illuminationlady

That's wonderful! Your live in boyfriend sees you every day and it's hard to see weight loss that way (but he could say something once and a while). But your daughter doesn't see you every day so that was why she saw the difference. Congrats on your weight loss and keep up the great work!!!

Congrats!! That is a great feeling. I have been stuck in the 240s what seems like forever! I get my second fill Monday and thought I would have to wait until my 3rd or 4th fill to see the scale move again. But you give me hope!!!

Very helpful information. I really want restriction but do not want to be in the bathroom all the time either!!! Thanks for your post!

I worry about this also but I want restriction so badly that I will take anything. I started another thread posing this question: Does anyone struggle with restriction? This is probably what's happening to you. You are getting that true restriction and freaking out about it a little. I hope everything goes okay for you today. Let us know how you are. Best wishes!!

Sorry about your pain. My surgeon sent me home with a very large elastic band that wrapped completely around my midsection. I think you can buy them at the drug store. I wore that thing for two weeks and had hardly any problems. Best wishes!!!

Owning a scale makes you accountable. However, many on this board don't own one. My opinion is that you should own one. Just be nicer to yourself and promise to only weigh in on a certain day.

This is what I wanted to know! I do not want to feel like this! Currently I am in Bandster Hell seaking Retriction. But I want true restriction without all the stuff you're going through. I am sorry you are so discouraged. Hang in there! You will find you're sweet spot. Just don't give up and thanks for you're post!

Thanks to all who repied. I WANT restriction but I wanted to know if anyone out there struggles. I'm in Bandster Hell right now and wouldn't miss my next fill for the end of the world. However, I have a little birdie who keeps saying "you're fine the way you are", and "you don't need a fill, you're doing fine". Was just curious about the subject. Mind you, I'll be gettin' those fills....

I was just wondering....Is it better to have restriction or not? Sounds silly...right? Well, my husband, who has been supportive, wants me to just leave my band alone. He thinks that if I obtain restriction I will be miserable. He knows about getting "stuck" and PBing and is worried that's all I'll do when I get my fills to that sweet spot. How many of you struggle with restriction? I have met people who don't like restriction and wonder....

Be careful of slider foods such as the creamed soups and ice cream. They go down easy but don't have much protein and are high in calories!

Can't wait! Can't wait! Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait until I don't think about food constantly!

I got my first fill of 3ccs 4 weeks out. Now I will go every two weeks until I hit my sweet spot. Best wishes!

Getting banded for me was anticlimatic. I, too, was very excited and at first I had some restriction. After a while you can eat anything and that's where the let down was for me. I have had one fill and will get another one Feb. 8th. My weight has completely stalled and I lost quite a bit before surgery. Just hang in there and the swelling and scars will be gone before you know it. But don't be surprised if you don't lose anything for a while. I'm just glad I haven't gained anything as other on this site have.

I had the runs at first but has now stopped. It took about 6 weeks. You do not say when you were banded so I don't know if this is the same.

Growling doesn't mean hunger. It's hard to distinguish when we are hungry because of this. I grumble all the time and have trained myself to say that I'm not hungry. I think it's just part of being a band patient.

Glad to hear you are better. Just remember that it can take many fills to reach true restriction so don't get down if your fill doesn't last long.

I also only see the Physicians' Assistants. He has two. They are trained by him and very well versed in Lap Band. I figure that he does the surgery and that's his expertise and they handle patient care. I don't mind at all!

Yes, follow the link that Melinco suggests. There is also a Group under Social Groups. You can join us there too.

At most restaurants you can ask for half of your meal to be boxed up before it's served. I do this automatically when I order the food.

You sound very upset and if you are not "educated" about how the band works, this is understandable. I had my surgery Dec. 16th and have had one fill on an empty band. I struggle with "food" every day. I was upset at first and then realized that I must have restriction in order to forget about when my next meal is. You need to listen to the other posters about saving your money for fills. I was not self pay so I can imagine that you are more frustrated than I am. Can you find any support groups in your area? I am going to a support group meeting tonight. They help a lot. I have met many people who thought the same as you and then they found restriction. Many of those people are at goal. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck and take the advice given here to heart! Best wishes!!!

When you do finally get in set up your next two appointments right then and there.

See this concerns me...I'm going for my second fill a week from today. I got 3ccs in an empty 10cc band the first time. I have no restriction. I want her to put in 2 more ccs but am worried that I will feel like you guys do. I would call your doctor's office for advice. I know you are afraid they will take some out and you'll have no restriction but you should be able to at least eat something. Call your doctor....

So true!!! lol...Thanks for all the great suggestions guys. I really was stummped on this one. I tend to be very open...too open sometimes. Some of your suggestions made me chukle too. But some really great thoughts on the subject! Thanks for the reminder that I am doing well just by maintaining also. This site has been a tremendous support to me On the subject of educating people. I tell them the all about the fills, etc. and the next time I see them I have to repeat the whole thing. It gets old. It's not the focus of their lives so they need refresher courses each time I see them. And yet, the question still comes up...usually right away..."How much have you lost." Maybe if I was a little more forward and to the point, as one poster posted, about the subject they would stop....thoughts to ponder...

I am currently in Bandster Hell and awaiting restriction. I know I will get there but the scale isn't moving. The problem is my close family and friends always ask, "How much have you lost?" What do you all say when posed with this question? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I know the scale will move again and have come to terms with this but hate explaining about fills and restriction to people who don't understand what "band" life is like.

I only told my family and my best friend. I am in the same situation as the OP. Only 12 lbs lost. What do I say when people (who love me) ask, "How much have you lost? What do you all say? Any suggestions whould be greatly apprecitated.