1019Joanne

I have the Realize band also - I had pain for about two months in my port area - however it lessened as the weeks went on. I dont know if you had one incision surgery, or multiple incisions, but also remember that just nine days out, you have so much healing going on in there. Hang in there - it does get better!

Every single person loses weight at a different rate....use this forum to refocus, and get back on track. This is a journey, not a quick trip, and we have ALL had this surgery for a reason - because we needed to take back control of our bodies! Keep a food diary (and be honest in it!) make take to exercise (even if you go up and down your stairs 20 times every day) and take back the control. You can do this - and we are all here to help you!

I have a scale, and I seem to go through cycles where I weigh myself several times a day, and then forgetting for a few days. I think if you have a scale, it just gives you more insight into how the band/diet is working for you. Best wishes to you all!

Welcome back - you have been through so much, and you STILL have lost weight! That is amazing! Hang in there!

that is amazing! Congratulations!

I have had 2 fills since I was banded on 10/19, and I certainly have found what restriction means to me! I started this journey at 277lbs and the scale this morning said 237, so I know the numbers are headed in the right direction. I have so say that although I have a hard time seeing the difference, my friends, family and co-workers tell me every time they see me how great I look. That makes me know this decision was the right one for me. Good Luck, October Bandsters! We are all on our way to our new and improved selves! :wink:

Best Wishes in your new "home"....I cannot wait to keep up on your adventures!

Hi Joanne, I am Joanne, too! I was banded just about a month before you, and had my first fill 6 weeks after surgery, and a second fill 4 weeks after that. I think you are doing great - losing weight is what we are all here for! Hang in there! I wish you the best!

I had my second fill in my band last Wednesday, and I have to say I am now the noisiest girl on the block! No matter what I eat or drink, it seems to bring loud gas bubbles up from my stomach that rivals any beer drinker! I have again started taking Gas-X after lunch, since I cannot imagine what my co-workers are thinking....but I cannot help but wonder....where is the mute button on this band! On the other hand....I am down 45 lbs since I began this journey - down two pant sizes, and two shirt sizes. I cannot tell you how nice it is to try on clothes TWO full sizes down from where I was.....I really look forward to shopping!

I had my second fill in my band last Wednesday, and I have to say I am now the noisiest girl on the block! No matter what I eat or drink, it seems to bring loud gas bubbles up from my stomach that rivals any beer drinker! I have again started taking Gas-X after lunch, since I cannot imagine what my co-workers are thinking....but I cannot help but wonder....where is the mute button on this band! On the other hand....I am down 45 lbs since I began this journey - down two pant sizes, and two shirt sizes. I cannot tell you how nice it is to try on clothes TWO full sizes down from where I was.....I really look forward to shopping!

unfortunately, you are in whats called "bandster hell" where you have the band, but there is nothing (or little) fluid in there, and you have no restriction as of yet. Hang in there! Once you start your fills, the restriction in the band will help you feel more satisfied sooner during meals. You are both doing great! Keep up the great work!

Merry Christmas to you, and your family!

Happy Anniversary - and congratulations on your weight loss! You are an inspiration!

This journey back to health means so much to me...sometimes, it's hard to find the words. I am seven weeks post-op, and 6 days out from my first fill. This past week has been an eye-opener....was my fill too much, why could I not swallow, OMG what can I eat, and at one low point, what have I done? However, I am learning so much about myself, too..... I am not a quitter, I can follow this diet, I will succeed, and I will put down my fork when I am full. I do not have to eat everything on my plate....I do not have to try everything in front of me, and most importantly, I am starting to see just where 30+ lbs have left my body. Today was a pretty normal day.... my youngest left for school, I took the dog for a walk, and then got myself ready for work.....worked and came home....had some errands to run, and let me daughter drive (she has had her license for a week) and off we went....just a normal routine for a busy mom. Arrived back home, and thought as we pulled into the driveway "whew - time for a sugar free jello, and then some relaxation..".....however.....as my daughter parked the car, I guess she did not put it into park, and as I was headed to the door, I looked over my shoulder and witnesed my car, rolling down the driveway and headed directly toward a tree. Oh yes....it hit the tree, and with quick an impressive thump, too. My daughter, meanwhile, was screaming at me to do something.....and what could I do? I walked over to the car, afraid to look at the backend, and peered at the trunk.....all the while envisioning the tree trunk embedded smack dab in the middle, but, lo and behold, no dents in sight. So, I carefully got in the car, and pulled it forward, got out and looked again....no significant damage to the car, just a small scratch on the bumper. The tree, however, has a more impressive mark on the trunk, but it is still standing upright. I have to remember that if this is the worst accident my daughter ever has, then she is a lucky girl, and I am a lucky mom. So, here is to living and learning, and taking something with me from that lesson....gratitude, happiness, and the ability to put down my fork.

This journey back to health means so much to me...sometimes, it's hard to find the words. I am seven weeks post-op, and 6 days out from my first fill. This past week has been an eye-opener....was my fill too much, why could I not swallow, OMG what can I eat, and at one low point, what have I done? However, I am learning so much about myself, too..... I am not a quitter, I can follow this diet, I will succeed, and I will put down my fork when I am full. I do not have to eat everything on my plate....I do not have to try everything in front of me, and most importantly, I am starting to see just where 30+ lbs have left my body. Today was a pretty normal day.... my youngest left for school, I took the dog for a walk, and then got myself ready for work.....worked and came home....had some errands to run, and let me daughter drive (she has had her license for a week) and off we went....just a normal routine for a busy mom. Arrived back home, and thought as we pulled into the driveway "whew - time for a sugar free jello, and then some relaxation..".....however.....as my daughter parked the car, I guess she did not put it into park, and as I was headed to the door, I looked over my shoulder and witnesed my car, rolling down the driveway and headed directly toward a tree. Oh yes....it hit the tree, and with quick an impressive thump, too. My daughter, meanwhile, was screaming at me to do something.....and what could I do? I walked over to the car, afraid to look at the backend, and peered at the trunk.....all the while envisioning the tree trunk embedded smack dab in the middle, but, lo and behold, no dents in sight. So, I carefully got in the car, and pulled it forward, got out and looked again....no significant damage to the car, just a small scratch on the bumper. The tree, however, has a more impressive mark on the trunk, but it is still standing upright. I have to remember that if this is the worst accident my daughter ever has, then she is a lucky girl, and I am a lucky mom. So, here is to living and learning, and taking something with me from that lesson....gratitude, happiness, and the ability to put down my fork.

isn't it just amazing what one fill can do? I had my first fill last Wednesday, and I am 8 lbs down! I now know when enough is enough, and when I have to put the fork down. Congratulations on your success! I am so proud of you!

wishing you all the best! I had my surgery 7 weeks ago, and this site has helped me get through it all! Congratulations on making this change for yourself!

Today I am six weeks and two days post op....and today was the BIG day! I was ready for my first fill! My weight loss has stalled....hanging tough at 30 lbs since my journey began, and I am ready to get back on track and start losing again. The office was packed when I got there, and I was so happy to see a familiar face - my friend "Dan" who had been through all of my pre-op classes with me - he was in for his two week check up, and he looks great! Finally, it was my turn....and I hopped on that scale (after shedding my shoes, of course!) and there is was....30 lbs down...and I really am very proud of losing those first 30. Quite a milestone for me. Finally, in the room, and able to chat with my doc - have to say, I think this is one of the nicest people on the planet. Even tho the place was sooo busy, I did not feel rushed, or as if he was too busy to talk to me, and take his time with me. Next thing I knew, I was sitting back up, and my fill was over! No drama, no pain, just done! I drank some water, and felt pretty full after a couple of sips....and off I went. Back for another recheck in January! Tonight, I feel very full...not sure if this is "normal" or not. Still on liquids today...tomorrow I move to pureed ....Friday is soft food, and Saturday back to real food. I am ready to start this next step of the journey!

Today I am six weeks and two days post op....and today was the BIG day! I was ready for my first fill! My weight loss has stalled....hanging tough at 30 lbs since my journey began, and I am ready to get back on track and start losing again. The office was packed when I got there, and I was so happy to see a familiar face - my friend "Dan" who had been through all of my pre-op classes with me - he was in for his two week check up, and he looks great! Finally, it was my turn....and I hopped on that scale (after shedding my shoes, of course!) and there is was....30 lbs down...and I really am very proud of losing those first 30. Quite a milestone for me. Finally, in the room, and able to chat with my doc - have to say, I think this is one of the nicest people on the planet. Even tho the place was sooo busy, I did not feel rushed, or as if he was too busy to talk to me, and take his time with me. Next thing I knew, I was sitting back up, and my fill was over! No drama, no pain, just done! I drank some water, and felt pretty full after a couple of sips....and off I went. Back for another recheck in January! Tonight, I feel very full...not sure if this is "normal" or not. Still on liquids today...tomorrow I move to pureed ....Friday is soft food, and Saturday back to real food. I am ready to start this next step of the journey!

rest well, and heal well! I am cheering you on!

Hang in there....the week just prior to surgery is the hardest to get through! The journey we are all on is not a smoothly paved road - there are curves, and hills, and traffic signals, etc.....and the support system on this space will be there for you every step of the way. So, enjoy your Thanksgiving meal with your family, and know that you will be in my thoughts as your surgery approaches! Joanne

Congratulations! I am so happy for you, and so proud of your accomplishment! Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi Eileen - we all know that women are MEAN - don't let it get you down! You have lost 42lbs! OMG - 42! That is amazing! You are the better person for sticking it out, and being there. Just think, by the time the Christmas holidays come along, you will be even thinner. I am in Connecticut, too....and it's not that big a state, if you need a shoulder to lean on! Joanne

not sure if the hands above my head worked, or if it was all in my brain, but remember when you were a kid, and something went down the wrong "pipe"?? My mom always said to put your hands up, since it opens up the airway, and I thought it might help with this too... Today I am feeling much better - thanks for the kind words - although I have sent myself back to mushie food! I think a day or two of mushies will set my mind at ease! I, too, had been very scared of the stuck feeling, and sliming....however, I lived thru it. It was not the worst thing that has even happened to me.....and here is to hoping it never happens again! Best wishes to you both!

Congratulations, and best wishes! This is the start of a whole new life!