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Thank you both! As usual, I worried for no reason. She was gentle, and had been really encouraging when I told her I was considering the band. She's awesome and told me how proud she was that I made this decision. I was down 40 lbs since my appointment last year so that felt great!

My first appointment since surgery is today. I feel a little nervous. Not sure why ? She usually does an exam of my pelvic area by pushing on where my band and port are. It's a sensitive area so that makes me nervous! Anyone else worry about their first post-op appt? Was it no big deal? Thanks in advance!

"Pied" I even put in special characters to say pi--ed

I'm not about the waxing - maybe someday. I,personally, don't like the bare look. I feeling like it attracts pedophiles! (I know that's not true, don't get pi$$ed at me!) I try to keep it clean but I'm lazy and I figure if any guy has a problem, he can move on

It's really different for everyone. I was banded 3/28 and my first full was 1 or 1.5 ccs. After that, I had 3 or 4 more fills of 0.25 ccs. I felt no difference at all. I lost inches but no pounds. I went last Tuesday and told him I was frustrated and not feeling like I had a band at all. He put in 1 cc and I notice the difference. It's not a huge difference but a good place to see if I start losing again. My advice used to be go slow. However, my PERSONAL, experience, I wish we would have been more aggressive. Good luck to you!

I don't think one is worse than the other. However, in MY opinion, you stooped to their level of name calling. I don't blame you, I have done it (and probably will in the future)! But, I think the best thing you can do is educate rather than respond out of emotion. I have a younger sister with Down Syndrome and have spent my whole life listening to horrible things said, and have only just realized that when I attack back, I am no better than the attacker. Unfortunately, there are too many people out there that are close minded and don't want to hear the truth! And, yes, I just resorted to name calling! ???‰

It's nice hearing from someone who didn't lose a lot right away. Thanks for sharing!

Unfortunately, I don't really exercise :-( But, I'm doing a good job eating-wise. I see my surgeon once a month so he's aware of my progress (or lack thereof) but I haven't seen a nutritionist since my pre-op. My next appointment is September 3 so I'll let my surgeon know how I'm feeling.

My surgery was nearly 5 months ago, and I've lost 20 pounds. I feel like I can eat anything and I get hungry easily. I've had 4 fills but it seems like I am nowhere near the green zone. I have been gaining and losing the same 5 pounds forever!! I am sure it will change but it seems like I have been stuck for the last 3 months :-( Thanks for letting me vent.

My dr says I can have carbonation if it doesn't bother me. It doesn't, and I drink diet soda every now and then. I drink carbonated water every day with no problems. I am definitely in the minority here. However, my advice is to follow your dr's instruction. S/he knows best for you - don't follow advice of others!

Thanks. It's been difficult lately. I feel like I am doing what I'm supposed to but the band isn't - I guess that's bandsters hell?

This gives me hope! I have had 3 or 4 fills but have barely noticed a difference. I don't eat as much as before but I can definitely eat more than I should. I also get hungry within 4 hours. It's so nice to know that my next fill may be the last!

Ask your dr what s/he recommends and follow that advice. It seems the majority of drs say no more soda or carbonated drinks. My dr says if it doesn't cause me discomfort, I can have it. I've noticed that if I drink a diet come from a can, I get more gas pressure than if I drank it from bottle or restaurant. I don't drink it regularly; just every now and then. However, I love carbonated water and my dr is okay with that. Definitely go by your dr and/or nutritionist's guidelines!

My waist and my face!

My surgery was 4 months ago, and i've had 3 fills. I feel almost no restriction and have lost 20 lbs since surgery. I have been gaining and losing the same 5 lbs forever! I've been eating healthily aside from a couple slips here and there but not like I ate before the band. It's been frustrating but I just try to remember that slow and steady wins the race. I have an appointment with my surgeon next week, will talk to him, and gt another fill. Good luck to you!

Was hanging out with my (skinny) friend, looking in shops and whatnot. Ended up in Target with which I have a love/hate relationship. Their prices can be great but their sizing sucks. So, a short sleeved cardigan caught my eye. I handed my purse to my friend and said "I'm going to try this on but I know it won't fit." after all, it was a Large and I barely fit in XXL in that store. Well, imagine my shock when it slipped right on and fit comfortably even with my shirt underneath. Goes to show that when you aren't feeling like you're doing so great, you can be presently surprised!

I can eat pretty much what I want but I do miss "how" I eat. The two hardest things have been waiting between bites (I've gotten much better) and not drinking with my meal. I still have so much trouble with that. I find myself watching the clock to see when I can start drinking again!!

One I'm still not used to/sure of: :wub: I believe it's saying "love it" but I have trouble because I try to make it waking up blinking. It's not an acronym but I find it mystifying, lol (laugh out loud

I've found that, for me, exercising slows weight loss until I have been at it consistently for a few weeks. Whether it's my metabolism trying to catch up or what, I don't know. Previously I would take that as a sign to give up BUT if you stick with it, you will start seeing results. Also, sometimes you have to play around with calories. Some people need to eat all their calories (including those earned through exercise) and some can't. Give it time, see what works and you'll be losing soon. Don't forget, your body is still healing and that is more important than weight loss right now. Best if luck to you!!

NSV = Non scale Victories. It's amazing to appreciate the "little" things that aren't focused on numbers. I jokingly call them side effects of weight loss

So, many have said they feel "tighter" in the morning. I never quite understood what this meant. I'm relatively new to being banded and have had 3 small fills. I can eat Breakfast without any issues. However, I have noticed lately (2-3 fill, maybe?) that I wake up hungry and also a mild heartburn feeling. The heartburn doesn't last, and I'm lucky not to suffer from it regularly. So, would you consider this the "tight" feeling many of you report? Just curious how you describe it. TIA!

I completely get it. I'm still in Bandster Hell but it gets better the more fills you have. Having fills and time will help tremendously. I've had a glimpse of the Green Zone so I know going through this period will be worth it!