Holly Dolly

At 5 weeks out, I was down 14 pounds. I was discouaraged too because everyone in my 6 week emotional eating class seemed to be losing so much more! But I would tell myself if I wouldn't have had the surgery I would prob be even heavier than I was before I had it done! Fast forward almost one year and I am down 82 pounds. It will come off, some weeks/ months slower or faster than others. As far as restriction goes, I still can eat bread and other things some people aren't able to get down. I avoid bread for the most part and limit my mashed potatoes or rice to 1/4 cup servings. I still struggle with hunger. I am hoping my next visit that the fill will put me in the green zone.

I ate so much salmon in the beginning too! Good idea on looking at the menu ahead of time. I do that every time I am going to a new restaurant. It's interesting to see sometimes what you think might be low calorie is actually pretty high and vice versa!

8 days from 1 year, woot, woot!

I wouldn't worry too much about it.

I think that the continued support that I get from my doctor's office on almost a weekly basis is a huge factor to my success. So for me, I would have never wanted to go far.

wow, look at you! Just got home and already on the boards! Support is a huge thing and will help make this a successful journey for you. Good luck to you!

Where is your pain at? I had shoulder pain for about a week and then it went away. Will be praying you feel better soon!

I would def get the lapband over the bypass! I was about your height and weight and I am down 82 pounds. I am coming up on my 1 year anniversary and I know I couldn't have made it this far without the band! I still struggle with hunger, hoping my fill next month will take care of it. But one thing for sure, I could never eat the amount I ate before and finish in 5 minutes like I used to.

My doctor has now said we can take small sips while eating. As long as it is a little sip and you wait the 30-60 seconds as you would like eating then it should be fine. I don't have any problems with it. I don't feel any less full than I did before not drinking. But what works for me, may not work for everyone!

I think the reason they prefer you to sleep on your back is because you are more likely to have apnea episodes in that position. I have had 3 studies before. Fell asleep within 5 minutes each time, which I would have guessed longer! I am off of my cpap machine, but I still take medicine for my legs.

Jennabe, have you tired eating some sugarfree popsicles? I ate a lot of those the first couple of weeks. My dr also sold some high protein soups, though honestly they weren't very good!

My doctor was talking about this at our support meeting this week. He said to make sure you see your doctor and have prescriptions as proof that you are treating a rash. That way if you have to appeal it, you can show you have been trying to treat if for x amount of months.

I can honestly say that this has been the best thing I have done for myself. From the health perspective, look how much better off you will be having the surgery and losing weight. Maybe you don't have any signifcant problems now, but down the road obesity will kill you. So I can rejoice in the fact that I have taken the steps to become a healthier me. I also appreciate the little things. Like tying my shoes with no problem, sitting on my work chair on the highest level and being able to cross my legs! Oh, and buying new clothes has become a favorite past time! But maybe the last isn't a good thing!

My dr doesn't do fills with fluoroscopy. I've never had any problems. And Longleggs, you are crazy! I took a week off and enjoyed watching all the cooking shows while sipping on my protein shakes!

Making your family things you don't care for is a great idea. I have done that many times when I am either not very hungry or don't have many calories left for the day.

Have you tried Slim Fast LoCarb drinks?

Hi Pretty face, thanks for the congrats! I walk 4-5 mornings a week at 5:30 am with 2 friends. Unfort. thats the only good time for me. I'd rather be sleeping in but once I get my butt out there I feel so much better to take on the day! Do you already have a plan for who will do your fills in Oregon?

Good luck, very excited for you to start your journey!

Good for you guys getting hooked up before even having the surgery. I met my friend Julie at my first preop appt and she has been the HUGEST support I could have ever wished for! I have met many great people at my support meetings, something I attribute to my success. I am truely excited for the both of you. I could have never imagined 13 months ago feeling like I do today! Good luck!

I would have been happy with a 12! Here I am though with less than 20 pounds til my goal and already a size 8. I just bought 3 pairs of 8's, thinking about buying a pair of size 6 just to have so I can keep trying on until I get in them! Oh, the things I do for fun!

I have a size 10 band too and I am filled somewhere between 6.5 and 6.8. The PA said I have 6.5 but when I add up all my adjustments I show 6.8. I haven't had a fill since September also and don't feel like I am in the green zone either. I am still hungry within 2 to 2.5 hours of eating. I sure am hoping she will give me one when I go in next month! I hope this will be your sweet spot too!