Wow! I can't believe it's been almost a year since I got my lap band ... December 3rd is my bandaversary and I have lost 89 pounds and am at my goal weight!! YAHOO!! I never would have imagined I would be at this place when I was first banded -- There were a lot of challenges getting used to the feeling and know what to eat and how much, etc. Trial and error is what we all go through -- sometimes I would let myself get too hungry and then would eat too fast and end up throwing up ... wish I could say that only happened once, but it occasionally happens even now if I don't pay attention to what and how I eat. Overall it has been a great experience and I am ecstatic to be at this place a year later! I went from size 16-18 to now a size 6!! It's so fun to shop now and feel sexy again! I encourage all my fellow banders to hang in there -- it is definitely worth the work and lifestyle change. I pretty much can "taste" most foods and stick to the very small portions -- avoid most bread products and try to eat balanced and healthy. I find I can't eat much solid foods in the morning so I usually ease into the day with a protein/fruit smoothie, then maybe a little tuna or egg salad and soup for lunch, chicken or fish and veges for dinner ... snack on protein if I get hungry. I want to wish all of you a wonderful Christmas season!!
Deb
Well, here I am almost 4 months out and have lost 42 pounds - I'm halfway to my goal weight! I am really happy and feel like I'm in the green zone -- when I first got this last fill on February 3rd (the 2nd) I was miserable and threw up several times in the first week -- I decided instead of going and getting unfilled, I would shift to liquids for a while and then ease back into soft foods. Fortunately this worked for me and I am able to eat very small portions and have learned how things feel going down. I find I have to eat VERY slowly, chew very deliberately and keep to very small bites and take my time - this works and I have been feeling pretty good for the last two months ... I know I will probably need another fill maybe in another month as the weight loss will slow down. But I have been losing about 1-2 pounds a week which I am very happy with. It is definitely a learning process. I always avoid bread and bread products, potatoes, rice, and other "sticky" foods -- and stay with chicken or fish. If I get hungry between meals I snack on protein bars. Seems to be working so far, but it is a balancing act for sure. I still am very glad I am here rather than where I was before, continuing to gain weight.
Good luck to all banders out there!!
Deb
Well, just had my second fill and not liking the feeling much -- guess i should wait a few days to really judge but I can hardly eat anything without feeling pain -- no likey. I have been losing at a steady 2 pounds a week so I am pleased, but not happy about feeling so hungry and then hardly a few bites of food and feeling pain -- not satisfaction that is for sure. I guess part of the process of getting used to adjustments -- I'm trying to be patient, and it is good to know that I'm not alone in this journey.
These are quotes on faith that really helped me -- I hope they help you too!
Faith is
1) Believing when I don't see it - visualizing the future in advance. (Picture that thin, sexy, fun you!)
2) Obeying when I don't understand it or think it doesn't make sense. (Trust the experts -- they know!)
3) Giving when I don't have it to give -- to stretch our faith. (Encourage others, focus on others, it helps!)
4) Persisting when I don't feel like it. (This is tough, but one day at a time, right?)
5) Thanking before I receive it. (Thank you for being here and encouraging me -- thank you God for giving me this tool to help me with this life-long struggle!)
All the best to my fellow travelers!
Deb
