Gardnergirl2

It's been a year and a half since surgery. I think when I lost initial weight I was happy with that and as long as I didn't gain, wasn't too concerned. I know that's stupid. I am currently 24 pounds from onederland. I guess I thought after the band I could eat small amounts of anything. But really, that's not the case. I need to avoid carbs. Is it too late for me ? I have had 4 fills going for another in April. I am hoping they given me one Sometimes, if you haven't lost, they threaten not to give you a fill. I am going to lose between now and appointment. I hope I can get back on track.

Thank you butterfly. I had heard if you didn't lose within a year, you couldnt. Looking back, I wish I would have chosen the sleeve, but either way, my insurance won't pay for anything else and if I do my part flawlessly, I hope I can get going again.

I think this may be true as well. My mother remarked the other day "by now, I thought you would be skin and bones", but then, if I have a sliming incident in front of her she is all worried and remarks how that is "not normal". My BMI wasn't extremely high, and I have lost slowly and sometimes don't lose at all. It is frustrating, but the high points for me have been: 1. not regaining what I do manage to lose (first time in my life EVER) 2. Actually not having a hunger that is just ravenous. I feel hunger, but it's nothing like it used to be. (keep in mind, I have had 4 or 5 fills) 3. The belief that I have a tool and although I am not on here at my one year anniverisary (coming up in November) screaming that I have lost 100 pounds ( wish I would be)- I still made a positive choice for my health, and honestly, 100 pounds would have been too much anyway. But, if I could do about 40 more, which I will, I will be content.....

I had another .5 cc fill the other day. The nurse at my doctor's office is having me do a two week food journal so that if I don't start losing, they can make sure my band is ok. So, I am doing that. I can tell a difference with this small fill (I hope it doesn't go away). I can't eat fast, and in the morning, I have to wait a little while to drink my coffee. It is very tight first thing in the morning. meats are a little harder to get down, but they do go down. ...But, I think I am almost there!

Sadly, if the employer plan excludes it, there isn't much you can do. And, as was mentioned before, there are a million different version of United health Care. It all depends on the version your employer picks, and some plans are custom designed by an employer (especially if that employer is self insured, which means, they pay all the bills; UHC just administers....)

My doc said I would need to watch carbs. Then, when I read some recipes on here, people use low fat as well. So, is it to each his own, or are we supposed to avoid carbs and fat? Just would like everyones take on this

Thanks everyone. For example, my doctor got irritated with me because I had greek yogurt for Breakfast (during one of our conversations at the fill). He said, "no, no....that's a slider food. you should be doing sausage and eggs for breakfast" That's all well and good, but of course, sausage is full of fat. And, I normally don't eat breakfast until I am hungry.

So proud for you! We had our surgeries about the same time. I am sadly, not successful yet. I think writing that out and admitting it will help me. I hope to be soon though! Good going, girl!

I everyone ! I wanted to be one of those people who was a smashing success with this surgery, but.......hopefully I will be a success . I am about 7 months out. I started at about 240 and I am at 218 right now. I admit my food choices aren't always perfect but one thing I have done is cut out white carbs and severely limit the other ones now. I have had 4 fills. I really want to lose before going for another fill ( have lost about 3 pounds since last fill). I have to work on Protein first. For example, last night I went out to eat and I had : 1 side salad with tangy tomatoes dressing ( probably has carbs). Took off croutons. No bread ( they brought that out. I watched my boyfriend eat it. ). 2. One section of his ribs and 2 shrimp Some Atkins chocolate for dessert ( at home). Here is my question. When I go for a fill, my doctor always says " how many meals are you eating per day, 2 or 3 ". Is the goal to get us down to 2? Does it matter which 2? 2. My meal last night wasn't horrible, but I should have eaten protein first and then salad, right? Thank y'all. I find that when I come to this forum, I get motivated. Needs to be a daily thing. I have to also admit that I have felt a little victory in the fact that I have lost, and for the first time in my life, not gained. But, the truth is 160 is my goal...AND where I would be healthy. Not there yet . Heading out to church, but I thank everyone in advance for their support. Have a great day!

I just need support today, and I know this forum is the place. I got a fill yesterday, but left the doctor's office crying. It's that time of the month (great!), and I have had an epiphany of sorts. I went through a traumatic break up about 2 years ago, and I am still not really healed. I thought this person would be a friend for life, but we are enemies now and there is nothing I can do about it. Why does that matter? I feel like when you aren't emotionally healed from something, it is easy to fall back on old crutched. It's funny....I dont' drink a drop or smoke.....but food is certainly an addiction as well. I am tried of self sabotaging my life. I am tired of being sad about a situation that I can not change. I am ready to get serious and get healed...... My doctor wasn't happy with me of course, but I wasn't happy with me. So, that's what matters. I won't go back for another fill unless I have lost becuase I don't want to look like a clown. I can do this. I will do this. And, I will heal......

yes, LisaCaron did! I won't quit going to the doctor, but I have to do my part 100% and I have been doing 60%. That's got to get better. Also, I am not sure a doctor has to give someone a fill if he or she feels they aren't doing their part. However, this will be a mute point for me becuase starting today, it's 100%

I actually smiled really big when I read that! Thanks everyone. We are neighbors Mikee, if you are a SW GA girl I want to thank everyone for your encouragement. About the ex, just to clarify, he's not someone I would want back; but I thought we would be friends for life (I know....that's not realistic). I think it hit me in the doctor's office yesterday that there are a lot of things I need to bury. I have a good career, a good family, a great son and now, somebody in my life that is starting to actually love me lol. so, I need to forge ahead and complete this WL journey. This forum gets your brain back where it needs to be! Thank you everyone for taking time out of your busy day to make a person you don't even know shape up!!

Thank you everyone. I will keep you all posted No, I haven't quit. I hate to say it, but I think I was just happy with the 20 pounds lost and not gained back, and not really thinking.....you have more weight to lose, missie!! lol....... I won't quit until I reach my goal, and even then, I think those of us that struggle with obesity can't ever quit.

I will take any words of wisdom I can take! I know you are right. I actually enjoy exercising, yard work, etc. (well, yard work not always lol) and I have to do it all (my son does help), and I do have some help. But yes, I feel overwhelmed sometimes beetween 2 jobs, housework, yard work, homework. etc. But, I will be a success story. I am not going to fail.

thank you rayanne. I know you are right. I just took a little ten minute walk here at work. Am going to do that at least 3 times a day, and then more exercise at home. Basically, I have to cut out all carbs to lose band or not. And, I a not a carb o holic, but yes, I have eaten some. But, I will get this down pat. Sometimes, I feel like a failure (and this relationship I discussed really didn't help that). Lots of people say I am strong - single mom, work full time plus a business on the side. Good kid...really good kid. church every sunday......but, I don't feel strong. Isn't that weird?? I just know I can't fail at this. I can't.....

This is an encouraging post. I have had 3 fills, and am not really losing yet. I have looked at it another way too thought. In the past, had I lost all the weight I lost on the preop diet, I would have put it all back on and then some by now. I haven't! So, while I am not happy with my weight loss (surgery Nov. 25, 2013, 3 fills, about 30 pounds gone counting preop and all), I am still SO happy with the decision I made. One thing I have been doing is really examining portion sizes and trying to stick to around 1/2 a cup per meal.. And if I snack at all, maybe fruit or something. I am also trying to exercise daily. So, I really believe with the next fill or two, I will hit the green, and the magic will start My mother said the other day "I thought you would be skin and bones by now". She is tyring to be "helpful", but I told her I am on track, and expalined to her how the whole thing works. She hasn't said anything else I will NOT be "that gurl" who even had WLS and still couldn't shake it!!!

Thank you hiddnstar! Of course, I was thinking about that old jingle " sometime you feel like a nut; sometimes you don't" (a food jingle-I am soooooo surprised!!!!) I haven't really started losing dramatic weight yet, but I know that I will......I am trying to do my part.

Let me start out by saying I am not happy with my progress, but I blame myself to a large degree. I know what I need to do. I have had three fills and go again this month. I was just wondering if anyone feels this way. Sometimes I can take one bite and get a stuck feeling. I know the band is there. Other times, I feel no satiety signals really. It's like the band is asleep lol . Just wondering if anyone has felt that way. I am currently not losing but I know some immediate changes I am going to implement.

You cracked me up (OMG I said cake lol). I know what you mean about the no diet mentality....That, to me, is a big, wonderful thing! Best of luck to you. It's only 3 months, girl....count em down

Thank you, everybody. I am going to win at this I felt discouraged yesterday, but I know what I have got to do....Now, time to do it

It's funny how all surgeons are different. Just yesterday I heard somone say they were told not to drink caffeine. I was never told that......I was told not to drink sodas, but not coffee or tea (unsweet) I think my band is about half way full right now.

Everyone has given good advice. I deal with this kind of stuff all day every day at my job. First of all, make sure you looking at a 2014 SPD (summary plan description) suited for your employer (I know larger companies have these-smaller companies I am not sure- ask HR at work). If what you are looking at in writing is current, they can't really deny you. They can deny you if you don't qualify, but they can't pop up and say "we don't cover that".. Here's what you do: 1. Call the insurance company and tell the rep you are confused bc you have written documentation that they do cover it. See what he or she says (old document, so on, so forth) 2. No matter the answer, talk to HR at work. See what they say. Ask if there is a copy of the 2014 SPD that you can have (preferrable electronic verson for easier searching). See what it says. 3. Don't give up. If you qualify, and know that you are looking at a current document, appeal. Talk to a supervisor. Talk to your Benefits Advocate if you have one. 4. Post here. Many of us have been through the landmine of insurance and are happy to try to help

Your story inspires me this morning! I was banded in November, and really haven't lost anything the last couple of months. I look at the positive- I haven't gained! Which, was my life before band. However, I have had three fills and am going for the next one on 4/25. I have identified some things I MUST do differently. I have been snacking some (not a lot or horrible choices, but still, that just heard the death toll I am getting up earlier to do 15 minutes of walking before work (have to be at work very early, so major accomplishment there), and I will do at least 15 minutes at night. My job is sedentary.....I hate that, but what can you do? I KNOW that between me doing exactly what I know to do and the band, we want fail. I think I have 1 or 2 fills to go before green Thank you for your post this morning.....I needed it!

Who doesn't love chocolate? But, I know its not going to help me lose weight....so, I am mostly eating sugar free pudding if I craze chocolate. does anyone else have healthy chocolate ideas? Thanks!

You ladies (and guys) are great! Thanks for the great ideas!!!