kgloverii

Liz, I PM'ed you. You WILL see skinny jeans again. HANG IN THERE!

Just wanted to respond that I do not subscribe to the 'eat only certain things' mentality. I don't shoot for a certain amount of protein or fat per day, or anything like that. I had food obsessions and no longer worry about food. I actually forgot to make dinner tonight (I have a FAMILY that I have to cook for, LOL!). I eat what I want, and when I am full, I am done. I make sure that I am not eating slider foods, and not drinking while eating, but besides that, there are no rules. For some, it doesn't work that easily, but it has been GREAT for me.

I did the lotion, exercise, etc. And as I lost weight, I was thanking GOD for the lack of excess skin. Even DH was impressed. I attributed it to my youth. Then, one day I woke up, and it was there. Tummy skin, and batwing arms! Oh, the horror! I am just kidding, about 'the horror.' When you lose a lot of weight, you'll have to expect some excess skin... My tummy, it is all UNDER the bikini line where my underwear is, so even though it is not the prettiest without underwear, it is not HORRIBLE. And the arms, I just practice the wave of the queen. It hasn't kept me from wearing sleeveless items. A little excess skin is nothing compared to that 75 pounds I was lugging around before, so I am very thankful. And someday, when I plateau, and when finances permit, I'll try to get the tummy and arms taken care of. Till then, I'll enjoy my skinny body!

Oh, and the TOM DOES make a HUGE difference. As soon as that water starts exiting, I see big number fluctuations in the scale. I have been lucky, and when TOM hits, I don't gain, but I don't lose. But as soon as it is over, I see a shift downward on the scale...

My losses come in spurts as well. Since I am closer to the end of my journey, I don't get 5 pounds at a time anymore, but I do get 2-3 pounds. I was stuck for 2 weeks, and got on the scale today and was down 2 pounds... Go figure!

It really depends on you... Your doc will probably do an upper GI to make sure all is well with the band. He/She might do a slight unfill and keep you on Nexium to see if that helps. Some bandsters have reflux issues post-band... My doc tried Prilosec with me, which did not help, but Zantac has been a lifesaver. You'll probably just have to experiment a bit. Each doctor's protocol is different. Hang in there, and wait to see what he says. And make sure you let us know what happens! Hope you feel better soon!

I agree. All you can do is encourage her. Perhaps you can show her this website. Maybe that will provide her some motivation?

If I am retaining water due to my cycle, I stop peeing like crazy during this time. Sodium intake can make you retain water as well. It would be REALLY hard to overdose on water. Your body will tell you when to stop.

After my stomach's swelling went down, I did not have any restriction until my first fill. I used a food journal to track my intake during this time so I would not gain weight during my time of unrestriction. After my first fill, I had some restriction and just ate moderately and was satisfied.

Thank you to EVERYONE for their word of encouragement. I truly appreciate it more than you know. Your encouragement keeps me motivated for those last few pounds... the last few pounds are the ones we have to fight the hardest for, that is for sure. Thanks again!

I sent you an email, Liz. We'll get there together!

I use Dr. Pleatman in Bloomfield Hills. About Dr. Pleatman He has been super. I cannot sing his praises enough...

Congrats! it is an AMAZING journey isn't it?!!!

Try the yoga move downward facing dog... Works for me every time.

YES. Size 9 to 7 1/2. I have petite feet now! :smile2:

Yes. There is discrimination. I have always been one who has a great super-friendly attitude and that has gotten me far in life. BUT, I AM treated differently since losing weight. People hold doors for me if I am going into a store, they look at me in the eyes, they TALK to me more now. Yes. Talk to me. In my retail job, I am treated with more respect. It is an odd thing, the obese discrimination. Even in my obesity, I'd sometimes think to myself, "That person is fatter. At least I have more self control" type mentality. But since the band, and with my change in perception, and in my KNOWING that my obesity was due to being hungry and not being out of control, I no longer see people that way. I hope more science comes out that will wipe those thoughts out of people's heads. It is a sad, sad thing.

Did you do your research before you chose him? I hope that you are not going in 'blind.' Do a search for him on the board. There are tons of threads...

It sounds like you just got stuck. You're fine. You probably feel less restricted cause you've healed more. As time went on post-op, I got my appetite back.

Started at 235 5'3.5" -size 18/20 Currently 162, size 10

I had 1/2 of an Orchard Harvest Salad and some black bean soup for lunch yesterday. Panera Bread is delicious and their salads are scrumptious.

I cannot agree with you said more. I DO NOT count calories. I DO NOT count fat, weigh my food, or anything like that. I JUST GAVE YOUR SERMON TO ANOTHER BANDSTER! LOL! I am all about eating healthy... but counting just creates a food obsession. And with my band, I NO LONGER HAVE THAT OBSESSION. I think about food... when I am HUNGRY. I don't plan out my meals and think about what my next meal is going to be. I got off work and was starving, and went to Panera Bread and got some black bean Soup and a salad. I didn't stand there and obsess about fat or calories... I got what sounded good. I eat better, more organic, less processed than I ever have... because THAT IS WHAT I CRAVE. 99.9% of bandsters outside of the US subscribe to the belief that Aubrie and I speak of. You lose by eating less. Not by counting what you eat. I am no longer on a 'diet.' I got the band so I would no longer have to diet. I finally have a healthy mindset.

This is the position... It works... you can google the way you do it... There is a 'method' and WOW! It is a lifesaver!

PLEASE call your doc just to check in. Maybe they will have suggestions... Are you drinking a lot? I don't want you to be dehydrated...

I was self-pay. Paid for my surgery with Mastercard. :thumbup: Best decision I ever made. It is an investment I made in my health. Best return I could've gotten.

Think of this as an opportunity. An opportunity to heal, to maintain and continue to lose weight. And focus on the future weight loss you are going to have because of your new friend. It will ALL be worth it. Remind yourself of that. I had the head hunger, and focused on what I just told you. That is now just a distant memory and I am so glad I stuck with it.