FLORIDAYS

I agree with Mis.... It's one of those things you won't know until it happens but drinking water before leaving gone office will make sure it's not too tight. You will get to the point when.You KNOW when To have a fill becaaue you will be able to eat too much and or the allotted food won't keep you satisfied for meal to meal. That's when you draw I. Will power!!

Fried foods and Rice are not my friend anymore and I love it. So I push the envelope and eat it thinking maybe I have outgrown it not being able to tolerate it. Bad move every time!! Donna...nice to see you!!

So here's something odd.... In august 2012 I tripped over a box of copy paper someone left outside my office door. I was hurrying to a meeting and wasn't looking and certainly didn't expect it. Skinned my knee and brushed it off... A few day later I was dragging and tripping over my foot and fell several times. I decided to go to the dr because I knew something was wrong. Turns out the nerve that controls the up down movement of your foot is in your knee.... And I had dropped foot. The dr mentioned it may have been weakened because of my weight loss ( I was 5 months from goal). I didn't give that much credence but now that I read this.... Maybe. It took 4 weeks on crutches and 6 in a brace but eventually everything returned to normal except the back of my calf goes numb every so often. I had never heard of a dropped foot.... Then or since.... Until now

Is this something your doctor recommended ? I think I would make sure to discuss it on your next visit.

Congratulations on taking the steps towards a healthier life!!

When is the last time you saw your dr? Or do you have a new one. If not find one....quick. I went every month while I was losing. I think that alone helped more than I can tell you. During the losing stage this is what I ate... For every meal for 22 months. With or without restriction. Check with your nutritionist or dr for what might work for you. 3 oz of Protein 1/2 c veggies or salad 1/4 c starch Each meal was about 300 calories. I also had 2 Snacks.... Fruit in the morning and a sweet at night. Both were 100 calories each. My total calorie count was 1000-1200 each and every day. You can do it. Just jump back on the wagon and don't stop until you make it!!

The day before thanksgiving just 3 short years ago I weighed 377 lbs. I am 5'9". And I started my 2 week pre op diet. I made the decision to be banded because it's seemed like the most logical Decision for me. I liked that the band could be removed should there be any reasons to do so. I also liked the fact that my anatomy wouldn't be changed and my digestive stayed in tact. I had a lot of weight to lose. My doctor wanted me at 150. I knew I would loose weight but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get to a size 10. 12 maybe...and I would be happier then ever!! Well 22 months later... In December 2012 I put on a size 4 pair of pants that fit. Granted they are generously cut... But I am a solid 6 and I weigh between 153 - 155 lbs. My doctor never told me I couldn't lose over 200 lbs. that wasn't something we discussed. He told me to take it a meal at a time, follow his orders to the letter and just learn to live with my band. And that's what I did and I couldn't be more happy with my decision to be banded.

I just don't understand that logic. I mean I get wanting to qualify for insurance but I think had I not been able to self pay I would have looked for an alternative. I would have used the rocks in my pocket idea!! But I was denied..... And I had a 55 BMI. They said because the only health issue I had was high BP. Not enough medical problems to meet their standards..... Ugh!

This may not be a popular answer but if you are only losing a pound a month you are over eating. Granted its a pound and a loss is a loss but I had 227 pounds to lose....and I didn't have 20 years to do it. Why wait until after Christmas to get a fill? The band is a tool... But it doesn't work for most people unless you fill it to where it helps you curb your eating. If you aren't interested in doing that it's going to be a tough road ahead. I wish you alkyl the best in your journey.

I found it best to just not make a big deal out of my situation. I fixed hubby his normal meals while adding some healthy choices and just kept things as normal as possible.... Spouses of bandsters are at a loss. They don't understand, they don't really know what to do and they tire of hearing us rattle on about learning to live with our band. Give him some time.... And try to talk to someone other than him about your band.

. I was advised to sip sip sip.... No straws for the first few months so no needed air gets into the tummy. I was on liquid for the first few weeks so I assume you are too.... If not it could be something you ate. If it persist you may want to call the dr on Monday

I didn't tell any one except a close friend at my office about my tt or breast lift. It's none of their business. I did tell some of my personal friends after the surgery who have been my biggest cheerleaders! Everyone was very supportive. For those who have issues with it I couldn't care less. They don't pay my bills. It's really a non issue for me.

I can see the link on my iPad for some reason but my favorite NSV was one say about 8 months post op I needed to adjust the seat in my car to reach the peddles. I am tall and always had to have the seat as far back as it would go to accommodate my 77" hips!!! As I lost the weight my butt shrank and I would have to adjust the seat!!

its nice to see you too!! Thanks for the compliments. I am loving the new me!!

makes my day every time I look in a mirror !!!

Like many, I get them when I have eaten enough and I add that last bite..... Dumb dumb dumb. LOL

I agree whole heartily that it's just a diet until you are at full restriction, however I will take it a step further and say that I believe it's a diet until you get to your goal weight. If i hadn't tracked my calories and stuck to a strict eating plan for 22 months to lose weight I think I would still be trying to get to my goal instead of maintaining for the past 10 months. Not to say I wouldn't have reached it... I am sure I would have... but I personally believe I had to put forth every effort possible to lose the weight. In my opinion, the band really goes to work once you have lost your excess weight and you are maintaining it. That said... It sounds like you are doing well and let's face it a Loss is a loss. But I get bored easily and was really motivated to get to my goal as quickly and safely as possible. My doctor and I decided on 1000-1200 calories a day for me. Your number may be different. I didn't go over that ever during the losing stage. I lost each and every week except for 3 plateaus I hit which looking back were my body's way of hanging on to the fat I so desperately wanted to lose!! LOL If you aren't already....Consider tracking your calories on your phone app or computer. You want to write down everything that goes in your mouth except toothpaste. You may find it works for you. Best wishes for a successful journey!

are you talking about what to tell people about band surgery or your tummy tuck or other reconstructive surgery? Either way it's no ones business what type of procedure it is. As long as you have the time off from work you just tell people you are taking some time off for a medical procedure. That's it. That what I did and no one questioned it other than yo say stuff like " I hope everything goes ok..." Or is it "serious "? To which I replied "I prefer not to get into it at this time. Thanks for understanding." No one pushed the issue. I didn't let them.

thanks... You too!!

I survived.... But the prep wasn't any fun! But the test itself is a breeze since I slept through it. Lol. I got the all clear but do have beginning signs of a colon that needs more fiber. My dr said I might want to consider going back to when I was first banded and add Benefiber back into my diet.... It's always something but that's an easy fix.

invest in a pill cutter. I carry mine in my cosmetic bag. They are $5 at the drug store. But ask your dr before taking any supplements.... They may not be good for banded folks

My favorite mushy food was and still is mashed potatoes. I could eat them every day. 1/4 cup is all I allow myself. And I savor every bite.

Milk isn't a clear liquid. It might sound silly to you but your dr has reasons for the rules he or she sets forth. I followed my doctors rules to the letter.... And I was very successfull. Just my 2 cents. Best of luck to you.

hi. Congrats on your loss. It sounds like you are doing every thing right... I would suggest you track your calories and stop eating when you reach your daily limit. Mine was 1000 calories a day... Every day for 22 months. Some weeks I lost nothing. Some I lost 8 lbs. it's funny like that. But had i not tracked my calories I am sure I wouldn't have been as successful. I am not saying you need to eat 1000 calories... But your dr should have given you a calorie count that works for you.... And will be a life saver especially when you need a fill. Best of luck!

Since getting to my goal weight I found I like to shop!! Ok maybe I love to shop because EVERYTHING fits!! I also don't mind being photographed. I don't mind telling my weight or age for that matter. I like that I can sit in the middle seat of a car, plane or restaurant booth all of which I wouldn't have attempted before. I love knowing I am not the heaviest girl in the room. I love dressing up just to run errands. I now like not craving dessert or bread. I actually now like lawn work, putting on a bathing suit and parking far away from the door. This lust is endless. For the first time I feel my body matches my mindset!