ruby2508

Hello all. My name is Elaine and I was banded July8, 2008. Have lost 59 lbs and hoping to lose at least another 80. Long way to go. Any words of wisdom for the struggling please I am all ears. I still overeat as well as eat what I shouldn't. Sometimes I am amazed that I haven't put the weight back on that I lost. I will not give up and want to get back in the right direction.

I was banded july of 2007 and have been struggling with my weight loss. I did wonderful the first 4 months and since then have lost and then gained lost and then gained 2 or 3 lbs. I finally got another fill and hopefully will get back on track. My Doc says he thinks I am at capacity as far as fills so it is all on me now to do the work. Motivation to stay focused is my main obstacle. I am good for a day or two and slide back a day or two. Never moving ahead very far. I thought I really wanted this weight loss but sometimes wonder what will it take for me to commit to the plan the way I did those first few months. Any suggestions.

I am so sorry you had such a bad experience. Wouldn't you have notified your surgeon of your problems? Is he not local? My surgeon would have come to the hospital and attended to me, not a bunch of know nots who obviously caused you alot of discomfort and anxiety. Hearing your story makes me realize what a good group of doctors and follow-up care that I have access to.

Metamucil works for me. I like the orange flavor.

Went to support group today. Always nice to come home from there feeling motivated and believing that my goals are attainable. Talking to others who have similar struggles helps me to see that I am not the only one who slips and has highs and lows. Go to the Doc tomorrow and anxious to see what he says about the upper GI test that I had last week. Was told by a friend that if my pouch looks distended or stretched out that he will remove all my fluid and start me over again. I hope that doesn't happen and is not the case. I am looking to get a fill hopefully.

Went to support group today. Always nice to come home from there feeling motivated and believing that my goals are attainable. Talking to others who have similar struggles helps me to see that I am not the only one who slips and has highs and lows. Go to the Doc tomorrow and anxious to see what he says about the upper GI test that I had last week. Was told by a friend that if my pouch looks distended or stretched out that he will remove all my fluid and start me over again. I hope that doesn't happen and is not the case. I am looking to get a fill hopefully.

I am 15 months out. I burp when I am full or I hic-cup. My stomach still makes strange sounds sometimes but it is just the food making it's way down and you get used to that and it is not loud. The farting is controllable and you can always get in a room by yourself or go to the bathroom and let it rip. I read somewhere that excessive burping tends to stretch our pouch out but I keep forgetting to ask the doc.

They are ok to eat if that is what works for you. Just watch the carbs. Some of them are off the charts with the carb count. My doc has me trying to always eat more protein than carbs and it is so hard to do if I eat one of the frozen meals. You can always add a protein shake later in the day to offset some of the carbs to get a balanced mix.

You are not alone. Except my journey is backwards from yours. In the beginning weeks and months after surgery I did everything I was supposed to do. Ate very little outside of what I was supposed to. The weight came off and stayed but now 14 months later and stalled for almost a year now....I eat anything and everything and seem to have a bottomless pit. My doc is working with me to get to the bottom of my issues but I truly think I am just not tight enough for my will to eat. I actually have thrown up and waited a few minutes and then continue to try to eat. Pretty sick huh..... I am not going to quit. I will continue to push forward and look at each day as a new day. I have kept the weight off that I lost and that is a plus. Hang in there and remember this is a marathon not a sprint. Good luck to you and enjoy your journey.

I can still take pills of all sizes. No problem going down except like was already mentioned - first thing in the morning can be a little tight. Always better to get some fluids in first and then take the meds. I also use the chewable viactivs and they are great.

I am cosidering having a reduction. currently am a 42DD and have even worn DDD sometimes depending on the fit. I am concerned as to whether to do it now or wait. I have lost 59 lbs but still want to lose about 80 more. If I have it done now what will happen to my girls once more weight comes off?

Thank God for the weekend! Now I just have to find ways to stay busy and not over eat over the weekend. Banding definately doesn't take away the love of eating that is for sure. Speaking of which last week was my birthday and I was on vacation. I go in to work today and my boss has baked a yellow cake with the sweetest gooey icing she could have made. I ate the cake. Next week will be 15 months since I have been banded. Down 59 pounds and I am happy with my progress but still have 80 to go. Not a 50 yard dash but more like a marathon. Have to tell myself that slow and steady is better. Tune in later for my next day's worth of thoughts and experiences.

Thank God for the weekend! Now I just have to find ways to stay busy and not over eat over the weekend. Banding definately doesn't take away the love of eating that is for sure. Speaking of which last week was my birthday and I was on vacation. I go in to work today and my boss has baked a yellow cake with the sweetest gooey icing she could have made. I ate the cake. Next week will be 15 months since I have been banded. Down 59 pounds and I am happy with my progress but still have 80 to go. Not a 50 yard dash but more like a marathon. Have to tell myself that slow and steady is better. Tune in later for my next day's worth of thoughts and experiences.