Pats Fan in MA

GREAT advice. Thank you for posting! I think a lot of people are searching searching searching for answers is a fear of failure. Looking for ways to guarantee we won't fail. But you answered it: listening and following the instructions of the surgical team and doing the work required of us is a good recipe for success no matter where we're coming from.

Thinking of you and sending positive thoughts to your hubby! ((hugs))

Ok, you're cool on so many levels but also because you said "Xyphoid Process". I love the name of that bone- always have.

Thanks for this kick-a$$ post on loving life down 86 lbs 8 months out! You have a lot to be proud of, and we so appreciate hearing a positive experience. I'm new to the blogs so now I'm going to check out all of your past posts! Yay!

I love your post! Brought tears to my eyes. In part for happiness for you! Also in part, for mourning what we can lose from being overweight. I know I've lost so many things over the years because of my weight and the effect it had on my self confidence. I am looking forward to getting that back more than anything. Go YOU!!

I know what you mean about all the people out there who don't understand the struggle with weight. I deal with it too, even in my own home. BF is totally supportive of the surgery, despite the fact that he has no clue about how hard it is to lose weight. Seriously, I've been asked "why don't you just stop eating?" So clueless I know it wasn't meant to be hurtful, nonetheless.....of course it was. Good luck to you- I'm right behind you with surgery on the 9th!

So glad you posted this. I've met with a couple of registered dieticians over the years and they all give the same advice. Create a calorie deficit through diet and exercise, but not so much that your body shuts down and holds on to every ounce its got. For me, successful weight loss (without the band) only happened when I was doing strength training 2-3x/week, cardio 3-4x/week (60-80%of max heart rate) and eating roughly 1600 calories per day, with a breakdown of 40% protein, 30% carbs (complex carbs mostly) and 30% fat. I lost an average of 2 pounds a week for many months, and I was concerned that my calorie intake would be too low with the band, but when I asked the surgeon he said my target should be 1400 calories a day. This reassured me that I can be successful with this, while incorporating the knowledge I already have about exercise & nutrition.