kozmic_tulip

I can see that OA has been used by fellow banders! (They do offer great information and support) Thanks to the internet, I am having some success finding OA organizations here in England, it's now down to finding one in my area. I wrote a couple of emails, fingers crossed that I'll hear back soon. I am struggling to keep a focus, I'm feeling very anxious. This has resulted in my loosing site of the positives in this journey I'm on. I suppose I need a good kick up the keester or sumpthin, it seems I'm falling and I can't seem to catch myself this time. And I don't know what to do to fix it. I don't know where to turn. I feel very alone....

With Overeaters Anonymous, it is not about diet but about controlling and identifying the 'head hungry triggers vs. stomach hungry' (and it is by donation, not a set fee, like diet clubs) In regards to diet, their only suggestion is to avoid sugar and white flour. The reason for this is they are known to trigger cravings. The don't suggest any food plans. The advantages are helping people to get through 'one day at a time' and take a personal journey to find out why food has such an emotional impact on their lives. And best of all, to come together and share expierences and give support. I like the bracelet idea, any thing to remind us why we are going through all of this. Visuals are a good reminder.

Hi Carrie Your post really hit me. I know what you’re saying about your relationship with food. It is very emotional for me too. But, is it just the food? At one point in my journey to be thinner and healthier, I joined Overeaters Anonymous, they have some terrific literature, I recommend it to anyone who wonders why they are obsessed with food (and it can be purchased on Amazon). I wish that I would have held on to some of the books now. You may find some insight in the information. You may find out why you feel like you do about food. The literature will suggest tools to get you into control and help you to focus on a new ways of thinking about eating and living. Perhaps you could even attend an Overeaters Anonymous meeting and find other peoples stories helpful in your pursuit. I don’t live in the states anymore, so meetings are no longer an option for me, (short of joining Weight Watchers, no thanks!) I really feel like I need others I could share my struggles with. This site does give me some fellowship, but a support group would really be a great comfort. I don’t know what I expected really. But, I guess I thought that after the surgery, I would take better control of my food than I have. You know, even writing this and admitting I am struggling to others really makes me feel like loads better. I sometime see what I need to do, but I don’t seem to find that ‘thing’ that actually makes me get up off my ass and do it! I feel scared sometimes, more so lately. I’m 47, this is like a last chance to still be young enough to enjoy life with out limitation, but yet I still allow myself to remian limited. I wish I understood why. Your right, doing it alone is down right hard, but remember...there is power in numbers. You don’t have to be alone. I wish you all the best!

AMEN TO THAT SISTA!!!!!!!!!!! :banana :banana :banana

I would like to share Carrie's mini turtle goal!! I would like to be 100(and something) no more 200+ GOOD ONE CARRIE!!!

Sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger, be sure to keep your Fluid levels topped up. If it seems like hunger at an inappropriate time, simply try a glass of Water first. Also, try and view the feeling of hunger as a positive feeling. there is no way you will starve to death or go mad due to hunger pangs, embrace them.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> When I visited my dietician, she emphasized that the band will not work if you choose to graze and really impacted the concept of three squares a day. She said if you don’t feel satisfied, simply increase your meal sizes (with healthy options) Your body will eventually adapt to the new habits you're trying to teach it. be patient and don’t let it get you down. And don’t forget...we're all here to support you!! <o:p></o:p> Best of luck! <o:p></o:p>

Yes, to echo what Vinesqueen has suggested, if getting through one day seems to big then try one hour. Anything to help keep you focused. And dont forget the NSV (God I love them!!) Best thing you have done is to share your delima here. The support this forum has to offer is worth all of the M&M's ever made!!! I find a little something in every post I read. Just keep on truckin Kel, you'll get there! Cheers!!

Thank you for your reply Jenny, I'll have a look on Yahoo UK and see what they may have to offer me, in my Quest. Best of luck to you Cheers!

OMG!!! i feel at home here now!! It is such a good feeling to know I'm not alone with this slow process... please count me in too!! (surgery 03 June, down 26 pounds as of 26 Oct, date of first fill) Fingers crossed this will change the current ranking of -26. I will do as vinesqueen has advised and start looking for some NSVs of my very own. You guys soooo rock!! Cheers

Hi banders!! I hope this post finds everyone well and finding successes on their road to the 'new you' I have been banned now since 03 June 2005. I just had my first fill on 26 October 2005. My process has been very slow because I was done under the NHS and not privately. Let me try to explain... After 2+ years to find a doctor who would hear my weight loss issues and refer me to a surgeon. I was finally approved for my surgery under the NHS. I then had to wait a further 18 months before the procedure was done (typical slow pace of the NHS) all this time was very trying but worth the long wait. I had my surgery in June and was at a plateau the end of July (down 26 pounds). I was happy with my loss at the time. I had a post-op visit with my surgeon about that time, and he said I was at a point now when I needed a fill. Well... I didn’t hear anything more for over a month. I then received a letter near the end of August with a date for a fill on 26 October. I was getting very discouraged by the time the 26th rolled around. I was really struggling to just maintain my loss, and I was worried I would soon start to put weight back on. Only, because, when I stress I have the urge to comfort eat and I was clearly starting picking up old, bad eating habits. Well, to cut to the chase and not to be too long winded, I was hoping to get a few replies back from fellow banders in the UK. I would most like to hear from others who have had their procedure done on the NHS rather than going privately. I feel if I had support from others whose situation is similar to my own, that we could help each other when we feel we are at low points in our journey. And possibly arrange to have support groups and meetings from time to time. I look forward to reading some replies soon (please don’t do me like the NHS has!) Thanks for listening Cheers!!

Hi fellow lap-banders! I have had my first fill, 26 Oct 05. And I think Prof Larvin (a fantastic surgeon) put in 4.5cc or 5.0cc. To be honest, I didn’t really notice anything that evening. But, yesterday and today!! HOLY SMOKES, I have been struggling to eat just a few bites before I am extremely uncomfortable (it is best described as a feeling of major acid-reflux) As the day has gone on, this feeling isn’t as bad as yesterday and hopefully, it will be better tomorrow. I have to say...This is all worth it in the end, because my food intake has reduced significantly and we all know that's a big part in weight loss is to reduce the quantity. Just be sure to include the quality as well, to keep yourself healthy and making smart choices!! I'm 26 pounds down with about 88 more to go. 1/5th and counting!! Best of luck to you all!!