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For the first time in over 7 years, I weigh less than 200 pounds (196.8 to be exact). I got on the scale a couple of days ago and actually got tears in my eyes when I saw the results. I weighed about 275 this time last year and am still losing (46.8 to go), which i think I can do by the end of this year. I am amazed on a daily basis at how much the band has changed my life. Way to go me!!

My morning routine ALWAYS starts with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or cider. After finishing the hot liquid, I move on to some semi-watery grits. The slow progression prepares me for the day, and there have been many days that I skipped the hot liquid and grits - which caused the rest of the day to go terribly. Before surgery, I never was a big breakfast eater, so this has been a huge difference to me. But the schedule makes a difference in my ability to eat for the rest of the day. Plus, if you eat breakfast, you're less likely to feel hungry before or at lunch. I've talked to many people who have tightness in the morning, so don't worry that it's just you.

After I got to good restriction, I found that eggs (especially scrambled) created real problems for me. So be careful, I've heard several other people say that they can no longer eat scrambled eggs. I had a terrible experience with them once and haven't eaten them since.

I would strongly suggest starting over and taking it slow. I had an unfill in April of 0.1cc and because my esophagus was swollen from the PB'ing, I started back on liquids/mushies for 1 week. It made a huge difference in addition to the slight unfill.

My doctor gave me one after surgery. You should ask your doctor if they can provide something to you.

I recently experienced some issues due to a long flight (high altitude for long period of time) that caused my band to tighten up for about 24 hours. I'd been warned in my support group meeting that this might occur, so I was cautious of it. Still, I don't have really tight restriction so I was surprised to find myself unable to eat even Soup after returning from a long day of travel. I'm not sure about traveling to places of high altitude, but I can attest that it will very likely have some effect on you - so be prepared.

I've had a total of 6 fills (and 2 slight unfills) and am at 5.9 cc. I really like my level of restriction that I have right now - I was at 6.0 cc for 2 months and finally decided that it was just too much. I now can eat food without worrying about it coming back up, but I still have good restriction that makes me feel full quickly.

It's hard to believe how much life has changed in just 9 months. I remember thinking when I first got the band that the weight couldn't come off quick enough - amazing!

Last December I was apparently overfilled and couldn't swallow my saliva. I went in 24 hours later (and it was a miserable 24 hours) and had some removed for relief. I would recommend calling your dr. as it would be a long weekend with that level of tightness. Good luck, and be sure to take care of yourself - that is what is most important!

Mary, I am actually attending a support group meeting at Dr. Luttrell's office tonight. I certainly think that they would be fine if you wanted to attend. The group is awesome - usually around 15 people (some pre-surgery and some post). If you wanted to attend that seminar, I think it would be a huge resource for you. You might call Erin or Regi at Dr. Luttrell's office - 978-4343 and tell them you would like to attend. I hope to see you there!

I too used Dr. Luttrell and have been very pleased with everything from the seminar to current. I've lost over 70 pounds since October, and I feel great. The support that I've received from both Dr. Luttrell and Erin at his office has been phenomenal. I would highly recommend Dr. Luttrell to anyone. The best decision I've ever made!

On Monday, I went in to have a very slight unfill (0.1 cc) as I have struggled for the last 2 months with 6.0cc and I finally decided that I was just a bit too tight and it wasn't getting any better. The only good thing that come from 7 weeks of discomfort is that I lost 18 lbs! :biggrin2: So, my dr. brought me back to 5.9cc (I was at 5.8 before and felt I needed more) and I am amazed at how much difference this slight change has made. I still have awesome restriction minus the difficulty eating (sometimes for a full day), so I am officially in my "sweet spot". Awesome! I didn't think I would ever get here, so don't give up hope! Good luck to you all!