reverie

Read about ghrelin and leptin.

I think I was a pear-shape. I carried most of my weight in my thighs/tummy area. Have lost 112lbs, from a size 20 to a size 4. I do have some excess skin on my tummy/thighs that I'd like removed, but I am waiting to see how things go. I plan to do a lot of toning and lean muscle gaining before I have plastic surgery.

Sweeet! Congrats.

It is definitely worth it. Good luck!!

I'm the opposite. Now that I've been banded and on vitamins I haven't gotten sick once. Weird!

Water with Crystal Light. Fuze Slenderize is 10 calories for 8oz; 2 carbs. I usually just stick to water though.

Ahh stress happens so you know you can't change that part. Why not just find healthier go-to foods? Sounds silly but I've been making Protein ice cream and topping it with sugar-free, no carb, no calorie chocolate syrup with whipped cream. Sounds unhealthy but 38g protein, 200g calories and 8 carbs I believe. Talk about a nice treat when you need a stress reliever. I'd try to figure out what your go to foods are and then replace them with something healthier. Buy sugar free Cookies or make a cookies and cream Protein shake. Nachos find flax seed crackers and melt your own cheese on them. Or do a low carb tortilla, cut it up, toast it in the oven, and dip it with salsa/cheese. Just some ideas.

I sorta like when people ask; usually means they care and are actually interested. It was annoying at first but now the how much have you lost questions have turned into the "are you done losing yet; you're so skinny" comments. Love it

You can eat it but it's really wasted calories and won't keep you full at all. I'd look for sugar free/low fat. If you want a pretty healthy "frozen yogurt" try mixing greek yogurt, casein Protein, and cool whip. Mine comes out to about 200 calories, 38g protein

Hi and welcome!

The first 6 weeks are about healing. Stay off the scale until then. Your weight is going to fluctuate and will probably do so your entire journey. The 5lbs will drop off, as it's probably Water weight but my advice is to get used to weighing yourself no more than 2 times a week, preferably early in the morning and naked. I used to weigh multiple times a day and it really took a toll on my journey. Good luck

Get a fill? If you're afraid to gain measure out your food, eat it, then no more after.

What's your purpose for drinking Protein shakes? Just because? Do you have plans to exercise pretty hard/weight lift? If not I don't see the real point. The purpose of Protein Shakes is truly convenience; people drink them when there isn't time for a meal. Why drink protein when you can eat a 4oz chicken breast and feel satieated for much longer? Protein won't make you lose weight. After/before surgery we're usually pushed to drink them so that we lose fat, not pre-existing muscle mass. Just my $.02. I see no purpose unless you're looking to workout hard or if you're on the go and need a meal.

After about 2-weeks or so the post-op swelling dies down. You're not going to have restriction from the get-go (in most cases) or else there'd be no point for fills. When I was on liquids/mushies I still had great restriction (I still have it today) so I believe I ate 1/2 - 1 cup of food. I would try to limit how much you eat at one serving. What exactly are you eating? I assume you're on mushies by now? If so you may want to slowly move off the shakes. liquids arent going to provide you with any sort of satiety, at least not for long. If you're not eating during the day, learn to, ASAP. Dinner should be your smallest meal of the day, not your biggest. For now just keep on pushing. Your first fill may or may not help. Some people get restriction with 1 fill, others get restriction after 10+ It all depends on how aggressive your surgeon is with fills and what you're looking to get out of "restriction." Port pain is normal and can last for a few weeks. Good luck.

Cipro can cause weight gain. I wouldn't worry.

I can clear as day. I have a big lump near my ribs LOL. I'm hoping to have it moved or removed altogether; time will tell when I have a TT.

I take plenty of pills. I just make sure I drink a lot before and after.

Common! Gas-X may help.

Why are you on the scale more than once a day? You do realize when you eat the scale is going to go up, right? My advice: stay off the scale. Weigh yourself once a week and no more as you'll only drive yourself crazy. Trust me. Been there done that.

I started with a low carb/high Protein diet and plenty of exercise. Measured all of my meals, didn't cheat much, etc. I lost from my pre-op diet and on. 8lbs on my pre-op diet (I think) and I've lost ever since, except now that I'm closer to goal the scale is slow to move but I think I'm down another pants size. Good luck and remember to find what works for you. We all lose differently.

Low carb, high Protein diet along with lots of exercise Measured/counted my food religiously. Nothing more!

6 months is a long time Keep pushing along you'll get there. We all lose at different rates!

Wouldn't fill; 10lbs a week? Do you mean 10lbs a month? Either way I say don't get one, doesn't sound like you need it especially if you aren't hungry. I've eaten a cup of food all along, no fills, and have lost great.

Remember that you'll see a lot more posts complaining of problems with the band than you will successes with it. This is a support forum so you will find more people with problems seeking answers. As for slippage/rebanding, if you treat your band well, you're usually fine, especially if you work with a well qualified surgeon. Follow the rules, don't keep your band too tight, and you'll be fine. As for the pre-op; good luck and congrats thus far. It IS hard but you can do it! Eye on the prize.

Awesome! I love running now that the weather has broke; no long distances though. Maybe one day!