kellyjoiii

They get that way, but leave them be. As much as you want to remove them.....they will come off on their own, soon.

I know, right? Personally, what's the reason, no alcohol, yes, I love the flavor, but alas, I wouldn't drink o'douls

Ok, I have a question, and hopefully someone can help me... My husband is Navy. We are looking at overseas as our next duty station. Moreso, Yokosuka Japan. I am going to talk to someone today regarding this, but wondering if anyone has had any personal experience with this situation. I would really like to go, and have him take these orders but am so worried that I will not pass the overseas screening because the facilities cannot handle my band/upkeep/fills and such. I know that there are Doctors in Japan, at least Tokyo (from search done on here) and I already drive 3.5 hours one way to my surgeons office now...so travel time is not a big deal. Can anyone help me?! I am off to go to the clinic and start asking questions..if it is like anything else military medical wise....it will take a run around to find this information out. Thank you for any info you can offer!

In keeping with the rest of you...I TOO am "One of those people" and keep a light cardigan in my van because of restaurants and stores. I even had to turn my a/c up because I am freezing all the time. MY FEET, my TOES ARE ALWAYS COLD! Like right now, coffee is NOT keeping me warm. I think I am hypothermic!

DONT FREAK OUT!! We are not talking about drinking, and do not "limit" our drinking, just how fast we CAN drink it. Some can "chug" more than others, some, not as much as the others. Take a deep breath and breathe. Or better yet, chug a cold drink.

I can also get a gut ache (more of a pouchache,huh?) with really cold drinks...however, I prefer mine cold. I wish I could chug anything too. Sipping is for the birds! LOL. But ah, I miss so much more. And it has to do with food. But then again, it's the reason I was fat to begin with.

I totally agree that some days you can eat whatever, and some days you can not. It is good that you are getting your story out and how the band is working for you. Being informed is the biggest thing when trying to decide whether the band will work for you. I got my band over a year ago, and with it's "help" have lost over 87 lbs. I have gained 10lbs back due to quitting smoking but that I take in stride, for my lungs appreciate it. I lurk around here and post a little more as of late, but one thing that sticks in my mind, that I read from a bandster here a long time ago....is this. It is still a DIET. Just because I have a band, and restriction, I still must be mindful of what I put in my mouth. Some days you can eat a burger...and EVERYTHING can be enjoyed with moderation. Even a fastfood burger (although I cannot do burgers myself). I have puked on yogurt before..and shakes and burgers and chicken....etc. I think that everyday is a different experience with my band. Some days my band tolerates something that it did not yesterday. I can eat the hell out of cheetos or cheese puffs, and those "bad" slider foods. And sometimes I do. But one thing we must remember is that our band is a tool. Therefore it cannot "fail" me, if I first "fail" it. We work together. (THAT BEING SAID< YES>IT CAN FAIL YOU BY SLIPPING, LEAKING, ETC-That is not what I am saying) But remember, it is still a diet. Sharing our experiences and stories are exactly what we are all here for. Good luck! *No offense is meant by my post*

*Humble*

I too agree about the carbs, and tend to stick to low carb mixers (there are alot more than there used to be) and also will use crystal light with my liquor. I am a drinker. I am not ashamed to say it, however, I will agree with the lot...it slows your weightloss, it also lowers inhibitions allowing you to SNACK and eat without thinking. DON'T FORGET also that you will feel the effects ALOT FASTER than before. That being said, Have fun, have a drink. Or two. Just remember everyones advice when you step on the scale and are a little discouraged. My humle opinion too

WOOOOHOOOOOOO! It is a fantastic feeling. Be proud, be very proud! And I too do the same with my scale. No matter what the number is, if it is lower than the last time, I get on it at least three times. Yes, I am a scale *****...but alas, I LIKE the numbers it is putting out (except for as of late, but I am battling nonsmoking lbs which is quite ok with me) CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

I was thinking the same as MelissaNY, Protein Shakes (I use Water with mine if I don't use premade ones), nuts, canned Beans, canned Soup (ones that might be palatable cold) what about beef raviolis? That is if you can handle that "pasta part", canned chicken, tuna, meats, Peanut Butter, almond butter, veggies...use your imagination and be safe!! I'll be thinking of you! K

I just have a question. What did you eat today? I ask because you said you are tighter after your fill, and everyday you seem to be having problems. I like many banders have a VERY hard time with rice and grains. I do not eat Pasta, and sometimes I eat rice, but it has to be loaded with something...broth, sauce etc. I have a very hard time with potatoes which aren't mashed also, tortillas are a DEFINATE no for me, and bread is a very once in a while treat (and more than not..I get stuck on it, so I have learned to stay away from it. LET ME SAY IN MY EXPERIENCE THOUGH, things that were once easy to eat change so very much after a fill. I have the same amount in my band and seem to be a lot looser than a few weeks ago. But, I am also sticking to the foods that I know give me no problems. Dry meat no matter how small the pieces, gets stuck every time. Beans even sometimes give me a hard time. It is a trial and error thing, I think, for everyone. Let us know how it is going. And if you think that something might be a little amiss since your last fill, go back and have them take a smidge out (or even just check it) Good Luck! K

Barbie Girl, Good for you! I am going to keep track of it too...because I too started a brand new day (after gaining back about 10lbs from quitting smoking and vacation and visits etc.) and you are empowing me to become more accountable to myself. I look forward to your posts and seeing your success ! I also have learned to eat around my band. Today that stops. Good Luck Honey! Kelly

My medical network

Thank You! I thought so too! I am not too worried about it, but the military will be asses if they say "they can't" find people in the network. I found a general surgeon, looking for a specific one Thank You so much!

Girls, I know exactly what you mean...I guess I didn't think about this aspect of it! Not that it would have hindered me....I would do it over and over again. I put a call into the overseas screening person here and he shot an email to Japan. This was late afternoon Friday, so I won't hear anything until tomorrow. I will let you know. I do know that it depends on the stations, Hooahwife, I wouldn't think that Guam would have the "facilities" to take us...but I might be wrong on that. Germany on the other hand, should And it is beautiful, so if given the chance GO! Amjcal, as soon as I hear anything, I will let you both know. I know what you mean about special needs, I would imagine that as long as the facility knows about the difference in needles used for our ports, there should be no problem. I am filled enough, but was thinking maybe if need be, having some taken out before I go....Oh, I don't know, it is almost a year away though...so we shall see. Ttyl tomorrow!

I had my surgery with him LAST April (the 29th) and love love love him! the only downfall, I haven't seen him since (As Chris the PA does fills) But they are fabulous! The surgery went without a hitch and I would do it again without hesitation! You made a great decision! How are you doing? Kelly

I too have had this problem. Only a select few know my situation...if someone asks, then i tell them, however, I also tell them that it is not GENERAL knowledge. I am kindof sick of hearing how great I look too. Do I feel wonderful? Yes. Do I look soooo much better? Yes. But enough already. I go to therapy every week, and this has come up (as recent as yesterday) because someone I know made the comment that I made her feel bad about her weight, when I got close to her numbers and then surpassed them. I truthfully apologized as I never meant to make anyone feel that way (Don't we all know what that is like?) Here is the thing, I am more confident about my looks and my demeanor, however, I HAVE NOT CHANGED because of my losses. I am the same person that I was at 250 lbs. My husband and I had this convo yesterday also. (It goes back to the old addage that "I eat because I am fat, and I am fat because I eat") I deal every day with emotional eating. It is something we all deal with. If you are feeling bad about your weight, do something about it...I did. (I'm sorry, I am just venting here over the situation I was put in last week) Whether people look at me and think I took "the easy way out" or not, it still requires effort. Shoot, the weight doesn't just fall off without making better choices. Erggggg!

Ron, I am a year out and still utilize Protein Shakes to get my Protein in. I eat alot of high protein nonfat greek yogurt and dry roasted lightly salted edamame...I would continue with the protein supplements I know that the Protein Shake I use......it is 130 calories/4 carbs and 25 grams of protein. I have three of them a day and the rest I eat is other sources (solid sources but low fat) I also try to stick with a high protein/low carb diet. Good luck!

I eat oysters all the time (steamed though) and although I love the crackers with them, have foregone them for just the oysters with the hot sauce and horseradish. It is one of my favorite things to eat! They are easy on the band too (I guess because of the slider factor) so go for it..if it's what you want! Remember, we are allowed to eat anything (healthy or not) within moderation...making better and healthier choices. No offense meant by that, I didn't get fat eating salads and veggies.....but the occasional "unhealthy" food is ok too. Life would be boring if I couldn't share in my children's birthday celebrations and such! Let us know how it goes!

I too am a military wife, Navy (Husband 22 years) and utilized Tricare for my surgery. My BMI was 39.8 but I also had HBP (comorbidities included HBP, DX'd sleep apnea or DIABETES -not prediabetes) but that may have changed. It took me about three months from start to finish for seminar, first consult, psych eval, and nutritionist. My dr is 3.5 hours away, (I live in Key West) and am just now going on a year-tomorrow. I am down 83.5 lbs, and would do it again in a heart beat. I told my husband that I would put money aside, incase tricare would not pay if something happened to my band. I love my band. It is finicky sometimes but again fivefold I would do it over. The only out of pocket I paid was for the nutritionist (utilized military onesourse for the psych eval). I know of a few women here who have had it done....and many more trying. They are putting a little damper here because so many people have expressed an interest in having it done (referrals) so I heard it was a little harder now. It's worth the effort that you have to put into it though, 63,000 surgery for 150, healthier lifestyle, no meds for bp and a better self confidence? Totally worth it.

I agree with everyone else. I see a counselor (a psychiatrist every six weeks) and a licensed therapist every week. (Wow, just saying that makes me sound really messed up lol) but I started going because of anxiety. I agree with the others also....about the numbers. 40% seems low..and I heard ore like 60% but it varies from person to person...(I am at almost 82% loss of my excess weight, 3 lbs away from my goal (or 10 depending on whether I wanna be in the 150s) and can honestly say counseling has helped GREATLY. So many things bring us to fill the voids in our lives with food (In my opinion) and my counselor has helped me figure those out. He has also helped me to embrace my accomplishments and look at myself differently. Internal dialogue is so very important here. It can be hard, there is crying, there is anger...there is self realization. But in the end, so worth it for me. Good Luck!

Your Breakfast sounds like mine....LOL. I typically eat an ounce of cheddar cheese, or four slices of ready bacon for breakfast (70 calories for anyone wondering about the bacon) and sounds like you are eating the way you should be. I agree that everything in moderation...I wish I could eat ribs or fries...but I get stuck EVERY time. Eat till satiated and then if you are hungry later (before you think you should be) eat a small snack (preferably Protein or salad) everyone is dfferent. Some people eat three times a day, some six. I gravitate towards six....but it works for me. All our bands/tolerance is different! You go girl! K

I am almost a year out and still grieve for my favorite foods. Geez, what I wouldn't do to eat a Big Mac, or even a cheeseburger from Mcdonalds. I don't eat their food anymore (not cause I don't want to, but because every time I throw up.) It does get better, with periods of wishing I could do it..but being that I am 80lbs down from a year ago...I take them in stride. I don't want to do it....only because it's what got me to getting the band in the first place. Do I slip up? All the time..more often than I care to or want to...but it is so hard to unlearn 37 years of bad eating habits. Take it one day at a time. pizza is not a no-no, but portions..have a salad with it. I can't eat pizza either..heck, there are a lot of things I can't eat, and still try with bad results. It's hard, but you will get past it, if it seems to be too much, try counseling. It helps, trust me. There are so many different things to deal with...and food is something we are around ALL the time. Eat to live, dont live to eat. And like I said, it does get a little better every day. Look what you have done for yourself, embrace your accomplishments...a lb....a dress size.....a better, healthier way of life. <3 Hang in there, Both of you! K

I agree completely. Good advise Journey! As for "the tool" I too agree, and I guess I am one of the "preachers". Someone said it a few months back, it is still about dieting. The "tool" is for portion sizes, what you choose to put in your mouth is still your choice. It seems as if every day I "start over". I am addicted to my scale, and it is what works for me. I try to pay attention to my carbs i.e. more Protein, but sometimes my addictions get the best of me. I sarted over today..I ate something last night that got stuck....badly. I am on yogurt, Protein shakes and liquids, for I can tell (it took me almost 40 minutes to eat a chobani yogurt) that I have a major case of swelling. Beating your food addiction is an everyday thing. Any addiction takes work, every day. I agree with Journey, take stock in your accomplishments, and look at it as a stepping stone. Practice positive internal dialogue and try to make good (for you) choices. If you slip, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and continue on. It takes work, no matter whether you have a band or not. We are here to support, I am sorry if I sounded rude. ( we have all been in the same spot and and I am sure, will be there again) Start anew. Today is a new day. Let's embrace it!