boos02

Just back from the doc's office. First available appt is October 7th! I'm on the list. He's the only doc in VT and many people also come from upstate NY and NH. Anyway, we had a good talk and I left with some inspiration. So, it may be a long three weeks, but I have a plan in place until then. - Kathy

Kimaly - Thanks for the info. I'm not sure when my next fill is. I'm seeing my doc today. I'm going to insist that I get a fill soon. And for everyone - isn't this much harder than you thought. I guess I was kidding myself that the band was the miracle. I knew it wasn't, but I guess I didn't believe it. Now I do.

Charlene - great to hear you are ok. We've all been thinking about you. Janet - that's a great chart. Thanks for putting it together for us. I am able to get in to see the doc this afternoon. I will be strong in asking for a fill now instead of one month from now. My doc is very conservative (much like Beckyo's.) But I'm going to insist. Kathy

Hi July Butterflies - I need some help! I can eat anything anytime I want. When I realized this two weeks ago it just opened the flood gates of poor old habits. Is anyone else experiencing this?

Ok everyone - can I whine a little? I'll preface my comments by saying I know the band is only a tool, I have to do the work.... But, I can eat absolutely anything I want, anytime I want and as much as I want. I was doing so good until I realized that. Now, I seem to be returning to very bad habits. I'm so disappointed with myself. My first fill last week did nothing. I can't have another one for a month. I'm so discouraged. Any ideas, help, suggestions, kick in the pants? I did hear this great quote the other day: "Hope is not a strategy". I guess my hoping I'll loose weight isn't going to do it. I need to do it! Kathy Ellen - Yahoo on 50lbs down!!!!

It is frustrating isn't it. I'm the same way. The scale isn't moving much. However, I have to say it's all me. Are you watching what you eat and exercising? I'm not doing a great job at it so I know that's why my success has been slowed. We need to remember that the band is only a tool. We still need to do the work!

Hi Janet and everyone - Back from a weekend of camping. The good news - we took a 4 mile hike and I was able to do it and it wasn't horrible. In fact, I never got out of breath. I did still sweat like a faucet, but that's ok. I am a little disappointed in my first fill experience. It's been six days and I don't feel any different. I can still eat anything (except bagels) and just about as much as I want. Yes, I know it's still all about me and good choices. I can make it happen! Ellen, how are you doing your first week after the fill? Janet - I am so excited for you - on TV commercial!!! You look fabulous. I have to say looking at your pictures are true inspiration. I'm home for awhile. I'm happy not to travel. It keeps me grounded. Kathy

Wow - We are all so different (and so are the docs)! I had my first fill yesterday. Before the fill I could eat anything I wanted and as much as I wanted. I am loosing very slowly because of this and my lack of will power. Anyway, I know have 3cc's in and my doc said that should be enough for now. How does he know??? I see him next week for a follow-up. He says 1 - 2 lbs a week is preferred, but when I see how much some of you are loosing I get disappointed.

Hi everyone - I've been away for a few more days. It's so good to see how everyone is doing. Lori - congrats on 60 lbs! Wow!!! Ellen - good luck on your fill. It's not that bad, really. I had my first fill yesterday. The doc put some in, then took some out. I guess I now have about 4 cc's. To be honest, I wasn't paying attention because I was so nervous! I have a follow-up appt next week. I'll ask then. I'm on liquids for the next four days. I'm so looking forward to see some weight drop again and to feel more restriction when I eat. I closed up my pool this week too. It's heated, but the cost of heat once the air temp dips below 70 is too high. I'll miss it, since it can't re-open again until next May. - Kathy

Hi everyone - I'm back from my trip to Maine. The weather was incredible, ate lobster (yes, with butter) and work, well, it was work! I'm glad to be home where I feel like I have more control. I gained a couple of pounds, but I'm sure it will come off quickly. Just wanted to check in. I've been catching up on the thread. Some great hints, advice, etc. Kathy

I feel like I'm missing out on all the fill excitement. My doc is so conservative. I'm not due for my first fill until next week. I'm anxiously waiting as I can eat just about anything and it's getting harder to "be good"!

Janet and Ellen: Thanks for the encouragement. I've lost 17 lbs post surgery. Yes, I do need to travel for work on weekends, but not all the time. And, sometimes I try to take advantage of the trip and go a couple of days early to see the area. For instance, I'm heading over to Maine and will spend the weekend on a small island off the coast of Portland, ME. So, it's not all bad!!

Hi everyone - I posted this on the July Bandsters thread as well so some of you may see it more than once. I had a reality check at the Dr's yesterday. I was complaining about slow weight loss, hunger, etc. He reminded me that it's only been 5 weeks, that I am still healing and that hunger will be normal until the first fill. He encouraged me to try to get in protein and water. He also said that if I needed to up my calories to 1500 that was ok. My first fill in 9/8. He said that things will get better then with my hunger.

Hi Melissa et al - I had a reality check at the Dr's yesterday. I was complaining about slow weight loss, hunger, etc. He reminded me that it's only been 5 weeks, that I am still healing and that hunger will be normal until the first fill. He encouraged me to try to get in Protein and Water. He also said that if I needed to up my calories to 1500 that was ok. My first fill in 9/8. He said that things will get better then with my hunger. It was good to check in with him and hear this info. Kathy

Hi everyone - I had a reality check at the Dr's yesterday. If you're like me I have struggled and get disappointed pretty easily during this new journey. I was complaining about slow weight loss, hunger, etc. He reminded me that it's only been 5 weeks, that I am still healing and that hunger will be normal until the first fill. He encouraged me to try to get in protein and water. He also said that if I needed to up my calories to 1500 that was ok. My first fill in 9/8. He said that things will get better then with my hunger. So, just wanted to pass that along so you know you're normal if you are feeling like I am!!

Janet et all - First welcome to the newcomers. This is a great thread for support. I had a reality check at the Dr's yesterday. I was complaining about slow weight loss, hunger, etc. He reminded me that it's only been 5 weeks, that I am still healing and that hunger will be normal until the first fill. I've lost an average of 2.5 lbs a week since surgery which is about what is normal. He encouraged me to try to get in more Protein and Water. He also said that if I needed to up my calories to 1500 that was ok. My first fill in 9/8. He said that things will get better then with my hunger. It was great to have an appt with him. I head out on another trip today. I'm shooting for a better mindset than last week's set-back in Chicago. I'll check back in when I get back.

Dianne - We continue to be in the same place through this journey! I had a reality check at the Dr's yesterday. I was complaining about slow weight loss, hunger, etc. He reminded me that it's only been 5 weeks, that I am still healing and that hunger will be normal until the first fill. He encouraged me to try to get in protein and water. He also said that if I needed to up my calories to 1500 that was ok. My first fill in 9/8. He said that things will get better then with my hunger. Hang in there! We'll make it.

Hi July bandsters! Is anyone struggling like I am? It's been five weeks since surgery and I'm afraid I'm getting back to my old ways. I'm so disappointed in myself. For the first time this week I gained weight! I need a fill soon!

Hi everyone - Well, I need to check in because things have not been going well since my business trip. I've gained 3 lbs. I think once I noticed I could eat more I just started and haven't stopped. Old habits die hard! Can't wait for my first fill on 9/8. You all seem to be doing so well. Kathy

Name.............StartingWeight....Current.....Goal.........To Go FeliciaLevy75 .......240.................240............190...........50 Hollie ...................154 ................154............125........... 29 areellady............. 189................189............159...........30 klmsilva................216................216............190...........26 Boos02................258...............226.............200...........26

Hi Melissa - Thanks for checking in. I'm feeling a blue today. I just returned from a four day business trip. I went back to my old, mostly bad habits. I didn't exercise and I was able to eat anything I wanted. I really looking forward to my first fill. At this point I feel like I can eat whatever and whenever I want. I know the band is only a small part of this journey. I do need to change my eating habits. The fall is a busy travel time for me. I need to make changes if I want to succeed. Kathy

Dionna - The flight didn't bother me at all. Felt the same as before banding.

Hi everyone - I'm back from a 4 day business trip. It was not good. If I didn't think I had restriction I proved it on this trip. I was able to eat anything - and I did! I'm so disappointed in myself. I really need to work on this area of my life. I have my first fill on 9/8 so I hope that helps with restriction. Does anyone else travel for business? If so, how are you doing? Kathy

Hi Janet et al - I'm back from my 4 day business trip. Boy was it tough. It was a big learning experience. First, I need to change old, mostly bad habits. I didn't exercise once although I had all my stuff and there was a very nice fitness center at the hotel. Second, I discovered I have no restriction at all. So, I ate more than I should have. Since the fall starts up my busy travel season I need to really get myself in a better frame of mind. I have my first fill on 9/8 so I hope that helps. Any ideas would be very much appreciated. Glad to be home! - Kathy PS Janet, I read back a few posts. Sorry to hear about your grandson. I hope all is getting better.

I told only my parents and a few close friends. It is a personal decision. I've lost 35 lbs so far. When someone says something my answer is "I needed to make some serious life changing decisions. I eat less and exercise more. It's still a struggle, but I'm taking it slow". This seems to be a good answer and also generates support.