SueAZ

Nickie thanks for sharing your story. It's a reminder to everyone whose lucky enough to reach their goal the fight continues long afterwards. I haven't been as good as I should have. Six months after getting the band I hit a wall. Have stayed there for over 7 months. I know that I haven't been playing by the bandster rules. I have to take control of my slider foods and get my ass in gear and exercise. I have been so lax at both. But still I'm glad I have the band I just need to remember how to use it.

That happens to me all the time. Usually I give myself about 5 -10 minutes then try really, really small bites. If I'm still uncomfortable I stop eating. I figure I don't have to worry about starving as I have enough excess fat that my body could burn.

There is a section here that is all about the sleeve. Some of the people have been banded but had complications. The are a good source of info.

It's always great to read success stories. This sure shows how finding a good doctor can be key.

You are probably due for a fill. After my second fill I can eat less and say satisifed for a while. That's what I was hoping for.

That would make it seem that it was meant to be. Save the money for your spending spree in the coming months.

Just being at the lowest weight in over 20 years is my victory. I'm still in the middle of my journey but since I haven't gained back the weight I consider it a success.

How were you uncomfortable? Unable to swallow? Or was it pain or aches? So soon after surgery most of us felt different. Make sure you really explain how you feel and hopefully the doctor is listening. We have to be our own best advocate.

I know what you are talking about. I's been just over a year for me with the band. I like what it has done so far. I haven't been at this weight for over 20 years and kept it from returning. That's not to say I don't have lots more to go. I to, have a problem with what my stomach needs to be full and what my HEAD thinks I need. I also have done a few days of liquids only. I did think that it helped. I thought I had stretched my pouch. I just have to remember Protein first then other foods. But not more than 1 cup total. (that's really hard sometimes but not always) Good luck to you.

You are lucky to have a choice in surgeries. You need to investigate both types of surgery. Talk to as many people as possible. After that one surgery will probably seem better for you. Talk to the surgeons and make sure they are experienced. That alone is an important factor. This is a major decison take your time and do your homework. Best of luck.

I would take it as like a HIGH 5. It was encouragement and I think you should take it in the spirit it was probably givin. I think it was nice.

Such a great success story for me to read. Being 10 months out I'm such a slow loser. It keeps me going knowing that the light is somewhere in the tunnel I just have to keep plugging along.

I'm heading over to Europe to but will not be visiting family so I don't have to worry about that. I will see friends though and they remember me and chocolate. They seem to want to feed us at every turn. So when the food issue comes up I'm just saying that I had stomach surgery and are restricted now according to doctors orders. Everybody understands medical reasons. It's not like you are refusing food you are just making the good choices you know you should. If you feel that without the unfill you will be upset or worried all the time by all means reduce the current fill and not stress out on your vacation. I've been on 2week cruises with my current fill of 6cc. Never had a MAJOR problem. Somestimes still the mind over rules the stomach and I pay big time for it. One hell of a reminder.

That's one of the reasons I keep coming back to this forum. So many of us have similar experiences and it is SO NICE to know I'm not the only one. We can face the fact that most of us slip up from time to time. But the sucess of many keeps me motiviated. And at least I haven't gained it back. (Big Sigh)

ChaCha, It's been 8 days after the third shot. The only differenceI see is that my knee doesn't swell and feel as tight. But still have pain after walking for about 15 minutes. Will probably go for the replacement soon.

Summ08, Okay where are you going? I can't wait I leave for mine on April 8. I'm going to see the pyramids at last maybe ride a camel too. Then off to Italy and check out the cities there. It will be different cause usually I am in the caribbean. I love the caribbean. Enjoy your time.

Plain, I am so glad you posted. I am taking that advice from the old bandster, eat slowly till you are no longer hungry. That makes so much sense to me. I am having a hard time with portion control. I focus on how much I use to eat and think that what I eat now isn't enough. (wrong) It's such a mind game for me right now.

Boy I could have started this thread too. I have been at the same weight pretty much for over 5 months. I haven't exercised much (bad knees) but still I should be swimming or bike riding I guess. I can't complain because I have forgotten the main bandster rules. I have enjoyed the loss of half my weight and think for some reason that rest should just magically fall off. But I still like the band because without it I would have gained it all back by now. It's time for a small fill and recommit to the bandster rules.

Don't do a fill before the cruise. Allow at least 3 weeks if you do. Better yet get one after the cruise. Oh you will love your cruise. I am a cruiseaholic and have been on 4 since being banded. Suggestions would be take some crystal light on the go packs. If you like ice tea most ships have them available all day at their buffet resturants. At sit down dinner it's hard to just order the entree, but try or else you can over eat. Sometimes salad seems okay but it's easy to over eat watch out for the bread bowl.(my down fall) At the buffets remember Protein first, there is always lots of choices for protein. Good luck and enjoy.

Jaffa Steve: My surgeons office had no eating plan to follow after surgery. All that was said was 1/2 cup protein and 1/2 cup veggies. Drink 60 + ounces of water. The nurse here doesn't want us to use ANY sugar subsitute. No crystal light, no splenda, no diet foods and no fruit juice and she's not crazy about protein shakes. I have stalled on my weight loss and need to try eating differently. I have 6cc in a 10 band and don't really want another fill because I do have some restriction and I'm afraid that another fill would have me PB'ing. That is no fun. So that's the reason for me.

Jenn Thanks for posting. I am motivated now to go back to WW. I think I need more structure with food. I feel like the food issue isn't addressed enough at my surgeons office. I would have liked a food plan to follow. Like others I have had sucess in the past with WW but could not maintain it. A new challange ahead.

Cha cha, I am trying one of the knee bands with magnets in it. Didn't think much of it but a friend loved it. Ordered one 12 dollars put it on yesterday after swiming. Didn't really look like much at all. Have to say it did feel better and went bike riding later. Will give it a try again today while walking. That usually has me in pain after 30 minutes.

Monday will be the third shot for me. I haven't felt any difference which was disappointing to me. The drs say it may take up to 6 weeks to feel a difference. When did you notice a diference. I'm looking at knee replacement if there is no change. Here I thought if I lost weight it would go away. Oh well I'm glad some of the weight is gone.

I have been struggling lately and think I will take out my old WW program and try the flex system too. I need more structure at this point. I think it's a good idea.

I don't know how bad Fosamax is but have you tried putting it in something else. I was taking protein shots and would put them in grape juice to hide the flavor. Maybe a thicker drink of milk shake (don't go crazy) can be mixed with it. Good luck.