Skyvic

Keep your eye on the prize...healthier you and honestly you will feel and look better. I remember going through a sense of loss, almost like a death. I was low and felt punished. Even though I knew this was best for me, I went through a variety of emotions high and very low. This is just a process, you can control how it affects you. You are still in the beginning stage if your journey. I chose to spread my fills out over two years because quite honestly I was scared of restriction. So I took it as slow as I needed to. My surgeon and support staff knew this. Well I'm just a few pounds from final goal. I know you can do it!!! I still eat filet mignon, I have a couple of fries, I eat Spanish rice, I love Olive Garden noodles with Alfredo... And much more!!! But within small amounts, because I'm full after 3/4 cup. It's my life now and it will take time for you to embrace it. Let this journey take some time for you to heal and gain knowledge. You are going to do great.

I have been busy living life, working, playing, as almost to goal weight. I hit 155 pounds this morning when I woke up. Has it been a success? Yes. Has it been easy? Not always. The best advice I can give to fellow bandsters;

Follow the rules that are given to you but also live your life and enjoy foods you can. Be intentional in how you will live each day in your improved health and body...enjoy it! It's a slow journey at times so don't give up on the band. If your body doesn't feel well then it means you just might be too restricted. Is that a way to live? No! I'm now 2 years and 5 months out. The rules really play into your daily life as you get closer to goal. I doubt my band will be tighter than 6cc for me. It's ok because I'm very close to goal and I feel good. I exercise regularly. Some days harder than others. Drink, drink, drink. Thx u Alec I intend to continue to stay with the forums. Good luck bandsters as you go through your process. I do not regret my surgery, and it was the best thing I could do for me!

Has anybody tried the 5 day pouch test?? It sounds like a great idea but the food choices are a little strange and I'm not sure if it will really help...

Yes, it re-sets your body. I did this in March and lost a little more...it shrinks the stomach up again. Liquid stage so hard but this is what I'm going to do right before my next appointment. I know crazy, but I just want to get to my 154 goal.

My last fill was in January. I have been banded since December 2010, and am so close to goal. I think that support is so crucial at this point. I went the slow route of fills and now know it was the right thing for me. So know that I'm at a plateau I have to make the decision to go for another fill which could have negative effects I have experienced before. I think I will also make an appointment to move forward. This week ill do the 5-day pouch to get back on track too!

I have friends and family who have all three surgeries...some successful and some not so much. Yes, a tool. I am five pounds to goal, started at 267, I'm down to 158. Size 24 down to almost a size 9. I'm happy with my band. Eating is somewhat different for me as I can't tolerate certain breads and foods. But, those were the goods that made me heavy in the first place. Learn about all surgeries, outcomes, etc. I didn't want to have malabsorption issues or dumping syndrome. The sleeve is a newer procedure that I've heard great things. My sis just had GB and is losing well. Good luck (I've been banded since December 2010)

I hit my green zone every three months, but I extended my fills through the second year in which I've lost the most weight. I have 6-8 pounds to go. Now I have to really focus on exercise. I'm still at a 5.75 cc in 10cc band. Still eating about 3/4 cup food.< /p>

At least we won't be hot in the scorching Summer!!!!!

But I have to add, I'm trying different things...downhill skiing at least 3-5 times per month, hot yoga ( just tried it once lost two pounds if Water weight!!!). I just started body combat and body pump, need to be more consistent I guess. I've started Jacob's ladder at gym too. Not losing but I feel great and clothes fit better.

I have between 8-10 to goal which is 154. I am having the hardest time.

Get rid of it and don't look back!!!!

So now that I am getting close to goal, i have been wanting to do a few things that I didn't feel I could do being heavy...physically, socially, and emotionally... This week I went downhill skiing twice. Could not believe that I would have enough stamina to do it. But it happened!!!!! Things I want to do this year:

-go horseback riding

-go to a climbing wall

-ride a skidoo

-waterski

-go snow shoeing

-run a 5k

That's it for now...what is your list?

For me it made a difference as I'm close to goal I only need a tiny tweak. 1/4cc was too much in October so to unfill me, then add 1/8cc it worked gie me. I can feel the just right restriction or green zone. By February, maybe it will be another 1/8cc. My surgeon said its tough to gage such a small amount but it was successful for me at this time:)

Thank you for info. He got it in pretty easy but had to push around my stomach so that was a little uncomfortable.

Am so sorry I'm sure you had built it up successfully. Prayers are with all of you. Stay strong.

My surgeon did my fill last week and told me my port was tilted. I asked why it would be that way and he says that some ports do this as weight is coming off ( so close to the end). He didn't seem concerned. Should I? What does this mean?

Got my tiny fill and have been in full liquids until tonight. So far so good and went to exercise. My energy level is better than the last fills. I feel like this is the magic fill of green zone again. We will see the next couple of weeks. So now I have 5.65 I believe would that be right? Had 5.75 too tight so he took out .25...then this month added .15 ( it's late I can't do math!) at any rate it's about 1/8cc says surgeon. Hope I get to goal soon.

Ask for numb next time, so much better less trauma.

Have you thought about maybe half the amount? Sounds like you are in green zone. Discuss with your doc for sure. Good luck. I have filled before vacation (2 weeks after fill I was miserable and had 1/4cc taken out and felt so much better)

I'm 13 pounds from goal ( sometimes 10 away)... I'm taking the plunge of getting another fill only .1cc I think this may be the magic tweak I need. My surgeon set my ideal weight at 154 being 5'5" and 45 years old. I never believed I could go from size 24 to almost a size 9... Anything is possible. Now that I'm close to goal it is in fact getting harder. Band is at 5.75 now. I really want to hit that goal...and of course stay there. Anything lower would be a bonus (would love to be 145).

Fantasy, loved your post because this has been my mindset to not rush. I am at a 5.75 and banded for two years. I'm getting ready to go in for a 1/10 or 1/8cc fill after having a 1/4cc fill taken out in early December after being very uncomfortable. It was the right decision but I'm scared to get this fill this upcoming Wednesday. I hope he will put just 1/8 or 1/10 in. I think conservative has worked for me but...I still have 12 pounds to goal.

I advised to do liquids for three days after fill...but if you can swallow liquid at all this is not safe. My surgeon has me drink to make sure I CAN get the liquid down.

Not as bad as I thought the first fill. It gets do much easier!

Yay!!!!!

Healthy!!!! To walk into the gym...husband was getting a drink and when he saw me across the gym I was at a board, he thought I was a trainer lol!!!! That made me feel good. To walk into a regular size clothing store is heaven! To not wear wide shoes anymore, to be able to move freely in a bath tub, to be confident when a man looks at you in acknowledgement you exist, blood pressure down, muscle tone more defined, I climb stairs to get healthier, I can do many loads of laundry without huffing and puffing. I am happier and getting just pounds to goal. Bandsters it can be done!!!!

Thank you for responses. I will see if he can put 1/8cc back in.