Treadmillwalker

I'm having a difficult time eating too. I'm at 5.5 cc. My husband said he thinks my bites of food are too big. I use to eat a golf ball size meatball in 3 bites. Today I did that and about died. I ate my second one over 10 minutes and in 10 small bites. Banded 10/12/16

Congratulations!! Your hard work shows. Banded 10/12/16

Congratulations it happened because of your hard work. You got this! Great job! Banded 10/12/16

I love this image and imagine myself bursting out of my fat body in the months to come. (The comment about eating the foods you love and losing 50 pounds is from an ad and I don't have information about it. I just love the image.) Banded 10/12/16

Each surgeon varies in what they require. Have you met with a surgeon? His/her team will help guide you. Banded 10/12/16

I personally know people who have had lapband surgery over 10 years without issue. Every surgery has the possibility of issues that are related to having any type of surgery. Someone who develops scar tissue and the band sticks to the liver or stomach would have the issue with scar tissue with any surgery. Each body responds differently to surgery, and their appendix removal surgery can cause the same issue. Banded 10/12/16

@@cruehead - great to read. The gastric band has been in the USA since 2001 and is an FDA approved WLS and popular with many people. So often people bash the band. It is great to read your success. I love my band. Banded 10/12/16

Eat some FF cottage cheese or yogurt and THEN explore Pinterest. It makes it easier for me to explore and plan recipes if I'm not starving. Lots of WLS recipe posts. Banded 10/12/16

Banded 10/12/16

I don't live in your area, but I want to say how impressed I am by your generosity. It is awesome that you are passing your clothes on. High Five! Banded 10/12/16

Banded 10/12/16

I don't have either of those surgeries. I have the band and I'm happy with it. I'm averaging 10 lb a month. I'm going with slow and steady. I've not advertised my WLS and people are noticing my loss, but not going "oh you have lost so much weight you must have had WLS." For me I'm happy to be constantly losing each month instead of gaining. Banded 10/12/16

I chose to have lapband. I do not want to remove 80% of my stomach with sleeve or face malabsorption with bypass. I am happy with my band. I'm compliant and my surgeon is very skilled and I trust when he tells me all WLS have the potential for issues, and he will work closely with me. I know numerous people who love their lapband and have not had issues. I suggest you work closely with your medical team to understand WLS options and issues. Also be honest with yourself about your ability to be compliant with any surgery. What restriction level do you need. I'm not perfect, but I work within the limits of my band. Banded 10/12/16

Banded 10/12/16

cheese, crackers, chips, dip...I have to keep it out of my sight or I dig in. Hubby is great about putting the Snacks and Cookies is a cabinet I can't reach without a step ladder, and he put the step ladder down the basement. LOL he knows me well. Banded 10/12/16

I had band surgery in October in the USA and DNA testing was not required. Banded 10/12/16

Love your positive messages. Thank you. I had my second fill on Tuesday and I'm at 5.5 cc. In a 10 cc band. I do feel a sense of tightness or pain if I eat meat or bread today. I had half a piece of toast and that hurt. This afternoon I had a piece of boneless and skinless chicken and that hurt. I felt I chewed really well, but still had pain. Tonight I ate Soup. Any tips for eating without pain? Banded 10/12/16

I'm counting calories to help me keep on track. It would be easy for me to eat carbs if I allowed myself chips, bread, ice cream, etc. Banded 10/12/16

80% of the stomach is removed with the sleeve. That is a big decision. Good luck. Banded 10/12/16

I know several people who have experienced success with the lapband and not had any problems. My sister has had her band for 10+ years and lost over 100 pounds and has maintained the loss. Work with your health care team and be honest with yourself about your ability to be compliant with any surgery. I now have the band and I'm losing 10 pounds a month. I'm happy with this and knew going in my loses will be slower, which I wanted. Slow and steady. Banded 10/12/16

I make bone broth. It takes 12 hours in the crockpot. Search for Against the Grain in Pinterest. I believe she has recipes for a pressure cooker. It is super easy to make your own and costs less than 10.00 if you have to buy bones from your butcher. Banded 10/12/16

Does your surgeon's office have a dietician on staff? I went through a bariatric center of excellence and they give all WLS patients a book they created that includes a schedule of foods, ounces, etc. Banded 10/12/16

I had my second band fill this afternoon. I have a 10 cc band. My surgery was October 12. My first fill in November was 3 cc. Today I received another 2.5 cc. (5.5 cc total in my band). I'm on liquids for the next 24 hours so it will be tomorrow afternoon before I will know how slow my stomach pouch empties. I'm down 32.2 pounds. I'm happy with my slow and steady loss. 10 pounds a month is my goal. Banded 10/12/16

Surgeon put in 2.5 so now I'm at 5.5 cc. I'm down 32 pounds since October. Slow and steady is great with me. Banded 10/12/16

High five! Let me know how it went. Banded 10/12/16