GoCubbies79

Is anyone interested in doing this again this year (2012)?

My exercise has changed over the last year. At first I was walking 30 minutes about 5 times a week. As time went on I increased the intensity. Right now I am exercising 3-4 times a week. I mix in jogging and walking each with each workout. I am currently able to jog for 12 minutes without stopping. My goal is to run a 5K sometime in May-June.

I was banded March 1, 2011 and have lost 213 lbs. I eat anywhere from 500-700 calories per day. I find it easier to keep my calories down by drinking either water or sugar free drinks with 5 or less calories. I stick to 3 meals per day that consist of 4oz of meat and 1/2 cup of vegetables. I use no oil or fat when cooking my meat or vegetables. I find using the nonstick spray or BBQ grill help to keep the calories down by not having to use oil or butter. Mario

I am in! I was banded on 3/1/2011 and need all the support I can get to stay on course.

Do you keep a food journal detailing everything you eat each day and keep track of the caloires, fat, Protein, etc? You will be surprised how fast the calories add up. Everyone has had great advise and the food journal is the only other advise I can think of. I was banded on March 1 of his year and still have not had a fill. The Dr feels it is still working and I am continuing to loose weight. Keep positive and great luck to you!

Does anyone else want to keep this going? This has really been great helping me stay motivated. Maybe we can set a new goal of Labor Day? Who else is in?

I found an excellent Protein bar ar walgreens. It is called pure protein. I go with the chocolate Peanut Butter. It is 200 calories for 1 bar, has 6grams of fat, 16 grams of carbs, and 20 grams of protein. They do get a bit pricey but I mix them in during the week when I dont want anymore egg white for Breakfast.

MsGolden, Thank you so much for the words of encouragement and acknowledgement. It is a great motivation to hear those nice inspiring words. This is just the beginning of a life changing journey for me. --Go Cubbies

I took a few pictures of the improved me yestarday while at my brothers. The lighting was not cooperating so they are somewhat bright. I put them in a gallery on my profile if anyone is interested. I weighed in today and am down 109 lbs!

Thanks everyone for the support. I definitely need to set some summer goals. I want to get out more and not stay in the house watching tv during my days off. I want to find various social events in the area to participate in. I will take some pictures of how I look now and put them on my profile.

I was banded on 3/1/2011 and have had some really good success thusfar. I will outline my typical diet for you below. Breakfast (8am) (I choose one from below) 1. Protein Bar = 200 Calories, 6grams of fat, 20 grams of protein 2. 2 boiled egg whites = 45 calories, 1 gram of fat, 12 grams of protein lunch (1pm) 1. 4oz chicken, 1/2Cup steamed veggies = 166 calories, 2 grams of fat, 32 grams protein 2. Boca burger (Vegan),Low Fat cheese, Ketchup, 1/2 Cup Veggies = 160 calories, 7grams of fat, 21 grams of protein 3. 2 Turkey Hot Dogs, Ketchup, Double Bites = 210 calories, 3 grams fat, 22 grams protein dinner (6pm) 1. 4oz Fish, 1/2 Cup Veggies = 130 Calories, 2 grams fat, 28 grams protein 2. 4oz Chicken (Either Leg or Breast), Cheese, Veggies = 200 calories, 6 grams fat, 36 grams protein Typically I have about 700 calories a day, 24 grams of fat, and between 70 and 80 grams of protein, I also drink 8-10 glasses of Water. Remember do no drink any liquids 30 minutes before you eat and 1 hour after you eat. I sometimes add powder flavorings to my water which are only 5 calories and they sell them at the dollar store for an 8 pack. Hope this helped some.

This band is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I struggled with my weight for most of my life, trying diet after diet, with no success. I was banded on 3/1/2011 and have lost over 100 lbs. I never felt this good about myself in my entire life. I have so much more ambition to go out and be active and do things that I never had before. My days of sitting on the couch watching tv and eating are over. I exercise 2 miles every day and am working up to do a 5K hopefully by next spring. I hope no one thinks I am trying to brag or gloat. I just had to Celebrate and share some success. The journey hasnt been easy and I have hit a few bumps in the road but overall I am loving this. If anyone is in the Chicago area and wants to join me in my 5K let me know, we are in this together.

Mindy is exactly right. Sugar drinks add empty calories into your daily intake which do not translate well to weight loss. I am 3 months post opt and have found sugar free hawaiin punch (fruit punch and grape) at the dollar store along with sugar free wylers (peach ice tea, 1/2 lemonade 1/2 tea, fruit punch, cool raspberry, lemonade, etc). They taste terrific and only have 5 calories. The best part is that they come in an 8 pack, all you do is add them to 16oz bottle of Water and shake. Kool aid also makes some very tasty sugar free assorted flavor drinks but I have only been able to find them in the powder that you mix with a quart of water. I use it and keep it in the refridgerator or make popsicles out of them. Good Luck

Here are a couple items that I eat for breakfast with relevant nutrition information: 1. Low Fat Cottage cheese - 1/2 Cup is 90 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, and 13 grams of Protein 2. Pure Protein Bar - I like the smores and Peanut Butter flavor. The smores is 180 calires, 5 grams of fat, and 19 grams of protein. The peanut butter is 200 calories, 6 grams of fat, and 20 grams of protein. I buy these at walgreens. They are perfect size for me (less than 2oz) 3. Boiled Egg with Low Fat Sargento Cheese: 120 total calories, 11 grams of fat, and 12 grams of protein 4. Boost Low Calorie chocolate Shake: 190 Calories, 7 grams of fat, 16 grams of protein Hope this helps

Thanks More2Love! It has been a lot of hard work, mental toughness, and support from family & friends. I have made significant changes to my diet. Before my surgery I used to eat fast food, fried food, and generally unhealthy foods. I no longer eat any of that stuff. I plan out my meals for the entire week every Sunday. I spend almost the entire day cooking and portioning out meals to bring to work to ensure I eat healthy. I exercise regularly. I go for walks when the weather cooperates. I started off walking around the block once and now can go 2 miles per walk. Since doing this I have so much more energy, motivation, and drive to be more active. I go to all support group sessions the docto office provides. I even go to some educational classes the doctor office provides to learn more about eating habits, influences, self esteem, etc. I see my surgeon and primary doctor regularly to keep myself accountable. My family and friends have been supportive through this although it took them several months to finally stop harassing me to eat more.

I was banded on March 1, 2011 and could not be happier. Since being banded I have had nothing but success. I have lost 92lbs and have a whole new outlook on food, diet, and happiness in life. For the past 3 days on and off I have noticed a very mild pain on the right side of my abdomen about 3 inches south of my rib cage. I have not noticed any particular activity or function that causes the pain. The pain is very mild and does not make me uncomfortable in any way. It feels almost like a sore abdomen muscle however I havent done anything that would cause this. I am a little concerned and plan to contact my doctor however I was curious if anyone else has experienced anything like this and had any insight as to what it could be.

You are correct all doctors are different. My diet was a bit different than yours. After my surgery the 1st week was liquids only, 2nd week was mushy food, 3rd week was soft food, and 4th week was all foods, but I had to introduce 1 new food at a time so I knew if my body could handle it or not. I would follow the doctors diet plan he setup for you. Being that all patients are different sizes and conditions the surgeons diet is most valuable. Remember take things one day at a time. Also call your doctor whenever you need guidance, it helps.

Medications you should have ready are: 1. Liquid pain medicine 2. Multivitamin 3. Calcium supplement 4. sugar free Jello 5. food for your 1st week post op. You will be too sore to go to the grocery store. To ensure you make good decisions on what you will eat post op, you should buy everything in advance and have it portioned out and ready to consume. 6. Extra pillows: Because of the soreness you will in your left abdomen from the port it will be uncomfortable to sleep laying down. I found the most comfortable position was either sitting up or my upper body elevated about 45 degrees. Extra pillows to prop up your upper body will make it much more comfortable.

Depending on the surgeon you have when the band is put in there may or may not be any liquid in it. My band was put in with no liquid in it. I would definitely call the doctors office for guidance on what to do at this stage. I found that premeasuring all my meals and eating only what I have on my plate helps alot with eliminating going for seconds. I normally have 3-4oz of Protein and 1 cup of veggies with all meals. I cook no extra food so there is no second, third, or extra helpings. If you get hungry before the 4-6 hours try snacking on low calorie food like fruits and vegetables. Are you drinking liquid as you eat? This is the hardest habbit for myself and most bandsters to break. You should not drink anything 30 minutes before a meal and 1 hour after a meal. If you are drinking during this time it bascially flushes everything out of the pouch and you will get hungry sooner. Hope I was helpful.

The Lap Band is simply a tool to help us all eat an adaquate portion. We however are still responsible for what we eat and how much we eat. The band is not going to stop you from overeating or eating junk food. If you are having trouble there are a few resources you can seek out to help. 1. Call the doctors office and seek guidance, perhaps they can give you another fill 2. See your nutritionist to ensure the foods you are eating are nutritious and valuable 3. See a therapist/pyschologist to investigate the reasons you overeat. Believe it or not there are reasons we all overeat even when we may not fully realize it. 4. Go to support groups and ask for help, guidance, and support This lap band is a learning process for us all and we have to stick together for support and guidance. I wish you the best.