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Congrats on getting back into onederland. And way awesome on the baby front!! That was one of my main reasons for getting banded but I have had some setbacks along the way. Don't think a band baby is in my cards... but I am still working on onederland goal.

I feel like the mental journey is the hardest. I still struggle sometimes and I am 4+ years out. Be as mindful about your choices as you can. Anytime you feel the urge to cheat or go off program... pause... and ask yourself WHY you want to eat. Is it because you are hungry? Is it because it tastes good? Is it because you are bored? The more you ask yourself the question, the more in tune you will get with your mind. Eventually the choices will become easier. You will pick up new healthier habits. Stay positive.

I started at 384. No quite in the 400's... but close. I was banded in 2008. Lost 100 pounds initially and then had some complications and regained 54. I am back on track now and losing again. Down a total of 70 again. I thought I was never going to see the 300's again. Ack. I am close to getting back into the 200's and can't wait!! I started this journey wanting to be "healthy" but in my head I pictured my life with me skinny. I wasn't being realistic. Now I am more realistic. My goal is still to get under 200... But I am more thankful for every pound I am down. Even at 70 down... I am a lot healthier than I was when I started. It was hard to feel excited sometimes though. When I was 100 down and people were getting started way less than I was. I just learned to stop comparing my journey and it made it easier.

I like the breakdown. Fun way to look at it. Congrats!!

Polly, Welcome!! I was banded in 2008 and have had an up and down journey myself. With a few band complications. I don't think I was emotionally ready back then either. That is the beauty of the band. It is there to start this journey with you now. I have refocused and started losing again. You can absolutely do this. You sound like you have everything lined up and ready to go. Kudos! Look forward to watching and sharing as your journey progresses.

I love Chobani!! Breakfast of champions!! Lol. I toss 1/3 cup of Kashi Go Lean Crunch on top. Yum-o!!

Yup. Lots of goals. Things that my weight keeps me back from. Things like horseback riding, ziplining, sky diving, bungee jumping, kayaking, etc etc. I want to live an active lifestyle. I can't wait to start crossing some of them off my list!!

Ha. Nope. Not perfect. Even lately with my "re-commitment" I still have times where I don't make the best choice. BUT... I make better choices much more often than not.

You shouldn't be getting stuck once a day. You may be too tight or not chewing well enough. Please be careful. Frequent Pb'ing can risk damage to the band.

If you follow the band rules and chew well and are not too tight... You should rarely, if ever PB. I would not be freaked out. It is an avoidable thing if you are careful. If you do get stuck and PB, it is a learning experience.

Interesting. I was never told to take vitamins. Can anyone suggests a good one? Preferably chewable. I have issues swallowing pills.

Wow ebonymc... Your previous Dr sounded like an ass. You were having issues and he reused to take out fill!? Unreal. Hope you are doing better.

Well in that case... congratulations! I wish you oodles of success!

I am sorry you are losing your band. I hope it gives you the relief you are looking for.

Purple: I have been where you are. I hated my band and wanted it out. I was "over" it. I had a lot of stress in my life and regained 54 of the 100 pounds I lost. i was stuck whenever I ate healthy food and found myself eating more and more ice cream and sliders. When it finally came to the point where I discussed removal and was planning on having it taken out, I freaked out. I was so afraid of re-gaining ALL of the weight I lost. I decided to refocus and start over. I don't have as many personal stressors now, so that helped. But life still gets in the way. It is hard. I am not perfect every day. But I try and stay positive and focused. I am back down a total of 70 pounds again. I am actually going in for a repair next month. So in 3 months went from wanting it out... to fixing it! You CAN do this. I am sorry that you have a lot going on in your life right now. Stress can really make it hard. Maybe removing all of your fill for a little while will help get you back on track. Or remove some. Give yourself a break. One less thing you have to be stressed about. Keep the band a little bit looser so you aren't stressed about getting stuck and can make healthier choices. Hang in there. Keep plugging away. Your life will eventually swing up again and having your tool to help you will be a good thing!

Holding at 314. Didn't have a good week. Got some catching up to do to make my goal!

Congrats on your banding!! FAVORITE Protein Ready Drink Protein: Premier Protein Flavor: Vanilla or chocolate [i prefer Vanilla] I buy it at: costco 30g protein and 1g of sugar. Protein Powder: BSN Lean Dessert Flavor: Whipped Vanilla Creme I buy it at: vitacost.com

Hi guys!! I am in Tucson too. I was banded in 2008 in Colorado. Dr Monash does my follow up now and he is awesome. Highly highly recommend him!! He has a support group that meets once a month. I have only gone once. I would love to have some local band buddies to talk with. If anyone is interested in walking once a week... PM me. I live on the NW side.

Wow. Congrats!!

Welcome back. Sorry for your troubled journey. I hope this one stays put for you!! I am having my band repositioned next month. I am NOT looking forward to the liquid diet again. Ugh. Hang in there!!!

I had a leak in my port. I had my port replaced and my restriction returned. I am sorry about your leak. Very frustrating!! I was able to get back on track quickly once repaired. I hope you are able to as well.

That is amazing. Congrats!! Way to go!!!

I have similar symptoms and was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia. Everything looked fine when I had an upper GI. I had an EGD which showed the hiatal hernia. I am having it repaired next month and the band will be repositioned at that time.

Honestly, if you have had to be unfilled several times because of suspected slips... I would get an upper GI done. Your slip may be severe enough that it needs a surgical repair. Hard to know without the test. I am sorry about the complication and regain. I have been there and understand the frustration. I hope you are able to figure things out and get back on track soon.