FLORIDAYS

I never read the book.. But I did Internet research and interviewed 3 doctors. I was past ready. I was willing to do whatever it took... And sometimes it was hard and other times it wasn't...but I can promise you that for me the end result was most certainly worth the effort and sacrifice.

For losing weight I stick to 1000 calories. I did the Optifast shakes for pre op through mushies. I will occasionally do a carnation sugar free Bfast if I am on the run in the mornings but other than that my dr doesn't like me to do the protien shakes and he prefers I get my nutrition from food.

In an effort to get back on track.... If you aren't losing there is a reason why. It's not because the band isn't working unless your dr has told you such. It is my theory that everyone is accountable for themselves and most people posting on this forum know the right and wrong way to treat a band. Some people have more Experince and put it out there for less seasoned people to get some advice or a new or different point of view. But we need to remember that said advise is based only on personal experiences and all questions should directed to your doctor.

It's important to keep the eyes on the prize...that's what everyone says as you are struggling through liquids, eating food a baby may turn down, forgoing your coworkers bday cake, ignoring adult libations and gooey treats at parties...the list is endless but if you are in the losing stage you are sacrificing a lot to reach your goal. So instead of focusing on what you are missing, giving up, losing out on..... I thought it would be fun to tell you what I have gained since getting to goal. If you are there or if you have something you cannot wait to do, see, experience once you get there ...Please feel free to add to my list... I love wearing jeans... I love it better that they are a size 8....Who knew they are so comfy when they aren't digging into your skin? I love that there is always a strong selection of smalls on the sale rack and in consignment stores I love not having to eyeball a chair wondering if it will hold me I love being in my queen size bed and realizing in fact we don't need a king like we once thought. I love fitting in the bathtub comfortably I love knowing I don't have to worry about who will sit next to me in a plane, train, bus... I am smaller enough.... I love not sweating when I put out the trash or walk up ten steps I love not to have to worry if "this makes me look fat" I love that I have not one but 2 pairs of whit capris and pants... Yup I said white..... Lol I love that my BP is normal. What do you or what do you think you will love about making it to goal?

I remember the 2nd day I still was working on the bottle of water I left the hospital with!! It sounds very normal to me. Just keep trying...it will get better....

What does your doctor say? It's a good loss.... But if you aren't satisfied with it maybe chat with the dr to see what you could be doing to help it along... Are you tracking your calories, eating the proper portions and following bandster rules? Maybe you need to up your water intake..or lower or increase your calories......that helps some people lose more efficiently. I would schedule an appoint to share your concerns with him

I am not sure if I annoy you because I have been successful but if I have offended you or anyone else by posting that i believe its simple math if you eat less calories than you burn you should lose weight.....it wasn't my intent. It's what I believe....doesn't make it right or wrong.... It's just my opinion. If its annoying then ignore it. I lost 220 lbs in just under 2 years. I don't know if it's fast or slow. I just know that I chose not to cheat because I wanted to get to my goal in the least amount of time possible as long as it was healthy. I didn't get the band to lose the weight. I got the band to help me keep it off. Of course the benefit was that it helped me be less hungry during the losing stage so I was able to stick to my diet better than the numerous other times I have tried. You said the reason for the forum to to vent and ask questions. I agree but I also think its for gaining knowledge from like minded people and listening to those who came before us shed some light on the obstacles we have yet to experience. I take what I need out of this forum and leave the rest on the table. Everyone charts their own course, if yours works for you then that's wonderful. If it doesn't I hope you can gain the insight you are looking for to have an easier time.

I have heard that lipo is painful... My dr was going to do lipo with the tt but said there wasn't anything to take out so now I guess I am glad it worked out that way. Sure hope you feel better soon!!

Very exciting!! I had my tt and breast lift and augmentation on dec 18. Mine was also out patient... And I was under for 5 hrs. I had no major pain just some discomfort. I only took a pain pill the first day and the 2nd night. I never walked too hunched over and did not use a recliner. Which is a good thing since I didn't have one...lol Overall it was much less pain then I expected and the results are better than I imagined!

You still have some time....think positive!

Might you need a fill? That should stop it.

Yes it sounds pretty normal. My dr is adamant about no liquid calories or drinking with meals. He is ok with a snack or two as long as I can afford the calories.... And while my dr never told me a cup of food he said if I eat the portions he suggests which is 3 oz meat/protien, 1/2 c veggies and 1/4 c starch it adds up to about a cup....

Now that is just about the funniest thing I have heard all day.....all week maybe.... And you are right,..,, come to Florida and I will cut up your pills!!!!! It's nice to know someone is dreaming about me,... . Was I thin in your dream? Just asking...

A typical day for me looks something like this...keep in mind I limited myself to 1000 calories which I religiously tracked Bfast 1 egg 1 slice wheat toast w sugar free jelly 1 slice bacon lunch 3 oz tuna mixed w fat freet Cesar dressing 6 wheat thins 1/4 c cottage cheese Snack Fruit or SF pudding cup dinner 3 oz any lean meat or fish 1/2 c salad or veggies 1/4 c potatoe, Pasta or a slice of wheat bread Snack 100 calorie bag popcorn

this is very important to avoid getting stuck or other problems to your band.... Smaller silverware helps but just cut it up in pieces about the size a toddler would eat...and put your fork down inbetween bites.

I eat wih my family...usually whatever I cook for them I can eat because we aren't a big casserole family...so it's a meat, veggie and starch. Or Pasta...which I changed to whole wheat and they didn't notice... Or salads, stir fry or crock pot something.... I can eat all that. Of course this is for after you are on solids... Before that it's liquids and shakes so I just didn't eat what I cooked during that time. On the occasional night i choose not to eat like pizza night what they are I always have cottage cheese, chicken and veggies on hand.

I bought cheap bras while I was losing because I knew I wouldn't be at that size in the end...so i went to target and found a couple I liked for the interim. I couldn't tell you what names they were....sorry

Losing slows down as you progress on the journey... We tend to lose fast in the beginning then it tapers off. You should be taking at least 20 minutes to eat a cup of food. Are you doing that?

Best of luck to you on your journey. I have learned that hearsay is just that.... Unless someone is paying my bills I may consider their opinion but ultimately I will. Make the right decision for me,

Thats much... I hope I am getting better... It's getting a little tiresome but I am functioning.. Maybe not with my usual speed and efficiency but its working.... LOL

If you eat less calories than you burn you can lose the weight. I would get back in to see the dr and start over....best of luck to you!!

If you aren't losing you are eating too many calories. No matter how much you slice it or dice it...unless there is a medical reason why you aren't losing... You are eating too much of the wrong or even right foods. I really believe its that simple

wow time flies..it seems like yesterday you were eating that pizza at your sons party.... Way to turn it around. Congrats!!!

As you lose weight the fat around the stomach gets smaller and the restriction around the band goes away...so it takes more to feel restriction. That's why most drs start out slow and add fills as you need them