Eating is no fun

Hi, I am new here.  My name is Laura and I had my Realize band put on 9/17/08.

I am having a terrible time with my diet.  I am only getting around 500-600 calories a day and I am short on my protein by 10-15 grams.  Carbs.....forget it.  Can NOT get those under control.....  I am way over almost everyday..... I can't seem to cut them out completely....  any suggestions???  Is there anything I can substitute?  I can't seem to just eat meat and vegetables all the time....

I had my  first fill a couple of weeks ago and since then when I eat I get this, pressure (for lack of a better word) after I eat.  I haven't gotten sick but I don't feel good.  Is this because I am eating too fast or not chewing properly?  or both?  '

I also have an issue (mental I'm sure) that all the fun has been taken out of eating.  I no longer enjoy sitting down to a good meal, especially when I have to chew until there is no taste left.  Do you think that will change or is that just the way it is going to be from now on?

Thanks for listening.  Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated....

I had RNY about 2.5 years ago.  Food was no fun for a very long time.  I got somewhat depressed mourning the loss of my relationship with food.  I am enjoying it alot more now but still have a number of intolerances.  Not sure the recovery time with a band but it does get better- although the relationship will never be the same---its just not much fun anymore really.  I still psychologically want to "live to eat" but just don't get the same emotional satisfaction from eating anymore.

I am an RYNer, but I also had issues with getting in enough.  My best advise is not to stress over it.  I kept thinking that I couldn't possibly live off of 600 calories a day, but YOU CAN.  Your body will adjust and it will get better. 

Hi there.  I have had my band since  11/06.  You are allowed to eat low carb stuff in small quantities.  I have oatmeal every morning.  There are good carb and bad carb.  You want to pick carb that are low glycemic (SP)  Do a google for carbs.  Food like white rice, potatoes, are the no no carbs.  Hope this helps.  Diane  

Laura welcome to the Md Forum and congrats on your wls.

I had RNY so I can not give you advice. But hopefully Heather Modispaw will chime in with some great advice.
I wanted to tell you that I hope you feel better soon.

Thanks Cira!  I'll try to help her as much as I can!

Hi Laura.  If you are feeling the pressure in your chest after you eat that is uncomfortable you are either eating too fast, not chewing enough, or overeating.  I know you got your band on 9/17, have you had a fill yet?  Carbs, you HAVE to get them under control NOW.  Can you tell me what you are eating and how much on a regular basis?  PM me if you like and I can give you my phone number to call...it's easier sometimes.

Edit: I see you HAVE had a fill.  How much did they give you?  You might be a little too tight!

i also cannot speak to the band since i had RNY, but i can certainly relate to your eating and mental issues.  my system is still out of whack and my body is fickle when it comes to many of the foods i attempt to eat.  some days, i can eat certain foods without issue and the next day, i'm puking them.... white meat such as chicken and pork is always a roulette game with me.  i feel like i eat purely for substanance now and never for enjoyment and that's frustrating and miserable for me sometimes.  i'm trying to focus really hard on some of the most positive aspects of this journey... i'm down over 70 pounds, my weight starts with 1 for the first time in many years, i'm running again which i haven't done in over 20 years and my health is really, really good.  but it's not always simple to focus on the positive.  some days i just don't feel "normal" and that can be a struggle.

Laura, can you see a nutritionist? It sounds like you need some guidance! Good luck!