Bet you never thought I would say this.........

But I do have some restriction now. I had 16 fills in 15 months. No restriction. Then I gave up. A yr. later I got the 17th fill. No restriction. Then 3 1/2 months later I got a tiny bit of restriction for no apparent reason. Only thing I could think of was maybe b/c of the temp change for the spring? Anyway it was nothing like restriction/green zone was advertised to be, but it was the closest I had ever come. It lasted about 3 or 4 wks. Gave up again. Then at after Christmas I got the 18th fill. Nothing. Then a couple of wks. ago I got too tight. Thought I would do liquids and mushies for a few days and see if I needed a slight unfill. After a few days it was no longer too tight, but there was a tiny bit of restriction like last yr. So I decided to try another fill. Got one about a wk. ago and there seems to be decent restriction the first 7 or 8 hrs. of the day. So this is the closest I have ever had to a "normal" band. I don't really think this will last, but who knows?

So now that I finally have some restriction am I happy with my decision to get the band? No. Never would I have gone with the band had I known there was the possibility of not getting some restriction till 2 1/2 years out! I don't think any bandster would choose this if they knew upfront that this was a possibility. But I will enjoy this while it lasts.

Can I still be happy for you?

Yes. Thank you very much Jo! ;-)

Maria, I love you for your honesty!!!  You rock!   This is what the boards should be like.    True words without anger or hate!! 

Enjoy the restriction!  xo

Thanks so  much! I don't know how long it will last.........but I'll be enjoying it while it does. :-)

ok now!  what does a banster eat with restriction?

Breakfast was 1/4 blackened chicken with swiss sandwich (with most of the bread removed), and cheese grits.

Snack was 30g protein shake

Lunch (which I'm eating now-I keep strange hours) is chicken and bean soup

Later I'll have another 1/4 of the sandwich and yogurt

If I get hungry after that I'll grab some postachios

I'll also do another 15g shake

Congrats I hope it lasts!!!! I know you wouldn't do it again but since it is what you have I hope it finally helps you. You should be very proud of all you have lost without restriction.

Thanks. I am very proud! I still follow the band rules, so maybe the no drinking with meals or 30 mins. after really does help? But I think what has helped me the most is just not buying food that I shouldn't have and bringing it in the house (for the most part). There's a big difference between being able to just go to the pantry and grab it............and having to get in the car and drive to get it if I'm craving something. So that usually works as a major deterrent!

Not drinking while eating or 30 before and after has been, and istill is, one of the hardest things to do!!

Keep up the good work and I hope the restriction continues for you!