Since the appointment a couple of weeks before my lap-band surgery (in October) to yesterday, I have lost 34 pounds. I had hoped to lose more, but I’ll take that. But I have lost 26 inches from various parts of my body (21 ¾ inches just in my chest, waist, and hips!) and I'm getting into extra Large when I previously was 2X and 3X. Even better, my BMI has gone from 44.2 to 37.8! That’s all good news, and the weight loss has allowed my doctor to halve my blood pressure medicine because my blood pressure is so much better. He likely will take me off the Pradaxa at my next visit (the Pradaxa is the more effective but more expensive version of Coumadin, and it does not require the weekly sticks to keep me regulated). At some point I expect to be taken off Metformin, the diabetes medicine, or at least be given a lower dosage due to the weight loss. All good news.

It looks like I am right at the optimal fill. The doctor added just  0.25 cc yesterday, bringing me to 7.25 cc., I think. As I have said previously, I finally have a better understanding of the process (I wish this had all been explained earlier, but better late than never). I was expecting something called “restriction" to look a certain way, and some people do experience that, but I never did. That is, I was expecting that the band would “restrict" my stomach, and when a certain amount went in, my stomach would say (figuratively), “Whoa! OK. That’s enough." That wasn’t happening, and because I could eat, I was eating. Never to excess, but more than I needed.

What I've discovered is a better definition -- with the band, when I’ve eaten a smaller portion, I feel satisfied and not hungry until the next meal. So as I have restricted how much I eat – and I’m doing way better at that, as well as eating slower, taking smaller bites, and chewing more – I do find that I am satisfied with smaller amounts.

I really think I'm on the verge of a real breakthrough. Yeaaaaaa!

I'm sorry you are going thru this.I had the band and was not successful ,but some people are so don't give up.Like you I only read the possitive.Unfortunetly I believe this is a money making thing.Everytime you go for a fill they charge your insurance company.Some people just never get that so called sweet spot.I can see them waiting a while to fill because your healing,but this too is a huge problem with the band.The aftercare is not to good.I have since revised to RNY and have a great doc that has great follow-up care.Don't be afraid to shop for another docotr if you have too.If you can afford it a nutritionist closer to you that speacializes in wls would be your best bet,since the doc's rarely see you after surgery anyway.I'm praying for you that you will be successful.I know it's hard because Ive been there and have alot to lose.Hang in there and find support here and wherever you can.God Bless

 I had a lady respond to my grateful post this AM with this video.    OMG.....please watch it.   It really gets you to thinking about our lives and how grateful we should be.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc4HGQHgeFE

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

Kim

I would say it's a good idea to increase your intensity of your workouts.  Workout harder not necessarily longer.  Although, if you have the time adding an extra day or and extra 15 minutes a day will help you.  I also have had intervals do wonders for me.  If you go walking or if you are on a treadmill just walk at a nice brisk pace like you normally do and then break out into a run for 1-2 minutes and then walk again for 4-5 minutes and repeat over and over again.  This type of exercise has been so helpful in keeping my weight coming off. 

You also have to remember the closer you get to your goal weight the harder it will be to lose the weight.   

Good luck...and think positive...you will positively get this weight off...

   Morning Everyone,
YEAH....another night of rain!!!  Although I don't think we got as much as monday night....I am still happy for the rain that we have gotten.    Hope everyone is having a good week so far and that life is treating you right.     This is a post to remind us all that no matter what is going on in our lives that we ALWAYS have something to be grateful for.    No matter how large or small.    PLEASE feel free to share with us one or more things that you are grateful for today.    Today I am grateful for.....Second chances.    Second chances at life as a person in a smaller body.    Although I am not as small as I would like to be.....I am SO grateful for my WL and the fact that even though I have had a gain....it is not a huge one.    Grateful for Obesity Help and all the lifelong friends that I have made due to this website.    Grateful for support groups and for Obesity Help putting enough faith in me 3 yrs. ago to allow me to be a support group leader though them.    I feel so honored for that.    Grateful for my husband of 34 yrs and for all the blessings that have come our way.   Grateful for my faith and answered prayers.    Without my faith I probably wouldn't be here. Grateful for the upcoming OH Conference in New Orleans, La.  Sept. 9 - 10.     Feel free to share what you are grateful for today.
Have a wonderful day and remember to be grateful for the life that you have been blessed with.

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian