MDix30

It took about 11 months. Keep in mind that the band is not supposed to tell you when you are full. As my doctor says, "that is your job." The band merely helps you feel satisfied with less. I don't drink any calories other than light juice (40 cals) or G2 (25 cals). And I try to walk 45 mins a day. That's about it. Well, that and eating small portions. :thumbdown:

I have been noticing a tingling sensation on the skin covering my left shoulder blade. It doesn't hurt but it is getting to be a bit distracting. I mentioned it to my surgeon and he smiled and said, "Yes, that is related to the band... a 'referred' sensation." I left it at that but now I'm wondering if it is going to go away. I'm 11 months out from surgery, and the sensation is new. Anyone else experience this?

CPA here. My choice of professions sure didn't help my predicament. Now that I've lost over 120 pounds with the band I actually enjoy getting out and being active.

Jack is right. I drank soda every day of my life, and not just a can a day. We're talking more like a 6-pack of Coke per day. That's almost 1,000 calories just in liquids. After surgery I tried soda a couple of times and the carbonation was difficult to burp up. Now I never drink anything carbonated and the strangest part is that I don't even crave it. I still desire sweet drinks like OJ, lemonade or Gatorade, but at least I can substitute these for healthier choices like Crystal Light. They even have OJ with Splenda now, so it's 1/2 the calories. Trust us, your habits and desires will change.

Oops, that reply belongs in page 2.

Wow, snowbird. You lost 72 lbs. That's great! I don't know if you're male or female, but 183 is my near my final goal of 180.

Hi guys, Not sure if this belongs in the SV/NSV post, but I wanted to let the newbies know that the band offers a real solution. As of yesterday, I'm down 80 pounds! It takes a certain level of commitment to achieve results, but the band certainly makes it a LOT easier. Matt

BB, On boards such as these you will find a lot of people who sing the band's praises and talk about how much they love their band. In fact, I am one of these people. However, I have found a side effect to having the band that not many people have mentioned; namely, a small sense of loss that comes with no longer being able to use food as an emotional crutch. In some respects, I really miss being able to eat large portions of bread, Pasta, pizza, candy, etc. These are delicious foods! However, the good news is that this feeling of disappointment is usually short lived. I am very happy the next morning when I wake up and realize I DIDN'T eat that huge dinner. I guess what I'm trying to say is, the band is a wonderful tool, but it won't fix the underlying "issues" which caused some of us to chronically and compulsively overeat prior to being banded. If you are often hungry (and don't drink with meals), then you need a fill. If you eat merely for the reasons I mention above, then try imagining what you'll look and feel like when you reach a healthy weight. It is a lot easier to go down this road once you are willing to embrace satiety. Does this help? Matt

It's from one of my doc's podcasts (successful habits): Southwest Weight Loss :: About Our Program :: Listen to Dr. Simpson He mentions it as an aside, as if everyone knew this already. I had to back up and repeat it twice to make sure I heard him correctly. Matt

Question on portion sizes. I've been told 2-4 ounces of protein (plus 1/2 cup veggies). I always thought that meant 2-4 ounces by weight. Turns out it's by volume??? I have a hard time picturing chicken breast in a measuring cup, and a ditigal food scale is a lot easier. Am I the only one who's been weighing my protein instead of measuring it?

Good for you, Hunter. It was the best $15k I ever spent. -Matt

Bruce, Do you resume drinking 30 minutes after eating? My doc says to wait a minimum of 2 hours so as to keep you feeling full and not push food through the band too quickly. I'm wondering if there are differing medical opinions on this matter.