I have lost about 6 pounds since being banded. It was rather discouraging because I went three weeks with no loss, but once I could eat solids agian I was in business! I have been careful to keep my protein up and get in at leat 80 grams, sometimes more. I still rely on shakes and plain protein powder to help keep the levels up.

I am going to get a photo so I can update mine, I think I have lost a good amount since that picture was taken.

Sheer willpower is what I am running on. I am constantly hungry, I believe I could eat the table and all four legs, but I keep trying to stay away from the darkside. Protein is helping, but sometimes at work the hunger gets over the top. I am working on finding a better way to deal with it. I did cave and get a salad from the school cafeteria--I wish I could say it was healthy, but just iceberg lettuce, 1 ounce of shredded cheese and three small cucumber slices with ranch dressing can't be too healthy. I'm going to go easy on myself since it wasn't cookies and my stomach was making enough noise to disrupt my students!

Things I have been able to do that I have not been able to do in a long time--I fit into my size 18 jeans and dress pants now. That allowed me to purge my closet of 26, 24, 22 and 20. I may keep one pair of 26 to remind myself of where I have been. Meanwhile I guess I'd better separate things into lots of similiar size and item to get onto ebay. I just hate to throw away good clothes! I went to my daughters cello concert and really fit into the seat, not sorta or sideways but really fit into the seat--that was huge!

I go for a fill on Wednesday...good thing too because currently any small animals that cross my path are in danger! I am going to make sure I am all stocked on clear liquids and full liquids for the 2-3 days after my fill. Overall my energy has returned, although by the end of the workday I could still use a little nap! I have no real pain except near my port when I bend in certain ways and my waistband tugs at the area. All but one incision is completely healed.

I ventured out with DH, who needed a new wardrobe, on Saturday. He started South Beach with me back in August when I started this journey. He had about 40 pounds to lose and lost it all--yeah him! He needed all new clothing as his pants were way too big and he was swimming in his shirts. We were in the store a long time and it got past lunch time, so for the first time since surgery I ventured to a restaurant. It went well, I ate very little--asked for an appy plate, moved my food to it and it worked well. I did not; however, remember that I am not supposed to drink with meals so I ordered an unsweetened iced tea. I will try not to make that mistake again. I did get a few sips near the end of the time there since it was about a half hour after I finished my salad. I was trying to avoid going out, but now see I can do it and not miss the things I used to eat.

One more pound and I have lost 50 since starting my initial office visit in August. I'd like to lose it before I head to the Dr. on Wednesday. If it is still here on Wednesday then for sure it will be gone by my next fill! I am still very happy I decided to go ahead and do this. I keep thinking about how great it will be when I reach my sweet spot!

Great you are working well with your band. Best Wishes imaluckydog

I'm with you girl. My next fill is on Monday and it can't come soon enough! Good for you in keeping control. That is such a hard thing and you are doing GREAT!