KarynA

Doer - yes! When I'm overly tired OR overly-stressed, I definitely feel hungrier. I don't know if it's 'real hunger' or just 'head hunger', but there is definitely an urge to eat... and overeat, since my defenses are down. Do you have a frig at work where you can keep emergency food in the event you forget your lunch?.. or a drawer for non-perishables? I have premixed Protein shakes, string cheese and yogurt in the frig right now (none of which sounds all that good to me, but I figure I have something to eat if I need it). Just a thought. Tracy, you're definitely not alone. I get frustrated to the point of tearing-up the house looking for something (anything) chocolate. I haven't stepped on the scale in nearly two weeks because I'm afraid of what it'll say and how the disappoint will affect me. It's the same "I'm working my patooty off and not seeing results, so what's the point in depriving myself?!" feeling that I've always had while dieting. It's the reason I wasn't any good at it. But I think Doer's right. When you get to the 'green zone', there's no way you'll be able to eat three pieces of pizza - a half a cup of non-slider food will be 'filling'. And remember, that evil scale is only one measurement. It doesn't necessarily respond right away and it definitely doesn't take into account lean tissue v. adipose tissue, fluids consumed and/or retained in your cells, etc. So try not to fixate on the number! I know, I know... easier said than done! I, for one, am proud of you for keeping-up with your exercising!

Happy Birthday to Dottie and Viv!!! And Anthony, you're in my thoughts today. I'm hoping it's quick and painless! New Joy - I forget I have the band ALL the time! When I'm hungry, I mindlessly take big bites and don't chew enough. THEN I remember.. or rather, Gabrielle reminds me ("slow down and chew and take little bites... or I'll have to slime you!"). And the other night we went out to dinner. I ordered the Tomato Bisque soup and when it arrived with two soft, warm rolls, I thought "drats - can't have those". But while I was eating and talking and not paying attention, I started eating the rolls. I had eaten an entire roll before I felt the pressure in my chest and back and realized what I'd done. Fortunately, it passed and I didn't make a scene... but I couldn't believe I had done that. I figure we'll get better at this - we have to - it's only been a few months and it's a big adjustment.

Really? Oh, I'm SO jealous!... It's passed now thankfully, but I've been uncomfortable (and sliming - eww) for the past THREE hours. "Gabrielle" - I just decided to name my band - is PISSED! I'm still working on that small bites/25 chews thing, so maybe that was my problem. I just read your post - congrats on the new bling! I'm sure it looks cute and has everything to do with the fact that you're reinventing yourself. *I've been overdoing it with drinking lately too. I'm thinking about just quitting altogether to save on the calories.

Sushi = A BAD idea (just in case any of you were thinking about it).

IL - Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and safe travels! Enjoy your trip! So far today... Breakfast: - Fruit roll-up (don't recommend it; I got stuck when I didn't take teeny bites) 88 cal (1.5g fiber) - Greek yogurt 120 cal (13 g protein) Lunch: - Broccoli/Cheddar soup 220 cal (2.8 g fiber; 15 g protein) *I'm about to go on a short (10 min.) 'after lunch' walk and later I'll have a 'protein shot' (100 cal; 25 g protein) and maybe an apple or string cheese (fiber/protein).

Tracy, you're BEAUTIFUL!... and your boys are precious! I hope you had a great date. You're doing awesome.

I paid $14,000, which covered everything pre and post (i.e., fills), but I just sent an appeal to my insurance company, so hopefully I'll get some of that back. FIngers crossed.

I weighed this morning - I'm at 30 pounds lost in three months. God bless!... I wasn't sure I'd get there. A little bit of walking matters. I'm still going to expect more of from myself in the way of 'movement', but I'm gonna try and stop giving myself such a hard time. One pound at a time is working. It's gonna take awhile... but that's okay. It's working. Stay the course, my friends. I posted comparison photos on my blog - link below.

You guys are doing SO GOOD! I feel as though I need to stop lurking and post just so I can give you your much-deserved pats!! Mel, Viv, Tracy, Missy... congrats on the incredible losses! Anthony, you already know I'm amazed by you! Joy - you look awesome! For those of us who barely see the scale move, it's inspiring to know that the losses are coming. Tina, I loved the story... and your tenacity. You go, girl! Way to take on that mountain (and DO take a picture for us when you make it to the top)! And IL - 14 inches? Are you serious?! That's incredible! Yes, you are one lucky lady (your husband's one lucky guy). And to everyone who is getting out there and moving - walking, using Wii fit, going to the gym, doing ab work, etc. - I applaud you. I really do. I have been having the hardest time getting-up and (I hate this word) "exercising". But I'll have you know, after reading the last couple of days worth of posts, I feel inspired. Matter of fact, my sneakers are on and I'm heading out for a walk. It's a start. I'm very grateful for all of you. K

Viv - I liked your post. Nicely done! :thumbup:

How are my partners in crime this fine morning?! I'm in good spirits because I go to my doctor's office today to see 'if' I need another fill. It's been almost 5 weeks... if I let myself, I could eat an entire pizza... and I'm up 2 pounds from my lowest weight. Is there a shortage on saline that I don't know about? Not sure why these doctors are so stingy with the fills. 55 pounds is INSANE!... You should be really proud of yourself, Tracy. WE ARE. And IL, you are a teacher and a motivator to us all. You have all my respect and appreciation. Have a great day guys!

Agree. Banded Girl is great - smart as can be, funny, supportive and informative. And just to be clear - it's a 90 second rule (not minute). I know that's what you meant. Ya, I don't know how it could hurt, it just seems like it would be a really hard thing to do 'in practice'. I have a hard enough time with small bites and not drinking with meals! I will definitely give it a try whenever I can. Ha! I'll try anything so long as it doesn't involve sweating! :wink2: I did google him (the doctor) and read his bio. I was impressed by his credentials, publications, research involvement, etc. I go back to my doctor on Wednesday... am hoping for a second fill (weight loss has stopped). Cross your fingers for me.

Prayers to you Bama. We're thinking of you...hang in there.

I thought this blog post was really interesting, so I figured I'd share with y'all. It just took me a little over 15 minutes to eat 8 bites of (my mom's famous) tuna and I feel satiated - not too full but comfortable. New Bandster Rules?

I was banded on 12/4 and have lost 26 pounds so far. Clothes are loose and my body seems to be rearrangi9ng itself. I've only had one fill (3 ccs) and am looking forward to my next one, since I only feel restriction with certain foods (i.e., tuna and chicken). On Tuesday, I had an umbilical hernia repaired, which is really hurting now, worse than the lap-band surgery did. I need to wait til I'm healed from that before I get another fill.

Everyone's clothes are falling off them - that's awesome! I have a pair of pants that I used to wear regularly that I have to fold the waistband over to keep them up. I can't wait to get rid of my bigger sizes.

I got 3ccs in my 10cc band and my doctor thought I might be too tight. He also put me back on liquids for 2 weeks, which I was really good about for the first week, but I've been pretty hungry and have had no difficulty with mushies. 3ccs wasn't too tight, but I bet you ARE feeling some restriction with 5ccs - that makes sense to me. I do find it baffling... all the differences.

AWESOME! Love it! Congrats DeuceCoupe!

cin_a_mon, I suspect that you're not hungry because of the fill... which is GREAT. I hope that lasts awhile. I'm sorry that getting the fill was such a difficult experience for you. How is it that fluid had developed around your port? Hopefully, it will be easier next time. Happyme, I hate exercising - period. And I haven't been doing much of it, to be honest. I know I should... and I'm hoping that it will get easier and maybe even enjoyable when I'm lighter and it isn't so tedious, difficult (and exhausting) to move around. I walk the dogs or spend time walking up and down the grocery store aisles just to get steps in. I have a friend (not banded) who lost a bunch of weight by going home at lunch and running on her treadmill (running, I know...ha!), but the point is, she lost a lot weight because she burned more calories than she consumed, so I always keep that in the back of my mind. It's a mathematical equation and the band is SUPPOSED to help create the difference. But I totally understand your frustation because so far, I have no idea if and when my band is ever gonna kick-in for me. The weight I've lost has come from not eating (I'm on liquids again), which will do the trick with or without it. The point at which I got the band, I was on an upward swing - I couldn't stop gaining. So right now I'm just grateful as heck that THAT'S stopped... Two weeks will pass in no time and hopefully, it'll do the trick, you'll feel restriction for awhile and see the scale move.