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I just got home from visiting my surgeon this morning. I've lost another 2 pounds for a total of 26.5 pounds since I was banded on March 28th, 6 months ago. I have lost 4 pants sizes and the jeans that I bought 2 weeks ago are already starting to get loose in the waist. Dr Tanner says that women re-distribute their weight and then lose even more and they are quite thrilled with my progress so far. I am up to 4.5cc's after .5cc fill today. If anyone has any questions just let me know. I promise for you newbies that it does get easier.

I've discovered now that I'm at restriction when I see available food (snacks/treats at work) I ask myself "are you hungry enough to eat that? I think about it, consult my stomach and 95% of the time say "Not really". The band helps me feel satisfied, and lowers my motivation to eat something. I'm sure I do eat less dessert (when I have it which is VERY rare). I feel like the band helps drowned out the "There's food to be had, I should eat it just becuase it's there" voice; because it's helping with the physical hunger. Head hunger remains. When I'm bored at work my mind wanders to food. I KNOW I'm not hungry. Which is why I don't keep snacks (even healthy ones) at my desk.

The reason they are telling you a Former Fat Person to be on liquids is so that your stomach can heal from the major surgery that you have had. If you don't stick to the post op diet you may do damage which could lead to your band slipping, not now but at some point in the future. Yes it's hard, we all know that, we've been there too but the diet is there for a reason. If you are struggling drink more often, drink thicker liquids. I made lots of homemade Soup with things like vegies and chickpeas, lentils or Beans for extra Protein and blended them to the right consistency. They were very satisfying. Remember the 2 weeks are only a very short time they will soon be over. You can do this. At this point your motivation should be really high which should also help to get you through.(if you can't follow your Dr's instructions now then you might not end up being a Former Fat Person).

How long have you been banded? How many fills have you had? If you aren't at restriction yet, it's the hardest time because it's all willpower. You will get there eventually. I have noticed that for me if I don't drink enough fluids or get enough protein, my weight loss slows so make sure you are doing that. Take care and chin up, you can do it!

The one good thing about us is we know how it feels to be on both sides. I had a man go through my line at work a few weeks ago. We got to talking about good shoes and he told me his sister worked at a place in town that I buy mine at. He said you would not believe the fat people that go in there looking for comfortable shoes and his sister always wants to tell them to lose weight and the shoes would be comfortable. I looked at him and said "Sir I am one of those fat people, I have lost over 100 pounds and we all deserve comfortable shoes" oh and have a good day! He did shut up rater quickly. The next day I went down to the store and talked to the manager, made me feel better.

I got my lapband on 9/15, so this is still pretty fresh for me. My gallbladder has been gone for about 4 and half years. For me the surgeries were about the same. I still had the horrible time trying to get out of bed, and the pain was pretty comparable, maybe a little less with the lap band. After gallbladder surgery I had this weird feeling, almost like I could feel a "hole" where my gallbladder was - but did not have that feeling after the lap band. I went back to work after gallbladder surgery in 12 days - and back to work after 6 with lap band. I had a really hard time at work last week - but I did make it. I felt great this past weekend, and feeling a little bloated today. That being said - I'd get the lapband again tomorrow, as it's my last hope to be able to keep the weight off once I get it off!

I wonder if the patients have to go through the tests and things most that have wls o through b4 surgery. (stress test, ekg, endodcopy, bloodtest, psychology, ect ect ??) and also i would def not have wls surgery from a 800 phone number, looking for a center of execellence is DEF a must do. I cringe when i see people go to other countries for surgery, im sure things do work out, but it just scres the crap out of me. If its the only thing or place you can afford, then it is not worthat this time, maybe it is a sign to save some money or get a different dr.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your kind words. Its funny how perfect strangers on the internet can comprehend me & my struggles more than friends & family that I've know for years can. The surgery went well. I couldnt believe that I actually did it! The nurses said the first thing I said when I woke up was "Am I skinny now?"lol...not quite! Excited for this journey to get the kick start that I need, good luck to you all!!

I also love Oh Yeah bars. I try and eat cottage cheese, chicken & eggs and bars for on the go or when I am starving and can't eat food.

I come on here at least once a day or every couple days....... and i keep reading the same thing..... I HAD THE SURGERY __ MONTHS AGO AND I'M STILL FAT. What did some of you think that you wold have WLS and the next day wake up THIN..... NEWS FLASH....!!!!! It doesn't work that way... you have to still watch EVERY THING you eat (even more now), you still have to get up off your rear end and exercise..... LB surgery is not a SURE THING.... You have to work at it, and it takes time. So the next time you start to post ...... i've only lost.__ pounds, remember you still have LOST WEIGHT... be happy and grateful. Work your tool and be grateful that you were able to have this procedure done in the first place.... Think of all the people who can't because of one reason or the other...... I means it one thing to complain about hitting a plateau when you are near the end.... but right at the beginning is when you are learning HOW TO EAT.... so give it time... one of the reasons that the dr. fills the band slow is so you can learn how to "re-eat". Remember to follow the rules and do your part and the tool will help you succeed..... Thanks and have wonderful.... Lapband day.