roziecakes

One way that I have avoided the 'yucky' Protein shakes is to make really delicious smoothies with protein powder (vanilla flavored). The powder I use is 110 calories per scoop, so I throw in a scoop, a banana (110 calories), some yogurt (the kind I use has 80 calories per 1/2 cup), some sugar free strawberry jam (10 calories per tbsp), and blend it up with some ice, and it's like having a milkshake! I drink half of it for a meal, and 1/2 of it for another meal. It's yummy and doesn't taste like the yucky prepackaged Protein Shakes.

I wanted to tell you that I find your progress to be extremely inspirational. I also have a large amount to lose, and I can't wait until twoderville myself! Congratulations!

You really have done well!!! What an inspiration to us new bandsters. Great job!

So I do what my doc told me not to do. I weigh myself a couple of times a day. Once in the morning, and once before bed. Why? I like to know what's happening in there!! However, I don't have a weird attitude about it, nor do I obsess about it rising and falling throughout the day because I recognize that it's normal for my body to do that. I guess I just enjoy weighing myself now that the scale is so much less than it used to be... maybe I'm weird. Ha ha!

I'm close to you in length of time being banded, and I just in the last week have been able to get my calories up enough. It has been REALLY difficult. I've been adding extra protein powder to things, and like Rachel412 says, some healthy fats to boost the caloric value of what I've been eating. I get in between 1000-1100 now and feel pretty good! But no, you're definitely not alone!!!

It sounds like you need a fill if you are feeling so hungry!

Please please don't beat yourself up. Remember that the first step of fixing a mistake is admitting it was a mistake in the first place, so you're on the right track; just keep moving ahead from there, even if the steps that you take are small. Just keep on moving forward. There is nothing wrong with you for being a human being and having limits. No one is perfect!! I think that you know in your heart and mind what the right things to do are since I know that you're a smart cookie (at least knowing you from the board), where you're having trouble is following through and falling back into old patterns. I know that it might be difficult, but try to break one old pattern a day. You might not be able to quit eating all that fast food cold turkey, but you could start by making a healthier choice when you do go to get fast food; like instead of a big burger for example, get a grilled chicken sandwich, and get one of the small ones (they're cheaper too!) A small hamburger at Jack in the Box is only 340 calories; and a pintos and cheese from Taco Bell is only 190 calories. I know I've eaten a couple of those on the run! Do you have access to a nutritionist through your surgeon? If so, I suggest maybe having a consult with them, I have found that mine has had the BEST suggestions as to replacements for comfort foods, healthier ways to cook things, and suggestions for feeling satisfied on less. As for your divorce. If your husband really is an abusive person, you are the better person for leaving, good for you! There are so many people who stay in abusive relationships (men and women) who never have the guts to do what you did and leave! You are AWESOME for doing that, and have set a great example for all victims of abuse by showing strength. Take some of that strength and give it a big push towards your health. I know that you can do it! If you have the ability to get that divorce, you have the ability to lose the weight because you are amazing! I know that you are sad even though you know it's the right thing. One saying that I love is an old Sufi prayer; "Break my heart to make room for a limitless love." It means that sometimes you need to face sadness and really really hard decisions to make room for the greatest happiness possible in your life. It may hurt right now, but if you take those small steps and care for yourself as much as possible, you'll work through it and find true joy and health too!! Best of luck, and hugs!!! Thank you for being brave and sharing your story! We're here for you.

That is so very exciting!!!! Congratulations

I am just starting to get back into ab exercises after surgery, at first they were hurting my port, so I didn't do them; I will try the 'plank' that sounds like a great idea! Thanks

I'm not quite to where you folks are yet, I'm still working up to my first 5K, but I'm getting there!! I've been out on the trail for almost 4 miles a day, about half of it running, and half power walking. I was told by my nutritionist that I will need to eat some more carbs and a little more fat for energy plus 10 grams more Protein than I have been. I think though that part of it for me is the fact that I'm still a relatively large person (6ft tall and 306, although I'm down almost 100 pounds from June 2010), so I might not be the best example. Reading that you folks are training for marathons is SO inspiring! I sincerely hope that is me someday!

Personally, I feel that although the lapband is slower, it's actually safer. And wheelchair is right, the total weight loss that you will get with the band and with the gastric bypass is probably going to be the same it just might take you longer with the band. For me, the bypass freaks me out because a) I don't want parts cut out of me, and b ) the malabsorption makes me concerned because I have problems with vitamin absorption to begin with, and making that worse just sounds like a big NO; so I would NEVER consider it. What I suggest you do, is weigh the pros and the cons of both, really do some research, talk to your doctor. Personally, I don't think that you're a failure at all, I think you're within the boundaries of normal for the lapband, especially since you are dealing with the meds screwing with your weight loss. You are doing super in my opinion! Congrats on your loss thus far.

How very exciting!!! I'm so thrilled for you. I've got a long way to go to Onederland, but I'm going to be in the 200s very soon!

First of all, thank you! And secondly, that's what I'm hoping he'll say. I have averaged out to something like a pound a day, which to me is really freaking fast... that's what scared me a little. Your post is a total blessing to me. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. I do get 'head hungry' about 2.5 hours later, but that's my own psychological problem (I used to be a bigtime grazer) rather than actually being hungry. It does take about 4 hours to get stomach growling hungry. I am so sorry to hear about your ankle! I'd be miserable... I really hope you feel better soon! Cool, I'm glad to see you post this, because that was my logic as well... My BMI was 50.7 when I started. It makes a lot of sense. I was 395 last June, and had tried to start losing, and was 374 at the doctor's before starting my pre-op diet; and was 348 the day of surgery. 306.2 this morning; so yes, I'm a bigger person. I am 6ft tall too! Thanks so much for the replies everyone. It's great to know that a) I'm not alone, and All is probably okay. This board is so helpful I'll be calling Dr. Hanna in about an hour, and I'll post what he says.

You can get back on the bandwagon (pardon the pun)! I know that Doctor might seem expensive, but this is your health and future! One suggestion might be if you are thinking about spending extra money on extra food that you don't need, put that money in a jar, and use it to save up for a fill. Also, you CAN exercise. Susan Powter always said, if you can move your arm up and down, you can exercise, even if it's just a little bit! Every single step, and every single pound is you WINNING! The best thing you can do is stop getting down on yourself, and take baby steps; work back up to what you had before. You may have gained some weight back, but you didn't gain it all back, and you've taken the first step, which is recognizing that you need to change. I think that if you did it before, you probably have it in you to do it again!!! Good luck!

I did tell my best friends, but only because I knew 100% that they would support me, and of course my partner and family know. Other than that, I don't feel the need to tell anyone. It's my personal business, I think. In your case, you didn't 100% trust your friend because of the negative things she said, so I'm not sure if I would have told her either.

I have encountered some of it for sure. The worst one was a "friend" (no longer) who wrote me a huge big long letter with all of these BS studies about how there's no link between weight and health, and it doesn't matter how heavy you are; and she told me that I needed to ditch the 'patriarchal barbie fantasy' (yes, she used *those exact* words). Now this lady is pretty big, and honestly, I feel like it was this kind of sick way of making her feel better about her own weight. What kills me, is my motivation IS health, it has nothing to do with how I look. I've been with the same man for 9 years and he has always thought I was beautiful, and I've been okay with how I look even when I weighed a lot more than I do now. Barbie fantasy, my butt! I hope I NEVER look like Barbie, I just want to look like me, only healthier. Anyhoo, that one was the worst. Fortunately, most of my friends are extremely supportive, and that's wonderful! To the topic starter, just remind yourself that you're doing this as a gift to yourself and your family; a healthier happier you that is going to live a longer healthier life! If someone is jealous, remember that's their insecurity, and their problem, and not yours. Good luck to you in your journey!!

A saying I always love is "off like a herd of turtles!" You're doing awesome! I love to hear successful stories Good job!

Go Shirley!!!! You are amazing! Congrats

First of all, you should never skip breakfast. It actually starts your metabolism off right for the day. I know that bands are tighter in the morning, but at least try to get some calories in late morning; ditch the ice cream and potatoes! I also agree with other posters that you should keep a food diary. That is honestly the best thing I've ever done for myself. If I didn't do it, I don't think I would have gotten anywhere yet. My biggest problem was portion control. I have always liked healthy food, but WAY WAY too much of it, and way too many carbs was my other problem. So yes, write it ALL down! Even write down little things, like what you put in your coffee, what you use to cook your food with; is it butter? Is it Olive Oil? Also, how much do you exercise?

I do feel like I'm doing the right things. I'm getting in between 1000 and 1100 calories a day and counting Protein grams, and exercising. What I need to train my brain about is that I've heard all these things about how losing fast is so dangerous, and that's what scares me. I really just need to step back and remember how different we all are, and maybe this is just what is supposed to happen. I do trust my surgeon enough to know that he'll decide the best thing for me. I'll see what he says when I call Monday morning, and I'll let you know. As for now, it's pouring here in Eugene, Oregon; and I'm going out for a run with my hubby!

I didn't take any suppressants during mine, but what I did do was pad my portions with veggies which have a small amount of calories, but a good amount of volume; and I made protein rich choices (similar to what I do now post-op), and that helped me feel full longer. Foods high in fiber will help you too.

I've had more of it too. I have always had some hormone problems though, and I figured that because my hormones were changing due to the weight loss, that's why it was happening. Honestly though, I'd rather have a little acne and lose weight than be fat with no acne, ha ha!

That's exciting! I'm a waist smaller than my butt and thighs kind of gal too, so I totally understand. I know though, that soon my time will come and I will wear cute pants! Yes, it's coming!

I started out at over 400 pounds too, when I started losing weight, long before I got banded. I know how hard it can be to do it, and to get started. You are AWESOME, and you're doing a GREAT JOB! Congrats!

First of all, you are an inspiration because you're so no nonsense just get it done, and you're in a wheelchair and you still get up and exercise. You rock! Also, when you mention not having to do the 2-3 hour workout sessions; it's totally true. Studies have shown that you can break up workouts into 10-15 minute increments throughout the day and get the same benefits as exercising for a long period of time all at once. You just need to make sure to get a balanced workout and get your heart rate up. I'm full of book recommendations this morning, but I love this one. I've used it myself: http://www.amazon.com/Minutes-Morning-Simple-Pounds-Guaranteed/dp/0060505389 "8 Minutes in the Morning" by Jorge Cruise