My diet

Question
I had lap band surgery six months ago, I've lost 31 lbs. since then, but I feel I need to change my diet to a Higher protein, lower fat, and try to get cholesterol free if possible.  I'm having trouble making good food choices.  I'm trying to stay away from bread as much as possible, it doesn't always agree with me no matter when I eat it.  I usually will have a piece of toast, but I have to eat it super slow so it don't get stuck. I'm also craving Red meat, cheese, and milk.  Sometimes regardless of what I eat, I don't feel satisfied.  I'm getting ready to have my fourth adjustment. I would like to average loosing about 10-12 lbs.a month I need to loose 75-80lbs. to get to my goal.  I weigh 197 and would like to get down to 120.  I would appreciate the advice.    Sincerely,  Joann

Answer
Hi Joann:

Congrats on your weight loss.  Sometimes cravings can be a hint that there's something else going on, so you might want to just make sure that you're taking a multi w/iron or have your surgeon/PCP check your iron levels.  Back when they first started doing banding, they didn't think that Bandsters had to worry about vitamin deficiency, but now there's been a few studies that show they need their levels checked as well.

Bread may never be easy for you.  It will probably get more difficult with each fill.  Whole grain crackers might work--as usually crunchy is not as difficult to get down... although to be honest, everybody's band is different.  Also what works before one fill, might not work after the next. :)

As for red meat, usually ground beef goes down the easiest.  A lot of people need some sort of sauce or fat to get down meat--so just proceed carefully...and if possible, try new foods at home in case you need to PB.   Cheese and milk--I'm not aware of any issues unless you're lactose intolerant.  If you want to go cholesterol free, then you want animal-product free, as only animal products have cholesterol.  You can try Boca, Gardein, lines of faux meats and see if those satisfy your cravings.  You can also mix ground meat with TVP (texturized vegetable protein) to lower the fat, cholesterol.  The refrigerated coconut and almond milks are actually quite good as well.

If you haven't been active yet, start! Pedometers can be really motivating.  Collage video, Amazon, Netflix--are all great places to seek out exercise videos.  I love Leslie Sansone for beginning exercisers.  If you can join the Y or a gym--that's great too.  

If things slow down and you get really frustrated, remember you have an awesome tool with the Band.  A lot of people find that accountability through a program like Weight Watchers works great--and because of their bariatric surgery, the portions are satisfying and they can really work the program.  Plus, they have a support system for maintenance.  NutriSystem is also popular with Bandsters, but IMHO the food tastes awful.  If you like it though, their portions are small.

Let me know if I can help in any way.  Good luck with your next fill.

Karla

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