1shauna1

Well, I am about 18 months out and have lost less than you. It sounds like you are doing the right things....how would bypass be better or different? Maybe your calories are too low if you are working out? I don't know what to suggest....hope you figure things out!

I drink a lot (lol). The main thing I find is alcohol has somewhat of a "loosening" effect, meaning my restriction seems much less if I have a couple. However, I often will when I'm out so I don't get stuck (ug, getting stuck in public really sucks)....and it sometimes loosens my inhibitions about eating slides. Aside from those side effects, I still love my wine!

I'm sure you'll find it easier to control your portions after your fill. Just take it slowly especially at first until you adjust to it. It's a different feeling, for sure. Good luck!

Yep, you don't want to stay too tight because it is just miserable! I know from experience. Hope you get some relief!

Why don't you meet with doctors that do both surgeries (or one that does both)? They can give you all the information you need. There are pros and cons to each surgery; you have to decide which is right for you. Personally I liked that with the band, I did not have to cut out any part of my anatomy and if I need to have it removed then I am "back to normal". However, I will admit that I really only looked into the band. And it hasn't been the easiest, but I know my weight would be even higher now if I hadn't had it. Good luck with your decision, it's a tough one!

All my friends and family know and have been very supportive. I recently told some coworkers, but only because I was too tight and having trouble eating. I don't like to tell people I don't know very well; I really don't want to deal with negativity or how this was an "easy out"!

I didn't have a liquid diet prior. Just a week of healthy eating. Afterwards though it was 19 days before full solids.

Don't worry about weight loss right now. You are healing from surgery and before that you were probably on a liquid diet. The 15th is only a few days away. Don't stress, just keep doing what you're doing. You'll be okay!

After one fill I remember I couldn't drink milk in the mornings anymore (don't know why!). I had a de-fill Thursday. I was getting stuck on coffee/juice in the mornings, so I knew I was too tight. If you're having trouble with liquids, don't wait too long! But otherwise, you could wait a few days to see if it "settles".

Hahaha, I didn't realize how small that was!

That's crazy! Isn't it amazing how much you could/would eat pre-band?!

Wow, that's amazing! Very inspirational!

I'm flying on Thursday and have been reading up on what can and can't be brought through security. But maybe it's different in Canada because I can bring unopened liquids of less than 100ml through security in my carry on (in the checked baggage, bring whatever and it's okay). I'm also grateful I had a de-fill yesterday because I would hate to be super tight when flying. Now I'll just be tight! Although my nurse said it would loosen up by the next day, so she said not to attempt to eat anything I am iffy about now, while on the plane.

I don't know....you don't yet know how you're going to react to fills. It would be awful to be away and be too tight. I just had a de-fill yesterday, and I'm so glad because I'm flying to San Francisco on Thursday and I already know that I'll get tighter when flying. With my luck, I'd stay tight (but I loosened up a good amount so now I should be okay).

I totally understand your frustration. Only 6 per day? My clinic does 6 in 1.5 hours! And it's with a nurse. I don't know....if they call to cancel/switch your appointment, can you say no?

That's probably only 500-700 calories so I think it is too little. Maybe switch up the carbs for some more veggies (if all you're eating is the green beans).

She's a Westiepoo! Keeps me on my toes!

That sounds rough; sounds like you got a new person doing your fills. Mine are also done by nurses but I've never had a problem and never had a fluro. As for the amount, maybe you could ask for more next time? I guess their worry is they don't want you to get too tight (and sometimes the restriction comes a few days later, I don't know why!). If your fills are included, then take advantage of that first year; go every 4-6 weeks if you have to! You'll get there!

If you feel you are getting the proper signals from your band, maybe you don't need one! You don't HAVE to have a fill every 4 weeks (some people do need that, but others don't). If the visit isn't costing you anything, then why not go, consult with your doc and see what he says? If you feel you don't need it, wait another 4 weeks and see where you're at. As long as your weight is going down, all is good!

I'm sure it'll go well and you'll be okay!

Well, if they gave you that date, it must be okay. I didn't really have to do a pre-surgery diet, just eating healthy & low fat for a week beforehand. If you eat very clean I'm sure you'll be okay!

Maybe you just need a little fill, because when you're getting stuck it's because you're maybe not following your eating rules? My doctor said I should be able to eat anything as well, just less of it. I'm kind of in the same boat; banded in August 2010 and I'm down 35 only. I know a lot of it is because of what I have done; I've never been a "model weight loss" person. It's the hardest thing I've ever done (trying to lose weight). But as stated, the band is just a tool (as I've come to learn) and WE have to do most of the work still. Which sucks; wish there was an easy solution, but there's not.

I believe that means they're healing! Annoying, but normal!

I had a de-fill yesterday too, of .25cc. It has made such a difference! Before I couldn't even drink my coffee in the morning without getting stuck. This morning....ah, glorious coffee!

Thanks for the info! I do appreciate it! I'm always learning something on this board!