Friday, January 1, 2010

Restriction in the New Year

I need some restriction in my head and my band! It seems I am pretty much eating almost as much as I was pre-band the past few days. I have no restriction other than the band itself and as long as I chew things pretty well, everything seems to go through OK. And my portions are much larger. I did have a bad experience yesterday with a corn muffin. Came home and wanted to have a bite of something with some tea before getting ready to go out for NYE. The muffin was a bit dry even though I had butter and maple syrup on it and I (unconsciously) took a bite without chew, chew, chewing and it got stuck. Wow did it ever hurt. So, I stood up and moved around a bit and took a few sips of tea and it passed. But boy was that a reminder that I have to be fully aware and conscious of everything I put into my mouth from now on. That is the reason for being banded in the first place right? My first fill is scheduled the last week of January, so I am really concerned about how I am going to control my calories-portions from now until then. I am really stressed and sad about my darling Dad too. I see his health deteriorating so quickly and I am a stress eater so I am afraid I will sooth and comfort myself with food in the coming months. I have lost 15 pounds and don’t want to screw that up. I would even be happy if I could at least maintain it until my first fill. This is the New Year and a new way of life for me, so I am going to concentrate on goal setting and being being aware of what I am doing regarding food and what I chose to eat.
How did you guys get through this time? Any suggestions? Hope you are all well and wish everyone the best in the New Year!

8 comments:

  1. Yep, looks like you're officially in "Bandster Hell". Hang in there....I diligently wrote (and still do) write down what I eat to keep myself accountable. Give it try :)

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  2. You are in the roughest time. When I look back I was probably the most strict during the bandster hell time. I ate 3 meals a day plus a one high protein snack (either mid day or at night- whenever I needed it). I did eat a lot more than I do now - probably 4 ounces of meat and a little veg and starch at dinner, but I was determined not to gain. It will get better, just stay focused for now.
    I hope your Dad's doing well.

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  3. Linda, I posted my comment as a blog since it started to get long. I hope it helps some.

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  4. Hi Linda, I was hoping that my first Fill would take me out of Bandster Hell too! I got my first fill last Monday & I honestly don't feel any different! I can still eat as much as I could before, so I am having to continue to strive for less calories. I am guessing that we will be in Bandster Hell until we get some REAL restriction, at around 5-7 cc's.

    I am thinking of you in your concern for your Dad. I know what you are going through. My FIL is almost at the end too. He just went back into the Hospital & we are not expecting him to make it much longer. And I too am a stress eater. So please know that I am thinking of you through this sad/scary time.

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  5. Hey Linda, I just found your blog.. I think it is really all a head game at this point. And like Debi said, even after the first fill you may not get the restriction that you desire. I have had one fill and it hasn't really given me the control I wanted.. so it is the self discipline that seems to make the difference. adding the exercise in will make the difference too. good luck.. I will add you to my blog list so I can cheer you on.

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  6. I will say the same thing as everyone else - this is going to be a tough time for you most likely. It is strange how you can eat almost preband but still occasionally swallow wrong and get that pain. What you describe is exactly what I was feeling for the first several months. My doctor told me "you can eat whatever you want right now, just try not to gain back what you have lost". Try not to beat yourself up, I know it is hard. Just do the best you can and don't expect perfection - you were not magically cured overnight unfortunately, but it will come. Each fill will give you a little more restriction, but it will most likely wear off before you go back for you next one the first couple of times. I am due for #4 this week and I am so ready! You are right where you are supposed to be - hang in there! You can do this.

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  7. Linda,

    Ditto to what everyone else said. I learned so much about myself and my relationship with food during this same timeframe in my band journey. You're having to redefine everything, without much help! You'll do great... keep your eyes on the prize.

    Lara

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  8. Oh you will be fine until your fill! You are doing just fine and it's not that far away now anyway! Good luck sweetie!

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