Paula08

Congrats on your up and coming surgery. I drank diet pepsi before surgery and thought it would be hard to give up but it was not at all. I have tried it since surgery and it just doesnt sit well with me anymore so I no longer desire it. I have found a drink that is similar to Crystal Lite which I buy at Walmart and comes in Grape, Orange and Cherry that I now drink all the time. It is sugar free with no calories. As for coffee I am bad, I drink a cup a morning. I watch all I eat and work out regularly and with that I have had great success. My husband is even thinking about doing the surgery now. I wish you the best of luck. Keep us posted on your journey Hugs Paula

Gaila, I am 40 and was banded 3/18/08. I started working out at the gym in Jan08 and now have lost 45 pounds so far. The band is the best thing that ever happened to me as I have used many many weight loss diets and always regained the weight back over time. Not to mention I would struggle with weight loss each time after losing about 30 pounds which was never enough. I feel as though the band has given my back control of my life. I feel healthier then ever and have more energy. I use to worry all the time about what my weight was doing to my body and now all I think about is how my body is changing into a healthier me who will be around along time to come. Do as much research as you can and find what works the best for you personal needs. For me I would do the band a million times over. Hugs Paula

I used sugar free hard candies when I found I was struggling on my liquid diet. It sure was a treat. Good luck

Dustydolls, I am so happy for you. I too have three kids and struggled with weight after children. I would lose weight just to regain it all back. I remember the first time I read reviews on the band and I knew it was for me from that moment on. It was a challenge getting through all the insurance stuff but i can tell you it was worth every minute of it. I was banded 3/18/08 and have now lost 45 pounds. I go up and down a pound but never more and continue to lose regularly. The band is the best thing that I have ever done for myself and for my family because now I will be around a lot long. I have even started going to the gym since Jan 08 in prep for my surgery and I love to go even to today. You may want to start some kind of exercise program as well because I think it helps you recover faster. Wish you the very best and hope it goes quickly for you. Dont let the insurance stuff get you down. Hugs Paula:thumbup:

I lost a 5 gallon jug of Water or an average human leg and a rack of baby back ribs.... Well I never thought of it this way but it sure is funny

Just before my surgery I over heard my doctor telling someone that if they didnt lose weight he would not do the surgery because he wanted to know they were serious about it. The band is a tool not a fix all. I know that dieting is very hard and sometimes you need a break from it. Thats ok so now you should just try to do a little better next time. Dieting is day to day. Wish you the best of luck.

The band is the best thing that I have ever done for myself. I have tried dieting over and over and would successfully get about 30 pounds of then crash and gain it back. Now, with the band I have lost 43 pounds and keeping it off. I love my band it is changing my life, I feel healthier , look better and workout regularly at a gym now. My band is a tool and with its help I can now achieve success in getting this weight off permanently. I didn't put all this weight on over night and I am in it for the long haul to get it off. Hang in there!!! Keep your chin up and move those legs as often as you can. Hugs Paula

If you have lost twenty pounds in 6 weeks that is fabulous. My doctor say two pounds a week is good, it is also healthy. I would just schedule another fill in a few weeks so that you have an appointment ready if you need it. Are you still lossing weight right now?

My doctor suggests only eating 800 calories a day. I struggle to stay under everyday. The only way I can stay under is eating mostly protein drinks all day and one real meal. How do you stay at 800?

I bet your losing weight well though. Make sure you get those Proteins in and keep your fingers crossed for a little loosening. I wish you the best but I doubt you need it. your personality seems to be right on the mark, all positive. Hugs Paula

Yippy, I too can wear regular sizes and I cannot remember the last time I was able to say that. I have now lost 43 pounds since Jan 08. I was banded 3/18. I love the changes in my body and look forward to even more. I feel better, I look better and I am so much more healthy, what is not to love about the band. I also loved the comment about wanting to be 180 pounds and then as time passed she changed her goal to 135. Now, I cannot wait for so much success that I too can realistically set a lower weight goal for myself. With the band anything is possible.

Before and 2 Months After

BEEHawk, Your weight loss is incredible...Keep it up and you will hit your goals quickly...:behindsofa::thumbup:

You should be so very proud of your accomplishments so far. You have lost a lot of weight on your own and you are very close to meeting your goal so don't give up. Your pay off is getting that band on and it is worth it! Hang in there and pat yourself on the back for staying with it. You will meet your goals.

I turned the BIG 40 in March. I got my band as birthday present to myself to celebrate and its the best gift I have ever given myself. I look forward to forty and beyond now, because me and my band are in better health and will continue to get healthier everyday. I am no longer in Womens clothing and can actually wear normal sizes and my clothes fit looser every week. My friend (the band) has given my back my life and Im not gonna waste a moment worrying about how old I am. I feel better today then I have in twenty years!!!!!! Watch out world the band has unleashed me......

I am so impressed with everyones weight loss. You are doing a fabulous job, and I know it takes more then will power so keep up the great work.

Pack yourself some New Whey 42 gram of protein and Ostrim Beef jerky snacks 14 grams of protein and they travel well. You must chew, chew though.

I found a brand called Pirates Booty at Costco. It is a popcorn that doesnt have the kernals and it taste great. It has white cheese flavor on it and is reasonable for calories. You should check it out if you love popcorn and are worried about getting it stuck.

I am a DD right now and I have been loosing in my upper portions already. If it gets to the point that I have saggy, droopy, floopy boobs I will have to consider having a lift kit and raise them to the roof too.

Jan. 08- 262 June 08 - 219 banded 3/18/08

Julie, Congrats on your weight loss and Happy Anniversary.... You give the rest of us hope.

My doctor has just asked me to stay under 800 calories a day after he did my first fill. I was banded 3/18 and have lost 26 pounds since surgery. I did have a three week plateau just before my first fill where I didn't loose any weight. Just wondering how many calories everyone else is getting that keeps them loosing????? Hugs Paula

Friends, I was banded on 3/18/08 and have lost 26 pounds. My problem is that I have not lost any wieght in the last three weeks. I am watching what I eat and getting in all my protein. I also go to the gym three days a week for an hour minimum each time. I think I have hit a plateau and I dont know what to do. Struggling to stay motivated....Help.

Well Friends, I got my first fill last Wednesday and now i have lost another 3 pounds after not lossing for three weeks. My doctor told me that 900 calories was too much and that I needed to stay under 800 for now on so that is what I am trying to do. I am pretty successful staying under for the most part but some days I have gone slightly over. what are your doctors suggesting for caloric intake??

I would just like to add that I track all the food/calories/protein I eat everyday. I stay under 900 calories on most days. I do go over once in awhile. I can eat about a cup to a cup and a half at each meal. I do get full much quicker then before but I think I could use a little more restriction. I am scheduled for a fill on Wednesday this week.