I have weighed about 400 pounds for many years.

I got the band on Feb. 14th. I lost 40 pounds before I left.

I have lost no weight since.

I DO have restriction, though its not much.

Example.. I can eat a peice of pizza.. I used to eat two or three peices.

I can drink about 12 ounces of milk at a sitting, i used to drink about 30 ounces or more.

I just have to chew real well and eat slow.

I havnt had a PB since the first day I was home.

Sometimes I have felt alittle funny and knew immediately to stop.

I am NOT a fan of pain of any kind.

The Pb's I had in the hospital felt like horses trampling on my chest.

The thing is, in the past 15 years, it has never worked for me to cut my portains of food and loose weight.

I dont know if they think I USED to eat a whole pizza (like some very obese people do) and now since I can only eat one slice its a big difference. Becasue its not. I never ate a ton of food to begin with.

I have three herniated discs and cant walk much on my own, I have been going to Water aerobics, BUT honestly I do not see how much it can help when my back hurts too much for me to get my heart rate up..

I need to go in April for a fill.. I want them to make it really tight.

I am going to TRY to explain to them that I will be able to handle it just fine.

I wont ever come back for a unfill unless I am dehydrating or such.

I do not have to money! To go get a fill or unfill is costing me like 500$.

My sister has already said to me "this just seems like a big waste"

When she found out I havnt lost any weight yet.

Then she saw me eating a chicken Fajita and said "YOU can eat that???"

I said 'yeah, its just takes a while' and "I need a fill!'

Thing is that normally I would have gained the 40 pounds back by now...

And I havn't.. so in a way.. IT IS WORKING??!!

Do you agree? Any advice? I kinda feel alone or like I am lettng people down. I have even had people ask my loved ones if I am skinny yet..

First of all, I wont EVER be skinny.

Second of all, its only been 5 weeks!

I just wanted to vent, Thanks.

What a great start Nyke! 40 pounds in 5 weeks! That is amazing work!

okay, you do not deserve to suffer. No one deserves to suffer. You are a person with intrinsic value, and because you have value, you only deserve the best. Please find some positive affermations and read them every day! It really makes a difference. I know that chronic pain plays terrible games with your head. I used to wear my pain like a badge of honor. I didnt' realize it, but that is what I did.

Buy yourself different types of bottled Water until you find one you do like. I personally cannot stand the tap water here in Idaho, it's ... horrible. I've tried to filter it, but still, yuck! I find that the different bottled waters all have their own subtle flavors, and currently really like the Earth20 brand. Partly because I can get it in gallon jugs. The well water at my mother's place is terrible, but the well water that my sister had at her old place was WONDERFUL.

Good luck finding a water you like! It's important!

I don't want to sound like I'm jumping on you here...."water" is to the body like "oil" is to an engine....and "oil" is not the same as "transmission fluid" or "power steering fluid" or "antifreeze"....

WOW!!! What a great analagy! I've never thought about it in these terms, but that is a great way to explain it! I hear by announce my intent to steal this thought! It will go along way to explain in terms my boy-ohs can understand. Water is generally my prefered beverage, but getting them to drink it...

Nykee,

Have you tried drinking Crystal Light? The orange and the lemonade flavors are really good!! I don't like drinking plain Water either so this has really helped me. I also drink iced tea (mostly for the caffeine . That is fantastic that you have lost 40 pounds!!!! I lost 15 my first 3 weeks out of surgery, and now the last 2 weeks on solids, I have gained 2.5 back!!!! I too am anxiously awaiting my first fill next Wednesday! Best of luck, and try the Crystal Light!

Monica