I could use a friend. I was banded 6 weeks ago, and going in for a fill in 2 days.

Anyone??

Good morning!

If you want a buddy from the East Coast, count me in.

I'm Samantha and have been banded 6 mos.

Support is crucial!

Good luck!

Really??? I would be SO THANKFUL for your support.

Any words of wisdom, your experience...would be wonderful.

I go through the site and notice that everything has been covered but sometimes I have a hard time digging it up and finding the answer I need.

Sometimes just having a friend in the same boat would be great..

I am going to my first support group in a few weeks. Can't wait!

So thank you for your offer!

Hello from NJ.

Ask me anything or let me know if you have a concern or problem. If I can help, I'll be happy to.

Your first fill coming up in 2 days? Only do liquids for the first day or so afterwards. Also, my first fill did not kick in immediately. It took 2 weeks for me to feel anything, so if you don't feel any restriction right away be patient.

In the beginning you will be using mostly willpower not to eat alot or to cheat. Restriction may not happen for a few fills. Everyone is different.

Drop me a line anytime.

Oh, and avoid negative people if possible. Your moods will fluctuate and you don't need any added BS. Stress plays havoc with the band.

Samantha :-)

Hi there....

Since I've last posted to you I've had two fills. I'm at 7 cc right now. I seem to have some restriction, but not much.

I'm not losing, and have put on maybe two pounds because of poor choices. I know I need to work on those.

For some reason, I am craving sweets, which I have never craved before. I'm filling up fast, but grazing. Partially because I'm unemployed, and depressed about it. Seeking a job for 8 months has made things really tough.

I know about making better choices, and I think going back on carbs makes me depressed, so I plan on going off carbs again. It's been a tough journey...

Any words of advice?

Ah, I'm so sorry to hear about your job searching. I went from an office mgr, to a secretary and now I'm working in a school cafeteria. (ugh) The economy is awful. I keep telling myself I'm lucky to have a job, but...

My point is, I can relate to the depression. Swallowing ones pride isn't easy. Everyday I feel like I am better than this. On the otherside of the coin, at least I go to work everyday. Staying home plays havoc with your emotional eating. All day to think about food wasn't good for me, all day to be able to eat food wasn't either. Maybe (and of course I don't know you, you could be a Harvard Grad) anyway, maybe you could take a part time job just to get you at of your funk and out of the house.

I don't do carbs. I never had a piece of bread, plate of pasta or dish of rice since being banded. I will have pasta or rice in soups, but try to take more broth or meat. I do notice that if I have taken moe carbs in the soup than normal, I feel bloated and heavy. Which makes me feel terrible about myself yet again.

If you are overeating or making bad choices (not sure what you mean here exactly) that makes us bloated and grumpy and then makes our bodies believe that this is how we're supposed to feel.

One of the hardest things to learn for me is that stuffed and bloated is not normal.

Limiting your carbs is a smart idea. They fill up your pouch and take the room that protein, fruit & veggies should have.

Are you still taking vitamins? I was out of vitamins for about 2 weeks. Boy did it make a difference.

You said you gained 2 lbs. Are you weighing yourself daily, weekly, monthly? Your period will bring on wt gain. Stress will bring on wt gain for some people. Don't stress the 2 lbs. I wouldn't weigh myself everyday because your wt fluctuates and that would mess with my head.

My biggest advice is to get out of the house. It is cold in NJ, but your in Cali, so you could probably go for walks (free) and it will get your body and brain moving. If you go to the gym, or have an alternate exercise routine, then increase your frequency.

Also, I like to chat online here from time to time. Especially, when I'm waiting out my 45 minutes from drinking to eating.

Also, I have 4 cups of tea to loosen band and chatting or reading posts helps to distract me in the mornings.

Do you need an anti-depressant to help you get through this hump. Not advocating, just posing this to you.

As for the sweets. I have a sf fudgesicle everyday. Also, sf choc pudding. Drinking the EAS pre made choc shakes once a day helps as well. (you can see I have a choc theme going here) lol

The band is forgiving, we are not. Don't beat yourself up. Get right back on track.

Just think how much worse it would be if you weren't banded.

Good luck. I hope this helps some.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Sammi

PS- drop me a line whenever, no worries there.