Low Carb Banders Unite

FeliciaLevy75 · 07-03-2008, 12:44 PM

Trying to get back in to Low Carb. I was doing really well, and then not so well. I am not eating breads or rice or refined carbs that I am aware of.

I do have yogurt most mornings and have read mixed messages on the carb count in yogurt.

Generally, I think I do OK, then I see the carb count at the end of the day and it is always high - even without the yogurt.

Trying to find some ideas this weekend to get back on track.

MSnika3 · 07-03-2008, 02:56 PM

I am joining in with you guys.
I was banded on May 9th. After losing a total of 15 pounds (pre and post op diet), I lost nothing for 3 weeks. I decided to up my calories. So I did that and started low carbing. I lost an additional 5 lbs.
Well, the week before I was scheduled for my first fill I decided that I NEEDED to have one last date with some of the foods I love. So I did. Over the course of the week, I gained back that 5 pounds.
I figured, okay, no biggie, because I'm getting filled and will have restriction and the weight will fall right off. I'm sure I don't have to tell you what happened....NO RESTRICTION!!!
I was banded last Friday and have been able to eat pretty large amounts of food. Just yesterday, I ate and entire small thin pizza. Not so bad if that was all I had eaten, but that was just my dinner. I kept trying to stop eating it, but I couldn't. Each square was so small and thin that it felt like eating a snack.
So, I am recommitting to low-carb today. My husband began low carb the same week I started my pre-op diet. He has lost 40lbs (that SOB

). So, I'm back to what I know works for me. It's the only way of eating that cuts my appetite and leaves me satisfied. So at least until I have restriction to help me out, I'll be strictly meats, cheeses, and salads.

SkinnieMinnie · 07-03-2008, 06:09 PM

Hi everyone...

I'm just needing a little hug today. I'm 1 week out and still feeling pretty lousy. I think it's gas pain, to be honest. I'm getting kind of depressed. I knew there would be a recovery period but I'm just getting to the point where I want to start feeling better. I'm having a hard time getting my protein shakes and water in, and that's all I take in.

I hope you all are doing well. Band or no band, I really believe low carb is the way to go (at least for me)... and I know we can all be successful at it.

poohjo1 · 07-03-2008, 08:39 PM

I am new here. I just got my band on 6/24. I did low carb slim fast preop and lost 24 lbs. low carb is what has always worked for me, so I am going to continue that for now.

hollyberries · 07-03-2008, 09:52 PM

Hope everyone's day was great.

B: 2 Eggs & 4 slices of bacon
S: 1 oz. Cheddar Cheese & 5 slices of pepperoni
L: 4 slices of deli ham & 1 slice of swiss cheese
S: 24 Almonds
D: 1 1/2 deviled eggs
S: Atkins Crustless Cheesecake

70 grams of Protein & 9 Net Carbs

Did 60 min of Burn Baby Burn water aerobics tonight. With the 4th tomorrow not sure how I will do but I am going to try to stay low car if I can.

Good luck everyone & Happy 4th of July.

Cindy

Desdemona · 07-04-2008, 12:51 PM

FeliciaLevy75—When I start out on a low carb diet – especially before restriction---I built in good tasting substantial meals for dinner to help me past the early carving. Breakfast and lunch were easy enough (especially on work days). Breakfast could be Atkins drink or/and deviled eggs on the go. Lunch McDonalds quarter pounder with cheese (skip bun) etc. For dinner I’d often look to the crock pot and make a nice roast or meat with sauce. Sauces, wines, seasonings really keep things interesting and the crock pot meant that I could cook veggies right in the pot for flavor. Or I’d do something like stuffed green peppers simmered with tomato sauce. I’ll cook cauliflower on the side and splash the extra tomato sauce over the cauliflower. That’s easier that making the faux mashed potato recipe. If you go to a low carb recipes page, you’ll find a lot of great ideas. If need a snack, I do pickles and olives, chicken wings (in low carb tomato sauce or buffalo wings with blue cheese), low carb salsa or guacamole with pork rinds, SOME almonds. There is a low carb yogurt in the supermarket. I try to stay away from the protein bars because they have sugar alcohols in there that a lot of people find causes stalls. The Atkins protein drinks don’t have those ingredients. Things like blue cheese, pickles, and deviled eggs, a small amount of nuts or cheese and iced coffee with a little heavy cream really go a long way in getting me past the craving stage. I have also found that if I’m feeling really tired, low energy, I just have to raise my carbs a little. It may mean that I can’t be in ketosis. It still works – just not as fast – and I am able to stick with it much better because I feel good. Once you get restriction – it WILL be easier. Good luck.

Desdemona · 07-04-2008, 01:03 PM

MSnika3--welcome! Yep! Low carb is the way. Remember that it will be easier when you get restriction but it can take many MONTHS before you have sufficent restriction. I'm not there yet and I was banded in mid March. We can gain a LOT of weight before we get good enough restrctions so if we want to lose weight we need to diet the old fashion way. Low carb will also help us lose faster even once we do get restriction. Good luck.

MSnika3 · 07-04-2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RugmanForever

MSnika3--welcome! Yep! Low carb is the way. Remember that it will be easier when you get restriction but it can take many MONTHS before you have sufficent restriction. I'm not there yet and I was banded in mid March. We can gain a LOT of weight before we get good enough restrctions so if we want to lose weight we need to diet the old fashion way. Low carb will also help us lose faster even once we do get restriction. Good luck.

Thanks so much, Rugman. With low carb and exercise, I know that the weight will come off. Restriction will be icing on the cake!!! I can't wait til I get some!
By the way, you gave Felicia some awesome food tips. I'm printing them out! Thanks!

Alfie · 07-04-2008, 06:54 PM

hi bloo,

Do you make it with sugar free hazelnut? I started making them at home too and am totally addicted. I also usually dump in the SFH and use 4 Spenda's and put the whole thing along with ice cubes into one of those quart containers that you get from the chinese take out places. I've been using Folgers 1/2 caffeine.

I also am sort of doing low carbs but I do have a fruit in the morning and veggies with my other 2 meals..no breads, cake. cookies basically no refined sugars. I feel great!

BlooEyez · 07-04-2008, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfie

hi bloo, do you make it with sugar free hazelnut? I started making them at home too and am totally addicted. I also usually dump in the SFH and use 4 Spenda's and put the whole thing along with ice cubes into one of those quart containers that you get from the chinese take out places. I also am sort of doing low carbs. but I do have a fruit in the morning and veggies with my other 2 meals..no breads, cake. cookies basically no refined sugars. I feel great!

Hi Alfie ~
I use the Fat Free Hazelnut creamer ... I've been TRYING

to be good by actually measuring how much I put in instead of dumping and like you I add some packets of Splenda too. I am so addicted to them! Trying to limit myself to 1 a day in order to keep my carb count down (but it hasn't been easy!) I had like 3 yesterday

... I haven't had one yet today so I'm doing good so far

Sounds like you are doing good ... glad to hear you're feeling great!

Alfie · 07-04-2008, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlooEyez

Hi Alfie ~
I use the Fat Free Hazelnut creamer ... I've been TRYING

to be good by actually measuring how much I put in instead of dumping and like you I add some packets of Splenda too. I am so addicted to them! Trying to limit myself to 1 a day in order to keep my carb count down (but it hasn't been easy!) I had like 3 yesterday

... I haven't had one yet today so I'm doing good so far

Sounds like you are doing good ... glad to hear you're feeling great!

Hey Bloo, Did you know that International Delight makes a sugarfree one with 1 carb per 2 TBLS and 20 calories? How many carbs in the Fat Free one?
Regards,
Alfie

ESPI · 07-04-2008, 07:30 PM

I feel like it is taking forever for me to get the weight off..... I guess I will try low carb......any helpful hints

BlooEyez · 07-04-2008, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfie

Hey Bloo, Did you know that International Delight makes a sugarfree one with 1 carb per 2 TBLS and 20 calories? How many carbs in the Fat Free one?
Regards,
Alfie

I'll have to look for that one ... I use the Nestle CoffeeMate Hazelnut FF Creamer and it has 5 carbs per 1 T (25 calories) ... they make a sugar free but I've heard it doesn't taste good so I've stuck with the fat free. Thanks for the tip though, I'll check it out next time I go to the store

hollyberries · 07-05-2008, 08:36 AM

Ok....I had every well meaning intention to stay on plan yesterday. Until I saw my mom's homemade potato salad, smores, watermelon & my own Ambrosia. It all called really loud to me. Oh Yeah! and twizzlers at the fireworks. Dang it! What is with celebrations that are surrounded by food that throw you off your game plan?

However, me and my little friend the band are going straight back on plan today. I have found that low carbs is the way to go for me right now because it works with the weight loss.

I hope everyone had a great 4th and here's to getting back on track if you were like me and fell off the wagon.

Cindy

renewedhope · 07-05-2008, 09:41 AM

I actually stayed on plan yesterday, but don't be too impressed. I have a horrible stomach bug and the thought of any food makes my stomach sick. Yuck!! It will probably be only liquids for me today. I feel really yucky.