Hello,

I haven't posted in almost two months. I've really been struggling with the band. Mostly because I feel almost no restriction. Sometimes I totally forget I have a band. I've had 3 fills so far which puts me up to 6 ccs in my 11cc band. Now I sometimes feel a little restriction here and there but not what I'd hoped. My doctor said that because I'm one of the smaller patients that it takes more fluid to enable restriction. I'm scheduled for another fill next week and hope...

I went away for a three-day getaway with my hubby and came back up nearly 3 pounds. I did eat more than I should, but not nearly enough to even think about a weight gain so I'm shocked. I sure hope this is temporary. I have to say that the things I ate were not worth it. I love the feeling of being in control and having a plan of action that is in progress.

On a more positive note. I started an exercise routine today finally. Hoping that will really kick start the weight loss....

So apparently the timeline with the Realize Band allows for fills sooner. I got 2cc's in my band today and can feel restriction. I could feel it when I stood up on an empty stomach even. I'm on pureed foods today and soft foods tomorrow and then I'm ok to move onto solid foods!!!!!! My next appointment is June 3rd. The goal by then will be to lose 10 more pounds. I'm down 16!!! The fill was virtually painless though she did miss it on the first stab. It was good to hear that my port and...

I think the hardest part of this weight loss journey is going to be accepting the fact that I'm not going to be hitting my goal for quite some time. Even though I've lost 14 pounds (and 9 inches), I really don't think I look all that different yet. I know I won't feel really good about this process until I'm back to the weight I was in my picture which is still about 50 pounds away.

So... I'm making a list of the mini-victories I've experienced since getting my band.

...

I'm two weeks out from my surgery and feeling great. I'm so glad to finally be banded and recovering. The gas pains in my shoulder were terrible last week but I've been pain free for a solid week. All of the steri-strips are off and my incisions look pretty good. I have 5. I've only lost one pound this week but I'm not going to worry. I think my body has been just leveling off after last week's dramatic loss. I'm really happy to report that I've been caffeine, dessert, and alcohol free for 2 weeks....