ChelleChi1969

It's funny, I didn't think I would be affected by the holidays in terms of temptation to overeat... Boy, was I ever wrong!! Doing everything I know to stay away from overindulging--for me, one bite leads to a whole slice! I'm working on that, but I'm a work in progress. Haven't gained any weight but struggling to lose. Still working out. Fighting the good fight! Don't count me out quite yet... Any words of advise from our veterans? A before & after of me. I've come so far but I'm not stopping until I hit 160!

How exciting! It will be the best thing you've ever done for yourself. Stay excited! Can't wait to see your progress!

I was banded 1year and 12 days ago & it was the best thing I ever did for myself! I'm not where I want to be but I'm closer than I used to be. Down 91 pounds & every day I remind myself that this process is different for everyone. It's been a learning process--everything I knew at 314 pounds has been banished. New habits, new outlook, new me. I had to change & do the work--it's not always easy but I stick with it because come hell or high water... I'm going to reach my goal weight of 160! For anyone feeling discouraged (it happens!), take a look back and remember that every pound lost is something to be proud of.

Thank you so much! One day & one pound at a time!

Surgery date: September 5, 2014 Starting Weight: 314 Weight loss to date: 84 pounds

How wonderful for you! Your photos are everything & I can't wait until I'm able to do the same! Side note--230 is my next goal! My overall goal weight is 160. Working really hard to get there!

Good luck to you!!! So much of this journey is emotional... I'm still I hope all goes well & you're back to feeling great very soon.

Banded on 9/5/14, down 84 pounds. I went to see my doctor on Monday (who is conservative with fills) he gave me a 1/2 cc, said I'm making excellent progress & go back to see him in TWO months & continue doing everything I've been doing. I now have 4ccs in a 12cc band. Since receiving the last fill, my throat makes crazy gurgling noises. Nothing hurts, it's just the most embarrassing sounds. I assure you I'm not over eating or consuming large bites. This happens even when I drink Water. Is this normal? Any best practices you can share so I may begin using immediately? I've had excellent restriction since my fill at the end May & it's just as well now. I guess for me, I'm concerned I'm going to stall & not lose anything else! Or what if I start over eating again? Or... Or... Or!!! OMG, I'm having anxiety about not seeing him for two months. Certainly I can call and/or go see him whenever I need to. But these thoughts are driving be nuts! For whatever reason, the more weight I lose, the more anxiety ridden I become. Any words of wisdom? Thank you so much!

@@lisacaron To be honest, I didn't question why a small fill... I was just glad to receive one! I'm going to assume it's for reinforcement and/or a result of something I noted when speaking with the nutritionist. Thank you for your insight, words of advice & encouragement! @@Bandista @@B-52 @@catfish87 Thanks so much! I feel better knowing I'm not the only one who gurgles. I think I'm so happy to have seemingly found my "sweet spot" that I'm terrified something will go wrong. Onward & upward!!!

I'm going to be honest, I hadn't any trouble with keeping food down until my first major fill 3 weeks ago. It took me back to my surgery basics--small bites, chew & chew & chew some more, stay hydrated & Protein first. I wasn't following the rules & was losing most everything I was eating. I was uncomfortable & burping a lot (apologies for being so blunt). After a call to the dr's office, had a 1:1 with the nutritionist who reminded me of the band basics. Things are much better & I'm actually down 16 pounds. I've noticed since my last fill (I've only had 2), I can no longer tolerate anything "bad" for me, so I'm not even tempted because I can't keep it down anyway. I remember reading that many banders can't tolerate rice, fried foods, steak... I've happily joined that club. I've been eating well & exercising--my goal weight is 180... okay, really 160 but I'm almost afraid to believe I can get there. Thanks for letting me share! Here's a pic of me before & after.

I'm currently going through this thing where I feel like I want to constantly chew on something! I'm full & I know I can't eat anything because it will come right back up & I'm not hungry. Have not had this feeling in months! I'm completely full & hydrated. Is this just an old habit wanting to rear its ugly head? You know the one I speak of--mindless eating!! Is this self sabotage? It's driving me nuts & I refuse to cater to this by eating a sugar free Popsicle or something similar because I don't need anything! Fellow banders, is this just me??? If not, what are your best practices?

Thank you for the wonderful advice @@JustWatchMe! So clever--and I often times just doodle in a large sketch pad I have (side note--I'm all about my Sharpies!!). Coloring books are a wonderful idea! Appreciate everyone sharing! I won't give in--I've come too far to just give in so easily! Lol!

Don't give up! This is a personal journey & is different for all of us. You may need to get several adjustments before finding your comfort zone. Your doctor wants you to succeed--write all your questions down & use your visit as an opportunity to get what you need & then spring into action. It's awesome you're recommitting--you can do this! Wishing you all the best from Chicago!

Haven't been on in a while, hope everyone is doing great! Banded in September 2014, down 58.5 pounds. It's been a journey to say the least! I've stumbled, fallen, felt discouraged but I never gave up. Getting banded was the best decision I ever made. It's work but it's worth it & I'm not stopping until I reach my goal weight. Part of it is reminding myself that this is about me & getting healthy. I wish everyone well & hope we ALL stay the course! Xoxo

Thank you!! I'm trying!

Received a 3 cc fill last Friday. Prior to that, I received a 1 cc fill at the end of September 2014--3 weeks after I was banded. Since Friday, I've lost another 6 pounds. Is 6 pounds in about a week normal with a more substantial fill? It must be said that I have RESTRICTION & feel I've found my "sweet spot". I've been using all my best practices & I just don't have the "space" for anything that simply isn't protein or vitamin rich. I'm working hard to get in my daily 60 grams of protein. Is something wrong or is this weight loss normal? I'm not complaining... Lol! Just want to know I have no reason for concern.

@@B-52 I love everything about this post! In fact, I wish I had read it prior to my post about 3 minutes ago! It's so on point--particularly you saying how it's funny that all the things which are bad, are the things that get stuck! Case in point--thin slice of melon, fine. French fry--got stuck. That's the first time I had an episode (granted I received a large fill on Friday) but it proved I just don't have the space for the grease, nor do I NEED it. More than that, I've had zero cravings--that's how unpleasant the episode was. Apologies for being long-winded, however, this post was timely! Wonderful reminders that the work is ours & ours alone--from eating, exercise, and honest dialogue with our doctors.

Congratulations!! So exciting when our hard work begins paying off!

How wonderful & EXACTLY the inspiration I look for (and need). Sending you encouragement & good energy from Chicago!

Congrats & you're on your way! Stick to all your post-op instructions & move as much as you can -- even if you don't feel like it. I promise -- you'll be glad that you did!! Also, I found the Gas-X strips to be very helpful -- I had very little gas pain & no shoulder pain whatsoever. Best of luck to you!

Congratulations!! I'm inspired by your journey & success. Thank you for sharing -- as a newer bander, it helps me tremendously to know that there's more to come! Happy Anniversary!

We've been there, so we totally get it. Easier said than done, but don't be nervous -- be excited because you're about to change your life! It'll be over with before you know it & you'll be opening your eyes & getting up to walk. Stay hydrated, keep walking, and move as much as you can. I walked around my house several times a day & on day 2, I went up and down my steps. It was the best thing I did & it helps with recovery. I also found that Gas-X strips were very helpful to me after my surgery. I honestly didn't have any terrible shoulder or site pain -- I truly believe it's because I kept moving. Best of luck to you & keep us posted!

This is motivation for those of us on the early part of our journey! You look lovely!

Haven't checked in for quite a while -- hope all my fellow bandsters are doing well! It'll be four months of banded life on January 5 -- time flew by! I've learned much on my journey & I continue to work on being a better, healthier version of me. I'm down 42 pounds & I must admit that I'm enjoying the weight loss but also the NSV's as well. I've had one fill & going back for another this month. My surgeon, nutritionist & I feel it's best to ensure I'm learning to "eat better" & not just look to fills as the be all, end all. I'm glad we are taking this approach because it really has helped me learned to eat better & make good choices. It's not always easy, but I'm still in the game! I had to be kind to myself so I stopped comparing my weight loss to others. While I'm happy for everyone & it's motivating, it was also (at times) difficult because I would immediately think, "Why haven't I lost that much yet?" Or "Why can't I drop this weight more quickly?" We are all on our own journey, and I'm still learning to fully embrace and enjoy mine! Wishing everyone the best in 2015! Below is a before & after (so far) photo of me. Feel free to share yours!