HeatherMarie

I was banded on March 8, 2011 and have lost 70 pounds. This was not my dream of waking up a size 6 but respectable I think! lol Could I have lost more by now? Certainly. There are things I can work on and need to work on but there has to be a middle ground between living and weight loss! I could not maintain exercising for 2 hours a day for very long. Everyone is different and we need to focus on what makes us happy! I can compare myself with the great "losers" out there but it will not aid in my weight loss and will probably just make me want chocolate! lol You said it best-we can all support each other (successes and setbacks). I am always looking for more support on this journey

I call them Sucker' In-ers! I wear the camisole type that you can wear with your own bra to hold in the jiggly parts of stomach and hips. I don't see a problem with wearing them now but I wouldn't wear them for long periods of time at first. One thing I have found when I wear mine is that my band seems tighter! Probably not the band but more pressure on the stomach so eat carefully.

Thanks Ladies! Certainly stressed right now (work is crazy and hubby is gone for 2 weeks for work leaving me with the kiddos). I'm hoping getting back into my water routine will help eating. Been stalled now for a couple of weeks and I think it is the lack of "good" calories.

I was banded in March 2011. Fills every month 6 weeks out at a very cautious rate. Took quite awhile to reach restriction. Last fill was in December of 2011 and finally started to lose after a long plateau (not all the bands fault . At my 1 year check-up I had .5 cc removed (had agreed to .25 but the NP had .5 in her head) due to stuck episodes. Admitedly, I was probably too tight. Here I am almost 2 months later and am experiencing being stuck again on random stuff. I read somewhere (can't remember where) that dehydration can cause band to be tighter. Has anyone else experienced a fickle band when they haven't had enough Water intake? Thanks!

I am not there yet but much closer to a healthy weight than .. well EVER! Feel great and people are really starting to notice and comment. It's a wonderful thing but being obese all my life a large majority of time has been spent thinking about losing weight, trying to lose weight, etc. Now I am starting to have odd feelings about being at (or around) goal weight. What do I strive for? What will a large portion of my world be substituted with? I know that once I hit that ellusive # or size I won't be pooping gum drops or riding around on unicorns but it just feels odd for lack of a better term. Thanks for listening! Any thoughts?

It sounds crazy but a teaspoon or two of regular mustard. The little packets that you get at restaraunts work great for carrying with you.

Yes, it will get better! I was not one of those who had surgery one week and went back to work the next. I took 2 weeks off. Try to walk little laps around the house, it will help the gas move out. I also found a heating pad to be my best friend the first couple of days. Don't try to be superwoman or compare yourself with others. Everyone heals (and loses weight) at their own pace. Get plenty of rest! It will help your body and mental state. Take Care and keep me posted.

I love this!! I laughed out loud and nodded my head in agreement. A great message for everyone. Newly banded or not. I am definately watching this topic so I can come back to read it when I need a boost.

I agree with Jenn. The gas pains were way worse than incisions! Try a heating pad on your chest/stomach or even your back. This helped me those first couple of weeks. Take Care

All of cakegirl's suggestions plus drinking something hot helps me alot. Just tiny sips or everything may come flying back up. I've never tried the "chicken dance" though! lol

Hi from Northern MN! Sounds like you have a new resolve to get to a healthier you. I would love a new fiend to go through this process with. I am about 5 hours from you but we do travel to the cities on occasion to see family.

Wow!! What an awesome accomplishment and I bet your not done yet

I am part of a private facebook group called Banders. It can only be viewed by the members. If you friend me I could add you. I am Heather Wilson Anderson with a profile pic of a little girl and boy dressed up.

Woo Hoo! Way to go Wayne and a day early.

GOOD LUCK! It sounds like you have a great plan and the determination needed to follow it through. Fell free to message me if you need to vent, cheer or need encouragement. I find support is a great motivator. Take Care!