Hello I had my band placed July 27th 2007. I started at 282 pounds and reached my goal of 150 npounds on New Years Eve. This has been the most wonderful thing I could have done for myself. If I can help please let me know how.

Yes, I would like suggestions. I have gained 5 pounds...was 7 but back down to 5. I find that I am able to eat larger portion sizes. Never really full... but then I was overfilled a couple of months ago and was getting heartburn. They unfilled and now I feel like I have no restriction!! Doctor doesn't want to fill anymore because of the heartburn problem, so what do I eat to fill me up and yet still help me lose weight? suggestions?

I would love to talk to you. I need a buddy. So what type of foods do you eat? Do you do protein shakes, if so how often? I have lots of questions for you!

me too, I need you

banded on 12/9 first fill on 1/7 and maybe I have lost 2 lbs

I can not drink all the fluids required

please help

Hello, I was banded one week ago and have lots of questions I am looking for a band buddy to help me out. I am a married, 36 y/o female in TX with 3 daughters and 1 granddaughter. Please let me know if you are interested. Thanks!

Oh Allison...boy do I need you!! I was banded in March of 2007. I can't believe it's been almost 2 years! I have only lost 36lbs. Either the band is not working for me or I'm not working the band. There aren't any support groups near me so I'm pretty much on my own. I don't know how to get back on track and stay there!!! If you are willing and able to be my mentor...I would be forever grateful!!

Sherri

Maybe you can help me. I was banded about 4 months ago. I have lost 50 lbs of the 135 I need to lose. I have had 3 fills and each time I felt the restriction. With the first 2 after a few weeks I could feel the restriction go away. The last fill was 2 months ago and I was sure I was at my sweet spot. Now I haven't lost weight in a month. I know it was the holidays and all the sweet things that melt in your mouth. So now I want to get back on track but I feel hungry a lot. Can I still need another fill when I have so much restriction? I cannot eat in the a.m., there is absolutey no bread, rice or pasta. Anything dense like chicken is tough. Help please, something is changing but I'm confused where I'm at.

Niecey

I'm new to the site, but I need help!! I was banded in Aug of 06. I lost about 60 lbs, and then this past November, I started having complications and had to be completely unfilled. I've put on 20 lbs. I"m going in Thurs morning to be refilled, but I am terrified that my band won't work anymore. I could use a buddy!

Hi Alison,

I'm not struggling ... yet. It has been a bit less than a month since my banding and I've lost 16 lbs. Sure, I know the first few weeks are the easiest since everything is swollen and the band works well. My surgeon, Dr. Brad Amson in Victoria, BC, Canada doesn't use any fill during surgery but, so far, so good.

There is, however, one time of the day: 5sh when I start getting hungry and no matter how much Water I drink, it doesn't help. The plan I've been given is to only eat 1/2 cup of food, Protein first, three times a day and no snacking!!! Any hints??

Brief background: I'm 73 (yes, Dr. Amson accepted me because I was so healthy) I have another 74 lbs to lose, my husband supports me in this new way of life, I ride my exercise bike daily plus another fifteen minutes of physio stretches for a bad back, I'm a retired elem. teacher turned full time artist. I'm a happy soul who is even happier now!

If you have enough time to be a buddy throughout my working towards goal, I would be delighted. Please let me know, Alison, if you can add one more buddy. Thanks so much.

Marilyn188

I would be happy to be your buddy. I am so pleased with the decision I made to have the band, it has chnaged my life. How are things going for you? Have you had your first fill?

The key for me was eating slow and having a bite of something I really wanted. I do not drink protein shakes but did occasionally have a slim fast for breakfast when i was not realy hungry for a full breakfast. If you can get it in your head to stop when you are not hungry vs full it will make a huge difference. Let me know if this helps.

I eat three times a day. I try to make sure to get protein in whenever I eat. If you cook chicken in broth it keeps it moist. I also cut it into very small bites and chew a ridiculous amount of times.

I drink small amounts throughout the day. Always keep a water bottle with you and dont drink after you eat/ If I do I always throw up.

Since you were all so kind to tell me eabout yourselves let me tell you a little something about me. I am 39...turning 40 in July. My bad was placed 3 days after my 38th birthday. I was very hopeful that I would reach my goal by my 40th birthday...YEAH I did it!!!!

I am married with 3 children, I live in southern California. I was cash pay so I did not have to attend any support groups or jump through the hoops many insurance companies require.

The band is a tool, it will not loose the weight for you but will make it much easier to be honest and loose the weight. I am sure none of us had this done without first trying just about every diet out there.

You all can and will succeed!!! Stay focused and remeber nothing tastes as good as thin feels!!

My email is alison_legendre@yahoo.com. Please feel free to email me. If it takes a couple of days to get back I appologize, with three kids things get crazy.

I hope this helps.

Oh Allison...boy do I need you!! I was banded in March of 2007. I can't believe it's been almost 2 years! I have only lost 36lbs. Either the band is not working for me or I'm not working the band. There aren't any support groups near me so I'm pretty much on my own. I don't know how to get back on track and stay there!!! If you are willing and able to be my mentor...I would be forever grateful!!

I am in this same boat! I was banded Oct 31, 2006 and have only lost 40 lbs. I've had some heartburn problems and the doctor wanted to unfill my band and leave the Fluid out for three weeks. I protested and was successful at getting the fluid increased. My major problem is that I can eat larger portions and I am not really ever full. I could really use some support....

My band was too full once and I had heartburn issues. My doctor removed some of the fill and this resolved. If you force yourself to eat super slow you will fill up on much less food. I found if i put my fork down between bites it made a different. It seemed wierd at first but I got use to it. Try that and see if it helps. Also avoid high calorie liquid or semi liquid foods like juices and ice cream. I am a firm beleiver that calories should be chewed.