Candle

I've felt the same way since day 1. My only proof is the scars on my stomach. I also burp a lot!! lol Hang in there - with restriction will come weight loss. It can take a few fills so don't get discouraged yet. You are completely normal and in what's called 'Bandster Hell'. Just because you CAN eat anything, doesn't mean you SHOULD. I go for my first fill on Monday - have you scheduled one yet?

Personally I would be satisfied with 50-60% so that statistic never bothered me. (my goal weight is already higher than what my doctor would like. Who knows, things may change as I lose but I don't have any dreams of being a size 2) Keep in mind, that statistic includes people who have lost their band due to complications and/or people who never even really gave their band a chance. Some people aren't prepared for all the work you have to put in to be successful. (ie. aftercare, fills, exercise, and dealing with the mental side of things)<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

20lbs by Christmas is mine too! (225lbs) We can do it together :clap2:

A lot of people have problems with COLD and can't eat ice cream or drink cold drinks. Try warm or room temp beverages for awhile and always drink something warm or hot before you eat to loosen things up. I hope you get things worked out

I doubt there's a big difference between the bands. They claim that the design of the new AP band is "better" and less likely to cause slips and/or erosion but who really knows at this early stage. I'd like to believe that's true because I have the APS :biggrin1: Do you have to pay for each fill? Either way I'd demand to know how much they are putting in but specially if you are paying out of pocket for each fill. What if each fill is only .5cc as opposed to 1-3cc? Could make a big difference in the amount of time it takes you to get to restriction.

Ilenev - To date, I have not been to any of the support group meeting. A lot of things like vacation and work hours, have gotten in the way but I haven't really made a big effort yet either. I've also been telling myself I want to go back and see the shrink Dr Geiss sent me to before surgery. I really liked her a lot and think I need to do some "head work". I guess I'm just not ready.

Ron C posts about a support group. I think they meet monthly in the Western Suffolk area. (there are threads in this section or you could send him a PM) How's everyone doing? I am doing really well and hit a big milestone today - 50lbs gone!!! Woo-Hoo!!! It's really time to join a gym. The weather has gotten so cold that I'm losing all motivation for my daily walks. Plus I know I need AT LEAST some weight training. I have my monthly appointment with Dr Geiss's office on Monday. I think I'm ready for my first fill.

Yes - my legs have slimmed down quite a bit and I'm losing my boobs at an alarming rate - lol! I think the legs have to do with all the walking I've been doing. I'm trying to ignore that fact that it's time to start a "real" workout. Specially with weights for my arms. My stomach doesn't seem like it's changing that much :cry Today is a big day for me!! I've lost 50lbs!!!!!!!! :whoo: (It's crazy how fast my emotions change lately. I was depressed at the beginning of the week to have gained weight on my vacation and now today, I am celebrating a new milestone!!)

I had a little Almond Joy last night while handing out candy. It wasn't nearly as good as I remember. I did feel a little guilty but am proud of myself for staying away from the Peanut Butter cups!! (Next year I'm buying candy I don't like - not sure why I didn't think of that this year. Old habits die hard I guess)<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

I love it. I eat it almost everyday. I recently bought "no salt added" by accident - G.R.O.S.S.

Great news!

Could it be reflux issues? I have to take Prilosec everyday or I get that type of feeling but it's more in my throat. It's been going on since before I was banded. I was surprised to be diagnosed with GERD during my pre-op testing.<O:p</O:p<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Wow - 4-7 days on liquids is a lot! (I think I only have to do 2 days) You will lose those extra pounds though

Are you feeling any restriction now? The problem with my vacation was that I learned I really can eat anything. Even though I have no restriction, I had been avoiding the "problem" foods. (bread, red meat, etc) Now it's like the flood gates are open :speechles

I like it plain but: Salt & pepper Yogurt Fruit Beets Cinnamon & Sugar Ricotta cheese & Red Sauce

I was sleeping on my stomach within the first week.

Are you logging your food and really being honest about what you are eating? Those calories really add up fast and from surprising sources. At your size, working out 4x a week, it does seem like you would have lost more by now but they do say an average safe amount to lose is 1-2lbs a week. You are on target and NOT gaining!! I feel your pain - I haven't had a fill yet and feel no restriction - it's all been willpower so far. It's a battle. Keep working at it - you'll get there. Have you seen a nutritionist recently?

I've never tried the Boca Burgers. I usually buy Garden Burgers but I notice the Boca's are cheaper and on sale more frequently. Have you had Garden Burgers? If so, how would you compare the two?

I wish I had your willpower! I just got back from a week of vacation and gained 3lbs. (Although the scale was back down this morning - :clap2: ) I was pretty good when we went out to eat - sharing a meal with my boyfriend but I snacked a lot. I had a piece of fudge, 1/2 ice cream bar, Doritos, 1/2 a bagel ... ugh! Now I am struggling to get my head back in the game. I am craving EVERYTHING! Before my trip, I had my cravings and hunger completely under control. I have an appointment on Monday and was questioning if I even wanted a (first) fill. Now I know I am getting one for sure! lol!

:whoo: I got on the scale this morning - the 3lbs are already gone!! Back on the BAND wagon! :whoo:

I was banded on 8/27/07 and just got back from Disney World and Universal Studios. I went on a ton of rides with no issue.

During my liquid phase it was 650, mushies 800, and solids 1,000 (with 70 grams of protein)

I just got back from a week long vacation and gained 3lbs!! I'm so mad at myself but I knew what I was doing. I made a lot of really poor choices. It could have been worse - previously on a vacation I probably would have gained a lot more - lol. I'm back on track today and refuse to change my ticker - lol. I'm just worried the flood gates will now be open. I have no restriction but there were still a lot of foods I hadn't tried yet. Now I know I have no problem with bread, pasta, beef, doritos, ice cream ... ugh! I'm getting my first fill next week. Pray for me - lol.

I took pictures right before surgery but haven't taken any since. I've lost about 45lbs and I can't really tell. Maybe I should take some new pics?

800-900 calories (65-75 grams of protein) has been about my daily average too. My doctor hasn't brought up any supplements. (I wonder if I should ask?) My nutritionist says I should be eating about 1,000 calories per day but I've been satisfied with a little less and loosing really well. Are you physically not able to eat "real" food? Why are you still drinking 2 Protein shakes a day? Don't they want you to get away from liquids? I kind of got the impression my doc didn’t question my calories because they were happy with how balanced my diet has been. (fruits, veggies, protein, grains, etc) I think the only thing I need to work on is getting more Fiber.