Well I quit smoking a year ago, didn't adjust my band and eventually I was quickly on the road back to North Fatassery. That caused me to get a fill in March that had no effect, then I got another one about 2 weeks ago (did I just hear a harp playing?) and that hit my happy spot like you wouldn't believe. I've already lost 12 pounds and I'm feeling great but the problem with going unmanaged for so long is that you forget the fundamentals of bandism - how to drink, how to eat, portions...you know. Anyway I was waiting for the fill to settle (it always takes me 3 weeks to figure out what has actually changed) and have constantly run into the problem of getting stuck. No matter what I ate or drank. It occurred to me that I was eating regular sized bites (I got used to that for a while again) and I was taking in mouthfuls of liquids when I drank rather than sipping. Well there's a new sheriff in town and it quickly let me know that I am no longer running things, that I had to respect Miss Pearlie (my band) by eating slowly and sipping, otherwise there would be consequences. So what if it takes me 3 hours to finish a 1-egg cheese omelette and grits? Perhaps I'm still learning what will work for me at this fill level, I'm not sure but I have to get it together soon because I want to feel satisfied when I do feel like eating. I also have to remember that sometimes activities we engage in makes the band tighter for a while and we can't eat or even drink.

It takes some getting use to, my advice is to stay on top of it because starting over is hard. Relearning the rules and going through trial and error like when I was first banded is no fun and I just wish I would have stayed on track in the first place.

Glad you're back on the "band"wagon

Quitting smoking does volumes for your health even if you've gained weight. You'll get your stride back and it'll be your new normal before you know it!

Good for you for turning it around!! You got this!

JustWatchMe

Many people say the band is just a "Tool"

I have always found it to be the other way around....

A tool is something I can choose to use...or not. Hang it on the shelf when I'm finished with it...

For me, the band is in charge and directs my lifestyle....it forced me to change and adapt, and once I learned to adapt and obey, it all became the easiest, most effortless thing possible. And the longer it goes, the easier it got to the point I don't think about it all that much.

Of course, I can get fluid taken out, and do things the way I choose....but then....