kaydin81

I drink pop, but it is mainly fountain pop with ice so it gets watered down. Pop is something I've NEVER been able to give up. I don't drink very much of it, but I do have it. I make sure to have the proper protein, etc in my diet and if I achieve that, then will allow myself a soda. No, they don't want you to have it, but it is do-able. A little goes a long way. Just gets the craving off my mind. and I am a successful bander as well.

Everyone feels restriction at different levels. No one can say 'you will FOR SURE feel it when you hit __ cc's". Have you thought about the 5 day pouch test? I hear it really makes you realize the band is there and its doing its job. Just a thought!!

Yes, we MUST stick together. And that means sometimes coming in here and pouring your guts out to people who are open and who will listen. I have learned so much from this site, but the one thing you must remember is.....ITS NOT TOO LATE!! Yes, you have struggled, but I guarantee you that there is motivation inside you to turn this around. You are still on the losing side, you haven't gained ALL of it back. I understand it is so frustrating for you, but take that frustration and start walking it out. Get motivated like you were a couple years ago. You can do this. It is all a mental game we suffer from. I have sworn a million times again I won't regain my weight back. This time I mean it for crying out loud. Take control, you can do it!!!! Come here for support. We'll be here to encourage and help you take control again. Good luck, my friend. Prepare yourself for the surgeons office. Go into it knowing what you will find, but be determined that won't make you eat bad that day. Make it be a good day of sticking to your healthier lifestyle. Remember, nothing happens overnight. I suppose I will give you support, even though you're a sooner fan (I think I just pb'd saying that)

Or you could call to see if the doc would give you a scopolamine patch. It goes behind the ear. Works for a few days. Phenergan is nice too. Def call the doc!

Do you ever feel like since you can't eat like you did before, you make up for it by doing something else......A LOT! I have found the need to shop shop shop. Like I have a million dollars to blow or something. It satisfys that part of my brain that food did. I've been really focusing on cutting out this habit, but its kind of like I switched one for the other. I dont like it either.....(throw in fit here)

YAY!!! Be soooo excited. Your life is about to change forever, for the good! Good luck, remember what everyone else says about the beginning. It can be a little tough. You can do it

Yes, going to the seminar definitely does help! They answer a lot of questions you have just by the talk they give. Good luck to you, if its something you think you're interested in, go for it!!! No one can change you but you!! We'll be here to back you up every step of the way. I am a "bored eater" as well. I also have IBS. I can't even begin to tell you how much that has changed. I use to take immodium before any trip in the car, even 30 minute rides. That has ceased almost completely. and I really think its because my eating habits have changed so much. The extra protein really does something to your body. I love it, and I think you should go for it!!

I have to say bulimia would be the one eating disorder I worry about the most. Just because after being banded, I know that if I ate way too much of something I wanted, the solution to it would be to make myself throw up. I have heard of a lot of people who can band induced bulimia. I could see how it would be hard for someone with that kind of history to succeed and play by the rules correctly. Does that mean she shouldn't have it done? Not neccessarily, but I do think a doctor needs to look at her carefully and make sure she understands all that this involves. Absolutely she should mention it!

I just had a fill on Friday and haven't been able to eat much of anything at all with it. I suggest very soft soups, not a lot of noodles. Broth types for at least a couple days. Then I moved into pudding, mashed potatoes. I kind of treat it like right after surgery. I just don't wait the long amount of time in between to switch stages. Since each person is at a different phase, I'd say buy a little of each and once you figure out what you can and can't eat, you can always go back for more! Just don't overdue it.

I would say if you are worried, don't get filled until after you get back. Flying can make the band swell alone, so to add a fill to it might be a little hard on you. Since you are eating ok now and things aren't getting stuck, I'd let it be. The worse thing in the world would be to be out of the country and needing to be unfilled!

I was here too...and it was terrible. Not only hunger wise, but mentally! I felt like I had the surgery and everything would be great from that point on. WRONG!! My willpower had to be in high gear the first month after surgery and I'm here to tell you, it was VERY hard. I even ate deviled eggs and cheese dip 3 days post op because I was so hungry. Then I was bawling my brains out afraid I ruined everything. You just have to know that this is a journey and each step will make you stronger. Try your best, and thats all you can do. You will start to see changes once the fills come, until then, stay as focused as you can. Look at short term goals, daily goals to help you stay on track. Good luck!

Wow, that seems so drastric, but sounds like a good idea. My surgeons office said "well, if you have the flu, you have the flu". So I never thought anything else about it. I'd HATE for the band to slip though. Thanks for posting this topic!

5 day pouch test!

Yes, it is definitely possible. Especially after such a big fill. I would definitely go easy on the solid foods. Even up to 2 weeks. I'd imagine the stomach would get really swollen after that much. If it continues to be a problem, you could possible need a little more removed.

Great job, you guys are amazing!!!!!

I can't seem to get over seeing the pictures I was tagged in from the weekend. Here I am walking around thinking I look so good, etc and then I see those and about die!!! How in the world can I be down almost 50 lbs and still be disgusted at pictures of me? I mean, I like to take pics of myself because I can throw out 50 and keep the one that makes me look skinniest :-) But when others take them from the side, etc.....bad news. I wish the mental part of this wasn't so hard!

Just wondering if you are doing any better on the shakes?

I can definitely vouch for not getting a fill if you don't need one. I know you are anxious because your insurance is changing, I am too. And we are going to CIGNA......blaaah. My advice is this, save the $115 and put it in an envelope. Then, when you really are feeling like you need a fill, you already have the money saved. Whether insurance will pay for it or not :-)

Nice to meet you!!! Good luck at your appointment Wednesday. This chat site has some amazing pointers and lots of people who are here to help. Let us know how your doctor visit goes!

My experience with the protein shakes made me extremely nautious too. I think because I wasn't use to that much protein. I'd say start with half of a drink instead of doing the entire thing. Eventually I was able to drink the whole thing with no problem. You definitely need the protein, but its probably your bodys way of telling you its too much at once. Give it some time and hang in there. You're doing a great job!

Go for it, girl!!! Look how far you have come, and how much more you will lose by then. That can be a major goal for you. Do it!!!

Put an eating schedule on your mirror at home, set your phone to go off every morning to take your meds.........most importantly, enjoy the time with your family. I know you don't want to gain, but you also don't want to make yourself crazy fretting over it. That may make you gain weight in itself....."stress eating". Drink lots of water and try to stick to some sort of an eating schedule. Mine EVERY day is 9am, 12pm, 3pm and 6 pm. I try the best I can to not eat around those times, and when I find myself wanting food I think "its only 1 more hour before I can eat, I can do it". Good luck to you, hang in there, and you are stronger than you think you are!!

Wow, this gives ME goosebumps too. I am so happy for you. Two years is way too long, but your hard work and efforts paid off. Now, put as much dedication into the band and you'll be just as happy with the results!! Congrats, couldn't be prouder for you :-)

I think the first 3 weeks are the hardest. I slipped my third day because I was SO hungry. This isn't easy, by any means. Just know that the band is in there, its doing what its suppose to be doing for now. Make sure you do the best you can to stick with the orders from your doc. I know it feels like nothing is in there, trust me, I felt the same exact way!! Wait til you get closer to fill time(s). You'll see what the band is truly about. Hang in there, try your best to stick to the plan! We've all been there.