jlball

I'm learning a lot reading blogs on this great site but am wondering if anyone else is near Elgin?

I am wondering how your surgery went?? Did your insurance agree to pay for any of it?? Have you on my mind...hope all is well. How is the recovery going??

You mentioned both of my weaknesses...sweets and nights!! I tend to get carried away with the sugar addiction and snacking late at night has always been my worst habit. How to break it is a mystery. I can do great for a significant amount of time and them bam...I'm right back to battling those demons again!! I try to plan, but am always able to justify my bad behavior...right now I'm doing okay, but know the winter is coming. Walking really helps me to los4e and maintain...once the snow flies it gets more challenging. My goal this winter is to try to stay the same until the spring thaw!!!

This sounds so much like me!! I doubt that we are alone. Learning to keep our weight off and finish what we started has got to be the hardest part of all. I, too, have 30-40 lbs left to go. I've gotten back on track this summer but am worried about the winter months when we can't get outside. I took action when I gained over 10lbs ...went back to the psychologist, support group, and joined a weight loss program. It all helps me to be accountable which you identified as key in this journey...I so agree with you! I am hoping to make better plans, but it is so easy to let those addictions take over and make excuses...such a roller coaster! Congrats on all you've done and good luck to both of us in completing our greatest accomplishment!

Hi Sindy Sue, 125lbs is amazing...I'm at 108 with about 30-40 to go! sometimes it seems impossible that I could have done it but maintaining and getting weight off is getting more challenging., I'm almost done with my 2nd year and am disappointed when I backslide. I've gotten back on track this summer which is good. What are your most common "meals" and tips at this point??

I have learned to cut it into tiny bites and take a lot of time between bites....my band is pretty tights so that's the only way I can eat! Good luck!

Did you ever have some backslide moments or stall at a certain amount? I seem to be stuck, not losing...any ideas to get it going again?

No...I've only thrown up maybe 6 times in two years and am grateful when I do!! It isn't vomiting like you know it...it's a one shot deal and then relief. Not continuous episodes...at least that has been my experience. If you follow the rules of small bites, well chewed most things are fine. GO FOR IT!!! It is the best decision I ever made!

It has been 2 years since I started. I lost 42 before my surgery. I had been down 104 but I gained 14 lbs over the winter and am fighting to get it off which is not going well. I think I only have shed 4...I went back to the psychologist and, my old weight loss program so that I am accountable and have finally returned to the correct eating habits. I have walked every day and done weight training 3x per week for the last 3 weeks and it is only 4 lbs!!! grrrr., I guess I need to go in for a fifill since I seem to be able to eat quite a bit of food (for us, not a normal person!) I seem to be hungry more often too...going to the doc on Thurday so we'll see what he thinks. It is amazing to think of our numbers but I still think of myself as fat...do you do that too??.

I am so amazed tht your insurance is paying for it all...that is terrific. I wish you the best. I have lost 95 lbs but still have another 30-40 to go so can't consider it yet! Good luck!

I am curious about your TT surgery...is your insurance paying for any of it? What is the recuperation supposed to be like??

I was only allowed to take 2 oz at a time the first days after surgery. (it reminded me of infant feedings-staying on schedule! lol) Each day gets better...just follow the rules and do what they suggest. It will be worth it!! Best of luck!

I admire your hard work so much. I started out at 278 an am down to 185. I gained about 14 lbs over the winter and am having trouble getting myself back on track. It is so frustrating and scary. I don't want to gain back my weight and I still need to lose 40 more...I just need to get this done but seem to have lost my mojo after 2 yrs...any suggestions?

I think you are right that I need a fill...though I also feel that I SHOULD be able to control myself...but I never could for long in the past so I guess I should use my band as it is intended! Thanks for your support!

Shirley, That is so maddening ...after five years. I am so proud of you for not giving up...I will follow your lead! You are an inspiration!! Best of luck as you revisit the journey!

Wow- just reading this thread makes me feel better!! I, too, am in my 50's, did great but am struggling right now and have gained 14 lbs back of the 104 I had lost...now it's kind of like figuring out how to start ovcer. I am in such a better place and feel so good - yet still view myself as an obese person. All of my old demons have returned. About a month ago I had .4 cc removed as the fluroscope indicated I was way too tight and couldn't eat...since then, I feel like I can eat and eat(tho in reality that is not so) I am making poor choices and must remember that any weight loss is calories in/calories out. I am trying to regroup - going to see the Psycxhologist tomorrow and meeting with a little support group of fellow bandsters for lunch. I probably should go in for a small fill but then feel as if I should be able to self-monitor - yet I am so out of control with my choices of food. I keep telling myself that it is the winter blues and that as soon as I can start walking again I will get remotivated. I actualy think I did this vcery same scenario last year which is even more frustrating as in reality I should have been able to reach my goal weight by now but am back to where I was in November...what a waste. I know I am not a failure coz I've come so far but I don't want to continue gaining - I want to conquer this and be a good role model for my daughters who need to follow in my foosteps. So much excuse making and emotional garbage. When I did my three months for insurance approval I never waivered and lost 42 lbs on my own...so now I have this fabulous tool and am not eating correctly. ugh I appreciate everyone's support to everyone...WE CAN DO THIS. We will have ups and downs as life throws it's curve balls but how do we keep ourselves in check and focus on what we need to do to maintain. When life gets tough, we need to at least stay where we are - this gaining must stop!!!! I am hoping that I can start walking outside later in the week...just need the temp to raise a few degrees. That is one activity that has many benefits. It is of course good exercise, but also gets me out of the house and away from food, fresh air, a different view, nature and an opportunity to think or talk. I have been religious about going to the gym 3 days a week, but lately have been slacking on the cardio...no wonder I'm gaining poor food choices, plus lck of cardio = poundage!! So, knowing all of that....why do I keep on?? Let's all set our "do over" day and JUST DO IT!!! The rewards will be felt in the summer and it will be soooo worth it!!

It is okay...YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!! I was allowed to change from liquids to full liquids to mushie food to full food sooner than a week. If you had a pudding, that is fine. It will not disrupt anything. Drink lots of water...the main reason is to allow your bvody to heal and not to disrupt the band as the swelling goes down. Soft smooth things will be okay so don't beat yourself up. Mistakes are going to happen all through your life...just get back on the horse ane enjoy your losses and find ways to fill your days as you won't spend so much time eating!! Walking is wonderful as it gets you out of the house, gives you exercise at a pace you can set yourself and allows you to expereince nature, fresh air aned have time to think or vicsit with a friend. It is a great way to avoid food, too. I am hoping our weather will allow me to start walking later in the week!! Just do your best each day to follow the rules and you'll see the weight melt away. I have lost just over 100 in a year and a half with some definite ups and downs but it all works if you work it! Good luck to you!

Reading everyone's responses to your post has been helpful. I was so tight that nothing was getting through, so my surgeon removed .4cc. Since then, I have gained 15lbs!!! It is like my old evil self is back. I am totally out of control with my food choices and am struggling to gert it back. I have slowed down my exercise as well.....I'm a mess! I had lost 104lbs but now am back to my November weight. I could have made my goal by now had I not had these months of misbehavior,...I just can't seem to regain control!! Anyone else have these problems or re3solved them?? I suppose I should go get a refill. I did make an appt with the Psychologist for Wed. Maybe she can straighten me out?!! Just for the record...after losing 100+...I still thought of myself as fat, as well. quote name='goldngrll' timestamp='1300502352' post='1588142'] so.. hi FOLKS!! My name is Patty. I was banded July 1, 2010....and I will freely admit, the band has been a wonderful tool...I have lost 120 lbs, from May '10 till about 2 weeks ago......(50 lbs pre op) so here's my (few) things does anyone just start to think the band is now just a Pain?? I am soo sick of it right now...(granted I have been sick with strep for a few weeks, like bad, with cellulitis) and now my cycle, so it is bound to be tighter...but DAMN (sorry) it seems like EVERYTHING gets stuck...I had to pull over to puke up split pea Soup I made myself yesterday...(like a puree) I know I am in a mood, but I right now am tired of this!! and this one is bigger than the band so, we are food addicts. we all have to admit that. what happens when food isnt our drug anymore?? we switch addictions to??? and what happens when we lose more than 100 lbs + and well, then nothing changes.....so like, now what?? I know I'm expecting a lot outta that little piece o plastic in there, huh?? just tired I guess, but I tell the truth, you know you all have thought these things!! share your thoughts please?? cuz, you know...even tho I've lost 120 lbs, doesnt mean I dont look (to myself) like almost 400 lbs still....that never goes away for me anyway.. thanks for reading if you've made it thus far and, yes, before you chastise me, I know I am wrong for just not going in for an unfill..that just feels like defeat somehow to me...(yes I have issues, LOL)

Congratulations!! I have fallen off the wagon and am trying to regain my strength to continue...I have gained about 15 lbs just after dropping under 100lbs off...ugh. I should have met ny goal weight by now and am just going the wrong direction. You are an inspiration!

I was banded just over a year ago and struggled with this initially. Funny thing is, my body seems to have trained itself! About 30-45 minutes after eating I become thirsty and have a strong desire to drink...it's like clockwork!! I am vcery tight right now (had to have .2cc removed) so am pretty sure I'm not getting enough water so try to push it between meals. Hang in ther, it all comes together!

You look AMAZING!!! Congrats on that graduation too!! Keep up the good work...I'm hovering just above 100 lbs and am eager to get that milestone...who ever would have thought?! Enjoy the new you!

Did you do a week of liquids aqnd then soft foods? It could be swelling. Just take it sloooowwww an chew really well. It does feel a little different to eat from now on but you'll figure it out!! Hang in there!

I live on Jamestown, just across Highland from Valley Creek. I have several friends who also were banded a little over a year ago and someone who was just a few months ago. We meet periodically (usually at Pauls) to support and compare notes with one another. If you are interested in joining us, let me know!! Are you still losing or maintaining?

I live in Elgin and also use the kane Center. I have several friends who have formed our own little group for support. If you would like to come to Elgin and join us let me know...how long ago did you get your band? How's it going?

I have had my band for just over a year and have lost 97lbs since my decision to have the procedure. 42 of those lbs were lost prior to surgery...I've had my ups and downs, losses and plateaus, etc. But for the last month I have had a terrible time. I had a fill and am thinking that it must be too tight!? I can only eat 3-4 bites and then my pouch area hurts like crazy...followed by burping and the hiccups and discomfort. This even happens when I drink water! I know that I am not getting enough protein or anything! I think I have to get a little taken out so that I can be more comfortable...I basically don't want to eat and have seen a decline in my energy and desire to do things. I was trying to "go" with it at least until me next appt but don't think I can make it. Does anyone have any tips on how to cope with this??