steph2012

Thanks for the info Cheryl. I have a friend that is experiencing a lot of hunger but can't get another fill yet. I'm going to pass the info on to her.

Great post Bandista! I have had to assess hunger so many times this week - I have been dealing with a lot of head hunger & cravings. It's a constant battle. I do feel like I am winning the battle though... My stomach growls SO much now. It's almost a 'production' in itself! LMAO

Hope this time it works out for you... Fingers crossed.

Hi All, I am 38 years old & have been banded for nearly 2 years. I started this process at 293.2 lbs. In year 1, I lost 80lbs, after which, I become `comfortable`with my new body weight & become complacent. In year 2, I`ve loss about 15 lbs, maybe even a little less. It has teken me a year to refocus & get back on track. I am finally ready - my body seems ready to move past its plateau & I feel I am mentally ready to finish what I started and get to goal. I am about 0.5 lbs away from Onderland & about 50 lbs from goal. I`m looking for an accountability partner that I can check in with daily or every other day. I feel like I am back on program but we all know what this CRAZY weight loss journey is like - one day you feel like you are rocking it and the next you feel like throwing in the towel. If you find you are in a similiar situation & are interested in becoming accountability partners, let me know. If I`m lucky enough that more than one person is interested, that would be fantastic. Hope I hear from you...

I have the videos at home. Bought them quite some time ago. I was so excited to try them & still haven't. Maybe I'll dig them out. See, you ladies have inspired me to give Zumba a try...

You cannot control their actions, you can only control your own... We have people bringing treats to work here all the time. It's tempting but I try to stay out of the kitchen. Out of sight, out of mind! It gets tougher when they come around to your office with the cookie tin asking you to try the Cookies they made & to let them know how what you thought about them... I am tested frequently. But after you say 'no' enough times, people get use to it.

I cruise 2-3 times a year & have never had an unfill for a cruise. Saying that, I was worried last time (in October) because my band was really tight before going. I started drinking a hot liquid before my meals (Soup or tea/coffee). I was fine. In the end, you need to go with your gut feeling on this one...

I don't miss it all. It's been almost 2 years now...

Congrats. I can't wait to hear that one...

Sounds like you need another fill...

I can't answer this question. I, myself have a lapband. Saying that, I know several people with a realized band & they have successfully lost thier weight. I don't think I would be too concerned.

It is true, your sugeon is the only one that can determine if you have stretched your pouch. It's done by way of a Upper GI (Barium swallow). One of the signs of a stretched pouch (dilated esophagus) is lost of restriction. As I understand it, if you have stretched your pouch, food begins to process on top of your band. Because it is not passing through your band, the typical nerves that are triggered to send the 'full/satisfied' message to your brain is not being triggered. While a stretched band is one reason you may not lose weight, I suspect this is not your case. As contributors before me have said, you are likely into the tough weight & the last few pounds are just going to take a little more work...

After being banded 2 years, I sometimes resent my band. Man, I would love to be able to indulge in a philly cheesesteak sandwich on a nice piece of thick toasted garlic bread. But then I think about how great it feels to shop in regular clothing stores & buy clothes because I like it, not just because it fits and all the other wonderful benefits of losing 100 lbs. I LOVE my band. If something were to happen to this band & I could possibly afford it, I would get rebanded. If it happens that one day, for medical reasons, I can no longer have a lapband, I know I would be screwed.

If it is uncomfortable eating or drinking, you need a (SMALL) defill. Otherwise you could end up dilating your esophogus - this leads to seriuos consequences. I am speaking from experience...

How do I find the first two articles in this series?

I like the quote "Shut up stomach, I'm bored, not hungry!" The band helps with the physical part of this journey but we ourselves have to figure out the mental part (head hunger). It's been 2 years for me now & I still struggle with it, almost daily!

I'm not necessarily happier. I think I was always a happy person but I am definitely more confident. Nah, I think I am happier too! LOL

I remember the feeling well. It was Jan. 21, two years ago for me. You can do this! This is indeed your year!

Congrats Terry!

My surgeon recommends full fluids on Day 1, Mushies on Day 2 and normal food the day after that. You are so right about us bandsters obsessing about number of cc's in our band & truly it doesn't mean a whole lot - certainly not for comparison purposes to anyone else.

I'm humored that you've named your band! It's hilarious!

Sometimes it takes a while but you really do have to be mentally ready to face the journey that lies ahead. Kudos to you & I wish you the best of luck.

Beautiful post - especially the non-band lessons. Thanks for taking the time to write them down & remind us...

I've lost 93.2 lbs. 100 lbs is just around the corner!! You can do it... if you want it bad enough!

Hi All, Thought I would check in. I was banded in Jan. 2012 as well. My two year anniversary is fast approaching. I had hoped to be at goal by now. To be honest, I was very successful in Year 1, losing 80 lbs but got comfortable and complacent in Year 2. I have lost just over 90 lbs in total. I'm 0.5 lb from Onderland. I have just recently got my head back in the game & am ready to finish what I started. 40 lbs to goal. Look out, here I come.