10 Months Post Op.

Don't feel bad. I, too, have also lost (only) 40 lbs. and I am 9 months post banding. Same as you, I have to try to make myself stop saying "only" 40 lbs. I feel better than the heavier me, and I'm looking better - slooooowwwwwllllyyyy (lol). I have 8cc's in a 10 cc band and eat between 1 - 1 1/2 cups of food at mealtime. I eat 3 small meals and have 2-3 snacks per day. I have only recently (within the last month) started a 3 day per week exercise program and try to walk at least three days per week for 20-30 minutes. Eating small, healthy portions is not a problem for me. I am a nurse and am on my feet for 7-9 hours per day, 5 days a week, so when I get home, usually the last thing on my mind is exercise! However, I push myself through it.

Getting another fill anytime soon is not an option for me right now. I am already pretty tight. I have to chew, chew, chew and eat very small bites. Some days, I don't seem to want to eat much, then other days, it seems like I'm hungry every 2-3 hours. I try to drink more on my "hungry" days.

I am trying to learn to stop comparing myself to other "bandsters" and stop beating myself up because I haven't lost a HUGE amount of weight and be thankful for what I HAVE lost and that it is because of what I HAVE lost that I have been able to come off of my blood pressure medication, that my cholesterol is back down, I haven't had an asthma attack in over 5 months, I no longer have acid reflux, nor do I have to sleep on my CPAP at night. Not to mention the fact that I am down 4 dress sizes and I don't look sick, tired, or ragged due to extreme weight loss. It took me 14 years to gain almost 100 lbs., I don't intend to lose it in one year! I get frustrated, but NEVER regret getting banded. It is still a learning process for me and I am glad and thankful for having it. It has definitely become a tool to help me avoid overeating.

I wish you the best of luck. Keep your head up and keep on trying. Everyone isn't the same. We all gained the weight at different rates of speed and time, and we will lose it the same way. Take care and keep up the good work.