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I think if you can eat 1- 2 cups a fill is certainly in order. I'd take it slow though as small fills are sometimes all it takes to make a big change. If it's been a while since you had a fill just a small amount can give you a push without causing you any trouble. Much of what I've found ( what I struggle with) is the "head hunger", I want to eat more because I think I should not because I need to eat more. I bought some measuring bowls made for cooking that go up to one cup at Ross or Marshalls. It's very effective to use those when I eat. I have gotten away from using them but I have so get back to this. If I stick to the amount I determine ahead of time I am more likely to be sucessful at what I put into my mouth. (again a me pep talk)

ttyson, what I'm saying to you is what I need to hear myself. My nutritionist said it's not about what you do any one day that counts it's about what you do for a period of time that makes the difference. Change something your doing, Add some consistant exercise for intance. It is hard but we can do it. I've been stuck at the same weight for a while. I've added exercise but not consistant enough to make a difference. So I'm going to try to be more regular with my workouts. You have done so well. Considering your pregnancy you've really done great! You need to give yourself a pat on the back and determine to move forward. Be careful about your self talk. Be aware of the things your telling yourself. Make them positive things.

I don't know if it was just a coincidence or not but I had my greatest weightloss when I was getting up early and exercising first thing in the morning. I got lazy and stopped and so did my weight loss. I encourage you to keep it up as long as you can. It's hard but you can do it!:thumbup: I'm trying to get back on this routine myself.

Hi, fellow Samurai's. I too have not posted in a while. But it sounds like we are all about the same as far as weightloss is concerned. I have lost 64 pounds to date. It is hard. I've been at this same weight for @ a year. I only lost 5 pounds from October will now. GRRRR! But I keep on keeping on. I wonder if I came here more often if it would heIp. I think I'll try to check in more often. Teri it's great to hear you are doing so well. I know there have been many challenges for you along this journey. Congratulations on the fantastic loss!

It's been a while since I've been to the board. I used to come daily but have only been a few times in the last year. I am @ 15 months out since my last fill with no weight loss in @ a year. I've actually gained @ 4 lbs. Change in work schedule and a loss of insurance coverage have affected my ability to visit my doctor. I'm at a point where as a cash patient I can visit my doctor for a fill. So I am ready to get back on the band wagon and start loosing again. I have @75 lbs to go. I'm a little confused as to wether I should get a fill or not. I have restriction but I am able to eat more than I could previously after being banded. I don't "push" it but think I could use the help to get back on track. Does anyone have any advice?

It's been a looong time since I've checked in here. I am holding steady at 210 but I need to get back on the band wagon. I haven't had a fill in over a year and I am way overdue. I just saw your post Teri. I wish you well on your new venture.

If there was anything I would recommend it would be: Take a pillow with you for your ride home. Make sure you have GasX to help with the gas pain after surgery and for the first few months afterwards.:cursing: Walk a little every day going farther and farther each day. This will help with the gas pain as well as help you on your weight loss journey. I started walking around the house and then ventured outdoors as I could tolerate it. It really helped with the recovery period! Good luck and let me know if you have any further questions.

I know it's hard when I see others loosing quickly and I am just loosing a pound here and a pound there. But hey I have to remember I'm still in the race and as long as I stay in the race I have a chance. Hang in there.

I'm hanging in here! I've only lost @ 3 lbs since the last post but at least it's not a gain. I had fallen off the exercise wagon but I'm back on now. I'm hoping that it will begin to pay off. I joined the January exercise challenge I have to work hard to make it. But I will make it! Thanks for the encouragement! I really apprecite it. I have not been getting on the board for a while but I need to start because it helps me keep focus on what I really want which is to get healthy and loose this weight. I have @ 70 lbs to go so I can't give up half way through! It seems like it's getting really easy to work around the band and do what I want so my goal is to really listen to my band and do the hard work. Because that's what it is hard work. There are no easy outs!

Coming in a late. But I really want to do this! I will commit to walking 40 miles for the remainder of the month!

Hanging in here. I am down to @ 208lbs from 272lbs on my first appointment with the surgeon. I have not lost anything really for @ the last 3 months so it's been hard. My surgeons PA was tough on me this last visit. He said I need to take a closer look at my intake. I know he's right but it seems so hard right now. UGH! I am a bit discouraged. :biggrin: I am ten feet under with everything in my lfe right now.

Off the wagon that is..... Okay this is my confession post. I've gained 5 pounds this month. Yes 5 lbs! No, Not good! I have been doing so well. I have been loosing slowly since I got my band 09/30/08 but I have lost @ 62lbs. Not great but the fact remains I have been loosing. The last few months I've been loosing like 2-3 lbs a month. I only have @9 lbs to be in onederland seeing how close I am has been a very exciting prospect for me! Now this month I've gained 5lbs!:biggrin: Okay here's the real confession part.... I know you are probably not shocked easily so here goes... I've slacked off on my excercising and I've been making bad food/drink choices. I am having a hard time gettting back on the wagon. I have a long way to go so I can't give up now this is too important to me to fail. It's just not an option. I keep asking my self why I let myself get out of hand like this and I can't answer that question. I am in need of some encouragement! I think I'm going to go on the 5 day pouch test and see if I can regain my composure. Is there anyone else out there struggling or who has struggled in the past and sucessfully gotten back on the wagon who would have some words of wisdom? Anyone who would like to join me doing the 5 day pouch test? Here is the link if so... Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test Thanks for letting me unload! :sneaky:

Thank you everyone! skinnybee click on the name in my original post it's actually a link to the website where you can see the daily eating regamine. For those of you who may be interested.... There is actually a group on Lapbandtalk starting the 5-day pouch test on Monday I have decided to join. Here is the link: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f9/group-5-day-pouch-test-96242/index8.html if you'd like to join us please do!:thumbup:

Hang in there tony50 it does get better. The first week is the hardest. I was crying after @ the 3rd day after surgery wondering what I had been thinking to do such a stupid thing like have the surgery. I was ready to call the dr to tell him to take it out! It passed and now I am so happy I did! Really it does get better! I promise it does. Gas-x and walking are the best things for you right now! Hang in there!

I recommend you take it slow and easy! Start with a short walk and increase it each time. I started walking to the end of the block (@4 houses down) and back and increasing it a few houses each time. Do this several times a day. I was walking a mile within a week. You're recovering so listen to your body. You don't want to get too tired at the begining and have a set back. Remember the story if the Tortoise and the Hare? Slow and steady wins the race!

Oh wow do I need you guys! I have fallen into some bad habits and had decided to do the 5 day PT to get back on track. Count me in!

I too had a h/hernia repair when I had the band placed. I had the same issues. I think it is normal even though it's not comfortable and a little scarry not to be able to catch your breath.:biggrin: It will go away in time. Take gas-x for the pain in the shoulder. Use low heat on a heating pad ( be careful not to get it too hot they can burn/ better yet use a hot water bottle!) for the shoulder pain. I walked as much as possible to get rid of the gas and it seemed to relieve the pressure on the abdomen so I could breath a little easier. I reasoned the shortness of breath as the swelling in the abdomen pushing on my diaphram. I don't know if that is true but it made me want to walk more! Hang in there it gets better. Gas X is your friend! Stock up on it you may need it for a few weeks while your body adjusts to it's new addition!

Try Fage greek yogurt You can google it to find their home page and most health food stores carry it or you might find it at your supermarket.

I don't think you should feel anything in your throat. When you have restriction you should feel full after eating a small amount of food. That's the reason for chewing well and eating slowly. It gives your body time to send those "full feeling" signals to your brain. I've found if I don't chew well and eat quickly I'm usually very uncomfortable afterward because I feel stuffed. :laugh: Not to mention the food doesn't go down very well!

I was banded on 9/30/08 I've found I loose inches and then pounds. I thought this was strange too but as far as I am concerned as long as I am loosing inches or pounds I'm doing great. I know we put alot of emphesis on pounds but the inches are also impportant. It's seems to be an ebb and flow for me as far as the inches and pounds are concerned. :thumbup: I don't know why this is the way it is but this has been true for me. Make sure you're getting good nutrition and exercising and I'm sure you'll find this will always even out. Good luck:thumbup:

Thank you so much for the words of wisdom. I do feel much better!

This question is for the bandsters who are veterans. What happens when I get to the full 10cc's my band holds? I am currently 6.5cc's in a 10cc band. I have lost 55 lbs since being banded I am so pleased but I am starting to worry about this question. I have @ 70lbs to go! I have not brought this up to my PA yet because it just started worring me. I thought I'd reached my sweet spot but recently I've started getting hungry before time to eat.:drool: I am exercising daily. Drinking my daily allowance of water. Trying to make good choices in what I eat. Does anyone have any words of wisdom?

Bedford Texan here! Banded 09/30/08!

I was banded on 09/30/08. Dr. Kim is my surgeon also. His PA David is awesome! Everyone in his office is wonderful! Good Luck on your surgery!:drool:

Hang in there it does get better!