annielkd

Grace... it's hard... very hard. I know people talk about using your extra time to do things... but, eventually you will need to use your extra time preparing good healthy foods for the whole family. Your whole family is going to need to learn to eat healthy. Also, even though it's probably the HARDEST things you will ever do... the results are worth it. If I could give one piece of advice to all people just getting the band... stick with it. Even when you can eat regular foods, stick to small portions... be hungry for a while.. in the long run it will pay off. It takes a long time for the band to be in it's sweet spot. You have to have dedication now. I've lost almost 100 pounds in less then a year. When people that I work with say... "I didn't recognize you"... it's worth ALL the stuggles.

My doctor told me most people gain... I suffered and lost. I would HIGHLY recommend trying to lose as much as possible when you can since it does slow down later. AND, he also said that before your fills you don't have restriction and it's all up to you. So if you were gaining before, you'll gain now... you'll be more hungry... just do your best. Everyone is different...

I started out at 286 and now I'm 196... I know that I'm going to be able to lose about 30 more pounds at least... I know it's possible. I've lost 90 pounds so far.... my doctor said I could get down to about 150... I'm 5'8. You can do it... I had the surgery in May... it's possible! Go for it! Make it happen!

I had told people... and I do regret it a bit... people do not understand that I still have to work at this. Although I've lost 90 pounds,and had to use great will power, they think it was easy for me... and don't realize the struggle. So, now I wish I hadn't told as many people.

I think I know what you mean... as you lose more and more, you do get obsessed... it's all I think about, it's all I talk about.... it's almost everything. So, yes... I do understand that you now have a new obsession. I know that Oprah did a big show on it... but those obsessions were gambling, drinking, or shopping. How cool to have an obsession with working out?! My obsession is about what I eat... I do the elyptical 3 times a week and make sure the other days I do walking/hiking... or something else. No matter what... obsessive people have to have SOMETHING to obsess over... you are very LUCKY that yours is a healthy one. Just make sure you take care of your feet (bone spurs, and loosing toenails) and knees (torn)... and you will end up the healthy one. If you keep it up WHEN you know it's hurting you... then it's time for help.

How do I join? Ann 287.....160.....197.....180.... 17

I have 10 pounds to go... I can't wait.... are you all telling people how much you lost... or do you shave of 20 pounds? I don't want anyone to know that I've lost that much. How about everyone else?

Dr... were you able to eat and drink? If so, I'll call the doctor.

I had my last fill on January 4th.... it's been pretty tight, but liquids go down fine, and I can eat, however slowly. It might be too tight, but I love the weight loss. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing damage to my stomach. I'm fine if I have a tums (and only one)... I just don't want to have my stomach worn away.

I've been very successful with my band, and have lost most of the weight I need to lose. Lately, I've been experiencing reflux. Has anyone else had this issue? Could there be a complication? Any one who has any information would be helpful

I can understand her not wanting you to tell... why do you feel you need to tell people? Is it because you need to discuss the surgery? No one who hasn't had the surgery is going to be understanding of what you are going through. What about group support through your doctor? Mine has many meetings available... why don't you call him/her? Also, you can use this as a great support. I would value her feelings... then talk to her about your needs.

Since each doctor gives different advice... I'm pretty sure you could call him and ask him. I did 2 weeks of liquid/puree... then 2 weeks soft food, then introduce solids. Hamburg is a pretty soft food, and you basically ground it up in your mouth... but, I would be careful. Sometimes the advice is just to give your body time to heal. It is VERY difficut the first few months since you are so hungry all the time. BUT, it will get better as the adjustments kick in.

Thank you! I am terrified of putting it back on... but, yesterday it was 199.5.... and today 199. So, hopefully it will keep going in that direction. Brenda & Sades... see you here soon!

Thank you!!!! I've been telling everyone! Of couse, some people didn't realize how heavy I was before (287)

I just got a huge amount of clothing at Kohls on sale... pants for under 5.00$ I spent about 200.00 and got a complete wardrobe. Also... I finally made it to onderland!

I MADE IT!!!!!! Finally! It's been 9 months... and I've lost 87 pounds... I'm finally under 200!

I totally feel for all of you... I got my surgery last May, and I didn't get any restriction till late October.... that was a long time to go without it, and it was a huge struggle. I still struggle with not losing like I should. I've been trying so hard to lose 2 pounds to meet a goal... and it's not happening. As long as you know you are doing what you should... it will come off, but... sometimes it's sloooooow. However, you are not gaining.... you are getting your body ready for better health. You've got to think of the positivies! Hang in there... it will work!

Very IMPORTANT question... I got the dance revolution for WII... and it was horrible... this Disney one... what system does it go to?

Way to go TwinMommy! Congratulations... I hope to be there in a few days myself! I just can't wait.

This is going to sound stupid... but, I eat way less than that now... how will that help? If I did that for 10 days... I think I would gain 2 pounds. That looks like it's almost 2000 calories... are you sure it's 5 times a day?

I love unjury... the chocolate flavor... they have samples, but they cost something (like 1.25)... look online unjury.com... and see what they have. If you call them they might send out samples free... can't hurt to call :biggrin:

When you are restricted, it does kind of hurt at first when you eat. I have a difficult time with my food for about 2 weeks... so I think you are restricted. BUT, I totally think that that cup of water is keeping you from feeling full... it's washing everything down. You said you have to chew, chew, chew your food (which is good)... but, you will never feel full if you drink with it, even if it's little sips. Try cutting it out once, and see what happens.

I know this sounds stupid... but, since you lost weight you could be feeling your diaphram... or even your ribs. Your diaphram feels like a bump right below your breasts right where you think your band is. You couldn't feel it before since you were heavier. I just started to be able to feel mine now.

Silver... you say that you've lost 40 pounds and kept it off for a year... that's incredible! I know that you are not happy with the results, but.... you still lost. Before lab band, I would gain about 15 pounds a year... I'll bet before you gained as well. You are ready to make a change again... you know you are since you asked for help. Go get a fill... the right restriction can make a huge jump. Plus, the band only claims to help you lose 50% of the excess weight. If you had 80 pounds to lose, and you lost 40... that's great. Also, I agree totally with Indigo... you need to exercise! It will make a huge difference. Good luck!

I saw some great ones in Kohls... they had the tankinis (which are like shorts, with a tank top) I think they are great. They are expensive... but, they are on sale. Try it out... I think you'll like it!