One Year 92 Lbs

[akstinnett 5]

I am 2 days shy of my 1 year anniversary, and I've lost a total of 92 lbs. Although it isn't the 100 I hoped, for 92 is pretty dang good and feels even better. I had some issues along the way. A fill that was too tight and I didn't say anything which lead to vomiting, which lead to a slip. That has all resolved and I am doing pretty dang well. The weight loss has slowed a bit, but my band is a tad loose and I'm ok with that. I don't have to be tortured over what I eat and if I want a half a piece of toast or some milk, I can do that with where my band is at today. The exercise is great. I can not believe how good of shape I am in. I plan on hiking Mt. Elbert this summer. I'm flying through clothes and there isn't a day someone doesn't comment on how good I look. And I feel good. Best decision I have ever made. Here if anyone has questions for their first year. Love my band.

[GurlieGirl0723 1]

Wow, you go girl.. Great job .. Hope to see the same success my way down the line.. You should be proud..

Banded April 5th 2012... my journey begins..

[yellowrose88 43]

Great job! Keep it up and you should definitely be proud!

[Savannah26 26]

That is awesome!! I was banded Jan. 31st - lost a total of 25 lbs. so far, but hit a plateau for the last month and it's due to bandster hell, I know. I can't wait to get to bandster heaven and see the same success. I would be on cloud 9 if I lost 92 lbs. in a year - you go girl!!

[hopingtobebandedsoon 89]

I hear people say bandser hell alot what does that actually mean...im a soon to be bandser and was just wondering

[JustDoIt130 369]

bandster hell is the time after surgery but before you feel any restriction. It's called bandster hell because you're really doing it on your own because the band isn't in play yet. It usually lasts several months- first, you have to heal from the surgery, then depending on your fill schedule it will take a few months and a few fills to reach restriction. I was banded on 1/26, have had 2 fills, have 7 cc's in a 14 cc band, and feel very little restriction. However, I follow all the rules, count calories in myfitnesspal, and exercise. I've lost 42 lbs. It gets easier with each fill!

[JustDoIt130 369]

Oh, and OP- that is so awesome!! 92 lbs rocks!!

[Savannah26 26]

Bandster Hell – (from my understanding and living it): Usually represents the period from surgery until you feel actual restriction. It usually takes many fills depending on the person. This also can take many months, depending on how aggressive your doctor is. I am one of those people that will most likely have to have the band nearly closed before I feel restriction. I have 7cc in my 11cc band currently and can still eat the same way I did before the band. The good thing is that I am definitely getting plenty of time to get used to having the band and adjusting to what my new life will be like. So, being pre-banded, don’t worry about never getting to eat or enjoy food again – I do that every day (unfortunately). That would be where the bad part comes in – since I can eat and am not getting the satisfied feeling, I have only lost 10 lbs. since surgery 2 ½ months ago. So, it’s the frustration of having a tool that just isn’t quite working for you yet. Everyone says to have patience – umm, I’ve never had patience so this is difficult. My expectations were that I would lost weight much faster as I see others have done. At times, I even doubted that I actually had a lap band and/or thought it couldn’t possibly be positioned correctly. I even had an x-ray done so I could see for myself that I do have a band – lol. I get my next fill in 3 weeks and I am hoping that #3 will work like a charm. Going to try to get the maximum fill my doctor will allow to push me to the green zone quicker. Keeping my fingers crossed. Take care and continue your research – it helps when going through these things.

[hopingtobebandedsoon 89]

Thnks everyone now i know what bandster hell means lol, i really appreciate the feed back..im hoping to be banded in May beginning June at the latest, im so ready i have been reading up on this for years and this site is so helpful..so much information i know what to expect and whats to come im so motivated and ready to see my new self!!!

[Sunshyne068 97]

akstinnet - that is wonderful!!!!!

How much exercise did yuo do weekly to help you along the way?

And how long did it take you to get to the "green zone?" how many fills/ccs in band?

Im so very proud of you and your story is motivating me!

[akstinnett 5]

I exercise 4-5 times a week. 20-30 minutes on the bike and some free weights and reisistance training. I'm really trying to focus more on cardio training right now and will tone up more later.

I have a 14 cc band and am at 6.0. 7 was just a little to much but I think 6.5 would be perfect, but I'm happy with how it I feel now.

It took me almost 10 months to get to what I believe you are referring to the green zone, or a place to where I am happy with my band.

Its been wonderful. I still don't see myself as skinny and can not believe the sizes that I am actually in. I went from a 3 xl scrub top (I'm a nurse) and am now in a L and it is kind of baggy on me. I'm at 1 xl or L for pants too. Its crazy. I haven't been this thin since middle school.

I started at 304 and am at 212 today. Its awesome but it takes work. Remember its just a tool, it won't do the work for you. Good luck out there.

[lawannalynn 3]

Hey guys I was banded on june2 , 2010. I have lost around 35 pounds 2 weeks ago I had to go see my Doctor because I was hurting. He took everything out( liquids) I go back this Monday and I think he is going to put some back in. I was up to 8 1/2, my problem is I don't eat right. In my mine I think when I don't eat I loose more. It's just a mine set but I would love some ideals please. Thanks???‚???‚???‚???‚???‚

[akstinnett 5]

@lawannalynn- This is definetly a hard thing to overcome. I would suggest trying new things, like greek yogurt, humus, things like that. I know that if I eat poorly, I can eat a ton of food, however if I try to eat mostly Protein, I fill up fast and stay full for a long time. I had just a quarter of a bean burrito for dinner last night and it lasted me all night. Then this a.m. 2/3 of a container of greek yogurt and that kept me full for a long time also. However, I had a handfull of gardettos and was able to go back 10 minutes later for another handful. You really have to concentrate on eating protein. There are nights that all I have for dinner is meat. No veggies because its just too much food. I know that eating healthy is a whole new lifestyle and its epxensive as well. But if you start experimenting and trying new things, it becomes fun and you want to do it more. The biggest thing I do when shopping is when I go into a grocery store, I never go down an aisle. If you stay around the outskirts of the store, you will find everything you need. Think about it, every store has veggies, dairy, and meat on the outskirts. Everything else in the aisles is probably not worth your time a lot of the time. Also, for me I should never be allowed to eat mashed potatos. If I eat those, I can eat so much more food with them because of the starch content and rapid sugar break down, same with soda. PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN. I also found these little almonds that are bbq habenero. They have so much protein in them, low cal and super yummy. Start looking for things like that. Take care and good luck. You can do this, but the band is a tool, not the solution. You have to make it work.

[lawannalynn 3]

Sorry another thing to ask I am a fast eater and I drink while I eat, I know I shouldn't but not going to lie to u. I have this thing on my iPhone it's bite buddy and another is eat slower pro I guess I have got to get with the program.......thanks

[difa 114]

Let me say this. To all those who have been banded a while back, to those who are recently banded and those who are going to be banded in the future...You should all be proud of where you are at. It's amazing (seriously).