Lanakila

Shanny, I've found that I have to eat one or two bites and then stop eating for about 5 minutes. Once I do that I can eat more easily. I still eat small bites, and chew well, but taking those few minutes after the first couple of bites has really done the trick for me. You may also consider what you are eating. After each of my fills (8 now) I found new things that I could no longer eat. Breads, baked goods, Pasta and boiled eggs are among the things that I lost along the way. Lanakila

I'm on the slow track too. After about a zillion fills, I finally started to get restriction in March. Things got better, but the fill progress has been slow. I'm losing a steady 4-5 lbs a month, so at least I'm losing instead of gaining. Do not focus so much on how much volume you have in your band. It is likely that some of it is what primed your tubing so it is not part of the 10cc volume of the actual band. While trying to troubleshoot my slow loss I've found out 2 important things: 1. I eat way too many foods that aren't bulky. They aren't necessarily sliders or mushy, but they also aren't things that I have to chew more than a couple of times. This keeps me from feeling full! 2. Calories are calories no matter what kind they are. Calorie-wise there is no difference between Proteins and chocolate; 100 calories is 100 calories. The major choice I have to make is whether I want to spend those calories eating one chunk of chocolate or 6 bites of chicken. The chocolate is easier, but the chicken is more filling (see #1). I'm still learning every day Lanakila

My digestion is really noisy when I start eating. You can also hear drinks gurgling down, especially carbonated drinks. I also have to eat about two bites and then quit for about 5 minutes before I can eat the rest of my meal. My husband calls it my "warning bite" to let my band know that food is comin'!

Did you get that fill post-op, or is that the priming of your band that they put in at installation?

I finally managed to hit my Memorial Day goal this week, which is two weeks behind. Better late than never

Hi Chad! Congrats on your approval. I had the band installed on Thursday and was back behind my desk at NCSU on Monday. I couldn't carry alot of stuff for the first week, and jeans were completely out of the question 'cause of where Dr. Moran puts the port incision but, otherwise, it was a piece of cake. Lanakila

Hi! Congrats on your band! I seldom visit the boards anymore, but you are always welcome to email me. I'll PM you my address. Lanakila

I am 2.5# short of my Memorial Day goal, but I'm very pleased overall. I just started a new dance class and I'm pretty sure there will be some positive effects on both my weight and shape! Veterans Day is every day. On this, our Memorial Day, I specifically reflect on how grateful I am for those who have given their lives in service to our country. Despite my personal struggle with weight, I am ever so grateful that I live in a country so bountiful that this problem is possible.

Hi Chad and Welcome to the boards. I was banded by Dr. Moran and I love the office. He's always had big chairs in the waiting room and I think it is the kind of detail that makes you know you've chosen a good practice. Ask away! Lanakila

Deemed, I really cannot say too much to help you with your frustration. I think that you may be comparing yourself to others and have unrealistic expectations. It is not likely that a single fill is going to have much effect past the first couple of days. Not that everyone has to have more than one...but that thinking that only one should have done it already. Take a breath and enjoy the 20# that you've lost. The rest will come in time, and DO NOT compare your fills and weight loss to ANYONE else. Boykin, you hang in there. I'm nearly at the same point and level of frustration. I actually don't log on nearly as often as I used to just because looking at the other August All-Stars losses depresses me. Fortunately, I know which ones are following the pack with me and we have been able to cheer each other on without it sounding as superficial as it might from someone who is already in one-derland. I know that two of us email each other off of the boards where we can chat without others being able to judge or "over-cheer" us on. I know that sounds really ungrateful, but I'd imagine you know what I actually mean. Feel free to send me a personal email if you want to. Hwnscigirl1@yahoo.com

Hang in there sister! I didn't log last Friday for the very same reason. This week I've tried to do better by just eliminating two things from my recent "bad" eating habits; Cereal and scrambled eggs. I eat the nuts-n-twigs cereals for fibre but they go down too easily with the milk and such. I know that the eggs are great for Protein, but they are just too slidey for me. Two things...that's my goal for the week. We'll see what happens :mad2: Lanakila

I MUST stop eating smooshy foods or I will not make my Memorial Day goal!!!!!! I must concentrate on eating must-chew foods so that I'll stay full longer. There, I've said it for everyone to see so now I'm accountable to more than just myself.

I'm in! I'm going to count the increase in my total pounds lost. I'd like to see: Memorial Day: -40# This loss will put me at a 3-year low! 4th of July: -47# Seven pounds in just under six weeks...I can do that. Anniversary 8/28: -60# Thirteen pounds in eight weeks...I want that!!!!!! It has taken me forever to even get some restriction. My 7th fill was in the first week of March and finally things are on the move. Slowly but surely, I'm on my way! I've really never completely committed to serious exercise (anything more than walking) but I'm actually ready now. This challenge will help me stay motivated. Thanks tutornmom :thumbdown:

1. How many of these have occured in the last 3 years of your practice? "Open" procedures, slips, port flips or leaks, band removals. 2. What pain management protocols do you practice? If they will be prescribing you pain medications, will they give you the script before your surgery so that you will be ready? 3. How long will you have to go without: shower/bath, lifting children/groceries/pets, sex, work, toning exercises, swimming? 4. Has your financial department worked with my specific insurance company before and, if so, what complications can I anticipate? 5. Do you do fills under flouroscopy? Do you do all of your fills, or do you have a PA who also does them? 6. If you have to stay overnight, what time does your Dr. do rounds? You generally cannot be discharged until the Dr. does his rounds and leaves orders for your release. My Dr. did not typically do rounds until after all of his morning sx. I asked him to come up earlier so that I could be discharged earlier. He actually woke me up That's all I can think of at the moment.

Welcome Wanda! I was banded on the 28th of August last year and it has taken me 7 fills just to start movin' down. I'm not at the sweet spot yet...but it sure is better than ever :smile: