TracieR

I don't think you've messed up your band. I've read of other bandsters whose doctors say soda is ok. I've had a few soda's over the last year as a treat and I'm fine. Good Luck!

Some weeks are slower than others. Try switching up your eating, laying off carbs upping your protein, that kick starts my weight loss when I am in a slump. I also say sometimes we all need to throw a fit. Go for it!

Happy Birthday and Congrats on your weight loss! May this be the beginning of your best year ever!

Your swelling is subsiding. So you don't have as much restriction as you did from the surgery. Once you start getting fills it will help getting some restriction back. I got restriction with my first fill, for others it can take multiple fills. This is where your willpower has to kick in. Follow your doctors rules and take it one day at a time. You can do it!!

I had my surgery last year on 3/8 and within 5 days I had my period really bad! Horrible cramping and all that comes along with it. My surgeon said that it was relatively normal after surgery. I would call the doctor if you are concerned though because as you know everyone's experience is completely different! Good Luck to you!!

I would definitely check with your doctor because like Karen wrote above it could be your gall bladder. But also - Are you drinking enough water/liquids? I was not getting my 64oz per day and I started to have kidney pains. Try increasing your fluid intake and see if that helps! Good Luck!

I know stress has a lot to do with it. Believe me I enjoy my son and husband to the fullest! I was just trying to get out some frustrations here so they didn't drive me crazy in my head. I'm just going to keep at it and hope it all works out the way it is supposed to...whatever that may be!! Have a great day!!

Thanks ladies! I appreciate the support! I'm feeling much more optimistic this morning. Going for my HSG at 12pm today! Wish me luck!

Try the 5 day pouch test! (google it) It got me jumpstarted when I stalled out. It also gets you back to basics and a reminder of what you are doing. It seems to me you know exactly what you are supposed to be doing but just not doing it. I get in the same slump once in a while and it is just mind over matter for the long haul. Also, go back to your doctor. You probably need a fill. Once you get the doctor over with you will feel much better that you have that support! Good luck to you! You can do it!

I count calories and make sure I get enough Protein. I aim for 1000-1200 calories a day and at least 70 grams of protein at minimum. I work out 4-5 days per week. I, for the most part, choose low carb, high protein options. I do not eat Pasta, bread or rice. I have the same issue though. During the week I am great. Pack my lunch, healthy Snacks and a good high protein dinner. Over the weekend all bets are off. We tend to eat out a lot and I am less strict. I still try to watch calories and make the healthiest choices I can. If I really want something though I have a small portion of it. This way I don't feel deprived of anything and I continue to lose. For me it is the exercise that helps keep the weight coming off and when I have a bad week it helps me from gaining. I went and got a personal trainer and work with him twice a week and then on my own the other days. He keeps me motivated and is the best thing I have ever done for myself! Keep up the good work! 45lbs are gone never to be seen again! Good for you!

Thanks everyone! I am so excited for what the future will bring! Have a great day!

This WAS me: (on my way into surgery @ 371lbs and miserable! I forgot I even had this picture until my husband sent it to me the other day.) This IS me today: (not the best picture but it is today in my office @ 246lbs!) Today is my 1 year bandiversary. I am down 125lbs. I feel amazing. I am still working hard and have become an exercise fanatic. I want to lose another 50-70lbs to get to my goal and while it is not coming off as fast as it was I am positive I will get there. I am so proud of myself. It has been an emotional, difficult and amazing journey. I still learn new things on a daily basis with my band. I have been kind of at a plateau the last month or so but I know that is because of some poor food choices I have been making and eating out a lot. This is my life now. The one thing the band has given me that no other diet (WW, Jenny Craig, diet pills, etc.) has ever given me is the ability to start each day brand new. Since my band I know when I make bad choices one day I start new the next. I know when the scale slows that I have to change up my routine (exercise and eating). I will get to my goal, slowly but surely. This forum has been a lifesaver for me. Anytime I am feeling down, hungry, mad, sick or in need of a swift kick in the ass I come here. I reach out to all of you and I am never disappointed. I know there is always someone who has been where I am and has gotten through it. It has truly made all of the difference. So to all of you that come here and lend support and take the time to answer questions, I say THANK YOU! You have played a huge part in my success! WOOHOO!! I made it through the first year, if I can do it, you can do it. Good Luck!!

I had my surgery on a Tuesday morning at 8am and was discharged Wednesday at about noon. That is standard for my doctor for all patients. Good Luck!

I am in the same boat! I have been off track with my eating since Dec. too. My plan is to start the 5 day pouch test Wed. I know we can get back on track! we have too! good luck!

That stinks! Just wanted to let you know that I have no issue with any pain by my port, could be the placement of yours. I would ask my doctor. Good Luck!!

Sounds good! I love pea soup and love the idea of the chicken sausage for protein! Thanks for sharing!

Hi Everyone! I am looking for new ideas to get my Protein in during the day. I am always struggling to get enough. What are your "go to" sources of protein? Any favorite recipes to share? Thanks so much!!

YAY! I'm so happy for you! sounds like a lot of things have changed in a short time for you!! It is an amazing journey! Thanks for posting this it helps me stay motivated reading things like this. Congratulations!!!

I use the compression workout pants from Old Navy. They seem to keep all my jiggly bits in place!

Ask your doctor! I've done the Insanity dvds but waited until my doctor gave me clearance which was like 6 weeks after but all doctors are different. On the other hand, those insanity dvds really kick my but and make me sweat like nothing else. Good luck!

Thanks for sharing!

So anyway...I'm down 120lbs since March. I have jiggly bits and pieces all over the place so I wear SPANX pretty much everyday for work and when I go out. The ones that are like underwear to your bra. My question is that when I wear them lately I've been getting my left shoulder pain. I normally only get that when I eat too much or too quickly. I think I am now getting it because the SPANX is pushing on my band that hits my phrenic nerve causing my shoulder pain. I know its sounds totally crazy but anyone else experience this? My grandma always used to say, "You have to suffer to be beautiful." I wonder if this is what she meant! LOL! Thanks!