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I think it sounds like you're doing great with a steady weight loss and feeling good. This rate of weight loss is healthy for your body and will help your skin adjust, too. If I were you I'd leave well enough alone! Joan

I think your restriction sounds great as long as you are still losing 1-2# a week. I am envious about your band and how you feel. I basically don't eat any breads anymore and I can vomit daily if I am not cautious. I think it's weird that I get stuck and vomit easily considering pre ban the last time I vomited was 1988, LOL! Even when I am stuck/vomiting I am still thankful for my band. It is still worth it to me. I am ecstatic to be down 35 pounds since my preop diet. Joan

I get a bit of soreness sometimes following abdominal crunches. Does your doctor do fill under fluoroscopy? If so have him/her view what might be bugging you. Joan

How many fills have you all had? 3 How many cc's are in your band? 5 (approximately) What kind of band & what size is it? 10cc (I think) Do you feel like you are at your sweet spot? Yes. I was at 1cc more and had a defalte a few weeks ago because I was too tight. I am having to be very cautious of what I eat but am losing great so it is worth it. : ) I ate a small Wendy's bacon cheeseburger yesterday, minus the bun for lunch and it did not sit well. I have been eating ground beef without issue. I vomited at 7PM or so and didn't eat anything last PM to allow my stomach some recovery time. I will go easy today. I have a protein shake each AM. Joan

I LOVE the WATP DVD's! Some of mine call for hand weights or exercise bands. I feel worked out when I am done and the convenience is priceless. Good Luck, JOan

I was told I could have caffeine as soon as I was drinking ample fluids post op. I was also told to never have carbonation because it can cause the pouch to stretch out and ruin the effects of the band. Joan

I. too, get hungrier before and the first few days at TOM. When is your next lap band follow up? I didn't have hardly any restriction until my 3rd fill. When is your next follow up appt? Are you drinking any calories like alcohol, smoothies, juices, shakes...? Follow up care is crucial to success. Hang in there! Before I reached the correct restriction I wasn't losing much at all. Now I am losing 2-3 pounds per week. I have "BIG" news! I have reached ONEDERLAND! I weighed in at 198.2 this AM! Joan

Hello, Joan checking in ~ 201.4, was 203.8 last week, down 2.4# for the week Congratulations to all the "losers" this week! For those who didn't lose, remember it's the long run we are working towards and don't let one week discourage you!! Joan

Thanks Vicky!!! Joan

Congratulations Vicky and Heather! I went through my closet this PM and found 4 pairs of capris to give away that are too big. I have smaller pants and capris from 5 years ago so I don't need to buy any until I am about a 12. I do want some new tops, though. Joan

Yeah for you! I'll take inches down over scale down anyday! Joan

Funny to see your post because I could not agree more! I had this same thought today. I am feeling much more comfortable with my body and "fitting" much better/position wise with my husband. Yahoo! Joan

Hello, I had surgery December 2011. I had similar stats as you, 49yo, 5'5", 232#. I had a hiatal hernia repair at the same time as the surgery, I wasn't having reflux before surgery which most people have with a hiatal hernia. My surgery went great, recovery was easy. I had not vomited since 1988, so that tells you how I feel about vomiting, LOL. I have been stuck and have vomited but it is usually due to me not chewing well enough. Like someone else said, there is no nausea, just a stuck/painful sensation and then relief when it comes back up. I am thankful every day for my band and I feel great! Only you know what the best decision is for you. Good luck! Joan

Also try yogurt, cottage cheese, pureed soups, any cooked and mashed beans, apple sauce. I don't think you should try lettuce yet. Just eat very slowly and you will do fine. Joan

I agree with Heather and Vicky but also recommend you journal what you are eating and measure for a few days. Most of us eat a lot more than we think. Are you drinking empty calories? When is your next follow up appt? Do you have good/adequate restriction? I think you are losing at an appropriate rate myself. I have lost slower than many yet faster than I have in the past pre-band. I think what we all have to remember is that the goal is to not only to lose weight, which most of us have done MANY times, but to maintain the loss. That is the key. At this point I have good restriction and I think the only way I wouldn't be losing 1-2# a week would be if I was having empty liquid calories, ie juice, cream and sugared coffee, alcohol, milk shakes, smoothies. Hang in there and know that we can all reach AND maintain our goals! Joan

Hello, I think all of us can relate to having some fears before surgery. My personal opinoin on making the band work with you is to keep your monthly follow up appointments. There can be a very small window between being too loose and too tight. For me, when my band is at the correct restriction, like it is now, I lose about 2# aweek. I think the biggest mistake a banded or any person actually can make is to drink beverages with calories other than protein shakes. I am definetly restricted in the volume of food I can eat but if I were drinking flavored coffees, smoothies, juice, shakes... I would not be losing. Like anything, it is possible to sabotage the band results. This has been a learning experience for me as it is with all bandsters. I am thankful each and every day that I have my band! Best wishes to you! Joan

Hello, I had surgery on a Thursday and went back to work on the second Monday, 11 days including 2 weekends. I have a busy job as a school nurse. I am up and down and walking about a lot each day. I could have gone back at one week but had already arranged the days off. I was driving the day after surgery and took a 30 minute walk 3 days after surgery. I was tired in the afternoons and happy to enjoy some time at home. Good luck to you! Joan

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Darn that TOM, LOL. I always go up 2-3 pounds. Hang in there and next weeks weigh in should be better. Joan

I am so happy that you are back on track and losing! Yeah you!!! WOW, 100#! Congratulations! We are a free style group, welcome! We can do this. Make it a better week! Congratulations to all the "losers" this week! Joan

Amy and Liz, I was surprised and a bit disappointed when I didn't lose much in the first couple of months after surgery. It wasn't until I had 3 fills that my band really started to work for and with me. I am 4 months post op now and have lost about 23# . Just keep heading in the right direction and you'll get there! Joan

Amy~ I think you are doing great with all your exercise! I bet your next fill will help the weight keep coming off. Joan

Good Morning! Joan weighing in, 203.8, down 2#.

Congratulations! I am right behind you at 203. I can't wait to be in onderland. I take a multi vit and 1-2 calcium chews per day. The multi vit is a tiny pill, ibuprofen sized that I swallow. I do a 30minute weight/step circuit at the gym and made it there before work this AM. I am feeling great! I have told my family and close friends/co-workers about my band. Everyone has been supportive, at least to my face, LOL! I have been having a protein shake once a day to help make sure I am adequately nourished with protein especially. The only thing I really don't eat is doughy type breads. I eat a little toast and crust off the end of a piece of pizza. Have a great day, Joan

Thanks Vicky! Joan