hiltoncats

Ok, I'm back on the forum and ready to restart my journey. It seems I've taken a long vacation from doing what I need to do...kind of like nearly 2 years. I haven't gained any weight back, I just haven't lost any. So now it begins...I am determined to do this. Just a recap. I was banded in Oct 2009. My journey began at 309. I had great success early on then I, let me stress I stopped doing what I needed to do. For at least 18 months I have been up and down from 245-252. The lowest I have ever been with the band was 237 for maybe a minute on one random day. I usually stayed between 242-245. I have decided that I have slacked off long enough. I have gone more regulary to the doctor for fills. It had been nearly a year since my last one when I went back in April. I went again in June and again just yesterday. I have to wrap my head around the fact that it doesn't matter how many ccs are in my band (9ccs in a 10cc realize band) but how my body is reacting to what I'm doing or not doing. I have started going to water aerobics for 2 weeks now. I try to go three times a week Mon/Wed/Fri mornings. I know this will change once school starts. I'll only be able to go twice a week on Tues/Thurs afternoons if I'm lucky. I am determined to make this a priority. I'm planning on cutting back my after school hours to one day week for tutoring this year. I'm not going to stay in that building until 7pm this year. I am also going to be back in grad school to earn the next level of certification. I think more than ever, I will need the exercise of either water aerobics or Curves as an outlet for stress. I am blessed to have a supportive family. My husband and son are wonderful. My son, who is 19, always talks about whether I should really try to eat something. He worries. My husband is there for whatever I need. Last night I had such painful gas trapped as I was trying to sleep that he woke up and rubbed my back for 30 minutes in the middle of the night when he had to get up and go to work. So I guess in rambling about all of this, I am trying to tell myself that I have no excuses. So here I go!

Good luck. I know that I was so nervous when that day came, but all went well. I'm sure it will for you as well.

So yesterday I went for a fill. I now have 9ccs in my 10cc realize band. I really felt the difference yesterday. My husband said he watched the doc withdraw and insert and withdraw and insert the saline several times. Maybe he was trying to see how much was there or maybe he was trying to reset the band? Not sure, but I felt like an old fashioned coffee maker perking away. Last night I had some French onion Soup from Atlanta Bread Company. Yummy. I was completely full after one normal sized coffee cup full. Horray! I got up this morning and went to Water aerobics on base. I feel pretty good so far today. I'm still just going to do the liquids today; have a Protein shake and more soup. Tonight's plan, paint the master bedroom. Maybe that can count as exercise too? Thank you so much for the support on this thread. It is awesome and much needed. The doctor's office said I weighed 242...I started at 309 when I went to the first seminar. I go back in another month. I hope to be 232 at that time. Here's hoping. I will say that when school starts up (I go back to work July 25th and kids begin Aug 1) My water aerobics will only be twice a week instead of three times a week. I'll have to go in the afternoons on Tues/Thurs instead of mornings on Mon/Wed/Fri. Wish I could go all days...I think I'll try that the next couple of weeks before I return to work. I really feel great afterward. Getting there is the problem! LOL Ok, I've rambled enough today. Thanks again for the support. I truly needed to know that I'm not the only one restarting.

I think I have found my home on this thread. My name is Laura, and I was banded October 7, 2009. When I went to the first seminar I weighed 309 and was on diabetes medications. I did great the first year. I had gotten down to 240, I even weighed 237 for about a minute. I was working out, having Protein shakes for Breakfast, a yogurt snack, clear broth for lunch, and a sensible dinner. I was also going to Curves 3 times a week. Then, I don't know what happened, we went to Disneyworld, I got vertigo, started drinking soda, and bam, I have been as high as 252. For the last 2 years I have fluctuated between 245-252. When I do liquids I lose, when I eat, I don't. My fill process has been very slow. They have never put in more than .5cc at a time. I have gone months without fills because they said I didn't need to come in. I have watched my aunt, who had surgery a year after me, drop from 240 to 160. It has been very depressing, but I will not give in. I have watched New Toy for KT on Youtube. She is very inspirational, as is this thread. The main thing that I have learned is that the band is a tool that we have to use. I know that I have not been using my tool. I too, have leared to eat around the band some. Ice cream goes straight through. I do have restriction with over cooked meat and some bread products. I'd like to get to the point where I cannot even put a piece of bread or baked good in my mouth. I learned at my aunt's fill appointment with her in Oklahoma City that I shouldn't worry how much is in my band. I should listen to my body. I do envy the follow up care she has received, it even includes quarterly nutritionalist meetings. Sadly, my follow up care hasn't been as thorough. I do have the tool. I am off of diabetes meds (for which I am eternally thankful). Now it's up to me go get my head on straight and do this thing. I have another fill tomorrow. Maybe we can find that sweet spot or green zone or whatever it is I need to work this tool.

I am there with you too. I was banded in October 2009. I inspired my aunt to be banded as well, a year later. She has lost so much now and I am in the same place I was 2 years ago. I have the mind thing going on too. I started out doing so great and now, I just have fallen off the wagon for 2 years. When I went to the big seminar cattle call, I weighed 310 and was on diabetes medication. Today I am 247 and have no meds except a tyroid pill. I will be forever greatful for the surgery getting me off of the diabetes meds, but I'm not happy where I am. I have to find some sort of motivation somplace. I have a fill appt tomorrow. Maybe that will help things out too.

One year ago today I was banded. I will say that it has been a positive experience. I began losing weight immediately. I joined Curves and really felt good. This summer my husband deployed. Just before he left I had my band partially unfilled to avoid issues while he was gone. I did not want to have to make the long drive to Atlanta and deal with issues without my support system. To say the least my weight loss has completely stalled since then. He deployed, I lost my job (teacher budget cuts) and summer really sucked. I did find another job at a school I'm less than thrilled to be at, but it is a job. Now that my husband is home again it is time to go back to Atlanta and have the band filled again and to get back on track. I had hoped to have lost 100 pounds by the year anniversary...I have lost 60. Not really sure how I feel about things right now. Maybe I'm getting a bit depressed, but I really want this under control again. While partially unfilled I do still have some restriction with certain foods like bread various meats, but not like before. I'm looking forward to the appointment on Wednesday but feel like I have let myself and my surgeon down.

I am in the same place both of you are. I completely can understand this quote...I am 1 year out today and have only lost 60 pounds...I have sabotaged myself since May telling myself that the partial unfill was to keep from having issues while my husband was deployed. I stopped working out and let myself go down a dark and ugly path, eating whatever and actually drank a few sodas too...Before May I was on the ball with watching everything and exercising at least 3 times a week. I have a fill appointment scheduled for Wednesday and know that I'm going to hate being back to liquids but know that it is necessary to retrain myself. I just remember how excited I was last year at the prospect of finally beating this thing...as my doctor said...the band is a tool to help you but you still have to do it. Thank you for your post because it has helped me a lot today to know that I'm not the only one. Laura

I'm in that boat too...I can eat just about anything and eat between meals...I got so off track this summer and haven't been able to find my way back. Thank you to you and this website for inspiring me again.

Your post is exactly what I needed to read right now. If you read mine you'll understand. Thanks so much for sharing. I was told my journey would take 18 months to 2 years...looks like it will be longer.

Well, I guess I should start with the positive...my school was hosting a 5K as a fundraiser two Saturdays ago. Last year, I wouldn't have even attended, except maybe to pass out water or something. I totally surprised myself and walked the 5K. I told all of my students that I would be the last one to finish and that most likely all of the awards would be over by the time I did, but that I would finish. Much to my surprise I was not last and I finished in under an hour 55.17! I am so happy about doing it! Ok the other thing on my mind is that my band feels too tight. I have trouble eating and keeping down most solids. I now understand the term PBing. It seems that the things I can keep down are not the best things for me, either...potatoes, etc. I am filled almost to a 6. I have not lost any more weight since the fill on Feb. 23rd. I am thining of having them pull out about .5cc just so I can keep some solids down, especially before my husband deploys in May. I'd hate to have serious problems while he is gone, although I guess I will finally have to drive myself to my appointments while he is gone...ah the joys of Atlanta traffic. So what is your opinion: do I have some of the fill taken out or do I leave it the way it is? Do you have any suggestions for keeping food down? What can I do to jumpstart the weight loss again? I really wanted to be 238 by April 9th. I am currently 257. Thanks so mcuh.

Thanks for the encouragement. I actually haven't been to 238 yet, that's the goal by April 9th. I'm afraid that I won't make it with the issues I'm having right now. I just really want to have 60 pounds off by the time I see my friend in TN who encouraged me to have the surgery.

Well, I guess I should start with the positive...my school was hosting a 5K as a fundraiser two Saturdays ago. Last year, I wouldn't have even attended, except maybe to pass out water or something. I totally surprised myself and walked the 5K. I told all of my students that I would be the last one to finish and that most likely all of the awards would be over by the time I did, but that I would finish. Much to my surprise I was not last and I finished in under an hour 55.17! I am so happy about doing it! Ok the other thing on my mind is that my band feels too tight. I have trouble eating and keeping down most solids. I now understand the term PBing. It seems that the things I can keep down are not the best things for me, either...potatoes, etc. I am filled almost to a 6. I have not lost any more weight since the fill on Feb. 23rd. I am thining of having them pull out about .5cc just so I can keep some solids down, especially before my husband deploys in May. I'd hate to have serious problems while he is gone, although I guess I will finally have to drive myself to my appointments while he is gone...ah the joys of Atlanta traffic. So what is your opinion: do I have some of the fill taken out or do I leave it the way it is? Do you have any suggestions for keeping food down? What can I do to jumpstart the weight loss again? I really wanted to be 238 by April 9th. I am currently 257. Thanks so mcuh.

:thumbup:Well, I had my 3rd band fill today. I told the doctor that it was time to tighten things up, that I haven't had that much restriction yet. He withdrew the liquid to see how much was in...4.5 ccs as we thought. He added it back plus almost 2 more. He said that I am almost at 6 and that my band would hold 9 and be closed at that. So, he also said liquids only for awhile. Let's see how it goes. I had surgery on October 7th and have lost 40.5 pounds since. I have lost a total from 309 to 257.5 in total since being my largest. I have joined Curves and really enjoy it. I like that I don't have to adjust machines and weights. I have so much more energy already. I hope my husband can keep up!

:thumbup:Well, I had my 3rd band fill today. I told the doctor that it was time to tighten things up, that I haven't had that much restriction yet. He withdrew the liquid to see how much was in...4.5 ccs as we thought. He added it back plus almost 2 more. He said that I am almost at 6 and that my band would hold 9 and be closed at that. So, he also said liquids only for awhile. Let's see how it goes. I had surgery on October 7th and have lost 40.5 pounds since. I have lost a total from 309 to 257.5 in total since being my largest. I have joined Curves and really enjoy it. I like that I don't have to adjust machines and weights. I have so much more energy already. I hope my husband can keep up!

Ok, so I had the second fill on Tuesday. I have 4.5 ccs. While I do notice that I am eating smaller portions, I do not really feel any restriction. I'm monitoring it though. :thumbup:

Ok, so I had the second fill on Tuesday. I have 4.5 ccs. While I do notice that I am eating smaller portions, I do not really feel any restriction. I'm monitoring it though.

I love it! What a wonderful feeling. I undertand. I've only lost about 35 since surgery, but I feel wonderful and can buy clothes in a regular store (some items anyway). It's a start. I have had 2 fills and have 4.5 ccs so far. I don't feel much restriction yet, but probably after the next fill, I'll be in restrictive town. Way to go on how you feel!

I have just had my second fill today. The first one was 3.5ccs and today they just added 1cc. I expressed concern with being too full while my hubby is TDY. I really don't want to make the 2 hour drive to Atlanta and have the fill alone. I always feel dizzy afterward and don't feel like I should drive in that traffic. I'll just have to wait and see how full I feel in a couple of days. Today my Dr's assisstant did the fill. That made me really nervous. He was going to do it without any numbing agent. I hate needles, so I asked him to numb it first. It was fine.

I have just had my second fill today. The first one was 3.5ccs and today they just added 1cc. I expressed concern with being too full while my hubby is TDY. I really don't want to make the 2 hour drive to Atlanta and have the fill alone. I always feel dizzy afterward and don't feel like I should drive in that traffic. I'll just have to wait and see how full I feel in a couple of days. Today my Dr's assisstant did the fill. That made me really nervous. He was going to do it without any numbing agent. I hate needles, so I asked him to numb it first. It was fine.

I am very fortunate to work in a wonderful place where my principal (boss) said to take the tiem I needed...even when I told her that I was going to try and delay the surgery until the Christmas break, she said no way. Do it in the fall when they can. I took the week off that I had the surgery. We were lucky to have a break for a couple of days as well, so I got to have longer recovery without work. I did feel like I could come back to work after about 2 -3 days though. I think that if you tell your boss she will be supportive, or at least that's how it sounds, especially for the fill appointments. For me, I have to get a sub and drive 2 hours to Atlanta every time I have to be out. There's no half day working for me. I have to take a full day because of the distance. As I said, I am a lucky person to work where I do with those I work with. Good Luck.

The firsst week all I had was jello, applesauce, broth (I drained the broth from chicken noodle soup) and propel water. Week 2 I added pudding to the list and cream of wheat (only had it twice) and the protein shake with skim milk. By week 3 was able to add mushy foods.

I had one really bad night of crying over the "what have I done" syndrome. Now that I am 2 months out from surgery, I realize that it's not that bad. It's only because you don't know what to expect right now that you feel that way. It will get better. I don't regret having it done at all. I just hope to lose weight more quickly than I have been.

I agree. My first fill was Nov 24 and my next one isn't until Jan 5. I haven't lost any weight for a while now. I've been hanging around the 30 pound mark and go up and down a couple pounds each week. I am pertty much able to eat as normal, just keeping the portions in control. I have joined Curves and enjoy the workout. I really thought that I'd be losing about 10 a month. My surgery was Oct. 7

For the first time in more years than I can remember, I was able to purchase a blouse in a regular department store. Sure, it was still a plus size, but in JC Penney...not a store specifically for plus sized women. When Imy husband gave me the shirt and suggested I try it on I thought, "Oh God, here we go, but maybe it will fit". I came running and jumping up and down from the fitting room to reveal that, not only did it fit, but it was roomy!:thumbup: It was a wonderful birthday present. 35 down and many, many more to go!

For the first time in more years than I can remember, I was able to purchase a blouse in a regular department store. Sure, it was still a plus size, but in JC Penney...not a store specifically for plus sized women. When Imy husband gave me the shirt and suggested I try it on I thought, "Oh God, here we go, but maybe it will fit". I came running and jumping up and down from the fitting room to reveal that, not only did it fit, but it was roomy!:thumbup: It was a wonderful birthday present. 35 down and many, many more to go!