KelinTx

Thank you all for your kind words. In answer to one of the above questions.......no i will not unfill my band because that would enable me to eat more. Ill keep on getting tiny fills to maintain a good level of restriction untill they tell me they can not fill me anymore.

I hit my 200lb loss mark today so i thought i would share some photos. I have decided to lower my goal. Not sure to what yet though.

At this stage of the game for me.......i just want to get to the place where i am considered not to be overweight.

I see no difference in mine at all. I have four and none of them has taken a turn for the worse after a huge weight loss.

In response to the question regarding feeling the same sense of satisfaction after eating as you did pre-band. I can answer that with a definite NO. I stop eating either because of pressure or pain or the portion size i have doled out is gone.

Would love to see some pictures Becky. You have done so amazing!

I have the large VG band and currently am filled to 9.2 cc. I have very good restriction. My band works perfectly it does exactly what it needs to do.

I think i must of had a half inch fat pad on the soles of my feet or something that i lost cuz i seem to have shrunk! And my internal thermostat is now set at ARTIC ZONE because im always freezing. Saves a bundle on paper towels from not having to lug them around everywhere to wipe a sweaty brow from the mere exertion of moving my 359 lbs around. Oh and my legs now get tan evenly being as the upper portion of my thighs now see the sun because my large belly is not shading them.

I have had amazing success with the Curves workouts! I joined last November. When i was measured there last month i had lost 15 or 17 total inches since joining (sorry i forget the exact measure). Everyone is super friendly and never have i felt self conscience. Granted it may not be hard-core enough for some but it does give you a work out.

My band is filled to 9.2 cc, i currently have great restriction. I don't use the term "sweet spot" because over time my restriction always lessens as i lose weight. I will say as my band gets fuller the restriction does last longer as does the time frame between fills.

WTG MissBS you are doing fantastic! Onederland here you come!

Sounds like you are really motivated, WTG! and congrats!

I eat because i am a food addict. I LOVE FOOD. Food for me is the same as alcohol or drugs or cigarettes are for some. The reason the band has worked amazingly well for me is that it physically stops me in my tracks from being able to over indulge in my addiction. Does it stop me from wanting to eat (aka head hunger) HELL NO. Does it stop true hunger, not for me, what the band does is allow me to eat a small portion that is just enough to satisfy the real hunger and be done.

I am 2 1/2 yrs banded and i have a water with protein powder and a protein shake each morning. There is no way i can get all my protein in without them. They also work out great being as im super restricted till mid afternoon, curbs the hunger in a big way. Any medication i may take i crush to powder form before even attempting to take it.

What a great post, very comical. Hope it gets lots of reads!

Any type of carbonated beverage is not recommended after lap band surgery, including soda, diet soda, beer, and carbonated water. Lap band surgeons will advise you to avoid carbonation because it has the potential to stretch the stomach pouch and cause distention underneath the band. That was copied and pasted directly from the lap band surgery.net

I can still eat anything that i ate pre-band. In extreme moderation of course. I am filled to 9.2 cc (very restricted) but i can still eat what i want only very little of it.

The South Beach bars are very good, high in protein, filling and would be a breeze to pack. Im sure you will be able to find many things to fit into your food plan no matter what country you may happen to visit, i would not fret over it.

I did not see any mention of the amount of pounds you intend to lose. That is the major thing with the loose skin issue. Age and exercise levels also play a major key. A younger persons skin will have more elasticity, and of course the more you exercise the better off. You stand a better chance of avoiding the sagging skin ordeal if you need to lose under 100 lbs. Anything over that and as sad as it may be excess skin will most likely be an issue. But at least you can have it removed if you so desire.

Holy Moley thats amazing!! I bet you feel great.

I purchased a new work out top yesterday and was modeling it for my husband to get his opinion on if it looked ok. His response was.........its to long and covers to much of you and proceeded to tell me that i look better in the smaller skimpier work out tank tops! OMG ME, i can quite honestly tell you i NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SEE THE DAY!!!!

Way to go DAB..... what amazing progress, i give you a big standing ovation!

I guess my ultimate question is.....Were you not given any post-op diet instructions? Any literature at all regarding your after care and what is permissible to have during each of the post-op phases? If not call your surgeons office and ask for some, if so follow what they have given you. The dietary restrictions are not meant to be a punishment, they are there to protect you from hurting or damaging yourself or your band and to let it heal properly so that you can make the most of your new tool. By not following the rules you do put yourself at risk for complications.

I totally agree with monkey, if you are not happy with the advice or care your current doc is giving you it is your responsibility to see out a new doctor who can help you with your problem. If you feel that indeed there is a problem then by all means do not wait.

My suggestion would be to try and get your protein in the am's and early afternoon in the form of liquids weather it be protein shakes or water with added protein, it really does shake off the hunger. Sip them slowly but continuously thoughout the day. When dinner time rolls around prime your band with a cup of hot tea, then progress with your meal. If you find that you can not get in adequate protein then i would suggest a slight unfill. As long as you are able to get in the required amount of protein, with a portion of it being a solid protein for dinner with out having any issues you should be able to ride this fill out till the restriction lessens up a little, wich it will do as you drop some pounds.