electronicart

Like Sheldon on Big Bang Theory says "I'm not crazy, I've been tested"

I love my band. When I started the journey, I knew it would have to be a choice for change. I am the turtle of lap band, but, the scale continues to inch down. I have learned that this is MY life, food no longer consumes me. So, I eat healthy, but have been known to have a piece of cake for supper. My band keeps me in check and is my new normal. With the new year approaching I still have the mindset of ...I'm going to eat healthier and exercise more. So glad I have the band to push me in the right direction

I can eat a tiny amount of bread now. I think it takes a while to get use to it. BTW...FLORIDAYS, you look marvelous

I love, love, love Syntrax Nectar protein powder. (Vitamin Shoppe/Amazon) I put the cappuchino flavor in my coffee and also like the Strawberry Kiwi. There are several flavors. You can mix them with yogurt and ice or just mix them with milk or cold water. They disolve completely and taste yummy. Yes, they too are pricey, but, a container lasts a long, long time!

Happy Banniversary

So, I've been banded a little over a year and am down 54lbs. (YAY) I call myself the turtle of lap band, because my weight loss has been slow but steady. Lap band surgery has been tougher mentally than physically for me. I wore baggy clothes forever. Even though other people would comment on my weightloss, I didn't see it so easily. Finally began to wear clothes that fit. I was at my son's house and looked into his full length mirror. I said, this must be one of those mirrors that make you look smaller than you are. He said, no mom, its just a mirror. I have been overweight most of my life. This new me is just that...new. I got out my winter clothes and nothing fits, nothing. Its so weird. But, I do love it. I feel so much better and am beginning to like mirrors, pictures and clothes a lot more. What about you? Is it physically or mentally more life changing? Maybe both?

Its crazy....crazy good . At first I didn't set a goal. I said I would be happy with 160 then 150 then 145. Just set a new goal of 135. I am a little over two months into my second year and have lost 6lbs in the last six weeks.

What an awesome attitude . I buy a lot of my clothes at Goodwill and Salvation Army, because I know I will be putting them back in the bin in a couple of months!

Had to buy a belt for the first time in years . No more stretch pants for me!

I have protein every morning. (shake or in my coffee) Then about an hour later I have a little cream of wheat or oatmeal. Then I am good to go until lunch. The more protein I have in the morning, the less I eat all day.

So true!!! Finally my life does not revolve around food. I still love food, but now really love the way it smells and looks. Once I've had a few bites I can now say, okay, I'm full. I love my band!

So excited for you!

I had my surgery on a Thursday and went back to work on Monday I have a desk job, so, that helps. Remember, the first six weeks are for healing. As you get fills, the weight begins to fall off. Its a new day, everyday. Its your time now. So, drink your Water, take your Vitamin, get your Protein, exercise and get ready for a new you! Best of luck! I struggled with the decision for years (at least 4) but the reasons why I wanted to have lap band surgery were greater than the reasons not to. Its a big decision, but, it is one of the best I have ever made.

I don't count calories. I just know I need a lot of protein and water. Plus, I try to stay away from the slider foods. I will admit I've been bad over Thanksgiving and need to eat more balanced meals .

I'm all about the protein drinks. There are several kinds at the grocery store. Be sure to read the label so that you don't get the ones high in sugar. I love, love, love Syntrax Nectar protein powder. It mixes well and one scoop has 24 grams of protein. You can get it from Amazon or the Vitamin Shoppe.

Welcome! You can do this! Insurance companies can be stinkers, but, if you meet the policy requirements, you're in! You will be healthier, so, its a win-win situation for you and the insurance company!

Awesome! I am a recovering emotional food addict too. I have good days and bad. Its getting better all the time!

All insurance is different. Find out what the exact policy states. Many require a 6 month supervised weightloss plan. If not, and if you have done everything your policy requires. (BMI, health issues, psyc. consult, etc.) Write a letter and tell them you are within your policy requirements. My insurance shot me down the first time because even though I had been a member of Weight Watchers, I didn't have a record of weight ins. I provided proof that I was a member and told them I began a doctor supervised weightloss program and that I believed I was within policy. The approved me two weeks later.

Oh yeah, mushy mushy!!! Take it easy a little while~!

I agree about the protein! It really helps you feel more satisfied. The more fills you get, the more you will feel full. Hang in there!

I only lost a couple of pounds the first few months! The first six weeks are for healing. Once you get a couple of fills, you will have restriction and the scales will begin to move. Don't get discouraged, many of us are turtles of lap band. Slow and steady wins the race:)

You have to do what is right for you! Company dinners are hard at first. It will get better!

...I began my lap band journey. Even though I've settled into life after lap band, it still seems surreal at times. Getting comfortable in one's own skin is so much more than weightloss. I feel great and love the way I can jump in and out of cars, seats, etc. I never thought I would be able to cross my legs like a lady again, but, I can. And when I squat down, I can easily get back up. Having weightloss surgery is by far the best thing I ever did for myself. I am so glad I got out of my comfort zone and took the leap. Now, I still have to try hard to stay on track. I am so tempted to eat junk (and sometimes I do) because I can only eat a small amount. I have been known to have a piece of cake for supper. Just being honest yall. I do not like to exercise. But, it is a must. For me, moderation is key in all areas of life after lap band. Picking out clothes or buying them for that matter is like this game of "will it fit." I just got out my winter clothes and put on a really nice sweater I bought early this year and it just hung on me. I thought, dern, I love this sweater, wish it were smaller. I use to hate jeans. All that squeezing and tugging and misery has turned into "wow, I think I need a belt". When I was at 208, I thought about my weight constantly. I worried about my clothes spltting if I bent over. I ran from the camera and was embarassed when I saw old friends. I worried about my health. My blood pressure usually ran 135/95. Now, it stays around 110/70. I know this is lenghty, but, when I changed my ticker and it said 50lbs, I had to tell someone. In my mind, I'm still the same person. The inside hasn't changed. So, to those of you that are beginning your journey, push. You can do this. Love one another and love yourself.