NewMeDebbie

I was bad tonight and splurged! I went to Taco Bell with the boyfriend...had a mexican pizza!! It went down very nicely! ate 3/4s of it with no problem. Wish I would have taken it home 1st and weighed it so I knew how much I took in because it wasn't difficult at all. I did stop at 3 pieces though to be careful... What a treat and I'm not even going to fret over that or the 1 cinnabon delight either (65 calories for 1 - what the heck!) that I ate out of his order of 4. I did my exercise and all my Water - I deserve this little treat...hehe

My doctor just reminded me with my last fill...only 3 oz of Protein and 1 oz of veggies or whatever I choose but by weight not volume. Are you weighing your meals? I am in the same place you are. I can't eat more than 4 oz. at the moment so I have to choose my meals carefully. We are just so used to eating more and I still WANT to eat more sometimes but don't NEED to. It's not because we are hungry that we want to eat more. At least for me anyway...

I think I might be there but it's taken 4 months, 5 fills, and 9.2 cc in my 11 cc realize band. Read my story @ http://www.debbiedanthony.com/how-many-fills-to-green/ and share your thoughts and your story also... Thanks, Debbie

http://www.debbiedanthony.com/how-many-fills-to-green/ and share your thoughts and your story also... I think I might be there but it's taken 4 months, 5 fills, and 9.2 cc in my 11 cc realize band. Thanks, Debbie

My doctor also just told me at my last visit to make my 4 oz. meals - 3 oz of protein and 1 oz of whatever else (veggies, fruit, etc.) That's just from my doctor so you can use it or not...Always double check with your team Also, I too expected better weight loss in the beginning and had no results for the LONGEST time so I feel your frustration. Trust me! It will happen.

Welcome fellow bander! It's a great group you have decided to join Good luck in your recovery

Don't get discouraged is the bottom line. You will get there. I didn't understand that even 3 weeks ago - now I do! We are here to support you. The most important thing is remember the basics: 1) 3 small meals a day + 1 snack (meals only 4 oz - by weight not volume) I had to go back to weighing my meals because I got lazy 2) at least 64 oz of water EVERY day 3) at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 days a week (I only walk 2 miles 4-5 days a week) If you are doing these 3 things, the rest will come. Good luck with your journey

If your stomach is growling, try drinking something with some tasteless Protein powder in it. I used crystal light. It looks funny but, once you get over that, it doesn't taste bad and it does calm those stomach pangs.

I started at 252 - I am now 232. In 4 months!! You do the math. I lost 10 lbs the week after surgery then nothing for the longest time although I was following the rules with Water and exercise. I wasn't weighing my meals though... If you look at my signature, you will see that I have had 5 fills so far and that I am now at 9.2 cc in my band. I have only recently (in the last 2 weeks) started to really lose weight. I have dropped almost 6 lbs in 2 weeks. What I am getting at is that everyone is different, we will all lose different based on our starting weight, lifestyle, etc.... Also, getting to your green zone makes all the difference in the world!! You will know once you are there - believe me! Just have patience...I know that's hard because it was for me when I was hearing it...but really you will get there.

Congrats to both of you! I can't do the gym myself or run. I have bad ankles. But I power walk 2 miles a day 4-5 days a week. Doc says that's good for now. I will want to do more as I lose more. PurVida - I'm very happy for you, you have really done amazing on your journey! I wish it had been as smooth for me...I have officially lost 20 lbs now. arch - you really will know once you get to the GREEN I think but every cc gets us closer to our personal happy zone. And my doc says it's different for everyone. Some people go green with just a few cc's and me...I had to go all the way to 9.2!!! I will be curious to where each of us lands as far as the final cc amount for Green...I'm an analyst and I would love to see those numbers...

My last fill has finally made a difference! I have lost 4.6 lbs in 1 week! What a difference i see now. I believe I am at the green zone but will give it a bit more time to be sure. When I met with my doctor, I took my fiance and I really let it all out, how i feel I'm still doing all the work and not losing anything! We went over what I eat , drink and how much exercise I get. He agreed I was doing everything I was supposed to - that my band was not dialed in yet. He takes a conservative approach to fills. However, this time tightened me up so I can really start to feel the difference and advised me to go back to weighing my food. Only 4 oz per meal - 3 oz of protein and 1 oz of whatever else I want. try to stick to fruits and veggies and don't drink your calories. I realized I was eating more than 4 oz. I was trying to eyeball my food instead of weighing by volume. BIG DIFFERENCE!! I can imagine it hard to get exercise where it's cold. My future in-laws live in Minnesota and I don't know how people live where it gets that cold. brrrr The point to my rambling is this....until you are dialed into your personal "Green Zone", you will continue to struggle with Banders Hell. I know I sure have. I now have 9.2 cc so keep being positive - you will get there and then things start to fall into place the way we expected them to in the beginning. We can do this! Our little band friend won't let us quit

anyone on MyFitnessPal want to share your member name so we can hook up and be friends?

Yes, I will. I am off for the next 3 days so I am going to relax at home and work on my websites so expect me to write about this!! lol

Looks like I'm going to be one of those people whose band is almost full before it really works. I went in today for a "return" FREE visit because my fill last Thursday didn't feel like it did much. The doctor put in another 1.7 cc. I now have 9.2 cc in my 11 cc band! He gave me a pretty good adjustment this time to the point that he wants me on liquids for the next 48 hours and to introduce mushies then before going back on solid foods. Hopefully, this better do it for me. We discussed my food, Water and exercise and anything else that could effect the band and he says I am doing everything correct! We even eat the same thing for breakfast (can of tuna with 1 tsp of light mayo and sweet pickle relish). He also put me at ease that I could not be stretching out my band by chugging water - which I do regularly. I drink at least 100 oz of water a day. He says that is really good and that it will not hurt my band even if I drink a whole 16oz bottle at once. Just don't drink while eating...which I don't. Let's see how this weekend goes...

I think you are getting very good advise here. Nothing more to add. Just remember it takes time...

Giving up soda doesn't have to be a punishment... http://www.debbiedanthony.com/dont-fear-the-diet-drink/ What do you think?

Thanks! I'm glad you like them. And I think we are all doing well on our journeys and that its easier because we have each other for support. <3

Those Mio drops are also good to put in your Water bottle. You can flavor to taste which is nice...

Yes, That's why I wrote this blog. The snapple teas are very good and I really am getting better with not missing the soda as much...

Thank you all for your thoughts! I'm really glad i gave up the soda. I feel so much healthier now. And I too drink mostly just plain Water with the exception of a cup of hot tea in the morning. However, when I'm out and want to stop at the 7-11 with the boyfriend to grab a drink on our way on one of our adventures. I want something with flavor, the Diet Snapple flavors are really good and other than the aspartame, are all natural. And they taste good! It was a real revelation to me to realize I didn't miss the soda any more...

Yes! Diet Dr. Pepper is the one thing I still miss the most!! I would love me a ice cold Mountain Dew! Read my new blog... http://www.debbiedanthony.com/dont-fear-the-diet-drink/ I found a great new substitute...no carbonation but tastes amazing!

Your blog was very helpful. I go for my first fill Jan 22. I'm nervous but know I need a fill. I have less and less restriction by each week. I had my first slice of pizza last night and was concerned because I had no issues. About two weeks ago, I had three bites of the inside of a Wendy's chicken wrap and it was stick/full and experienced my first issues. Last week I had almost half of a Cowboy Crunch from Neato Burrito. It contained rice, chicken, sour cream, melted cheese, and sauces. I know I was feeling full and stopped. With no band, I would have stuffed myself to eat the other half. My only concern is, if I'm feeling full, will that fullness eventually push my band to move or slip? I'm always afraid when I do feel full, I'm going to push the band out of place. No reason to be nervous, its a relatively simple procedure compared to what you've been through and it doesn't hurt! I've had 4 fills now and I'm just now starting to lose some weight. It's my own fault because I eat sugar that goes down easy like chocolate which I am doing better with now. I have had popcorn, in small quantities, with no issues. However, the point here is to lose weight so try to focus on healthy Proteins and veggies - saving things like popcorn and chocolate for very special occasions. Good luck with your journey!!

If you find that fast-forward button, please share!! lol

Yes! Diet Dr. Pepper is the one thing I still miss the most!!