FLORIDAYS

People ask me all the time how I had the fortitude to spend 2 years of my life on such a strict eating regimen... Because even though I have a band around my stomach helping me out I still had to count calories and make good choices to achieve the goals I set forth. I have come to the realization that it's just time spent. There is no magic solution it's just doing everything right day after day after day. And if there was a blip in one of those minutes or hours then it was having the ability to move on and go back to what I knew was right. I found that food is fleeting... Kind of like putting gas or a meal on a credit card.... When the bill comes in you have no idea where it went, how it tasted or if you even liked it......you have nothing to show for it. I found if I had something I thought I wanted but knew I shouldn't it was just instant gratification and not anything I could hold on too. It just seemed pointless after a while. I have a hard time recalling the trying times. I know I didn't wake up from a dream 2 years later and was thin...but it's tough to recall all those 10 lbs losses and achievements because I am finally in a place that seems the most natural place in the world. I am comfortable with my body. When you feel like it will never happen for you...just remember its just time spent.

Welcome to the other side!!! Best wishes for an uneventful recovery!

I prefer the bars because it's a controlled portions...they also have ice cream sandwhiches and fudge pops... I stay away from the cups of the actual ice cream because if I recall the whole thing is too many calories and I would eat the whole thing...lol I know you can own this Donna.... Heck if I could do it...I KNOW you can.

If i were a dr...which i am not I would ask several question before I could even begin to make a call on you not losing... Are you eating no more than 3 oz protien, 1/2 c veg, 1/4 c starch ...3 times each day ? Are you having no more than 1 or 2 Snacks which are low in calories? Are you tracking your food on paper or a phone ap? I mean every single thing you put in your mouth. How many calories are you consuming daily? Are you drinking 64 oz of Water each and every day? If you are doing all of that and your calorie count is reasonable ( mine was 1000-1200 the first month or so)... You should be losing weight. If not then you may want to consider trying it. No matter how you perceive the bands effectiveness... It's a tool to help you eat smaller portions to keep you satisfied longer. But you must out forth the effort in reducing your calories and portions. If you are doing all of the above...you may have a medical reason you aren't losing so I would gather my food diaries and march into my drs to find out why. Best of luck.

My dr told me at the first visit we lose weight from the head down.... In my case I lost weight everywhere including 4 ring sizes in my fingers so no doubt you will lose weight everywhere. Best wishes for a successful journey!

A nutritionist.

. I always started every meal with 3 oz protien, 1/2 c veg and 1/4 c starch... I never ate any more then that for a meal but most times I couldn't finish it... You will know. It will be like... I really WANT one more bite... But I probably am satisfied enough so I think I will stop now.

Ahhhh whew you had me worried....lol

Some people withdraw when they don't know what to do. Many men so it very well. He doesn't know how to help you so he does nothing and stays away. He may feel like as you say he has lost an eating buddy or that this really might work and you are going to leave him when you start looking hot...who knows what he is thinking since he won't share it but I think The best thing you could do is to let him know more then ever how much you need him right now... Seems ironic..for you to be supporting him through this I know but you may be surprised when he reciprocates. As far as you... You have probably realized your life has undergone a permanent change and there are a slew of emotions connected with that. Relax..focus on hubby and daughter when not working on yourself and let it happen..... Best wishes

Congrats! You are doing wonderfully!

I averaged 10 lbs per month for 22 months for a total loss of 220 lbs. the last 45 lbs took 7 months as it slows way down at the end. It did for me anyway

Please ask your doctor but mine said 4 weeks.

I never took any pain meds after the lapband surgery. I haven't had a c section but my daughter did and from my experience her c was worse. I also just had a tt and while I am not in great pain I am way more uncomfortable than with the band.

Semtimes my fills take a day or so to kick in.....but....You ate fish? Didn't the dr say liquids for at least 24 hrs?

Living with Mom at yours and her age is challenging, I currently have my daughter and her 18 month daughter living with us and she is 28 and it's a huge challenge.....lol That said... Since I know your mom is your biggest supporter...maybe you could tell her how hard it is for you to know that candy is around....and she could keep it all in one place? Like her room under lock and key?...lol. if you don't want to do that... Then you are going just have to walk by it... I have a houseful of crap hubby loves and I don't eat and also have to cook every night of which I eat very little of. I just ignore it... I know it's hard sometimes but since your eye is on the bigger prize...it's just will power. As for satisfying your sweet tooth... Every day almost during my losing stage I would have a sugar free pudding or a skinny cow ice cream bar. I logged it and counted it in my calories and that was my treat.... And it didn't effect my weight. Loss one bit.

You did it once...you can do it again! Best wishes for your success!

Do you know this was the first year my husband asked and I actually gave him my sizes.... In previous years he'd say... I dont know your size but never asked me for it.... LOL I agree with you on the clothes issue... why heavier people shove themselves into small clothing or styles not appropriate for their figure is beyond me. I didnt do it when I was fat and I am not going to do it now... I am 52 for god sakes... I do not need to be wearing a short skirt... just because I can. LOL

I was standing almost straight the 2nd day and had no drains... not all Drs use them. I worked from home this week the 3 days the office was open and will go back Wednesday.... thats why I did it over the holiday... to be able to have as much time possible off.

Welcome to band land..... congratulations!

I love straws.... so when my Dr told me pre op to give it up because I didnt need to suck air I was heartbroken. In the hospital the first thing I was given was Water.... in a cup with a straw. I was still coming to and forgot about my Dr's orders about straws and sipped... no issues. After I went home I re read my notes and saw the NO STRAWS note and decided to ask the Dr about it again. He was upset with the hospital for giving me a straw but told me if i PROMISED to take small sips... I could use one once I was 6 weeks post op. I counted down the days and I have been using one ever since whenever possible.

Why dont you speak to him about it on the next visit.... let him know in a polite way why you thought he was rude and see what he says. Drs are human. Granted they shouldnt be rude but maybe he just got awful news or was having a really bad day and was more curt with you than he should have been If he is a great Dr maybe its worth a second chance.

Liquids after fills is standard...and helps your tummy heal.

you will do just fine Nessa! Best of luck! See you on the other side!

I was on liquids no longer than ordered by my Dr... which was 2 weeks before and 2-3 weeks after...then a week of mushies and after then it was solids. I dont watch carbs or fats... just eat 1000 calories each and every day of a balanced, portion controlled diet. I always eat the proteins first

I cannot relate to the experience you are having but I sense your frustration and would suggest if you are serious about making it work for you that you find a new Dr who will better educate you and help you with your struggles. Best of luck.