imaluckydog

Yes, I can now eat about 3/4 cup of all foods. Cutting back is ok for me. If you go slow and chew well you will not throw up, take your time. Just remember if you want to be smaller those people eat a lot less than we do. I am really OK with less food and I feel so much better now. It is a journey. Do what is RIGHT for you and talk it over with your team of specialists. You can like you said get an un-fill too. Best wishes and NO WORRIES. Have a great day imaluckydog

I was in the same place a few months back. I had the same delima. I have had a total of three fills and I have refused the past two times as I am as full as I ever want to be. I was banded June 29th. It takes me forever to eat and Bread crispy and crusty are ok in very small amounts. Soft bread is a no go and has been from the start. Three fills did me in. I will toss the cookies if I eat too fast and do not chew well enough. I have learned well what I can and cannot eat. My last fill was just a very small amount and it was all I needed. I have taught myself the better eating habits and my weight has just fallen off and my energy has picked up. I must say I almost had some taken out but I just went slow for a few more days and everything settled down. I did feel deprived for a while but I got over it fast enough...You will know if you are tight enough that is for sure. It took a good 4 to 5 days after the 3rd fill to register and feel the tightness then I was like woops!!!! I had to slow down. I do not go back until Feb 22, I just pushed my next apt. out farther so I would not have to deal with it. I am hoping that by then I may need another. Your Dr. or NP will ask you questions and figure out if you need one a fill that is. I could have refused the third one but I figured a little would not hurt. I am Happy to say #3 has been fine for me. Best Wishes imaluckydog

Great blog as usual it made my day;-) Thanks imaluckydog

Best wishes take time to heal. imaluckydog

I was back to normal in about two weeks but I'm a baby and I needed extra time to heal myself. I did not have any pain in my throat. My recommendation popsicles and lots of water in between meals. Be kind to yourself it takes time.Best wishes imaluckydog

You are doing great. Best wishes and Happy New Year imaluckydog

I did not have a real pre op diet as I ended up having surgery earlier than expected. I have read that the pre diet is not that bad it is only a few days. This LB has really worked for me. I was not much of a believer before hand. I had a surgery before my LB too, so when the Dr. went in a second time he was excited to see how I had healed from the first surgery. Best wishes and I hope all works out as well for you as it has for me. Six months banded, 77 lost pound , my head is in a great place and I am skiing my first really big weight loss goal. imaluckydog

What I did on my winter vacation! It was a cold Blue Bird Day and I did it!! Dreams do come true thanks to LB and all the support from this site. See first picture. This is my family and the shadow in front is my husband taking the picture. I am second from the left light blue helmet and black oversized slimming outfit. See me second picture. If you can see my smile it is bigger than the mountain . I felt young again and have now accomplished my first really BIG GOAL. I better think of another one real quick. It will have to be to go skiing again next weekend. I just loved it and can’t wait to do it again. My husband said I better get a smaller outfit soon. LOL I am just going to wait for the sales. I have to Thank my LB friends and ALL the determination it took to get to me this point. I still have a long way to go. Maybe not that long. I have found my head is starting to catch up with the way I am feeling. I am enjoying more physical energy these days, no more food cravings to speak of, and I seem to be satisfied for the most part with my foods. I am enjoying a sense of calm I am not used too. I am still as full as I have ever been. I go back to Dr. Feb 22, 2010. Now that does seem like a long time away. It was my choice, I have had two Dr. visits and have refused two fills. I am hoping that if I wait a good while I may need a fill then and if not I will pass again. I am Happy and Bandlandia is agreeing with me for today. I am just about 40 pounds away from what I think will be a good weight for me. I am just going to keep doing what I have been doing as it seems to work for me. Best wishes to all the newbies I was banded on June 29,2009 lost 77 pounds and for the most part I have followed the rules, be kind to yourself it is an amazing remarkable joyous journey. imaluckydog PS Thanks BG Love You

What I did on my winter vacation! It was a cold Blue Bird Day and I did it!! Dreams do come true thanks to LB and all the support from this site. See first picture. This is my family and the shadow in front is my husband taking the picture. I am second from the left light blue helmet and black oversized slimming outfit. See me second picture. If you can see my smile it is bigger than the mountain . I felt young again and have now accomplished my first really BIG GOAL. I better think of another one real quick. It will have to be to go skiing again next weekend. I just loved it and can’t wait to do it again. My husband said I better get a smaller outfit soon. LOL I am just going to wait for the sales. I have to Thank my LB friends and ALL the determination it took to get to me this point. I still have a long way to go. Maybe not that long. I have found my head is starting to catch up with the way I am feeling. I am enjoying more physical energy these days, no more food cravings to speak of, and I seem to be satisfied for the most part with my foods. I am enjoying a sense of calm I am not used too. I am still as full as I have ever been. I go back to Dr. Feb 22, 2010. Now that does seem like a long time away. It was my choice, I have had two Dr. visits and have refused two fills. I am hoping that if I wait a good while I may need a fill then and if not I will pass again. I am Happy and Bandlandia is agreeing with me for today. I am just about 40 pounds away from what I think will be a good weight for me. I am just going to keep doing what I have been doing as it seems to work for me. Best wishes to all the newbies I was banded on June 29,2009 lost 77 pounds and for the most part I have followed the rules, be kind to yourself it is an amazing remarkable joyous journey. imaluckydog PS Thanks BG Love You

What I did on my winter vacation! It was a cold Blue Bird Day and I did it!! Dreams do come true thanks to LB and all the support from this site.  This is my family and the shadow in front is my husband taking the picture. I am second from the left light blue helmet and black oversized slimming outfit.  If you can see my smile it is bigger than the mountain . I felt young again and have now accomplished my first really BIG GOAL. I better think of another one real quick. It will have to be to go skiing again next weekend. I just loved it and can’t wait to do it again. My husband said I better get a smaller outfit soon. LOL I am just going to wait for the sales. I have to Thank my LB and ALL the determination it took to get to me this point. I still have a long way to go. Maybe not that long. I have found my head is starting to catch up with the way I am feeling. I am enjoying more physical energy these days, no more food cravings to speak of, and I seem to be satisfied for the most part with my foods. I am enjoying a sense of calm I am not used too. I am still as full as I have ever been. I go back to Dr. Feb 22, 2010. Now that does seem like a long time away. It was my choice, I have had two Dr. visits and have refused two fills. I am hoping that if I wait a good while I may need a fill then and if not I will pass again. I am Happy and Bandlandia is agreeing with me for today. I am just about 40 pounds away from what I think will be a good weight for me. I am just going to keep doing what I have been doing as it seems to work for me. Best wishes to all the newbies I was banded on June 29,2009 lost 77 pounds and for the most part I have followed the rules, be kind to yourself it is an amazing remarkable joyous journey. imaluckydog

What I did on my winter vacation! It was a cold Blue Bird Day and I did it!! Dreams do come true thanks to LB and all the support from this site.  This is my family and the shadow in front is my husband taking the picture. I am second from the left light blue helmet and black oversized slimming outfit.  If you can see my smile it is bigger than the mountain . I felt young again and have now accomplished my first really BIG GOAL. I better think of another one real quick. It will have to be to go skiing again next weekend. I just loved it and can’t wait to do it again. My husband said I better get a smaller outfit soon. LOL I am just going to wait for the sales. I have to Thank my LB and ALL the determination it took to get to me this point. I still have a long way to go. Maybe not that long. I have found my head is starting to catch up with the way I am feeling. I am enjoying more physical energy these days, no more food cravings to speak of, and I seem to be satisfied for the most part with my foods. I am enjoying a sense of calm I am not used too. I am still as full as I have ever been. I go back to Dr. Feb 22, 2010. Now that does seem like a long time away. It was my choice, I have had two Dr. visits and have refused two fills. I am hoping that if I wait a good while I may need a fill then and if not I will pass again. I am Happy and Bandlandia is agreeing with me for today. I am just about 40 pounds away from what I think will be a good weight for me. I am just going to keep doing what I have been doing as it seems to work for me. Best wishes to all the newbies I was banded on June 29,2009 lost 77 pounds and for the most part I have followed the rules, be kind to yourself it is an amazing remarkable joyous journey. imaluckydog

What I did on my winter vacation! It was a cold Blue Bird Day and I did it!! Dreams do come true thanks to LB and all the support from this site. This is my family and the shadow in front is my husband taking the picture. I am second from the left light blue helmet and black oversized slimming outfit.  If you can see my smile it is bigger than the mountain . I felt young again and have now accomplished my first really BIG GOAL. I better think of another one real quick. It will have to be to go skiing again next weekend. I just loved it and can’t wait to do it again. My husband said I better get a smaller outfit soon. LOL I am just going to wait for the sales. I have to Thank my LB and ALL the determination it took to get to me this point. I still have a long way to go. Maybe not that long. I have found my head is starting to catch up with the way I am feeling. I am enjoying more physical energy these days, no more food cravings to speak of, and I seem to be satisfied for the most part with my foods. I am enjoying a sense of calm I am not used too. I am still as full as I have ever been. I go back to Dr. Feb 22, 2010. Now that does seem like a long time away. It was my choice, I have had two Dr. visits and have refused two fills. I am hoping that if I wait a good while I may need a fill then and if not I will pass again. I am Happy and Bandlandia is agreeing with me for today. I am just about 40 pounds away from what I think will be a good weight for me. I am just going to keep doing what I have been doing as it seems to work for me. Best wishes to all the newbies I was banded on June 29,2009 lost 77 pounds and for the most part I have followed the rules, be kind to yourself it is an amazing remarkable joyous journey. imaluckydog

What I did on my winter vacation! It was a cold Blue Bird Day and I did it!! Dreams do come true thanks to LB and all the support from this site. This is my family and the shadow in front is my husband taking the picture. I am second from the left light blue helmet and black oversized slimming outfit. If you can see my smile it is bigger than the mountain . I felt young again and have now accomplished my first really BIG GOAL. I better think of another one real quick. It will have to be to go skiing again next weekend. I just loved it and can't wait to do it again. My husband said I better get a smaller outfit soon. LOL I am just going to wait for the sales. I have to Thank my LB and ALL the determination it took to get to me this point. I still have a long way to go. Maybe not that long. I have found my head is starting to catch up with the way I am feeling. I am enjoying more physical energy these days, no more food cravings to speak of, and I seem to be satisfied for the most part with my foods. I am enjoying a sense of calm I am not used too. I am still as full as I have ever been. I go back to Dr. Feb 22, 2010. Now that does seem like a long time away. It was my choice, I have had two Dr. visits and have refused two fills. I am hoping that if I wait a good while I may need a fill then and if not I will pass again. I am Happy and Bandlandia is agreeing with me for today. I am just about 40 pounds away from what I think will be a good weight for me. I am just going to keep doing what I have been doing as it seems to work for me. Best wishes to all the newbies I was banded on June 29,2009 lost 77 pounds and for the most part I have followed the rules, be kind to yourself it is an amazing remarkable joyous journey. imaluckydog

Happy New Year BG Great Blog thank you so much. H N Y to everyone of my LB friends, wishing you all the best in 2010. I am placing "ME" for sure on the top of my list this year, I have never done that before. This past year has been a great year. I am Back from Skiing and able to talk about it. I am still alive and well and did it with no problems. When I figure out how to post a picture I will. I had sooooo much fun. Best wishes to all and Happy New Year again love imaluckydog

Do this for yourself. I did not tell my Mom. I did not tell anyone except my husband and two adult children 20,and 21. My sister who had By pass surgery 9 years ago has been no help what so ever. I just do not want to answer all the questions. Let it go and do what you have to do to get yourself ready for this amazing journey. Best wishes to you and happy New Year. imaluckydog

Dreams Can Come TURE..... On the 1,2,3,4,5th,6,7,8,9,....12th.....Day of Christmas I was just wondering if my dreams will come true? I have been so good, so willing, almost too good these last six months as my Bandlandia roller coaster has changed my entire life. Full of Emotional ups and downs, Full of Happy and Sad Sad Sad moments, Tranquillity and Frustration to say a few. But mostly JOY, JOY, JOY to the WORLD!!! The CALMNESS is probably the most profound FEELING of all for me I have never been a calm person, I am NOW.....I am at PEACE....with my being... 
I just want to SING out loud and clear for all to hear! OK, yes it has been a challenging some what difficult 6 months, but look how fast these days and months have gone by!!! You can do this!!!!!! I do remember sitting in the psychology group classes before LB and having to think of the one real, THE REAL reason I wanted to lose the weight? LOL does anyone have a REAL REASON? OMG I thought my psychologist was a quack!!! He said in six months there will be some REAL changes. I did not believe him then, I do NOW. I’m going to send him a picture of me skiing. It had to be SKIING. I wanted to go skiing with my family again. I have not done that since they were two years old and I have missed out on all these years of Family FUN on the Mountain. The kids are now 21 and 20!!! I know you are thinking SKIING she is nuts and out of her mind!!!!! You may say, I can think out a million and one more reasons to lose the weight before I go skiing that is for sure!! YES, I must say I have many more reasons too keep losing as well. But the one I felt I could accomplish in 6 months had to be SKIING. It is WINTER in VERMONT with snow I can cross country ski, sled, walk, NOPE I have to go Down Hill skiing with the FAM. My kids have both been to the Junior Olympics they do the BIG AIR and Moguls events. I always had to wait at the bottom because I could not get my over 250 pound out of shape, Fat body to function on skis without killing myself. I could only watch video of theirs runs. I am going SKIING this week! Got the boots, skis, poles, helmet, goggles, an out fit that is a little too big, but hey this is not a FASHION SHOW yet I said yet it may be soon!!! I just want to go skiing. I want to have FUN with my family again together. I do not care how I look yet I just want to be comfortable doing it. My son’s GF and I will take a lesson together that will be FUN. I do know how to ski but to help her ease into it and to refresh my spirit and soul again I am also doing this for me too. It has never been about the numbers but I do think about it a lot. I must let everyone know that I have lost another 9 pounds and a total of 77 pounds since June 29 when my Bandlandia adventure began. I do not own a scale but I dream about being on one everyday. I now wear a teen size and I have been called skinny. I am not SKINNY believe me!!!! When you lose this much weight people see you differently than you see yourself. Car is almost packed so I will say goodbye, I will be back in a week and will fill you all in on my Wild and Crazy Adventures. I’m going Skiing. LB has changed my life and thanks to all me LB friends who have helped and coached me along the way I would not be doing this without you, you will be with me every inch of the way. I’ll be back soon. DREAMS DO COME TRUE!! imaluckydog

Dreams Can Come TURE..... On the 1,2,3,4,5th,6,7,8,9,....12th.....Day of Christmas I was just wondering if my dreams will come true? I have been so good, so willing, almost too good these last six months as my Bandlandia roller coaster has changed my entire life. Full of Emotional ups and downs, Full of Happy and Sad Sad Sad moments, Tranquillity and Frustration to say a few. But mostly JOY, JOY, JOY to the WORLD!!! The CALMNESS is probably the most profound FEELING of all for me I have never been a calm person, I am NOW.....I am at PEACE....with my being... 
I just want to SING out loud and clear for all to hear! OK, yes it has been a challenging some what difficult 6 months, but look how fast these days and months have gone by!!! You can do this!!!!!! I do remember sitting in the psychology group classes before LB and having to think of the one real, THE REAL reason I wanted to lose the weight? LOL does anyone have a REAL REASON? OMG I thought my psychologist was a quack!!! He said in six months there will be some REAL changes. I did not believe him then, I do NOW. I’m going to send him a picture of me skiing. It had to be SKIING. I wanted to go skiing with my family again. I have not done that since they were two years old and I have missed out on all these years of Family FUN on the Mountain. The kids are now 21 and 20!!! I know you are thinking SKIING she is nuts and out of her mind!!!!! You may say, I can think out a million and one more reasons to lose the weight before I go skiing that is for sure!! YES, I must say I have many more reasons too keep losing as well. But the one I felt I could accomplish in 6 months had to be SKIING. It is WINTER in VERMONT with snow I can cross country ski, sled, walk, NOPE I have to go Down Hill skiing with the FAM. My kids have both been to the Junior Olympics they do the BIG AIR and Moguls events. I always had to wait at the bottom because I could not get my over 250 pound out of shape, Fat body to function on skis without killing myself. I could only watch video of theirs runs. I am going SKIING this week! Got the boots, skis, poles, helmet, goggles, an out fit that is a little too big, but hey this is not a FASHION SHOW yet I said yet it may be soon!!! I just want to go skiing. I want to have FUN with my family again together. I do not care how I look yet I just want to be comfortable doing it. My son’s GF and I will take a lesson together that will be FUN. I do know how to ski but to help her ease into it and to refresh my spirit and soul again I am also doing this for me too. It has never been about the numbers but I do think about it a lot. I must let everyone know that I have lost another 9 pounds and a total of 77 pounds since June 29 when my Bandlandia adventure began. I do not own a scale but I dream about being on one everyday. I now wear a teen size and I have been called skinny. I am not SKINNY believe me!!!! When you lose this much weight people see you differently than you see yourself. Car is almost packed so I will say goodbye, I will be back in a week and will fill you all in on my Wild and Crazy Adventures. I’m going Skiing. LB has changed my life and thanks to all me LB friends who have helped and coached me along the way I would not be doing this without you, you will be with me every inch of the way. I’ll be back soon. DREAMS DO COME TRUE!! imaluckydog

Yes, you can do this!! My tastes totally changed after being banded. I do not snack either any more, I just stopped. You can do it!!!! Best wishes. imaluckydog

Hi BG, You are the best. Have a great Christmas. It is all about family and friends. Thanks for being one of mine. I have been busy planning food, food, and more food. I end up being the food person. Funny I can't eat much of it, but I sure can Cook!!!!! Working on a blog I just have not finished it yet. All is well in Bandlandia. Best Wishes to everyone and Happy Happy New Year. imaluckydog

I love your energy and get up and go attitude. I always feel the same way. I would really like to make the Pecan Butter Ball recipe. Will you share the recipe? Great Blog and keep it up we are on the most amazing journey. I am also so tight I did not get another fill today. I will not go back for about 8 weeks now. I hope I will do well. Blogging really helps me so much. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes in the Holiday season. imaluckydog

Best wishes I hope everything works out for your family. They are the most important people in my life. I would not be able to do this if I did not have their support. I will keep you in my thoughts. Happy, Healthy, Holiday season to you and yours. imaluckydog

Hi, I too have been somewhat grieving for the fat bitch but she is gone. I look normal. My family says "you look normal now" I just never knew what normal felt like or looked like. I also have that calmness I never had that before. Is it the band or the fact we have to eat so much less? Maybe it is the healthy foods I must eat? I am perpetually happy all the time, wake up with a smile go to bed with a smile. Like in "ELF" I like Smiling, Smiling is my Favorite. Best wishes and have a great day. imaluckydog

You are doing great keep it up. Happy Holidays and Best wishes. imaluckydog

Hi, I'm a BITCH a female dog. I do not even know where to find the mens chat room, I do the self talk just like you and by the way it is healthy to do this kind of blogging. Keeps my paws out of the cookie jar. I answer all the same questions as you did. I just want to say that what ever you say here my help others "lose" weight, or it my NOT. If you have to lose as much as I do I know I will have "loose skin" I will deal with it when the time comes! I have been banded for five and half months and many day's I feel like "the bitter bandster". Enjoy where you are it is an amazing journey and I miss, truly miss eating the amounts of food I use to. That is when I get bitter. But the fact I have dropped five sizes and over 68 pounds in five and half months is also truly amazing. Being Banded has changed my life in such a healthy way. I must eat slower and chew, chew, chew to beat the band. Playing well with my band is probably the most important thing I have learned on this journey. May your gift to yourself be just as satisfying. Best wishes. imaluckydog

Wow now that is a lot on your plate at once. STRESS makes me sick, my band gets tighter and that is the worst feeling. I am not sure why stress does that to me. A little argument and I cannot eat I need total relaxation at a meal or I have to starve and go eat alone some place. I went out to dinner the other night the band was loud and it was stressful I could not eat ended bring the entire meal home. It sucked. I am sorry about the loss of Man's best friend, this is a sad time. You will need time to morn the loss of your pet. So not fun!!!! I hope your second fill goes better. I do remember my first was a bummer and the second one was a breeze. I am sure it will go well for you. Best wishes imaluckydog