I'd like your advice....

[Paulax 8]

"Boy, I found this forum and have become quite a nuisance of myself haven't I?

Here goes. I feel stupid asking. I really am a capable 43 year old woman. But I am befuddled.

See my stats below.

I need seasoned advice at this point in my weight loss. Some days I feel as though I can eat too much, other days, through reasons beyond my control, my fill feels pretty tight. Historically, I like and need, a snug fill to lose weight.

I still have 20 to go, and I am sorry but I can not be a marathon runner. I can not change my personality and become an exercise lover. I do go to the gym 2-3 times a week, work out hard. In addition, I walk for 40-50 minutes around my hilly neighbourhood, almost daily. I just can't see me enjoying and fitting in any more.

I admit I am a bit impatient. I could probably lose this weight in the next year, doing what I am doing and losing less than a couple of pounds a month. But that just frustrates me. Origionally, I thought I'd be at goal by the end of this year, but as we get closer to October, I am starting to doubt that goal.

I'd like to know from your experience, if adding a small fill will help me get to goal.

Do I need one more tiny fill?

Appreciate any and all advice from those who have been there.

:ducks for cover:

[josephine 1]

Paulax,

I don't know much about fills but are you eating more than the required amount? You should be eating only a half of a cup of food only three times a day. Also, what kind of foods are you eating? I haven't eaten fried food since Nov. 2005. I went the healthy food route and didn't have a problem. Also, are you consistent with your exercising? I know it is hard to believe that a person can LOVE exercising but I am one of those people who became addicted.

Josephine

Please fill me in, I would love to help if I could. By the way, what size band is yours? It seems as though you already have a lot of restriction.

[Paulax 8]

Aw Josephine, thanks for your response.

I have to admit that I have had not been following the rules, and perhaps I wanted a small fill to give myself a kick start. The ONLY reason I hesitate to do so is I am afraid to get too tight. My fills require me to drive 4 hours, stay overnight and drive back the next day.

I was hoping someone could tell me that .2 over 3.0 in a 4.0 band would make a huge difference in getting to goal when one is so close.

I admit to grazing, grazing on cashews, my meals are very healthful. I too haven't had fried foods since my banding, never eat bread, noodles, rice etc. But I admit to grazing.

So I have recommitted this week, the scale hasn't moved, so will continue to work on it.

[Boo Boo Kitty 3]

Hi Paulax--

I think you are the one to answer the question if you need a fill. This grazing you mention is it just nuts and HOW much? If it is alot you may need a fill.

I have a 4 cc band and have 3.75 in my band, but it may be a bit much.

Things to think about:

1. Protien are you getting enough? You will never loose if you don't get those 60-80 mg of protien.

2. Water--getting enough? You will be hungrier if you aren't getting enough Water.

3. Do you need a fill? How much are you eating at meals?

I think being 20 pounds away is great, and I understand being anxious but in the end you want to make sure that you are loosing the right way and not just the way that gets it off!

[Paulax 8]

and thank you for your reply Kitty. I have searched and haven't found too many people over the 3.0 fill mark on our band. Glad to hear from you.

I think I have decided that I will wait until the new year and then see if one more tiny fill will do the trick.

Until then, I will work on my willpower and exercise regime.

Cheers.....

[dialit 0]

I've noticed that the days I feel "tighter" - almost too tight, are days when I am experiencing more stress than usual, and then there are days when I feel I could eat anything! Usually, those are pretty laid back days.

[Paulax 8]

This is an oldie, but since dialit bumped it, I will update.

I got a fill. I had lost .2 of my old fill, due to osmosis. That was the only way my surgeon explained it. It has happened before, I am not worried about a leak or anything.

So anyway, I got a fill and I started losing again. I am within 7 pounds of my goal.

Dialit, I am the very same way, 3 things make my band tighten. Stress, travel, which could also be stress, and my 'time o the month'. This week I have all 3, so I was tight. But I know, this is a fickle friend and in a day or 3, I will be OK.

HOpe things are going well for you too.

Cheers