new_me_2008

I have had challenges but more centered on my emotional health. It sure is rough to lose my favorite vice (binging) I underestimated the impact. My band is wonderful - I'm losing slow but steady and have never pb'd so I'm so happy. Hope you all the best.

wow! Congratulations!

My work requires a lot of travel and some to 3rd world countries. I went to India 4 weeks to the day after banding. In addition, I have been to all parts of Asia with no issue. I carry my dr's card, my American express (for their global assist program) and an intl cell phone just in case but I never had any issues. Good luck - don't let anything delay you getting the band - its the best thing ever!

Bloo Eyes - thanks for your posts - you eat just like me and your loss is so impressive. yesterday: B-Gladiator protein shake (homemade) 45G protein L-Zone Protein bar S-small activa yogurt D-1 pork rib, 1 peice of lettuce w/cherry tomatoes and ranch S- 4 dark chocolate covered macadamia nuts

I am at exactly 6 and feeling good. For me sweet spot = no obsessing about food (biggest bonus) lack of real hunger small meals no problem weightloss of 1.5 pouns per week For others, sweet spot includes PB'ing and inability to eat many things but for me I can still eat anything I want and I have yet to PB. I am so happy (once I learned to accept that losing 1.5 pounds per week is fine) that this spot is SWEET to me! p.s. I also am prepared that this may/will change over time and that this sweet place may only last a while.... I LOVE my BAND!

THANKS for your words of wisdom! I know that everyone is different and that the sweet spot can be described in many ways - I really appreciate your thoughts. Travelgirl- thanks - I have prepared myself that this is a 'flexible' journey and that what works now (food, exercise, #of ccs) may change over time. This is sweet feeling and I hope it lasts a looooong time. I LOVE my BAND!

Weird question I know but hear me out. I have had 3 fills and although I am eating much less than before, I have never PB'd or come even close. What I am experiencing is a complete lack of desire for food which is great becuase all cravings are gone and I am finally just eating to fuel my body. I was a typical grazer and binger, so this is a truly unique experience for me. In addition, the weightloss is speeding up. My Dr will fill every two weeks and I cancelled a fill for this morning becuase I am trying to decided what to do next. Next fill is already scheduled for 1/28 Since things are going well should I stay the course or should I continue toward the 'sweet spot' defined by ability to only eat a few bites per meal? I am so satisfied with my lack of hunger and cravings that I am on cloud nine.

Wow Sue - I am impressed with your dedication to exercise. I know that is what I need to do to really start losing!

I get my fill every 2 weeks. I am feeling more restriction now but still need another fill in search of the sweet spot. Good job on your 10 pounds!

...where does it hurt? It is most likely the gas settling and should pass soon. Take your pain meds.

Welcome to banster hell- put that in the search bar - you will see that you are not alone.

Hi everyone. I used thedailyplate.com to track my calories and I loved it. I got myself the bodybugg for christmas and now I use that I I love it too. I am down to almost 25 pounds lost - with tomorrow as my 3 month bandiversary - I am so happy. I am 1/3 of the way there! Woo HOO!

Thanks for asking this - I am going to Cabo and Maui over the next two months and I wondered the same thing. I am planning on hitting the beds next week.

I like the pineapple banana too - sometimes it is a little too strong for me so I cut it with Water - tastes pretty good. If you have a smoothie king store near you go in and try the Gladiator shake - it comes in choc or vanilla and is 180cal with no carbs no fat and 45G of Protein...it is awesome, I usually hate those shakes, but this has worked wonders for me. Smoothie King is awesome as you can buy a shake - see if you like it - then buy the powder for home. good luck

Rain - Don't give up - just put one foot in front of the other. I rely on your posts for motivation and I am so impressed with your loss so far. This is a bump in the road - you will soon be back to posting your wonderful NSV's!

Tracy - you rock! I am so happy for you. What was the need for the unfill?

I use Gladiator chocolate Protein powder from smoothie king - it is 45g of protein and 180 calories, no fat, no carb. Mix with Water and there is no gritty taste. It is my breakfast m-f. My dr said not to drink my calories either (I think he meant soda, starucks, etc) but I told him at my last fill and he seemed to be happy about the protein.

What type band do you have? How filled are you? How much did you have to lose in the first place? I am just starting out and can definately see how one can eat around the band. If I was not watching it and exercising it would not be so helpful.

steph - thanks for the taking the time to post - it is rewarding to hear of your success.

Same story here - researched this for the last 4 years or so and was too scared to talk to my hubby so I chickened out. Finally mentioned it to him in September and two weeks later I was banded - can not believe I waited so long!!! DO IT!!! Love the band!

Kago - you never said how much you were filled? My dr wont put more than 1cc per fill - so that is why it is taking some time. I am at 6cc out of 10cc and I feel different than before but never really close to a PB. I am definately eating less and seeing some improvement - but wish it was a little faster. BTW, I can eat aything just fine, I am just going with smaller portions and LOTS of Protein. Next fill - Jan 14

good idea to wait....we are headed to Maui in March too and I dont want to get a fill too soon before....let us all know how the trip goes. P.S. anyone ever tan their scars? wonder what happens - do they get more noticable?

denise - thanks for the encouragement. Today I started something new, I had a south beach bar for Breakfast (20G protein) then egg salad for lunch and then around 3 pm I had a Protein shake (45G protein) ...now it is 7pm and I have barely been able to get dinner of oatmeal down. Maybe this fill is kicking in - it has been a week today. I have also done yoga and pilates in the last two days. I have a felling that I will be like you - slow slow and then a loss then slow slow again. I dont care, really, as long as I am going down!

I am in AZ too. I told only 3 people to avoid other peoples expectations. I feel like most people are used to seeing me gain weight so even when I was 5 pounds down most people were shocked.

I used Dr.Nirmul and really liked him. I was self pay.