Platinum

I was banded on Feb. 9, 2007 and weighed 265. I am now under the 200 pound mark!!! That is a huge accomplishment I set for myself. I would like to loose another 10 pounds before my bandiversary. That would put me at a 75 pound loss for the 1st year. I think that is pretty good. I would still like to loose another 40 to 50 pounds. EXERCISE!!! I love my band and the restriction it gives me. My lifestyle has changed tremendously but I am embracing it every step of the way. Yes, food gets stuck sometimes and I PB or slime but I am glad that my band is working. I don't eat bread anymore and that eliminates pizza, hamburgers and several other foods from my diet that made me fat to begin with. I don't mind that I can't eat those foods anymore. I now think about the foods that I am about to eat. Don't get me wrong, I still have some weaknesses. Ice cream is one but I try to eat this in moderation. Good luck to you all!!:clap2:

Julie, I've followed your entries for a while now and first I want to tell you congratulation for all your success. I was banded in February 07 and have lost 65 pounds so far. I feel good about it but need to loose 50 more pounds. I am increasing my exercise program but wanted to know what a typical daily diet for you consist of. I sometimes find it hard to eat the healthier foods so I wanted to know which foods you have had success with. You are an inspiration to us all so please provide us with some daily diet tips. I appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you.

Here's my update: I've lost 6 pounds since my fill on April 14th. My fill is pretty tight but I am able to eat if I really chew small bites. So far, I am down 26 pounds since my band date of 2-9-07. Good luck!!

I must say that I really love my band. I have struggled to loose 5 pounds and then to keep it off was another struggle. This is the first time in a very long time that I am finally loosing weight and keeping it off. I know that I couldn't do it without my band or I would have already done it. It might be a struggle to get the right fill amount but I don't know much about that yet as I have only had one fill so far and it seems to be working really well. Now, I need to motivate myself to get to the gym 3 or 4 days per week. It's not that I don't enjoy going but I am pretty busy in the evenings but I just need to start making the time. Once I get this part implemented in my daily routine, it's all gravy baby!!!!! My body should really see improvements. I hope my journey will give you some insight so that you can make the right decision for yourself. To be banded or not? In my case, YES!!!!

I think 1200 calories and 20 grams of fat is where I am trying to stay. I also want to eat 60g of protein per day. I guess it all depends on your current weight and activity level.

I think your doing fine but watch your calories. I'm still hungry too but I've only been drinking full liquids and the band doesn't really restrict against that. I feel good about everything and hope the restriction will last a few months. My fills cost $250 each. Good luck to you.

Good to hear from you Mary. Keep up the good work! Hopefully this fill works for me for a few months. I guess time will tell.

Hey everyone, I had my band surgery on 2-9-07 and went for my first fill on Saturday the 14th of April. I drove to Dallas from Okc to get the fill. The doctor decided to give me a good fill so that I would not have to drive back so soon for a 2nd fill. He gave me 2.25cc in my 4cc band. He told me to stick with protein shakes and other full liquids for a week. So far, everything is going well. I was also happy to see that I was still down 20 pounds from surgery date. I had no restriction and felt like I was eating too much so I thought I might have gained some weight. Anyway, my first fill has been great so far! Good luck to you all!!!

I had my first fill on April 14th and he made me pretty tight (I think). He gave me 2.25cc's in my 4cc band. I've been drinking full liquids like Protein shakes and creamy Soups and I've been doing fine with them. I will start eating solids in the next day or so. I was still down 20 pounds when I got my first fill so I was happy with that. I hope to lose some more now that I have my fill. Good luck everyone!!!!

Julie, The results are fantastic! I am so happy for you! Congratulations on your new improved body! :clap2:

I NEED RESTRICTION!!! My first fill is scheduled for this Saturday and I wonder how much they will give me. I have the 4cc band and I hope they give me enough but not too much. I hope they know what they are doing because I am driving 3 hours away to get this fill. I had my band done in Mexico and it is hard to find local doctors that will see you. Anyway, it sounds like some of you are getting pretty good restriction with your first fill so I will keep my fingers crossed.

I've been following this thread and Julie is amazing! Wow, 173 pounds in one year!!! I was banded on Feb 9th and I am going for my first fill this Saturday. Right now I don't have any restriction but I hope that all changes this weekend!!!!! I can't wait to see the pictures also. It sounds like you are in great hands with your Dad watching over you. Thanks for being such an inspiration!!!:clap2:

Wow, you are almost through the roughest part of recovery. I am so excited for you. I can't wait to see pictures!