tztmama

I am still new (9/26/05) and have yet to find the "sweet spot" where I can eat without overeating. I am losing slowly (15 lbs so far) but struggle with dieting. I am tired of getting fills (4 so far) and want to "get on with losing now" without going to the dr. so often. I voted "not overall satisfied but would do it again".

I was taking Lexapro but still acted bitchy so I quit. I really couldn't tell any difference. If I don't start losing some pounds and find my "sweet spot" I just might need to get back on something! I am totally for taking them if they help. Life's too short to be unhappy!

I am losing slower on the band then on my liquid shakes. Liquid shakes are the fastest way to lose, for me at least. I am yet to get the restriction I need to lose at the rate of 2 or 3 pounds a week. I was banded 9/26/05 and here it is, almost three months later and i have only lost 15 pounds. I guess I should try yet another diet until i get some more fills.

I so wish we lived near each other! I guess you can tell that we all may "feel this way" most of the time or at least at various times in our lives. I just don't fit in either. I am a teacher and most of the other teachers know how to coordinate and accesorize and their hair and nails are always perfect. I have never been that way. I am doing good to get to work with my lesson plans half way thought out, much less choose clothes. My weight fluctuates so much I can't afford to buy wardrobes. I can't wait until this band and I are closer to goal. It won't change my personality or organization habits but, darn it, it will be easier to get dressed in the morning.

never considered it. I guess with the stretch marks for child-bearing i just figured now i would have a tic tac toe board.

If anyone remembers the Cambridge diet of the 80's, they have a powdered shake product that I use. It is still around all these years later and it is the only shake substance I can stick to because it tastes good. Three shakes provide all nutrients needed but since I love to eat, I have one shake in the morning and then regular food for the rest of the day.

Mines first name is Sil. Last name Icon.

I initally lost 12 pounds because I was on the liquid diet after surgery. Once I went back on solids and could eat, I gained 10 back. I just had my 4th fill and am finally losing again. I am about 13 pounds down now, total. I was banded on 9/26 so I have had quite a few fills in a relatively short time. It is soooo frustrating isn't it? I expected everyone to be in awe when they saw me this Christmas (okay, at least for them to say "are you losing weight?") but I have not lost enough to even tell. It will come, though. Have faith.

I saw a statistic that said 25% have problems with the band but not that they just flat out didn't lose. Interesting. Let us know if you hear anymore about this, okay?

Awesome! What a wonderful holiday gift for you and all who love you!

Hey, I had a BMI of about 38. I did the surgery because obesity killed my grandma and completely incapacitated my mother at the young age of 60 (diabetes/strokes)----- I care for her now as she is on hospice. I see everyday what is in store for me if i don't get a handle on this.

I have the big band so I had 5 cc's the first fill. It didn't hurt at all and I felt almost no restriction.

Update----------- I have had 3 fills since the initial "5cc for first fill". I am up to 7 cc and have pretty good restriction for now but I can tell I will need more. If I am not feeling major restriction at 220 lbs and at 7 cc's-------what wil it be like at 170 lbs.???? Dr. said the band losens as we lose weight. I am also afraid I will run out of room in the band.

The doctor acted like this was a lot. Is it? I still do not feel much restriction. I mean I ate a hot dog (yuk but I was at the movies) w/o the bun and drank 16 oz water. Should I make another appt to get more?

Debra, You sound soooo ready! I am very excited for you and wish you all the best as you journey toward a healthier you!

thank you so much for sharing your story. I am so discouraged because of gaining some of the weight back. I hope i will also have a happy ending like you!

Let's keep this line of communication open, please! I am so depressed lately because I feel little to no restriction. I got 5 cc on a VG band and am going back for more on Wed. I only had my first fill of 5 cc last Thursday. I can just feel that it isn't enough. I ate a hot dog and baked chips after the fill (bunless of course). While I waited in the dr. office to get my fill I was surrounded by women who had GBP and they had lost lots of weight and all looked so good! AAAGGGHHH! Lets keep in touch on this so we can help each other problem solve or vent.

Ewwwwwwww! No wonder they are still single. moms is probably the only one who'll put up with them.

SO sorry to hear about your loss. I can't help but think how lucky your dear grandma was to have you. I know................you were very lucky to have her but so many grandmas are very lonely people who are seen as a burden. To be a grandma and to have a grandaughter call ya a best friend is truly special in deed. Cry, sweetie, and then cry some more. It is good for you both. Soon you will think about her and find yourself smiling more than crying.

Right on, Jack! Each year we have a pow wow where we honor our warriors of all backgrounds!

Depends. If I am close to a personal goal I am butt nekid, first thing in morning and after I pee. If I am not close to a benchmark I just weigh in my nightie.

My dr. is pretty blunt. He said if I didn't feel restriction after my 5cc on a VG band to just come back in a week or so. He didn't say anything about the b and kicking in later but I know that has been the experience of other bandsters. I'm making my appt. on Tues and was just filled last Thurs.

You are not crazy or bitchy. The dr. was rude and condescending, sounds to me.

Great points! Can't wait to hear the responses. I still very new but what you say makes sense. I guess it is a choice between doing nothing and staying at current weight (or higher); gastric bypass which would probably have all the excess weight gone but with more risks and possible complications; or the band.

I am very frustrated with myself! After surgery I lost about17 pounds in a month. Then, I go out of town and eat more than I should. I got the Proteins in first like I was supposed to but there sure wasn't the best carbs around this tiny town. Ok. I could blame it on lots of things. Bottom line. I am not eating like I should and feel absolutely no restriction. I am putting a lot of faith in this "magical" fill I will get next week but have heard that it takes quite a few fills to get it to work. I guess I had two expections (unrealistic of course): 1. The band would do most of the work for me and 2. It woulld work right away. Seems lilke this journey is going to take longer than I thought and at this point I am not even sure I going to get very far down the road. Maybe I need to get back on diet pills or lexapro. Whhaaa Whaaaa AAAAAGGGH!