aufan

Wonderful success!! I'm just over 10 months out as well and started very close to where you began. My WLS doc listed me at 256 but my family doc had me at 260. Today I'm at 199-203 and have been for three months. I know what I need since my restriction is perfect and my foods are good choices is that GYM!! Lol!! I'm hoping two major trips this summer and fall will motivate me to get to myself on the treadmill.

Thanks for inspiring me to get moving!!

Before my last fill (2 months ago) I could do bread in small toasted portions. Now I can't at all and like some have said, I actually needed that so I would focus on filling up on Protein and veggies. I've lost the most in one month by cutting out bread too. I can do crackers but I try not to because they kill my appetite for eating. So they are mainly used by me to thicken soup/chili or as a way to get something quick when I haven't eaten and don't have time to sit and eat.

Best to y'all!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Before my last fill (2 months ago) I could do bread in small toasted portions. Now I can't at all and like some have said, I actually needed that so I would focus on filling up on Protein and veggies. I've lost the most in one month by cutting out bread too. I can do crackers but I try not to because they kill my appetite for eating. So they are mainly used by me to thicken soup/chili or as a way to get something quick when I haven't eaten and don't have time to sit and eat.

Best to y'all!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

I had major hair loss and thinning about 3 months post op and started taking Biotin about 3 weeks ago. What a difference!! I am still taking B12 at the docs but only every three weeks (was weekly). I know everyone is different but I feel the Biotin (5000mg) once daily gas slowed my Hair loss way down. I was emptying my brush every minting but now can go several days without having to empty it.

Best to you!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Flying right now and went through full body scan with no problems. Also flew and was ready for lunch/dinner soon after so not overly tight. Taking it easy in soft foods for a day or so to be sure.

Safe travels!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Thanks for the suggestions! So what is your chicken salad recipe?

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

What was the weight gain like for y'all in the days right before your period. I have gained four pounds. I was feeling so good about maybe being in the green zone with fill #3. In certainly feeling satisfied earlier and for way longer. But what the heck if I didn't gain 4 pound in 3 days!!!!

Uggghhhh!!! Anyone else see this??

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Would love to hear what you bandsters are having for lunch and/or dinner that's high Protein band-friendly meals.

Really needing some ideas since lunch meat is getting real old!!

Thanks for helping us all out!! Can't wait to read the responses!!!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

i noticed some loss around 2 to 4 months

but my dr when i asked said the Protein will help with this

i do not take Biotin but eat alot of Protein to counter..

like guy said' date=' maybe you wont.....but if you do, it most likely

wont be much or for long [/quote']

Mine started around 3 mths post op and it was at my 3rd fill a few weeks ago. I am losing A LOT now. Really focusing on high protein but may start Biotin this week.

Does anyone know of any drug interactions Biotin might have with beta blockers?

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

I was banded on a Thursday and went back to work on the following Monday. I also have a desk job. Yes I was tired, but I sit all day so it really wasn't any different from sitting at home. I did stop taking my pain meds during the day on Saturday just to make sure I wasn't driving while on narcotics.

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

So I had my 3rd fill on 6/27 and that first weekend I didn't think I had much restriction but now I certainly do!! Yay!! I guess the restriction took a couple of days to really feel it. Now I feel satisfied. Can I eat yes but I don't feel the need to eat for at least four hours. Today I stayed busy and only ate a handful of cashews until 4. I drank a lot and I can really see the importance in that now.

Hoping for some better weight loss this month!! Last month I lost 2 lbs but I weighed in the afternoon when all the other weigh-ins were in the morning.

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Got my first "Have you lost weight?" At work yesterday!! I'm down about 22-25 pounds depending on the day. Lost 2 lbs between May and June fills 2 and 3. Still not lasting on 1/2 cup for 3-4 hours so looks like #4 fill on 7/29.

I'm ready for a big month of loss! Maybe it won't be 10 lbs but at this point I'd do a cartwheel for 8lbs!

I can do this, just have to hang in for a couple more fills! It's close I can tell!!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Had my 3rd fill on 6/27 and really can't tell much difference. I'm journaling my days now to show my WLS doc and myself what I'm going between meals and I'm measuring my 1/2 cup now. I'm thinking I may need another feel because I'm just not lasting on 1/2 cup. Before I was just counting calories and aiming high for Protein and not really measuring.

I lost 2 pounds between fill 2 and 3 which I'm grateful it wasn't a gain (which it'd been if this was all me and no band)!! My total loss by my wLS docs scale is 22lbs since preop. Also I weighed in the afternoon for #3 when #1 and #2 weigh-ins were in the morning. (If that even matters)

Come on March Bandsters brag a little I need to see how successful all y'all are to spur me on!!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

I notice the second fill was the same for me. I felt hungry day one and by the end of the first week after that fill I was way tighter. I had my third fill Thursday and I feel it more today than any of the past two days.

I don't know why but tightness is a bit delayed for my lay two fills.

Praying this is the one to push me over the cliff for a bit more progressive weightless.

Good luck!!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

I have BCBS Federal too. Certainly call if u have questions about your claim. I had to complete 3 months dr supervised diet, psych consult, physical therapy consult an nutrition class. After all that was complete my WLS doctors office submitted my package and two weeks later I received a letter approval. I'm 3 months post op and I've only had to pay for my portion of the copays. BCBS will tell you what you need and the doc office should tell you your costs.

We have GREAT insurance as far as WLS goes!

Wishing you the best!!!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Thank you everyone! I love the support I get from this site! It's really kept me informed' date=' educated, and supported throughout this journey! It does look like my journey will be on hold for the next 8 months because I found out today I'm pregnant (with the green light given from my doctor)!!!!! Waiting for my hubby to come home from work so I can surprise him![/quote']

Wonderful news!!! Congratulations!!!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

I'm a week post op' date=' and I am seriously questioning my decision. I am so miserable! I know it's still early and I'm healing, but the pain is horrible. I have sharp pains under my left rib cage and shoulder and a deep pain in the diaphragm area that doesn't seem to go away! I know it's gas and healing, but it's hard to see past it at this point. I am trying to keep up on the liquids, but it's hard to get them down . I am still on liquids and the Soups and Proteins. I have no idea what I'm eating calorie wise, creamy Tomato or butternut squash soups and chicken broth. I finally had bm today after 2 doses if milk of mag, and I almost couldn't choke it down forgive the rant, and I'm sure this is all normal, but I am having a hard time. I tried to take only Tylenol today, but I had to take the liquid Vicodin tonight as it just hurt too bad. I am sure a week from now I'll look back and it will be just a memory. My first post op appt is tomorrow so I'll relay all this to my doc. Just hanging on![/quote']

I can completely relate, those first days are so full of pain, fear, disappointment and doubts!! Know that you're going to get thru this and be stronger for it!!

It didn't matter how much I read and researched here and other places, I could not prepare for how my body would react. You need to manage your pain first then begin moving around. At first my movement was just standing. I know that sounds weird but I hurt less standing and I walked more. Getting up hurt the most pulling at my midsection and I have 6 incision spots.

Hang on, the pain will get better but truthfully the first few months are all learning a new way of thinking. I'm just today at 3 months and 2 weeks and just recently feel I know how to eat as a Bandster.

There are a lot of wise people here ready to help and support us all!! Hang with us!!!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Very encouraging to even me as a new Bandster (banded 3/21) who isn't losing much in the first three months. I go for fill #3 next Thursday. I'm not gaining but not losing this month. My WLD doc has done every fill and even my 2 wk post op check with the fluoroscopy so I'm glad to know its necessary!!

Congrats on Onederland and thanks again!!!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Wow u look amazing!!! I'm still in awe of what a year can do with the band. I pray I can see similar success thru this year as I am 3 months in and hovering around 25-30 lbs loss.

Any tips for what others may want to hear on our journey that you have learned this year???

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

You are beautiful!!! Amazing transformation! What are your tips for those of us a few months behind you?

Barbie, thanks. I am feeling full quicker and the weight loss is slow but at least it's going down. I know losing more slowly is helping with the skin too.

3rd fill is on 6/27 and I think I'm going to ask for another small one. I just want to get where I'm losing more than 5lbs in four weeks. Im staying with it and journaling every nibble. Had a lot of walking last week for our vacation that has helped me be more active which I know I need more consistently. Ugh, why do I battle making time to exercise. The days go by so fast. Well that's something I need to focus on.

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Same here, down 20-25 depending on the day. My last feel has helped but I'm looking for a bit more in fill #3. I feel full really quickly but its not lasting 4 hours. I can't even eat a whole apple! I know that is helping a lot. I am getting in some exercising but not consistent. Still trying to get the weight loss to kick in. I'm so excited to see my pants becoming baggy. That keeps me encouraged.

Thank y'all for posting updates. A great inspiration for me!!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

I'm not sure you realize what an inspiration you have been to so many of us pre and post op CG!! Thank you for continuing to share your journey and tough love I know I need to hear!!

CoNgRaTs!!!!

⭐SuperStar⭐

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Thank y'all for the encouragement. I so was hoping for at least a couple days of no appetite right after the fill. I'm one week post fill #2 and filling a little more restriction. Actually had my first stuck episode. I was eating Breakfast (on vacation and we were late getting to the free breakfast). Decided to eat some of my kids waffle and the second bite sent me running for the bathroom. Ouch!! I kept trying to bring it up, but couldn't. How do y'all PB? Hoping I won't do that again, but if I do I'd like to know what to do.

Vacation has screwed with my eating habits!! Hoping to get back to work with this new restriction.

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Went in for my second fill yesterday and I feel hungrier than before the fill. He asked me if I thought I needed a fill and I said a little. I'm able to eat a lot less but its not lasting 3 hours.

When he put the fill in and I drank for the fluoroscopy he thought it was too much so he pull some out. He had me drink again and thought it was tight enough.I have heard the saline in the band can redistribute when Fluid is pulled out or pushed in. I don't know maybe my swelling hasn't hit yet. All I know is after my first fill I didn't progress off liquids for at least 3 days and mushies the rest of that week. Today I've done all mushies Breakfast and lunch (24 hrs out from the fill).

Maybe I need to email my nurse next week after the holiday.

I'm down 20 lbs according to my WLS doctors scale and I've held at this weight three weeks (1 week out from my last fill). I'm tracking my food and holding calories down to 1000-1200 a day and getting 2 miles or Zumba in 2-3 times a week.

I'm going to really work on my exercise. This week I'm walking DC with my family so that'll help!!!

How'd y'all feel after your second fill?

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk