vlp1968

You are doing great! It's a journey you won't regret! Congratulations!

All above posts include great ideas and encouragement. I would add that you may want to add a healthy snack or 2 between meals. I usually have my 2 dairy servings as snacks. I eat cheese sticks, cottage cheese (I found them in preportioned little containers), or yougurt (no fat). Hope this helps and keep us posted on how it's going.

Since I was self paying my surgery came up pretty quickly after my initial consultation, about a month later. I admit to pigging out the last week or two before surgery. Last mcdonalds, last mexican et.. However, since you are already in weight loss mode, I would continue on that path. Just think, every pound you loose prior to surgery, is one less pound you need to loose after. You are doing a great job! Keep it up!

I agree whole heartedly with the previous post. Enjoy the cruise without focusing on the food. There are a lot of opportunities to over eat, but also lots of other things to do. Such as shows, pool, Excurstions off the boat, shopping, casino (if you don't have a gambling problem lol). I have been on several cruises and the food is fine, but actually nothing that special in my opinion. Also, there are healthy choices available. Good luck and think about how much smaller you will be come July. You will hopefully want to keep the weightloss going and certainly not gain any weight.

I had the same issue. I had an appointment coming up and didn't think I needed a fill. I called far enough in advance to get an appointment about a week after. Appointment is tomorrow and I feel like I need at least a slight fill. I like the idea of a just incase appt. It takes about 2 weeks notice to get in to see my doc.

like everyone said, very normal. I was terrified my band would never work. My thinking went so far as to wish I had had gastric bypass. It took 3 fills for me to reach restricion. Hang in there! In the meantime focus on healthy choices, even if your portions are larger than they will be once you have restriction.

Love this thread! It's so great to talk about firsts and not how many pounds lost. I have been doing cardio and recently added weight training. I also had my diebeties medicine cut in half. I love my band, don't think I could do it without it (of course I have tried many times).

Good for you! I find how clothes fit really tells me how I am doing, more than the scale. Also, I take a picture of myself once a month, in my bathing suit. I am always surprised at how much I shrunk!

Weight watchers is a great program. Encourages healthy eating with some room for treats. The meetings are very beneficial. Not only do you have to weigh in, but the topics of the meetings are very good, almost theraputic.

Work with your doctor to get you feeling restriction. That's great your excercising- keep it up. Try and increase your intensity or time every few days. Be sure you are getting the 60 grams of protien reccomended. Drinking lots of water helps with weight loss and hunger. Best of luck to you.

I agree. Find a new doctor. Mine has listened to me and done fills when I indicate I need one. Best of luck!

Great thread- I am not working and get very bored. I too have been busy around the house. I go to the gym every other day, on the other days I do a step aerobic tape at home. I have also taken to walking around the mall, not to buy but just to look around. I stay out of the food court lol.

Sounds like you are doing great! Keep up the good work. You should have even more restriction with future fills.

I use Myoplex lite. 20g protien and 170 cal and 5g fiber. They come in chocolate and vanilla, I get them at Walmart. Congrats on starting your journey towards better health!

Same exact thing with me. I find if I burp the heartburny feeling goes away and I am not hungry.

It's my understanding that there isn't anything one can do to prevent excess skin. No creams, diet, excercise. It's just a matter of if your skin is elastic enough to "bounce back".

I am wondering if people consider themselves addicted to food. If so, do you think you can never eat high fat/high sugar foods again? I have other addiction issues and consider food to be one of them. I have to abstain from the gambling et... and feel like it is the same with certain foods. That being said, I am having lots of food cravings and wonder how long I can keep it up. Also, I have a trip planned in a month and worry about what I will eat then. Your thoughts on the subject are greatly appreciated.

I am not sure if what I have is heartburn. When I eat I sometimes get a pain in my chest ( particularly if I ate a little too much or too fast). If I can burp it feels much better. If I cant, it sometimes causes nausea and vomiting.

Thanks for all the feedback! Steelergirl I could have written your post. Only difference is I am 41 lol. I have never kept a stable weight either. Always gaining or loosing. Nice to know others are in the same boat. I am thinking due to my generally addictive personality, I will just have to resign myself to staying away from high fat and high sugar foods. I am feeling so good (44 pound weight reduction) it's just not worth it.

Try to focus on eating the right things, I am sure you were given food options. You may eat more of it until you get restriction but you will be on your way. Even if you don't loose much at least you shouldn't gain. Best of luck!

Wow- it's coming up soon! You must be so excited. Best of luck!

I agree, do not skip meals. You increase your metabolism every time you eat. I eat 4 or 5 times a day- 3 meals and 1 or 2 snacks. I also agree your weight gain is not actual fat, but water. Personally, I only weigh myself once a week. The flucuations drive me crazy! I wonder is going on a liquid diet for 2 or 3 days would help get you on the right track. I like Myoplex Lite. You can get it at Walmart. 170 cals. and 20 grams protien. As far as excersise that is wonderful you joined a gym. Now the next step is to go regularly. If you could only do 10 min. for now that's fine. Do that 4-5 times a week and then slowly increase your time. Lastly, please don't beat yourself up. It is not productive. Each day is a chance for you to change your habits. Keep us posted! Best wishes!

Soda is a downfall for many people. I switched to diet a long time ago. I am missing a fountain diet coke myself. Just think of all the sugar in your coke and how it will affect your weightloss. I am sure when you consider the consequences you will see it's just not worth it.

Are you nervous about going because you only lost a pound or 2? Don't be. I am sure they won't be judgemental. If they are, find a new doctor. All the best!

I agree, weight loss has probably loosened your band. May be time for another fill. Glad you are seeing your doc. tomorrow.