woodkd

I try and eat according to the rules, this does not happen all the time however. I just came out of a few weeks of eating poorly, so now I'm back on track. I don't know if the "sweet spot" is the same for everyone. I know I should not be any tighter because I can feel that I have good restriction. However, I am hungry, the "sweet spot" to me is the place where I know I couldn't go any tighter, food goes down and if I eat the correct foods I will get full. The key to success when you are at your "sweet spot" is knowing that this tool has done it's job, now it's time to do yours. Exercise 4-5 times a week and eat correctly. If you suffer from acid reflux like me, when you eat right the symptoms go down dramatically. When I eat poorly, I have the worse acid reflux. I find if I eat my Proteins, veggies and then a whole wheat carb item, I can eat about a cup of food. For some reason I have a very difficult time with fruit, I get really stuck with it so for the most part I avoid it. A typical day is: Bkst- Bowl of Fiber one with Soy Silk milk. Snack- Fat free, low fat yogurt Lunch- Dark chicken meat (it goes down easier) whole wheat couscous and broccoli. Snack- 8 almonds Dinner- Salmon, salad w/ veggies and brown rice. I don't eat after dinner. Debbie

I was able to get banded with a BMI of 35. I did pay out of pocket $15,000, but that does include all fills and follow up that I need.

Every time I hit a plateau I get discouraged and start that negative self talk. I think I'll never break through it, that the band just isn't going to work that well for me. Then I break through my plateau, and my plateaus are usually b/c of not following the rules, and I am so happy with my band again. That's why everyone says it's a journey, you have to take the good with the bad and keep challenging yourself to step up and do what you must. I've never been a bigger loser, I typically lose about 4 pounds a month, not a lot but consistent. I've lost about 55 lbs in 10 months, I went from a size 18/20 to a 14, and I'm close to a 12. I hoped it would go faster but it hasn't so that's okay too. As long as we keep trying to stick to the rules the weight will come off, even if it's slow, that's better than gaining!

I wish I had known how hard it is to eat the bandster way vs. eating crap. Eating protein and all of the food we are supposed to eat, are very difficult at times. I mean they get stuck and it can be very uncomfortable to get the protein in. On the other hand eating total crap is a cinch, chips, choclate and icecream are a breeze. I wish it was the other way around. So that's when you have struggles with your brain, eat the good stuff even though at times it is damn uncomfortable!

I have heard of this elusive sweet spot but have never had the pleasure of reaching it since I was banded 8 months ago. I have restriction, it hurts to eat, but I do feel hungry. I never have had the situation where a 1/2 cup is enough and I don't even think of food for another 4-5 hours, I'm hungry again in about 2-3 hours!! How about others, is there really a sweet spot?? Or is this a myth??? I'm goin with the myth! Debbie

I had Dr. Helmuth Billy do mine and he charged $15,000, self pay. That does include free fills for life though.

We actually got tickets to go to last nights taping of Idol and it was awesome. They sound so much better live. Bo and Nadia were amazing! I couldn't believe Bo and Nadia were voted before Anthony. I was so ready for Scott to go home and then when they said his name and he went up there, you really feel all of the emotion and the pressure these kids are under. I felt bad for him. After the show my kids were waiting to get autographs and Bo's sister was there so she was talking with us. Just imagine a smaller female version of Bo, without the hair under the lip, and that was her. Simon actually was very nice, and was very sweet to my kids, so he just went up in my book!! It was an amazing experience, my kids had a blast!

I'm about 7 months out and I am struggling too. I joined Weight Watchers again, not for the program but for a support system. I find myself going back to poor food choices. It's nice for me to go to a meeting, talk about strategies for how to handle food situations and to be accountable to get weighed. I won't stand up and talk about my weight loss, like other members, because I know I'm different with my band, but it's nice to be in a supportive atmosphere where I get re-energized. Good luck!

Another great place is Travelzoo.com They usually have great package deals you can get.

You look amazing! What a difference a year makes. You look very happy, keep up the good work.

Welcome to the banding world!! Congratulations on a successful surgery. I hope you have a quick and speed recovery!

Hi All, I just had my second fill last Thursday. Since Saturday I have been getting nauseous after eating. Is this common to other people? I haven't decided if the nauseous is due to my fill or if perhaps I have a slight stomach virus. Thanks, Debbie