2beskinny

I was banded in July, 2010. I lost 70 pounds and felt great, even though I was still 20 pounds shy of my goal. I don't know what's happened. I've lost all motivation and feel like I have failed again...it was my biggest fear and it has come true. I think it's why I never wanted to tell anyone about being banded - the fear of failure and judgment. I guess I called THAT right. I want to get back on track but don't even know where to start. I'm embarrassed to go back to the doctor. I had gained about 15 pounds about a year ago and realized I was not in the right mindset and just quit going. Then I gained another 25. I know my band needs adjusting, I'm just not sure which way. When I first started gaining weight, I was pretty tight and thought I was gaining because I could really only eat slider foods. My doc agreed, so he took out .2 which scared me to death. It was a great feeling to be able to eat again (I can eat most anything now) but I still can get myself stuck sometimes. I'm not sure if the band is adjusted right (it needs to be this loose for me to be able to eat protein) but I got used to making bad choices again and can't seem to get off the roller coaster. I also ran a half marathon the year I was banded and lost 70 pounds. Now I'm lucky if I walk a couple of times a week. I know this has to change. Looking for help from anyone who has had a similar experience, or just words of wisdom that I really need to hear. I'm so frustrated because I thought I was done with all this after deciding to have this surgery. I just can't believe I'm here again at this point.

Just wondering if anyone knows if PBs contain stomach acid. When my band is this tight and I am not SUPER careful, I frequently get stuck. If it's bad enough, it comes back up (and out) and of course there is instant relief. This happens to me quite frequently. I didn't think PBs contained stomach acid so it was not the same as full blown throw up. After my trip to the dentist yesterday, now I am not so sure. I had quite a lot of cavities which is unusual for me. Does anyone know for sure the deal with PBs?

You've lost 154 POUNDS!!!! This isn't your first rodeo...you know what to do You probably gained about 3 - 4 pounds total and the rest is water weight....drink TONS of water, cut the carbs and you'll have it gone in no time. You are an inspiration!!!

Congrats, Molly! You look fantastic You were one of my first contacts on this site as we were banded around the same time. Soooo happy for you! I am doing well and have no complaints on my journey either. I am 20 pounds to goal but I admit I have become "comfortable" where I am. I am a solid size 12, have rid my closets of all my fat clothes and really like my wardrobe right now! I know I will drop another size or 2 when I am at goal and, honestly, I just have to at least wait until the seasons change again I ran a 1/2 marathon last May and am currently training for another one in October. I almost literally don't go a day without someone telling me how great I look. I have even gotten random shout outs while sitting at a traffic light in my car or walking down the street in the downtown area. It's almost embarassing...haha, almost This has been amazing and the best decision I've every made. My husband and family are very happy for me and extremely supportive. It's beyond words!

I went to AZ last Feb and had a slight unfill. Was glad I did it! When I got back, they put it right back in and everything was fine. I have heard that your sweet spot may not stay, but my experience is that it changes anyway as you lose weight This band is in need of constant tweaking as far as I'm concerned! I would say get an unfil, be more relaxed about it, and put it back in when you get back. I will say this: when you are close to being too tight, you feel every little bit of swelling...I do think flying makes a difference that you are likely to feel if you are already getting full on just a few bites!

I am not a counter or a journaler these days. I was in the beginning but as someone else said, ut felt too much lil a diet, not a lifestyle. Im happy with my results but everyone has to do what works for them. I also exercise quite a bit!

You have not stretched your pouch, you are in bandster hell...something most of us have experienced. You don't have restriction yet, therefore it's pretty easy for a large volume of food to pass on through to your lower "big" stomach. This is the point of your journey where you do, unfortunately, have to use plain old willpower to keep losing. Some weeks I considered it a victory if I just maintained! The food is probably not even staying in your pouch, just passing through so I don't think you could have stretched it. Also, greasy food is kind of a "slider" food so a burger and fries would probably go down pretty easy! I exerienced that prior to restriction. However, now the bread kills me. I can eat most potatoes, but not fries. I eat 3-4 of them and feel them just sitting there and I know I'll be in trouble if I continue. Now I don't even eat one. You will get there and you will be loving life! I am practically embarassed by the constant comments of how good I look. I bought a couple of size 10 pants this week It will be worth it...it just takes time. Stay POSITIVE!

It's what we do AFTER we slip up that determines our success! It will be the first of many slip ups on your journey...just jump back on the wagon and you'll be fine!

Interesting in the allergy thing! My allergies are worse than they have ever been and I keep getting stuck!

Just for a little comparison - when I get fills now I usually only get a .1 or a .2. My PA gave me some very good advice - it's better to approach the sweet spot carefully versus overshooting and then having to go backwards. I know you and I were July '10 bandsters so we are at very similar places in our journey I hope the fill turns out all right...it really sounds like if you got .2 or .3 removed it will be just right. You will go crazy and resort to eating all slider foods if you are too tight. I've been there It's very important to be able to eat meat! Good luck!!!

Dear LapNYC...congrats! You did it and the worst is behind you now :-) you are a real iinspiration! All that weightloss and now a new tummy! Im sure you will be ready to get back to working out. I know exercise is a routine part of your life now with all your success. Just curious. .now that u r at maintenance, did u get any fill removed? Hope you continue to progress well with your recovery!

That is awesome nicole! I love all the new confidence 2 1 of the best things about this whole process is that I am confident I will not gain it back. I finally feel like I've done something that is permanent will work forever as long as I keep working it!

Best of luck to you! Congrats on all your success! I think it would be a hard surgery to decide to have for many reasons, but once you've decided...it will be great! I think the surgery itself is always scary, but I'm sure you are in good hands. For myself, I wonder about the scarring you are left with. I guess I feel like I won't be showing my belly to anyone but my hubs at this point, and would a flatter stomach with the scar be any better thank what I have now? I think if I were inclined to wear a two piece it would be a no brainer. At my age - it's just not that important to me I'm all for it though if people want it. You have undergone a huge change and if you want it to be the BEST it can be..than you are doing what you have to do...I think you are brave and are going after what you want. Post back and let us know how everything is going.