I am now past the 6 month mark and I'm down close to 60 pounds. (55 to be exact)

I am starting to get comments from people about looking like I've lost weight and I'm down to a size 16 on bottom and a 14 on top.

I tend to struggle the most with stopping when I'm starting to feel full and also not drinking calories...must remember to stay away from high calorie alcoholic beverages and to keep my Starbucks drinks to a minimal amount of calories.

I tried eating more protein as my doctor suggested which prevented me from losing and stopped the hair loss...as soon as I stopped eating as much protein then I started loosing again and my hair started falling out again. It's a Catch-22...

I am looking at old photos to see the difference from now to then and I do see some but not as much as I'd like to see. I really don't think I'm going to be really pleased until I get below 200...17 more pounds. My goal is to lose this by my birthday...July 28th. I am a little concerned because I'm up to 8.3 cc's in a 10 cc band and I've barely just gotten to the point of restriction. I still can and have always been able to eat more than the 1/4 cup so...I am the proof that you have to use the tool correctly because it is only a tool and not a be all end all.

I also started going to a local support group so I can remind myself to stay on track and give back to other people who are just starting out. Aside from that...I'll check in next month.

It sounds like you are losing pretty well. Keep up the good work.

I had my first appointment, and am looking into being banded. (no approval yet, so may have to self-pay), but I'm also concerned about hair loss. Is it really noticable? But what proteins are you trying?

Lisa

You hang in there. You are doing gr8. I am 10 wks out and have lost 28 lbs...I struggle with portions too and try not to get too anxiuos. Keep moving and be aware of protein. U don't want to lose your hair. Atkins Advantage protein shakes are gr8 way of adding protein. They r pre-pkg so there is no fuss. My son gets married at the end of May. Would like to drop another 20 but not sure if I can. I will try.

Lucky you...I was banded Jan 2, 2009 and still no loss...talk about frustrating and not sure what i'm doing wrong. I havea 10cc band too and i'm at 7.5 or 8ccs. Each time I got a fill they took out a different amount that was put in the time before so i'm really not sure what i'm at. I do have pain at the band site but I assume that is b/c i dont chew my food enough. then i jsut get frustrated and don't even want to eat for fear I'll feel that uncomfortable pain. And soups are easy to have but then i just blow up with all of the sodium! Maybe i just need to get my butt in the gym every day for 2 hrs! You'd think with not eating much I would have lost a little...I'm beginning to feel like i'm disappointing everyone also and wish i hadn't told anyone of my surgery. I have a trip planned for Puerto Vallarta in July and would really like to drop at least 20 lbs...should i get another fill? Why hasn't my body adjusted yet??? Any advice? Maybe i'll just try to live on canned tuna for hte next 2 months! UGH!

Traveler Girl...you definitely need to ask to speak with the dietician at your doctor's office. I realize that each of us is different, but I was banded 2 weeks before you - (December 17th) and have lost almost 50 pound so far.

You should have lost something by now - even if only 20 or 30 pounds. It may be what you are eating in addition to how much.

My dietician recommends we eat foods that are less than 5 grams of fat per serving and less than 5 grams of sugar. It is pretty easy to lose weight if you stick to that criteria. That and walking at least 3 - 5 days per week. Some people's budgets and schedules prevent them from joining a gym...so walking doesn't cost a thing...start!

What has your doctor's office said about your not losing each time you go??? I gained one pound at my last visit (after having lost 48 pounds) and my surgeon asked me if I needed to see the dietician....so I am very surprised that an appointment has not been made with you for a consultation. Do you keep a journal of what and when you eat? I find that writing down everything I eat tends to keep me on track more so than when I don't.

As far as living on canned tuna...variety makes it more fun and easier to stay on track.

You must eat your PROTEIN first....and not fried...baked, broiled, grilled, etc....then veggies next...again - in no cream sauces, etc...and a tiny bit of carbs last...if there is any room left.

As I said - I was banded on December 17th and have only 4.75cc in my 10cc band so far.....7.5 - 8 ccs in a 10cc band 4 months out is quite a bit - are they sure that your band hasn't slipped??

You need to have a heart-to-heart talk with your doc and your dietician SOON to find out what you can change to start losing......!!! Your situation is not the norm....so something is different.

Good luck ....and don't give up...get to the bottom of your problem and then work to remedy the situation!!