auntlucy

I'm so happy I did it! I do wish I would have done it sooner, but the bottom line is that I wasn't ready for it until now. I feel fantastic! I've lost 50 pounds, and I still have a ways to go. But, my back doesn't bother me anymore and I have so much more energy. I finally put myself first, and I'm glad I did.

I felt the same way about my port, but it's not as noticeable now. Give it some time. As for how my fills have gone: they take about 30 seconds once you get on the table. With the xray, he is able to get in and out very quickly with as little pain as possible. For the first one, I was very nervous, and I think it hurt more b/c I was so tense. Try to relax when you get it done. It's really not bad. Mine have left a nasty bruise afterwards though. Who is your doctor in Dallas? I live in McKinney and used a Plano doctor (Dr. Hamn).

I have UHC, and my fills are covered. I just pay a co-pay.

Different doctors do different things. Mine uses the xray machine to do the fills every time. That way it's much more precise.

Thanks...we are planning to do alot of walking, so I think that will help. I'm also planning to swim laps. I went to the store today and bought some provisions to make sure I'll have healthy, high Protein options.

JennyLynn, I am so sorry to hear that! I'm sure it's hard enough to find out your husband has had an affair, but when you find out it's with someone who's also close to you, that pain must be compounded. And then to also find out that drugs are involved. I can't even begin to imagine what you must be feeling. Good for you...getting the counseling you need to work through this. Try to focus on what's best for you and your son right now. Don't worry about the future right now. Just take things day by day until you make your decision.

Everyone is different with their fills. I had my second fill Tuesday, and I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow morning. In my experience, if you have any issues, they are going to happen in the first few days of the fill, not a week later. I think you will likely be fine by then, but you need to do what will make you comfortable. If I were you, I would base it on how badly you feel like you need a fill. I had been battling the same 3 pounds for 3 weeks, and I knew I needed a fill. Plus, I'm determined to lose weight while on vacation. If you are still losing weight steadily, then you may not even need a fill yet. Also, if you are concerned, you could ask the doctor to not be too aggressive for the first one.

I write down what I eat using www.thedailyplate.com. It also tracks my exercise. It tells you how many calories you burned for the day. I also keep sugar free gum and sugar free hard candy around (on my desk at work, on the kitchen counter at home, and in my purse). When I get the urge, I stick one of those in my mouth. My favorite hard candy is the sugar free werther's original hard candy and sugar free jolly ranchers. The sugar free life savers are also good. If I'm home during the weekend and just keep wanting to eat, I'll go do something...swim in the pool, go shopping, go for a walk around the neighborhood, play with my dog, call a friend, etc. I'm also thinking about picking up some of my hobbies that I haven't done in a while. Good luck!

Yes, you did get that right. I lie down on a table and they move the xray machine over me. he injects the saline into the vband while under the xray. It's really pretty cool. Your band has likely NOT slipped. Your band is probably empty or close to empty and it's not unusual to not feel restriction until you've had at least one fill. For some, it takes several fills.

wstone, I'm sorry to hear that you are having those problems. I had them too. I think it's very normal. I never had a problem with gas like that before, and you are right, it's not pleasant. Drink as much Fluid as you can and get up and move around as much as you are comfortable with. You will feel a little better each day. I'm sure you will do great with your new band! It's been a good thing for me, and I'm so glad I did it. Hang in there, and let me know if you have any questions.

50 pounds lost since March 10th!

Tess, you should change your screen name to "Goal Setter"! I love that you are goal driven. Here are some of mine: At least 100 pounds lost! Able to do the advanced moves in pilates that I can't even consider trying today Begin looking into certification classes to become a licensed pilates instructor Hopefully have a date by then (I'm really tired of being single) Thanks again Tess for getting us focused on our futures! :biggrin:

MaryJo, wow! You have a lot of change in your life. I wish you all the best. I also work for an airline, so I hope you have good luck non-reving for your surgery.

newlife, you will certainly be in my prayers. You are doing great, and I know you can continue the good work.

Good luck jazzly! I know what an exciting time this is.

Hi wstone! I am in McKinney too and was banded in March! I hope your surgery went well! Let us know.

While I've only lost 50 pounds so far, I'm happy to say that my cycle is regular again without medication! So, for me, it was only a few months before I was normal aain.

I had a very similar experience. The doctor suggested benefiber. If you are still having a problem Monday, I would definitely call your doctor. Call over the weekend if it will make you more comfortable.

I was on solid foods for a few weeks before my first fill. My doctor wouldn't do the first fill until 8 weeks after surgery.

After each fill, my doctor requires us to sit in his office and drink a full cup of water to make sure it all goes down. That way, if there is a problem with not being able to hold the water down, he can take out a little of the fill before you leave the office. I assumed every doctor does this, but from your post, it leads me to believe yours didn't. I think it's a great practice!

I shared some of your same feelings. Sometimes I still feel like, "why can't I do this on my own?" But, since I have struggled with my weight my whole life (first diet at age 3!), I finally just had to give in to the fact that I needed a tool. Even with the tool, I have to be very conscious about what I eat and have to exercise. It's still completely up to me! So, I take a lot of satisfaction and pride in the fact that I'm now succeeding. And now, I have zero guilt about getting the band because I know I'm still making the choices that are helping me to lose weight. The band isn't doing it for me...I'm doing it for me and I chose the band to help me. I finally got to the point after considering the band for more than 3 years that by not doing it I wasn't taking full advantage of the tools in front of me. At work, when we need a new tool to help us be more efficient, we get it! It would be irresponsible not to take advantage of all of the tools available. I have always loved food too. I have found that my tastes have changed a lot. I went to a Mexican restaurant last night, and everyone I was with ordered greasy plates of enchiladas smothered with sauces. I didn't even want a bite. I ordered a broth-based tortilla Soup and had them leave off the tortilla strips. It was so flavorful! I sat there while they chowed down on chips and salsa, and I was content not even having one. Even though my 2 year old nephew (and reason for my screen name) kept holding chips up to me and saying, "Eat it!" While there are some trade-offs, they have all been well worth it for me. Before the surgery, I thought the hardest thing for me would be not being able to drink while I eat. While it has proved to be challenging for me, after 50 pounds lost, my back no longer hurts! You will have some decisions to make, and I wish you clarity as you go down this journey. Feel free to ask us anything!

Good for you, Paulette! I too have battled my weight all my life. I remember being on my first diet at age 3! My grandmother told me recently that when I was about 4 and spent the night with her, she asked me if I wanted a roll with my dinner. I told her that I didn't want one because I could only have a roll with dinner or a dip of ice cream after dinner, and I would rather have the ice cream. My grandmother thought that was so good of me. My thought was a pained one...how sad that a 4 year old had to think about that at all! So, I guess I tell you that to say that I completely understand. I love the band, and I'm so glad that I finally decided to get it. It still takes a lot of discipline and hard work, but it's the tool I needed to be successful.

tairyn, good for you for taking control of your situation! I have battled my weight for years, and you will be happy that you are taking care of this while you are still young! Good luck with your massage therapy program and good luck as you start this journey!

The funny thing is that my hair had never been healthier before it started falling out...probably b/c of all of the protein. My stylist even commented on how healthy it seemed the last time I went for a cut and color. Oh well...I'm trying not to obsess about it. Even with some of my hair coming out, I think the trade-off is worth it!

Here are a few ideas: Yoplait light yogurt has 5 or 6 g of protein. Campbell's tomato soup made with skim milk instead of water (some brands of milk have more protein than others...if you have a Braum's near you, I would get my milk there, b/c it's higher in protein than any other I've found) Soft cheeses Sugar free pudding -- only has 2 g per 1/2 cup serving, but it's a little bit I got most of my protein during this stage from protein supplements. I used the protein bullets.