vickyd

It sounds to me that you may be a bit too tight - you shouldn't be getting stuck that often unless you are taking bites that are too big or are not chewing enough. My suggestion would be to go on liquids for a day or two to reduce any swelling that may be present from the frequent stuck episodes and then go back to the bandster basics (small bites, chewing thoroughly, no drinks during or for 30 minutes after a meal). If you find you are still getting stuck, go in for a small unfill to see if that helps. Like everyone else said, you have to use the tool correctly in order to get the best results. I'm glad you have worked through your other issues...I know from experience that doing that goes a long way towards putting you in the right mindset to be able to get the most out of this journey. Good luck to you!

I eat 3-4 oz protein and 1/2 cup veggies at my meals...depending on what I'm eating, that is around 1 - 1 1/4 cups of food.

Awesome, Joan! I am so glad that this fill level is working better for you! You Rock!!!:party:

I used to think I didn't have a "sign" that I was getting full and then lately I noticed that I get this feeling like I have to burp (but there's nothing there to burp...if that makes sense). THIS is my sign!!! It only took me 7 months to figure it out...lol

Absolutely! I'm vickyd205 on there...go ahead and friend MeV

Lea - I just friended you and my food diary is set to share with my friends...HTH! I don't use their suggested calories...it just isn't practical for bandsters. You can set your own calorie level by logging in on-line and under the "My Home" tab choose "Goals" and then click "Change Goals". I have mine set for 1,200 calories.

Vickyd checking in at 233 (down .6)...at least the number is going down (albeit very slowly) but I am really frustrated and struggling right now.

It's normal to be scared of failing because we wouldn't need surgery if we hadn't failed multiple times in the past. The best thing I did was see a therapist before getting banded. He helped me understand why I had been overeating and helped me come up with strategies to deal with some of my issues. By the time I had surgery, I think I really had my head on straight for the first time in years and I was totally committed to doing whatever it takes to make this work. To date, I've lost almost 92 lbs in a little over 7 months so I definitely feel like a success!

I'm doing well too. My weight loss has started to slow a bit but I got a Bodybugg for my birthday last week and I think it will help me figure out how to change things up to get things moving better. I've also started doing ZUMBA 3-4 times a week and am starting to become addicted to exercise! I also had a crazy NSV tonight... DH and I went shopping to buy me a yoga mat for a class I am starting tomorrow and he went over and brought me 2 50 lb weights and told me to pick them up...I couldn't do it...the thought that I carried that much extra weight on my body at my heaviest was unbelievable!! No wonder I had so many aches and pains back then!

I would tell you to keep drinking the MML. It is one of the Protein shakes my NUT recommended and since you like it I would continue. I don't know why you feel the need to change...if the cost is the issue, look into the powder and get a shaker bottle to mix it up in. Many people have a hard time finding a shake they like, so count yourself lucky

I didn't start seriously exercising until I had already lost about 70 lbs but now I'm completely addicted! I do ZUMBA 3-4 days a week and ride my stationary bike 1-2 times a week. I think the key is finding something you enjoy...I absolutely hate working out on a treadmill but an hour of ZUMBA goes by so quickly for me and it's fun so I look forward to going.

The last time I flew I had to do the full body scan...I was wondering if I would get questioned about my band but no one said anything. I wouldn't worry about it Jess.

I had the exact same change in my way of thinking. I find that I naturally make good, healthy choices without even thinking about it...what a switch! You're doing great!! Keep it up!!

I would wait until you have clearance from your surgeon. Zumba involves a lot of ab work and even though you feel fine now you probably aren't ready for that yet. Just my .02

I also tried Benefiber to help with my constipation but it didn't work well for me (even when taking more than the recommended amount). Right now, I'm doing the Fiber Choice chewables and they seem to be helping. I do still keep Fleet enemas and/or Dulcolax suppositories around the house just in case...and I have had to use them a couple of times over the past few months. I am also trying to increase the fiber in my diet to try to keep things moving...

I used to worry about that but even when I traveled at 325 lbs I was never the biggest person on the plane. Also, even though I am pear shaped and carry quite a bit of weight in my hips and thighs, I never had to buy 2 seats. I did, however, need a seatbelt extender but what I always did was board early (with those who need extra assistance) so that way I could ask for the extender as I board the plane without having to do it in front of a plane full of people. It helped me feel much more comfortable with the situation.

Banded a little over 7 months, 92 lbs lost, don't regret it for a second!!

Mine is in my signature...great thread...I can't wait to follow some new blogs!

My solution is to not pour myself a drink with my meal if I'm at home. If I'm out, I like to have a drink before the meal, by the time the food us served my husband is normally ready for a refill so we exchange glasses and then I refuse any refills. As soon as I finish eating I check the time so I know when 30 minutes is up so I can drink again.

I'm not sure what kind of job you have but if you have a desk job then I wouldn't think you would need more than a week off. I had surgery on Thursday and was back to work on Monday but I have a pretty high pain tolerance. If you have a more physical job you may need more time. As far as keeping it from your co-workers goes, I can tell you what I did...I took my PTO days and just said I was staying home and taking care of a lot of errands and projects that had been piling up. Since they thought I wasn't doing anything particularly interesting they really didn't ask any questions.

Thanks so much...I'm glad that I've been able to help.

My favs during mushies were egg salad, tuna salad, chicken salad (using canned chicken), turkey chili and a ricotta bake (ricotta cheese with marinara sause and LF mozzarella cheese heated until bubbly).

Lots of good advice, Dave. My diet is very similar to yours in terms of protein, carbs, calories, etc. I'm still working on the exercise part of that but I'm getting better . I just ordered a Bodybugg SP (it is supposed to be delivered today) and am looking forward to using it to further my weight loss...I saw that you said your tracks your sleep quality - how difficult is it to sleep with?

I have done it once and while I don't think it makes your pouch tighter, what it did for me was help hit the reset button on my brain. The whole idea is that you go back to liquids for two days, mushies for a day and then over the last 2 days gradually re-introduce solids. For those who get regular fills this is probably not necessary because most do the whole liquid, mushies thing after a fill but for me since I've only had 1 fill in 7 months I did find it helpful to remind we how I should be eating at a time when I could feel old bad habits start creaping back into my life. Just my .02...

vickyd checking in at 232.2 (down 2.4 from last week).