ghs5897

For me the answer is NO! This is no easy way out. When you look at the significant life changes that are required in order to have this procedure done and then to be succussful; you will see that it's not easy. If you truly believe that you can do it without this tool, that's great! But just keep in mind that the weight lost with the band is weight that will not come back. If you are like me, you have probably lost the same 50 - 75 pounds time and time again. The difference now is that the pounds I'm losing will not come back as long as I adhere to guidelines. And to be honest with you...they're not that hard. I wish you only the best with you decision and life journey. Remember the decision is yours...you do this for YOU and only YOU! Cheers!

Congrats on 25lbs gone!!! That's awesome. My suggestion to you is protein, protein, and more protein. I too was sluggish after being banded and found that I wasn't eating enough protein. I felt soooo much better once I did. Just a thought...best of luck to you! :thumbup:

It's totally normal. It sounds like it's time for a fill, but you know so much of this is a head game. Relearning how to live and what we can and can't eat. I'm a stress eater and the band, as fabulous as it is, doesn't cure that. I keep almonds at my desk at all times. This way I can statisfy the mental need to crunch on something, while eating good protein. Needless to say it only takes a few to fill me up. I do have days when I think I ate WAY too much but then the next day, I'll hardly be able to get anything down. It's strange and different everyday. 39 lbs is GREAT and I'm sure you'll continue to lose! :confused:

I feel your pain! I could probably fly with the wings that I have. :w00t: My deltoids and biceps are rocking but the skin surrounding my triceps is still very loose. I do an exercise called tricep salutes. It's a great tricep workout and I believe very effective. You are younger so you may see better results. :thumbup: I also do a tricep pushback - bend over slightly with your arms extended behind you and gently lift up. It's a small movement but you can really engage the muscle. Good luck!

Girl, I had my 4th fill last week and quickly discovered that break is no longer my friend - my very best friend in the whole world...so I feel your pain. BTW...great new profile pic! :w00t:

Yay!!! Good to hear it went well. Keep your positive attitude and keep walking, and I think you'll do great! It's just the beginning. :w00t:

Best of luck! Allow yourself time to heal...keep us posted. :thumbup:

Great idea imaluckydog...I'll put a couple of baggies in my bag. I had my first experience this past weekend and was miserable. I should have allowed myself to get rid of it sooner but didn't want to. UGH!

Lucky you! I'm patiently waiting to find that sweet spot I keep hearing about. I go Friday for my 4th fill...keep you fingers crossed. :tongue:

That's encouraging! I'm ready to feel "not hungry". :wub: I hope to find my sweet spot soon.

I believe it's because of the carbination...although it's not like a coke. Hmmm...maybe the sugar content?

This process/journey is YOURS! Let the guilt go! :wub: If you choose to tell her and others at a later date that's great. If you choose to never tell anyone else that's your decision as well. I've only told a chosen few for now. Maybe someday I'll fully disclose that I had the band, but until then I just work the plan and use the tool to meet my goals. Keep it up!

Let me know how fill #3 does. I go on April 9th for my third fill and am sooooo ready. Like you, my weight hasn't changed much but my cloths are falling off. Best of luck!

Being mindfull is not always the easiest thing...but so important in our journey...not just with food but in every other aspect of our life. Best of luck to you!

I think you and I are living parrallel lives. I went in for my 3rd fill this morning. I wasn't thrilled with my weight loss, but my doctor told me not to get caught up on the numbers. He's please with my progress but I think I should be losing it more quickly. As far as restriction; I too am still trying to figure it out. When I review my food log I'm amazed at how different some of my days are. Though I'm still not eating more than 1 - 1 1/2 cup of food at each meal; there are some days that I can barely eat at all. I'm at 5cc's now and will be curious to see how I do once I can eat solid foods again. Take care!

I hate that you are having such trouble with the mushies. I wonder if your band is too full. I was instructed to eat soft foods two days after surgery and they went down fine. Everyone is different, so I would continue to take it slow...just make sure you are getting your protein in. Best of luck and take care of yourself.

I think you nailed it on the head...you need more food since you are working out more. Not a bad problem to have. :biggrin: You're doing great! Stick to the solid lean proteins and you will be rocking! Keep it up!

Only going to get better as you continue! :biggrin:

Yum!!! I have got to get me a blender. :biggrin:

Congrats to you. No pity here...I think it takes balls to make a huge decision like this all on your own. As far as cheating goes...I don't think we can look at it as cheating. I think that we defeat ourselves by doing that. If you're going to eat...eat some protein. A good piece of cheese or turkey product will go a long way. I too can feel my port but am unable to see it. You'll know when to make adjustments so that you don't feel it so much...good luck with the surfing. :biggrin: Remember that your body just went through a tramatic experience...give yourself time to rest and heal. Take that nap without guilt. Just know that in the next week or two it will be time to get back at it. :thumbup: Best of luck and keep us posted.

Love it! Kids are so honest. You do look great...keep it up! I would get the fill if you are able to eat two dogs with a bun. Good luck. Look forward to hearing how it goes.

Good to hear you are doing so well. I get my 3rd fill soon and can't wait. I believe I'm close to my sweet spot as well. I can eat about 1 - 1 1/2 cup of food at each meal. Like you I have cut out the empty calories and have really picked up my exercise and can feel a difference. I'm trying not to step on the scale but can tell that I'm losing because I already have extra room in my new pants. Best of luck to you...keep us posted.

You sound a lot like I did during my pre-op diet. Honestly, I found that sleeping was the best thing to do. First, I had no energy to do anything else and second; I was unable to over-think things if I was asleep. Maybe not the best thing to do and you may not have that option, but whatever you can do to get out of your head is best. Don't over think it...you've done enough of that I'm sure having come to the conclusion to have the procedure in the first place. Best of luck to you! It's a good choice...the first of many more good choices to come.

Yay you!!! Keep it up! Not the slime part but the losing part.

Great goals! Acheivable goals! I received my 2nd fill last Friday and can tell a BIG difference too. Now I have to work to be sure that I get my veggies in since I fill up so quickly with my protein. Best of luck...keep us posted.