sunshinenh

I am also feeling your pain. I have gained back 28 lbs. I keep giving myself excuses, work is stressful, I'm PMS, etc. Feel like I took a 6 month leave of my band. Am trying to regain my focus but it is a daily battle. I saw a psychologist and find that she did help with some great tools, but like the band - you have to use the tools. Be patient with yourself. I am rediscovering what a fantastic friend my band can be. I took a leave, but my band didn't go anywhere.

Awsome job Julie - shall we try for another day?

Thanks for your input Julie. I have been pushing it for months now. Am scheduled for a fill on Wed. Ate dinner very slowly (40 min) tonight, guess what - no pb. I really appreciate your helping me face the music...

I always thought a PB was a major blow out/vomiting event. Now that I stop and think about it, you are absolutely right. Thank you for helping me see what I really didn't want to. I will slow it down.

Have been "regirgatating" my food. Toward the end of a meal or even up to 1/2 hour after a meal I feel a burp, but instead of a burp it is a bit of chewed up food. No pressure or pain like when I am overfull or trying to eat too much. Does this happen to anyone else? Does anyone have an explaination? Any input will be very welcomed.

I have flown several times without any problems at metal detectors or at customs. I have however noticed that flying seems to make my band tighter. Does not happen to everyone, but definately does with me - just a FYI. Have a great trip

So great to find out is isn't just me. My DH used to sleep with a thermal sleeping bag under his side of the bed to use because I kept our bedroom so cold. Not a problem now - infact I just got my own sleeping bag. Still not thin by any means, but with the weight loss temp control has been a hugh change. My biggest purchase this fall has been sweaters and sweatshirts - I used to wear tee shirts until the snow fell. At least now I can buy clothing in regular stores!!!!!!

I am so happy for your accomplishments! You are an inspiration.

First I am not a Christian, but I pray and I do let people going through tough stuff know that I will include them in my prayers. I an not trying to convert or interfere. I figure we can all use all the positive energy possible. I am a nurse and have seen prayer possitively effect people time and time again. Ones beliefs are private, but reaching out and caring are different to me.

My nutritionist said no caffine for a year. Surgeon wasn't as strict - stop for surgery and recovery. I have been living on coffee until I feel ready for food (sometimes not until late morning or afternoon). Trying to work in morning protien drinks to get a healthier start to the day. Give up my caffine though - NO WAY.

I really hear you hairagain. I do get so tired at times, even though I know that the band is the best thing I have ever done. Sometimes I think we just have to feel all pitiful and sad, then get back up and continue the fight.

Glad to hear that I am not the only one. My band is so fickle. The rules seem to change meal to meal or even bite to bite. Often a particular food will be fine, then the very next time NO WAY. Only constant is that bread does not work at all for me. Can get quite confusing and challenging. DH will ask "is there anything at this restraunt you can eat?" I can only laugh and say "We will see." Try to keep a sense of humor about it - it is an adventure.

Must chime in here too. I could have never done any of this without the love and support I receive daily from DH. It breaks my heart to think that anyone would have to deal with interference from loved ones. This journey is proving to be so difficult for me - my man is my rock and I tell him everyday just how much his support means to me.

Everyone is different and heals at their own pace. I can tell you that for me, it took several weeks of "mushies" after two weeks of liquids. Even after 8 months I can find it difficult to make good (and successful) choices out. Good luck making your decission.

Happy Anniversary!!!! Congratulations!!!!!

I use liquid Tylenol - anything else I break in half. I invested in a pill splitter for anything that doesn't break easily. I use the "size of a TicTac" also and haven't had a problem.

Took me about 3 months. Good luck.

You guys are the best. I am so relieved to know it isn't just me. Thank you. Carlene, your son will be our prayers.

I am so grateful for my band. It is proving to be so difficult to adjust to all the eating changes. With bypass, the changes would be more drastic. For me, this has been a wonderful choice. I feel for you with wanting things to go faster. Your loss is fantastic and I am sure you are making important adjustments along the way. We are making changes for life. Hang in there.

Has anyone noticed a change in level of restriction related to their stress level? I am MASSIVELY stressed and feel much tighter. Just wondering if anyone else has noticed this? Thanks.

I am moving again!!! After years of low energy and sitting on the couch I am playing tennis, golf, taking long walks, hiking and even going to the gym. Endurance and stamina are up. Best change is being able to join DH in doing of these things again and enjoying it. Looking forward to skiing again this winter too.

I also had the pleasure of puking my way through vacation. As soon as we reached cruising altitude, my band just tightened up. I threw up all over Iceland - was able to hold down fluids though. Have seen many posts that flying does not effect them - but it sure did me! Next time I will definately be aware.

I had my surgery at Portsmouth. I had to lose 18 lbs for the surgery, then a few more to meet my insurance prerequisite. I had the impression that there was no room for negotiation with either. The brute force method of weight loss worked for me. It helped knowing that would be the last time, since I would have my band to help after surgery. Good luck to you.

Hi guys!!! I had my surgery last Dec. at Portsmouth with Dr. Gens. I love this program. Good luck to you on your journey. Lots of twists and turns in the road, but for me this has been great.

I thought the weight would fall off with the liquid phase - lost about 6 or 7 lbs. (I hoped it would be much more). I find now that the weight comes off more in bursts. About 1/2 - 2 lbs a week - then sometimes POW off comes 4 or 5 without doing anything different. I am just happy for slow steady loss, even though is stalls from time to time, I have had no gains in over 6 months! Never in my life could I say that before.