RGVT78

So far so good. The picture on the right is my work Christmas party from 2010 (4 months post op, and down ~ 50 lbs from start). The picture on the right is from my work Christmas party 2011. 125 lbs down, about 50 more to go.

Most definitely! I'm 10 months out (and a week) and down 108 lbs. The weight came off quicker in the first few months, but is still coming off. Just have to watch what you eat, and get active.

The week before surgery I went to Bed Bath and Beyond and bought little demitasse spoons and cocktail forks.. 4 of each. I have used them at home when it's just my husband and I, but when we have company over, or when we go out to eat, I use regular utensils and make an effort to eat slow, small bites. You have to take that many more bites to finish a meal, and for me, it is a constant reminder to take smaller bites. I didn't change my plate size. It has definitely helped me.

This is the scale that I bought 2 years ago on Amazon. I LOVE it, or as much as I can love a scale. I weigh every day in the morning, at the same time every day. I only count on Wednesday morning, but if I move up or down, I look to see what I had the day before, and if I slipped on something, then I know to be careful that day. I don't let the scale rule me, but it helps me keep on track and stay honest. Here is the link on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001KXZ808/ref=wms_ohs_product_T2

Well, I'm not quite 8 months post surgery, and as of this morning, am down 92 lbs. Yesterday, while at Wally World, I bought a new scrub top for work in a smaller size that I wasn't expecting to fit into, but was a good deal on clearance. I tried it on when I got home... and it fit! I thought it was maybe a little tight, but DH said it looked great, and showed that I was getting a figure. Well, this morning I decided to wear the new scrub top to work, and one of my co-workers, stopped in the middle of a conversation to say, "You know, I keep seeing you out of the corner of my eye, and I need to take a second look to make sure it's you that I'm talking to! You are looking great! How much weight have you lost?" I told her the total, as of this morning, and she just smiled, and said I was doing a great job, and looked wonderful. I had a few more comments along the same line. This was after last Tuesday, my husband and I were eating dinner and talking, and he paused for a moment, between bites, and said, "Wow... You really look thin right now." It was a wonderful feeling. I think I smiled the rest of the night. I still have a little ways to go, but am feeling good, and these little things have really boosted my non-existant self confidence.

I agree. Definitely call you doctor on Monday if by then you still have no relief. I would also go back to a liquid diet, and not try any solids. By then, if it is just swelling, things should be feeling better.

Hi all :thumbup: Just a question about the BodyMedia armband. They have just come out with a bluetooth one that syncs with your smartphone (Yes, I am a geek) and was wondering what people thought of previous generations, or whether it would be worth getting the BodyBugg SP that also syncs to a smartphone. By the looks of things with iTunes and the app store, the BodyMedia version seems to be more user friendly. Ideas? Thanks!! :laugh:

My first thought was band erosion unfortunately.. I would ask about having an endoscopy first to see if they can see what's going on, make sure there are no obvious problems before rushing into another surgery. If they don't find anything, then you can proceed from there.

Hello from Palm Bay! I am just a little further south of Cocoa Beach. Was banded on 8/31/10 in Sebastian Florida, and am on my way. Happy New Year to all my fellow CFL bandsters!

This is still something I'm fighting on a regular basis. This band has more of a mental component sometimes then I thoughtit would. Don't get me wrong... I love my band, and I am sooooooo glad I went through with it, but my head still tells me to eat, even when I'm not hungry. This forum has been a life saver for me at night. Night time is the worst for me. Before I'd be in and out of the kitchen grazing. Now, I find something else to occupy my hands and mind. If I'm needing something to chew on, I have a piece of gum. I love the new extra mint chocolate chip ice cream flavor. If it's been over an hour since I ate, I will drink a bottle of Crystal Light. Gotta get the fluids in. Most of the time, if I have a bottle of Water or Crystal light by my side, I'm okay. At night if I'm craving something sweet and the gum doesn't work, I have a cup of Swiss Miss diet hot chocolate (only 25 cals). Jello and sugar free Popsicles also help, as well as sugar free pudding. Sometimes in the afternoon a light cheese stick will help. I try not to give into the head hunger, but sometimes you have to do something to divert it. The gum and bottle of water/Crystal light have been my biggest helps. Hopefully this might help you too.

I have the Zumba for the Xbox Kinect. I SUCK at it, as I have no co-ordination whatsoever. I have never gone to a class either so I can't say how it compares, but it is a lot of fun, and one hell of a workout. It just makes me glad that I'm making a fool of myself in the privacy of my own home with only the dogs to laugh at me. If you are looking for a good fun and interesting workout, go for it.

We routinely eat "tacos" at our house... generally every other week or so. I put tacos in quotations because we do do them a little differently now. Instead of eating the shells, we buy the baked tortilla scoops (Tostitos) and then put the meat/shredded cheese/taco sauce/lettuce/etc in a bowl, mix it all up, and then spoon it into the scoops. you can take MUCH smaller bites doing it this way, without a mess. I don't quite have restriction yet, and trying to be cautious with portion sizes, and I find I eat a lot less, and have fewer carbs, and am still satisfied.

Cheri, did you have to file separately from your husband?

I was hungry within about 3 days, but followed the rules, as hard as they were. Pureed foods never tasted so good!!!

12,500, including all followup and fills for the year. Definitely worth every cent like Humming Bird said.

I was banded on Aug 31st 2010 in Sebastian FlorIda, by Dr. Domkowski. $12,500 self pay for the pre-op visits, nutritionist, and psychologist. Includes hospital, surgeon, assistant, and all fills and check ups for 1 year after. Great doctor, and great office staff. Loving my band!!

Depending on where you are in Florida, I was banded in Sebastian for $12,500, with a year of fills and followup. Love the doc and the office staff.

Good for you FloridaBoy. I couldn't have gone back that quickly, but then I have to stand for 12 hours a day, with a lot of lifting and moving, so that would have been sheer misery. I'm also in Florida. Ladybug, I'm in the same area as you.. Well, Palm Bay that is, but close enough. Where did you have your surgery done?