Austindoll

Thank you for this post. I too have the loose skin and try not to dwell on it. I've had rude, nasty comments about my arms flapping....I look at myself in the mirror and realize that I did this to myself. At least I'm alive, healthier and off of my insulin....there is still more work to do but your post was inspiring to me. Keep your head up and strut! :smile2:

I am going through the same thing. I had my first fill and feel exactly like you. From what I understand though, this is how it's SUPPOSED to work. I used to be able to chug my drinks all day....not now. It's a behavior thing I'll definitely have to work really hard at getting used to.

I love this website because I always find support and info about what I'm going through. I had my first fill on July 15. This is 4 months post surgery. I had finally hit a wall with my weight loss and needed the fill. Until now, I haven't had any restriction. After the fill, it was hard to swallow my own saliva! I couldn't eat anything, couldn't drink anything and thought it was too tight. I also for the first time PB'd. I was in the bathroom the day after my fill throwing up off and on for almost 3 hours. It was a horrible day. Today after reading these posts, I realize that this is how the band is SUPPOSED to work! So today, I'm sipping warm tea and having no problem as long as I don't take big swallows. Also, when I've had enough and feel that sensation like something is choking me, I know it's time to stop. I love this community! Thank you all for the support and info.

I love this site. I get so much encouragement and support from it. I'm now 2 months post op, I've lost 26lbs. I wish it were more but that's pretty darn good for now! My body is already changing and I've gone from a tight 16/ loose 18 to a size 12. I've bought new clothes to wear to work and people are starting to notice that I've lost weight. More importantly, I feel better. I haven't had a fill yet but I have made an appt for the end of June. I wish I could do it sooner but I'm having my gall bladder taken out and then going on a vacation so I don't want to do anything that will complicate matters so I have to wait. The band has changed so many things for me. I had no idea that I had this amount of discipline in me! I haven't cheated or eaten anything I'm not supposed to which means I'm constantly fighting that inner voice that tells me to eat things I shouldn't. That voice sure can be loud. I'm working on finding things to replace my food addiction, I want them to be positive things. It's soooo hard sometimes. My husband hasn't commented on my weight loss at all. Not a word. Not a "you look good" or anything. I finally asked him about it and he said "you look the same to me". Oh. Thanks. Whatever. He has his own food battles to fight. He is over 400lbs now and I try to be as supportive as I can of him taking care of himself. I can't do it for him. I've realized that after trying for a long time. It's up to him now. I have 45 lbs more to lose and I pray after this next surgery I can get it off! I just want to be well and happy for however long I have left here on this earth.

I love this site. I get so much encouragement and support from it. I'm now 2 months post op, I've lost 26lbs. I wish it were more but that's pretty darn good for now! My body is already changing and I've gone from a tight 16/ loose 18 to a size 12. I've bought new clothes to wear to work and people are starting to notice that I've lost weight. More importantly, I feel better. I haven't had a fill yet but I have made an appt for the end of June. I wish I could do it sooner but I'm having my gall bladder taken out and then going on a vacation so I don't want to do anything that will complicate matters so I have to wait. The band has changed so many things for me. I had no idea that I had this amount of discipline in me! I haven't cheated or eaten anything I'm not supposed to which means I'm constantly fighting that inner voice that tells me to eat things I shouldn't. That voice sure can be loud. I'm working on finding things to replace my food addiction, I want them to be positive things. It's soooo hard sometimes. My husband hasn't commented on my weight loss at all. Not a word. Not a "you look good" or anything. I finally asked him about it and he said "you look the same to me". Oh. Thanks. Whatever. He has his own food battles to fight. He is over 400lbs now and I try to be as supportive as I can of him taking care of himself. I can't do it for him. I've realized that after trying for a long time. It's up to him now. I have 45 lbs more to lose and I pray after this next surgery I can get it off! I just want to be well and happy for however long I have left here on this earth.

I am now at almost 5 weeks post surgery and have lost 21lbs so far, however for the last 2 weeks, I have not lost anything at all. My weight is now holding at 185lbs. I'm grateful for the 20lbs, but I have 50 to go. I am still supplementing my daily diet with protein shakes (usually 2) for the extra protein. I eat 3 "meals" per day of either chicken or fish measured out into a 1/2 cup serving. I walk every day of the week, 1 mile at work during the day and 2 miles when I get home 3-4 days a week. On the weekends I'm walking as well. So even with the added exercise, my weight has not shifted or gone down. I thought, maybe I need a fill? But then, I already eat so little....the plus side is that they have cut my blood pressure medication to half of my previous dosage and I'm off my insulin shots. I still have to take liquid oral meds for the diabetes but to be off the shots is SUCH a blessing. I have not "cheated" or eaten anything I am not supposed to, I time my liquid intake strictly before and after meals in addition to not drinking at all while eating. So my question is, what do I need to do to lose weight???? I'd appreciate some advice.

I found this site on here: www.fillcentersusa.com because I am looking for a fill doctor near my home instead of going to Mexico where I had the surgery done each time I need a fill. Maybe you can locate one on here??

I am now at almost 5 weeks post surgery and have lost 21lbs so far, however for the last 2 weeks, I have not lost anything at all. My weight is now holding at 185lbs. I'm grateful for the 20lbs, but I have 50 to go. I am still supplementing my daily diet with protein shakes (usually 2) for the extra protein. I eat 3 "meals" per day of either chicken or fish measured out into a 1/2 cup serving. I walk every day of the week, 1 mile at work during the day and 2 miles when I get home 3-4 days a week. On the weekends I'm walking as well. So even with the added exercise, my weight has not shifted or gone down. I thought, maybe I need a fill? But then, I already eat so little....the plus side is that they have cut my blood pressure medication to half of my previous dosage and I'm off my insulin shots. I still have to take liquid oral meds for the diabetes but to be off the shots is SUCH a blessing. I have not "cheated" or eaten anything I am not supposed to, I time my liquid intake strictly before and after meals in addition to not drinking at all while eating. So my question is, what do I need to do to lose weight???? :thumbup: I'd appreciate some advice.

I had that pain too. When it happened, I thought I had a blood clot or something it was soooo excruciating. I couldn't even move my left arm. I called the surgeon and asked if I should go to the ER??? He was like, that's what happens....Holy moly, I knew there would be shoulder pain, but I had no idea what that meant I guess. I had to miss work and stay home with a heating pad on my shoulder, in bed trying to stay as still as possible as the pain would come in and out in waves. It took 2 days to go away. The other day I felt it coming back and started praying. You are not alone in feeling this...just hang in there and take it easy. Drink in sips, eat slowly, walk a LOT....

That's awesome! I'm banded and hoping my 380lb husband will do the same. It has to be his choice though...Congratulations to your hubby! He's looking gr8!

Good luck to you. I had mine 3 weeks ago. It's work but well worth it! Take care of yourself!

I'm soo glad you didn't lose your job! Now days, that's a real fear for so many of us. Hang in there and do it inch by inch and just keep going. Stress hormones can definitely inhibit your healing and do horrible things to your health.

It WILL get better! I just had mine on March 25th and yesterday for the 1st time I was able to 'eat'. Some pureed chicken and avacado...It's worth every bit of pain that you're experiencing. The protein shakes do get old, but you can do it. Just don't over do it at all and get lots and lots of rest.

I've gotten the same thing. I just had my surgery 2 weeks ago and at my job they were doing a version of Biggest Loser but told me I couldn't participate since my weight loss would be considered cheating. I was also open with people I thought had my best interest in mind. I am now extremely aware of who my friends are and aren't. I have nothing to do with the ones that aren't except professionally. It's a shame too, but at least I know what they think of me and my journey.

Today is 2 weeks since I was banded by Dr. Kuri. It is also the first day I've had to go back to using my insulin and diabetic medications. It was a wonderful break to be off of them for a bit...it gave my body a much needed break, however, the sugars started creeping up again even though I am on only liquids still. This week, I'm supposed to be able to start eating mushy foods but due to my diabetes, so many high carb foods just aren't a choice and I don't think I can get by with just one egg at a time...Or can I? I would like to hear from other people that have been there to help me out. I am drinking 3-4 protein drinks a day and they go right through me. I make them pretty thin and the rest of the day is water or sugar free drink mixes. I had thought that I would just try to continue drinking liquids only until week 4 when I will be able to eat foods, however, I'm aware that by not eating foods, I'm not letting my body get used to eating with the band....HELP!

The first week after surgery they were about 120 and often lower, which was awesome! Then they gradually went back up to as high as 178 in the morning (fasting) and about 14-160 during the day. Still, MUCH lower than before surgery (almost a constant 300)....so now I'm trying to figure out how much insulin is necessary, I'm starting out slowly and my pancreas doesn't work anymore so oral meds are useless. I've lost about 14lbs since the surgery on March 25th!