DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

That may be the best reason I've ever heard

Terry and CG are officially the comic relief portion of this thread

I was really bad about drinking water before the band. Now, I buy inexpensive bottled water and pretty much carry it around with me constantly. This way, it's like a little reminder to keep drinking. They make some really good water flavorings also, which makes it a bit easier (in my opinion). I'm not sure what your doctor's drinking rules are, but mine allows me to drink right up until the time I start eating then resume a half hour after. Perhaps you can discuss it with your doctor and see if you can get the OK to do similar? It makes drinking a lot easier.

That is awesome! Congratulations!

Goodness, that's a hard one. A lot of us pretty much sip Water all day long. That's what I do. But, I've not had UTI issues either. If I were you, I'd be sure it's water intake causing it. Lots of medications can cause them and even sex can, too. I'd talk to your doctor. I'd also rule out they're true UTIs and not originating in your kidneys as well. Best wishes.

It's very hard!! When you've trained yourself to stick to a certain way of eating it can be very hard to give yourself permission to deviate from it. Here is how I come to terms with it: I would need to eat an extra 3500 calories to gain a pound. And, that's 3500 above what I'd need to maintain which is less than I normally eat anyway. So realistically, I'd need to increase my calories by over 4000 to gain a pound. That's not happening lol. I still track my calories when I'm having a weekend like you describe and even with a margarita here and a cheesy appetizer there, I never come anywhere close to gaining. Just remember, a lot of the food you'll encounter will be a lot higher sodium than you're used to. Don't be surprised and don't freak if the scale jumps just because of the Water retention alone. Water weight comes back off pretty quickly once you go back to reduced sodium and drink lots of water. Go enjoy your weekend. Think moderation not deprivation

Honestly, it's completely up to you. You're not too tight at a dangerous level. Many live like that without issue. It's a question of whether or not you can be happy like that realistically. If it were me, I'd get a small unfill. The only food I stay away from is dry meat. Anything else I can eat but that is how I want it. My hunger is controlled extremely well and I'm satisfied on very little food. That is the level my doctor wants me at and that is how I'm happy. If you're unsure what is best for you, I'd ask your doctor. Best wishes

I met a lady today who's had her band over 8 years and lost 135 pounds. She told me she would like to lose more weight and sometimes gets discouraged because she's not at goal. I asked her "Where do you think you'd be if you hadn't gotten the band and lost 135 pounds?" She thought for a moment then replied "Probably a good 200 pounds heavier than I am now". I then said "that makes you a huge a success then, don't you think?" She smiled and agreed. I firmly believe any pound lost is a success and that it doesn't matter how long it takes you lose weight, all that matters is that you're losing not gaining.

I have found that the bigger the clothing sizes the more weight you have to lose between sizes. When I first started out I was in a 46W or 7X. I had lose about 60 pounds before I dropped down to the next size (which seemed ridiculous at the time). Now, I'm in a 14 jeans or M/L shirt depending on the brand. If I lose even as much as 10-15 pounds it's enough to make my clothes entirely too big and I need to drop another size.

The average weight loss with the band is 1-2 pounds per week. You've had the band for 22 weeks, making your loss average a little more than a pound a week, which is right where you should be. If you want to try to increase your weight loss, I would go see a nutritionist. Let them help you establish a good calorie range for you and start tracking your calories. They can also help figure out which style of eating (low carb, high carb, low fat, etc) is best for you. Best wishes.

It takes me about a week to settle into a fill. For instance, I just got my first fill in 9 months today. I'm just having tomato Soup for dinner tonight and will stick to Soups and pudding tomorrow, too. Wednesday I'll have some mushies and Thursday I'll try some soft food. I go very cautiously after fills to give the swelling time to subside.

Yeah it honestly doesn't bug me. I kinda see it as my badge of weight loss success I'm wearing a form fitting sweater today and if you stare right at it, you can see it through the fabric, but honestly you'd never know it was there unless you were looking for it.

It's very normal because it's covered by fat. When I was first banded, I had to lay down and raise my legs (or try to anyway lol) to try to make it bump a little so it wasn't so hard for the doctor to find. Now, after losing over 200 pounds, it sticks out all the time. Best wishes.

Mine is pretty much the same, too. The only difference is that my port now sticks out all the time so it's impossible to miss lol. Mine also checks the Fluid in the band too, to make sure there's no leaks. (it's just a precaution) I've had fills as big as 2cc at the beginning and as small as .1cc. I'm actually going in today for my first fill in 9 months and suspect it'll only be .2cc or .3cc fill.

I honestly don't know. Here in the US, the prices vary greatly. Because my skin hung below my pubic line my insurance actually paid to have it removed. I haven't decided if I'm going to look into surgery for my arms and legs, too.

My NUT and doc told me to measure by volume whenever possible. The reason is because the idea is to keep portions to a size not to stretch the stomach above the band. So, whenever possible I use a measuring cup rather than a scale. I was told to keep all meals to a cup or less of food. Though I do measure as instructed, I also strictly count calories too. I've seen too often people eat smaller portions yet don't lose weight despite it. More often than not, it's because they're still eating way too many calories. Smaller portions doesn't necessary mean less calories. So, I choose to track my calories and measure my portions so I can be sure.

If you're willing to give up only days after surgery then I'm not going to try to stop you. It's your body and your choice, but I personally think it's foolish to go through surgery for nothing. Best luck and I hope your surgeon can help you.

Unfortunately, there isn't anything to be done about it except plastic surgery. I've lost 102kg (227 pounds) so I completely understand your frustration. In May, I had surgery to remove the excess skin from my stomach and immediately dropped two pant sizes. I still have considerable skin on my arms and thighs, too. But, here's my take on it: I can hide the excess skin but there was no hiding 227 pounds of fat. I'll take the loose skin over the fat any day. Best wishes.

I just got a pair of Sketchers Synergy with memory foam insoles. I absolutely LOVE them! They are by far the most comfortable walking shoes I've ever owned (and I walk at least 2 miles a day).

Food that immediately goes through the band, like ice cream or milkshakes.

Call your doctor, tell him, and see if he can get you on some anti-nausea meds.

YAY!! I am so very glad for you!!!