ljones4521

I don't have a fill (have 1.5cc in my band but that is only because the band would not fit around my stomach) and I have lost 25lbs. Probably could have been more but I haven't been to the gym in about 6 wks and been involved in a lot parties (cakes and ice cream). I am finally back on my regular diet and hope to start losing again.

the best me, You could be right. Starvation can cause desperation and frustration.

I second the advice to get counseling. It sounds as if the mental state of the poster is questionable. Depression/frustration can be dangerous for some.

I remember posting a few months ago about starvation mode. I was truly in starvation mode because I wasn't getting enough calories! Imagine that. Here I am obese and I wasn't taking in enough calories. At any rate I think I upped my calories to about 1100 and I have been fine since then. My weight loss is slow but I am losing now. I have lost 24lbs so far. I feel completely normal, I like the size of my plate, I am somehwhat (not today) pleased with my food choices and I am learning everyday. Maybe it's the diet. This can be tricky for us to figure out.

MelAnne, I don't know what to write. I can't say I understand, because I really do not. I am really sorry this has affected your outlook and in generally has you so upset. I do hope you stay with it. I agree that lowering your food intake (particularly breads, Pasta, chips, sodas etc.) and increasing your physical exercise will cause weight loss.

I was banded December 12, 2005 in Acuna, MX. I have lost 24lbs to date so far. A little slow, but I have never had a fill, so I think it is pretty good. I currently have 1.5cc in my band, but my doctor explained this is not restriction. I had to have the fill at the time of surgery to help the band stay around my stomach (there wasn't enough fat around the stomach). I called yesterday to make an appointment for July 12 to get my first fill.

Hi Ellieroo, I just got on for July 12, 11:00am. I hope this is not a mistake. I haven't had a fill yet, so I hope I don't mess up what has been a pretty uneventful journey.

Cool Beans!

Joe, Have you found anyone other than the doctor in Frederick?

Mindi, Do you know if Dr. Brody accepts patients banded out of the country?

MelodyJ, May I suggest when you go for those 'couple more bites' that you stop and ask yourself if you are satisfied. If you are satisfied, then don't consume those last couple of bites. This is what I do when I want to snack. I stop and talk to my stomach. Most of the time I realize I am not hungry. I am just reaching for the grapes becasue they are there and everyone else is reaching. (I did not employ this strategy while on vacation :-( BTW I am down to one snack a day. Two months ago I was at 2 or 3 Snacks a day. I think this strategy for snacking has helped to get me down to once a day. Hopes this helps. Thanks for the encouraging words. I use the other strategy for my 3 main meals a day (saucer and one servign only)

Barbara, That's a great idea and that saves me some money! Will try this first.

OH, NO!! I love chicken wings. Absolutely addicted. Actually, I think it might be my underwire bra. All day yesterday I noticed how it was irritating me. When I sit down the underwire sort of puts pressure on my rib cage. I think this migt be the problem. It did this twice yesterday and I unhooked the thing. If I continue to be uncomfortable, then I go to the store and purchase a new one. I will keep you guys posted. Just in case any other bandsters experience similar complications.

When I was banded the doctor had to put in 1.5cc to secure the band in place. He said there wasn't any fat around my stomach so the band was too loose (I think he used the smallest one). I have never had a fill. For this reason, the strategy I use is to prepare my food on a saucer. I don't allow the food to overlap into the decoration. I eat what is on the saucer. I don't ever ask myself if I am satisifed. I am trying hard to re-train myself to want just what is on that saucer. Seconds really aren't an option. Now, I am ususally satified. Sometimes I feel a little stuffed. When this happens I take a look at what I was eating (ususally beef). I serve myself much smaller portions of beef now. My main focus is not to listen to my stomach but instead have my stomach listen to me. If I should ever lose my band I don't want my stomach to start screaming more food and I continue to give it more. Does that make any sense? Forgot to mention, I also sort of plan my meals. Nothing too elaborate. For instance last night I decided I would have an omlette this morning. Now I have decided that for lunch I will a little chicken breast with a salad, for dinner medley of vegetables (green, yellow, red bell pepper with a little sausage).

Hi Everyone, The last few days I have been 'noticing' my band. Never before did I notice it, heck weeks have gone by and I had completely forgotten about the surgery. Well, the last few days things have changed. A few days ago I felt some sort of burning just above the big scar in the middle. My port used to be below this scar but now it is above due to some weight loss. I can feel my port through my skin very easily now. So, I think it was the port or maybe some of the saline slipping out. ??... The last few days I have also noticed that when I get in my van to drive I feel uncomfortable. Not pain, just uncomfortable. I reach behind me and unbutton my bra. This seems to help a lot. All day today this happened. When I just got home it seemed like I had a recurring throb just under my left rib cage. I timed the frequency of the 'pain'. Again, it is not painful, but whatever it was was definitely noticeable. I took a few pillows and sort of hyperextended my back. The discomfort has stopped. I am not sure if this actually helped or if the episode has run its course??..?? BTW I had eaten before this episode started. I had a bite of one chicken wing, 2 bites of pudding, 2 bites of a chicken finger and a cup of coffee. None of these would have gotten caught in my band. The chicken was chewed very well (finally has become habit). At any rate, please share. If you have had complications or episodes of discomfort, will you please share your experience. I feel relieved the throbbing has stopped but am scared to death this might be an indication of something worse to come. I am going to do liquids for the next two days. Here are the times. They indicate how much time passed between each throb. <TABLE style="WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=64 border=0 x:str><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 48pt" width=64><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #e0dfe3; BORDER-TOP: #e0dfe3; BORDER-LEFT: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right width=64 height=17 x:num>28</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #e0dfe3; BORDER-TOP: #e0dfe3; BORDER-LEFT: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right height=17 x:num>25</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #e0dfe3; BORDER-TOP: #e0dfe3; BORDER-LEFT: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right height=17 x:num>60</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #e0dfe3; BORDER-TOP: #e0dfe3; 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JessieBear, That is absolutely fantastic! FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC!

He performed my surgery. I haven't had any complications with the exception of today (I am having a dull throb that comes and goes. Not sure why or what it is. The last two days I have been loosening my bra when I have been sitting in the car for too long). If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer.

Hi Robin, My apologies for responding so late. I thought you had forgotten about me and then I was cleaning up the bathroom (new addition) and discovered my package. The boys and I had gone to Georgia for Easter and a well deserved vacation. During that time my package arrived and my husband set it out of the way (we are also remodeling the kitchen as well as adding a bathroom) and forgot about it. I love the picture frame! It is so cheery. It really does a nice job of brightening up our drab classroom. Thanks so much for thinking of me. Lisa

I can't wait to use the two when I go out with my husband. He embarrases easily. I am litterally crying I laughing so hard. My husband is going to think I have really gone crzay. I already ask for my fries cooked dark like me (well that's when I used to eat fries). Thanks so much for picking up my day. Order Diet Water With A Serious Face Whenever You Go Out To Eat. 11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "to Go."

Theresa, I litterally fell out laughing when I read you challenge. How insightful! I am going to keep this on my mind tomorrow when I start to crave my daily chicken drumstick or chicken wing.

I too can make it.

3 coconut shrimp 1/2 cup ceasar salad 2 chicken drumstick 1/2 plum stuffed green squash or zuchinni (not sure which) - stuffed with ground beef, sauteed bell pepper (red & green), onion, tomatoes

I was banded 12.12.2005 and only PB'd 2 times. The first time was on yuca (I'd actually forgotten I was banded) and then on a piece of sausage. Chewing well is now a habit so I guess that is why I haven't done it any more.

Congratuuuuulations Theresa! I guess that walking is paying off. Yesterday I tried on an old pair of jeans but I wasn't as successful as you. Sooo happy for you! You are an inspiration.

Thanks for posting. I have never had a fill. Was wondering what really went on during the appointment.