carbgrl

I use calorie counter.

Finally made it to the < 25 group. Seems so close yet so far.

I'm a sugar addict too. I use sugar substitutes. I know those chemicals are bad for you too. Someday I'd like to quit those too but, in the meantime it get's me by. I try to stick to low carb as much as possible to keep the cravings under control. I went to a birthday party yesterday and there was an awesome looking birthday cake with thick chocolate frosting. I was able to resist. I guess, I want to lose weight more than I wanted the chocolate cake. I think occasionally it's ok to have a little treat once in a while but, if I can resist hopefully, I'll get to my goal quicker. Good luck.

Thanks. I'm excited. I'm a real slow loser so, it'll probably take me until Christmas to get the rest of it off. That would still put me at goal in less than one year. Hopefully it won't take that long. I happy with every step in the right direction. The trick will be keeping it off.

Wow, what big difference just 15 lbs makes. You look great!

Oh. My gosh. I had a "dumping" episode last nite. I felt like I was going to die. I was to weak to call anyone. I had severe stomach cramps, profusely sweating all over my body. I felt like my stomach was going to explode. Finally after my body "dumped" I felt some relief. I also have a bad back so I happen to also have back spasms at the same time. I had shrimp scampi and later some roasted pecans. I guess it was to high in fat. I will avoid that at all costs in the future. I'm sticking to liquids today just to gentle with my tummy.

I would try increasing protein to at least 80 to 100 grams. I hear you should try to get half your weight in grams. Are you taking vitamins & biotin? Mine started about 2 wks out and been steady. I keep praying it will stop soon.

Unfortunately, I still love & enjoy food and think about it frequently. I feel like I'm always planning my next meal to make sure I have the right stuff. At least I'm enjoying healthy food. I wish I still didnt enjoy the bad stuff too. I just try to avoid it.

Mine is alot better. Now its more of turkey giggly neck. I try to do face exercises but I may get a lifestyle lift someday.

OMG, I just double checked my tummy to make sure mine was really gone. It's such a relief to have it out. Did they give ou any explanation what so ever? Maybe there was to much scar tissue preventing the removal? I never even imagined that would be a possibility. How long did you have the lapband? I hope your situation gets resolved soon. I completely understand wanting to wait awhile before having another surgery. Good luck and let us know how you're doing.

I love that!!! LOL I had a 36 bougie. Aside from the evening after surgery, I did not have any problems drinking Water, keeping fludis down, sliming or vomiting. Since I started on mushy food I could eat at least 4 oz. I feel like I can eat almost "normal" size portions. I can eat a smart ones meal with no problems. I can eat about 1/2 chicken breast 2-3 oz, plus 2-3 oz of veggies no problem. Sometimes I wish I had a little more restriction and faster weightloss, but I'm glad I didn't have any of the problems. When I had the lapband I slimed and vomited almost daily and I knew I couldn't live the rest of my life like that. I'm happy I can eat chicken, turkey, salad and veggies again. My surgeon said she likes the 36 because she believes it's the size with the least complications but, I agree the surgeon's technique will vary widely depending on how close they sew to the bougie... I also agree it's most important to be comfortable with the surgeon. How many surgeries has he/she done, what's his precentage of leaks, is it a center of excellence... I think if someone would didn't know I had surgery watched me eat they'd would just think I'm a light eater and not suspect I had surgery. I'm very happy aobut that. Running to the bathroom to vomit during meals is a horrible way to live.

I went through the same thing. I was freaking out!!!! I would wake up in the middle of the night in a panic. The doctor other medical staff kept telling me, "Good, it means you're normal". I kept telling myself, what better place to be than in a hospital if something should go wrong. LOL. I didn't have any problems what so ever. I almost felt like I hadn't had a surgery at all. My abdomen was sore but, that's about it. Take a pillow from home with you to hug on the way home and the first few days. Good luck and let us know how you're doing.

I had an injection yesterday I gained 3 lbs overnight. I know it's probably water retention but ugh! I just wanted to vent. Anyone else have this issue?

You can do it. I quit 7 years ago. I used the patch, chewed straws and lots of gum. I still chew lots of gum. I agree with having a list of things to do when you want a cigarette, exercise, brush teeth...I used to make myself wash dishes by hand when I wanted a cigarette. Can't smoke if your hands are dripping wet. I also found a website quitnet or something. It would do like a count down after each day...it had something like 1 day 5 hours since you quit smoking, your lungs are getting clearer, you've saved $ 7.00, you've added 10 days to your life span... stuff like that. It was very motivating to log on and see what changes for the better were going on in my body. It also had message boards like this one with other people who were quitting. It helped me alot. Every once in awhile I'll still get a craving like I'm missing something but, I can't stand the smell of smoke now. I'm one of those horrible ex-smokers. LOL It was the best decision of my life. Oh, and throw away all of your ash trays, lighters, and matches. I always thought if I could just prevent myself from smoking that ONE cigarette I'd be ok. It did get easier after the first 30 days. I also kept telling myself if I could just make it to 30 days smoke free I'd be home free. Good luck and let us know how you're doing.

Are you taking an acid reducer? They say the acid can mimick hunger. I never lost my hunger so, I have the same issues. I am on an acid reducer but, I don't think it helped my hunger but, you can try and see if it helps. I was also told no celery at least for the first few months. Good luck.

I did it to lose 66 lbs. When I got the lapband I needed to lose 85. I lost 75 and gained back about 50. Before the lapband I'd lost 50 + lbs at least 4-5 times as an adult. I could never keep it off. I needed something permanent.

Lucky you!!! I never lost my hunger. I keep hoping it will go away. I'm almost 5 mos post op. From what I've read, your appetite will increase as the swelling goes down and healing continues.

I'm almost 5 mos post op. I've only thrown up twice. Both times, I consider it my fault. I ate re-heated meat that was to dry. I knew my sleeve couldn't handle it. Now, when I had the lapband, I threw up ALL the time. Dalily, multiple times a day. If you don't want to throw up - Don't get the lapband. My turning point was because I just felt so fat and miserable all the time. I couldn't stand looking at myself in the mirror. I avoided social situations. I was missing out on life and I worried about my future based on my health. I'm a slow loser, so it's frustrating but, I don't regret it at all. Most of all, I'm so happy to be rid of the band. I wish I had gotten the sleeve to begin with. Good luck to you.

I had an inj

How do they test your metabolism? After the first month, I was losing an average of a pound a week. Very frustrating. This last month, I even gained a couple. Ugh! I'd be interested in getting my metabolism tested. I also think all the yo-yo dieting has screwed up my metabolism too.

WOW. That's awesome. Keep it up.

Well, I'm a revision and a slow loser. My surgery weight was 201. I have have hypothyroid but, I somethings wonder if the reason revision patients lose slower is because our metabolisms have already slowed down from "dieting" with the band. I know there are other revision patients who've done better than me. I'll be interested in seeing other responses.

I lost 13 lbs the 1st month. Surgery weight was 201.

Gosh, I thought we couldn't have popcorn until 6 mos post op. Here, I've been waiting all this time.

Meg, 65 lbs lost is a big deal!!! Janet and Mom, y'all need tickers. : )