SandyM

I've been banded 11 months, am green, almost at my goal and I haven't felt any of the soft spots. I just sorta know when I'm done and if I eat after I get that feeling, I'm sorry afterwards. Everybody is different.

Yes, usually high carb, high glycemics

Every surgeon is totally different. My surgeon gave me a small plate with pictures ( I've looked at it but not used it). He told me that he would be happier if I filled the whole plate with protein but if I were going to have carbs to not go over the set limits. I can eat anything and felt I might be eating too much and he told me not to worry about that because I was losing the weight the way he hoped I would. I've plateaued for about a month but I started body measuring last month, and this last month, though the scales only show a 2 lb loss, I've lost 5 inches. I can really see the difference in the mirror and my head is starting to catch up. I'm not walking straight to the big girl section at the store, I'm not surprised or embarrassed when someone tells me I look good and I don't really notice the unhealthy foods I have to walk around to get to the healthy ones. I actually believe I've got this now. Oh, and I look forward to exercise. Go figure!

Be careful about eliminating too much fat. Fat curves the hunger

Face it, some people feel like they have the right to say what they want. Don't make your life's decisions based on some rude sobs comments.

Once you are able to add food, it will get a lot better. I'm 10 months out and haven't found anything really that I can't eat if I chew well and take it slow. I still have a little to lose and could probably lose it faster, but I'm satisfied with slow and easy.

Question is, is this hunger or head hunger? If its head hunger, the band isn't going to stop that.

I agree. You're not supposed to be what my surgeon calls a surgical bulimic. I can eat anything I want, I just get satisfied sooner and stay full longer. My surgeon says to be in exactly the right spot, you shouldn't even know you have a band. That's where I am.

I buy my husband the natures own protein breakfast bars. He loves them cuz they don't taste like the typical protein bar.

I told a few in confidence then found later that others were told and sworn to secrecy so who knows how many actually know? I don't keep it a secret anymore. You are right that some will look upon it as a quick fix, but we know that its a tool. We are doing the work. My folks know that I'm doing the work as I'm always headed to or from the gym and I eat very conservatively. As much as I'm not crazy about everyone knowing, it is helping to keep me accountable. After all, if I fail, nobody will let me live it down. Whatever it takes I guess.

I've certainly been healthier, like while I was young and in the military. But, I am certainly at my healthiest in 25 years. Like Cheryl my biggest issue was reflux and I wasn't on meds for anything though I believe I would have eventually gotten there.

Once the weight starts coming off, the port is actually easier to find. I can cup my fingers around mine easily

Same here. Hubby likes to brag that we got a two-fer. I had surgery and he's lost 38 lbs. we both are eating better and exercising routinely

Does sound wired, but I'm going to try it

This is band with plication. I had it and they work very well together

Wow, gain a trainer and lose a husband in 1 day, lol.

Wow, other than the head hunger part, I could have written this. Still losing, close to goal, but I feel sometimes I'm able to eat too much. I have my appt 1 Apr and I question do I need a fill.

I have my morning coffe every morning with creamer... My doc didn't restrict me and I haven't restricted myself

My clinic gave me a folder that was full of literature of what to expect, use and have available. It was real helpful. My lb coordinator/nutritionist gave me phone numbers for her, her alternate and the surgeons. I was good.

It took a while, but I finally quit craving sodas. Now, I don't know what I ever tasted in them. You'll get there.

I took Prilosec when I had reflux. Don't know how I ever lived without it.

Most of the time we think we don't eat much and can't understand how we gain. A lot of the time it's due to bad choices. I suggest the app myfitnesspal or Loseit to track your intake closely to see what it is you are truly eating. The band may or may not be an option for you but the first thing you need to do is see what caused your obesity. Welcome to the site and you'll get lots of info here, but like any other place you have to cull through and make sure you get useful to you.

You are right, people don't take the red zone serious enough

I understand your concern. But, the band isn't supposed to keep you from eating, it's supposed to help you feel satisfied faster. There's nothing I can't eat, I just get full faster and don't want as much. I've changed my habits and still have some treats, I make sure I get my Protein first and usually I don't want anything after that. I've made exercise an important part of my routine and my metabolism has sped up. Way too many people have the illusion that the band is supposed to stop you from eating when it's just a tool to help you control how much you need to eat to become satisfied, so you can stop yourself from overrating.

I will tell you that most of us are tighter in the morning, so keep that in mind. In the evening, we are loosest, but that's when I have my biggest problem as I am less mindful of the rules. It took about 3 weeks for my last fill to settle and me know how I was going to do with it. Just get your proteins anyway possible and see if you can give it time to settle.