mauraclegg

NY - I know exactly what you mean. I was at about 80 lbs liost and when I looked in the mirror I still saw the same size 22 chick. It is only now, since my tummy tuck, that I am starting to think I look ok

As of today I am at 100 lbs lost - took 15 months; dropped frm a 22 to a loose 12; from a 44f to a 36dd; and my feet even shrunk

The first 3 months weren't too bad. I never went through all the hunger that some talk about; I lost weight consistently for the first 8 months; I was never in "pain", just uncomfortable

Awesome dk!!

Olivia, I too am a very picky eater, and on a budget. For my Protein I do a lot of tuna mixed with light ranch and shredded lettuce. Even with my band at it's tightest I was able to eat meatloaf and meatballs (loudly packed) with marinara and homemade burgers. I know that humus is a wonderful source of protein (personally scares to try it- too picky). Try and stay away from white carbs (rice, white bread). Install or use something like www.myfitnesspal.com to track calories and keep yourself accountable. Many here use it and the support is great (my username is mauraclegg). Most of all know that many here are here to support u on your journey

Banded 15 months ago and no troubles with my port, band, or scars..... Adult activites are as normal as ever with no probs- better stamina on my part, but no issues - lol

LMAO you just made my day. that sounds like something I would do/say..

You are NOT a failure!! Losing is a win- no matter how much. I am 15 months out and haven't reached my goal, but it's not a failure- I am just slowly getting there. You have had to recover from another surgery so don't beat yourself up. Rest, recover and then refocus on losing more. Tbh I don't exercise enough- not at all since my TT 8/26, but I will find my focus again, you WILL TOO. I don't always stay at a cup either, but u can still lose. We are all here for u

As someone else said my fav NSV was going into VS and getting sized and buying a bra or 2 there. I went from like a 44f to a 36dd. So I did lose some, but the girls are still a healthy size. (I was a DD long before I started gaining weight)

Maybe lack of protein or dehydration- I know when I am not drinking enough I get dizzy. I even passed out once

You really won't have restriction until your first fill- I think this is what other's have called "bandster hell". You have to use some willpower right now. I can share with you that I sonehow convinced myself that I had restriction from the very beginning. It was mind over matter- it really helped. Also, even though carbs make good mushies- try and keep away. That is advice I can't follow myself- I fall back to mashed potatoes ALL the time. Eating Protein (tuna, Soups, chicken salad) will help you get full. Also, try tracking your calorie intake. It does help accountability. Many (myself included) use www.myfitnesspal.com they also have an iPhone app Best of luck on your journey.

Yes, add me too UN: mauraclegg

I use MFP mainly for tracking calories and tracking weight. It has me at 1200 a day which I rarely meet- but it helps to have a goal amount

Congrats!!

I have been able to eat popcorn from as soon as I was back on solids.. even with an over full band I have been able to eat popcorn.. no breads or pastas - but always popcorn

I do popcorn- it satisfies both crunch & salt

MFP lover too- my UN is mauraclegg

Q-tee, for after surgery I would recommend ice for incisions, Popsicles as part of your liquids and baggy clothiers. The pillow for your belly is important too - def helps

Congratulations to you!!! Awesome to hear band successes

My doctor prescribed phentermine both pre & post op for me. Post op it was to get me out of a plateau. It is no problem for the band; actually there have been no meds I have been told to avoid

I love it too. My favorite jeans right now are actually a pair of Ann Taylor hand-me-down's from a friends daughter. They are too big now, but I wear a belt.

My BMI was not as high as your's when I was banded (was around 40), but I see absolutely no reason banding would't work for u. Bear in mind it is not a quick fix, nor a magic device- like anything truly effective it takes work- BUT it is so worth it.

For mushies I had tuna, pastina, potatoes, I even had finely ground hamburger with sour cream and taco seasoning. Retried beans are mentioned often, as it humus

That is totally normal !! It too shall pass

You look fantastic