Dr. C, I just passed my one year band anniversary with a total loss of 33lbs. I have good restriction and only PB if I eat way too fast. I know my band works - I have 1.75cc in my 4cc band - when I was filled to 2cc I was only able to get soft foods and sips of liquid and even my aftercare Dr. said well at least we know it works as I had my band in MX. I follow the rules of bandsters and work out at Curves 3 times a week and yoga once or twice a week on top of that.

My 33lbs loss has been anything BUT STEADY. My day of surgery I was at my highest of 293lbs - today I sit at 260, but still struggle with the same few lbs. I lost 10 right out of surgery, another 5 over the next few months getting fills until last November was my last fill and I didn't lose anything for quite awhile until just this past March when I dropped another 10 after going on South Beach diet after being fed up with not losing anymore. Now I'm struggling to maintain that loss. I don't overeat at all, I make good choices most of the time, and I'm excercising 3-5 times a week. Before you say I could be gaining muscle, I am a little but not enough to make a big difference. I'm still wearing the same size clothing as my surgery day but they just fit a lot better instead of being skin tight.

I contacted my Dr.'s office and explained that I've only lost 33lbs in one year and if I needed to come in for a check up even though I don't need a fill because I have comfortable restriction. His nurse said it was all up to me to decide as this is a personal journey for everyone. I don't want to waste my money as I'm self pay for my insurance does not cover any of this. So what would you suggest in my situation? My mom is starting to think the surgery hasn't been effective that my progress should be more than what it is - I'm starting to feel like a failure, I've tried everything. Do I need a tighter fill? I like my restriction, I don't really have to worry too much about what I can and can't eat - pretty much everything goes down as long as I'm careful and take my time and I like that. And around that time of the month is when I have "perfect restriction" where some things are a struggle and I have to give up and eat Jello. I am hungry 3-5 hours after I eat a meal. Thanks for being here for us!

Thank You Erin for the mushy and thank you Candy for allowing us in.

Candy I would like for you to continue with your current eating guidelines for now, just so I can get a more accurate idea of your eating habits.

Erin

I use fitday.com (free) for logging in food, activies, nutrition ranges. It really helps to SEE everything that goes in and out!

Shawn

www.FitDay.com there is the free version and the $20 downloadable version. The free version is a good way to know if it's something you'll actually use - if you do, I HIGHLY recommend the $20 downloadable version. It's MUCH MUCH better - particularly when it comes to your custom foods.

Good luck.

Candysmooch - I would up my protein and exercise. For example, 3 times per week at curves is good but that is only 1.5 hours of exercise for the week. Try combining your curves workouts with step classes or aerobics classes- which usually last about 45 minutes- 5 times per week and challenge yourself. Your drink of choice should be only water - it gets pretty boring but calories (and other cr*p) in all those other drinks add up. Go to FITDAY.COM to keep track of daily calories.

CandySmooch (huggsss) We Love You :speechles

Erin - I emailed you