Jennifer Hathaway

I used to drink diet coke and vanilla vodka but no carbonation now so I drink cranberry vodka. Chocolate martinis are awesome and so are appletinis.

I take Wellbutrin and Geodon for bipolar. My doctor put me on these almost 4 years ago because I obviously already had a weight problem and they have the least weight gain effect. I was banded six months ago and I take them as prescribed with no problems. I have lost 86 pounds since surgery and have six pounds until goal, so they haven't stalled my weight loss.

I drink vodka cranberry juice, I had to give up the diet coke because of no carbonation rule. Alcohol is okay in moderation. I usually save some calories during the day if I know I am going out for drinks. But I make sure to eat about an hour before because drinking alcohol makes me hungry and I know I can't eat anything because I would end up eating junk. And I am only 6 pounds away from goal.

I am right there with you too. I just went through my closet and tried on all my clothes and realized that everything that is in there now fits or is even too big. I no longer have clothes that are tight and don't fit right. It is amazing because I used to have so many of those too small to even imagine to wear again clothes. I absolutely love my band. I went to dinner tonight and could only eat 1/4 of a turkey and wheat sandwich and 3 spoonfuls of chicken noodle soup. Before I would have eaten the whole thing, all the chips and the whole bowl of soup. No wonder my clothes fit now. Lol!

Okay after losing 86 pounds and being 6 pounds from goal I have a lot less padding. And now when my two year old daughter climbs on me it hurts. She gets her elbows and feet jabbed in and it hurts my bones. I never thought she hurt me before. I guess I have to accept the pain and just be happy I can feel it now. Lol! Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

I am 6 months out and very near goal so I have had fast weight loss. I have also lost a TON of hair. It used to be very thick but not anymore. I have to wrap a rubber band around my hair more times now. I take biotin and get in my protein, but I think it just has to run its course.

I chew a couple papaya enzymes and it goes right down. I have never had it come back up. Thank God!

It is very important to follow your doctor's rules. Do not eat solids before you are told to. You must let your stomach heal. The band is stitched and it needs time for scar tissue to develop to hold it in place. You could cause a slip. Don't worry about being hungry just add more protein drinks to your day.

It is very important to follow your doctor's rules. Do not eat solids before you are told to. You must let your stomach heal. The band is stitched and it needs time for scar tissue to develop to hold it in place. You could cause a slip. Don't worry about being hungry just add more protein drinks to your day.

I have only been banded for 6 1/2 months but I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have my life back. I am only 6 pounds from goal and off prilosec and blood pressure meds. I have more energy and confidence. I am taking better care of myself and I put myself back at the top of my list. If I didn't do this my kids would still have a morbidly obese mom with high blood pressure. They are proud of me now. I have read plenty of negative things as well but most of that is the minority. Most people that are doing good and not having complications will not post on these sites. Good luck in your decision.

The olive garden here has apricot chicken breasts. It is very good and very low fat, high protein. I would try and stay away from pasta dishes.

I am now down 86 pounds with 7 left to goal. I love this band. I am fitting into old clothes again too and like shopping again. I go to support groups and have monthly doctor visits. They took an after picture the other day and put it next to my before and wow what a huge difference. It's very exciting. I have lost plenty of weight in the past but never kept it off, so now the real work comes in to never gain it back.

I am now down 86 pounds with 7 left to goal. I love this band. I am fitting into old clothes again too and like shopping again. I go to support groups and have monthly doctor visits. They took an after picture the other day and put it next to my before and wow what a huge difference. It's very exciting. I have lost plenty of weight in the past but never kept it off, so now the real work comes in to never gain it back.

I was banded 5-25-10 and lost 86 pounds. I am only 6 pounds from goal. I love my band..Congratulations everyone!

I currently have 6.9 cc in my band and feel like I need a small tweak at my appointment next month. I am in the green zone and losing and not getting hungry, but I would like my portions to be a little smaller.

I haven't been told to stay away from it. I still eat salad and have lettuce on sandwiches.

It depends on how much you need to lose. I am 6 months out and I think I am doing great for a female. I have lost 86 of my 93 pounds already and have had 6 fills. I don't think you need to worry, you are doing great.

I love the triple berry flavor. Chocolate is good too.

Are you on liquids for 24 hours after a fill? Sometimes it just takes a few days for a fill to kick in. I have experienced the feeling of less restriction but it comes back. Be patient and good luck.

I have bipolar as well. The Only thing that was a concern with them is they wanted me to be banded instead of rny because of the malabsorption of meds. Otherwise they have a lot of bipolar banded patients that are successful. I had surgery the end of may and down 80 pounds with 13 until goal. It is the best thing I could have done to help my depression. I feel so much better all around mentally and physically. Good luck!

I found myself fearing the object in my body as well. But I have my stomach intact. And if anything happens to the band I am sure it is fixable or replaceable. I really only find myself fearing something could happen and I would lose it because I love it so much.

I am 5'7" and started at 262 on surgery day may 25, 2010. I am now down 80 lbs (182) and my personal goal is 160. But my doctor's goal is 169. She explained to me that as a previously morbid obese woman my bones are more dense and therefore they will weigh more. I have been pregnant twice and lost 80 pounds before therefore I have some sagging. But I would rather have sagging skin skin and be thin and healthy. The worst so far is the hair loss. I am constantly losing hair and will be purchasing nioxin as recommended. Good luck with your banding. I hope you have as much success as you want.

I think it is a decision that you ultimately have to make. But for me the band is a lifesaver. I have been very successful at losing weight in the past but I was always hungry and as soon as I lost the weight I returned to bad habits ballooning up even farther than I originally started. This time is for keeps. I know when I get a craving now I bcan satisfy it with a taste and move on. I had surgery may 25, 2010 and I am down 80 pounds with only 12 left to goal. I could have done it without the band but I would be starving with how little I actually consume. Once you get adjusted it helps with the hunger and the head games. This time when I see a number on the scale I say goodbye forever and move down. Good luck in your decision. This has been the best and easiest decision I have ever made!

It took me less than two months from seminar to surgery. My insurance covered it all as well. I had surgery may 25, 2010 and so glad I did it. Down 79 pounds and only 14 more to doctor goal. Good luck on your wonderful journey.

First congratulations on getting banded and losing 16 pounds. Keep doing everything u are doing and when you start getting your fills the weight will start coming off. I understand your frustration but the band does work if you work it right. Hang in there and good luck!