Cindy C

That's funny, I do the exact same thing!

You shouldn't be eating because you're bored. That's part of what got you to this point in the first place. If you can't watch TV without snacking then you should probably turn the TV off and find something else to do.

Solid in, solid out. If you haven't eaten anything there's nothing to come out.

I went back in 6 days with a 25 pound lifting restriction for the first 2 weeks.

85 pounds in 3 months is a lot but you started at 369. The more you weigh, the faster the pounds fall off so I really don't think it's excessive. I don't look at pounds as much as percentages. You've lost about 23% of your starting weight. (at 3 months, I lost 18%) My opinion is, for what it's worth, as long as you feel good and are healthy, keep doing what you're doing!

In just 2 weeks? That's awesome! Good for you!

I work in a car dealership and so does my 21 year old son. Yesterday a customer came in, her husband had been my son's soccer coach when he was about 10. I asked her if she recognized Adam. She said, "yes, I knew who he was right away, it's YOU I didn't recognize!"

You might just have a little swelling. If your doctor is unavailable, put yourself back on liquids for a few days. Try drinking cold beverages. It will help reduce the swelling. If it isn't any better after 3 or 4 days go for an unfill. I'm sure your doctor will be available by then.

It's been 4 years and my insurance still pays 100% once my deductible and copays are met for the year. My doctor charges $110 for self pay patients.

4 years later and I still do!

Nothing better than smaller clothes! I started out at size 28/30 and am now a 10/12.

When you no longer feel hungry you are satisfied. Just eat slowly and chew well.

I ended up back in the hospital for dehydration 2 days after my surgery too. You just need to remind yourself to drink and you'll fine.

For those of you who are skipping breakfast because of a tight band, try having a protein shake. It's very important to successful weight loss. I call it my 30/30 rule. 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of getting up. It will keep you satisfied for hours. I get up at 6:00 everyday, protein shake is down by 6:30 and I'm at work by 7:30. I don't even think about food until noon or 1:00.

Excellent article! Thanks for sharing it with us!

Definitely! I need to drink coffee (or hot tea) in the morning to loosen my band!

My friends, family and co-workers knew I was considering it. Once I went for my evaluation and got a surgery date, I told everybody who would listen!! The support I got was tremendous. I had very few people who were negative about it. But then, anybody who knows me knows they might as well save their breath if they disagree with me! I'm not going to listen to them anyway!

The date. I would have gotten it 30 years ago!

I HATE looking at mine but I do it every single day. I keep a copy of it on my fridge as a reminder of what that big white box did to me in the first place!

I agree. Those who matter don't mind and those mind don't matter!

I told absolutely everybody that would listen. Friends, family, coworkers. I even told the guy at the pizza joint because I knew he wouldn't be seeing me anymore!!! Everyone was supportive....except the pizza guy. I was a "cash cow" for him! LOL!! The only person I didn't tell beforehand was my mother, but that was because she's elderly with health problems and I didn't want her worrying and I certainly didn't want her at the hospital. I told her after I got home. There are always going to be people with negative comments and judgmental attitudes but they are few. I find those are the ones who just don't understand. Use the opportunity to educate them. Even now, 4 years and 140 pounds later, I still have no qualms about telling anybody. I keep my before picture on my cell phone and show it to people....I don't particularly like looking at myself though!

I don't see why your doctor wouldn't give you a fill anytime you wanted one. You've had your band almost 4 years. You probably know what you need better than he does!

Shoes!!!!

It's because as the bubbles pop in your stomach it can cause your band to slip.

BCBS paid for my TT. I had to lose 100 pounds to qualify.