"Boy, I found this forum and have become quite a nuisance of myself haven't I?

Here goes. I feel stupid asking. I really am a capable 43 year old woman. But I am befuddled.

See my stats below.

I need seasoned advice at this point in my weight loss. Some days I feel as though I can eat too much, other days, through reasons beyond my control, my fill feels pretty tight. Historically, I like and need, a snug fill to lose weight.

I still have 20 to go, and I am sorry but I can not be a marathon runner. I can not change my personality and become an exercise lover. I do go to the gym 2-3 times a week, work out hard. In addition, I walk for 40-50 minutes around my hilly neighbourhood, almost daily. I just can't see me enjoying and fitting in any more.

I admit I am a bit impatient. I could probably lose this weight in the next year, doing what I am doing and losing less than a couple of pounds a month. But that just frustrates me. Origionally, I thought I'd be at goal by the end of this year, but as we get closer to October, I am starting to doubt that goal.

I'd like to know from your experience, if adding a small fill will help me get to goal.

Do I need one more tiny fill?

Appreciate any and all advice from those who have been there.

:ducks for cover:

Paulax,

I don't know much about fills but are you eating more than the required amount? You should be eating only a half of a cup of food only three times a day. Also, what kind of foods are you eating? I haven't eaten fried food since Nov. 2005. I went the healthy food route and didn't have a problem. Also, are you consistent with your exercising? I know it is hard to believe that a person can LOVE exercising but I am one of those people who became addicted.

Josephine

Please fill me in, I would love to help if I could. By the way, what size band is yours? It seems as though you already have a lot of restriction.

Aw Josephine, thanks for your response.

I have to admit that I have had not been following the rules, and perhaps I wanted a small fill to give myself a kick start. The ONLY reason I hesitate to do so is I am afraid to get too tight. My fills require me to drive 4 hours, stay overnight and drive back the next day.

I was hoping someone could tell me that .2 over 3.0 in a 4.0 band would make a huge difference in getting to goal when one is so close.

I admit to grazing, grazing on cashews, my meals are very healthful. I too haven't had fried foods since my banding, never eat bread, noodles, rice etc. But I admit to grazing.

So I have recommitted this week, the scale hasn't moved, so will continue to work on it.

Hi Paulax--

I think you are the one to answer the question if you need a fill. This grazing you mention is it just nuts and HOW much? If it is alot you may need a fill.

I have a 4 cc band and have 3.75 in my band, but it may be a bit much.

Things to think about:

1. Protien are you getting enough? You will never loose if you don't get those 60-80 mg of protien.

2. Water--getting enough? You will be hungrier if you aren't getting enough Water.

3. Do you need a fill? How much are you eating at meals?

I think being 20 pounds away is great, and I understand being anxious but in the end you want to make sure that you are loosing the right way and not just the way that gets it off!

and thank you for your reply Kitty. I have searched and haven't found too many people over the 3.0 fill mark on our band. Glad to hear from you.

I think I have decided that I will wait until the new year and then see if one more tiny fill will do the trick.

Until then, I will work on my willpower and exercise regime.

Cheers.....

I've noticed that the days I feel "tighter" - almost too tight, are days when I am experiencing more stress than usual, and then there are days when I feel I could eat anything! Usually, those are pretty laid back days.

This is an oldie, but since dialit bumped it, I will update.

I got a fill. I had lost .2 of my old fill, due to osmosis. That was the only way my surgeon explained it. It has happened before, I am not worried about a leak or anything.

So anyway, I got a fill and I started losing again. I am within 7 pounds of my goal.

Dialit, I am the very same way, 3 things make my band tighten. Stress, travel, which could also be stress, and my 'time o the month'. This week I have all 3, so I was tight. But I know, this is a fickle friend and in a day or 3, I will be OK.

HOpe things are going well for you too.

Cheers