DetChatt

It's not a measurable thing and is different for everyone (in terms of what it feels like and how long it takes to get there and stay there). I had my doubts also, but then at one point was like OOOOOhhhhh. I get it now! LOL You just know it when you're there. It definitely doesn't last forever, and my best suggestion is to take advantage of it while it lasts. Now that I'm basically at goal, I know I'm no longer in a green zone and am doing this mostly on my own with no restriction. As long as I can keep that up, no more fills for me. It's good to know I have the option to get back in the zone if I need to though.

I get comments mostly about my face, too, and it drives me crazy. There are also some friends who will stare and watch me eat and then say things like, "You can eat that?" Yeah, watch me. I can eat a half gallon of chunky monkey too, if you don't knock it off!!! On a positive note, I have a newer friend who doesn't know I had surgery (met me "after") but has heard that I lost a bit of weight (doesn't know it was 160 pounds). He is super tall and I'm super short, so he calls me "cute stuff." That makes me feel so good; not that he's calling me cute as in pretty (part of a married couple/friends), but it makes me feel I dunno, cute? As in maybe on the little side instead of the NOT little side? I just like it.

That's a really tough stage to get thorugh. We've all been there and survived (somehow), even when you don't think you will. Yes, I remember thinking I really was going to starve to death! Every day your body will adapt a bit better, and you'll move on to more substantial food choices soon. Just remember that any cheating you do now could potentially do damage and slow your healing and set you back. Even sucking on sugar-free hard candies helped take the edge off for me. Find a trick that works for you, and it'll pass very soon.

I'm so sorry for your devastating news. I've also dealt with a lot of loss and stress in recent years, and it takes its toll. I'm also an emotional eater (semi-reformed). A little trick that works for me is to drink constantly during a bad spell. Well, that sounded bad, but I meant regular liquids, not alcohol. Something more yummy than plain water like Crystal Light. If I'm constantly sipping, then my mouth can't be occupied eating! I also try to redirect myself by doing an activity, even if its nothing productive. I have a stash of such activities around the house to distract myself when the cravings start, because I live alone and no one would see me cheat! Hang in there and I truly hope your brother's health improves.

Awww, good for you!!! You have a great attitude, and that will help you on your journey.

What a horrible experience for you! Thank you for sharing you story. If it makes even one person think twice and look at the risks (and benefits), then that's a good outcome. I hope you're doing well now.

I was able to eat salad early on (after the waiting period), but forget it now! I can eat some of the toppings, but the lettuce kills me. I really love(d) salad, too. Oh well, I stick with what works.

I'm a little shocked you tried pizza 3 weeks post. Not judging you; just saying that because I haven't tolerated bread of any kind since I was banded (and really haven't tried much and went cold turkey). My advice to both of you would be to stick to the meal plans and try to get some exercise to kick start things. If you try to cheat much at the beginning, it's not going to help you later on. This is the time you'll be looking to lose the most the fastest, so take advantage of that as best you can. Good luck !!!

I'm almost 2-1/2 years out and haven't had any problems either. I come here to the site now mostly to help (if I can) through my experience and to help live my life "after."

That's so great. You look gorgeous! I dug my gem of a dress out from 1989 a few weeks ago and tried it on for the first time since then. It was actually big, so I was pretty happy.

I'm sorry you're struggling, but you're really going to have to tighten up your eating and exercise to see results. Some people have an easier time than others. I had good results, but I worked really really hard at it. I never would have lost much if I'd just waited for the band to do it's thing alone (not saying you are). For one, I gave up bread and all "white" food completely. No bread, pasta, rice, etc. for the past 2+ years. I don't eat out much and only keep food in the house that is high protein and low calorie/fat. Working out is a must as often as possible to keep energy up and the metabolism going. Try to find some support with online buddies for both diet and working out to help keep accountable. Keep a list of every bite of food that goes in your mouth every single day. You will see results, and you'll reach your goal before you know it if you put in the work for a while. I know it's hard, but you didn't come this far to be defeated. You can do it !! Believe me, if *I* can do it, anyone can!!

I'm so sorry. I had it really bad, too! Mine was mostly around the 1-year mark and then it tapered off. It does stop after a while. My hair and brows and lashes did grow back (slowly). Protein wasn't a problem with my diet. It was just the fast extreme weight loss, I think. I did everything... protein, vitamins, biotin, you name it. There is no 100% prevention or fix for it. Hang in there. It will get better!!

My port really stand at attention when I'm laying on my back. It looks like an alien ready to poke out of there! Drives me crazy, but not enough to undergo a revision surgery. It's a small price to pay. It only bugs me if I mess with it. It's just below my rib cage, so high enough that most things don't touch it. I've been on roller coasters with no problem at all, and it's way above where my jeans hit. It's mostly just a vanity thing.

Another little tip to share with you all just starting out that really helped me was to buy the same pair of jeans that I loved (that fit well) in every size down. I always kept at least 2 or 3 sizes waiting at a time lined up in the closet waiting. You'll go through sizes quickly and really won't need more than 1 pair at a time that fit. For some reason, jeans that fit great are wonderful for the little inner voice that pats us on the back or kicks us in the butt! (and my friends love me for all the hand-me-downs of barely worn jeans. LOL)

You all want to be careful. Experimenting early on is not a good thing. You'll be healing for quite a while, and you don't want to do damage to your band. Hang in there. You'll see results soon!

You all are doing great!! It's such a long hard process to wrap your head around the body image issue. I still struggle with that. My friends tell me I am thin, and I cringe. All I see are the problem areas. It's hard to stay positive, but try to take pictures and compare. You may not enjoy it, but it's an important part of the process and will help you visualize your true self (because apparently the mirror lies)!!

Your incision site is probably a little off from where the actual port is, so you should be fine. It's probably still a little early after your surgery for the size bites you're taking with solid food, so you may want to slow down and take smaller bites (and chew more) and see if that helps.

Wow, that IS exciting! I am on the fence for myself. Some days I think I should just go for it, but then my body keeps changing and improving, so I think I should wait it out a bit longer. The cosmetic surgery scares me more than the band surgery did.

E V E R Y D A Y !! If I miss a day, I really feel it physically (like a slug) and emotionally. Working out is my therapy. I go on long day hikes on the weekend when possible or long bike rides (around 15 miles). During the week, I'm often doing a 2-hour hike and then some P90x or on the home gym for about 30 minutes. I also use an elliptical when I can't get outside. I telecommute with a super early shift and grown kidlet, though, so I have a lot of freedom. I understand the challenges of scheduling. Been there, done that.

A bowel regimen was in my aftercare packet, so you might want to take another look to see if they left you instructions. I still take a small dose of Miralax EVERY day, or I'd be in trouble. Things are just going to work differently from now on, and you have to adapt. Better to be proactive than deal with problems after the fact.

Yep, there has to be some reason for it. You should have lost something by now, so something is obviously not working in your program. You have to take a hard look at every calorie you are consuming (write them down!) and every bit of exercise you are and should be doing (write it down as well!). You have to own up to your part and be honest with yourself or you won't succeed. There will be times where it's easier than others, so you have to take it one day at a time, one meal at a time.

Mine is STILL sore sometimes 2 years later if I bump it hard or mess with it too much (because it's just sticking out there driving me crazy). I imagine the manipulation during your fill is causing a lot of your discomfort, but don't be surprised if it gets sore now and then. Exercise won't hurt it. Just be mindful and don't put any undue pressure on that spot.

I worry and wonder about the same thing (dilation). I've never had any real problems, but sometimes I get caught off guard and get overfull/stuck with no warning. It's a good reminder to always be careful and remember my alien friend inside of me.

I was told to wait 6 months and then stick to liquor (as opposed to beer) but in moderation, of course. I rarely drink now (and never did much), because even 1 mild drink hits me hard, I'm guessing because of the weight loss. But my doctor told me it was perfectly fine to go out and have a margarita or something with friends now and then. I do still like my beer and have started having maybe half of one every now and then, but I'm 2 years out from surgery.

I hate work drama. I'm lucky enough to telecommute to avoid all that, but I've certainly worked through my share of it over the years. Just take a deep breath, step away from it if you can, and rise above it, being the bigger person. Karma is a b!tch.