Patterba

Jachut, I think I need to hire you as my personal trainer.. got any openings? The exercise videos just don't engage me, I think I need someone like you or Jillian from TBL to get on my case... Your success is very impressive, but you are probably the exception and an excellent role model.. I think my mental block is where to start, I can walk pretty well, but no jogging or running just yet.. knees are just starting to come back after many years of being tormented by my weight. Thanks for the post.. very motivation..

Thanks Peachwood.. I was hoping someone else would have a similar experience.. When the restriction went away I thought maybe I had a leak.. you know how all kinds of thoughts go through our heads when something is different than expected... But I was happy to see your post. Sounds like you are doing VERY well now.. I look forward to my next fill in January.. I will let you know how it goes..

Very interesting and insightful posts on this thread. I had my first fill. I have the Realize-c 11cc band. My doc gave me 6cc's at the first fill. I had some restriction the first few days, but now not so much. I am being conscientious not to overeat, but I guess I could. I use my burps as my clue to slow down or stop. I don't have hunger between meals but I certainly need to read that I am satisfied vs. full signals my stomach is giving me.. weightloss has been OK..

Ok my Bandster Friends, After losing 20 plus pounds, I am finding it's time to move some things out of my closet. You know say good bye (for good) to some of my largest size clothes. But I want to hold onto one piece to remind me from where I started. I see this all the time on the TV shows where they hold up their old pair of jeans to illustrate how far they have come in their weightloss (and good for them). So, my question is.. Is it the jeans that everyone holds on to to show their former self and size.. Anything else that can driven home the same message. One thing I have really noticed is that my pj bottoms are getting longer, but perhaps that's because my butt and legs are getting slimmer.. Your thoughts and suggestions??

That is a great NSV!! you must feel wonderful being 62 lbs. down.. I can weight till I get there.. down 29 so far, and I am having "jeans slipping off my ass" drama..lol.

My two cents worth.. Jachut is right on with her comments. Here is what I can add.. soon the swelling will go down and you will find that you can eat like before but BEWARE.. take this healing period to instill some new eating habits. You will be on sole will power until your first or second fill. Once you start on the carb train, it is very difficult to control some of the eating urges. Know what triggers your "off the band wagon" eating desires. I am a stress eater.. I get my first fill on monday, and can not wait.. I have tried to discipline myself over the last few weeks by eating Protein first, chewing repeatedly, and separating out the liquids with meals as recommended. Right now I could (if I wanted to) just eat normally as you describe. But like everyone on this thread has stated you will be entering a new NORMAL as a banded person. Remember the band is a tool, work with it and it will work for you.. good luck to you..

I leave Monday for a coast to coast non stop flight. In the past I would just grab something at the airport and take on board. Now, I want to be in control with what I eat on the flight. So I visited the TSA website and am in a quandry as to what I can bring as a good source of Protein to hold me over for 6 hours. No liquids, so Protein Drinks are out.. I guess I could take a Protein Bar (not my fav).. cheese sticks, carrot sticks... I really haven't thought about this and was wondering.. Do you have any good ideas..

I think you need to set the rules quickly, otherwise the pattern and comments will continue. its challenging enough to start out on the right track, you do not need this distraction. Put your foot down and let your husband know what you need to be successful and it starts with his support.

When I went for my consult they asked if I smoked (I don't), but they did put me through some rigorous pre admin tests for breathing and measuring lung capacity. This is related to the general anesthesia. I would definitely check with your doctor if you have not followed their requests.. for your own health and safety. Good Luck to you ..

I was banded exactly 4 weeks ago. I am down 22 lbs. The first six weeks is really an in between period (until the first fill) and it can be very tough to make some adjustments. Right now I am working from my own will power (exercise and diet control), its as if the band is not even in place, though I have the scars to prove it. I am following the golden rules of Protein first, then veggies, etc. Have been staying at about 1000 calories. What I think has made a difference is the exercise part (everyday). I NEVER really exercised before. Hang in there, this is not a quick fix approach.

Hey Down... welcome aboard.. take it easy the first week.. Good luck to you..

So my question is how is your neck holding up with your weight loss? I am getting these vertical lines in my neck right under my chin (about 4 of them) it looks like I got a lousy lipo job done.. I am hoping with more weight loss it becomes less and less noticeable.. Right now, not very pretty. Can anybody relate to this and did any one have a good outcome?

If I don't have that first cup of coffee in the morning, I just can't get started.. It's not like I am snarfing down donuts.. psst. I even add low fat half-n-half. (but no sugar.. I am on a diet).

Truth be told I have bought every neck cream, roll on and serum out there. If they told me rubbing chicken sh*t on my neck would make the wrinkles go away I would probably try it. I hate the look.. I would rather my whole neck look wrinkly rather than these stupid lines.. It looks like I ironed pleats into my neck.. sigh.. I know this is vain, but when i look in the mirror my eyes go straight to the lines.. I saw this gadget that claims to tighten the neck, I am even looking at laser treatments, but figure I should give it some time before shelling out big bucks.

I am a baby bandster (just 2+ weeks out). However, I am not a young pup... as I clock in at 52 years old. Believe it or not, I am just starting to figure out that stress eating is my trigger and downfall. This is the one thing that I absolutely need to get control of in my life.. Can anyone else relate.. Anyway.. I go into it all on my blog entry for today and my determination to control this personal challenge. Be well. Barbara

Well Mimi, You have lost ALOT, I am only down 20 plus pounds. But I am tempted to try some new hair styles.. Also I have my eye on some more updated and stylish outfits with some color. I have a closet full of black (which I usually just accessorize with jewlery or scarfs).. how about something bold and daring this time.. I did just get my nails done and had them painted red.. (my mother used to say beware of women who wear red nail polish) HA. I have no idea why.. but now I think I will show her my new manicure..

My immediate family knows and that's it. My losing weight again will not be a surprise to anyone.. I go up and down on my weight like a NY elevator!! The big difference this time is my weightloss elevator is only going in one direction and that is to the Lobby Floor. The other of circle of people who should be in the know is obviously your family doc and any other specialist you see for medical care. Once you get restriction, you may need some meds in liquid form as some pills can not be crushed. So keep that in mind. Good Luck to you.. you have come to the right place for support..

I can totally relate. I did the Optifast, the personal trainer strict diet, WW, Jenny Craig, South Beach. All work, but the damn pounds fly back on over time. Not saying that that couldn't happen with the band, but damn I really don't want it to ever happen again.

Did you ever think about whether Oprah ever considered the band? I know that it is a very personal decision but.... With all the diets and weight loss approaches that she has been on, it is surprising that she hasn't gotten the band. I am seeing alot more press or speculation that celebs are getting banded (and not all had a 35 BMI and above). She just impresses me as the type of person who would explore all types of options available.

Hi Heather, I don't know if my esophagus was swollen, but I could not eat, drink my full fluids for the first three days. I barely got Water down and started to get concerned because my support staff stressed the importance of getting the Protein in each day. I gradually worked in fluids, starting with hot herbal tea, and a bit more water, some sugar free Jello, sips of broth, and then slowly but surely I was able to move into the full liquids. For some it takes time, others have no problems whatsoever. Listen to your body, and don't hesitate to call your doc if you feel you are having problems. But most people do just fine. Be well.:bored:

Congrats Neener. Don't forget to keep walking to move the gas on out!! Welcome to the band it club :thumbup:

Good Luck... we will be rooting for you@@ Keep us updated..

Dana, You are doing FANTASTIC... keep up the great work. I also think that you are lucky that you do have some restriction... I was banded a week after you and I have NO restriction at this point (and feel I really need some). Keep us updated.. nice job.

Ok.. it is 5:20 pm. I am going to leave work now. I know this may not mean much to most of you. But I had an incredibly stressful day and I stayed with my food plan, did not sway, I had an ISOPURE drink as my snack (alot of protein but I am well within my limits). I hope to disconnect from the day and go for a walk this evening.. Stress is really what triggers my eating, and once I get started I go from carb to carb ... with no end in sight. If I can learn to control this before my first fill, I will consider this a victory for me.

toribug, Hold a pillow close to your tummy when you cough. It will help. I know what you mean by the feeling. I was recovering from a cold just post surgery and you have enough going on, you don't need the cough on top of it. But hang in there, and if that cough doesn't get better.. see the doc. alot of nasty colds and bronchitis going around.. be well.