Hello everyone:

Well, it's been a little over three months since I was banded. The energy has kicked in big time and I am conquering all those neglected chores. I'm down 45 lbs. The weight is certainly coming off more slowly, but, the key word is "coming off". Today I went shopping and purchased a much needed new bra, lost a cup size and the bra is 2 sizes smaller. I am into 18-20 clothing from a 26. Folks are noticing and the posistive re-inforcement feels so good. I feel the best I have in years. I find myself looking in all mirrors I pass, when before I dodged them like a plague. For the first time I bought the kids Easter candy the night before, instead of weeks before, then finding myself nibbling and nibbling, then ending up buying more. I did have a couple pieces, then rearranged my calorie count to compensate. The best part of all is that hubby was banded 5 weeks after me. He is no longer a diabetic. Before we had the surgery (or even thought of it ) his doctor told us he was a time bomb, "we just don't know how long the fuse is". I worried about him so much, we have young children and the thought I could lose him due to obesity was overwhelming . His triglyceride level was over 1000. Now all his lab values are within normal range and he's dropping weight faster than me. He looks and feels fabulous and now, God willing, we will grow old together. Last night he was trying on clothes and filled up a garbage bag full too large clothes........it was a great moment. We are so thankful for the lapband and I hope anyone out there reading this, who has a weight problem takes the first step and does something. Not that the band is for everyone, but, that there is a lot of living out there and not to let obesity drain their health, actually rob their health is a better choice of word.........May God Bless...............Gabby

Hi Gabby,

What a motivating share... I am so happy for you and your family. You and your husband are really doing a wonderful job with your LapBand's. I don't think I will be able to report as much success when I hit 3 months in May.

How many fills have you had and at what level have you reached?Are you feeling good restriction?

You mentioned retricting your caloric intake following some Easter candy... What range do you try to stay at?

Is it difficult to restrict your calories or are you just not hungry?

Sorry for all the questions, but I am frustrated at being 2 months out, only 15lbs down... I have 1 fill at 1cc and can't wait for fill number 2.

Thanks,

Anne

Hey Gabby-

Wow! 45lbs in 3 months is awesome! Its great that you and your husband are able to do this together.

I'd also be interested in knowing th calorie range you aim for. Do you exercise?

Melissa

Hello Anne and Mel:

Thank you for your kind words. In regards to fills, I've had one (1.5cc). I'm on the fence about having another for now anyway. My restriction varies, somedays I can eat just about anything and can eat till I want to stop (taking in consideration that now that volume now is markedly decreased) other days the band stops me cold after a bite or two. I am now able to reconize that first signal of slight discomfort, another bite will make me extremely uncomfortable. I find that most of time if I wait for a burp, I can eat some more. Hubby, on the other hand can make himself burp (a skill that even as a child I couldn't master) so he always consumes more than I can. I hope this doesn't sound too gross. I feel satisfied after eating. I do still have the head hunger, after 40+ years of eating what I wanted when I wanted it, it's a ongoing battle,but, a battle I'm gonna win. On old diets, the scale would hardly budge, so I was easily discouraged and would begin to overeat. I have this wonderful tool and I tell myself that. Losing weight really helps me stay focused. My cheating is at a minimum, sometimes I go a week or two without cheating. (by cheating I mean chocolates or ice cream) I have put myself on a caloric range of 800-1200 per day. I get almost all my water in and have added protein drinks to make sure I get in the protein as I am a vegetarian. I still get hungry, but, most of the time when I grab for something it's only a habit (head hunger). I'm a snacker, but, now I try to grab for the healthy things. I joined Curves back in Feb (I met a woman online who had the bypass and we work out together and have a blast) and I am now walking my two large dogs which is a good upper and lower body work-out. Good luck you two, please let me know if I can help in anyway...................Gabby