September Bandsters

[TamifromAL 1]

At my last fill he told me my stomach had lost weight, hence the need for more saline ... We actually lose weight from the inside and out. Amazing.

That's why I don't understand why the main determination of whether or not a fill is needed is based on whether you are losing weight. If you are losing weight, you may need a fill for the reason you mentioned. Yet, because you're still losing, they may not want to give you a fill. It's like you're being penalized for being successful.

Tami

[lisalee 0]

Tami, I hear what you're saying. But I think that as long as the weight loss continues, despite losing weight in the stomach, the band is still tight enough. If you have restriction, no matter what size the stomach is, you will lose weight. Too much could of course cause problems. When that stomach gets skinny (er) it's time. Again, (and I have to remind myself this all the time) the safest loss is 1-2 pounds per week. I sure would like to have it all off tomorrow though!:xena_banana:

[TamifromAL 1]

I understand the need for being fairly conservative with fills, and I agree. In fact, I cancelled my appointment for a second fill because I didn't want to be over-filled. I want to be able to enjoy eating normal, healthy foods.

But, I've always been able to lose weight, and the fact that I'm losing now is not necessarily because I am properly restricted. (I got the band because I can't maintain, and had mentally gotten to the point that I couldn't find the motivation to even try losing again.) I'm losing not only because I'm eating less food, but because I'm eating better foods: lean meats, veggies, whole grains, and low-fat dairy; and I'm eating virtually no fast foods or convenience foods. So, I think I'd be losing weight even if I didn't have the band. But, I do have the band (and paid dearly for it), so why shouldn't I use the tool I paid for?

I'll defer to the better judgement of my doc/nurse practitioner, but I just feel that relying on the "if you're losing weight, you don't need a fill" philosophy doesn't take into consideration that you might be losing weight even if you're not properly filled. And if have been restricted and lose weight, you might lose the restriction as you lose fat around the stomach.

Tami

[BJean 16]

Tami: I agree with you. Besides, I wasn't really losing weight so I really did need a fill by anyone's standards. I've had my third fill and I STILL am not restricted enough. I hope that means I've lost quite a bit of fat from inside my body. Otherwise maybe I've sprung a leak. LOL

You're very fortunate to be able to lose successfully. I got to the point where I couldn't lose anymore. Much less keep it off. It's a good thing that you've been proactive and have taken control!

[kareyquilts 1]

Tami: I totally agree with you. I have lost weight (it seems at a snails pace), but it has been a struggle becuase I am hungry alot. Which feels like any other diet to me. My doctor agreed with me at my last fill appointment and said that I shouldn't be feeling hungry. He said that if the fill didn't help with my hunger that I could have another fill. Don't some doctors believe that you can have self-control even if your band isn't restricted!?

[TamifromAL 1]

Hey, maybe if we get one of those "Easy" buttons from Staples, we won't have to stress about whether we're losing/not losing and whether we need a fill or not!

Nah, unfortunately, that's just fantasy. Even with the band, if we want to lose weight and keep it off, we have to work it, and part of it is trying to learn the signs and signals about what our body needs. And that's easier said than done. With all of us being only 3 months out, we just don't really have the experience yet to know what we need, but we'll get there, through trial and effort and the good advice of our LBT friends!

Tami

[lisalee 0]

Tami, I understand what you mean now! I read your comment a couple of times and couldn't quite figure it out at first. YES, I agree...that we shouldn't have the fill withheld just because we are struggling (yet succeeding) to lose the weight. So much time, energy, money, blood, sweat, and tears have been spent in this process. Someone give that girl a "leg up!" (or a little help please?)

[sandranoelle 0]

hello all, I am one of those who does not have a fill yet. When I went in I was asked specific questions, like are you hungry? What are you eating? How long does it take to eat? Tell me about your mental state now as far as this process is going? and more. At the time I was doing great but since then I can feel myself slip.. getting more nervous, wanting to eat alot and often, hungry all the time. so it is now time to use this tool. I think everyone of us is different with different needs. I am like tami, I usually don't have trouble loosing weight, it is just the maintaining the loss. I always reach the point that I say the heck with this.. and before I know it the 70 pounds I lost are back with friends. My main reason for getting this was that I wanted something that helped me maintain. If I wanted to binge, it would make me sick.. (nice reminder to not try that again) Hopefully when the maintence part comes I will have learned better eating habits and it won't be so hard. probably not but the band will help me .. My goal for the holidays is to maintain the loss I have had so far. too many parties.. good test. I don't want to make myself crazy going to a party and freaking out because I can't eat.. I will definitely watch what I eat but if I want something sweet I will work it into the total picture... Anyone else have any ideas for getting through the season?

[TruBlueSue 0]

Monday weigh - in - No Loss!! thank Goodness I am going in for a fill tomorrow!!

[MimIN 19]

I think the weigh in after a fill is my favorite! I am down another 7lbs.

[r2ht4u 0]

MOM-my weight is 173

[lisalee 0]

MOM, down 3 pounds this week to 203. Onederland is just around the corner!

[TamifromAL 1]

I'm down 5 this week! :clap2:

I have a feeling I'm not getting a fill tomorrow, afterall! Whether or not I'm at the mythical "sweetspot" as far as restriction, something is working, and I ain't gonna mess with it!

Congrats on your loss this week, Mim. That's amazing!

Sandranoelle, wow, you've done great, especially with no fill. As far as what we can do to prevent overeating at holiday parties, I do have a suggestion. As soon as you get to the party, take a huge bite of doughy bread, chew a couple of times and swallow. You'll probably get a heavy pain in your upper chest, start sliming, and have to run to the bathroom to upchuck. But ya won't wanna eat anymore!

Just kidding, of course. Seriously, eat a small handfull of raw nuts like almonds or walnuts before you go. Then when you get there, get a glass of Water with lemon, and maybe a splash of grenadine. If it looks like you're drinking "something", people won't say, "You're not drinking? Awww....:cry " And if you do drink, have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink.

But, the best thing about the band is that we can and should enjoy these special occasions. We have a tool, and hopefully we're learning the skills that will enable us to have a little bit of the treats that we love.

Tami

[gonnabethin 10]

Down ZERO- DAMN IT!! Sooooooo slow!! But better than a gain!

[kareyquilts 1]

Down 3 pounds. Yea!