Patriceaa

Thank you for your concern readytogoforit ~ and who cant use a few prayers? ... I was concerned too and really starting to worry. As lellow said, I am not underweight ~ I am below my goal weight, but still within the healthy BMI range. I was worried because I didnt want to lose any additional weight, and I was unable to eat or drink. I did and still do have somewhat of a fear of the scale going the opposite direction, when these past few years I have been working so hard to have the numbers go down. I did go to my dr because I did recognize what I needed to do ~ they reassured my feelings were normal but that it was good that recognized what I needed to do. I had a slight unfill ~ which is what I needed... I feel so good now! And I have decided if I gain 10 or so lbs, I am fine with it ~ its just scary. The difference now is I know what I need to do not to go back to where I came from. I have the knowledge and the tools to be in control. Thank you all so much for your input.

You sound just like me! I noticed that you are in Denver, I wonder if we have the same doctor. Like you, I tried being on the panel at one of the seminars, and hated it because I hate speaking in crowds ~ but I am considering being a "bariatric buddy" too ~ one on one sounds much better! Congratulations on the invite! Good job!

Just be careful, because it wont necessarily loosen on its own. I just went through this... I had my last fill almost 8 months ago, and I always knew it was on the tighter side, but I didnt mind. Over those months, it never loosened up ~ it actually felt tighter in the last month (my dr said it could have been from my traveling on airplanes or from a cold I had... go figure!)... I was so tight that I was getting the acid reflux at night and honestly couldnt eat more than a bite of food at a time and in the past 3 weeks even drinking became difficult. It got to the point where I was having headaches every day and became dehydrated ~ but I had a major fear of having an unfill and going the opposite direction. Well I finally gave in, went to the Dr on Tues and had a small unfill ~ I still have restriction...but I can eat more than a bite and drink again. This whole thing is so individual and seems to be a science, but don't suffer or take any unneeded risks, you will still lose if you are doing what you need too ~ and u will still get your nutrition rather than getting them from pure liquids. Good luck!!

Went to my dr today and let some out and I instantly felt better! I was able to eat a piece of salmon for lunch and some asparagus with no problem...I forgot what it felt like to be able to actually eat more than a bite or two ~ it felt great. I am satisfied and not sick. I am going to try not to freak out when I start gaining a little weight... I think I will be ok with 10 lbs. We'll see

I wish I would have read your post prior to making mine... it is good to know that I am not that unusual. It is an issue you don't really think about in the beginning stages...as a matter of fact, had I heard this problem in the beginning, I most likely would have said "wow, I want that problem!" ...until it's here, it's very tricky to maintain and stop losing to a certain extent. I am not losing as quickly, but I am still losing ~ it is difficult to maintain. I just called my doctor and made an appointment for a possible unfill and a consultation with the nutritionist again on 02/28. I really want to get a handle on this.

Thank you! I know it's a mental thing and its something I have to force myself to do, but it's very scary to me. I can totally relate to you lellow...I am at the point now where you can see my bones in my chest...it's not cute! It went from one extreme to the other... although, I am not unhealthly looking, just very thin for me, I want to stop before I start looking unhealthy..and I think 135 would be the perfect weight for me. Thank you again!

its protein

My dr said once a week is enough....BUT I weigh myself every morning and every night. I don't know why I feel the need to do it, i think I am so paranoid that I will gain that if I know I can nip it in the butt right away. ...funny how things change, prior to my band I refused to get on a scale... i lived in denial, now i am the complete opposite

I still eat sweets... mostly milkshakes. I dont follow a 'diet' but I do pay attention and I still work out ~ and with my band I literally cannot eat alot so its forced portion control. I truly think if you always pay attention and are aware of everything you are doing you will succeed without depriving yourself of things you enjoy.

The only problem with candy bars is all the sugar. I am not saying you are 'wrong' I think everyone does things a little differently. I think it might be wiser to maybe add some more fruit, it has more calories and healthy carbs...and veggies & cheese ~ and a treat here and there. I do think you might want to try upping your calories to stimulate weight loss though, your body is probably in starvation mode so it is hanging on to what you intake and storing it.

Stay positive! This time will be different ~ you will see! I NEVER in a million years thought I would be where I am today. I weigh less now than I did in high school and even when I got my surgery I had no expectations of being at this weight. You can do it... I know you will

My dating has increased about 110% . Prior to surgery I wasnt dating at all. I started dating again about 10 months ago and am having a good time. It's a strange feeling ~ it doesnt even feel like my life sometimes. It's different getting out there again. I don't feel comfortable telling everyone I had surgery, I think thats a personal choice, and I dont feel I know them well enough to share that yet. And it seems every date seems to involve food, so that can be tricky. I usually just say that I am a nibbler and go with just an appetizer or soup....and then not drinking with dinner is also something that they ask about if they notice. It's a whole new world.

I dont see why you couldnt, as long as its mushy and you don't over-do it. I would make sure that whatever you choose isnt too fattening...as a habit I look up every restaurant online and see if they have nutritional values so I can know before I get there what I will get ~ I usually stick to an appetizer.

Tomorrow I will be taking my first trip via airplane since pre-op. I am actually excited to see what it feels like to sit in a plane seat, in economy, and actually pull that seatbelt strap and not worry if there is another big person sitting next to me . I used to hate trying to fasten that belt, sitting with my arms crossed the whole trip and not not getting anything to drink because I couldnt get the tray all the way down. It's the little things I look forward too now.

I remember feeling run down and moody post op. I was mostly tired and when I am I tend to get emotional. I think the lack of food which gives your body energy takes a toll at first. My dr only had me on liquids for the first 72 hrs, then mushies, which helped, and then at day 5 I was back on food with substance, and I insantly felt better. Hang in there, once your body gets fuel you will start to feel better. Good luck!

How long will you be gone? Are you sure you want to get your first fill one day prior to your trip? Personally I have never had problems after a fill, hopefully you wont either, although I do know a few ppl who have and need their fill tweeked a little bit. I know my dr doesn't like to give fills on Friday for that very reason. With that being said you might just want to get through security and go have a bowl of soup in a restaurant or get a smoothie before boarding and then just bring some bottled Water & crystal light or some tea for your flight... maybe some instant oatmeal that you can get hot water for. More than likely you wont be all that hungry on the plane if you get something prior. Good luck and have a safe flight!

Congratulations!!! It's the best feeling! Enjoy!

I was very scared before I was banded. I heard all of the horror stories and I also knew that my whole lifestyle would change...its forced discipline frankly. I dieted pre-band but if I got weak and decided to go off I would, hence never losing weight the way I wanted. I was scared of the unknown and of change. But with the diagnosis of Type II Diabetes and high blood pressure I knew I had to do something. Diabetes was a blessing in disguise for me because I really did something.. finally. Sure there have been bumps in the road... food sticking, acid reflux from time to time...but nothing major. It's a learning experience and you adjust. Getting banded was the single best decision I have ever made in my life. Yes, I miss some of the things from my old life, like going to a restaurant from time to time and over-doing it, but the good by far out-weighs the bad. I feel like I have a whole new lease on life.

That's insane! It sounds like they have eating disorders and need psychological help!

Are you sure you are getting enough calories? If not your body goes into starvation mode and stores fat, and the weight loss slows down. You need to make sure you are getting enough. Don't be discouraged though, once you start eating again it will come off. Good luck!

really? i have never heard this either. i drink with straws all the time and have never had a problem. i drink slowly though, maybe thats why

I have noticed that every dr is different. I was on liquids for only the first two days, then onto mushies, by day 7 I was able to eat foods with substance. I never had any problems

I hate my loose skin! My next step is a tummy tuck and boob job, but I have to save a little money first, until then, clothes do wonders I had my first mammogram a couple of weeks ago and when the lab tech had to pick up my boob & place it on the mammogram machine, she instantly said "how much weight have you lost?" She said she can always tell! I was hoping I would appear long and skinny post surgery ~ not just my boobs!

I went from an 8w to a 7 medium width

I think everyone experiences getting 'stuck' from time to time...its a learning experience for sure! It's so uncomfortable and I hate it when it happens, but when it does happen I know its my own fault; I just take too big of bites or dont chew enough ~ or I decide to try to eat something I know I probably shouldnt. My 'stuck' episodes have made me completely give up bread and certain meats. Kinda like when I was young and decided to get drunk and now will never touch brown alcohol . It's all a learning experience. It was all worth it to me.