bevanfranks

My weight keeps fluctuating up a couple, down a couple, so it's kind of hard to gauge. I think I'm down 1 1/2 lbs. My weight hasn't changed very much in the past month, so I think I might need a slight adjustment. I'm working out more than ever now-feel like I should be losing better! Lisa

That's great to know, thanks. Sounds like you're doing great! Hopefully the band will help you to get rid of the diabetes. My dad is thinking of getting banded to help with his diabetes. I'm happy with my results so far. I still have more to lose, but it's already been worth it! Lisa

Thanks for the great info! That's exactly what I wanted to know. You did really good- gaining less than 30 lbs! When I was pregnant with my son (several years ago), I gained about 70 lbs! I want to have another baby, but it scares me to think I might gain so much weight. Were you really cautious about your eating? So, did you just have 2 fills total by your 2nd trimester? I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya about your port! If it's any consolation, I've read about some people having to have their port repositioned, and it seemed to be a fairly simple fix. Does your insurance cover this? Lisa

Congrats Christine! That's great! That's a cool birthday too I"m doing well w/my band. My loss has slowed a bit lately, but I knew that would happen eventually. I'm still losing though, so that's what counts. I have some questions for you! Did you have to have a total unfill for the pregnancy? Did you gain less that you think you might have otherwise? Did the band complicate things at all? And-- did you have many visits with Dr. Simpson throughout? My husband and I are considering having another child at some point, and I wonder how it would all work with the band. . . Lisa

Also- since the posting of this thread- I've now broken my plateau. I guess it's just a matter of time. Sometimes the body has to "catch up." It's just frustrating when the loss stops and you're continuing to eat healthy foods, measure, and exercise. I'm doing the same thing this week as last week, but I'm losing again! I guess some of us just do lose in spurts instead of slow, steady weight loss. Lisa

What is your weekly weight loss? Do many of you feel like you lose in spurts? So far, each time I have a fill, I lose about 8-10 lbs in the first two weeks after the fill, but then my loss slows dramatically. I had my last fill on 5 Dec. I lost 10 lbs. in about 2 weeks. But for the last three weeks I've been going up 2 lbs., down 2 lbs. Up/down, up/down. It's driving me nuts! This happened once before, but then I ended up getting another fill and the loss started again. I really don't think I need another fill. I don't want to be too tight. I don't know if this is a plateau and I need to do something to break it, or if the body just needs time to catch up? I've never really lost like 2lbs per week like some talk about. . . Also I'm exercising at least 3 x a week, and mostly measuring my foods. Lisa :thumbup::confused::biggrin:

Nonoma- I did not feel the effectiveness of my band UNTIL a week or two after my 3rd fill. Immediately after the fill I had to do 24 hours of liquids only, and then I could eat soft foods for a day or so, then resume normal eating. Once I could eat normally, it took a couple days before I could feel the "restriction." My Dr. said it's normal, some people notice the effects of a fill immediately, and for some it takes a few days for the brain to register what's happening to the stomach. The first 2 fills did NOTHING for me, but with the 3rd, I totally noticed. HOWEVER, I've NEVER only eaten 1/4 cup of food. I eat about 1 1/2 cups of food at each meal. I measure each time (per my doc). Trust me, on 1 1/2 cups of food each meal, you WILL LOSE! Good luck- let us know how your fill goes. Lisa

newdicarlo- Thanks for the response. I think that's similar to what I'm experiencing. I'm happy with any loss-- I'll take what I can get. It's just scary sometimes for those 10 days or two weeks when my weight halts- I always worry if that's as good as it gets! I know I can't just get a fill each time, because I don't want to be too tight. I also wonder if this is linked to my hormones. I didn't have my cycle for a couple years due to my weight, but now it's becoming more regular, and the weight seems to do weird things around that time of month. I'll have to learn to be a bit more patient. It's comforting to know there's others out there with similar weight loss patterns, and it looks like you're doing great w/your loss! You're nearing your 100 mark! Congrats! Lisa

Happy2Lose, Thanks for your reply. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one losing in spurts. I see many posts that people lose 2 pounds per week, and I wonder if that's an average, or they lose steadily!?! Lately I have the bad habit of weighing often. I think your advice of weighing less frequently is exactly right! I'll have to work on that :thumbup: I also figured that approximately 10 lbs per month is my goal, but it just scares me sometimes when the scale stops moving for 2 weeks. Having been overweight for so long, it's devastating. I guess I have to try and calm down, and just keep going with it! So far I've lost an average of 10 per month, so I'm doing well. I just don't want it to stop until I"m closer to goal! Lisa

How many fills have you had so far? For my first 2 fills, there wasn't much difference, but after that, I could totally notice. I just worry that I'm getting to the point where the loss is going to be extremely difficult to continue. Maybe it's just my paranoia! I'm so used to my "old way" of always hitting a plateau. . .

Thanks- I'm definitely willing to try it! I don't think I"m overeating- and I'm certainly working out and measuring my foods/eating good quality food. Maybe I do need to increase Protein or calories. . . Thanks for the tip- Lisa

I'm so glad to read this response. I was considering asking my doc about weight loss coming in spurts, at my next appointment. My weight DEFINITELY goes in spurts- then it halts a while, then I lose again. Each time it halts, it's disheartening, because I'm always afraid the loss will stop. I guess I have to just keep going, eventually the scale will move again!

I know what you mean about a fine line ANN. Sometimes I'm not sure if I need a tiny fill or not. One day I may feel kind of tight and must be careful to chew really well so I don't pb, and other days I feel like I can eat a lot. My doc said it's normal to have some fluctuations though. I try to keep hydrated always- as I read that can change how restricted or unrestricted you feel! My doc is conservative with fills- I have to be at the same weight for 2 weeks first. . . For right now I"m losing, but more slowly than I'd like. It's partly due to missing some of my exercise though- I have to make some more time for that!

I recently saw on Dr. Oz (and have started making this)- spaghetti made from spaghetti squash. I boil the large squash for about 30 minutes. Cut open, remove seeds (there aren't too many), then use a fork to "string" the squash. I prepare spaghetti sauce using store bought sauce, with ground soy (like ground beef). I prefer Morning Star Crumbles, but there are other types too. In essence, it's a vegan meal that's healthy and band friendly. I love it! Husband really likes it too. This time of year it's easy to find spaghetti squash (looks kind of like a smaller, yellow watermelon).

RaeAnn- it's normal to need a fill after quite some time. They told me the band is permeable and it loses slight amounts of Fluid over time. Even a teeny-tiny amount can make a difference. Also, the muscles in our stomach adjust to the band, which may require a slight fill. I had recently had a plateau of bouncing up and down 3 lbs. I went in for a small fill and it made a difference right away! Let us know how it goes once you get an adjustment!

I'm less shy. I'm more willing to talk to people. I suppose my confidence lifts a little with each pound lost!

Ann- you're doing fantastic! I can't wait to be a size 12!!! Do you measure your foods? I try to- my doc is adamant on that fact. I was snacking a bit here and there, so I told him I needed a fill. He gave me a small one, and I think it's helping. I get really frustrated when my weight fluctuates. It's almost addicting to see the scale move downward! I also notice my periods affect my weight loss- but my periods are still somewhat erratic. As my weight decreases (and I exercise pretty regularly) I notice my periods getting closer to regular though.

I can't make it this month. It's too bad, because I always feel like the info helps to re-inspire me, or helps me to keep going. If you are able to go, let us know the highlights, or if there's anything that was particularly helpful to you. Not too long ago Dr. Simpson mentioned a new lapband patient cookbook he was preparing. . . I'm anxious for its release! Have fun! Lisa

That's good to know. I tend to forget to chew my food enough times- or I get too excited and end up eating too quickly and then I can totally FEEL my mistake! I have to make a concious effort to chew, chew, chew. . .

Spideymom- Thanks for the tip- I'll try the rice- you never know! Lisa

Karenmg, you might need another fill. . . you should discuss your hunger with your doctor. Early on I could eat just about anything, however, with each fill it limits my foods slightly. Either that or I have to modify the way I eat a few things- - like peeling apples, etc.

I miss rice the most- white or brown, I can't eat rice at all! I love apples, but as mentioned above by someone else, I can still eat apples, but only if I peel them! Even though my dr said I can eat corn tortillas, they don't always work out so well either. In order to eat them it requires way too much chewing, so I opt not to have them anymore. Lisa

oh- also- my hair was pretty long, and I recently had it cut (little longer than shoulder length), and asked my stylist to put a few more layers in it, told her I'm dieting and my hair is thinning, so she helped me out. Hair professionals can help you get the best out of your hair. The layers, and cutting my hair shorter has really helped give the illusion of more body- thus making me a little less self conscious :scared2:

Please DO ask about the hair and let me know what he says? I have the same problem! I mentioned it to the nutritionist-- asked her if I should take Biotin (which I've read about on this site quite a bit). She said that hair loss is not due to the band, but it's due to the after effects of anesthesia. However, I don't buy that! Please ask Dr. S and let me know what he says? I've read (and also a banded friend reassures me) that the hair will grow back normally. My hair is noticeably thinner now, and it's bumming me out too. As far as measuring goes- I bought some plastic rubbermaid tupperware that's 1.2 cups, and i combine my veg and Protein in them for my lunches at work. At home, I try to eat out of a coffee cup, cause it helps with measuring. Have you had any plateaus? I seem to keep hitting them every week or two, but then it slowly breaks. . . Lisa

I'm doing pretty well. I've had 4 fills, but one was only a "Half fill" because the doc thought that was all I needed at the time. My next appt is mid-Nov. By that time I might need a small fill. My loss is going ok. It keeps stalling, and then all of a sudden it picks up. It scares me a bit, because I worry the loss will halt. I'm committing more to workouts now to hopefully avoid that. I can eat most of the same foods as well. I don't let myself eat rice, bread, or Pasta though. I think it's helped my weight loss. I do eat crackers on occasion. I have to be careful to measure my foods, because I KNOW I can eat more than I'm supposed to. Do you measure? Or do you get full quickly? I also wonder if I eat too fast sometimes. I really try to eat slow, like they say, but it never takes me 20 or 30 min to eat one cup of food. How about you? My band is tighter in the morning-- but no shoulder pain. Looks like you're losing pretty well based on you stats! Keep up the great work. Lisa