Enchanted

I definitely relate and I have a theory.... At higher weights, I was more comfortable because I wasn't looking. I wasn't paying as much attention to what was going on with my body. Now that I'm losing, I'm checking out my body, looking at all of its different parts, figuring it all out. I'm looking. And in looking, there is discomfort. That's my theory, anyway.

Cottage cheese, canned tuna, fresh salmon, greek yogurt, chicken breast in the food processor - all of these items are low carb, big on Protein and easy to chew. xo

Pills sticking is a common problem. If you can, take them later in the day. Another thing to try is making sure you lots of lubrication going on - try drinking a cup of hot tea before you take the pills.

We always had amazing sex. We noticed it was better when we lost weight. But I don't think we knew exactly how much better it had gotten until we both regained some weight. We're losing again - we want that back!

I have had LOT of trouble finding my "sweet spot." If 7cc isn't enough...and 7.1cc is too much, they can split the difference...and then, if that isn't right, they can split it again. My last fill was "just a couple of drops" and it has seriously made all of the difference. I think the biggest thing is a willingness to hang in there and keep going to the doctor. The other thing is - if you are eating too many carbs, they can make you feel more hungry, and that makes it difficult to tell if the band is working.

After getting stuck, I always assume there must be some swelling...and that means a day of liquids, a day of soft foods, and then back to regular diet. It seems logical that once you're stuck once, you're vulnerable for another episode if there's swelling. That's me, anyway.

For me, being properly filled means that I am not "grazing" for food. No between meals hunger and I rarely get to the point of STARVING even if I've gone too long without eating.

Nice going, Lolly. Isn't it such a good feeling when you hear that your clothes are too big for you?

I hope you're feeling better. Did you call your doctor?

Yep...like everyone else said, if you're losing and you're not hungry all of the time - wait on the fill. Remember to eat your Protein first and then the carbs. xo

It's a balancing act with the fill / unfill thing. My doc tells me some people go back and forth for months before finding the perfect spot - and I am definitely evidence of that. It's frustrating, but nothing is "wrong." Just hang in there, keep your appointments, and you'll find the spot.

I get away from the kitchen when head hunger is messing with me. I'll go upstairs - take a bath, paint my nails, read a magazine - basically, find another way to take care of myself other than with food.

Woooo! Glad you got your date and are feeling motivated! xo

I lost really well in the beginning and then stopped losing. And then started making really crappy food choices and gained some. Some. And that's why the band for me. Not only does it help me lose weight when I'm doing really well and right on track (like now), but it also helped keep me from gaining back weight very quickly when I was not doing as well. No matter which surgical option you choose, what you put into your mouth is your choice. Eat the wrong foods, eat too much food, and you're not going to do as well. Seriously, if you can lose and maintain without surgery - do that. But I couldn't even after trying a zillion times.

Definitely call your surgeon's office. There's a lot of time between now and next Friday. Maybe you can be well on the mend before then!

This is exactly right.

Yaay!!!! Excited for you!

One day at at time. Good for you for hanging in there.

How did you make out? One of the things I overheard once at my surgeon's office is that if you're approved by insurance and then don't do the surgery within a specific period of time, that you may have to go through a re-approval process. I have a feeling you want to wait until January because that's when the holidays are over and you want to "enjoy" them. If that's the case, please think about how much you will be enjoying the holidays if you are losing weight and feeling wonderfully through them. Let us know how you are, ok?

Thing is....there are foods you will have to give up and that can be hard. Saying goodbye to old "friends" is never easy. But...when I gave up rice and pasta, I gained self-esteem. When I gave up french fries, I gained my health. There are trade-offs. I think most people with the band would say that the trades have been good ones.

Such an exciting time for you!!

I'm sure it depends on how high it is. Low carbing it for a couple of weeks should help. Byetta helped lower mine in a fast hurry a year or so before my surgery (made me kinda barfy feeling, too, though). Before my endoscope, my blood glucose level was a tiny bit high. The doctor insisted on insulin - I'd never had it before. The nurses were all very surprised. It would be a shame if this slows down your surgery since the surgery will help with the problem. Hopefully, your endo will have solutions. xo

Hi Girl....you're a week post-op. Many people immediately post-op have said exactly what you're saying. Surgery is hard and anesthesia can cause symptoms of depression. Talk with you doctor. Consider consulting with a therapist. Read about what others new to the band have experienced - you are not alone. I think you'll change your mind, but if you don't - do it after you are well-healed and well-informed. Best of luck to you. xoxo

Since having the band, I have had very few days when I'm STARVING. Nearly all of those were around six weeks after surgery - when the swelling was down, but the band wasn't filled enough for even a little restriction. My doc always said that if you're starving and have to have something...have another shake. The shakes I'm on are around 115-125 calories each. Experiences vary. We're all going to have our own stories to tell. Mostly, though, we have all had positive outcomes.

Ah...I get it now. So...on soft foods, I ate tuna...lots of tuna. I was allowed to mix with 1T of mayo. I was allowed 3 ounces of meat and 6 ounces of veg if desired. Salmon is another option that worked well for me. No potatoes or other starches. While pre-op, a friend suggested that I try eating as if I was banded to see if that would work. Totally not realistic for me. I'm glad it's working for you!