Please respond if you started with a bmi around 40

[Twilight 2]

Glad I could make you feel better. The work is to come. You have the tool, but a hammer can't make a house without the carpenter. Drink drink drink. That has been so key for me. It works for my weight loss, it works for my cravings, it works for my mood elevation. I feel better when I'm hydrated. I exercise more when I'm hydrated, and when I have a serious craving, I always tell myself that I can have it....AFTER a bottle of Water and the requisite 30 minute wait. Usually by 30 minutes the craving is gone.

You have been doing really well. Don't be too hard on yourself. Think of the 4 bags of potatoes you have lost. IMPRESSIVE!

[minidriver 0]

Stephanie, thanks for posting this. Today I was thinking that maybe I am not drinking enough Water. I've never been good at staying hydrated. I'm eating the right amount of calories (900-1000ish), exercising, getting enough Protein, etc. But the one thing that I'm not doing religiously is keeping close tabs on hydration.

So, my goal starting tomorrow is to make certain that I have adequate hydration every day. Maybe that will speed up the loss.

[aubrie 6]

I was banded November 19th of last year. On Christmas, which was what five weeks later? I was down 21 pounds. That was my fastest loss. I lost a lot more slowly after that......

[Twilight 2]

Mini,

I've been really bad about drinking the last two weeks. In turn, I haven't lost anything the last two weeks. Would you like to help each other stay accountable? I'll keep track of my liquids today and you keep track of yours. I'll pm you tonight my liquid for the day and you can do the same. I would do it here, but it would feel like hijacking the thread. Anyone else want to join? Feel free.

[JRFAN88 1]

I started at a BMI of 40. My surgery was May 7th. I lost 10 pounds on the pre-surgery diet. 10 pounds the week following surgery. The nurse just bragged on me when I went to my first check-up for losing so much. Then I told her I could always lose 20 pounds fast but then the weight would get stuck then that's when I get discouraged, gain the weight back plus some. After I went to solid foods I gained back 5 pounds. I eventually lost it back then after my 2nd fill I've managed to lose about 5 more pounds. Today I go back for my 3rd fill. I do have some restiction but not enough. I also walk at least 30 minutes most days of the week. It does seem very slow but at least I'm not gaining it back like I used to would have.

[Kathybad 0]

I started with a BMI of about 44. I've been banded for over a year and have lost almost 70 lbs. Slower than some, faster than others, but all around pretty good. Especially since I really didn't stress over it. I just let the band work for me.

I made a committment to myself that this is a lifelong journey and I wasn't going to live on a diet the rest of my life. So I eat healthily, but don't deprive myself when I really want something. Of course, the band saves me on a regular basis, and I eat healthy about 95% of the time. But I do have an occasional glass of wine, some ice cream once in awhile, etc.

My doctor believes 1-2 lbs per week is a huge success, and you get your best weight loss within the first 18 months. So don't stress over the first month or so.

Plus, remember that post-op people swell and retain Fluid. Once you get your first fill, it might not be enough, so you may lose slowly. Eventually you will find your sweet spot and your loss will begin.

Hang in everyone. This is a lifelong journey and one to be embraced and learned... not rushed.