TracieR

During my preop testing my doctor warned that sometimes you trade addictions, and to be careful with alcohol and things like that. For me, I worked really hard and I can finally say that I have traded my food addiction for working out. YAY!! But I still have to try really hard not to shop too much. Especially since there are so many more cute things in a size 14/16 then in a size 26/28! I knew I would have to substitute the food for something healthy because I tend to have an addictive personality! UGH!!

2011 has been a very up and down year emotionally. I am feeling very blessed for my health and the health of my family. I am so thankful that I finally got over my excuses and had lap band surgery. I am down 120lbs in 10.5 months. I've worked hard and I am enjoying my new life. My son is thriving and so much fun right now - minus the terrible two days! We have our own home and both have jobs. We are very thankful and blessed! We lost my grandmother this year. It was hard but she had a very long and wonderful life! We are thankful for all the years with her. She would have been so happy that I am getting healthy. I miss her! We hope 2012 holds good things for us. We hope to give our son a brother or sister. Everyone keeps saying after losing weight it is easier to get pregnant. So far not true for us, been trying since August, and no luck so far. Trying to give myself a year after surgery before I start freaking out. Hoping my hormones get it together. I will be going to see my obgyn this month to get checked out again. Fingers crossed that this can be an easy road for us. I hope to lose another 60+ lbs to get to the goal I have set for myself. From there I will decide what my final goal will be. Last New Year's Eve I was so miserable and fat. This year I know I will reach my goals. I have to for me and my family! Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year! “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” Oprah

Congratulations! What a great way to start off the New Year with a new you!!

I've gotten stuck a bunch of times. I am definitely in agreement that it helps remind me to slow down. I also follow my doctors rules but that does not mean you are not going to get stuck. There are certain things for me that I have trouble eating. I can not eat chicken breast. It is way too dry and even if I take tiny bites or eat super slowly it gets stuck. This is just me. Eggs are the same way. I have to avoid them. Everyone is different. It also depends on how tight your band is. For me stress and hormones also play a roll in how tight my band is on a certain day. I also can not eat in the morning. I make a protein shake for breakfast everyday. I guess I'm just saying that everyone's experience with the band is so different you never know what might make you stuck.

I love crablegs from Red Lobster! They are high protein low fat and take forever to eat, so you don't feel deprived. Also love scallops. I eat them at least 3 times a week. Quick and easy to make!! Stay away from the cheddar biscuits though! hehe!!

I feel the same way. I've been out of control for the last week or so. The only thing I have done right is keep going to the gym. That is the only thing that has kept me from gaining. Once this week is over I will be back to being super strict with my food choices. I enjoyed my holiday and (hopefully) I haven't gained. That is all I can ask for! Happy New Year to you!

Congratulations! 22lbs gone is great! I had bad gas pains for about 3-4 weeks after surgery. Mine were in my left shoulder. Walking and a heating pad helped tremendously! I was starving after a few days. It really is about willpower the first month or so until you start getting fills. Some people it is longer some shorter. Depending on when you get restriction, for some people it takes a few fills. I was lucky to receive some restriction after one fill. Start walking as soon as possible. Walk around your neighborhood or in the mall. I started with one mile and everyday would add a little more. It helped me. Whenever I really wanted to eat I got up and went for a walk. Make sure you are getting in a lot of Water (fluids). It helps keep you feeling full and helps you lose. Maybe your weightloss will help the endometriosis? I know it has definitely helped me get my hormones back on track. We are trying for a second baby and trying to be hopeful! But it is a very frustrating process. I wish you all the best! Keep up the good work! Happy New Year!

YAY!! I am so happy for you! Enjoy every minute of your pregnancy!

I tell everyone who asks about my weightloss. I feel it helps keep me accountable. I also get the opportunity to educate people about my tool and what it has done for me. I have never had any negative feedback....to my face anyway!!

i'm so sorry you are going through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! stay strong!

I started this journey at 371lbs, 5'9". I could barely walk around the block. I started everyday just adding an extra 5 minutes before you know it I was able to do more. Look into getting a trainer for a while that was the thing that pushed me to do things that I never thought would be possible. If you can swing it it would be totally worth it. Just get moving everyday and push yourself. Do you have a friend that you can work out with or just take a walk with? In the beginning I hated it but I knew I had to keep at it if i wanted to be successful. Now it is hard to believe but I actually like it and feel guilty if i miss a day! Who would've have thought? Only 9 months ago my exercise was walking to my car... You can do it!! You are young and strong! BTW, I can't stand the sight of Leslie Sansone either. I don't know what it is but I can't take her for one minute!! Good luck to you!!

You are truly an inspiration! I hope to be where you are at my one year also! What an awesome thing to celebrate this holiday season!

Congratulations! It is such a great feeling! When I finally broke down and bought myself some smaller sizes I felt so much better about myself and was really able to see the difference. So much fun!

Sounds like you need a fill! As you lose weight your band will loosen and you will be able to eat more. On average I got fills every other month, everyone is different and you will be able to judge when you need a fill with how often you get hungry and how much you can eat. If in doubt definitely call your doctor! Good luck!

I had surgery on March 8, 2011. I have been working my a** off (literally!) I am so proud of myself - I will say it because I deserve it! I have a good restriction right now. I watch my calories but, honestly not too strict with it. I eat low carb, high Protein, don't do bread or Pasta at all. I don't deprive myself, if I want something I have it. A small portion of it. I started working out about 8 weeks after surgery. I work out 4-5 days a week, two of those days with a trainer. I love it. I went from a tight size 26/28 to a 16 (!!!!). I started this journey at 371lbs and now weigh 256lbs. I want to get under 200 and then I will decide on a goal weight. I wanted to share some pictures to show my progress. I love my band! Sorry if the pictures are huge - I was having trouble resizing!!! Before (02/2011) During (Thanksgiving 2011)

Love her too! I am definitely making the Strawberry Cannoli Santas to bring as a dessert to our families Christmas dinner!!

My doctor gave me clearance to start exercising with no restrictions at about 8 weeks post op. Definitely check with your doctor.

I have been having the same problem. My hair seems to be breaking off though. My doctor says it is a combo of not enough protein and just a side effect of the weight loss. I've been taking 5,000 Biotin once a day. It seems to be helping, took a couple of months to kick in though.

So since Thanksgiving I've been not making the best food choices. I've been slacking with my Protein and just overall slipping into bad habits. I am here today to start over. Today I was at the gym bright and early and have already had 30 grams of protein and 32 oz of Water. My goals for the week are to get 100oz of water and eat 3 meals a day. What a great opportunity Monday’s are! You get to fix what went wrong LAST week, you get to try the things that you were too afraid to do LAST week, you get to go after one of the infinite opportunites that are available to you that you put off LAST week…whoo hoo!! What will you do with your Fresh Start Monday??

Isn't it great? We will never see the 300's again! WOOHOO! Congrats to you!

This is what they refer to as bandster hell! The time where your built-in willpower has not yet been turned on. I agree with the other posters, I haven't heard of a doctor who gives a fill before 4 weeks post op. Stick with it, follow the rules and keep busy. I always log on here when I have a craving. Reading success stories seem to help keep them at bay! Good luck to you!

Congrats on losing 35lbs! Take it one day at a time. Try not to obsess over the numbers. For the first 2 months or so your body is adjusting to the changes. If you follow the rules your doctor gave you it will start to come off! Also, about the sagging skin thing - from what I have read it is also your body. Some people sag some people don't . I have major stretch marks all over and from what my dr told me that skin will probably not bounce back no matter how slow I lose or how much I exercise. Just my two cents! Good Luck to you!

Thanks everyone! I feel great! It has been the best thing I have ever done for myself!

Thanks so much! I had my surgery at Mercy with Dr. Garber. I am very happy with them. I didn't really do a preop diet, the week before surgery I had a Protein shake for Breakfast and tried to eat light. I did not lose any weight before surgery. I was exactly the same weight on my first visit that I was the morning of surgery. It is a lot of hard work but if you follow the rules and take it one day at a time it will work for you! I wish you all the best!

Sounds delicious. I'm ging to try the pistachio. Thanks for sharing!