Kymbethin

Hi Miss Ann, girl do I feel your pain! This band can often times be so fickle. One day I can eat what I want and the next day, not so much. I've had my band since May and I haven't gotten a fill since September and now all of a sudden I haven't been able to eat the last past couple of days. I went to a Pappadeaux's tonight for dinner and I couldn't keep down the spinach dip or the half lump crab cake. This morning, I ate two bites of malt-o-meal and it came back up. This has only happened to me one other time and I don't know what to think....#understandingplease

Great advice...I'm more than at the half-way mark for my fills, and I must say that with each fill that I've gotten, my appetite is great, eating my correct portions, no hunger and great satiety levels. After those initial two weeks I find myself getting hungrier and eating more. I find that I lose the most weight during those initial two weeks post-fill and I stagnate until my next appointment.

I'm very FORTUNATE that I've never been stuck, never slimmed, and have NEVER thrown up...so what I know for a fact is the band reacts differently for everyone. Mine is so fickle that it changes almost daily sometimes. For instance sometimes I don't have an appetite at all in the mornings, other times I wake up hungrier than a horse. So my advice, fills work differently for everyone, just get to know your body and your band and learn when you're most successful during each phase of your journey.

I'm a personal trainer so you are absolutely right about the 80% diet and 20% working out rule. This has been my problem over the years because I LOVE to workout in a gym, and I like to be active...but the scale won't budge much if my diet is outta wack, protein and complex carbs are definitely keys to success in anyone trying to overcome the battle of the bulge.

I wish you much continued success

Congrats girl! You look great...I betcha that 6.25 is a sweet spot, can't wait to get my next fill, next week!

Thanks for posting your WINNING tips...these are great!

Very inspiring! We had our surgery on the same day! You are doing fantastic, and all of us who has commented share your exact sentiments. It's very difficult to face the realization that food WAS a way of life for so many of us; but the fun part is replacing it with things that will actually fulfill our lives instead of FILLING our bellies! Adventure and true happiness awaits!

Inbox me your number, let's chat!

Congrats Jennifer! You were on the ball and didn't even know it! You are well on your way to success...you'll have to tell me how that restriction feels. Although I don't really have restriction either, and I can pretty much eat what I want as much as I want, I am nervous about having too much of a restriction and having issues like being "stuck" or throwing up.

Keep us posted sunshine!

Wasn't it an amazing feeling that the fill ended up being practically painless? The two days on liquid weren't really bad at all. I only had full liquids the first day and mushies the second day, so the time actually flew by.

I haven't done any specific ab work either, I have only worked my core when I've done other exercises. I can't wait to do a full fledged workout again. My PA told me that I had to wait another 2-4 weeks before I can really begin working out hard core like I want to...

Hey girl, you still rock! Keep persevering!

@ Jenn, Haha, you're too funny! I gained a little also, then I lost it again once I started working out a little more intensely.

Anyway you'll do great tomorrow!

The journey of one thousand miles begins with one single step....congratulations!

You have done amazing on your first month's weight loss! I get my first fill tomorrow too, and I am still trying to decide if I will go with the numbing medication. Congrats on the scale working in your favor!!

Congrats Miss Mary, you're going to be fabulous!

Congrats Ciara!

You seem to be really progressing! Good job with the exercise, you've found the key to get you motivated, that's the hardest part for most...

I'm scheduled for my first fill next week, I can't wait to see how it makes me feel, keep us posted on your progress!

Italy,

I've had my band since May 18th and I've lost roughly 10lbs...my weight loss has seem to slow down considerably the last past week. I'm shooting for better results this week.

Thanks for the encouragement ladies, it helps to know that I'm not going through these feelings alone and there is still a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Thanks for the encouragement RoseyPosey!

Congrats, very inspiring!

That's what I actually had was Progresso's, now I don't feel too bad!

I concur Miss Mary!

I started my mushies a couple of days early and I find that I've been craving the creamier soups like, clam chowder, cream of potato, broccoli and cheese, I've even made some really creamy, soft guacamole. I think I've just wanted something hearty, something that truly felt like I ate something. And since most of my swelling has gone down, I find myself becoming hungrier between my meals!

Like you, the scale really isn't moving for me either, and I actually go to the gym and burn lots of calories...I guess discouragement is starting to set in a little.

My first fill is scheduled for the 14th...

That's great Gtney!

You give me some inspiration...I forget sometimes that you have to take into consideration of trying to find the balance with the fills. I've lost quite a bit, but I honestly feel like I should be losing more, I can't wait to get my first fill! 48lbs is great for 8 months, that's a 7 year old that you're not carrying around anymore =)

Thanks SkinnyInside!

Yeah I was actually able to keep everything down with no nausea or vomitting. The Skinny Girl Margarita is great, and it's pretty strong too, only 33 calories in a half a cup! Drinking liquids of any kind does not really fill me up, it just feels like it felt pre-band. It doesn't really curb my hunger or anything.

Good luck on your impending success, I know you'll do great too! Once you're sick in tired of being sick in tired, it catapults you to a new mission for yourself, you'll be unstoppable!

Keep us posted =)

PS: The Big D is Dallas (everything's bigger in Texas)

It sounds like you're doing great BandedKitten! And you're right about the how food looks much better than it tastes sometimes. I just keep telling myself, "you've tasted this stuff a million times before, it's nothing new!"

I agree, the hunger pangs are starting to kick in overdrive. I can't wait to go for my first fill on the 12th...11 days to go! I hope I can at least drop another 10lbs or so by then!

Try walking with a little intensity, and the scale will probably start moving for you again. I notice that everyday I workout, I lose at least 1lb.

Happy Travels Chic!

Jenn,

I feel your pain, but what Miss Mary said is 100%. Since you're obsessed with the scale (like I am :-) you should get a tanita scale that measures your fat, water, and bone density; this way you can see where the weight gain is (and weight loss for that matter). It will give you a peace of mind, because our bodies will hold on to water, especially when there is a drastic change. Even exercise can make you retain sometimes. Drink plenty of water to flush out the water and you'll be fine (physically and mentally

But I do feel ya on the appetite, I have been sooooooo hungry and NOT for a damn protein drink either, I want to CHEW!

CONGRATS JEN!

What an accomplishment...I'm still on liquids! I called my dr's office and asked if I could eat some real food and they were like NOPE! They said it was because they sewed a part of my stomach on top of the band to prevent slippage, and they want it to completely heal. I am hungry and I'm tired of drinking protein shakes. I would love to have some scrambled eggs right now!