faybie

Hello! thanks for the invite back! I recognize so many names. It is nice to read about each of you. I was banded Aug '06. I went from a size 24 to 4. I have been 100% successful with my journey. I am now eating a diet of 50% raw foods. I do not eat at any fast food restaurant (and most other restaurants too) except Chic-fil-a because of trans fat and hydrogenated oils. I avoid most processed foods and seek out organic non-processed versions. I try to avoid anything with high fructose corn syrup!! I also worked with a personal trainer for a year and a half in 2008 using free weights to regain lost muscle tone from being obese. At one point, I was running 6 miles a day, 5 times a week. I am sorry to hear that some of you have had some rough times. It took me about 2 and a half years total to drop all of my weight and get in shape, the rest has been maintenance. I strive everyday to continue to evolve. I had soooooooo many "food demons" (as I like to call them) that would beg me for comfort food and insist that I NEEDED fried, fatty foods. It has been a LONG journey by sheer will to overcome the urges and the voices (thoughts). One by one, I have observed them, and slowly converted them to healthy choices and it is still an ongoing process almost 5 years later. Just in the last year have I dealt with the voice in my head that would demand cookies EVERY night. When the craving would come up, I would sit with it and contemplate "who wants the cookies?". I never really fought with the urges, I would just observe them, question them, then eat a small version of my craving and over time, my body gradually began to want healthier options. I still eat small portions of things that I shouldn't thinking that it might be a good idea or that I really, really want something, however my body reacts horribly. The other day I had a half of a doughnut thinking it was a great idea and ended up completely crashing into a 4 hour nap over a half of a doughnut. Needless to say, I won't be doing that again. ha ha! Big Hugs to everyone!!

I agree with finallyncontrol, EAS Myoplex are the best. Chocolate or strawberry with a banana whipped in the blender, even a few frozen strawberries drastically change the difference of the taste. Almost 4 years ago I was banded and completely new to Protein shakes. The biggest mistake that I made was to buy large quantities of a protein supplement before I knew what I liked and didn't like. There are so many varieties today that are sold in singles at the grocery store there is no need to buy in bulk until you know what you enjoy. Protein Shakes never stop being a part of your life, so keep trying until you find something that works for you. I use protein shakes now to not only supplement my protein intake but also satisfy my craving for sweets such as ice cream! :tt1:

Congratulations! A blessing to hear that you are in a much better place.

I do not think she is a bad mom. I am a mother of two and I cannot count on two hands how many times either of my two sons fell asleep in their car seat, which was one of the things she was criticized for, I mean seriously. Kevin is a gold digging freak with 5 kids 3 of them illegitimate.

ha ha. Very good points, I am a Brittney fan myself. She brings in 745k a month right now and is laughing all the way to the bank. The more she is in the press the more people know who she is....and the more attention she receives.

good luck! I think it is awesome that you two are deciding to do this together...

wow wheetsin that's pretty technical, LOL. I use fitday.com myself too.

I drink casually all the time beer, wine and otherwise. I have never had a problem.

I do think that .5 per fill is a bit small, however every fill that I had took at least 2 weeks before I felt restriction. I do understand your frustration. I am over a year out from banding and I remember being in your shoes wishing the process went much faster. I know it may feel frustrating now, but one year out you will look back and you will be so far....try to ignore your head hunger as best as you can until you can get the restriction that you need. Good Luck!

I was having the same pain in my throat and it turned out to be heart burn. I thought it was my fill or I slipped. I went to see the Dr. twice. I had to change what I was eating to make it stop. Are you eating anything that could be causing heart burn?

My stomach still grumbles and I am over one year out.

I was self pay so I didn't have those requirements. I see all the time on this board that the insurance process is very cumbersome. It will be worth it in the long run, getting banded will be the best thing you have ever done for yourself.

Yes, this will happen several times until you reach your goal. When you stop loosing pounds its time to start measuring. Your body starts to compact to catch up to the weight loss. This is a very normal and necessary part of the process. Break out that measuring tape!