jhawkchick75

Great job! I've been out quite a few times with folks that don't know and it is tricky, but doable. When I eat really slow and they ask, I just tell them i'm being more mindful of how I eat and that i'm taking my time b/c they say it takes 10-15 minutes for you to tell your full, so this way i'll know exactly when i'm full and I won't over eat. So far they have all bought it! The not drinking and eating is tougher, but if I have a drink in front of me they don't seem to notice. I used to just not order a drink, but that sounds off alarms so I get a water and just quit drinking it as soon as my food comes.

Congrats!!!!! Isn't that a great feeling!!!!! Here's to many more celebrations!!!!!!

You are most welcome! He is great and I'm sure you will have a great experience with him. I have another fill right after Valentine's Day but this time i'm seeing the NP so i'll let you know how that goes. I've heard nothing but good things about her too so i'm not worried. Let me know how it goes!!!

I have an initial goal set, but it is just at 150 and I hope to lose more. That is the smallest i've been in my adult life, so I chose that as a first goal. Then, after that I am going to see what I want my goal to be. I figure i'll stick to the plan and see where I can get comfortably and maintain. BMI is always a good guide, but it isn't realistic for me b/c it says I should be between 115 and 123 and there is just no way unless I did it unhealthy and i'm not going to do that.

Wooo Hoooo more KC folks!

I've had 2 fills and no problems with water. Luckily, i've always loved water and so I have no problems drinking lots. I've never heard of someone having problems with liquids unless they were too tight. If you ever have problems with liquids then that is a sign of a problem.

Wow....I have no words that is fantastic!!!! You have done such an amazing job and are proof that it does work!!!!! I am still fairly early in my journey, but already have great faith in it. Good job!!! I hope you are doing something wonderful to celebrate!!!???

You are my HERO girl!!!! Great job!!!!!! Here's to many more!!!!!

Someone please correct me if i'm wrong, but it's my understanding that when in liquids it's almost impossible to stretch your pouch. You would have to be chugging soup - is that correct? When on liquids, don't worry about calories and just eat when you are hungry. Good luck!

I was really freaked about the thought of that needle going in my stomach, but i'm gonna tell you on a scale of 1-10 I think the pain was a 2. The actual needle stick was nothing. To me, the part that was the most uncomfortable is after they stick it through your skin and are trying to find the spot in the port. But that is more pressure than pain. It's over so quick and it's no big deal. Don't stress at all!

If you do have even a few days you can burn i'd recommend it. I went back to work too early and wished I would have taken even 2 more days off just to relax a bit. I don't have to lift a ton, but I sit at my desk a lot and got really sore.

I was one of those that was cursing (on the inside of course) those folks that had no pain and an easy ride. I had no complications, but it was a good month before I could say I was at around 80 percent or so. Like everyone said, everyone is different so don't judge your healing, fills, or success on others. But if it is really painful of course get it checked. But if it is just discomfort then you are fine.

Same here, but congrats! I'll have my 3rd coming up and I'm hoping I can get some restriction. I'm sure the weight will start flying off now!

I tell ya the flatbread looks really good! We went to Subway the other day and I got a sandwich but just asked for double meat and ate the meat and other goodies out of it. Man, it was tough though b/c that bread looked soooo good! But I knew it wasn't an option so I wasn't even trying. But until your body tells you otherwise take it slow and try it, but whatever you do STOP at the first inkling of it being stuck. That is the fun of this lovely band - the guessing game of what might come up!

You are all three such rock stars! Seeing your progress in just one year makes me really hopeful for my 1 year bandiversary! Great job!

No lifting anything over 10lbs for 6 weeks is what I was told. I told a couple of folks at work what was going on and they helped me out a great deal. Be very careful lifting and do it as little as possible.

Give it a try and if it gets stuck stop right away. They have that new flatbread which looks good and they have wraps. If that doesn't go through, then just eat the meat cheese and veggies.

Ohhh I can completely relate! I could eat bread after my first fill, but after the 2nd even toasted bread was out. That has been tough - bread is my weakness, but i'm dealing. Even after PB'ing it I still crave it which stinks. You would think after that I wouldn't want it anymore.

If it is taking that much willpower on your end then you definitely need a fill. You are doing great by not completely relying on the band, but shoot girl rely on it more than that! I hope you get some more restriction from your 2nd fill. Mine is helping, but i'm ready for #3!

Everyone is different, but I know for me it seems like I was in a little more pain than some of the others. We tried to go to Revolution Ave the next day, but I didn't last very long. I was sore and got tired really quick. I think that is a good idea taking a few days before (I went to San Diego a day early) and then stay there and you can do stuff, but listen to your body and stop when you start getting uncomfortable. Depending on when you are going they have a great pool to lay by and stick your feet in and if you feel up to it you can get manis and pedis and massages! Didn't take advantage of that and I wish I would have.

Had 2 fills and the only thing I cannot do is bread. I can still do tortillias and really crispy thin crust pizza though. Definitely can't eat as much, but cannot wait until my next fill b/c I still can eat way too much.

Congratulations on your success thus far! For me, when I am at the doctor having my fill I schedule another one for one month from then. I'll be having my 3rd in a couple of weeks. I"ll keep scheduling and they told me if the week of I really don't feel like I need it to cancel. I definitely have more restriction since the 2nd one (no bread for me) but can still eat most things and have only PB'ed or gotten things stuck about 2 or 3 times, so i'll definitely be keeping my next fill appt. Definitely using more willpower than bandpower right now.

It is really possible that you aren't eating enough. Make sure and count those calories. I had a plateau as well and I did come counting and realized that I wasn't getting in nearly enough calories and it helped kick start my weight loss again. Especially if you are exercising a lot, you need even more calories. Good luck!

It is just like anywhere else, keep a careful eye on your stuff and you will be fine. I took both and had no problem. When we went somewhere I put my laptop in the dresser drawer and my purse as well if I wasn't taking it with me. Had no problems and nobody messed with anything. Now, one thing to be careful with is credit cards. My mom and I both used ours on Revolution Ave and I had no problems, but at one of the stores something happened because she ended up with someone apparently taking her number and using her card at several places in TJ. So if you use your cards do it with caution. I used mine, but only after I had used all my cash. Use cash if at all possible. At the hotel I would feel completely safe using my card though.

Unfortunately that varies from person to person. I'm told the younger you are, the better elasticity you will have, but even then it is a crap shoot. I've heard there are several things you can do to help it along, but not sure how well they really work. But I hear exercise and drinking lots of water can help. Guess it can't hurt!