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.

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.