glorybee123

I was worried about not being able to use food as a comfort source, you know, eating to make myself feel better. Also about if the never-ending hunger would ever really go away (it did!)

I think it's normal to panic before surgery, especially when it's as life changing as the band. I don't regret being banded at all, in fact I wish I had done it years ago! You will be fine!

Nope, but have very little pain

Hi Sherry, Dr Groves is my doctor. He is great and has had lap band himself so he really understands what it is like. I had my surgery last january and have never regretted it, I would do it again in a heartbeat if I had to...it is SOOOO worth it! I just wish I had done it years ago.

This morning since it's Christmas, I ate a piece of bacon and then 20 min. later I ate half of a waffle with strawberries! Yum!

Of course it's possible to lose 100 pounds if you follow the rules like everyone has said. I think because of our age it might take a little longer than you would like. I cheat so I expect my loss to be slower than some but it's still SO WORTH IT!!!

I'm the same way, tighter in the mornings. I drink a protein shake in the mornings usually because I'm in a hurry and it just takes too long to eat. It's funny how each fill changes the things you are able to eat....it's like you never know until you try them.

I know of someone who was missing a year of proof. She submitted a dated photo of herself during that year that showed that she was not skinny. They accepted it and she got approved.

I think we are suddenly so cold because we have lost alot of our insulation! Apparently Fat can keep you pretty warm! I'll just bundle up and stay close to the heater!!

I'm just thinking... if you just got a fill yesterday, why are you already trying solid food? My doctor says only liquids for 48 hours after a fill, then be very cautious and start with mushies.

It took me until my third fill to really feel much restriction. They can't do it all at once so just do the best you can and practice all of the band rules in the mean time!

Thanks, it was really encouraging to see my progress actually written on paper, so I think it's a good thing to do.

OK so I'm going to brag just a little bit.....I measured myself just before surgery and now at almost 10 months out the comparison is astounding to me! I have gone from size 26 to an 18 and lost the following inches: neck- 3 upper arm-4 bust-6 bra band-4 waist- 7 1/2 hips-8 thigh-5 ankle- 1 1/2 wrist- 1 3/4 That's 40 3/4 inches gone from my body! I've even gone from a 10 wide shoe to a 9 medium! Has anyone else kept track of their inches lost?

Yes, this is restriction! Try your best to stick it out for 2 or 3 weeks and as you lose weight the band gets looser. Of course when it get looser you can eat more, therefore you stop losing weight. At least that's how it works for me. I too find that the band is tighter in the mornings so I drink a protein shake for breakfast. I do try to eat something for breakfast on the weekends so I won't get too bored with the shakes.

Wow 10 inches from your bra band! That's amazing!

Well they may be an aquired taste but I like the EAS Advantage soy protein. You can buy it at Wal Mart for around $9 so it is not a big investment. I like both the chocolate and vanilla mixed with skim milk. Buy a bullet or small blender to make them with, it's very handy.

I think you are feeling exactly what you are supposed to be feeling...restriction! After each fill my doctor demands only liquids for 48 hours, then you have to sort of do a mini start over with your eating.... mushies then cautiously moving on. You may not be able to eat the same thing you ate the week before that went down ok. If you try to ignore that feeling in your chest and continue eating you will find out what it feels like to be stuck, PB and all that stuff.

I used the drink packets multiple times a day up until my most recent fill. Now they give me heartburn so I have started sipping tea. I hope I can drink them again when the band loosens up again.

I have a protein shake made with milk on most mornings. My band tends to be tighter in the mornings ,it takes so long to eat and I'm usually in a hurry to get to work. I try to eat something on the weeknds so I won't get tired of the shakes.

I think older women do lose a little slower than younger women. I think we have had more years of yo yo dieting to screw up our metabolism. I'm also basing this on the fact that I have a friend in her early 40's banded one month before me that has lost at least 20 pounds more than I have. It may come off a little slower but at least it's coming off!

I think what you are experiencing is Reflux. Besides sleeping propped up, don't have anything to eat or drink for several hours before bedtime. If you also get heartburn with it, take an anticacid several hours before bedtime. If it keeps happening tell your doctor. Good luck!

I think almost everyone gets a bad case of nerves right before surgery. I don't regret getting the band. It's so much fun to watch the scale go down for a change!

I know where you are coming from as far as being frustrated about the slowness and the clothes. I've never been in the position before of having "temporary" clothes. I've been shopping at yard sales, thrift stores, clearance racks and several friends have given me clothes. You can try selling some of your nicer things on ebay to help with the expense of new clothes. Hang in there and just keep plugging away! We will get there someday!

Hey, Well if it is any comfort to you, I seem to be experiencing the exact same thing. When I get a fill I will lose 6 or 8 pounds then everything comes to a halt with weight loss. I always think that I could be doing much better if I didn't cheat some but can't seem to stop. I haven't lost anything for a month now but will be getting another fill next week. Just hang in there, it happens slower for some of us but at least it is coming off!

It has been explained to me that the reason the band gets looser after you lose weight is the fat around your stomach decreases so you gradually are able to eat more. That plus the fact that you stop losing lets you know that it is time for a fill. Sorry, I don't know too much about pouch stretching except you should try not to eat too much or drink carbonated drinks.