Bree99

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!

Hi, I was banded in mid-Jan. of this year and have lost 83 pounds so far. I will have lost 100 or more by the end of the year. I use HRT as well and have lost weight faster than most people in my surgeon's practice. This will not be a factor. Start walking now and don't stop. Being banded is life changing and wonderful.

I have an 11cc Realize band with 10cc fill currently and I think I will have another small fill.

My first fill was one month out.

Thank you all for your advice and encouragement. I do walk for exercise and have been increasing intensity lately. I am ready to go on.

Hi everyone, I've been hovering around 203/204 for two weeks and really want to push on under 200. I would appreciate any suggestions for getting there as soon as possible. I think I have had some mental hesitancy about meeting that next goal. I don't really understand it but it's true. But I am going forward. How did you get under 200? Did you slide past it easily or struggle?

Try Special K protein water mix. Each pouch mixes with a bottle of water and give you 5c, 5g of protein and 5g of fiber. I use it every day.

I am filled 10cc out of 11cc and the only food I avoid is pancakes. I tried a bite two times and was sorry. I gave up bread when I was banded in hopes of losing faster but I eat crackers with no problem. I think I could eat most breads but would worry about soft breads. Small bites and chewing work!

Sitting doesn't bother me but lying in bed at night (I'm a side sleeper) my knees hurt terribly! And my dh now says my bones hurt him!

Hi, I love icecream too and would do better to avoid it. I don't buy it and keep it in the house, but I do drive through McDonald's too often for one of their 150c cones. I'll join you until Monday!

I don't avoid sugar completely and was not told to. Of course you must use it in moderation. I use Equal and Splenda normally but occasionally have a dessert with real sugar.

I just spent three weeks at 6000' and higher in the mountains and noticed no difference what so ever.

I always buy fruit, usually apples and strawberries. I like Hungry Cow cheeses and baked crackers. I buy pork tenderloin and thinly sliced ham, also canned tuna and chicken for lunches. I use a lot of eggs and turkey bacon. I keep Special K protein water mixes and use them daily. All veggies are good!

In our surgery prep we were told that many people feel sad after surgery. It is common, but if it lasts more than two weeks you should tell your surgeon. Post surgery is a little anti-climatic for everyone. Try to focus on the very bright future ahead of you! You have taken an amazing step into your new life.

Don't feel guilty, just take care of yourself, rest and keep walking. The gas pains will stop before long. You will love your band. I have told very few people and am glad of it. When you see your friends and family again, they won't believe their eyes!

I have always lost weight rapidly for a few days after a fill. Add some more protein to your diet and you will be less hungry in the day.

I was directed to take 2 chewable multivitamins per day plus two Viactiv calcium chews (yum), vitamin D per my gyno. and glucosamine/chond. for joints. I also take Dr. Andrew Lessman's Hair,Skin and Nails vitamins and have had no hair problems.

I don't know when the fear of failure will go away, if ever. I am six months out and it still haunts me. BUT I am not failing. I am succeeding. I have yet to fully test the limits of my band but I know this is the best decision I have made in a long time. Life is so much better post band!

My surgeon did not require a pre-op diet and in the entire education program (pre-op) no mention was made of a fatty liver or the need to shrink the liver. My surgery was performed at a Center of Excellence. I really wonder if this is a boogie man doctors use to test patients' compliance.

Your port will not interfere with sex at all. Mine is invisible and not that easy to feel. Don't worry!

I found that after surgery my taste changed and the protein shakes I liked before were too thick and sweet to suit me. I used Special K protein water mixes every day and still do. They give you 5g of protein and 5g of fiber in every bottle of water and are easy to drink when other things may not be at first.

Yes, you should be able to live a normal existance, just not eat as much. I am able to eat anything if I chew well and I have never vomited. I am losing weight regularly and enjoying life. The band must be adjusted properly and that is different for each person.

Everyone has nerves but the band really works. I've lost 74 pounds in 6 months and feel and look much better. I have confidence and peace of mind that I will succeed now and in the future. Life is so much easier now. Do your homework and congrats. You are on your way to a new life.

I often get hiccups when I have the first bite of meat. Other things don't cause them much. They can be embarassing and annoying. They usually don't last over 3 minutes, then pass.

I have been surprised at what looks worse. I expected loose skin on my stomach and so far there is none but my upper arms look like hell and I didn't expect that. My upper thighs look bad too. So, thus far I'd go with having my upper arms and thighs done.