I have really been having a hard time. June 27th was my lowest weight. I might have hit it one other time. I weigh about 3 lbs more than that. I maintained my weight for a few weeks, actually about a month before my vacation. I gain 3 lbs on vacation and lost it since I got back.

I know this is all great. I guess it is. That is what I would tell most people. My probelm is that I have lost that edge that I gained with this decision. I am still working out 3-6 days a week. Good work outs and I am really happy with how I am doing at the gym. My problem is what I am eating. I do pretty well and then I do something to really screw it up. Ice cream, cookies, popcorn. ugh! I used to not have any problem passing it up. Now I can't see to say no. I wonder if I just need to purge my system of the carbs or be less happy with my weight.

I lost my restriction on my vacation. I ate a pretzel and homeade pizza dough. Now you all know that I shouldn't be able to eat that. So I realize that my restriction is gone. I do still have appetite supression which is SO important. I have been able to eat too much. I haven't been pushing my limits, but I don't get full very fast. Before vacation I have had to really watch what I eat and take very small bites so I was afraid that I was too tight, but now I am starting to doubt that was the fact. I think I just need to be more careful about what I eat and the bites I take.

I think I am going to call my doctor tomorrow for an appt. My doctor is 7 hours away. It sucks to go that far and I haven't been there since April. I guess that is what I need to do.

Any advice? All comments welcome!

julieann you have been such an inspiration to me! As long as you are maintaining, which it seems you are, you lost the 3 lb vacation weight, you should be doing ok. Are you still wanting to lose or are you ok at your current weight? If wanting to lose more probably call your doc and get more restriction. I think you have done awesome!!

Because you have lost weight since your last fill, the restriction of the band has also loosened around your stomach. You probably just need a fill to tighten things back up. Keep up the good work.. you are truly an inspiration to all!

You've done so well! I'm beginning to think the level of restriction is a personal choice...I've got what I'd call good restriction, but could still eat both the pretzel and the pizza dough I'm sure (as long as I chewed it). I see others here who like their bands so tight that they have to drink their breakfast and lunch (not what I'd want). Where you were before sounds like too tight for me (at least where I am now). I think you have to ask yourself if you're getting hungry between meals when you do eat the correct amount (I'm beginning to wonder what that is...mine said 1-1.5 C, but that seems like a lot). If you're back to doing this on your own and are finding it hard to lose anything, then maybe a tiny fill would help? 7 hours! WOW! That would make me stick things out and be sure before I went! Good luck on your decision Julie! -BG

I think its time for a fill. You haven't had a fill in four months. My doctor schedule mine every six weeks. One of my filles lasted three months and then my restriction was gone. So I'm thinking its time for a fill. Also once u start eating cookies, pretzel etc. it is hard to stop. U will have taste for those things again. (Trust me I know) So after your fill u might want to get back strict on your eating habits. As you know by now u will see the different in your weight. Also you have being doing so well for so long, I can understand your frustration.

My eating habits doesn't stay strict for long and that's my problem and frustration.

Also your weight lost, I'm thinking will be slower since you are at a smaller size. So even when u do get back strict on your eating habits. The scale will move more slowly and that what makes me get frustrated.

Girl u are still doing good!!! Keep up the good work. Also change some of your exercise rountine so you can cause musle confusion.

:sad: