Wow - I can't believe it's been a month! I'm down 29# lbs (15 pre-op, 14 post-op). I'm 1# away from hitting my low recent weight in 2008. I'm 3# away from being my 2005 weight. When I look at the scale victories I can't deny what a life changer the band has been for me. I expect that continue. I've read others who have more experience than me and I know it won't be easy. So far I've had a lot more will power an determination than I knew I was capable of (a NSV!). Other NSVs include cleaning out my closet of any clothes bigger than 18's (I had some 22's in there, maybe a couple 24's). I also fit into my swimsuit and have been swimming each evening for exercise. I forgot how much I love the water - the fat and my self-consciousness have kept me from so many things I love. I hope this is the first of many new discoveries I will make as I take back my life!

That's the sunny part of my feelings today. I also have another side that's a struggle. I am SO hungry. I go to my doc on Monday and I will probably get a fill from what I've been told. I've been wondering though, if I'm eating according to the plan, why has my weight loss slowed so much and how will a fill help because my caloric intake cannot be lowered. I chatted with the nutritionist yesterday because logically I couldn't make sense of all this. She wants me to have about 1,000 calories a day - up to 1200. I have a hard time getting there unless I do seafood, and I get really sick of seafood I eat so much of it. There are days that I get between 650 and 800 calories - many days a week. Plus, I'm exercising. She explained:

• right now my body is going through a metabolic change and once it adjusts to the lower caloric intake, I will lose again.
  
• the fill will help me not be hungry all of the time - I will be more 'satiated'
  
• she'll look at my food diary and give me some suggestions for how to get my calories to 1000 without increasing portion sizes (I'm at a loss right now with 4 oz servings!)
  

Even though I've lost 3 lbs between July 11 and July 24, they usually expect me to lose nothing between my 2 week and 4 week visits. I'm 5# down total during that time, so I will take that.

Today I will be grateful for the band and trusting of the folks I entrusted with my care. I cannot argue with the amazing results of so many on here ---- it will work for me to. I resolve to stay strong and reset my expectations to 1-2# a week.

Thanks for listening and walking on this journey with me! The support means a lot. And no one can understand like the folks on this site. Have a great weekend.