SueBee01

Great comments. I am down 139 and still sometimes see the old me. I love the progress, the compliments, but don't always see what the see. Definitely waiting for the last 20 and plastics!

I love all of the talk on not needing a fill! I always get so worried for people that keep getting fills, but don't seem to be following the eating rules. I am so proud of all of you! I was scared shitless when I got my band and even more when I read about problems people have. So I only had one initial fill. I eat right and am losing. Even though I have had a couple stalls I am happy with my loss so far.

Renee, it appears to be working if have your eating under control. That is what the band is to help you do. Don't worry about the quick loss. I would not get a fill if you are able to eat small amounts and be satisfied. Be very thankful. I am the same. I am over 10 months out and only have had one fill. We are all different.

Congrats, you look great. What a nice Christmas present to yourself!

Hope you are able to find solutions. Don't let a hysterectomy stop you. Best thing I ever did, before WLS. I just took a drug store brand natural menopause pill for the hot flashes and it worked great. I was your age when I had the problems (9 years ago). Best wishes to you.

I have a great office, but did not expect any calls. They are available whenever I need them. You have received great feedback. Make sure you get connected with a NUT. That is where I get most of my support.

I don't count my vitamins either. It is a very small amount. My NUT doesn't have me count them either.

Thanks for the warm welcome! Nicki, I eat two meals a day and one to two snacks for about 500-600 calories and exercise 1 to 1 1/2 hours each day. I have had a couple stalls, but just keep going. This last one was 3 weeks, then the scale dropped this weekend 4 pounds so I am now at 191. That is 11 pounds from my personal goal, but 31 from my drs. I think 160 is to low especially since I want to get rid of all this excess skin! So I may soot for 170. Had a great weekend. Played golf twice, got the Christmas lights up and went for a ride with hubby on our Harley. First time I could fit my a** on the back of the bike in nearly 20 years!

MadeinMO, Keep doing what you are doing. If you are getting a cup of food in with dense protein, don't change anything. You may want to find something for a tiny snack when needed, just make it low cal and healthy. I sometimes just need two almonds and two banana chips or an 1/8 cup of crunchy dry cereal. It will work. I just got off a three week plateau too, then 4 pounds just dropped this morning. Just be patient with the results. You do not want to be too tight just to see the scale move because you will not be comfortable.

Ask your dr. Mine said no strenuous exercise for six weeks. You need your body to heal.

No worries, I started mine the day I had my hysterectomy! They can work around anything.

Test yourself. I just found that I burped all the time if I drank too fast. I just take my glass with me everywhere I go. My husband thinks I am crazy, but he is used to it now. I bought a 22 oz Tervis and fill it 3 times. Then I know I will have no worries! You will figure out the pace. It also matters on how tight you keep your band. I have only had on fill over the year so I can do more then a sip, but no chugging!

If you just had surgery, your body needs to heal first. I walked for maybe five minutes every hour or so for the first 4-5 days. Then I bought a little set of pedals and I pedaled while sitting on the couch starting for 15 minutes and worked my way up. My dr said no strenuous exercise fir six weeks. Time will come when you can o balls to the wall soon enough. Let your body recuperate.

If you just had surgery, your body needs to heal first. I walked for maybe five minutes every hour or so for the first 4-5 days. Then I bought a little set of pedals and I pedaled while sitting on the couch starting for 15 minutes and worked my way up. My dr said no strenuous exercise fir six weeks. Time will come when you can o balls to the wall soon enough. Let your body recuperate.

If you just had surgery, your body needs to heal first. I walked for maybe five minutes every hour or so for the first 4-5 days. Then I bought a little set of pedals and I pedaled while sitting on the couch starting for 15 minutes and worked my way up. My dr said no strenuous exercise fir six weeks. Time will come when you can o balls to the wall soon enough. Let your body recuperate.

I didn't start eating rice until several months out and I try to only eat brown rice. Like 1/8 to 1/4 cup. Remember you should now be eating for nutrition not as much pleasure. Make wise choices since you can only eat a small amount. Regarding mushies, I agree that you need to find Protein mushies like humus, refried Beans, cottage cheese, mashed fish, etc.

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I also find that I like a crunchy snack. My NUT suggested dry cereal for the fiber and vitamins. I read all the box labels and I use Kashi Heart to Heart the cinnamon flavored. It almost looks like odd shaped Cherrios. Very hi in fiber, vitamins has protein and really low cal tie. A slight sweet edge that I love as I was a sweet freak! Find a "treat" that is a little better for you and not a slider. It will satisfy you and stay with you so you don't keep searching to fill that need.

Just found this string and so glad I did. I am a Jan bandster. I was banded Jan 30, 2012. was hoping to be at goal at my first anniversary, but this has been a slow three weeks going back and forth on two pounds now. Been going to PT 3 x a week and doing the strength training everyday so I am hoping that I have been gaining more muscle for my hip problem. Had a cortisone shot this past Monday and feel quite a bit of relief from that. Off to the Ortho surgeon later this month to see about hip replacement. With 136 pounds gone I was hoping the problem would go away, but no luck. I am ready to fix this problem, lose my last 30 pounds and really enjoy life. Played golf today for the first time images, so that was a plus. Hope everyone is having a great December getting ready for the holidays and all of the additional challenges we have with that!

Really great to read about so many success stories!

Really great to read about so many success stories!

Really great to read about so many success stories!

Remember, getting a fill is not based on feeling anything different. It should be based on are you losing weight and how long can you stay satisfied between meals when you are eating real food. It is a lot of head game in the beginning so don't let the "I need a fill" take over what we all need to be doing and that is eating properly in smaller amounts.

That's great! I would never test my band based on sliders. It will really help you in the long run to make it work eating real food as you will need to deal with this the rest of your life. Let me know how you do with the changes. You can do it and you will enjoy your food so much more!

Debbie, thanks! You will do great.