Keia

I've always been able to feel mine. Even though it hurt to do so after surgery, but I just needed to know that it was there. LOL.

Well, December Banders, I'm bringing your stats down. I lost 19 pounds 12 days out from surgery and haven't lost anymore weight since. I have lost a lot of inches and can't wear some of my clothes anymore, but no more pounds. I take ownership for it, because it took me a while to start exercising (I had a lot of port pain). And then I was suffering from bronchitis for two weeks. But anyway, I think I'm finally ready to get on track. I started working out this week and I scheduled a fill on March 24. I have no restriction at all. It's hard to believe that after all of this I feel like I could eat anything. ( I don't...but I bet I could) So anyway. I just want to say that you guys are doing an awesome job!!! Hopefully I can join the victory side, soon.

Thanks, Cindy. That's really encouraging. I'm only two months out. Eating out is my biggest challenge. But, I see there's a light at the end if the tunnel.

Gosh, I wish I had some good advice to offer. I agree with the previous post, remain consistent in contacting the insurance company. I think they so no a lot hoping people will get tired of fighting and pay themselves. I'll keep you in my prayers.

I was banded on the same day. I feel the same way that you do. I had lost 19 pounds by day 12. Then I gained 5 back (when I moved to the next food group). Now I've lost 3 of those. But that was over a month ago. Since then...NOTHING. I am still losing a ton of inches and the loss is noticable to others. You're doing more excercise than I am but I can relate to the frustration. I had my fill on Feb 11. I think eventually our bodies will catch up and we just have to hang in there until then.

Today I wore a pair of pants that I haven't worn in a month. I instinctively sucked in before I buttoned....(jumping and shouting) I didn't need to do that!!!! Congratulations to all of you, too!

I had no idea my skirt was this far past my knees. The smaller hips and butt have gotten, the longer my skirt is. Too funny! Maybe it was always too little and I was just squeezing myself into it .

My day finally came. I got two cc's today. I'm supposed to be on mushies for two days. I just can't bring myself to eat anything blended (blech). So I've been drinking Protein drinks. I can't tell a difference yet. But I sure hope it makes a difference for me. My hunger has picked up tremendously. So I do the old Water trick (drink water, wait 15 minutes to see if you were hungry or thirsty). Anyway, here's to the future!

I just had my first fill Friday. I feel no restriction whatsoever. I hope I have a delayed reaction verses no reaction at all. (scary!)

String cheese is great, too. It's high in protein and tasty. It's not blended, but it's still a soft food.

Oh, no, I don't want to be hungrier!!! My NUT told me that most people take 3 - 4 fills before they get to the right amount of restriction. I don't feel any restriction at all. I read on somebody's post that it was two weeks after their fill before they felt restriction. Ugh. This is not an exact science, but I sure hope it works! I haven't had problems with any foods yet. I had pasta today; no problems. The two things that I love but haven't tried yet are popcorn and rice. Do you have any problems with foods?

I drink my coffee black. But coffee did not taste good to me after surgery. So, I didn't drink any for about a month. Since I really like the taste, I tried it again. Now it's hit or miss whether I drink it every day or not (NOT the pre-band me at all). I wish candy tasted nasty...

That is awesome!! Congratulations. I hope you get to wear them to the Bahamas because they'll be too big by summer time!

So when you had your second fill, did it always feel too tight or did that go away? My first fil is Friday. My appetite has picked up and it's making me nervous I really hope the fill helps out quickly.

Looks like we're in the same boat. I can't wait to get banded Friday. I'm really hoping to feel different because my appetite seems to be picking up

Oh, so sorry to hear that. I was banded Dec 29 but my surgeon pushed my first fill out until this Friday. He said I wasn't completely healed to have it done within one month. I've visited "The Fill" forum and see that the delay happens to other people, too. A year down the road when we're sexy skinny, this will be a distant memory

Yep, all of that is normal. I still don't have regular bowel movements (I'm about 5 weeks post-op). I don't know your nationality; I'm Black and my scars are healed but darker than the rest of my skin. I didn't think my port scar was ever going to look normal, but I'm sure the line will fade and look great later. I bought Vitamin E and put it on my scars daily (be sure to wait until they're closed). I think it took 3 -4 weeks for them to heal. Good luck!

Congratulations!! I was hoping I'd be "that person" like you (the one who can successfully lose weight without fills). BUT, hey reality is...real. LOL. I have maintained my initial post-surgery loss of 17 pounds, but I am truly looking forward to my fill on Friday.

I went through this. After 3 - 4 weeks, I started feeling normal again. I'm still trying to get back into my pre-surgery routine.

I really like the dessert flavored yogurts and the yogurt whip. They have 5 grams of protein and 100 calories or less (for the light).

Sarah, have you spoken to the psychologist who you initially met with? Mine told me I could always call or come see him. He also offers support classes (see if yours does too). Just be sure to reach out to someone who can help (don't suffer alone).

Your honesty is appreciated. You're right, there are a lot of us who are still struggling with old eating habits that didn't disappate just because we got banded. It takes a lot to be honest because so many people here want to pretend they're perfect and criticize others instead of being supportive. I joined LBT because I knew I couldn't do this alone. I need help, ideas and warnings from others. Thanks for your post!

I always wondered what "sliders" were. Thanks. re: slime. Is the food stuck in your esophagus or your band? I haven't experienced this, but I think I had a little stuck episode today. It was only for about 20 seconds, but it got my attention. My meat was too dry and I think the bite was too big.

Congrats. I hope I get to what mine says (180...so not the truth). lol

Thank you for sharing your story. The most weight I've ever lost was 36 pounds on WW. I hit a plateau. But I was in a size 12 and happy, so I just maintained...until I moved and gained 50 pounds. I thought for sure after maintaining that loss for 2 1/2 years that there was no way I could gain it back. So lately I've rationalized it by saying, well, it was only 36 pounds. But I needed to read your post. It doesn't matter how many pounds it is. If you quit trying, you will gain the weight back. (big sigh) but good reminder... Welcome back and good luck!