4sweeties

I am one year out also. I lost 70 pounds. The last three months I only lost a pound a month. I just had a fill .5 cc and this week lost 4 more pounds.

I can't eat salad but I love it.

I had to do a band friendly food shop to get more healthy foods in bc all of a sudden, summer started and it was too easy to have ice cream or graze. At least when I see the healthy stff easily available I am more likely not to eat unhealthy.

Did you try on smaller clothes? I thought I was still fitting into my clothes. They were baggy but not falling down. But then my husband was shopping and picked up new jeans for me 2 sizes smaller. I thought oh good, these will motivate me to keep losing. I put them on just so I would be able to compare, thinking I wont get them over my hips or be able to zip them- and they fit!!!! I didn't realize I was ready to go down sizes until I actually tried on a tighter size.

Pictures make me realize how much more I have to go. i feel thinner than what I see in the mirror or photos. I still look large in both mirror and photos and I am almost down 60. Compliments from others help me the most. Like from random people- like my daughter's hair dresser. People who don't know I'm trying, and who don't have to say anything, but they do- I love that!!!! That's what makes me think hmmm I really must look like I lost weight for a random acquaintance to notice on their own and comment!

Drink all day long...water, crystal lite iced tea...it will help you feel full. I remember one night in the beginning I actually woke up in the middle of the night because I was hungry! (And that never happened pre band). It gets easier.

I have lots of nice pants- jeans, khakis, black work pants. Mostly from Macy's, Kohl's Lane Bryant. Excellent condition. $5 a pair plus shipping (I get a discount on shipping so it won't be much).

I couldn't get you on facebook. Can you pm me here?

I have the plication and think it really enhances the band. Just an opinion hard to tell, because I never had a band without plication. I did not have to pay extra for the plication. The dr has a grant for that. Maybe you can look into that. I don't mean to say the extra money isn't worth it, but your husband may be right. Ask if there are extra hidden prices. Fir instance because I fit a certain checklist I was able to go home day of surgery (live close to hospital. no other health probs, there was a list of things my dr considered). However he wants all his plication patients to stay overnight. If I had to pay out of pocket for that (being that insurance did not cover overnight stay bc I was a candidate to go home) my bills would be very high. Ask about other fees and if dr is subsidized by any grants. Are there other drs in your area who do plication? it can't hurt to get a second opinion/consultation, even if you don't do plication. I like shopping around for imot stuff like doctors. In the end, with or without plication you will probably lose about the same amount of weight if you work towards your goal!

When things go wrong it's easy to feel down. But not telling your doctor will make you feel worse. I get shy around drs, but then I remind myself it's my health, and a dr can only do their best work if you inform them of what's going on. The sooner you tell your dr the easier it will be to get on track.

And I bet so many tops you love look stunning with white calvins!!! What a great piece of clothing and how great it must feel to look great in them!!!!! Enjoy your day.

I have skinny friends who get the problem too. I think sensitive skin gets it- skin rubbing against skin or fabric against skin can cause it. Butt paste, diaper rash creams, monistat 7...they work after. But work great!

I switched mostly to shahsmi. However, I can have some sushi. Normally, rice doesn't agree with me, but with sushi it's fine- the seaweed is more of a problem than the rice. Wrapped in cucumber works better for me. Try it at home first. That's what I did. Then I knew I was safe to try in a restaurant.

If you stir the bubbles out of the soda, like you do, then I think the carbonation is not an issue with the band. The sugar is probably slowing weight loss...just try having less times to times until its non existent. For me giving up diet soda cold turkey was easier, but for you limiting it in decreasing intervals might work. I bet you will lose the weight you want and enjoy six flags!!!! THat's a great goal. Keep doing what you are doing that is working and tweak the rest!

Is a local dr bariatric dr willing to see you? You can travel to Geiss to meet him and for the surgery (he is excellent) and someone local for monthly follow up appts and fills. Would that work?

You look soooo great!!!!

I would try to go along with their plans not talking about pre op diets etc. Just do it without telling them ahead of time, so you don't have to listen to their rebuttles. When they order food, get soup. If it's fast food and soup is not available, just get a drink or coffee. Stay positive. If they say that's all you're getting while we eat, say it's fine. I am ok with it. If it is hard to see them eat, tell yourself, it is worth it for you to become healthy. Do a lot of the talking during food time. If it is still too hard to watch people eat, take a break from these friends.

It's a hard habit to break, but you can do it. At first it is so hard, but it gets easier. I used to drink diet soda daily, now the only time I crave it is at a restaurant and I am easily able to pass it up. I drank soda up until my pre op diet. It was too hard to give up until the reality of damaging the band came true. I agree with the above poster about the coffee add ins. There are so many that are ok to have. I try to stay sugar free. I also count my blessings and look at the bright side and say at least I can still drink coffee. Good luck. You can do it.

I buy them and eat them as a snack on my drive home if Im hungry at 4 and don't want to be starving by my late dinner time (or cranky). It works out well. It takes a while to chew one almond, and with almonds I notice soft full sign and will stop before I finish my handful or if I feel soft time. I usually take about 12 from a huge bag (and don't go in for more) I keep in the car but I just made up that number, and always wonder how many is a good portion size, or the max portion size. Not oz wise, but amount of almonds. What do you think?

Lots of hugs to you. You have a lot on your plate right now- emotionally and physically!!! It would be hard for most people to deal with that. Tackle one problem and the rest will fall into place. If that doesn't work, add a second solution on in a few weeks. Little steps are easier to handle/focus on. Otherwise you will get overwhelmed. What is bothering you the MOST out of all those things? -your health or feeling insecure/angry/many emotions towards your husband or not being able to exercise or wanting to eat at the wrong times not eating just for fuel? Pick the one that is bringing you down the most and focus on it. Maybe therapy (emotional or physical) depending on which problem you are tackling first. Your dr might get physical therapy covered so you can work out at a safe level with guidance. And remind yourself, this is not forever. It will get better. And you will make it better to the best of your ability. GOOD LUCK!!! More hugs.

That is really great for both of you!!!! A dream come true!

Walking...day of surgery Aerobic activity...4 weeks all exercise etc...6 weeks But that was based upon on how I felt/was doing at post op check ups. If you've been a runner for a year now, and walk at a fast speed for 6 weeks, I think it will take less than 6 weeks to get back to where you were. I know running friends who give up running for 6 weeks after pregnancy (and some time before) get back into it in less than 2 months after the 6 week wait.

Full liquids 24 to 48 hours depending on what I can tolerate, followed by 2 days of mushy food

I didn't have a clue why I slime too much, now I realize those are the days I'm not drinking enough. Thank you for helping me know what to listen for and what it means.

None at surgery, need to wait until about 6-8 weeks, and then only if no weight loss and/or hungry sooner than 4-5 hours.