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Holy toledo! Only 3 bites of food?! How many times a day? I cannot fathom how that would give you the nutrition you need unless you are allowed to supplement with Protein shakes or Vitamin shakes or something. I'm just amazed by that.

I don't think it is a stupid comment. Think about all the misinformation that is out there about how the band works. There are some real horror stories and I think the fear of choking on something is a very real fear to have. A lot of people wouldn't put themselves through surgery like we have - and that may be because the people who have food issues have varying control over those issues. Some people don't want to be thin or healthy - I'm sad for those who don't want to be healthy but I think we can't put what our beliefs are about this surgery on to other people. So no, I don't find the comment stupid. She has a right to her own opinion as we all do. Until we walk a mile in someone's shoes we just don't know. And also, one of the main reasons I haven't had a fill is because I fear getting stuck. So, I've had this surgery, went through recovery and bandster hell and luckily don't need a fill or I'd be in a real quandry.

I've recently started on the rowing machine. Wow! What a workout. It's full body and intense cardio if you row fast. I'm loving it. If anyone has one at their gym, give it a go ... even if you start slow, it's great exercise.

You can do it! Just stick to a training schedule. I'm not ready for this triathlon and am scared I won't be ready but, hey, I am going to finish it! Even if I finish last I will still be able to call myself a triathlete!

Woohoooooo!!!

So you've had the guts and strength to leave an abuser and now you are abusing yourself? Come on! You are worth more than that! You can do this. Perhaps therapy would help. I'm in therapy and it has helped me a ton. If you can't afford therapy, how about an Overeaters Anonymous or food Addicts Anonymous group (if you identify as such). You should start building a good support system. Again, you are worth more than you are giving yourself. You deserve the life you want. We all do!

Yayyyyyyyy! It feels wonderful, doesn't it?!?!

I have to agree. The cancer joke hit me in the wrong spot too. In fact, the words cancer and joke should not be spoken in the same breath. I'd find a new response if I were you.

I haven't had a drop of alcohol since right before I was banded. I will partake once I reach goal though.

I had hoped running would increase my appetite. It hasnt so far. I just started training for a triathlon which is on September 11. I'm now either running 4 miles, biking 12 miles or swimming a mile. I alternate each day and sometimes do two of those options on one day. I also lift weights two days a week. I worry about running out of fuel or really messing with my metabolism by only eating about 700 calories daily. It's a struggle every day to eat more and I have no fill. I'd be in serious trouble. I also have a hard time eating before I work out. What do you guys eat before working out?

At that stage, I was eating 1/4 cup of food three times a day. I was still on mushies so it was usually scrambled eggs or Refried Beans or something like that. You should be eating whatever your doctor says you should be eating in the quantities he/she says. Stop when you finish the quantity or before you finish it, not when you feel full.

I felt the same way but exercising has grown on me immensely. When I was heavier, it took me six weeks to work up to running for 8 minutes straight. I started running again recently, and what do you know 83 pounds lighter, I now run for 40 minutes straight and it only took a week to get up to that level. I also totally understand the idea of having a time per mile. I'm training for a triathlon and just starting up some of these sports. The triathlon is a half mile swimming, 20 mile bike ride and 4 mile run. Using my times right now... it's going to take me like SIX HOURS to finish the triathlon! Thank goodness I have two months to train... and yes, the time per mile I started with is going to be way more than I end with! I think your attitude about having somewhere to start is going to carry you really far. Good for you and keep up the good work!

It's understandable to feel scared. You're moving great - so why are you scared? If you are feeling really weak, are you getting in your Protein shakes or whatever your doctor has on his plan? I found that I had a terrible headache right after being banded and felt weak - I drank a small glass of low sugar apple juice and felt much better. You're doing ok. Your body has been through a lot during surgery - just rest as much as you can - it will help the healing process.

My doctor told me that because I have lost a significant amount of weight, my hormones will be in flux for a while until they figure out how to regulate for a smaller body. I noticed I was getting big pimples on my jaw line (which are usually caused by hormones). It also could be that since you can't turn to food for comfort (and I don't know if you did this or not), that you are touching your face more and not realizing it?

Hi, Ugh what a horrible thing to be going through... I've been there and it was stressful. Stool softeners only work if you increase your Water intake significantly. However, even increasing your water intake without the stool softener should help. Drink at least 120 ounces of water for three days and see how it goes. I take Benefiber every day but I am still not "regular". I find that eating my veggies and exercising helps a lot. Sometimes, if I am really in a mess, I have an extra cup of coffee but then increase my water intake too. I hope it resolves itself soon!

I weigh daily but I'm learning to not let the scale get me down when it doesn't say what I want it to say. Im training for a triathlon, eating clean and healthy. There's nothing more I can do. What I do know is that people who eat healthy and exercise hard are not generally overweight so if I keep doing the right thing then I will get there too. Consistency is the key regardless of what the scale says.

I was allowed coffee after one week. You should check with your surgeon and find out what his/her rules are.

Lots of sugar in fruit juice. I'd keep an eye on that. Sure, it's natural unprocessed sugar but it can really add up.

Luna protein bars have 180 calories. Make sure you look for Luna Protein not regular Luna. You can get a box of 6 for $5.99 at Target and there are four flavors.

I've been banded seven months and have lost 83 pounds. Still have 39 pounds to go.

Our thread was six pages deep on the forum!! Let's have a check in! I have less than forty pounds to goal now. I can't believe it. I just started running two weeks ago and am already up to running for 40 minutes. When I was heavier it took me six weeks to get up to 8 minutes straight. I also began training for a triathlon which is on September 11. Im scared but feeling good. How is everyone else doing?

Yayyyyyyyy! Seems like just yesterday for me! Give yourself a pat on the back!

I don't have any advice for you in maintenance... But just had to say "Holy Shizzzzzzzzzzz! Good for you!". I have forty pounds left to my goal and since I have no fill in my band I guess I will just keep doing what I have been doing. If I recall correctly, you use a bodybugg? If so, I guess you'll know how much you will need to eat to maintain and can adjust your fill accordingly to make sure you get those calories in. Does your surgeon have any suggestions?

I have the same problem. I feel terribly guilty for eating anything. Even an apple can make me hate myself. I am in therapy for these issues and it's still a major struggle but I am working on it. I exercise with a trainer twice a week and run three miles the other five days and still I am eating less than 700 calories a day. I was recently tested for Vitamin deficiency and prealbumin (an indicator for malnutrition). I am Vitamin A deficient and borderline malnourished. My vision is being affected by the vitamin A issue so I have to get it under control. Be really mindful of how you nourish yourself with your band. Take your Vitamins every day without fail and try to eat for health, not for hunger. My nutritionist keeps telling me to think of food as a medicine. My therapist keeps telling me to listen to my body. After being overweight my whole life, this is all new.

I don't think you need a fill because you said you are eating things that are easy to swallow. Perhaps a slight unfill might be better so that you can have a more varied diet. This journey is hard. Really hard. You have to remind yourself that you DESERVE a healthy life. You owe it to yourself. Once I started to realize that, my life started to change in major ways. I also have been in therapy for my issues with food and I think it has been the key factor - even over my band as I have no Fluid in my band. Is that something you could consider? Best wishes. You can do this!