 cup (or so). I bought a set of small plates and bowls to use, which really helps. My eyes are still MUCH bigger than my pouch and I find myself struggling to believe that such a small amount of food will satisfy me. I just got myself back on track in the last week or so, after having a good fill. It was kind of like my re-set button )

Have you been to any of the message boards? lapbandtalk.com and obesityhelp.org have very active message boards that can be very helpful.

I'm really surprised they didn't stress the protein requirements to you at the very least. What kind of follow up do you have? Do you meet with a nutritionist with any regularity? Some hospital programs have support groups, and some have very comprehensive follow up visits. Mine only had me go at 3, 6 and 12 months (unless I needed a fill). Yearly check ups after that (again, unless a fill is needed). But I can see the nutritionist whenever I want.

~Suzanne

pinknsassyemt

I was banded June 13th, 2011 and have since lost 24 lbs. Respectivly there could have been bigger weight loss but I have a seroma on my incision Anyhow, I have worked hand in hand with a nutritionist and I am set at 1230 cals per day and I am plenty satisfied with the amount of food I take in. I eat at least 60-70g of protein a day, and eat a lot of dense veggies and fruits to hold over hunger. I was given 4cc in my band at time of surgery and don't feel I am anywhere near ready for a fill. I do eat more frequently about once ever 2-3 hours, but I eat only 1/4-1/2 cup and I make good choices generally fruit, cheese, or lunch meat. If your program didn't give you after care with a nutritionist, please seek one out. I am a regular on lapbandtalk.com also and it is a great way to support one another and find little answers.. lets you know your not alone!

WhiskeyGirl1971

I was banded June 13th, 2011 and have since lost 24 lbs. Respectivly there could have been bigger weight loss but I have a seroma on my incision Anyhow, I have worked hand in hand with a nutritionist and I am set at 1230 cals per day and I am plenty satisfied with the amount of food I take in. I eat at least 60-70g of protein a day, and eat a lot of dense veggies and fruits to hold over hunger. I was given 4cc in my band at time of surgery and don't feel I am anywhere near ready for a fill. I do eat more frequently about once ever 2-3 hours, but I eat only 1/4-1/2 cup and I make good choices generally fruit, cheese, or lunch meat. If your program didn't give you after care with a nutritionist, please seek one out. I am a regular on lapbandtalk.com also and it is a great way to support one another and find little answers.. lets you know your not alone!

24 pounds in what, 6 weeks, is AWESOME...don't downplay it by saying it could have been more. FANTASTIC job!
I read LBT every day, I just don't post...yet...lol

SetecAstronomy

I have no trouble going over (eating around the band), and I did, for much of the last year...that's why I've only lost 64 pounds in 18 months. But if I follow all the bandster rules (protein first, no drinking with meals, eat slowly, no sliders, no junk, etc), and watch for my soft stop, then I can be satisfied at the 1 cup (or so). I bought a set of small plates and bowls to use, which really helps. My eyes are still MUCH bigger than my pouch and I find myself struggling to believe that such a small amount of food will satisfy me. I just got myself back on track in the last week or so, after having a good fill. It was kind of like my re-set button )

Where did you purchase the small plates and bowls? That could certainly help me, as I also have the eyes-bigger-than-the-stomach syndrome. LOL

Have you been to any of the message boards? lapbandtalk.com and obesityhelp.org have very active message boards that can be very helpful.

Was not aware of them, but then also did not actively (or passively) seek any out. I shall check them out!

I'm really surprised they didn't stress the protein requirements to you at the very least. What kind of follow up do you have? Do you meet with a nutritionist with any regularity? Some hospital programs have support groups, and some have very comprehensive follow up visits. Mine only had me go at 3, 6 and 12 months (unless I needed a fill). Yearly check ups after that (again, unless a fill is needed). But I can see the nutritionist whenever I want.

~Suzanne

They did stress protein, but did not specify quantity other than number of servings. But they also did not specify which plan (1000, 1200, or 1500) I should be following, so I've been going by the "eat until the soft stop" method. I'm going to the surgeon's office every 6 weeks for follow-up, and each time I've gone since my first fill (March 1) I've had a fill done. There were 4ccs in my band at surgery; my first fill went up to 5, then 5.5, then 6, and now 6.25. Prior to "6", I hadn't really lost any weight, but I also hadn't really gained any weight either; between 6 and 6.25 I lost 6 pounds, and I'm now exercising more frequently and (with MFP's help) tracking my calories more closely.

There were 4 visits with the nutritionist prior to surgery, which were covered by my then-insurance company. Any follow-ups now would be out of pocket, as my current insurance does not cover anything related to weight loss. (There was a big snafu with insurance that's a topic for another time)

There is a support group but from what I was told it's mainly consisting of people complaining about the band not working for them; if that's the case, I'd really like to try to steer clear of negativity of that nature. I know why it hasn't been working as well for me: lack of exercise and not watching my diet. But I'm changing that, and this site is helping.

SetecAstronomy

I was banded June 13th, 2011 and have since lost 24 lbs. Respectivly there could have been bigger weight loss but I have a seroma on my incision Anyhow, I have worked hand in hand with a nutritionist and I am set at 1230 cals per day and I am plenty satisfied with the amount of food I take in. I eat at least 60-70g of protein a day, and eat a lot of dense veggies and fruits to hold over hunger. I was given 4cc in my band at time of surgery and don't feel I am anywhere near ready for a fill. I do eat more frequently about once ever 2-3 hours, but I eat only 1/4-1/2 cup and I make good choices generally fruit, cheese, or lunch meat. If your program didn't give you after care with a nutritionist, please seek one out. I am a regular on lapbandtalk.com also and it is a great way to support one another and find little answers.. lets you know your not alone!

With this site's help I tend to go "over" my recommended amount of 68g of protein most days. What I'd like to do is get some hard-numbers from people on a specific-calorie plan. I'll check out lapbandtalk.

I'm good with cheese (reduced fat) but lunch meat isn't something I can tolerate, unfortunately...

WhiskeyGirl1971

I found plates and bowls at Kohl's, basically just a salad plate and they had a small matching bowl that fits one cup perfectly. I LOVE it, and my husband loves the pattern so I might buy the whole set eventually. The pattern is Taos by Pfaltzgraff. I have found salad plates easily enough but bowls were always a problem, they're always standard cereal bowls, so I was really excited to find this. May seem silly to get excited about a plate and bowl combo, but I have a touch of OCD and really wanted something matching...LOL

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/kitchendining/brandsfordining/pfaltzgraff/PRD~c20524/Pfaltzgraff+Taos+Collection.jsp

I get a lot of useful info from lapbandtalk. I use MFP mostly to track my food and exercise. Honestly, I've seen a lot of negative reactions here re: weight loss surgery in general (the "easy way out", "cheating" etc...pfffffffft) so I'm glad to see some other people post who have the band. I also read several blogs of bandsters, and a couple bypass patients. Sometimes its what keeps me from bingeing or going off plan at night when I'm bored.

My hospital also have a support group, but its mostly bypass patients, and all seem to be in the 55+ bracket. And not that I couldn't learn from them, however, I have other challenges to figure in (small children, etc). Plus the darn group meets on Friday afternoons once a month when I'm at work.

I went and found my paperwork and you know, the only requirement they gave was 20 gms of protein at each meal (to meet the 60/day minimum) and to stick with 1 cup at each meal. Protein first, followed by veggies/fruit (if still hungry), carbs last. There was no calorie, fat or carb guideline other than to avoid high fat foods and watch sugar intake. Personally, I try to stay under 30% fat and under 100 gms carbs if possible, but those are self-imposed limits.

pinknsassyemt

I use a toddler plate.... I found it at walmart, and its perfectly sectioned off, and fits my portions great. I always get 60-70g of protein a day. Water is another big factor, I found myself not getting in my daily water. I now have a custom made by me decopaged thermo cup, it is 16oz, I put 8 rubber bands around it... and I take one off each time I fill it.. so now I am getting more than enough water. Being banded makes it hard for me to communicate with a lot of the posters on here.. they feel that they have done it this way, so our way is taboo... But I am glad I found some bandsters to relate with :-)