WeePaula

Lessme - Thanks for your post about the family/friends struggle. That has been getting to me also and even though I explain, I too feel that they're just looking at me like I'm making excuses. You said it well. But like Linda, Angel and Katy, time will show them and then we won't have any explaining to do... just basking in the compliments! Right? Or am I full of it?!? (Can you guys tell I'm really trying to give myself a pep talk?) :-)

Dear dmw, My surgeon has us take Prilosec OTC (actually he prescribed an expensive prescription drug but I found out we can substitute with this). He said that bandsters will often have problems with heartburn/reflux as a result of having a band and this will prevent it. I actually use a generic of that. It's inexpensive and it works excellently. I had reflux before surgery and I don't have any problems whatsoever since I've started taking it. I agree with the other posters though that you should still touch base with your surgeon to rule out any complications. I hope this helps.

Do you have to wait 6 weeks then between each fill? Even so, you will get there, it just may take a little longer. Try to stay patient - it will happen!! Yes, I do have to wait 6 weeks in between fills. I've got 4 weeks to go. I guess we risk erosion of the band if it's tightened too quickly. I know some surgeons will do 4 weeks or less. At least I get a lot when I do get a fill... (4.0 ccs last time). I'll use the time to work on the head hunger issues.:thumbup:

Thanks Linda! I think it's crazy too! And proving to not be do-able for me. But I'm not going to use it as an excuse to not follow SOMETHING or beat myself up because I "failed" at it. It is a head battle though to come up with your own diet... I've too worried that I've blown my $14,000.00 of self pay. But it's making the payments each month that makes me more determined to tweak this tool until it finally works. Keep fighting the good fight you guys! As Linda and Angel have posted... it'll pay off for us too. We've just GOT to believe it! Thanks everyone!

By the way.... Linda, Lana & Stef, What does your surgeon or nut (nutritionist) have you doing after your fills and in general for food intake? I'm trying to find a healthy balance here. I've self imposed a 800 to 1400 calorie intake daily since I feel I have to improvise from what my surgeons protocol is. It's basically what I learned to do at Weight Watchers (which works well) but I'm still wanting too much on some days.

Lana, Let us know how you do after your fill on Friday. Either way. Maybe we can either encourage your or Celebrate with you!

Thanks for posting Linda and congrats on your weight loss! Your story really, really encourages me. I was banded 6-12-08. I've had one 4 cc fill in a 9 cc band and I'm down 18 pounds but I can still eat way too much. I've been on a 6 week plateau with 80 pounds left to go and quite discouraged. I'm having a hard time following my surgeons diet. He wants us to resume our post op diet after every fill... 2 weeks back on straight no calorie liquids plus 2 Protein shakes, 2 weeks of mushies, 2 weeks of 60 ccs of solids plus the shakes. Psychologically it's defeating in my opinion so I chuck it all together. I've been trying to eat healthy and enjoy without overindulging but I'm waiting for my tool to start helping me more. I know it takes time but I want to get the weight loss going again. I feel my surgeons extreme protocol causes my body to plateau (metabolic suicide according to the nuts.). Maybe the 2nd or 3rd fill will do the trick. In the mean time, I'll hang in and wait for the next fill. Thanks again for your encouraging post!