Nancy33

Most of the time you won't have any restriction before you have a fill or a couple of fills, you'll have to grin and bare it until then. Sounds like you are able to cut back onyour own so keep it up. It took me 7 fills to reach what I consider my sweet spot so hang in there!

There are protein "shots" where the protein in mixed into a clear liquid $3.50 for one shot. The powder is much cheaper. Have you tried the unflavored power in a smoothy- I just mix the power, frozen fruit and what ever juice I have and mix it in the blender. I can't taste the protein powder at all. Also people tend to mix to much powder in at a time. Try a half a scoop instead of a whole scoop.

I have a lot of problems with cole slaw-same cabbage right? Have you tried to make the sauerkraut in rebeun soup? I can eat it in that.

This comes and goes with me. As long as your blood pressure is OK, I'd just ride it out ofr a while.

yeah, it's something most of us go through. With me it's the week before my period. I call it my big losing week! lol My doctor says it's OK. Some people have said that it bothers them so much they have to have unfills at that time. That seems extreme to me. And yes that is what restriction feels like only it's a bit to tight.

Sounds like you are going to do what you want anyway so good luck. I've been a rebel, too, BUT I didn't lose any weight and have been miserable. Recently I decided to follow all the rules and weight is falling off. If you can't play by the rules, don't get the band. It's to frustrating and then you'll be back here telling us all how much pain you are in and how little results you are seeing.

You and I started at the same height and same BMI we also have lost about the same amount and are wearing about the same size clothes. Let me tell you that it is not you who are playing head games but rather your friends. I am going through the exact same thing! Luckily I wasnt the frist of my friends to lose weight, another one lost before me. I hadn't seen her for a long time and I didn't get a chance to talk with her directly, but when I mentioned her weight lost to my other friends, they all were nothing but bitter!!! I couldn't believe their response to something that I thought was a positive. Based on that I knew they would never support my decision to get the band or make postive commments and I haven't gotten any. Even the skinny people don't like it when other people lose weight...not sure why. Your husband is the only one who counts and it sounds like he is noticing!!!! Congrats on your weight lost- Isn't it great to say goodbye to the size 20's and some of the 18's? I love trying on clothes I haven't been able to wear for years.. Pity Party on me anytime- I understand where you are at!

Thanks for the info! I feel better!

It took about 30 lbs and I still notice most people don't really want to comment. Jealous? I am just now really noticing for myself, mostly when I try on old clothes that didn't fit before. I didn't keep my surgery a secret so I guess that most people are just thinking it's not happening fast enough. Lot's of people expect the by-pass results. My husband always comments though and that's what counts!

Happens to me every month, doctor says it perfectly normal- some people have said its so bad they have to get an unfill every month, sounded extreme to me. It only lasts about 3 days and since I am not really hungry during that time, I love the weight lost. Just make sure you get your protein or you feel weak.

I think you'll be surprised at the the Bariatic Doctor says, they do this surgery all the time. You should be glad for the referral. I remember once I had a very painful knee and my GP recommended everything under the sun ( working out more, working out less, PT,pain medicine) I went to a knee surgeon and had it fixed the next week. They will be able to help you - might take a little work on your part to make the surgery safe- but it's worth it in the long run. Word of advice- Just do what your doctor requires of you. I read on here all the time where the doctor required 2 weeks of a liquid diet to get your liver size down but the person got so excited that they started the diet a month out. That is a lonnng time to be on a liquid diet so they cheat. Well duh, It's not like we are known for our willpower! lol

This is going to make anything you try easier. That said, it's not a magic bullet. I've been banded for 8 months and I KNOW that during that 8 months I would have put on another 5-10 lbs, instead I lost almost 40. I certainly haven't deprived myself of much and I have only recently hit what I would call my sweet spot but I know that without the band I would have been bigger. Now if you are ready to put in 1/2 of the effort you put into other diets, you know cutting back on sweets, exercising, etc you will lose even bigger and keep it off. If it feels like the band isn't helping, you call for a fill instead of throwing up your hands and grabbing something fattening to eat. That's the difference.

Relax, you'll be amazed how quickly that six months will go. You'll have all your pre-op appointments and you'll have time to read everything you can before you go into surgery. I was suppose to wait 6 months and somehow it got moved up to 4 months. I didn't ask questions! LOL In fact mine moved so fast I didn't have but one week for the pre-op liquid diet. POOR ME! Good luck and keep checking back here. This site has great info.