married

The problem was that I was eating correctly with the band and nothing was happening. I didnt even discuss it with the surgeon. This was a metabolic doctor who specializes in this area. I am sure my surgeon wouldnt be thrilled either however I made the decision based on the fact that the band was not working despite having done everything right. Everyone seems to be in agreement that the first few months are the time to lose alot of weight pretty quickly so when that doesnt happen its really upsetting and discouraging. I actually had gone to the metabolic doctor because he was the one to run all the extensive blood tests after surgery just to make sure all the vitamin levels are good etc. I had no idea that he would recommend trying the phentermine. But I figured hell why not see if it works.

Yes every time he does a fill its under flouro. According to the metabolic doctor phentermine is more than an appetite suppressor. It also affects the brain in ways not 100% understood. It stimulates the metabolism and helps burn off the weight. Yes I sure had hoped the band wouldve worked better for me. Unfortunately not so for everyone. So this is working for me and I hope that when I get to the correct fill that I wont have to continue with it. However like the metabolic doctor said some people who are banded need to jump start the metabolism. I have not changed my diet an iota since the phentermine and yet 8 pounds came off in a week when i have been at almost a complete standstill for three months. So it is very obvious to me that this is much more than an appetite suppressent. Of course wish that the band on its own had produced the results that alot of people have experienced. But for some of us it doesnt happen. I am hoping that the correct fill will do it but I am not so sure at this point and was SO VERY discouraged until the phentermine.

oh and p.s. please let me know how the band works for you once you get it done. You will very likely not have to do the phentermine after you are banded. Yeah I'm not too thrilled to have to take this stuff but am very happy that the weight is coming off....whatever it takes. And I had a question about your experience with it. Did you struggle to keep the weight off when you went off phentermine? I am hoping if that happens the band will help with that. So glad I can ask you about your experiences with it!

Can i ask you how long you were on phentermine and how long did it take to stop working? I think the band will work for me once i get filled to the right amount. But the metabolic doctor said i shouldve been much further in the weight loss by that period of time. Now I dont know why the weight loss is so slow for me. The doctor who did the surgery said my stomach may have come thru the band a bit but he said it might right itself on its own. All I know is that I am thrilled that the weight is starting to come off with the phentermine. If I lost 60 lbs like you did I would be thrilled. I think the combination of the phentermine and the band will work. The metabolic doctor said that the band alone does not work for everyone even if they are doing everything right. So unfortunately that must be me.

I cant even imagine the pain of losing a baby. I am so sorry for your loss. You will get back on track again..dont beat yourself up. Maybe find a buddy to help you. Hang in there!

Not eating at work is hard for me too. The high stress level and the fact that people bring in junk food. I would like to try to break that habit right along with you! Great idea!

Well I do feel some restriction. THe six small meals doesnt work for me and the reason is my job. I am at a desk and work without taking lunch or breaks pretty much. So its really hard for me to take so many breaks during the day. I am on the phone constantly. So what I am doing now is going back to two shakes ...morning and afternoon. Its just easier for me. Now the weight is at a standstill pretty much. So I am thinking that I will definately need another fill or two. And I may even go back to weight watchers because I am getting too frustrated with the slow loss.

:sad: Marmite is very salty

Hey thanks. Mine looks redder than that everyones. Bummer. THank you for telling about the pictures.

Really? Where can i find that?

I had my surgery in Dec 08. I tend to keloid and my scars are very dark and raised. My friend had her surgery after mine and hers are barely noticeable. Already very light pink. So it just depends. I wish mine wasnt so dark and am hoping it will fade soon.

I asked my doctor specifically about coffee and he said to go ahead. He said there is no reason not to drink coffee.

No but if you find out let me know. I went from being a HOT woman to a COLD woman. I actually prefer being cold but its REALLY WEIRD

Youre not alone. Struggling with same issue. I dont know that sharing in the misery is support but I just wanted to say feel free to share feelings if you want to.

monmouth county here

Is it head hunger or real hunger?

How does it fix on its own and what do you meant by proper care it needs? If someone has to go for surgery to have it fixed what kind of surgery is it?

Is a stretched pouch the same as prolapse?

Hey good luck to you...from a fellow New Jersey resident - Monmouth County!!!!

Thanks for all the info. Much appreciated!

Hey thanks for answering my question. I have one more and then I promise I will go away. LOL. Do you tend to eat more slider type foods while following WW or do you eat the type of food that is recommended for the band?

but can you eat all the points for your weight range with your band?

Does the band slip because you have eaten too much? Or because of vomitting? My doctor said to eat smaller portions and if that doesnt work he would have to operate again. WHat does that operation entail and why do some people get unfilled and some people have to have another operation? I am only four months post op. He said it was only slightly coming through.

Just had my fourth fill and am still contemplating doing weight watchers. This fill finally gave me some GREAT restriction. The WW plan that worked the best for me was the original plan where you counted and measured carbs, proteins, etc rather than points. And I think its because the diet tends to be more balanced when its all there each day. I lost weight fast. I am not even sure I could get down all that food now after the fourth fill. I assume that the restriction will begin to fade after awhile. Does anyone have any problem getting all the points in and do you have to have to go to a much lesser point amount because of the band? And how do you figure it out?

Oh my goodness. So sorry for all of your losses. I hope things will start to get better for you.