Bree99

I am 3 years out and if I am having soup or other liquids and lean forward, I gurgle. I don't like it either. It happens when I lie down at night too.

I have arthritis in my knees and I discussed that I use nsaids when I have flare ups with my doctor before surgery. He has no problem with me using them for flares, even for weeks at a time. I do try to use them only when I really need them.

A doctor I saw wanted six thousand dollars for the surgery.

Beautiful! Great job!

I am 13 months post op and my physical hunger has never returned and I don't believe it will. My surgeon says this is rare but can happen. At first I thought this was an unmitigated benefit. I still think it is a benefit over-all but sometimes I think getting hungry would put me in touch with my body more. I eat three meals and about 2 snacks a day and I still struggle with head hunger. I think I always will. At least I have a tool to work with now.

I have been banded for 13 months now and am very grateful that I am. My life is changed in many ways, all positive. I am not to goal yet, but I'll get there. This was an option that allows me control and a normal body, inside and out.

Hi everyone, I am down 84 pounds since mid-January but have set myself a personal goal of losing at least 100 pounds by December 31st. I would love some company and a place to check in daily to talk about my triumphs and trials through the next 12 weeks. Would anyone like to join me and set a personal goal and share the thrill of meeting it and getting the new year off to a thinner and healthier start? If so, post your goal and check back regularly!

You are right, this is the biggest struggle of all. Visiting this site helps, keeping a journal helps, exercise really helps. Write down your hopes, dreams and goals and keep tabs on your progress. Learn to recognize your triggers and try to avoid them and when it is impossible, have a couple of less destructive ways to sooth yourself ready to implement.

Hi, Just checking in on Monday. I lost 1/2 pound this week but think I will lose more tomorrow. I see my surgeon on Wed. and believe I will have lost 5 pounds in the last month. I'm trying to add in some extra walking to meet my end of the year goals. Are you using any particular strategies to meet your goal??

I am interested in this surgery and would appreciate LOTS of pictures. What is your pain level and mobility like? Where are your scars and how long are they? Were you given options for the type and lenght of the scars? I would really appreciate any information you can pass on.

I had throid cancer and so have no thyroid at all now. I use synthroid everyday. My loss has been great, 86 pounds in about 9 months. I am still losing at about a pound a week. I have not found that the thyroid problem has slowed my down at all. However you must exercise.

I lost at least 12 pounds a month for the first 5 months and my surgeon was thrilled. After that point my rate of loss slowed but has not stopped. My doctor has never based my fills on my amount of weight loss but on how I feel and whether I think a fill will be beneficial. My doc says I'm in the 90th percentile with my rate of loss and we are both happy. I started at 286.

Congratulations Angera and everyone else! I had a successful week losing a pound. Keep working, it is so worth it!

I am 9 months out, 86 pounds down. 5 sizes down in jeans. I can eat anything, but gave up bread during this weight loss phase. I am very satisfied with my food and feel like I have a normal relationship to food for the first time in many years. It is amazing.

I do eat icecream but it is a treat. I don't keep it at home. That would be courting trouble. I have found that McDonald's vanilla cone is only 150 calories and that is easy to work into my calorie budget.

Cheri, I understand what you mean about emotional eating. What are the most effective strategies you use to divert yourself from eating when you are not hungry?

I have experienced many viscious comments as a fat person and witnessed even more thoughtless statements about weight and appearance. Once at a concert I was seated behind two attractive young men. A young woman who was overweight came down the aisle. She was attractive and well dressed. One man looked at the other in disgust and said, "someday it will be against the law for people like that to be in public." He was completely serious. I was appalled and being fat myself just shrunk inside. Pop psychologist, Dr. Phil tells people to seperate their self worth from thier body image-- but that is close to impossible in this culture. I don't know why people are so cruel.

I never ate any baby food. For mushies I ate soups, eggs made many ways, mashed potatos, sweet potatos, oatmeal, tuna salad, fat free refried beans and cheese, etc... Finally my surgeon pointed out that almost any food is a mushie if chewed well and that I should only avoid anything very crispy.

Everyone is welcome! The more the merrier! Let's lose together. I actually was down a pound this morning! Happy dance!

Happy Monday, I found my weight has not changed this week. I hope some of you had better results.

You don't lose weight just because of fills. When you find a level of restriction you are comfortable at you might stay there for years- and still lose and then maintain. It is time to start walking. Start with 15 minutes a day and go slowly. You will feel better within a week, I promise. Get a friend to go with you. Your weight loss will steadier and you will be more confident in reaching your goals.

Excellent points all! We have rules for a reason, failing to follow them is a slippery slope that can lead you right back where you were-- and who wants to go there?!

Lakegirl, You will find that restriction varies day to day and even morning to evening. It's a common thing.

Shelly, A Monday weigh in sounds great! I discoved I was down a pound this morning!! Good luck everyone.