jg9956

I started this journey ONE year ago and while I am still down, the last 8 months have been a serious struggle. Within 3 months following my surgery, I rocked it and lost 50 lbs. I was on top of the world, feeling great, looking awesome. In January, I suffered the loss of my business due to a fire and since then, it's been nothing but downhill. The stress of the fire, the community rallying to support me through it, being in the public eye and ultimately rebuilding in a location that tripled my sales, has been the most stressful thing I've ever dealt with. Yes, tripling sales is awesome but with that comes tripling bills, and more headaches. In that process, my eating habits have suffered. I have been working 7 days a week, 14+ hours per day, and then coming home to my two kids and trying to juggle. I'm not making excuses, or perhaps I am. I don't know what else to do. I was eating so healthy and really taking care of myself after this surgery but my old ways are creeping back into my life. My last fill was about 6 months ago and since then, I have been getting "stuck" all the time, choking, nearly vomiting and constantly having phlem and pains in my band from overeating. I'm resorting to food to deal with everything again. My band is so tight in the morning so I rarely eat, and then when it seems to open up, I overeat. I'm honestly admitting that I'm doing everything wrong and I just don't know how to get back on track. I think to myself, why did I do this? Why did I have this surgery if it just meant I would have to keep struggling to diet? I am aware that it's totally in my control,, but I cannot seem to get a grip. I have not weighed myself in a month for fear of what the scale is going to show. The last time I checked, I had gained back nearly 15lbs. I'm sure I'm more than that, just too scared to face it. I'm still squeezing into the same size jeans as my lowest weight, however, "squeezing" is the key word. I don't feel fabulous. I feel like going back up a size, but I refuse. I bought a treadmill 3 months ago, have yet to step on it. I buy healthy food options only to throw them out because they spoil because I choose junk. I'm totally embarrassed to see my surgeon, I'm so ashamed. Keep in mind that I'm a foodie, I own a Bakery...I'm around my downfall everyday. I struggle so bad. I even made my surgeons daughter's wedding cake! :/ Help! Where do I begin, what do I do? I feel like I've forgotten how to eat properly...maybe my band is in fact too full? Can anyone offer insight? And I'm not looking for tough love here, so please don't comment like a know it all who is successful because I've seen too many people on here looking for help and other people judging them and tearing them down. This is why I left this forum many months ago and I have struggled to even write this post...but here I am. It's become that bad.

I would say get the temptation out of your house. Stress certainly sucks and you have gone through massive amounts in a short time but can you bake some of your customers orders in your own kitchen to take up your time. It would surely help you feel useful again. Loss of anything is something most people dont do well with. I hope you get through this hell you are going through and I wish you luck in everything.

life happens and it seems to always be something....in the past, i turned to high fat/high calorie foods to soothe me..they didnt talk back and of course i gained massive weight because i took in more calories than i burned off...so now i learned food is not gonna make me feel better even though it would briefly..when stressed, take a walk, take a bath, call someone, read or blog...i feel for you....every time something crappy happens, i think of a huge bag of lays bbq chips..just not worth it....
hang in there

Sending positive thoughts and energy your way! I am sorry this has happened to you and your family.
Be kind to yourself.

Why are you being so hard on yourself? In a short period of time you have had more crap happen than most people could handle! You recognized what you did and are putting yourself back on track! Unfortunately, emotional eating can't be fixed with the band! Did you get hungry between meals prior to the fire? When I have slipped of the wagon I go back to liquids for a day then mushies for a day or two. This seems to make my band feel tighter again, or at least the way it did before I indulged. Life is not easy for you right now but try not to make it worse by sabotaging yourself with food. Its a temporary feeling that leads to permanant consequences! Feeling worse about yourself is only going to make it harder for you to put things back together. Strong mind, strong body! You need them both right now! You and your family will be in my prayers!

I drink just as I did pre-band as well. If I didn't "chug" so to speak, I would never get the recommended daily amount in my system,ever! However, I only have 1cc in my band. I have no restriction. I do drink most of my liquids at room temp though, they seem to cooperate better that way. I cannot drink anything ice cold, it feels like swallowing a rock to me. I also use straws, but I don't see the wrong in it because I have had continued success. I'm down 60lbs now in 3 months.

I'm a pastry chef so I know where you're coming from. I find that if I just test a small bite and count the calories, I'm just fine. The key is to tracking it because u can mindlessly snack all day and not realize u just put 1000 cals in your mouth before dinner. I'm living proof this can be done, I'm proud to say. I still eat sweets, carbs etc and I'm around cupcakes and cakes daily -I've managed to lose 60lbs in 3 months. It can be done!

Banded on 11/2/12, down 49lbs total. Lost about 19 pre-op (10 day diet) and 40 since surgery. I had one fill on 12/10 and that was it. I don't think I even really needed it, but it was small, 1cc. I've been to the Dr. twice since then and he has not wanted to give me any more fills, as I'm losing very well without them. I'm fortunate to not have any difficulties thus far. I read about people getting "stuck", not being able to eat certain foods, that's just not me, and I'm so thankful. It's as if I do not have a band at all. I keep my portions right around 1 cup, I eat around 1000-1200 calories per day, some days slightly more. I do not limit myself from sweets or carbs, however I calculate them and track them. I have not touched a soda, regular or diet in months. This is a BIG deal, I was like, 6 diet pepsi's a day a few months ago. I don't eat fried foods for the most part, but recently on vacation, I indulged slightly. Had a few Margarita's and some chicken wings...but again, I tracked AND exercised! I love the feeling of finally being able to eat the foods I love, just not a lot of them, and being Ok with it. I still have missteps, I'm not perfect. The fact that I own a cupcake/cake bakery doesn't help with my love of sweets, but I'm doing so much better. Instead of a giant muffin and a croissant for Breakfast and a cupcake and a cookie in the afternoon, paired with a pile of fries, a burger and a diet coke...then dinner, oh my...well past 9pm...not good, NOW it's greek yogurt for breakfast, a high Protein lunch and maybe, one cupcake a week or a taste of one of my new creations, or a small cookie. I eat something sweet everyday,but because I have to. I have to taste test everything I make that's new, and right now I'm testing superbowl and valentine's items. Nonetheless, I feel I'm finally winning the war against the fat and all the stupid diets I've spent so much money on over the years. I am currently knocking on wood that my success keeps going in the right direction. If I plateau, then I will adjust the carbs/sweets, but for now, it's working for me to keep it in my diet so that I do not binge. It's hard everyday, but seeing the results has been my motivation. Im in 16 jeans now (down from 22's) and my shirts are getting looser. Not loving the boobs, since they are not decreasing at all, but that's another story. Hoping to have a reduction when I hit onederland... It was so nice to go on vacation and dress up everyday because I loved the way I looked! Ok, enough of my bragging...lol. I'm just happy and finally ready to share it!

Banded on 11/2/12, down 49lbs total. Lost about 19 pre-op (10 day diet) and 40 since surgery. I had one fill on 12/10 and that was it. I don't think I even really needed it, but it was small, 1cc. I've been to the Dr. twice since then and he has not wanted to give me any more fills, as I'm losing very well without them. I'm fortunate to not have any difficulties thus far. I read about people getting "stuck", not being able to eat certain foods, that's just not me, and I'm so thankful. It's as if I do not have a band at all. I keep my portions right around 1 cup, I eat around 1000-1200 calories per day, some days slightly more. I do not limit myself from sweets or carbs, however I calculate them and track them. I have not touched a soda, regular or diet in months. This is a BIG deal, I was like, 6 diet pepsi's a day a few months ago. I don't eat fried foods for the most part, but recently on vacation, I indulged slightly. Had a few Margarita's and some chicken wings...but again, I tracked AND exercised! I love the feeling of finally being able to eat the foods I love, just not a lot of them, and being Ok with it. I still have missteps, I'm not perfect. The fact that I own a cupcake/cake bakery doesn't help with my love of sweets, but I'm doing so much better. Instead of a giant muffin and a croissant for Breakfast and a cupcake and a cookie in the afternoon, paired with a pile of fries, a burger and a diet coke...then dinner, oh my...well past 9pm...not good, NOW it's greek yogurt for breakfast, a high Protein lunch and maybe, one cupcake a week or a taste of one of my new creations, or a small cookie. I eat something sweet everyday,but because I have to. I have to taste test everything I make that's new, and right now I'm testing superbowl and valentine's items. Nonetheless, I feel I'm finally winning the war against the fat and all the stupid diets I've spent so much money on over the years. I am currently knocking on wood that my success keeps going in the right direction. If I plateau, then I will adjust the carbs/sweets, but for now, it's working for me to keep it in my diet so that I do not binge. It's hard everyday, but seeing the results has been my motivation. Im in 16 jeans now (down from 22's) and my shirts are getting looser. Not loving the boobs, since they are not decreasing at all, but that's another story. Hoping to have a reduction when I hit onederland... It was so nice to go on vacation and dress up everyday because I loved the way I looked! Ok, enough of my bragging...lol. I'm just happy and finally ready to share it!

Good luck with your surgery! You can do this, too. I was the biggest cupcake, binge eating, fried food, diet soda drinking person there ever was. And LAZY! lol, If I can do this, YOU can! Just listen to the Dr's, follow the rules, but don't become obsessed. Allow yourself some treats here and there, or else you will give up and binge. But that's just my opinion and what I do. I will never be able to give up the foods I love entirely. That is just no fun to me. I'm on myfitnesspal.com and that's how I track my foods, create recipes etc. My screen name is cakeplacid if you want to join and add me as a friend. Good luck and best wishes! It will be here before you know it!

Banded on 11/2/12, down 49lbs total. Lost about 19 pre-op (10 day diet) and 40 since surgery. I had one fill on 12/10 and that was it. I don't think I even really needed it, but it was small, 1cc. I've been to the Dr. twice since then and he has not wanted to give me any more fills, as I'm losing very well without them. I'm fortunate to not have any difficulties thus far. I read about people getting "stuck", not being able to eat certain foods, that's just not me, and I'm so thankful. It's as if I do not have a band at all. I keep my portions right around 1 cup, I eat around 1000-1200 calories per day, some days slightly more. I do not limit myself from sweets or carbs, however I calculate them and track them. I have not touched a soda, regular or diet in months. This is a BIG deal, I was like, 6 diet pepsi's a day a few months ago. I don't eat fried foods for the most part, but recently on vacation, I indulged slightly. Had a few Margarita's and some chicken wings...but again, I tracked AND exercised! I love the feeling of finally being able to eat the foods I love, just not a lot of them, and being Ok with it. I still have missteps, I'm not perfect. The fact that I own a cupcake/cake bakery doesn't help with my love of sweets, but I'm doing so much better. Instead of a giant muffin and a croissant for Breakfast and a cupcake and a cookie in the afternoon, paired with a pile of fries, a burger and a diet coke...then dinner, oh my...well past 9pm...not good, NOW it's greek yogurt for breakfast, a high Protein lunch and maybe, one cupcake a week or a taste of one of my new creations, or a small cookie. I eat something sweet everyday,but because I have to. I have to taste test everything I make that's new, and right now I'm testing superbowl and valentine's items. Nonetheless, I feel I'm finally winning the war against the fat and all the stupid diets I've spent so much money on over the years. I am currently knocking on wood that my success keeps going in the right direction. If I plateau, then I will adjust the carbs/sweets, but for now, it's working for me to keep it in my diet so that I do not binge. It's hard everyday, but seeing the results has been my motivation. Im in 16 jeans now (down from 22's) and my shirts are getting looser. Not loving the boobs, since they are not decreasing at all, but that's another story. Hoping to have a reduction when I hit onederland... It was so nice to go on vacation and dress up everyday because I loved the way I looked! Ok, enough of my bragging...lol. I'm just happy and finally ready to share it!

Banded on 11/2/12, down 49lbs total. Lost about 19 pre-op (10 day diet) and 40 since surgery. I had one fill on 12/10 and that was it. I don't think I even really needed it, but it was small, 1cc. I've been to the Dr. twice since then and he has not wanted to give me any more fills, as I'm losing very well without them. I'm fortunate to not have any difficulties thus far. I read about people getting "stuck", not being able to eat certain foods, that's just not me, and I'm so thankful. It's as if I do not have a band at all. I keep my portions right around 1 cup, I eat around 1000-1200 calories per day, some days slightly more. I do not limit myself from sweets or carbs, however I calculate them and track them. I have not touched a soda, regular or diet in months. This is a BIG deal, I was like, 6 diet pepsi's a day a few months ago. I don't eat fried foods for the most part, but recently on vacation, I indulged slightly. Had a few Margarita's and some chicken wings...but again, I tracked AND exercised! I love the feeling of finally being able to eat the foods I love, just not a lot of them, and being Ok with it. I still have missteps, I'm not perfect. The fact that I own a cupcake/cake bakery doesn't help with my love of sweets, but I'm doing so much better. Instead of a giant muffin and a croissant for Breakfast and a cupcake and a cookie in the afternoon, paired with a pile of fries, a burger and a diet coke...then dinner, oh my...well past 9pm...not good, NOW it's greek yogurt for breakfast, a high Protein lunch and maybe, one cupcake a week or a taste of one of my new creations, or a small cookie. I eat something sweet everyday,but because I have to. I have to taste test everything I make that's new, and right now I'm testing superbowl and valentine's items. Nonetheless, I feel I'm finally winning the war against the fat and all the stupid diets I've spent so much money on over the years. I am currently knocking on wood that my success keeps going in the right direction. If I plateau, then I will adjust the carbs/sweets, but for now, it's working for me to keep it in my diet so that I do not binge. It's hard everyday, but seeing the results has been my motivation. Im in 16 jeans now (down from 22's) and my shirts are getting looser. Not loving the boobs, since they are not decreasing at all, but that's another story. Hoping to have a reduction when I hit onederland... It was so nice to go on vacation and dress up everyday because I loved the way I looked! Ok, enough of my bragging...lol. I'm just happy and finally ready to share it!

Banded on 11/2/12, down 49lbs total. Lost about 19 pre-op (10 day diet) and 40 since surgery. I had one fill on 12/10 and that was it. I don't think I even really needed it, but it was small, 1cc. I've been to the Dr. twice since then and he has not wanted to give me any more fills, as I'm losing very well without them. I'm fortunate to not have any difficulties thus far. I read about people getting "stuck", not being able to eat certain foods, that's just not me, and I'm so thankful. It's as if I do not have a band at all. I keep my portions right around 1 cup, I eat around 1000-1200 calories per day, some days slightly more. I do not limit myself from sweets or carbs, however I calculate them and track them. I have not touched a soda, regular or diet in months. This is a BIG deal, I was like, 6 diet pepsi's a day a few months ago. I don't eat fried foods for the most part, but recently on vacation, I indulged slightly. Had a few Margarita's and some chicken wings...but again, I tracked AND exercised! I love the feeling of finally being able to eat the foods I love, just not a lot of them, and being Ok with it. I still have missteps, I'm not perfect. The fact that I own a cupcake/cake bakery doesn't help with my love of sweets, but I'm doing so much better. Instead of a giant muffin and a croissant for Breakfast and a cupcake and a cookie in the afternoon, paired with a pile of fries, a burger and a diet coke...then dinner, oh my...well past 9pm...not good, NOW it's greek yogurt for breakfast, a high Protein lunch and maybe, one cupcake a week or a taste of one of my new creations, or a small cookie. I eat something sweet everyday,but because I have to. I have to taste test everything I make that's new, and right now I'm testing superbowl and valentine's items. Nonetheless, I feel I'm finally winning the war against the fat and all the stupid diets I've spent so much money on over the years. I am currently knocking on wood that my success keeps going in the right direction. If I plateau, then I will adjust the carbs/sweets, but for now, it's working for me to keep it in my diet so that I do not binge. It's hard everyday, but seeing the results has been my motivation. Im in 16 jeans now (down from 22's) and my shirts are getting looser. Not loving the boobs, since they are not decreasing at all, but that's another story. Hoping to have a reduction when I hit onederland... It was so nice to go on vacation and dress up everyday because I loved the way I looked! Ok, enough of my bragging...lol. I'm just happy and finally ready to share it!

Banded on 11/2/12, down 49lbs total. Lost about 19 pre-op (10 day diet) and 40 since surgery. I had one fill on 12/10 and that was it. I don't think I even really needed it, but it was small, 1cc. I've been to the Dr. twice since then and he has not wanted to give me any more fills, as I'm losing very well without them. I'm fortunate to not have any difficulties thus far. I read about people getting "stuck", not being able to eat certain foods, that's just not me, and I'm so thankful. It's as if I do not have a band at all. I keep my portions right around 1 cup, I eat around 1000-1200 calories per day, some days slightly more. I do not limit myself from sweets or carbs, however I calculate them and track them. I have not touched a soda, regular or diet in months. This is a BIG deal, I was like, 6 diet pepsi's a day a few months ago. I don't eat fried foods for the most part, but recently on vacation, I indulged slightly. Had a few Margarita's and some chicken wings...but again, I tracked AND exercised! I love the feeling of finally being able to eat the foods I love, just not a lot of them, and being Ok with it. I still have missteps, I'm not perfect. The fact that I own a cupcake/cake bakery doesn't help with my love of sweets, but I'm doing so much better. Instead of a giant muffin and a croissant for Breakfast and a cupcake and a cookie in the afternoon, paired with a pile of fries, a burger and a diet coke...then dinner, oh my...well past 9pm...not good, NOW it's greek yogurt for breakfast, a high Protein lunch and maybe, one cupcake a week or a taste of one of my new creations, or a small cookie. I eat something sweet everyday,but because I have to. I have to taste test everything I make that's new, and right now I'm testing superbowl and valentine's items. Nonetheless, I feel I'm finally winning the war against the fat and all the stupid diets I've spent so much money on over the years. I am currently knocking on wood that my success keeps going in the right direction. If I plateau, then I will adjust the carbs/sweets, but for now, it's working for me to keep it in my diet so that I do not binge. It's hard everyday, but seeing the results has been my motivation. Im in 16 jeans now (down from 22's) and my shirts are getting looser. Not loving the boobs, since they are not decreasing at all, but that's another story. Hoping to have a reduction when I hit onederland... It was so nice to go on vacation and dress up everyday because I loved the way I looked! Ok, enough of my bragging...lol. I'm just happy and finally ready to share it!

i agree with cheryl and also pm'd you
i would wait til you are closer to or at goal
i had a reduction done (at a larger weight than i am now)
i am super duper happy dont get me wrong but i just think if you do its best to wait.
(when i had mine, they took off 9 pounds) so i understand the heavy/hunchback part).

Banded on 11/2/12, down 49lbs total. Lost about 19 pre-op (10 day diet) and 40 since surgery. I had one fill on 12/10 and that was it. I don't think I even really needed it, but it was small, 1cc. I've been to the Dr. twice since then and he has not wanted to give me any more fills, as I'm losing very well without them. I'm fortunate to not have any difficulties thus far. I read about people getting "stuck", not being able to eat certain foods, that's just not me, and I'm so thankful. It's as if I do not have a band at all. I keep my portions right around 1 cup, I eat around 1000-1200 calories per day, some days slightly more. I do not limit myself from sweets or carbs, however I calculate them and track them. I have not touched a soda, regular or diet in months. This is a BIG deal, I was like, 6 diet pepsi's a day a few months ago. I don't eat fried foods for the most part, but recently on vacation, I indulged slightly. Had a few Margarita's and some chicken wings...but again, I tracked AND exercised! I love the feeling of finally being able to eat the foods I love, just not a lot of them, and being Ok with it. I still have missteps, I'm not perfect. The fact that I own a cupcake/cake bakery doesn't help with my love of sweets, but I'm doing so much better. Instead of a giant muffin and a croissant for Breakfast and a cupcake and a cookie in the afternoon, paired with a pile of fries, a burger and a diet coke...then dinner, oh my...well past 9pm...not good, NOW it's greek yogurt for breakfast, a high Protein lunch and maybe, one cupcake a week or a taste of one of my new creations, or a small cookie. I eat something sweet everyday,but because I have to. I have to taste test everything I make that's new, and right now I'm testing superbowl and valentine's items. Nonetheless, I feel I'm finally winning the war against the fat and all the stupid diets I've spent so much money on over the years. I am currently knocking on wood that my success keeps going in the right direction. If I plateau, then I will adjust the carbs/sweets, but for now, it's working for me to keep it in my diet so that I do not binge. It's hard everyday, but seeing the results has been my motivation. Im in 16 jeans now (down from 22's) and my shirts are getting looser. Not loving the boobs, since they are not decreasing at all, but that's another story. Hoping to have a reduction when I hit onederland... It was so nice to go on vacation and dress up everyday because I loved the way I looked! Ok, enough of my bragging...lol. I'm just happy and finally ready to share it!

Banded on 11/2/12, down 49lbs total. Lost about 19 pre-op (10 day diet) and 40 since surgery. I had one fill on 12/10 and that was it. I don't think I even really needed it, but it was small, 1cc. I've been to the Dr. twice since then and he has not wanted to give me any more fills, as I'm losing very well without them. I'm fortunate to not have any difficulties thus far. I read about people getting "stuck", not being able to eat certain foods, that's just not me, and I'm so thankful. It's as if I do not have a band at all. I keep my portions right around 1 cup, I eat around 1000-1200 calories per day, some days slightly more. I do not limit myself from sweets or carbs, however I calculate them and track them. I have not touched a soda, regular or diet in months. This is a BIG deal, I was like, 6 diet pepsi's a day a few months ago. I don't eat fried foods for the most part, but recently on vacation, I indulged slightly. Had a few Margarita's and some chicken wings...but again, I tracked AND exercised! I love the feeling of finally being able to eat the foods I love, just not a lot of them, and being Ok with it. I still have missteps, I'm not perfect. The fact that I own a cupcake/cake bakery doesn't help with my love of sweets, but I'm doing so much better. Instead of a giant muffin and a croissant for Breakfast and a cupcake and a cookie in the afternoon, paired with a pile of fries, a burger and a diet coke...then dinner, oh my...well past 9pm...not good, NOW it's greek yogurt for breakfast, a high Protein lunch and maybe, one cupcake a week or a taste of one of my new creations, or a small cookie. I eat something sweet everyday,but because I have to. I have to taste test everything I make that's new, and right now I'm testing superbowl and valentine's items. Nonetheless, I feel I'm finally winning the war against the fat and all the stupid diets I've spent so much money on over the years. I am currently knocking on wood that my success keeps going in the right direction. If I plateau, then I will adjust the carbs/sweets, but for now, it's working for me to keep it in my diet so that I do not binge. It's hard everyday, but seeing the results has been my motivation. Im in 16 jeans now (down from 22's) and my shirts are getting looser. Not loving the boobs, since they are not decreasing at all, but that's another story. Hoping to have a reduction when I hit onederland... It was so nice to go on vacation and dress up everyday because I loved the way I looked! Ok, enough of my bragging...lol. I'm just happy and finally ready to share it!

Congrats! You look great

Banded on 11/2/12, down 49lbs total. Lost about 19 pre-op (10 day diet) and 40 since surgery. I had one fill on 12/10 and that was it. I don't think I even really needed it, but it was small, 1cc. I've been to the Dr. twice since then and he has not wanted to give me any more fills, as I'm losing very well without them. I'm fortunate to not have any difficulties thus far. I read about people getting "stuck", not being able to eat certain foods, that's just not me, and I'm so thankful. It's as if I do not have a band at all. I keep my portions right around 1 cup, I eat around 1000-1200 calories per day, some days slightly more. I do not limit myself from sweets or carbs, however I calculate them and track them. I have not touched a soda, regular or diet in months. This is a BIG deal, I was like, 6 diet pepsi's a day a few months ago. I don't eat fried foods for the most part, but recently on vacation, I indulged slightly. Had a few Margarita's and some chicken wings...but again, I tracked AND exercised! I love the feeling of finally being able to eat the foods I love, just not a lot of them, and being Ok with it. I still have missteps, I'm not perfect. The fact that I own a cupcake/cake bakery doesn't help with my love of sweets, but I'm doing so much better. Instead of a giant muffin and a croissant for Breakfast and a cupcake and a cookie in the afternoon, paired with a pile of fries, a burger and a diet coke...then dinner, oh my...well past 9pm...not good, NOW it's greek yogurt for breakfast, a high Protein lunch and maybe, one cupcake a week or a taste of one of my new creations, or a small cookie. I eat something sweet everyday,but because I have to. I have to taste test everything I make that's new, and right now I'm testing superbowl and valentine's items. Nonetheless, I feel I'm finally winning the war against the fat and all the stupid diets I've spent so much money on over the years. I am currently knocking on wood that my success keeps going in the right direction. If I plateau, then I will adjust the carbs/sweets, but for now, it's working for me to keep it in my diet so that I do not binge. It's hard everyday, but seeing the results has been my motivation. Im in 16 jeans now (down from 22's) and my shirts are getting looser. Not loving the boobs, since they are not decreasing at all, but that's another story. Hoping to have a reduction when I hit onederland... It was so nice to go on vacation and dress up everyday because I loved the way I looked! Ok, enough of my bragging...lol. I'm just happy and finally ready to share it!

Banded on 11/2/12, down 49lbs total. Lost about 19 pre-op (10 day diet) and 40 since surgery. I had one fill on 12/10 and that was it. I don't think I even really needed it, but it was small, 1cc. I've been to the Dr. twice since then and he has not wanted to give me any more fills, as I'm losing very well without them. I'm fortunate to not have any difficulties thus far. I read about people getting "stuck", not being able to eat certain foods, that's just not me, and I'm so thankful. It's as if I do not have a band at all. I keep my portions right around 1 cup, I eat around 1000-1200 calories per day, some days slightly more. I do not limit myself from sweets or carbs, however I calculate them and track them. I have not touched a soda, regular or diet in months. This is a BIG deal, I was like, 6 diet pepsi's a day a few months ago. I don't eat fried foods for the most part, but recently on vacation, I indulged slightly. Had a few Margarita's and some chicken wings...but again, I tracked AND exercised! I love the feeling of finally being able to eat the foods I love, just not a lot of them, and being Ok with it. I still have missteps, I'm not perfect. The fact that I own a cupcake/cake bakery doesn't help with my love of sweets, but I'm doing so much better. Instead of a giant muffin and a croissant for Breakfast and a cupcake and a cookie in the afternoon, paired with a pile of fries, a burger and a diet coke...then dinner, oh my...well past 9pm...not good, NOW it's greek yogurt for breakfast, a high Protein lunch and maybe, one cupcake a week or a taste of one of my new creations, or a small cookie. I eat something sweet everyday,but because I have to. I have to taste test everything I make that's new, and right now I'm testing superbowl and valentine's items. Nonetheless, I feel I'm finally winning the war against the fat and all the stupid diets I've spent so much money on over the years. I am currently knocking on wood that my success keeps going in the right direction. If I plateau, then I will adjust the carbs/sweets, but for now, it's working for me to keep it in my diet so that I do not binge. It's hard everyday, but seeing the results has been my motivation. Im in 16 jeans now (down from 22's) and my shirts are getting looser. Not loving the boobs, since they are not decreasing at all, but that's another story. Hoping to have a reduction when I hit onederland... It was so nice to go on vacation and dress up everyday because I loved the way I looked! Ok, enough of my bragging...lol. I'm just happy and finally ready to share it!

I'm a little more than two months out and just started exercising. I HATE exercising, and started it while on vacation in Florida. My theory was that I knew I was going to eat a little bad for my band, given the circumstances of being in a hotel without many healthy options therefore I needed to offset the added calories with exercise. Honestly, I feel so much better and am enjoying the feeling afterwards. I can't say that I will do this everyday but I will try to get in at least 3 days a week when I get home. Trust me, once you get up and make yourself do it, you'll feel do much better. You have to make yourself as hard as it is. Once you get past the first few days, you'll start enjoying it. It won't ever be something I LOVE but I know not exercising helped contribute to me getting up to 270lbs. I don't want to throw away all of my hard work of losing nearly 50 lbs because I hate moving my body for a mere 30 minutes a day. I spent way too much time and energy to make this banding process successful. I hope that you too can come to this realization. And perhaps as you drop more weight, you might be more inclined to get up and move. I honestly JUST started because I feel better about myself. You wouldn't catch me in a tank and spandex 15lbs ago, I was still embarrassed. I know strut with confidence lol. You'll get there, just keep eating healthy and it will all come together.

I agree, it may seem more expensive to eat healthier but if you calculate it longer term, you'll realize it's much less because you're eating less food. My grocery bill went down tremendously because I'm not filling my cart with chips, soda, Cookies etc. now it's chicken, Beans, veggies...but they create about 12 meals. And my takeout budget? Woa! I've never saved so much in my life. We're talking $150 a week I would spend eating out. Now it's maybe $30.

I agree, it may seem more expensive to eat healthier but if you calculate it longer term, you'll realize it's much less because you're eating less food. My grocery bill went down tremendously because I'm not filling my cart with chips, soda, Cookies etc. now it's chicken, Beans, veggies...but they create about 12 meals. And my takeout budget? Woa! I've never saved so much in my life. We're talking $150 a week I would spend eating out. Now it's maybe $30.

I agree, it may seem more expensive to eat healthier but if you calculate it longer term, you'll realize it's much less because you're eating less food. My grocery bill went down tremendously because I'm not filling my cart with chips, soda, Cookies etc. now it's chicken, Beans, veggies...but they create about 12 meals. And my takeout budget? Woa! I've never saved so much in my life. We're talking $150 a week I would spend eating out. Now it's maybe $30.

Exactly! 47 degrees, that's a heat wave! Lol. We are headed near Miami which has been mid 70's-80's considering upstate NY is -20 right now, I am OK with even 47! and to the one who asked what a peacoat is...lol, it's a nice, dressy wool coat, usually navy or black. Think of the dress coats that the navy boys wear...needless to say, a coat I could never ever squeeze the "girls" into LOL the girls are now a little deflated, but I'm not complaining! Haha