Is this as good as it gets?

[Carrie_C 9]

I had surgery a little over 2 years ago. I lost 70 pounds within about a year and a half. My goal is to be at 150, but I honestly don't think I will ever get there. I have not had a fill in over a year. I do not need one. I have good restriction and there are even days where I can barely eat anything. In fact, a lot of times I have to drink something hot before I eat or I can't keep anything down. I have been at basically the same weight for about a year. I will gain and lose the same 3-4 pounds every few weeks. I know I need to exercise more, but I just wonder, is this as good as it gets?

[Jachut 487]

Well I had the same experience, only it kicked in for me at a bMI of about 24, and over the course of another year and a half I lost another few pounds to get to where I am now. I do run and exercise a LOT and I think that's your answer. I just dont think you get to a truly low weight without huge dedication to exercise.

[Carrie_C 9]

I am beginning to think you are right. It seems the first part of the weight came off good with just moderate exercise. I think I just need to make a bigger commitment to working out every day.

[Astrasmom 1]

My doctor told me that once you get down to near goal weight or have lost alot of weight, you will need to rely more on exercise to keep the weight coming off. So I think you probably have to up your exercise routine a bit more. I have about 8lbs to go until goal and I teeter back an forth all of the time.

[Carrie_C 9]

I am wondering also if my band might be too tight. There are a lot of times I just eat slider foods because that's all I can keep down. But I'm afraid if I go have some Fluid removed, it won't be tight enough.

[waterlily1072 5]

If you're eating a lot of slider foods you may want to consider a having a baby bit removed. Those slider foods tend to be loaded with hidden calories.

[Bandedanddetermined 0]

Carrie I think you should talk to your Dr... if the answer is to have a little taken out do it. What's the worst that can happen? You need another fill...? You can do it... I know it!

[Carrie_C 9]

Thanks, you all are right. I think I will call the doctor and go have a small amount taken out next week. I have just become SO frustrated!

[ziggledog 0]

Hi. My understanding is that the AVERAGE weight loss is in the neighborhood of 50-60% of excess weight, and that that is considered a good result (though not the one we all hope for). So, for example, if one is 100 lbs over their ideal weight, he or she can reasonably expect to lose in the neighborhood of 50-60 lbs. over two years (I can come back with citations - this is from memory). As this is an average, we can expect to see people fall on either side of this average - including people who lose (for example) 110% of excess weight and people who've actually gained a bit. It would be interesting to know what variables are associated with different outcomes (like exercise or food choices, for example).

If that wasn't exactly encouraging, I do hope its helpful.

[annieM 2]

Keep a food diary, you may be eating more than you realize. Our American portions are so skewed that most people don't know what they are taking in. I sure didn't. I take in around 1000 cal per day now and it feels like nothing, but with that I can lose a pound a week and feel OK doing it.

Good luck,

[Carrie_C 9]

Hi. My understanding is that the AVERAGE weight loss is in the neighborhood of 50-60% of excess weight, and that that is considered a good result (though not the one we all hope for). So, for example, if one is 100 lbs over their ideal weight, he or she can reasonably expect to lose in the neighborhood of 50-60 lbs. over two years (I can come back with citations - this is from memory). As this is an average, we can expect to see people fall on either side of this average - including people who lose (for example) 110% of excess weight and people who've actually gained a bit. It would be interesting to know what variables are associated with different outcomes (like exercise or food choices, for example).

If that wasn't exactly encouraging, I do hope its helpful.

I agree. Maybe some of our bodies just reach a certain set point that it's comfortable with.

[lacasst 1]

Carrie..our stories are very similar but you actually lost more than I did...and I feel the same way haven't had a fill either because sometimes when my band is tight I cant really get much down either and I tend to eat sliders too...but like you was afraid to get loosened because I dont want to gain any weight!! I'm not much of an exerciser either!!

[Carrie_C 9]

You have more in your band that I do. I only have a little over 4 ccs in mine. I did have more, but it was too tight. I have a very thin line between too tight and just right.

[notateechanow 7]

While I'm a huge proponent of exercise, I had foot surgery about 4 weeks ago and haven't been able to workout for over a month. (I was working out at least 4 days a week for over an hour a day prior) Like you, I've had decent restriction, but would love to lose another 20-30 pounds. I've lost just over 115 now and am about 2 3/4 years post surgery. Believe it or not, I've lost more weight while not working out for the past month. My theory? I was dreadfully panicked by the prospect of not being able to workout and have finally gone back to journaling and watching my portion size far more carefully. I think that we tend to get a little lazy and expect the band to tell us when we're done. Aside from that, I keep reminding myself to eat until I'm no longer hungry, not until I'm full. I think it's important at this point to remind yourself of the basics:

1) Portion size

2) Protein first, followed by veggies/fruit, then starches.

3) Drink enough water!

4) Eat only when you're hungry.

5) MOVE. Make time to keep your body moving.

I'm an eternal optimist but I'd like to think I CAN drop at least another 15 by Christmas. I've definitely exceeded the 40-60% of excess body weight my surgeon claimed I could lose, but I've always believed I'm better than average. :biggrin: My thoughts are....if you want it badly enough, you can do it. Consider a slight unfill if you aren't able to eat well balanced meals. I realize none of what I've said is new to you, but sometimes it just helps to be reminded...and to know you're not alone. Good luck!! :smile:

[lacasst 1]

While I'm a huge proponent of exercise, I had foot surgery about 4 weeks ago and haven't been able to workout for over a month. (I was working out at least 4 days a week for over an hour a day prior) Like you, I've had decent restriction, but would love to lose another 20-30 pounds. I've lost just over 115 now and am about 2 3/4 years post surgery. Believe it or not, I've lost more weight while not working out for the past month. My theory? I was dreadfully panicked by the prospect of not being able to workout and have finally gone back to journaling and watching my portion size far more carefully. I think that we tend to get a little lazy and expect the band to tell us when we're done. Aside from that, I keep reminding myself to eat until I'm no longer hungry, not until I'm full. I think it's important at this point to remind yourself of the basics:

1) Portion size

2) Protein first, followed by veggies/fruit, then starches.

3) Drink enough water!

4) Eat only when you're hungry.

5) MOVE. Make time to keep your body moving.

I'm an eternal optimist but I'd like to think I CAN drop at least another 15 by Christmas. I've definitely exceeded the 40-60% of excess body weight my surgeon claimed I could lose, but I've always believed I'm better than average. My thoughts are....if you want it badly enough, you can do it. Consider a slight unfill if you aren't able to eat well balanced meals. I realize none of what I've said is new to you, but sometimes it just helps to be reminded...and to know you're not alone. Good luck!! :scared2:

Thanks for the reminder...soo true I was just thinking the other day I need to get back to the basics and I scheduled myself an appt for a slight unfill!!:mad: