LapNYC

Thanks for all your kind, congratulatory posts. It really means a lot! Best of luck to those of you earlier in the game. It's been sort of like raising children--sometimes the days drag, but in hindsight it all went by so quickly!

I wouldn't worry right now. They call it Bandster Hell for a reason. Different people get THE fill--the one that does the trick--at different points, but once you do, you won't have to work nearly this hard. Just try and hang in there because it will be a pain to undo any damage. Maintain if you can and yes, try and get some exercise if you're up to it. This is the hard part. It's not you!

I never counted anything, but I did cut carbs to a pretty low level. It was easy with the band and I found that it was just what worked for me. I found enough other stuff (like fish) that filled me up and made me happy.

I try not to judge but I find it strange too. I was in pain after the surgery and starving until after my second fill. I never called the doctor or anything. I just read the posts here telling me that it would take some time and just kept the faith! I complained about the hunger and all sorts of other things, but it never occurred to me to question the decision until it had played itself out a little further. It's ok to vent, but many of the "I hate this band and want it out this minute" kind of posts seem like juvenile online temper tantrums to me. But hey, whatever gets you through the day...

I think I've had great success with the band and working out has been a large part of that. Even though I work out a LOT, I don't make any special food allowances for that. If I'm hungrier for some reason I may eat more, but it's not like I think of it as earning credits as you might in Weight Watchers or something. All this said, I never did count calories, so I did have a different approach in general. But I think it's best either way to think of exercise as just a part of your lifestyle rather than as something that allows you to (or requires you to) eat more. Best of luck to you!

I love love love my band. I've lost a ton of weight in a year with only a little willpower and a bunch of time in the gym. It's miraculous and I'm so upset that I didn't do it the day the thing was invented. Different people have different experiences, but for this formerly 286 pound person now wearing a size 8, it was miraculous.

I was banded almost a year ago and for me this has been an amazing process. I'm down to my wedding weight and although it's taken a lot of time in the gym and a small amount of willpower, it hasn't been all-consuming yet has absolutely been life changing. The best decision I ever made. I wish you all the success in the world.

I'm struggling with the end too, but I'd suggest cutting out some carbs and running, if you can stand it!

When I was heavier they had to stick me a few times and move the needle around in there and that was no picnic. Further incentive to lose weight - when you have the fill the port sticks out so you can't miss it. I could do it myself if I had to. I wouldn't worry at all. A minute of discomfort for great payoff.

I made a consult appointment with a plastic surgeon today. I'm hoping for a mini tummy tuck and a good bra for the time being. I lift weights and do everything humanly possible to minimize the skin thing. PArticularly if you've had a few children, it's pretty hard to avoid. Small price to pay! I wouldn't even think about it at this point.

If I go out with friends I have a margarita, wine or whatever I want. I'm really disciplined with my diet and exercise, but sometimes you just have to live a little!

1) Serious exercise 2) FInd a few diet/band meals that you truly enjoy and look forward to. No need to suffer. 3) Don't cheat with some chips and a cookie. Don't cheat at all, but if you're going to lapse, eat something great at least.

I've lost over a hundred pounds and my boobs have been the sacrificial thing. I went from a DDD to a saggy C. Ew! Fine in a good bra, but a basic disaster otherwise.

I'm a size 10 (down from a 24) and definitely have this problem. I now have an all J. Crew wardrobe just because I'm totally paralyzed by all the options. A good problem to have, but in my vision I'm supposed to be far better dressed than this!

I was banded on February 1st 2010 and to date am down about 125 pounds.

I have the same question you do. I think that what one of the above posters said sounds right to be--basically the same program with some good carbs added back in. That's my plan, anyway. Best of luck to you and congratulations on your success!

I have a large latte every morning. I pretend it's in the name of protein! I didn't for the first month or so though. To the alcohol question, I drink that too. All things in moderation, but some wine or a margarita every now and again never killed anyone!

I've been spinning my ass off. Literally.

I haven't had a fill in eight months and I've had no change in restriction over time outside of regular, small day-to-day fluctuation. It's not what I was picturing either! Not that I'm complaining, of course...

I just went to check the spreadsheet and it's a disaster! Is there any way to look into who changed all the values? This happened before and maybe if there were somehow some accountability it wouldn't happen so often. I'm so frustrated! I didn't have my weight loss week by week recorded elsewhere. Grrr. Is there a way to revert to an older version from earlier in the week?

I'm not sure I'd take the gamble in public. Can you buy a couple and try at home first? I've been banded a while now and have always been able to eat almost anything. I wouldn't try an oyster though. Just too damn chewy (sadly).

I've been hit in the port with my son's head (head butting is 'funny', it seems, among the four year old set) and it indeed hurt a ton.

I have never counted calories, but in the early going when I felt that I hadn't eaten enough, I tended to throw a protein shake at the end of the day.

I take Advil all the time. Tylenol won't touch my headaches and I'd rather my band explode than suffer the way I do when I get a migraine!

Congratulations! I remember graduating to "overweight". An exciting milestone!