peprmentpati

I was banded on May 19th, 2010. I've lost about 130 to 135 pounds (I've been fluctuating the last 5 weeks). I've had 4 fills and if memory serves me, I'm at 8.4cc in a 10cc band. I haven't been able to eat any meat (fish, chicken, beef, etc) since the 2nd fill unless I chop it up and add to a Soup or Water it down some other way. If I don't do the above mentioned I will PB whatever I do get down or I'm stuck with one small bite. I do eat and get my calories in, but I'm tired of eating Soups or meat sauces etc... I'm debating asking my fill provider to unfill me from my current 8.4cc down to 4cc (where I was after fill #1). My thought process is that I would be able to resume eating solid protiens in a more healthy manner with the hope and determination that I still manage my portions. Sometimes I get really frustrated when I PB over and over, it's almost depressing - I end up eating more than I should because I'll consume "slider" foods just so I can get calories in me. I would really love to get some opinions and feedback. My appointment is Tuesday the 8th of February. Thanks! Rebecca

Thanks everyone! I will talk all my options over with the Dr., but I really do believe that it's too tight. I really can't eat much at all. I will try a scrambled egg when I get home - if all goes well I'll live off those until my appt on the 8th. If not, protien shakes here I come! thanks again! Rebecca

Thanks for all the information! I believe and accept that I am too tight when before I was a bit obsesses with being "tight" because it meant sure weight loss. As we speak I just finished PB'ing...I need an unfill, like yesterday. Thanks again! Rebecca

Thanks jess! I really think it might be the best decision...

That's so cool!!!!! Congratulations!!!! Rebecca

Congratulations on your new journey! Take lots of pics of yourself and save a piece of clothing that represents your "biggest" size. You will be so proud of yourself and it will remind you of where you came from. Good Luck and use the boards for any bandster advice!!! Very excited for you!!!!! God Bless! Rebecca

For now I waer spanx, whuch works wonders! But I'm saving for plastic surgery. I also work out and recently started strength training to help tone everything thats underneath my loose skin. My plan is to get a full TT, breast augmentation (possible lift), and lipo for a few problem areas. Thankfully, my arms, legs, and back have been good to me... Good luck to you and the rest of us!!!!!!!!!! God Bless, Rebecca

Hello out there... I'm 40 pounds from my personal goal. I've already spoke with a plastic surgeon about a body lift. Here are my questions: I was told that the extra fat that's still on me is "good" because it's easier for him to cut it off and to transplant it elsewhere, like my bum. Has anyone heard that it's better to be in my situation (not at goal) compared to being at or below goal before platic surgery? Any bit of insight would help me greatly! Thanks, Rebecca

I never wanted to do the adkin' diet or no carb, but thru this process I've learned that carbs (especially junk food) will not digest! They make me feel bloated, lethargic, depressed, irritable, and I'm left craving more. I try very hard to aviod most carbs. For one I've haven't had any bread in any form since 5/1/10, the start of my preop diet. I don't plan on returning to any. I've had potatoes in Soup or mashed or baked as well as Pasta - everytime I eat them I feel terrible. Once I get back on track with protiens and no carbs I feel lighter, healthier, happier, I don't have cravings and I stay fuller longer. Through my experience I know that carbs (sugars) are not compatible with my body...so I won't eat them or drink them. Good luck navigating what's best for your health! Happy New Year! Rebecca

I posted this on another bandsters page the other day...I think it could help you too! In addition, do you see a therapist? I do! Do you have Jesus or and spiritual leader in your life to give to strength when you exhausted all of yours? I do! It saved my life. Good luck in your journey, you can still do this! Sometimes we need more help and that's ok it doesn't make us unloveable or unworthy of our dreams, so don't give up! Everytime I have a fill I have to completly change my current diet. Sometimes I eat the same thing from one day to the next - where one day it goes down and then it doesn't. I think our bodies all work different with our bands and no two of us are alike. What I have found for me is that most meats don't go down unless I'm satisfied with two baby bites, anymore and I'm stuck. This process can be frustrating at times, but it will also work! Not that I should be giving much advice because I have rough days and struggle myself, but try going back to the basics... 3 meals a day - avoid snacking etc... protien first (scrambled eggs with cheese or cottage cheese - yummy and don't get stuck!) 20g per meal of protien lots of Water no eating and drinking at the same time work with your band. whenever I get frustrated and try to eat foods that won't go down and end pb'ing all day I get discouraged. When I follow the basics I feel healthy and proud of myself - so try doing that, you've got nothing to lose if you don't (no pun intended) God Bless, Rebecca

Everytime I have a fill I have to completly change my current diet. Sometimes I eat the same thing from one day to the next - where one day it goes down and then it doesn't. I think our bodies all work different with our bands and no two of us are alike. What I have found for me is that most meats don't go down unless I'm satisfied with two baby bites, anymore and I'm stuck. This process can be frustrating at times, but it will also work! Not that I should be giving much advice because I have rough days and struggle myself, but try going back to the basics... 3 meals a day - avoid snacking etc... protien first (scrambled eggs with cheese or cottage cheese - yummy and don't get stuck!) 20g per meal of protien lots of water no eating and drinking at the same time work with your band. whenever I get frustrated and try to eat foods that won't go down and end pb'ing all day I get discouraged. When I follow the basics I feel healthy and proud of myself - so try doing that, you've got nothing to lose if you don't (no pun intended) God Bless, Rebecca

Add me to the list! I ate carbs and sugar...yikes! I went back to Protein only today but I'm still thinking about sugar Cookies and chips! Good idea Cheri - I'm gonna do a liquid fast for a couple of days to get my mind and body back in balance! God Bless Everyone! Rebecca

I got my 4th fill on 12/2. Prior to that I was stuck between the 3-5 pound range for about a month. I started to get that feeling that maybe this would be where my weight loss would end. Well, I decided to get that fill and I’m so freaking glad that I did. Not only did the encouragement from my fill provider, but the residual effects have been excellent! Basically, I just started dropping weight – like I did when I started my pre-op diet. I was eating mostly Protein (protein first!), feeling satisfied, and loving the weight melting off. I went from 228 to 210.8 (-17.2) in less than 3 weeks – so awesome! Here’s my problem…classes ended on Saturday 12/18 – they had me so stressed! I started back at the gym on Monday and have gone 2 times since then. I made some homemade tomato Soup which I’ve been eating for a couple of days. My weight stayed at 210.8 for a day or so, went to 211, back to 210.8, and now 212.8. The fluctuating between a few ounces to a pound doesn’t bother me, but the 2 pound gain has me beating myself up all day long. I know that I didn’t consume 2 pounds worth of food, for sure! I know my body changes and adjusts without my permission (lol). Why the hell do I have to feel like crap just because my weight mysteriously goes in the other direction?!?!? Maybe I was too greedy with the weight and secretly wanted it to keep falling off because I’m so close to the end (less than 30 to go)? I just wanted to get my thoughts out of my head…thinking about nixing the scale, but maybe I just need to find a way to accept what numbers I’m given and practice loving myself and my progress even more. Sorry for the cry baby session, I feel a little selfish, scared, and confused. Thanks to who ever reads this and understands… Rebecca

Thanks for your input ladies! Merry Christmas as well! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, it means a lot to me! I will be working on acceptance within myself - it's to think that this may be the end, but I also know that I feel amazing compared to me before. Why can't I be satisfied? Not sure, but I'm going to keep searching... Thanks again, and best of luck to all of us! God Bless, Rebecca Hi Rebecca! Happy Holidays! I think you said it best with : I just wanted to get my thoughts out of my head…thinking about nixing the scale, but maybe I just need to find a way to accept what numbers I'm given and practice loving myself and my progress even more. Whatever you decide to do, just make sure it uplifts you. If the scale makes you crazy and doesn't contribute to you loving yourself ... maybe you should stay off of it for a while. You are doing a WONDERFUL job. I hear the last pounds are the hardest to get off, so keep doing the right things, take a deep breath and let your body do it's thing! YAY REBECCA! Happy Holidays to all! ~Fran

I think we've all had set backs at one time or another, or will experience them at point in our journey, if we haven't yet. the few times i've been discourged or thought the worst, as in I'll mess this up and go back to the way i was I try to remember the banding basics. I got out akk of my lapband literature and re-read it. 3 small meals a day, eat Protein first, lots of Water, no eating and drinking at the same time... all the basics and it puts me back on track. in addition I seek help from other bandsters like you have done. good luck! god bless, Rebecca

very interesting topic... for me, I enjoy what food I do eat, I don't eat anything that I don't enjoy. that being said, I like a lot of junk food and don't touch it, not even in smaller portions. number one, I was a food addict, not all bandsters were, but I was and still am in some ways, but now I'm in recovery. around halloween I ate a small bag of m&m's and though it was great that I didn't eat more, thought maybe I was "cured". well, a few days later I was having a down day, I ate one small bag, felt like a loser for turning to food and ate about 6 more...I'm still learning as I go along. there are some foods (mostly sugars and carbs) that don't work well with me. so no fast food, bread, pizza, chips, ice cream, blah blah blah. they don't help me in any way. to return to my first sentence...I enjoy what foods I do eat...I'm referring to healthy and high quality protiens, veggies, fats, and minimal carbs, but that's just me. Rebecca

I usually fast the day of, get my fill - remain on Clear Liquids for the 1st 24 hours. The next 24 hours are for soft food or thick liquids, and the 3rd day you can return to regular diet, but start slowly. Personally, I love getting fills! I usually use that time to take it easy on my regular diet and lose more rapidly. Good Luck! Rebecca

I was on Lexapro before and after my surgery (5/19/10). I recently went up on my dose so I switched to Celexa, it's all good, I haven't had any issues with my band and any meds...

Oh my Gosh....what a story. Life really is, so very fleeting... Thank God we have been given a 1st, or last of many chances. Be Well and God Bless, Rebecca