RUnBarbara

I'm glad that it helped. Trust me, I know how difficult it is to be patient but the results are SO worth it. Gradual weight loss, as opposed to drastic weight loss, is more sustainable and easier for your body to adjust to. Try to concentrate on each day being one day closer to your goal. Something that really helped me was keeping a journal of where I was at. I vowed not to read over it until a month had passed since each entry, so when I went back and read it was so easy to see how far along I was coming. You can do this! You got the surgery, you made a HUGE step in the right direction, now just focus on being good to yourself and enjoying each little milestone (ie: the first time you put on a smaller size, the way your clothes start to feel, how much easier it is for you to walk a block, etc). I used to have my boyfriend wrap his arms around me and note the progress of how tightly he could grip :thumbup:

I try to get my fills at the end of the day so that I don't miss work, etc. I usually continue my regular work out (45 minute walk in the morning, 1 hour of pilates in evening, 35 minutes of cardio) even on fill days. Over all, you should listen to your body. If you feel too sore/upset to work out then you should rest. Everyone needs recovery time and we're all different- so even though I feel fine to continue with physical activity, you should not feel compelled if your body says otherwise.

I was banded in July of 2008 and had my first fill in late August (2ccs of 10cc band). I had some restriction and lost about 18 pounds. I had my second fill in October of 2008 (4cc of a 10cc band) and didn't notice much of a difference. I had my third fill in December of 2008 (5cc of a 10cc band) and then lost a total of 60 pounds in the following year. I had my most recent fill in October of 2009 (up to 7ccs of a 10cc band) and NOW I am dropping weight like crazy. My advice is to work with your doctor and continue to eat appropriate meals and get as much activity as you're able to do. Everyone has a different level of restriction. You WILL get there, just be patient and be good to your body.

Dr. Mark Takata at Scripp's Clinic in San Diego is outstanding. Everyone in his office is very helpful.