Banannie

Kirsten - oh girl, you can TOTALLY tell!!! In *all* the pics - way to go! First off, not many people know I was banded (mom, sis, bro-in-law, and about 6 friends). I didn't start really get comments until pretty recently on my weight loss - some people who I'd expect to comment haven't. I think people want to be *sure* someone is losing weight before they comment since it's such a sensitive topic. I have a family brunch on Sunday for Easter and I haven't seen most of these folks since Christmas (after I was banded but no where near a point you could tell I'd lost weight). It'll be interesting to hear the comments, if any! My grandmother who's about 90 is, uhm, getting more blunt with her comments in her old age, so hearing what she might have to say may be very, very interesting! At some point I'll be brave enough to post pics...

Brandi - that TOTALLY sucks!!! Being hungry and not being able to eat would piss anyone off, but when you've spent soooo much time cooking - yikes! You've probably irritated your stoma with the PB so going on liquids is good. Just think - the 2 days of liquids may give the scale a good bump! I know that doesn't help when you're so hungry, but gotta look at the up side, ya know? Steph - have a great weekend if we don't hear from you! Glad your fill is helping! - same for BK - isn't having a good fill nice???

Steph - good luck with work! BK - WOO HOO on the scale moving - isn't that the best feeling? I weigh every day, too - wish I could go longer than a day but it hasn't worked yet! I just am trying not to let the scale dictate my mood for the day! Brandi - sounds like you had a great weekend! Good to know you're having fun! And don't worry about the weight stall - my bet is your body is just adjusting to how fast you've lost and the scale will move soon. But, if you think you're eating too much, definitely get in for a fill. That's one thing I've learned - there's absolutely no point in "toughing it out" if you don't need to! I've got a fill scheduled for next Monday (my doc is 1 to 1.5 hours away depending on traffic, and I'll already be in the neighborhood next Monday so I don't have to make a special trip, otherwise I would have gone sooner!) Sounds like everyone is doing really well! I love this group - my steadies girls - you guys are so inspiring and helpful. Pretty amazing team we make, eh?

I'll probably put up the same goals as for March - 10+ lbs and 20+ days of exercise... :clap2:

Boo - we are here for you girl! No sappy sorry feeling stuff - just strength! Look how far you've come - you're a fighter with the weight loss stuff, you'll be a fighter with this - DEFINITELY get another opinion! You don't need this drama in your head for three months! Keep us posted, ok??

Jill - your daughter is just beautiful. You must feel so lucky that nothing too serious happened to such a little sweetie! Give her kisses from all her mom's lap band friends!

Clau - it's so neat to see you so excited about your trip! NAT - WELCOME BACK GIRL! We miss ya & luv ya, so keep your chin up and know that we're here for you, through the thick & thin (ha ha!). Good job on getting your head back in the bandster game. Brandi - are you feeling better yet?

Jill! My heart goes out to you and your family - I hope your daughter recovers soon! What a horrible and sad story! Love to you....

Steph - I tried posting a response earlier but it disappeared! As for goal weights, initially the doc's office had put 70-80% of excess weight loss as my goal, but after a few fills with them comparing my progress to that, I asked them to change it, as it was never my goal (they had 170 something and I was thinking 145 for my 5'6" frame). So they changed it, which I like. I have no idea what will look good when I get there since I do work out and have muscle mass, but I thought that was good enough for now. As for feeling sexy - I feel a bazillion times better than I did back around Thanksgiving, and I get a ton more attention and compliments, but I've always been the heavy girl with pretty low/mediocre self confidence, so I'm not feeling sexy - yet. I think I will once a bit more weight comes off. I've been way more confident lately which helps! :welldoneclap:

BRANDI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE A SUPERSTAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :first: :wow2: :cheer2: :mad: :mad: Hope you feel better soon!!!

Good going on the fill, Steph! I hope it helps - if not, don't be shy!

Kathy - I lost my dad suddenly last August from a heart attack (he was only 66). I totally understand the loss and heartbreak you're going through! Just know that we all are here to support you, but know that if you try to do too much (i.e. deal with the loss at the same time as trying to lose weight) it can be very stressful! Sounds like you have your head in the right place though! Let us know what we can do to help!!!

I assume you have the 9.75mm band that holds 4cc's. I have a 10mm band that also holds 4cc's - I'm at I think 2.5cc's now. Went up to 2.7, was too tight, down to 2.5. I may go get 0.1cc's more... But everyone's stomach varies, so someone may need no fill/tiny fills to get restriction while others struggle to get restriction at 4cc's!

Kay, totally glad you're back! I did get the golfball more frequently after the last fill, but I'm using that as more of a learning experience to chew better/take smaller bites - don't use that as a reason not to get a fill! If you're still getting hungry you may need just a touch more fill - the whole point of the band is to get to that sweet spot where you're just not hungry - sounds like you're almost there! Glad you feel so good!!! Isn't that the best feeling??

Oooh, I like the idea of more milk to get calories in (also a touch of Protein with that good ol' calcium!) - I should be doing that anyway! Thanks Brandi! Steph, you crack me up! :bolt: I just picture a big furry dog shaking itself and seeing the fur flying...

Steph, I didn't have any problem getting calories in before my last fill or two. I'm just not hungry! When I do eat, I'm trying to follow the bandster rules as much as possible so I get full easy/quickly, since I'm usually eating solid protein and produce. I've actually switched to eat more fruits than veggies as they often have the same nutrient content but more calories due to natural sugars. (Plus I *totally* prefer fruits! Never been a veggie girl)

Hey Brandi - I've got the identical problem. Suddenly the last week I've lost more than my normal "shedding" - I've heard that 3-4 months into a "rapid weight loss" the body does this and it doesn't last long, and there's nothing we can do about it. I've also heard theories it's just a delayed reaction to the surgery. I've been told by "seasoned bandsters" not to get upset, it'll not only stop on it's own but it'll grow back... Not what I want to hear but at least it makes me feel better that it's nothing I'm doing, and it fits in closer with the "I'm getting plenty of protein" argument. I also struggle with the calories most days - I'm not journaling (probably should, but I don't) but many days I get less than 1000....

Brandi - WOO HOO on the 14's!!! You're a super star! Boo - my Mom will say stupid things every once in a while, but I have a tough time standing up to her and saying it hurt. I'm glad you told her it upset you - hopefully she'll think more next time! Nat - glad you're down even if it's only a lb - one's better than none, and it sounds like you have more important things to concentrate on right now than your weight loss - I hope your little boy is keeping your spirits up - little ones can certainly make us smile!! BK - with my last fill I have good restriction - might need just a tick more, but this is really "good". I'll get the golf ball feeling if I don't chew well (or choose something that's too dry) and I've slimed once or twice, but no PB-ing. I notice I don't get hungry in the evenings on the days I work out after work. I used to be ravenous after working out pre-band. Don't know why it works, but it does!! Steph - 3-4 lbs is still close to "normal" of 1-2 lbs per week, so you're doing good - and definitely the fill will help!! Ok, gotta run for now...

Kirsten, if you just started exercising again your muscles are likely holding onto a touch more water so I wouldn't be worried, assuming you're eating well & drinking your water! I was "stuck" for a week on the scale and did nothing different to get stuck, and nothing different to get unstuck - sometimes our bodies need a rest to readjust. Down a touch over 4 lbs in the past week, and I changed nothing... IF you're doing everything right, which it sounds like you're doing pretty good, weight should come off - if not, get a fill!

Nat! Kay! Where are you guys! Check in - we're getting worried!

You sound too tight. The band is designed to work with solid food - you should be at a point that you can get the nutrients (including protein) you need with eating 90+% of the time rather than using supplements. I got too tight after my last fill and got only 0.2cc's out (I have a 4cc band) and it was a HUGE improvement. I was scared of the unfill but it was VERY good!

Brandi - do you guys live close enough together that you can cook him dinner a few nights a week? If he wants help (and nothing will change if *HE* doesn't want to change) that may be a way for you to show him what you're doing, how to do it on his own, and get him motivated enough that maybe he'll stand up to your mom and say please don't buy me sugary pop and I want veggies and turkey burgers. Your brother needs to be willing to fight a bit for what he wants! If he gets a few good meals in from you, he'll feel better physically from the good nutrients, and hopefully that'll motivate him to also push for the change! Being "rebellious" with your mom may be hard for him, but he's got to take some responsibility and push, too - it can't just be your battle!

I totally agree with Brandi (Beversman) If you're on a plateau for more than even 5 or so days and you think you're doing the right things - you may not be doing quite as well as you think, I've had that trouble a LOT in past diets. What I do when I plateau: Measure your food - it's EASY to overestimate portions. Track your food - like with fitday.com. EVERYTHING that goes into your mouth should be tracked - from sauces you put on food to your Crystal Light few calories to the tastes you take when prepping dinner for the family to the stray handful of peanuts or M&M's from your coworkers goodie jar - everything! See what you're REALLY eating and then, track your exercise! And if you're not exercising now, get out and move your booty! If you're really, honestly at ~1000-1200 calories of HEALTHY solid food calories with a good protein/carb/fat breakout, you're exercising regularly like 3-6 days a week (I mean break-a-sweat and feel good after exercise!) and your weight's not moving, see your doctor!

Boo - CONGRATS on the book stuff - that is SO COOL! :welldoneclap: :Banane20: Steph - My weight got stuck for a week. Drove me batty, absolutely insane, and almost into depression. I thought I was doing all the right things - if nothing else, my calories were too low and exercise too high. I e-mailed the RN at my doc's office that I work with who is banded herself and has written a book on banding for advice. She said that if you lose weight fast that occasionally your body needs a break to catch up. So, not to worry about a week if you really, truly are behaving. It'll catch up then the scale will move. Some quotes from her e-mail: "There is nothing you can do to speed up the pace of mother nature." "Weight loss is not a straight slide downwards. It's more like going down steps and right now you are on a landing. Just keep doing what you are doing and eventually the scale will move. I promise."

NAT! Girl, we love you - if there's anything we can do to help cheer you up, please... let us know! You are amazing, and you're entitled to feel overwhelmed occasionally, just know you're strong and you'll get through it - you always do! Brandi - have FUN this weekend! Glad to hear I'm not the only one to get a stupid little veggie piece stuck. I still haven't PB'd yet, but I would say yesterday I got my first "slime"... uhm, YUK!