Jennifer Hathaway

I am ready for maintenance but my body keeps losing so now I need another fill. I know I can't maintain without more saline because my hunger has come back. When I am filled good I can pass on the junk food but when I need a fill I can't. I wish I could leave it alone but I don't think I can do it without gaining weight back.

As crazy as it sounds I have always busted a plateau by being naughty. I eat perfectly through the week and then splurge a little on the weekend and back off the exercise. I then go back to my normal diet and exercise to find the scale go down. Some how it throws my body off. But remember only a little splurge or it will backfire.

I have been at 7.4 in my 10 band for the last couple of months and it was perfect. But I have now gone under my goal weight by 11 pounds so my stomach has shrunk again and I need more saline to get back to controlling my hunger and portion size. Everyone is different though. When I am in the green zone I experience hunger control AND restriction of the amount I can eat.

You really need to follow your doctor's orders. This is a start to a new lifestyle. That said I did go off track 2 times during my 10 day liquid diet, but I only had cottage cheese. It has a lot of protein and I just needed something more than liquids. I felt so guilty I called my doctor and they said I would be okay, but don't do it again. I lost 10 pounds before surgery and that really helped me get my head in the game. Good luck and if you have concerns call your doctor.

Yes, thank you very much! I can hardly believe it myself. Now just to learn to keep it off. Good luck to you! You can do it!

I take flintstones chewables, none of the gummies have iron. I wish they did cause they taste better.

I have been getting small fills of .10, .15, .25 and I like doing it that way to creep up. I have been in the green zone the last 2 months. I lost 10 pounds since my last visit so it is time for more. I will be getting .25 on Thursday for maintenance. Small fills are very good for some people.

It is possible. I was banded May 25, 2010 at 262 and I now weigh 149. Just follow the rules. But don't give up or get discouraged if it takes you longer. This is for life and you can do it. Good luck!

My scale is about 2 pounds lower than the doctor only because I weigh naked at home and 1st thing before drinking or eating anything.

Bread, rice, pasta, dry chicken. Sometimes hamburger, too much cheese on pizza, doughy thick crust. I haven't tried steak. Pickles with peelings. I don't really miss these things anyway.

My doctor told me as long as I was already approved it didnt matter. Good luck!

I had surgery may 25, 2010 and weighed 262. I now weigh 149. All I can say is really follow the rules. No carbonation, no drinking 30 minutes before, during or after meals. Get in all your protein, keep your meals at a cup even if you need a fill and feel like you could eat more. Stay away from as many carbs as possible. I have almost completely done away with white bread, potatoes, rice, etc. And exercise. And always follow up with your doctor. Good luck!

I get headaches when I eat too. I have asked my doctor about this but she doesn't understand why. My only guess is that it is my body's way of telling me I am full. I usually stop eating as soon as I feel it start. I am sorry you have this issue, it is annoying.

I have shape ups and it was a waste of money. I don't wear them. I feel like a giant cause they are so tall and I feel like a klutz wearing them. I keep checking out other brands but don't want to spend the money.

I hope it lasts a lifetime. I don't want to lose it or go through other surgeries.

Good luck on your banding! I wish I would have had your preop diet instead of just liquids. But every doctor follows their own ideas. And in the long run they both seem to work pretty well.

I like the ready made Premiere protein shakes from Costco. They are 11 ounces, 160 calories, 30 grams of protein. Most other protein shakes are higher in calories and have less protein. These aren't the best tasting ones, I like GNC powder too. But they are portable and the nutrition is totally worth it.

I read a lot of negatives when preparing for my surgery but the risks are so much less than an RNY, so I took the chance. Here I am 10 1/2 months later and down 111 pounds and below my goal weight. I have nothing but great things happening with this band. I get stuck sometimes but only because I eat too fast or take big bites. But I am off my blood pressure meds, I am only on 1 anti-depressant for my bipolar rather than 3 because I am happy again with myself. You have to make the decision for yourself, but I am so glad I did it. Good luck!

Thank you Jen79co. That makes me feel so good!

I am 5'7" and on surgery day 10 months ago I weighed 262 lbs. My doctor's goal for me was 169 but my goal was 160. Today I weighed in at 152. I wear a size 8, 6, or 4 depending on the brand. I am pretty happy with my weight right now as i am in a normal bmi and off meds, but if I lose more that will be a bonus.

41 May 25, 2010 24 March 5, 2011 I love my band!

Way to go! Keep it up! Everytime you drop you should get yourself something special, those are great goals to meet.

When I needed a fill I just told my doctor I was getting hungry between meals sooner than 3-4 hours recommended by her. I was losing 10-12 pounds per month and I always was able to get a fill. I am now at goal after being banded only 9 months. Down 107 pounds and my doctor would like to take out some saline for maintaining but I like where my band is right now. Good luck. Just be honest about having to use willpower and hopefully you will get the help you need.