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I haven't lost anything in the past week or so, so you are in good company. It often takes several fills to get where you want to be. One doesn't usually do it. I am on pureed/soft foods until 9/4, then I wait another month for my fill, 10/2. Patience and faith are the things we need around now. As Jessie Ahroni says when we worry that the band won't work for us even though it does for nearly everyone, "Don't worry. You just aren't that special!" :cursing:

Mistymoon, I agree with you completely. Between learning the band existed and knowing immediately it was right for me, and getting my surgery, it was close to a year. -- Allowing for a change of insurance companies. I spent that time on the smartbandster list, listening, learning, finding out what was required of me and the ups and downs I could expect. I was impatient at first, wanting it yesterday, but then I realized I could get a head start right at that very moment. I started practicing good habits, good food choices, tiny bites and chewing. I worked to lose as much weight as I could beforehand to shorten my journey and make the surgery as easy a possible for the surgeon and for me. By the time they wheeled me in for surgery, I didn't have a doubt in my mind about my course of action. I was truly ready in every sense of the word. So from my point of view, the wait is a blessing if you allow it to be. :smile2: Orea

Congratulations, Dionna!! What a thrill! Orea:thumbup:

I used to have that butterfly heart. I wonder where it flew off to? I must admit I didn't even notice it was missing! Thanks for the heads up! Orea

Congrats on your first fill! I won't get one until October. Oh, well. Orea

You can do it!!!! I'm pulling for you! :wink2:

Congratulations on two pounds tossed forever! :-D

I tried the Bariatric Advantage watermelon multi and chocolate calcium chewables and I really despise them. My stomach objects. I switched to Viactiv for the calcium and "All One" Vitamin and Mineral powder, which my sister has used and loved for years. I mix it in with one of my protein shakes for now. I can taste it but it doesn't bother me.

You'll have a better chance of losing if you choose lean Protein and produce for your meals. Or high Fiber foods like Beans or lentils. Orea

I didn't lose too well with South Beach, but I realize now I ate too much cheese and too many nuts and other high fat things. I didn't think so at the time! :thumbup:

When you have a craving for something specific, you know it's your head and not true hunger. Which leads me to another motto I got from my mentor: If hunger isn't the problem, food isn't the answer! She would go on to ask you, what emotion are you trying to dull or numb with those foods? It's amazing what can come up when we stop anesthetizing ourselves.

Thanks for the info! I need to get myself some! --Orea

The first six weeks are really about healing, not losing. Hang in there! Even if you gain a few pounds, it won't be permanent, it won't be a failure on your part, and it won't be the end of the world. We're back to needing patience! This isn't as fast a trip as bypass, but it is far safer. Speaking of which, my 25 year old son was here briefly, and this morning he said, "This is going to sound funny, but thank you to you and Dad for being alive! The father of a friend of mine just died of a heart attack." So, let's all remember not to take it for granted that we are alive and kicking...and getting healthier every day. Hugs, Orea

Actually, 1-2 pounds a week is perfect. That's what most bandsters can achieve. It may not seem like much to you right now, but in a year that is 50-100 pounds! Done in a healthful manner. On top of losing weight, we get to cultivate patience, too! :biggrin: (It's a rare and wonderful life skill!) Orea

Congratulations!! Don't forget to update your ticker! Let us know what your doc has to say. :biggrin:

Thanks! Keeping the faith and sticking to it is the key to success. If we do this, we cannot be denied! :biggrin2::biggrin:

Just a scoop of unjury and 1% milk. Sometimes I blend in half a banana, or add some DaVinci SF syrup to make it interesting. Orea

I'm not a teacher...yet! But it runs in my family. My mom was a wonderful first grade teacher for many years. The sixth grade teachers in her school could tell which students were hers, because they read so much better than the others. (still a proud daughter!) Two weeks out and I am still feeling some restriction. Long may it last. :biggrin: Off to have my last Protein shake and head for bed. <yawning> Hugs, Orea

That's good to hear. Glad it went so well. :-) Orea

How about getting some soft foam earplugs to take along? And asking if you could possibly be in a room farther away from the noise? I won't pretend sleep studies are fun, but they are important to your future health and happiness, and will even contribute to your weight loss success. :Banane37: Good luck! Orea

Mistymoon, here's the thought that helps me make the good decisions: Am I trading what I really want, for what I want right now? And you might take a moment to consider how you feel about yourself when you are straying. Does it make you respect yourself? Does it make you feel proud? Does it make stepping on the scale more rewarding? Now contrast with how you felt when you were doing it right, respecting the rules, and losing. As for those carbonated beverages... Ask yourself if it is worth ruining a $17,000 investment to drink this. And is it worth being obese for the rest of your life? I don't know about you, but I have never drunk anything so good, that it is worth returning to my state of utter misery and despair. It's all a mind game. You can change your thoughts and go all the way to goal! Hugs, Orea

That really does merit a YAHOOOO! :crying: Terrific news! Orea

I'm not familiar with the spinach dip. Is it high in fat?

Generally speaking, our insides, particularly our stomachs are protected by mucus membranes, or the stomach would digest itself! Papaya enzymes are very gentle, as you can tell when you taste them. I wouldn't worry. The hospital course I took recommended it and even required I buy some along with my supplements before the end of the course. There was no warning at all about that. None at all. I think someone was pulling your leg. Orea

Thanks, Joiful! Good luck with your fill tomorrow. :-) Let us know how it goes.