SageTracey

Congratulations, you are doing really well. I don't want to put a downer on your enthusiasm and success, but just be aware that for most people, weight loss slows as you move onto solids. In fact, some people even gain in that period until they have enough fills to achieve restriction. good luck!

Eat a little bit more. Your body is like an engine and needs fuel to operate. But your body is a very efficient engine and if you are not putting in enough fuel, it thinks you are going to continue that way so it works very hard to preserve what reserves it has - and you don't lose weight. I realise that it goes against the grain of all logic but give it a go for a week or so.

Variety is important with exercise so don't just replace one with another. And be careful not to overdo it too early or you could end up hurting yourself.

While you don't have to tell them, it depends on the type of relationship you have/want to have with your new employer. Here in Australia, you would be mostly encouraged if you said, I am having surgery (or medical treatment) for an ongoing health issue. It's pre-booked and I need to have X time off.

It's a real catch 22, isn't it. We have to lose some weight to be healthier for the surgery so people assume that we can do it without the band. Well, no, if we could do it without the band and keep it off, then there is no way we would end up pursuing the band! It is hard to maintain the momentum and enthusiasm that we bring to the pre-op phase. The band is a tool that helps us to live a healthier lifestyle in the long term and in a way that dieting just cannot deliver.

Is it any different to your period before you were banded? If not, then you definitely don't need to worry. If it is different, then it is most likely still ok as your body adjusts to surgery and weight loss. Just be sure to take care of yourself and see your dr if you are worried.

yes, I've done some of that. it's a great motivation for me to keep on working hard towards my goals. I love folding the laundry now. Every time I fold one of my t-shirt bras, I can't help holding them up and thinking, wow, these are so tiny AND they fit me! Good luck.

I assume you mean you will be the first for your GP rather than your surgeon? I think I am the first for my GP. She has been really supportive but I am sure she has learned more from me about the band, living with the band etc than I have from her! That's why it is so important to maintain an ongoing relationship with my surgeon. Good luck.

I just read an article yesterday that said a banana was a more effective energy boost that energy drinks.

A barbaric surgeon? I'm guessing that was predictive text but if it was true, then you would be glad he was off duty by the time you got there! OK, that's the Australian sense of humour coming through. I'm really sorry that you are having so much difficulty with the band. Good luck with moving forward.

that usually happens to me if I eat too quickly or too much.

You don't need to disclose your private medical/health business to anyone, let alone your work mates. I told my boss that I was having surgery and that the surgeon recommended I take two weeks off. I said the surgery was personal and I wasn't discussing it but would let her know if I needed any adjustments made to my work to cope.

Cassandra, the lapband is adjustable. It is fitted around the upper part of your stomach and has a tube that links it to a port, just below your skin in your abdominal area. The band is adjusted by injecting or removing saline to make it tighter or looser. Be sure to do plenty of research so that you fully understand the band and living with it before you decide to go down this path. It works best for those who are most well informed about it. Keep asking questions.

Nope, no problems for me.

A teaspoon. If I am eating anything with a spoon, I will only eat with a teaspoon. It slows me down and forces me to have smaller mouthfuls.

Good luck for your surgery. It's unlikely that you will be "super hungry" in the three short weeks between your surgery and your first fill. You will be recovering from the surgery and will be amazed at how little you need to feel full. Then comes the second surprise - how hungry you do feel when you get back onto solids, possibly even after your first fill. It can take several fills before you start to feel restriction, so don't expect this to be a miracle quick fix. There is an article in the Recent Magazine Articles, The Top 10 List, by Jean McMillan. Definitely worth a read, if you haven't already.

They do show up in an X ray but I suspect the image must have extended further than your chest! I had an abdominal X ray a couple of months back and they were clearly visible.

It passes. Seems to be worse for some people than others but just be prepared and move quickly.

Sounds like you need an unfill. Be persistent in getting this resolved ASAP.

Awesome! Keep up the great work.

Planning is my biggest tip. Plan what you will eat each day and stick to it. And be sure to get some exercise in there. In doesn't have to be a gym membership or some sort of full on workout. Cycling, dancing, walking and swimming all work for me.

Good planning but also, if your dr doesn't require a pre-op plan, you will probably be fine to eat a little at the reunion. Just make the best choices you can and keep your portions small.

Not with water. Are you sipping or gulping? If you are gulping you could be taking in lots of air with your water.

Your body gets used to what you are doing both in terms of feeding and working it. It becomes more efficient at working so you need to work even harder to burn off those calories.

Great idea to have goals to work towards. Try to set some short and medium term goals as well and be sure to plan some non-food celebrations as you achieve each one.