Southern Missy

Absolutely! For the last 4 years, no matter what I did, I was unable to lose weight. Now, in just 2-1/2 months, I have managed to lose nearly 40 pounds -- talk about amazing!! I had some reservations and moments when I questioned whether this was the right thing to do but it has definitely been worth it with absolutely no regrets -- none, nada, not even one! Only you can make the decision but as far as I'm concerned, it has given me my life back. Good luck to you!

Just don't forget that if you are ordering pills you will need to consider the size. I came to the realization today that I will not be able to swallow Tylenol tablets and will have to stick with the liquid Tylenol... that's after getting stuck twice. Every prenatal pill I ever used was HUGE! Just my 2-cents, though!

Hey Allison! Like you, I rarely have time to post, a couple of times a week. I do cruise by daily but only have time to read a few posts. I have had 4 fills and think I may be at my sweet spot. The best thing I have done to keep my weight loss steady is the Couch-to-5K like Watchout is talking about. I just do each week until I feel comfortable with it before moving to the next. DH just told me tonight that he noticed I am running a good bit faster than the first few weeks. Of course, the first few weeks, he was walking and we kept up with one another... tonight I passed him 2 or 3 times. :wub: I can't wait to get to ONEderland -- you're SO close! Right now, I'm just taking it 10 pounds at a time!

Di -- We must have posted at the same time! I know what you mean about burning the candle. Whew! I'm ready for it to slow down around here. Quite unusual for me, though, I use the exercise to help me de-stress. It's pretty funny because now when I get mad, I want to go run. At least you haven't gained during all this! Way to go!

Shawna -- WOW, what a difference! You go girl! Maybe this will be the fill that helps you. My MD wasn't pushing for fills because I was still losing weight but I told him that starving after 2 hours just wasn't acceptable because I was having to survive on willpower. I've done a lot better with it than I thought I would but I think that's just because I have been so excited about finally losing weight. It literally has been about 4 years since I have been able to lose weight....&*#@ PCOS! I still haven't decided if this is it, as far as fills go, for me or not. I think I am there but it's really hard to tell because I'm not sure if I'm still swollen or not. eggs ... gotta love 'em. About the only way I can eat them is if DH makes them because he adds milk or something that makes them supermoist. Otherwise, they ain't going down! Good to hear from you girl! Keep up that Water -- we certainly need the extra hydration around here! :biggrin2:

Wendy -- Had my 2nd PB experience on Sunday... just like yours. I threw up -- No PB -- about 4-5 times before I could get up what was stuck. I have GOT to learn to pay more attention in social situations. It was awful. The PB I had before was a cake walk, one little burp and up it came. This last episode was projectile, better get somewhere throwing up. Not a pretty picture, especially since we were eating out! Live and learn! Well guys, I went back on Monday for another fill. I hope this is the one. It certainly seems to be. I am finally satisfied for longer than 2 hours. I have also lost another 3 pounds as of today. I am so psyched. We have had to move our running outdoors to the Y since the heat is starting to get to us (I say us because I make my 2 teenagers do it with me -- mean old mom). Yesterday was the 1st time and it is definitely something I could get used to...air conditioning and the treadmill was definitely a lot easier on my knees and hips. They are also offering a bunch of classes like a cycling class and even a Samba class. I am fired up to try one of those. I am just full to the brim today of what a blessing this band has already been in my life. I did, however, have a twinge of fear this morning when I thought of losing all this weight. Not sure where that came from. I guess after wishing so hard for it all my life, it is becoming a reality and that makes it somewhat surreal. One last thing, has anyone turned into a real b*#@tch since starting this? Man, my hormones must really be whacked out with all this stuff. I'm fine one minute and then BLAM, I'm going off the deep end about absolutely nothing. I know I have read a couple of Kat's posts where her doctor says it has something to do with the estrogen during weight loss. I just wondered if it is just me. Di4AU, Fordgal... let us know what's happening with you this week.

Di, I also was at the doctor's office at 1:45... but in Dr. Touliato's office! :smile: (I hijacked the Schmitt and Miles thread a long time ago!) This will be my 3rd fill but still really nothing. I can still eat more than a cup of food at a sitting and I am STARVING... like stomach growling/burning hungry after just 2 hours. I know some of it has to do with the exercise I have been doing as I can tell it has jumpstarted my metabolism but I have been making it on willpower and I'm just scared it won't last forever. I find I am starting to crave some of the things that I used to eat that aren't necessarily the best choices. I have only craved them, though, and not actually followed through, thank goodness. :scared2: BTW, way to go on the scheduled date, Jason!

Michiganer, I can't reassure you but I can certainly identify with you. I went back Monday for my 3rd fill and have right at 6 cc in my 10 cc band. At least 2 hours after eating, I am starving and am able to pretty much eat anything I want to as well as eating way more than 1 cup of food at a sitting. I have had a few occasions lately where chicken will get stuck if I swallow too big of a bite but that is all. I have pretty much just been using self-control when it comes to food but am scared that I won't be able to hold out with that much longer. Luckily, I have been faithfully exercising so I have been losing albeit slowly. My doctor said after Monday that he thought I could wait a couple of months until the next fill but I have already scheduled an appointment for next week. I really don't think I'm at my "sweet spot" yet. Hopefully someone will see our posts that can reassure us all! :smile:

I'm going for another fill tomorrow but in the meantime, I have had a pretty good weekend except for getting stuck a few times and finally, today, had my 1st PB. As bad as I was stuck, it was a relief to have it. Not exactly an experience that bears repeating, though. How bout you girls, Grace, Shawna, Diane, any yet?

Told DH about the exercise ball thing which totally cranked him up so...:tt1: Bought the exercise ball...:w00t: However, it was a lot more exercise than pleasure...:thumbs_up: Had to be doing it wrong...:thumbs_up: MS. TRINA!!! Any suggestions??? :huh2::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

MEEEEE TOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! I go on Monday for another fill and I so hope it helps. I've been running on sheer willpower but only because I have continued to lose. However, I don't want to push it because I don't know how much longer that will last. Where's our other girls?? :biggrin2:

Hey girls, just checking in with everyone! Di4AU...Not long now on that fill! Wendy.. Have you been able to find any new foods you like? Ford... How's the WiiFit coming?? We have actually been considering using some of our stimulus refund for one but I think we're going to put it in savings and "think" about it some more. $400 is so much money and our AC in the car is trying to go out ... Arrgh!

Well, with only 4 carb servings, it doesn't allow a lot at each meal. However, I don't stick so tight to the 4 servings if the carb is a vegetable; basically I consider vegetables to be free, carbs or not. I also tend to get in the rut of eating the same things all the time but I try to mix it up just like the calorie counts because I don't want my metabolism to become accustomed to it and plateau. So, I may eat the same thing for a couple of days but then I switch it up one day and may go back to my old pattern the next. I mainly concentrate on getting in my Protein first (especially since my hair has started to thin :success1:), veggies and then, if room, a carb. It's all about experimentation. When I was on mushies I actually came up with something I LOVE... and still eat now. My husband thought I was nuts and it may sound gross but I take a 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes (instant), 1/2 cup of tuna and 1 Laughing Cow cheese wedge and mix them together. It's a pretty good portion of protein plus a little bit of the "feel good" carb and it tastes actually very good. Lately, laughing cow cheese has been one of my staples. Anytime I might have used mayonnaise or sour cream before I am finding I can substitute the laughing cow and not miss the others. The thing is, I think it would be better for you to find some alternatives now before you become too tight to allow you to eat things you would now -- or you might starve, girl! :biggrin: Plus, I would think it would be discouraging to not be able to eat like you are used to yet not know what you might like to eat. Kind of like being stuck in the "liquid diet phase". Man, I was so sick of SWEET things I could have screamed. Anyway, not to write a book or tell you what to do... I just hope some of these ideas help.

LOL :biggrin2: Now, I didn't say I was challenging you, just trying to keep up with you, is all! I use The Daily Plate and absolutely LOVE it! It makes keeping track of everything very easy. Maybe you should try it -- you might be surprised. Least of all, though, maybe try to follow the 4-carbs a day thing and see if that helps any. Of course, I haven't noticed you needing too much help since I still can't catch you! :biggrin:

Hi Wendy, I got my 1st fill at 5 weeks postop. I will be getting the next at 7 weeks. He encourages you not to wait, though, if you think you need more because he said it doesn't help anything by waiting. I would be going in next week but he will be out on vacation. I try to keep my calories to about 700-800 most days and every 3-4 days bump them up to 1000-1200 just to keep my metabolism from settling. I also limit carb intake to 4 servings a day with little to no sugar which is somewhat what I was on with my preop diet. You seem to be doing great, though. I have personally challenged myself to keep up with you and everytime I check your ticker, you are always just ahead of me! :rolleyes2:

Hi ilse! Sorry I haven't responded before now. I cruise on and off here so quickly sometimes that I miss notes such as these. Dr. Touliatos did my surgery and I LOVE him!! I was banded on May 8, and so far have lost 27 pounds and lots of inches! I had my 1st fill last Thursday and it went perfectly. I didn't feel a thing. Of course, I still don't feel a thing so I will be going back in another week to get another fill. :rolleyes2: Let me know if you have any questions and I will try to answer them the best that I can! WELCOME!! :thumbup:

Hi ladies, I got my 1st fill last Thursday and, like you, didn't feel a thing but definitely an odd sensation. He did tell me to relax, though, before he pulled the needle out and it was then only that I felt some stinging so I decided to wait to relax next time when he is all done! :rolleyes2: I am going back a week from Monday for another fill, though. He is out of town next week or he would have taken me sooner because this one just isn't enough. I now have 4 cc in a 10 cc band. Weight loss has been pretty steady and I can't complain. Tried on clothes last night and although there isn't a huge difference in sizes, the way I look in them is definitely different. It was nice not to be totally disgusted by the way I look! :thumbup: Whoo hoo!! Welcome to the group, Anna! Before you know it, you'll be on the banded side -- it seems like it will be forever, though, I KNOW! Where are you Di4AU? Let us know how you are doing.

Hang in there! I have a friend who has to watch her ankles, too. Would something like Water exercise be an option for you? Congrats on moving to the mushies! I was elated when I got to eat something that wasn't sweet and had some substance! I know it's not easy but you can do it!

I just had my 1st fill last Thursday. In answer to your questions, I will give you my experience! 1. My port was located directly beneath, about 0.5-1 inch below my largest incision. 2. They did NOT put the fill in through the incision. It went straight into that 0.5-1 inch mark below the incision. 3. I have tried to palpate my port but not really knowing what I am looking for, it seems fruitless. 4. It did not hurt at all ... I didn't feel a thing until he told me to relax and when I did that there was some slight burning (like an ant bite). Not sure why that was but I'll wait to relax next time until he is totally done -- not because it hurt so bad but more so because why should I hurt if I don't have to?! I was a little nervous as well but it was so easy! You're going to do great!

I typically keep the calories between 700-800 a day and then every 3-4 days I will bump it up to 1000-1200 (generally ends up being a weekend day in there somewhere). I am also doing the Couch to 5K every other day and try to walk in between. I have not experienced the 1-pound-a-day loss that kansas has (lucky dog!) but I am losing slowly but surely. I also notice I have been losing inches more consistently than pounds. How is your Water intake Lexy? I don't generally get in 64 ounces but I do try to at least get half of that. Try checking some measurements. It could be that you are losing inches and not pounds right now. I keep waiting to wake up one morning down 10 pounds. Also, I do keep track of my calories/exercise on the daily plate. I LOVE it! Hang in there!

Hi Timandi, You would probably have better luck with a response if you tried the May 2008 bandsters. However, I had surgery 5/8 and I am doing great! Everything okay with you?

I definitely think the Couch to 5K is a great start for beginners. This is what I started with when the MD released me at 2 weeks and I have been faithfully following it. My weight loss has been fairly consistent and I think this is why. Of course, I have been stuck at week 3 for almost 2 weeks now!

I just got my 1st fill last Thursday but my MDs advice to me was if I became uncomfortable that night to come back the next day because it wouldn't get better. Hope this helps!

Hi all! Like Shawna, I have been working like crazy. I currently have 3 jobs and it won't be long before something has got to go!! I see Wendy is on the fast-losing train.. WHOO HOOO! You go, girl. I go in for my 1st fill on Thursday so I'm hoping that will help me be able to kick the weight loss up a notch. I'm still pleased, though, as I am still losing albeit slow. However, I have also been taking measurements and they are decreasing almost every other day. So, I'm hoping I'll wake up one day and magically lose 10 pounds! Ha! Diane, looks like you are coming right along with your weight loss. So what is everyone doing for exercise? I know a couple of lucky dogs have the WiiFit ... Wendy, are you still going to the gym (obviously!). I have been doing the Couch to 5K every other day and week 3 is kicking my HUMP!! I'm still doing it, though. :thumbup: I'm getting ready to call our Y, though, and see if they are offering a water aerobics -- I need something to combat those aching legs from the running. Alright, keep checking in...I don't always have time to write but I do come check on my fellow bama girls! HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

Now, honestly, I do like water.. Not a problem getting me to drink it. However, how in the world does anyone manage to get in 8 glasses a day??? If you have any secret tricks, hints, etc. I would surely appreciate it. Secondly -- Can anyone tell me what the rationale is behind waiting 30 minutes to an hour after drinking BEFORE you eat? I can certainly understand why you would wait AFTER eating but what is the reasoning behind before? :confused2: THANKS!