I feel a little victorious. I went to my fill appointment today, and decided NOT to get the fill. Crazy! Most of the time I feel like I'm just counting the days until my next fill, and worrying that I have no restriction because I've never had a PB or been stuck. I'm at 6.7cc in a 10cc band. But when I really think about it...like really REALLY think about it...I'm good! My hunger level is good. On protein, I can go 4 or 5 hours no problem. I am .3 of a lb away from being 80lbs down. I can eat steak, pasta, all breads, and I can take Tylenol without having to break it in half...life is good.
I've spent a lot of time on blogs reading about sliming, and PBs and stucks...and I think that most of us seem to think it's the hallmark of being successful with a band. But I'm not sure it is. Not for all of us, anyway. So if you're someone who isn't banded yet, or is just newly banded, what I want to impart to you is that you need to listen to your body ALL the time. You might not ever have a PB (just as an example, I know that Linda is SUPER successful, and she's never had a PB either) and yet, your band might be doing exactly what it's supposed to do - curb your real hunger. I dunno. That's my experience so far, anyway. And I kind of wish someone had told me.
Thoughts?
Love it.... I wish I could stay full longer without haveing the bad side effects of pbs and stucks... but I just can't. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteWow Gilly, 80 pounds. I am totally impressed. I think you're right about the no-pb thing -- you're so careful about portion control that you're rocking your band without the traumatic pb experiences. Congrats, girl!
ReplyDeleteI agree. All a PB tells you is that you've got some kind of restriction but that you're not eating entirely properly. Whether it's too big of a bite, not enough chewing, eating too fast, drinking liquids, or just plain the wrong choices, PB's aren't something to aim for. I'm sure there are some people who are naturally more sensitive but unfortunately that means they have to pay even MORE attention to the rules.
ReplyDeleteThe other day I ate something I shouldn't have and I started to feel like I might PB. This little tiny voice in my head said, "Hey, that's not so bad, you got the pleasure of eating it but you won't have to live with the calories!" I then FREAKED THE F*&K OUT that I even thought that for a second. Talk about the road to an eating disorder! Goodness.
Great post, Gilly! And congrats for turning down a fill! If you're losing, feel mostly in control, stay full, and get to eat a variety of things, I think that's officially the GREEN ZONE!! =)
It TOTALLY freaks me out about the PBs....I won't lie, I don't want one! I think you're extremely successful if you DON'T have one, because it means you're eating properly, chewing properly, and doing what you're supposed to. I guess I will find out how I do starting August 27!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I just came online to figure out how much weight I've lost in the 10 weeks since my last fill, as I'm thinking that perhaps it's time for a fill since it's been so long. When I saw your post, it got me to thinking.
ReplyDeleteI don't PB or slime. However, I think that perhaps I do eat too much at meals, compared to what I've read others doing. On the other hand, I can eat pasta, some breads (I don't allow myself to eat too much bread or any pizza crust (except the cracker thin crust from Papa Murphy's)), I'm fine with all kinds of meat, whether first cooked or reheated.
But my eating between meals is problematic, especially in the afternoon and after supper at night. So I'm wondering if perhaps a small fill (around 0.2 - recent fills have been 0.4 ccs), might be in order. I think I will call my doc and see about going in next Monday and see what he thinks.
I'm glad you posted this! It was perfect timing for me, who has been banded 7 months and 2 days now.
I'm not sure that not having PB's means you're any more successful or that having them means you're doing something wrong...I'm just saying that I don't think everyone will have them and not having them doesn't mean you're UN-successful...does that make sense? I think it took me 6 months to realize that I don't have to have one to know my band is working. That's all.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right. I didn't come into this to slime and PB but that's how my body is working right now. I am even considering a small un-fill so I can eat more solid stuff. Problem is I am sloooowly losing about 3 pounds a month so I think this is where I have to be. I am so happy you are able to lose with the band filled to a good level. I see success as being able to eat and not think about food all the time. You seem to have that without the other problems. I am not thinking about food for 4-5 hours but my stomach is just not co-operating. I figure it is just my stomach is an easy puker-I puked for months for both my pregnancies. I can't seem to figure out why it happens but boy it hurts and is absolutely the worse thing in the world (to me anyway). I don't see it as success because it happens to me. It is just something I have to be more aware of to keep from happening. So keep on being successful and eating band-wise. It is good to here that this works for many.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing fantastc Gilly! 80 lbs.!!! I think its great that you do not PB or slime, I wish I could say the same thing, and I agree with you 100 %!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think that like most things with the band it depends on the person. Congrats on not needing a fill. I just found out that my first fill appt had to be pushed back a week because my surgeon will be on vacation. A part of me is a little bummed, but it seems that most people don't get fills until 6 weeks out and mine will now be 5 1/2 weeks out.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think the no PB thing is more your body than how good you are eating or chewing. At first I waited to get one or slime to make sure I was tight enough, but then I realized it was just me. If you are comfortable where you're at and you're losing then stick with it. I will say I'm a little tight right now and I do better(mentally with a little less restriction).
ReplyDeleteThanks for saying I'm super successful.
xoxoLinda
Oh yea - Congrats on 80!!!!!
You are totally right. Everything you read from the band 'experts' echoes your sentiment. I haven't PB'd or slimed either and I don't 'want' to. I'm hoping I can follow in your and Linda's very fashionable footsteps.
ReplyDeleteAnd oh yea, ROCK IT GIRL with the 80 pounds. Shoot.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree!! My mom seems to think that if she isn't throwing up, she isn't tight enough! I have only PB'd twice and it was on the same day, I usually don't have any problems besides feeling some pain if I eat too fast.
ReplyDeleteI think you rock...with or without PBs. Every time I see PB I still think of peanut butter first....and then the cravings start. Damn you lap banders...damn you. LOL
ReplyDeleteyour rocking it almost 80lbs!! I went about 8 months with no pb or slime and then I got a big girl fill and I have to be careful because I pb on SALMON!!
ReplyDeleteI agree and I even think you and I have discussed this before.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to slime or PB (to the chagrin of my hubby...he seems to be looking forward to it...freak) and that is fine with me. Unlike you, however, I don't stay full 4-5 hours...it's more like 2 1/2 - 3. For that reason I keep wanting a fill. I've had 3 for a total of approx. 6CC in an 11 CC band.
Can't be happier for you with the 80 lbs. pop tart. You inspire...
I agree! I have only slimed once and I rarely PB. I just this stuck feeling and then it goes a way. I think it is different for everyone... <3
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post for anyone thinking about getting a band or who is newly banded. Heck, even for the oldly banded!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree...PB's just mean you're doing it wrong...always 'operator error' with me (I'm a slow learner). CONGRATS on the 80!! Awesome WL!!!
ReplyDelete