MandaMom23

As long as I pay attention to taking small bites, I can eat bread just fine. There's really nothing I can think of that I can't eat. Anytime anything's gotten stuck, it's because I'm eating too fast, and not paying attention to taking small bites.

Crazy how it just sneaks up on you, isn't it?! Just pay attention to what you're eating, record everything, make good choices! Remember, it won't last forever, it'll get better once you hit your green zone!!

Just wanted to thank you for sharing this. I always wondered if it could actually cause harm to the band, as I was basically told it was more likely to cause discomfort than do actual harm. Glad I gave up my diet coke addiction before getting the band...totally not worth that kind of risk!

I know many are told absolutely no soda, I was told it was ok occasionally if I could tolerate it. I haven't had a sip of soda since my pre op diet back in January, but I have tried some sparkling water with no trouble. If you are going to try it, I'd try it with caution as I've heard some people get some serious discomfort.

I think you're doing great!! I was actually UP about 8lbs for almost 3 weeks post surgery, so the fact that you've lost anything is pretty awesome!! Just keep following the rules, and doing what you're doing, and the weight will continue to come off!! Also, remember this is YOUR journey, and while it's hard, try not to compare yourself to others! Everyone is different, and will lose weight at different paces! You've got this...good luck on your journey!!

Very normal, and 8lbs is pretty great in my opinion...that's about 2lbs/week, which is right on track! Just follow the band rules, make good food choices, and the weight will keep coming off!

That's great!! Awesome job!

I can see a big difference! (and you DO look great!!!)

Very few people know...my husband, my parents, my mother in law, and 2 coworkers that also have the band. I sometimes wish my husband was the only one who knew. I'm a very private person, and I'm not one to share much personal information in general. When people ask me what I'm doing to lose weight I just tell them I'm making healthier food choices, and eating less, which is exactly what I'm doing. Now, if someone asked me specifically if I've had WLS, I'd tell them. I'll also share if I feel someone may benefit from knowing (that's why I told my mother in law). I'm not ashamed of my decision, or even embarrassed by it...no reason to be. I just don't feel it's anyone's business.

Not trying to sound snarky, but seriously, you've lost 14lbs in just over a month?? I'd say that's pretty darn fantastic, and I don't think you have anything to be concerned about!

Awesome! Congrats!

You look amazing! Congrats!

Sounds like you're doing fabulous!! Keep it up, follow the rules, you've got this!

Band or no band, weightloss IS due to eating right and exercising. I have 2 coworkers that have had the band before me, and out of the 3 of us, I'm the only one having success with it (they are some of the few I have told about my surgery). They are always asking me what I'm doing that's so different from them, and my answer is I'm eating right. They, and they say it themselves, are not eating right...they're both struggling to get on track. Just 2 days ago, i watched one of them sit with a bag of chips and dip for their lunch break, then have a cinnamon roll for Breakfast (we work 3rd shift). So, while the band may help with portion sizes, if you're filling your body with crappy foods, the band is really nothing. It only works if you do your part, much like any other weightloss tool. I also have to say, i'm not ashamed of my surgery! And i HAVE and am willing to share my story with anyone I feel would benefit. I just don't think I have to announce it to every single person I see. I want my hard work to be reflected on ME, and not the little piece of plastic i have placed around my stomach!

woo hooo!!! Those are great nsv's!! I need to go shopping too, but I get terrified! I'm pretty sure I'm not in plus sizes anymore, but every time I venture into the 'other' section, I feel like the plus size police will be waiting for me to drag me back to the plus size corner. haha

It's such a personal decision to tell or not to tell. I have only told a handful of people, and I don't see it as lying to those that don't know. I AM doing all the work to lose this weight, with my band is there as a tool!! To me, it's no different than someone using weight watchers, or having nutrisystem meals delivered, taking diet pills, or even a gym membership...all tools to HELP with weightloss. only difference is mine is with me all.the.time. I can, however, choose to ignore it all the same as all those other tools if I really want to (and trust me, there have been days I HAVE done that, shamefully). When someone asks me how I'm losing the weight, I am NOT lying when I say I'm eating smaller portions, and making healthier choices...*I* am doing that, my band doesn't stop me from eating crap foods like ice cream and cupcakes, *I* do. It may tell me 'woah, you're eating a little too much', but I'm the one that has to stop filling my face! You don't get the band placed and magically lose weight (wouldn't that be fabulous, though??) It takes work, and commitment. i suppose if someone straight up asked me if I had wls, i would tell them...otherwise, I'm losing weight the same way everyone else has to. There is no magic, easy cure to weightloss, no matter what people want to believe.

You look amazing! Congrats!

That's great!!!

I haven't had that either!

Congrats to you!! WELCOME TO ONEDERLAND!! Awesome!!

I'm so sorry you're having a rough time! I didn't tell anyone about my surgery other than a handful of people, so I was a bit anxious the first time i went out to dinner with a friend that didn't know. I finally made myself go, and It wasn't bad at all! She didn't even realize, or comment on what I ordered or how much I ate, or anything. We were too busy talking and catching up! Now, it's like normal....only difference is that I always take home leftovers now!

Happy Birthday! You look amazing!

No regrets here. I've been losing weight much faster than I ever imagined, but I don't think it's been easy. I can eat more than I thought I would be able to, and I still struggle with head hunger. I also don't know what the green zone should feel like...am i there, am i not??!! Who knows! I've been successful so far by keeping myself on track and being accountable for my own actions, as well as following the rules my doctor gave me. I have to tell myself often, that I'm the one that has to work to get this weight off...the band will help me as long as I allow it to, but the band won't lose the weight for me.

Looks so much better!

Try not to focus on weightloss while you're healing, and if you can, just stay away from the scale for the first few weeks. Instead, try to focus on healing first off, then following the rules and sticking to your post op diet. The weight WILL come off, I promise!!