Cathy?????

How's the restriction going?  Is it a constant thing, or does it come and go.  Nosey minds want to know. Mine is pretty consistently tight in the morning and eases up as the day progresses.  I've finally learned to get something in on a regular basis so I don't get too hungry.  But one morning last week, I woke up, ravenous.  I ate more than usual, but then was fuller longer, so it was all good. For me, it's working into a "feed on demand" kind of thing instead of a schedule....or is that how skinny people always eat?

I'm struggling, Deb.  Thanks for asking.  The night I posted about being stuck on brocolli, I ended up making myself throw it up (the pain was too horrific) and once it was gone, I was famished again and found myself munching on halloween candy. Since that time, I can still eat large quantities.  I'm finding it's a matter of mind over matter, which is so dreadfully hard because of the prednisone.  I'm tapering, though, so in about 3 weeks, I should be back to normal (which is when I'll get my third fill). I've been researching a lot about the band I have.  The Vanguard (VG) seems to take a lot more for people to feel restriction (from those I've read posts from).  Some folks have to have 7 - 9 cc's in their VG band before they feel any satiety at all.  At this point I'm not going to say that I'll need that much, as I WAS stuck from not chewing broccoli, but I do think I'll need more in order to find my "sweet spot". On another note, it's also my TOM, so I'm a little more hungry because of that, too.  Although, I've read that many people feel restriction during their TOM, and I'm not, so who knows. I pray that my struggle is due to the prednisone.  I really do.  That way, I'll be able to handle this a little better once I'm off. Cathy

I think a lot of it has to do with the prednisone, that's a pretty tough nut to crack.  I was talking with my PC about some ankle problems and I said "absolutely NO steriods unless I would die without them." because they effect me that strongly, and not just with weight gain, I'm one mean motor scooter when I take them.  I just hate everyone, including myself. The nice thing about the band is that it's going to be there when the rest of your body is ready for it-there is no time table other than the one your own body dictates.  It's all going to work out just fine, I truly believe that.

You have such a positive outlook on things, Deb.  You're right about not being on a time-table...I'd lost sight of that, while worrying that I wouldn't be at my goal by the Rose Bowl. However, my brother reminded me that they make those floats pretty darned durable, so even if I don't get down to my desired weight, at least I won't fall through the chicken wire.   Thanks again for being so great! Cathy

Aw shucks.  I've been working pretty hard not to obsess about the scale and instead think in terms of progress towards a healthier me.