FLORIDAYS

I think a monthly loss of 5 lbs is very doable. Best of luck to you!!!

Have to agree that as I am settling into maintainience I chuckled at all the displays in the stores for diet foods, exercise equipment and the next best thing to help you lose weight. It's such a scam ..and I fell into for oh so many years. When really it was so simple.... Count your calories, eat healthy and have the band as your secret weapon to help keep it all on track.... Oh how easy is that?? Happy New Year!!!

It actually is pretty amazing to me that I haven't even gone up a pound... NO diet I was ever on acted like this. I think I Would gain 20 in the first week after going off.... I feel like the band has taught me how to eat and governs my intake so I just cannot gain if I pay attention which I realize i will have to do forever....

ThIs is what worked for me....Beginning on week three of thickened liquids I started tracking every single calorie that went in my mouth except toothpaste. I allowed myself 1000 calories every day for my entire journey. I went to the dr once a month and got fills when needed. I lost 220 lbs in less than 2 years. I never had a gain. I also didn't cheat or eat more than the portions of food I was allowed. Sometimes until I got restriction I would go to bed early just so I didnt eat... Or I would hold something in my hands that I wanted but could afford the calories and just smell it...LOL. Believe me it wasn't easy all the time. But That said I wasn't perfect... I splurged occasionally on a glass of wine, a few m&ms, a dinner roll... But I tracked it and made it part if my daily calorie intake. I firmly believe if everyone does this they will be successfull. I do not know how it could fail. I am not saying everyone should be as strict as I was but if you want results you need to go the extra mile and help your band help you. Best of luck!!

I know it hurts but When a door closes...a window opens.... You surgery is your window to a whole new world. Throw yourself into it and flourish. Best wishes for your success!!!!

It depends on the physician. Mine made me Come in For a full physical ...

Ok where is my calculator? I think that's 27 calories..... But check the package nutritional label

Fabulous!!!!

Hi I am In Plant City and work in Tampa. Congrats on being banded! Nice to meet you. Crackers aren't a liquid so I would say no they aren't acceptable. As for the gas... Gas the first several weeks is very normal... Remember your cavity was pumped up with air during surgery.... So it has to escape somehow...why it takes so long I haven't a clue,,,, but it does...I promise.

Well...I only have about 2 months experience....and although I have 7 more lbs to get to the original number my dr , husband and even me are comfortable where I am at...so if I lose or don't...I am ok with it. That said... Maintaining has been easier than I expected. I can eat stuff I wasn't able too during the losing stage but most of the time I either don't want it or I cannot eat very much of it.... So it seems to balance out, I still jump on the scale twice a day and believe me if I see I am up a lb you can bet the next day I will be a model bandster. LOL

That just means your primary dr or family dr has to write a letter saying you are healthy for surgery....

Hmmmm maybe a pulled muscle? Other than that you may want to check with the dr if the pain intensifies. hope you feel better....

According to their website they are carbonated...

Not sure if this may be possible but Sounds like you ate too fast...

Everything in moderation...there are 434 calories in a cup of raisins. Obviously you don't want to eat a cup so figure out how many calories you want to spend and enjoy.

Oh that's wonderful... I just love dr A!!! He is honest and fair and will be your biggest cheerleader if you follow his rules. Best of luck to you,

Welcome Mia...congratulations on your solid weight loss!!! It will be a happy new year all around!

Happy new year to you as well! May 2013 give you the courage and strength to achieve your goals!

My pleasure....you might get a kick out of knowing my husband wishes I would enjoy it again like I used to but after one glass of wine I am just not into it...weird right? I have just found I can dance and party with the best of them on occasion but I don't have to have more than a drink or so....

Since I am not a dr and don't know your Individual medial history I cannot say if it's a sales pitch or not. But what I will say is that I wouldnt do anything I am not comfortable with. There are drs out there who will give you what you want...and I wouldnt let anyone tell me differently. As for the 47% failure rate.... I would like to know where that statistic came from. It's very high and personally i think inflated. If thats their rate of success I would find another dr because ether aren't providing the necessary aftercare to educate their patients on being successful or they are banding a whole bunch of people without giving them the facts up front.... in my opinion... Good luck as you consider your options.

My pleasure lee... I think that one of the big benefits of this forum is to be able to see first hand what others are or have gone through. Congrats on your huge loss! It's life changing isn't it?

Thanks Mis. I appreciate it...I figured it wasn't life threatening but when it wouldn't stop I knew I should see the dr... Just glad it didn't come out the incissions.

thanks I will.... I am supposed to go back on Wednesday since its a short week. I may work from home again like I did last week..we will see how tomorrow goes

Thank you....your hot bod will be right there with me very soon!

I couldnt agree more.... NOTHING tastes as good as thin feels!! happy New year!!!