PrettyThick1

I make it sound like I've been through this a lot..l've only had 3 fills - 2 at the WL center and one at my surgeon's office because the first fill wasn't quite enough...

I have check ups once per month, when I come in they do a questionnaire to determine if I need a fill or not and how much I need. I attribute my success with the band to my doctor having me get my first fill three weeks to the day of my surgery and having my appointments on a monthly basis timed exactly to the date of the first fill I got. I don't understand how surgeons are allowing people to go months without getting checked and or getting fills done. It seems like that would be a serious hold up in your progress. I know I start to feel hunger about 3 days before my next visit and they often give me a fill and it works every time.

Good morning everyone! It's official...I am finally at the lowest weight I've been in for probably 15 years. I have now surpassed any of my best results of any previous weight loss program I've been on. Even using phentermine didn't get me here and it took more than 6 months on that to get me to 182...where I plateaud and started to regain after it became ineffective (after 12-18 months). I know I say this at the end of just about every post, but I can't help it... I LOVE MY BAND!!!!!

BTW - your boyfriend may not be with you forever. This is about a positive change for your future, don't worry about what he or anybody else thinks girl!

The beauty of the band is that the weight comes off gradually enough that your skin is able to keep up with the reduction. Without knowing your stats, it's kind of hard to tell you what to expect though. I've lost 40lbs. in 2 months, I don't exercise and I don't have any excess skin at all. I have about 30lbs to get to my goal and I really don't see having a problem at that point either. I will be getting a TT, because I had a pooch after having my daughter - 14 years ago. Since it's covered by insurance, I'm going for it to complete my transformation - but not because my tummy is unsightly. In fact, now that I'm getting smaller, my stretch marks (arms and shoulders) are far less visible before. You should create your tickers so that people can have a better idea of your situation and provide better advice. Good luck! I wouldn't trade my band for anything in the world...except maybe a Powerball jackpot - that I'd win all by myself. LOL

I would honestly say give yourself a solid week, I have a pretty laid back job - I'm at a desk all day and work at my own pace. I was banded on a Wednesday and tried to go back the following Monday, after a few hours I realized I was not ready yet and went back home around lunch time - sitting up after a couple of hours was very uncomfortable. I stayed home the following day and went back on Wednesday, I was a bit tired but I made it through the entire day. I don't know why doctors tell people 3-4 days, that isn't realistic because it isn't until day 4 that you start feeling somewhat normal, definitely not well enough for work though.

It sounds like you're doing fine to me, just make sure you're getting in your 60g of protein. I didn't do MM Light, I did regular - it has more protein. But go with what feels right for you.

Honey, you look amazing and I would go for the TT now. It's probably going to take off the remaining 7lbs. the doctor set as your goal. I don't know you...but I know the camera adds 10lbs. so I would say you are perfect where you are now. You're gorgeous!

That's awesome! Congratulations and keep up the good work...I can't sing the praises of the band loud enough!

It was rather simple for me, I went to True Results - on my first consulation they did everything and it ws such a painless process. If you don't have a TR, see what type of Bariatric Center might be in your area. In my opinion, it is much simpler than going through your PCP or any other physician.

Fill #3 has put me in the green zone! I have 5cc's in my 10cc band and it did the trick! I'm staying full for a minimum of 4 hours, able to tolerate solids very well and the pounds are melting faster than ever now. I've lost 4lbs in just 3 days (without exercise) and I am so thrilled!!!! I hope you all experience the same results, it is an unbelievable feeling!!!

Fruity protein shots mixed in ice water work well, too. Go to WalMart and get the Super Whey shots, grape or fruit punch, 20 - 42g protein each. When I mix them in water, it's like drinking juice. I would also sneak in tuna packed in water...you've lost 16lbs aready, you're doing well...whose going to know you didn't follow all the rules. Just don't go overboard - no sugar, no fat.

It was inevitable. I've lost well and have had great success, but here I am at my regular stopping point. This is the place where all diets have left me stranded - the exact same weight 182. I was on a roll, the fast track to my goal but alas, I've come to a halt. I am determined though, this time will be different! By my own admission, I haven't exercised, I know I'm not getting in enough calories or water - but it is so dang on hard to do! My band is really tight in the morning so the only thing I can get down is warm coffee. I need to work out now, I know that's what needs to happen; I also need to eat more, but again, that is soooo hard to do without being hungry. I would appreciate any suggestions on what you did to overcome a plateau, everyone tells me I look great at my current weight and that I don't need to lose much more - but those are the same people who told me I didn't need the band in the first place. When I look in the mirror though, I see what needs work - I'm just not motivated to do what it takes and I don't know how to get my self in gear. Sigh.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHICA!!!!! CONGRATS ON THE WEIGHTLOSS!!!!

I think we've all been where you are and I'd like to put your mind at ease when I say you will be fine. The band is a very powerful tool, it not only gives you the power you need to resist bad eating, but it has corrected other negative habits I had. Rest assured, you've made a very wise decision to pursue this and your only regret is that you didn't opt for it a long time ago. No fear here!

Have you lost anything? I would reschedule to be on the safe side and I always advise people who are having trouble on the preop to chew what you want and spit it out - don't swallow it. Then follow that chewed up/spit out meal with water and a protein shake. You'll trick youself into thinking you just ate what you wanted, without doing so.

Congrats!!!

Don't know about anyone else's experience, but after the band I'm just not big on alcohol anymore...not that I ever was, but I could drink one or two cocktails. Now, I take a couple of sips and don't want anymore.

Yes, I would eat. If you are hungry before you go you might try to eat after the fill to get rid of the hunger and that wouldn't go very well. I've done that before and was hungry all day but it was hard to get anything down. Miserable!

I thought once banded, carbonated drinks were out of the question but I just read a post where someone's doctor said every now and then it was okay? You mean I CAN have an icy cold coca cola every now and then? Please hurry and answer, I'd love to have one tonight!

When you don't have much to lose, it's not going to come off quickly. Heavier people drop weight much faster than those who are smaller.

I always have room for calories and one spoonful is just enough to curb my sweet tooth and I get the protein boost I need also.

Wonderful post...I am so proud of you! Keep up the good work, you are such an inspiration!!!

I had my third fill last Wednesday and I'm in the green zone! Lost 4lbs over the weekend and I'm feeling great!!!

AZ Gary describes it perfectly. Unfortunately there is no way for us to help you avoid those episodes simply because different foods affect people differently. What goes down easy for me, might be a problem for you and vice versa. But, like triggergramma mentioned - powdered eggs (often found on buffets) and white chicken meat as well as beef that is too dry cause me problems. But even the foods that do go down well will get stuck if you eat too fast or take too big of a bite. You learn quickly though and after each adjustment (fill) things might change, so it's a constant learning experience - but very well worth it.