nocticula

I reached maybe 280 pounds or more when pregnant with my son, born in April of 2001.  My weight then fluctuated between that and 252, my final weight before surgery (actually, upon dr's request, I lost 20 lbs right before the surgery on Weight Watchers).The surgery went very smoothly, but my post-op experience and subsequent band fills were problematic.  dr. Ferzli was never successful in filling my band and I went through a lot of pain and waiting.  I founf Jerzy Macura at Maimonides hospital, who successfully filled my band at least 2 times before I hit where I am now and have been for several years.By late 2005, I was down toabout 183, stuck there and unable to lose more.  Then my mother died in December, and I don't know if that triggered anything, but I did gradually start to lose more and eventually, by the end of 2006 I was in the 130's and a size 6 instead of a 16.I now have remained a size 6 since that time and vary between 144 and a35 pounds at any time, but never go higher, but if not careful can go lower. I have gone in the 120's, but I just don't look healthy at all.  So' I have to work at keeping my weight at a minimum of 135 to look healthy.My band adjusted itself, or so it seems.  I also learned to finally eat the right way, without food getting stuck and ending up in severe pain, or ending up sliming and throwing up (baby carrots are tough in the beginning).  I have not had an adjustment for years, but I need some guidance, or at least input from other old-timers who may be experiencing the same issues I face daily.I wake up in the morning feeling very swollen and closed up.  I can drink my coffee, but often can't really eat until 12:00 pm.  I may be hungry, but attempting to eat always ends up in failure. I feel full after maybe two bites of cereal in milk, even farina. Then I'm hungry again in an hour.  So, what I often do is let the hunger subside and just wait it out.  As the day progresses, I can eat more and more, until evening comes when I snack almost all the way to bedtime.  This is partly mental, I know.  I definitely feel that without the band, I would skyrocket in weight in no time!I feel that my weight is stable though, because mostly I eat healthy, but sometimes my fat and sugar cravings get high.  This is probably due to hormonal changes.  But since finding out that I have Diverticulosis and IBS (I've had GERD for years), I eat more fiberous foods in the form of fruit and veggies, but as we know, they keep you going only so long.  I do still have trouble with meats.  They CAN NOT be dry, if they are I won't even try anymore.  I also need to be careful if something is so tasty that I start to eat quickly.  That, I think is possibly a problem for all bandsters.  I also drink with my meals now, which was always a no no on the list of do's and don;ts of having the band, but it actually helps me get more food in now, than not.  In the beginning, I could not drink at all without pain.Anyway, I came here to find support from all of you and possibly be of help too, if i can.Hope everyone is well!Carolyn