mauraclegg

I'm in

I cheated before banding, but not immediately after. Once I got to mushys I pushed my limits

I know the feeling. I swear there are days it feels like water sticks in my band and others I can actually eat bread

I did lose some, but not noticable to others. But keep in mind it happened when I wasn't taking in enough protein. If you keep your protein up you shouldn't lose much

did u ask when you were getting your fill what it was? the port is pretty big - even when I get a fill the needle mark is prob in the middle of my port so there is room on either side that is still the port. I would call and ask the dr

I think for the most part what we can or can't eat after banding is subjective. I personally don't like pickles, but I think if you take smaller bites and chew very well you will be find. I can eat cucumbers as long as they are cut up small.

muaraclegg - you are right, too. I need to drop my calories and get to the gym. I can do the eliptical for a whole 30 minuites without feeling near death. That is a feat for me! bel;e - I am envious that you can do the elliptical that long. I tried the gym and even have a treadmill in my basement, but I get BORED!! I walk 3 miles as many times a week as I can, plus I do some exercise vids I found OnDemand. But I am in a slow spot in my weight loss now and it is annoying to me... I need to boost my metabolism.... someone recommended I try and fool it by upping my calories for a day or too and then dropping then back down (prob not the healthiest), I am trying that today.. going to drop back down on Sunday to my normal 600-800. Also drink plenty of Water - I think I lose more when I drink more water. Unfortunately I am a diet coke - aholic. I can't drink it from a can or bottle anymore so I allow myself a fountain soda every day - if I don't have it in the house I freak, if it's here I can drink water all day and it won't bother me,

Not only do I have the cravings for the sweet and salty, but I also gain around 3 pounds right at the beginning. IT SUCKS, because it never fails as soon as I am up those pounds I have my weigh-in at the doc. If I want chocolate -I eat chocolate... and as far as the salty I eat popcorn... honestly I eat a lot of popcorn because it is my favorite snack. My band typically handles it well and it rarely get stuck. It helps with my salty cravings for sure.

17 pounds is good to me - they say a pound or 2 a week is perfect. As far as not being "full" remember you haven't been filled yet so getting to that spot may be more difficult. Make sure you are having plenty of Protein, that will help (I drank slim-fast shakes) - I know that even when I was on mushy's (I lived on mashed potato) I had a lot of trouble with the full part - it usually took me 1/4 to 1/2 cup to be full. I have had 3 fills now and I do get full Also, I have found that sticking to that not drinking for an hour (or as close as you can) after you eat is KEY!! Drinking pushes the food through your band and you will be hungrier faster... Hope this helps...

Sounds to me like you are doing fine. We all think we need to do more than we are. I was averaging 5-10 lbs per month (1-2 a week) for quite awhile so it sounds to me like you are doing great. If you want to increase your weight loss, drop your calories down - but remember to take in enough protein or you can start to lose hair (it happened to me). I average around 800 calories a day and have lost 80 lbs since being banded June 8, 2010.

imo there are 2 different feelings when something gets stuck in your band. My first experience was when I was allowed "mushy" foods and I ate rice. It got stuck in my unfilled band, and it felt like I had food stuck in my throat and it wouldn't go down. Then my mouth got the sweats (for lack of a better term), meaning I had excess saliva in my mouth. I ran to the bathroom and heaved the food. It's not like a traditional vomit. The food just comes back out... no bile or anything. There have been other times that other food has gotten stuck - and I have found stretching can help to get the food through, or at least give me some relief. I am happy to report it doesn't happen often - and you learn quickly what you can and can't handle. Breads, cold cuts, rice and some Pasta do not work for me. I also can't eat french fries.... I think it is a combo of the size and chewing. Rememver to take small bites and chew real good

Not necessarilly. I spoke to the PA in my office about it pre-band and he said that some people's skin does bounce back. I was not one of those people, so I am looking at a TT (hopefully over the summer). But your skin could biunce back on it's own.

Congrats on your weight loss and your TT. My surgeon and I talked about getting mine approved yesterday. I admit I am a little nervous about the pain, but I am planning on doing it. My fear is the pain - but I think I have a good pain tolerance. I am going to wait until later in the summer to do mine as we have a week at the beach planned for the beginning of July and I don't want to be recovering from surgery again during vacation (I was 4 weeks post op from my band when we went away last summer). Congrats again, please let me know how it goes...

"Why is it that when someone gives us a compliment about our looks we tend to shrug it off and look at ourselves negatively. Everyone here has worked hard and been successful losing weight. Next time someone gives you a compliment, instead of shrugging it off or thinking of yourselves negatively accept the compliment, you deserve it." I know its not a direct relation but the main point is still relevant. Accept the hardwork and changes you made, you deserve it. Cubbies, Actually it is quite relevant as that is part of my problem too. When someone compliments me I have to point out my saggy belly and that I haven't lost much in the last 2 months. I am trying to take the compliments better, but it is hard.

Could it maybe have partially slipped and they just can't see it on the x-ray? Very strange indeed. Personally I would talk to your doctor again and fully describe what is going on with you and your band

Yes, I had some port pain for a few months post-op. It will go away - maybe try a different spin on things til you feel better

I love my breads and hadn't had any since I had an overfill and fill removal in Jan. but I did eat a breadstick 2 nights ago and it was WONDERFUL!! You have to chew super-well and take uber-small bites, but you can do it. I would recommended it as an occasional treat. I haven't been able to eat rice since I was on my mushy diet, it just sticks.

I just spoke to my doc yesterday about the tummy tuck and I admit the thought of it is making me nervous as well. I also have little ones at home and I am not looking forward to the recovery, but I am looking forward to getting rid of this jiggly stuff on my belly that no exercise has helped, Congrats on your weight loss and I am looking forward to hear about your surgery and recovery

A pinching where? At your port? I only know mine is there when one of my kids jams it with their knee by accident. But I can easily feel it now that I have lost some weight

It sounds like your port to me as well. Mine is right above my belly-button and I can feel it and it is round and hardish. Next time you see your surgeon ask him where your port is

I think I need to look into support groups in my area. Not only will it get me away from the chaos that is my family, but it may help me feel better. Congrats on your banding.

thank you all. It is good to know isn't abnormal. I am working on the self-esteem...

My doctor and I talked tummy tuck yesterday and the took the pics to submit to my insurance (def not attractive pics). I am hoping the tummy tuck helps - I am very self conscious of the hanging belly skin. Congrats on the over 100 lb weight loss

Hi Fellow Bandsters I have a problem that is probably not unique... I am having body image problems... I just can't seem to see myself as other's are seeing me - looking good (great according to some). I was banded June 2010, have lost 80+ pounds and I am not in a loose fitting size 12.... but whenever I look in the mirror I see a "fat" girl and can't get over it... any advice?