sarai

I love that I can come here and read the posts and feel better because so many people are going through exactly the same things. I WAS afraid that I was the only one having a hard time with this, the only one cheating on my liquid phase, the only one the band wasn't going to work for. Thank you Leatha for posting that. I didn't really understand (even from the doctors and all the things I read) that the real journey for most begins after the fill. You explained it perfectly. I just had my first fill yesterday and I don't feel restriction but I'm still on liquids. I appreciate all the info from those who have had the band longer. It really helps. This is the strangest experience I have ever had, trying to change habits that I've had for 20 years. I didn't tell my co-workers or even my family (except my husband) because I didn't want any extra scrutiny. So this is my place to go to voice my concerns and find answers to questions. THANK YOU!

Can I join the ABC club? I was banded on August 17th. I go in for my first fill on Tuesday and I'm so excited.

The whole point of that was to say Thanks for the encouragement. I'm glad I'm not the only one going through this. Good luck to you!

I had my surgery on Aug 28th. I lost 15 pounds within the first two weeks but when I started eating solid foods I gained back 10 lbs. Which really discouraged me. Right now I feel nooo restriction and am pretty much just trying my hardest to control myself while waiting to start the fills. Which it sounds like it may take more than one to get it right. Since the gain I have lost back 4 lbs and I really havnt done much of anything different. Someone pointed out to me that when you are on the liquid phase, your colon empties. Then when you start solids, you fill er back up again and that can amount to added weight. But I believe that my body has equalled itself back out again and I am back to losing weight. Just hang in there, and dont beat yourself up like I did. It makes losing weight ALOT harder

When I first read your post, I thought at first that I was re-reading the post I wrote. That is exactly what happened to me. The only thing is that I don't know how much I've started to gain back. I'm too afraid to weigh. I have an appt this week and hope the doctor will do the 1st fill even though it's a week early. I'm just so scared that I paid all of this money and it's not going to work. I know the band works but what if I'm not disciplined enough? I just keep thinking that if all of these other people have been successful then hopefully I will be able to as well. I think mostly I'm frustrated with myself for paying this much money, struggling through the Optifast and now I'm not exercising, not being careful with what I'm eating. It's like I'm not even trying to be successful. I feel good with the little bit of weight that I've lost. I really can tell a difference in my energy level, clothes are fitting better, and I feel like I look better. I'm just worried that I won't lose any more or worse that I will gain it back.

I am so happy I read that post. I was discouraged too. I was banded on August 17, so three weeks ago, and I immediatly lost 15 lbs after the first week, mainly because the liquid diet. Now I can pretty much eat whatever I want just not as much and I have to chew it really well. I had pizza last night and maybe again this morning for breakfast! I've gained about 2 lbs back. My doctor says I can't have a fill until 6 weeks but I'm afraid I'll gain everything that I've lost back by then. Anyway, it's just good to hear that someone else is going through the same things as me. I'm really glad there is a place like this out there. Thanks Guys!

Thanks but not quite yet! Life is good though!

I had my surgery on a Thursday and went back to work that next Monday. It was too soon for me. I was exhausted. By Wednesday, I started feeling my energy come back. Since then, I've been walking 1 mile everyday and really feel good! You'll feel better everyday, Cassandra. What kind of puppy did you get?

Hi, I'm new to the site too. I was banded 2 weeks ago, lost 17 lbs, I'm really happy I did it. :clap2: