sandybraman

Eat more! I wasn't eating a lot either, but I upped my Protein intake and am trying to eat more balanced meals, and it worked. Your body needs to have a certain amount of calories to burn fat, and you might not be getting enough. You might try Weight Watchers online - there are lots of things you can eat and there's a support group on this site. I'm losing an average of 2 lbs per week (down 25 since my surgery on 12/30) and while that doesn't sound like a lot, 1-2 lbs per week should be your goal. Exercise, too, is key. I'm working out at Curves 3 days a week and trying to use my stairclimber at least 2 days. If I don't exercise, I don't lose. Most of all, don't get discouraged. This is a journey - check with your doctor to see if maybe your band is too tight - and know that we'll all support you here!

Well, see! Quit yer bitchin' girl - going from a 20 to a 14 is something to be VERY proud of! I'm too old to run, too (actually, I've never been able to run), but I go to Curves 3 times a week and do the treadclimber the other 2. I still think its awesome that you're going to walk with that goal!

I haven't told many people either - only those I know would be totally supportive. This is a personal matter, girls, and we don't HAVE to tell anyone! Just smile, tell them you're trying to eat right and exercise more (which is true) and let it go at that. Armymom, take an icepack with you and put it on your port for a few minutes before they do the fill. It helps with the needle AND the bruising.

Melinda, I'm going to kick you in the butt a little - don't buy Cookies or potato chips and you won't eat them! Buy WW ice cream treats or sugar-free popsicles and fudgesicles and get out there and WALK!!!! Ok - now for the good part. You're doing great! You've lost more than 10 lbs/mo since your surgery and you're going to WW. So quit beating yourself up, change the things that you can, and let us know how you do in your 5K (I can't run so I think its awesome that you're doing it!). :D :D

Keep it up, Blondie! I'm using my FitBit too and I love it! According to my PA, 1-2 lbs is normal and what they want you to lose. If you lose it too quickly, your skin will get all saggy. My first fill, she took out too much, so I spent all of January gaining and losing the same lb. Got another fill Tuesday, but its hard to tell, because I'm still on liquids. You're doing great and March will be good for all of us!

Try Jolly Rancher popsicles! Someone on here told me about them before my surgery and they are AWESOME! Usually I eat sugar-free popsicles (Tropical is my favorite), but I have one or two of the Jolly Ranchers a week.

I have all of my visits and fills for a year - I had my surgery on 12/30 and have had 2 fills already (one yesterday). Just a hint - taking an icepack with you and putting it over your port for a few minutes helps a LOT!!!!

I believe I'd find a new doctor, Kristy. What's the point of the surgeon putting a band in you if he's "not big on fills"? You need some restriction to help curb your appetite and help with portion control. Most doctors want to see you at least once a month - I had my surgery on 12/30 and I've had 2 fills. I'm also doing WW and I'm using common sense, along with what the nutritionist tells me at the doctors. You should be eating 3/4 c. - 1 c. per meal, made up of 50% protein, 35% vegetables, 10% fruits, and 5% starches. If you follow the portion and WW guidelines, log your food, and get your exercise, you will lose weight. Remember that YOU are the patient, and you (or your insurance) paid for this procedure. If you don't feel you have enough restriction, tell the doctor and if he gets "irritated", tell him that you'll find another doctor who is a little more sympathetic to your needs. This is your life and your body and there are plenty of bariatric doctors out there who will give you the support you need about nutrition, how you're doing, and whether or not you need a fill or adjustment.

Woo hoo! Way to go, Chica!

Take your pain meds as directed and WALK as much as possible. Also, holding a small pillow over your stomach, especially when you cough or sit up, helps tremendously. I slept with mine for the first 3 days (I was banded 12/30).

No, it doesn't - or at least the one I have doesn't. I use the app on my iPhone, but I generally journal on my computer.

I was used to weighing once a week on WW, but after I was banded they wanted me to weigh every day. I've gone back to once a week - don't like seeing the scale move up and down everyday. I can accept weekly results much better!

That makes sense, Violablue - and I'm going to try to work with this another week. It's just so frustrating that I feel no restriction at all after having it for a month.

You don't have to USE 32 points per day - 32 points is your limit. If you're under, that's great!

The band is definitely worth it, but you have to look at it as a tool, just like diet and exercise. And the weight lost will be slow: 1-2 lbs per week, unlike gastric bypass, but its much healthier that way. Stick with the group and we'll give you all of the motivation and support you need!

You guys aren't behind - my fill isn't right and I've gained 3 lbs since last Monday, even though I've been working out every day. We'll all get caught up eventually - and I have to remind myself that this isn't a race!

Personally, I think that's a crock and it doesn't make a lot of sense. Wouldn't people with a lower BMI need less? I'm calling tomorrow for an appointment next week and I'm going to ask her to put in EXACTLY what the doctor put in during my surgery and then to just add a little more (like 1 cc). I was so close to it being perfect and now I'm starving like you are. I ate a whole (lunch size) cobb salad today at noon, which should have made me sick, and I was definitely ready for dinner. So frustrated!

Woo hoo! Go laddie! You can do this - look at what you've done so far!

Get a bottle of Melio. You can find it in with the Crystal Light at Wal-Mart and it comes in lots of flavors - no calories! I got the Peach Tea and squirt it into my bottle or glass when I'm home and I'm drinking a lot more. Someone on the site suggested it as a "must have" for after your surgery and I had it - just never tried it. They were right!

I had my first fill last Monday (1/30); first they took out what was in the band to see how much, then they did the fill. It was too tight, so they took some out and now its too loose - I gained 2.7 lbs last week. So I'm going to have to go back next week and get another fill (have to wait 2 weeks between). No wonder they call it bandster hell! Starting working out again at Curves again, though, and that's helping, plus I got some Mio to put in my water so I'm drinking more. Doing WW online (I've been on it for 3 years) and am much more comfortable with it than with the True Results "diet". Just concentrating on protein and veggies, but making sure I get some dairy and healthy oils in, too. Lots of beans! Has anyone else had problems with their fills? Mine was almost just right after my surgery - very frustrated!

Good for you! I love it too - now if I could just get my band adjusted right.....

I'm 5 weeks out and its horrible! I did get these little green pills at Wal-Mart (Equate Extra Strength Gas Relief) and they're miracle workers. Gas-X strips are more for the gas in your stomach, but the little green babies get rid of the farts!

My nutritionist suggested that if I absolutely HAD to try it, to pour it over ice and let it sit for a bit. I tried it and honestly, it tasted awful and gave me heartburn. Some people don't have any problem with an occasional soda or beer, but they really recommend that you don't drink carbonated beverages.

Woo hoo! Good for you! FYI - if you complete your profile on WW, it will tell you how many points per day and week at the top right hand of the page of your food journal. Browse their recipes - I'm making the spaghetti bolognese tonight!

Woo hoo! Congratulations on a good first date and an invite for a second!