Mel32

"and not eating out of boredom or emotion. " I know you mention you're not ready to give the step for counseling or therapy, but I believe you need it. I needed too, I was sabotaging my band big time, and I found a lot of ways to cheat on it. Cookies, chips, chocolate and I realized that every time that I was eating more than my 4oz, or eating even when I was hungry it was because something was going on my life. (can't handle emotions, that well) I know therapy is expensive, but you should give it a try, or at least join one of those OA (overeaters anonymous) groups. I joined one that is exclusively for people with bariatric surgery, it has been helpful, and I'm doing therapy as well. However is you're not ready for any of those, you should at least do some reading, any self-help book could help, Wayne Dyer have helped me a lot. We can't change our body, if we don't change our mind. We're something new, we should live our lives as it. Will be praying for you, I totally understand your struggles.

First of all congratulations!! But, you don't need to blame yourself, just take responsibility for your actions that's more than enough.. Feeling guilty won't take you too far.. Good luck!

Oh, and I didn't use any sugar substitutes (splenda, stevia, etc). For fruit I ate green apples or banana, no with brown spots (those have more sugar) and only one fruit per day.. I can send you the information if you want..

I did The 21-Day Sugar Detox, in fact I did it for 28 days instead. It was amazing!! I felt with so much energy, and the cravings disappeared after day 3 or 4. I used coconut Water when I needed something sweet. Lost 12 pounds with it. Mine was no sugar or grains. You can find more information on FB there is a page with a lot of useful tips. I didn't find it hard, for me it was like, I can survive 21 days without sugar and grains. I have had plenty of those, I know how they taste already.. Good luck!

Great! If you have any questions or concerns, we're here for you!!

I'll give it come time as well, because you're passing the food. Just one little advice in my experience tuna and hard boiled eggs are kind of dry and pasty foods. I'll for something a little more moist. Good luck

Thank you for sharing that!

It's great to see how you're taking full responsibility for the situation. Log your food, that's the best advice.. I thought I was consuming around 800-1000 calories, and last night I logged what I ate that day, oh surprise, surprise, I consumed almost 1400 calories.. It's not about the amount of food you eat, but the choices you made. When I got the banded almost 5 years ago, my thinking was.. "Great! I can eat whatever I want, just in smaller portions" no doubt why it didn't work as it supposed, I didn't change my eating habits. This time around, that I got my band fixed it, I am way more conscious of what I put in my mouth. Good luck, and don't punish yourself, this is a great way to learn what works for you..

Good luck! best vibes sending your way... and we're here for any question that you might have..

I had that problem once. I got a fill and my doctor told me that it wouldn't work as it suppose to because I stretched my pouch. He told me I need to do a liquid diet for like 21 days to reduce my pouch and then do a fill again, and it least form me it makes sense. By liquids he meant broths, yogurt, Protein shakes, juices, etc, etc,and keep i under 4 oz every single time; it wasn't about the calories, but about the size.. Good luck

I used to get pain in my left shoulder when I ate too much, and it was an awful pain.

I'm sorry, didn't quite understand what you need, but let me know if I can help you in any way.. Melissa

Congratulations!! I'm sorry to hear things aren't moving as you wish.. Check the paleo plan, you don't need to control portions, but you can if you want to loose more... It's a 21 days detox plan, I did and you don't only get rid of some pounds, but have a lot of energy. Little advice, no that you're asking for, but don't put your life (wedding) in hold because of your weight, you're who you're more or less pounds. I got that as a woman we want to look like princesses in our wedding day, but life must be enjoy it in present tense; with what you have, with whom you are, with your weight, and with all the present conditions in your life.. Good luck in your journey

*over eat it

I have think about it, and according to my doctor some people actually do that. However, I wouldn't do it, and not only for the economic side of it, but mostly because I'm doing this with the idea to change my life, to change my habits for good. I'm working on stop thinking in a obsessive way about the food, it's just food, and I don't need to over it on anything, because I'm pretty sure whatever is that I want to try, already had at one point, and most likely I over it, that's why I'm overweight. I got the band over 4 years ago, and lost a bunch of weight, but never change my mentality about food or unhealthy relationship with it, so gained back most of the weight that I lost. I believe, it's imperative to switch or mentality about food...I'm in the process.. Good luck in yours, and thank you for sharing....

I may be mistaken, but I read in some part here, that for a strange the 10cc bands are called 4cc. If that's the case, you might have a 10 cc band with a 4cc fill it might be little. I have a 100 cc with a 7.5 cc and I'm fine with the restriction.. Are you sure it's such a small band the one that you have?

It's great! I'll start the 15th a challange for 30 days as well, but it will be PALEO. No carbs, no sugars, no processed food. I like this one because it helps you with the sugar cravings and besided it gives you a lot og energy. I'm just like you setting up my weight loss goals, I'm thinking on lossing about 15-20 pounds per month. I know I can do it.. Will definitevely follow your progress.. Good luck

Please do it! I got banded back on 02/2008, got one fill and then never again went back to see my doctor. I lost 70 pounds, but never reach my goal weight. Two months ago, I got tired of being fat (I gained about 40 pounds). I made an appointment with my doctor to get the fiill, unfotunately my band slipped, so I went through pretty much the entire process again (surgery) to fixed it. But, I'm so happy!!! I know that this time around, I'll do it better. I am more mature, I know what didn't work last time, I know more about nutritions and healthy food choices. I am ready to do this, and you're too!!!

Thank you for posted this, I really need it. I had some mix feelings about my decision. I know it's a good decision, don't regret it. But, I had this feeling of not taking responsability for my actions, and use a "easy" way out to fix my overweight, but as everybody mentioned is nothing easy about it.. Thank you again!