I think I have been at this exact place a million times since I got my lapband. SO many of you have been successful, I hate to come in and complain about my lack of success. I am really happy that many of you have reached your goal, or at least moved past the morbidly obesity line of your BMI.

I would like to know if any of you are in the same boat, or have been there and made it past. I started at 298 and I am sitting at 252.5 today. I am still happy I have kept the 46 pounds off for the most part. I am usually around 242 but since my cruise and lack of water pills 252 is where my scales topped off today ( and has been consistent without the waterpills).

I am in Therapy to deal with some issues that kinda blindsided me this year. I am at a good restriction, just need to relearn how to chew with my braces. Between the pain of chewing and how they seem to prevent proper chewing of meats, I have been on softer foods ( we all know that means I overeat).

So today is 6 months before Christmas, my goal is to lose down to 199 at least before then. I don't know if 2 pounds a week is something I can do, but that is my goal for now.

Thanks for listening, just wanted it out that some of us are still struggling with head issues. My biggest mistake is getting Braces, that is where my weight lost stopped).

298/252.5/199

I would also check with your orthodontist. I had braces years ago and the only time you really should feel pain is after you get an adjustment. I ate all kinds of meats and it never bothered me.

I also had to restart over, so I feel your pain. I had to forgive myself, put on my big girl panties (grin) and move forward.

What types of meats are giving you the most problem? I cannot seem to process the majority cuts of steak they just do not break down for me when I chew. I have to keep it to filet mignon, Delmonico Rib eye, or even prime rib medium rare (I don't eat that often though)

The chicken has to be grilled, baked and you cannot over do it.

I also eat Morningstar farms fake meats.. they are really good and nutritious.

Salmon is another thing we like to eat. I have to be careful with Tuna Steaks even if marinated but they have to be juicy not on the dry side.

The dryer the meat the less I can get it broken down and chewed to the consistancy that I need.

We made a beef stew/pot roast thing a week ago.. Some people do chicken or port and make a bbq sauce that isnt so bad and swear by it. I also eat meats with some cottage cheese it adds moisture..

Play with it... tell your ortho your problem.. maybe they are being a bit on the agressive side with adjustments which is making you uncomfortable all the time.

do you have a good Protein shake you like?

I think you can do it! I have a goal to lose 40 to 48 pounds before the year is over so I'm with you! I lost 5 last week from replacing one meal with a shake and I stopped eating honey nut cherrios (I thought it was healthy) I guess not! We can do this!

BKmom30 - congrats on your weight loss and your braces. Now, put it in a box and get back in the saddle girl ! Right now, you can do this. Christmas will be here before you know it and 40 pounds by then is reasonable. We have all taken that ride down the "backslide slope" I gained 4 pounds recently and didn't think I could stop - I saw the doctor, got a fill and now I am down 8 pounds since I saw him. We are here for you (I needed everyone here and they really came through - kicking my butt all the way). So now, I pay it forward and I am kicking yours..bend over girl...there - that was your butt kick for today. Stay in touch and write whenever you feel the need for another swift kick !

Melinda in Florida

Banded 7/7/11

down 98 pounds with about 40 to go...

I'm having to start over after having a baby 4 weeks ago. I did not gain all my weight back but I am up 35 pounds after having lost 150. It's very frustrating knowing I have to do it again but just keep your chin up it can be done!

BK,

You will be just fine! You have the right tools, know how to lose the weight, and you know what your goals are. Sure you have to work through the mental part of losing weight and the issues with your new braces, but I am more than confident you will come out the winner! Thank you for sharing!

Dennis

Get to your dentist, I had to get new dentures as I was unable to chew meats and was living on hard boiled eggs and tuna.

Someone once posted: Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels. Stay positive; you can do this.

I have TMJ issues which is why I have the braces on. To add to it when I am super stressed my gums react to the rubber bands, I am a mess:-) I hope to have them off by Christmas.

Thanks for reading, it is nice knowing I am not the only one.

I am down to 247.5, so it is slowly coming off again. I am stressed to how quickly I GI to sliming:-( I guess the two days on liquids shrank my stomach? I gave up trying to eat most things right now. I am on a mission to get my Protein in and lots of kale for Fiber. I try to eat fish or some solids for dinner just to keep from going crazy with no food.

The braces are still a pain. Stresss is making me clinch my teeth at night counter acting in a way the inner bands that he has moving my teeth. He mentions that the pain means it is working and I should soon get them off( please please:-)

Thank you for responding. Helps knowing I am not alone in this.