ChelleChi1969

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!

Lots of ups & downs these past couple of weeks -- literally & figuratively! Down a few pounds, then they're right back on. Going for another fill mid-November when my Dr is back from maternity leave. Meeting with my nutritionist next week to see where I'm making mistakes. The thing is that I don't feel much restriction right now but I'm not feeling like starvation central either. I haven't been eating anything "bad" & I've been exercising. Being stuck at the same weight for the last three weeks is making me feel a little down. True, I haven't gained, but I haven't lost additional weight either. Is this normal? Any tips on how to jump start the weight loss again? Any stories/tips/advise my veteran banders would like to share? Many thanks in advance! -- Ro

The most important thing is you have been approved! Let them connect & flush out the details -- so much goes on behind the scenes & it's better to let them sort through the minutia. You focus on getting centered & preparing for your journey! I know how easily we can become impatient, but you've made it this far & I promise it's worth the wait. You're nearing the finish line -- very happy for you!

I shared with only the people closest to me, and they are a strong support system. I opted for this approach because I don't want anyone watching me, trying to figure out how much weight I have lost, forming opinions on why I haven't lost more, or any other unwelcome & unneeded negative or judgmental energy. It's enough of a challenge without a lot of other white noise. For me, I need to also be mentally healthy & I want to enjoy my journey!

A friend of mine recommended Chike & I must say they are delicious. I ordered the variety pack & have yet to have one I don't like! Good luck! https://www.chikenutrition.com

It takes time... I'm five weeks post-op & still learning, adjusting, and coming to terms with all the changes I'm going through. The good news is that we've all taken that very important step & had the procedure done. I'm learning that this journey isn't a mad dash -- it's more of a steady pace to our own finish line. Sending you positive vibes & wishing you the best!

How exciting for you! I remember feeling like my surgery day was so far away & then once it arrived -- I just couldn't wait to get to the other side. Five weeks post-op today & I would change nothing. Wishing you a speedy recovery & a joyful journey!

Congratulations, Diana! The one thing my doctor stressed to me during my first fill (two weeks ago today) was to give my body time to "adjust & then listen" to it! Everything needed to sort-of settle so I could make an accurate determination on whether or not I had enough restriction. I'm going back on Monday for another fill because although I'm not having any issues, I would feel better with more restriction. Wishing you the best!

Thanks for all the kind words of encouragement! It's incredibly easy to forget how far you've come when you have so far to go. I just keep reminding myself to enjoy my journey & be thankful! One day & one pound at a time! As @@Bandista said -- Onward!

Was feeling kind of down because I had a week where I didn't lose any weight. A very wise bander suggested enjoying a Non-Scale Victory -- I thought, nothing feels as good as seeing the numbers go down on the scale. Omg was I ever wrong!! Just for the heck of it, I tried on a pair of jeans that I could not even wiggle past my hips prior to my surgery on September 5. Lo & behold... they slid on easily!! I immediately dissolved into tears because it was a precious moment for me. And, then, I got it -- I had a NSV!! I won't call it my first because, quite frankly, I've had many that I've failed to acknowledge - all equally important to my journey but overshadowed by my obsession with the numbers on the scale. I'm not getting on the scale every day anymore, I'm curbing that -- slowly. It's more like every other day (I know, I know... not much better but I said slowly...). I don't use the numbers as validation anymore because I know the weight will come off. Why? Because I'm doing everything right -- I'm not cheating & I'm committed to a healthier me! I deserve this & I'm not going to stop. And, once I found some peace -- I lost 2.5 pounds. Who knew? Lol! Anyway, thank you for all the words of encouragement, sharing your stories & the sound advise. This journey forces you to get to know yourself in ways that are unfamiliar & sometimes scary, but there's so much joy when you just trust the process & believe in yourself!! Thank you for listening!!

I received my first fill last Friday (today I am four weeks post-op) & I haven't lost any weight this week. I have been losing consistently (an average of about 3 pounds a week) -- so this is hard to digest! I'm exercising, eating what I'm supposed to & I lost nothing this week. Nothing! Veteran banders -- is this normal? I'm really feeling upset about this! Thanks in advance.

Happy Anniversary!!! I can't wait to be where you are!!

So happy for you!!! I think it takes incredible courage to start fresh & do it with a healthy & positive attitude! I love that you went & had a 1:1 with the fill nurse -- what a fantastic way to have all your questions answered & get the support you need. My motto is "One day & one pound at a time..." I'm a newbie (banded 9/5/14) & I must say that there's incredible support within this forum. Best of luck to you!!

Congratulations!! If there's one thing I'm learning since joining this support group -- it's not to compare yourself to anyone else. I'm guilty of it myself so I understand how you feel! How wonderful that you've dropped the weight & are focused. Wishing you all the best & continued success!!

Congratulations!!! That's very exciting! I can hardly wait to start dropping sizes.

Hi! I totally understand where you're coming from -- the hardest part is waiting! From beginning to end it took a little over six weeks until I received approval. This includes my initial consultation & completing the insurance requirements. Once everything was submitted by my doctor's office, my insurance approved it quickly! Nothing wrong with you calling to check on it. Fingers crossed that you get the approval!!!

Good kick F_it!! I think it's brave to start again & recommit yourself to YOURSELF!!

AngelDivine -- I was banded on 9/5. I told my immediate family & my three best friends. I'm not ashamed of my decision, I simply want to enjoy my journey & not have everyone's eyes on me. Right now it's all about me -- and I think that's okay. Whatever you decide to do & whomever you decide to tell -- I'm sure it's what you need to do for yourself. Best of luck to you!

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Okay, here's a pic of me 4 weeks ago pre-band (the left) & me a couple of days ago (the right). Making progress but my journey is just beginning...

Hi Tiffany! I'm very lucky -- no nausea, whatsoever. Not post-op & not now. Received my first fill yesterday & I noticed a difference immediately. It's more the sensation of being full -- without the tightness & nausea that I've read so much about. I'm adjusting to the fact that I'm not eating like before so I can't expect that crazy feeling of being "stuffed" (which was alllll too familiar to me)!! I'm hopeful I'll stay on this track. Best of luck to you & please keep in touch!

Thank you, Bandista! Doing my best to stay focused on how I'm feeling & the results (loose clothing, more energy, etc.). I'm even beginning to receive comments/compliments, which has been a motivator as well! I kept my decision to get banded quiet & only shared with my immediate family and three best friends. I don't want or need people watching me -- I just want to enjoy my journey & stay focused. The people who know are loving, honest & supportive -- that's important for me right now.

Thank you, JWM! I've prepared my grocery list, ordered my Chike & Quest, and collecting high protein, low fat/sodium recipes. I didn't go through all of this to not come out well on the other end. I have a hard time with breakfast and lunch both pre & post lap band. I'm just not a breakfast person & I'm usually too busy to have lunch. I'm changing that as best I can. Great advice on what I can take to work with me -- if I have them in my drawer, there's no excuse to not eat what I need to fuel my body. Thanks so much!!

Hi! I did not need an EGD for approval. That said, each plan operates differently so it could very well be a requirement in your state.

JustWatchMe!! 95 pounds in six months is incredible & exactly what I'm driving towards. Congratulations! If you have any "real food" advice, please share. I transition back to "solid food" on October 4 & am having anxiety about weight gain after sticking to liquid & puréed all of this time. Thank you!