ValleyGirl

I didn't have bad gas pains, but I was sore at the port site for months (still am sometimes) and other than that, I didn't even feel like I had surgery- seriously. The hardest part of this for me has always been mental not physical. I can't use food for comfort anymore and sometimes don't know what to do with myself! Of course, I need less "comforting" now that I've lost almost 80 pounds-I feel SO much better about myself because of that. I currently have a complete unfill in an effort to ease the swelling I got from being too tight, getting food stuck, then pb'ing. I'm doing it more as a precautionary measure- would not want to slip my band- and boy- what great reminder to me why I chose to lose weight with a band and not on my own or with a different surgery. First off, my discomfort was corrected IMMEDIATELY as soon as they unfilled it (LOVE that it is adjustable). The other thing I've noticed is that I am SO hungry without my fill. I actually woke up starving this morning (was only unfilled yesterday). I've become so used to NEVER being hungry that I forgot what it feels like. No wondder "diets" are so hard. It is so much easier with my band. Best of luck to you. Sabrina:)

Honestly, if I never lost another pound I would be okay- as long as I don't gain any weight back. Don't get me wrong, if I can get that last 20 pounds off, I know it would be healthier, but I "feel" and I think I look pretty good. In fact, my face is starting to get too thin and I worry that at goal, I will look sickly (at least in my face). That is the problem for me- face is very thin but my stomach still hangs over (muffin top) the waist band of my pants and my boobs are drooping. I'm a perfect candidate for a tummy tuck/breast lift but can't afford it right now. I guess the average woman pushing 40 that has had a couple big babies looks this way....which makes me feel better that I look pretty much like a typical mom and not an obese person anymore! Sabrina:) ps- Hope everyone is having a great summer!

I know you've "heard it all before" but it is TRUE that if you are too tight you will not lose weight. When my doctor weighed me before my unfill, I had GAINED one pound this month- on about 500 cals per day!!! Hard to believe. Sabrina:)

After weeks on end of days where I'm fine then one minute then too tight to eat enough calories the next....and ANOTHER 24 hours (Thursday) of pb'ing everything including liquids, I called OCC and talked to them. They said the best thing to do is unfill for three weeks and let the swelling go down. So I did. This should be interesting. I have to say, I'm SO excited to eat fruit and veggies again!!! Wish me luck. Sabrina:)

Denise, I didn't know you went for the LBL. I thought just a regular TT. I'd LOVE to see you r before and afters!!! Sabrina:)

Yep, whenever I am in a slump and not losing (NOW), I go shopping. Seeing the smaller sizes I can wear now is such a motivator!!! Way to go! Sabrina:)

Thanks for introducing yourself and congratulations!!! You must feel so proud. What is the other surgery you had? Sabrina:)

Oh Lisa, I wasn't offended by your post at all, I just wanted to provide perspective so you knew that all situations are unique for reasons that might not seem apparent at first glance. I often find myself doing this with friends and family....so and so's husband treats her so well, so and so has such a great life/ house/car/job etc etc etc. Now I just try to be grateful for all the good things in my life....and despite the rocky realtionship, I DO have so much to be grateful for. Please don't feel bad. In fact, I hope my post made you feel better in some way. That was my only intention. Sabrina:)

As for people losing weight faster, the grass always looks greener on the other side! To put things in perspective, I think I have lost fairly quickly because I have been having serious marriage problems for months. We've actually talked about the "D" word but are trying desperately to work things out despite fighting almost every single day. This causes me so much stress and heart-ache and when I am stressed, I can not eat. I would trade a good marriage for slower weight loss any day. Things aren't always as they appear. I try to remember that when I do the comparing thing- something I struggle with too, but for different reasons. Sabrina:)

Thanks everyone. In case you are wondering why I haven't been replying much, I'm on vacation for a family wedding in Montreal. Will weigh in when I get home Thursday morning and hopefully I haven't gained any back. It's hard cause I'm not cooking for myself, but I feel good. I was worried flying might make my band tighten but so far, so good. Sabrina:)

Just get some rest and if you feel you need a few a days off work to get your energy back, I hope you'll allow yourself that. Taking care of kids is very hard work. You need to put yourself first right now. Be well. Sabrina:)

No idea on the fill, I'd call Dr. Ortiz. Just wanted to pop in and say congatulations on the pregnancy! You must be SO excited! Sabrina:)

You are so lucky to have found an interest like this. I'm still trying to find a hobby. Keep up the great work (out)! Sabrina:)

Carrie, that is fantastic! Yeah, I can't eat over 1000 calories or I stall...which will be fine when I am at goal. I'll try to do 1200 per day then, but during active weight loss for ME that is too much. Sabrina:)

I truly believe setting some mini-goals earlier is keeping me focused. I will post them again `cause it somehow makes me feel more accountable! 175 by end of summer at goal by my birthday October 25th Sabrina:)

I never thought I'd see the day that I only had 20 pounds to lose! I seem to have gotten over the sporatic super tight days and haven't pb'd in weeks. I've been eating three small meals per day, including lots of local fresh fruits and veggies from the farm down the road, and seem to finally be at my "sweet spot". Speaking of sweet, I've also been allowing myself a "Skinny Cow" ice-cream treat every night and the weight is still dropping! I'm SO happy I could cry! Sabrina:)

I love how in picture one they are resting on the bar.... LMAO!!! Sabrina:)

Carrie, when I went to Florida in February, one of the girls on the board who is a photographer took the pic. We did family portraits on the beach! She is AWESOME but I don't know if she wants to be anonymous on here or not, so I'll leave it at that and hope that she pipes in!!! Sabrina:)

Where did my boobs go??? No reduction, just loss of pure fat!

Jen, I just went through this a few days ago and now I'm totally fine again. I'm tracking to see what is causing my "super tight days" and so far all I can come up with is stress. I used to take meds for anxiety but I quit them just before being banded and handle my stress well MOST of the time. When I don't, I can't eat solids. At least that''s what I think it is for me but it's a conclusion I've only come to in the past 48 hours so who knows? LisaL posted some relaxation techniques a while back that you may find helpful if you search for the post! Sabrina:)

Oh, you made my day! You are too.....and the kids are adorable! I have one of each as well, so blessed. Sabrina:)

Okay, I knew my boobs had shrunk but I look like I've had a reduction....30 pounds must have come off my boobs alone, lol!!! YOWZA!

I can't figure out how to make the pic bigger so you can get a close-up...........my boobs are SO much smaller now. I can't believe how big they were, yikes!

Oh yeah, top pis is 256 pounds and bottom was at 195.

I swore I'd never show the "before" but what the heck. Hope it inspires someone. It's my eight-month bandiversary today!!!