legnarevocrednu

Checking in at 199!! Woohoo! I believe that's down 3 pounds from last week.

If it makes you feel better, I have never had longterm success either! I don't think I've ever stuck to a "diet" for more than a couple of weeks. I've been looking at this as a lifestyle change this time around, and have been successful. I don't feel miserable and my choices make me happy. I'm pretty confident, given your mind frame, that you will be successful as well! Best of luck!

I would say the amount of calories is probably the problem. As the above poster stated, I would aim for 900 calories (gives you some breathing room). Maybe up the amount of cardio you are doing? What kinds of foods are you snacking on? Be firm with yourself. Only keep healthy foods in the house, and only eat something every 2 hours. Drink water in between if you are starting to feel hungry. It's what I do, and it works. I keep my snacks under 100 calories, and my meals 300 or less. Schedule your eating and snacking ahead of time. Just some ideas!

I have to say, I am simply amazed by this journey thus far! I wanted to post my story (in a condensed version) for those of you who are thinking about getting this procedure or have just begun your journey. I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. I just ate what I wanted, and enjoyed it very much. I had little to no concern about my health. I remember in middle school, I would sit in my bedroom closet just eating a can of icing. How disturbing is that?! I finally started thinking about WLS about a year ago. My highest weight was 259 LBS. Although I didn't have any health issues, I had began to miss my monthly visitor (sorry for the TMI). This really concerned me because I desperately want children in my future and I knew that the direction I was going in would make that difficult. I went to meet with a surgeon, and got the ball rolling! My insurance required that I meet with a nutrionist for 6 months before surgery. Those 6 months just FLEW by! However, I had not originally planned on getting the Lapband. My heart was set on getting the Vertical Sleeve. A week before surgery, my Insurance Cordinator gave me a call saying that my insurance will not cover that surgery as I needed to have a BMI of 50. I was really far off. However, I COULD get the Lapband. So after crying my eyes out all day, I decided that this is how it was supposed to be and I agreed to get the Lapband. It was the best decision of my life! I stayed one night in the hospital. It was my first surgery ever, and was relatively easy. The only difficult part was that I felt more comfortable resting in a chair than I did in the bed. I did not sleep much that night. Also, the first time they got me up to walk, I thought I was going to throw up and/or pass out. It got better. Today, it is exactly 4 months since my surgery, which I got on November 21st 2011. Today, I am exactly 60 pounds lighter. Today, I am FINALLY in Onderland (199 pounds)!! It has been simply amazing! I have had 2 fills. My doctor decided to hold off on another one due to the amount of weight I have lost. My weight loss has slowed down a bit, but I am still losing about 2 pounds a week. I will probably ask for another fill when I see him next month. I know everyone says this, but the band really is a tool that YOU have to use. I believe you have to want to put some effort into this before even getting the surgery or it won't work for you. Your mind has to be in the right spot. You have to WANT to change. You have to be willing to give up some of the foods you love or at least only have them on a very rare occasion. You have to be willing to work out. I guess its possible to lose weight without working out, but you will lose more slowly and you may end up looking disproportionate. Thanks to the band, better choices, and the gym, I have lost 60 pounds. I never thought I would be here. I love to work out as it makes me feel so much better and I have so much more energy. I also do the Couch to 5K Program. I strongly suggest this program to anyone and everyone! Although I am only in the 4th week (9 weeks total) I am seeing an improvement. My thighs are smaller, I have lost inches, and I am more fit! Since my surgery, I have also lost 2 inches on my neck, 7 inches on my waist, and 6 inches on my hips. Oh, I also use myfitnesspal like a fanatic! Feel free to add me on there. My username is legnarevocrednu. Also, feel free to message me on here if you have any questions. Good luck to all of you on your journey! I still have about 54 pounds to lose, but I'm glad that I could finally post my story as a success!!

I have to say, I am simply amazed by this journey thus far! I wanted to post my story (in a condensed version) for those of you who are thinking about getting this procedure or have just begun your journey. I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. I just ate what I wanted, and enjoyed it very much. I had little to no concern about my health. I remember in middle school, I would sit in my bedroom closet just eating a can of icing. How disturbing is that?! I finally started thinking about WLS about a year ago. My highest weight was 259 LBS. Although I didn't have any health issues, I had began to miss my monthly visitor (sorry for the TMI). This really concerned me because I desperately want children in my future and I knew that the direction I was going in would make that difficult. I went to meet with a surgeon, and got the ball rolling! My insurance required that I meet with a nutrionist for 6 months before surgery. Those 6 months just FLEW by! However, I had not originally planned on getting the Lapband. My heart was set on getting the Vertical Sleeve. A week before surgery, my Insurance Cordinator gave me a call saying that my insurance will not cover that surgery as I needed to have a BMI of 50. I was really far off. However, I COULD get the Lapband. So after crying my eyes out all day, I decided that this is how it was supposed to be and I agreed to get the Lapband. It was the best decision of my life! I stayed one night in the hospital. It was my first surgery ever, and was relatively easy. The only difficult part was that I felt more comfortable resting in a chair than I did in the bed. I did not sleep much that night. Also, the first time they got me up to walk, I thought I was going to throw up and/or pass out. It got better. Today, it is exactly 4 months since my surgery, which I got on November 21st 2011. Today, I am exactly 60 pounds lighter. Today, I am FINALLY in Onderland (199 pounds)!! It has been simply amazing! I have had 2 fills. My doctor decided to hold off on another one due to the amount of weight I have lost. My weight loss has slowed down a bit, but I am still losing about 2 pounds a week. I will probably ask for another fill when I see him next month. I know everyone says this, but the band really is a tool that YOU have to use. I believe you have to want to put some effort into this before even getting the surgery or it won't work for you. Your mind has to be in the right spot. You have to WANT to change. You have to be willing to give up some of the foods you love or at least only have them on a very rare occasion. You have to be willing to work out. I guess its possible to lose weight without working out, but you will lose more slowly and you may end up looking disproportionate. Thanks to the band, better choices, and the gym, I have lost 60 pounds. I never thought I would be here. I still have 54 more pounds to lose, but I am soooo happy. I love to work out as it makes me feel so much better and I have so much more energy. I also do the Couch to 5K Program. I strongly suggest this program to anyone and everyone! Although I am only in the 4th week (9 weeks total) I am seeing an improvement. My thighs are smaller, I have lost inches, and I am more fit! Since my surgery, I have also lost 2 inches on my neck, 7 inches on my waist, and 6 inches on my hips. Oh, I also use myfitnesspal like a fantatic! Feel free to add me on there. My username is legnarevocrednu. Also, feel free to message me on here if you have any questions. Good luck to all of you on your journey! I still have about 54 pounds to lose, but I'm glad that I could finally post my story as a success!!

I know on MFP, this is a popular topic and usually up for some debate. However, as people who have had WLS, I'm wondering if the philosophy is different. I find that most times, I am short AT LEAST 500 calories (after exercise). As my weight loss has began to slow down, it has me wondering if maybe I'm not eating enough. I find it difficult to get close to 1200. Here is my meal plan for today today: Breakfast-Greek Yogurt 140 calories Snack-Colby Jack Cheese Stick 80 calories Lunch-Lean Cuisin 250 calories Snack-Sliced Apples 50 calories Snack-Pure Protein Bar 280 calories (this is something I don't usually have...having it today to bring my calories up) Dinner- 1/2 Applebees Grilled Dijon Chicken 235 calories Total calories=1035 calories...this does NOT count the calories I will work off today. That will be approximately 150. Leaving me with Net calories totaling 885 calories. This is the closest I have ever come to 1200. My question is: Is the way I'm eating today okay? Yesterday is more of the norm for me. I ate approx 915 calories, exercised off 282, leaving me with a net of 633. The day before was worse than that. I had a net of 388! I'm just wondering, as bandsters, if trying to get to 1200 calories should be a concern of ours. Obviously, we are supposed to be restricted on the amount of food we eat. Is it logical to attempt to get to 1200? If so, I will try to incorporate maybe a bananna with my yogurt in the morning and more protein bars. Thanks for your input in advance!

There is this machine that's called "The Butt Blaster" haha. You could try something like that! I'm sure your gym will have something similar!

Checking in at 202. Down 1 pound.

I had to take 6 months of nutrition classes before the surgery. My doc goes by my highest weight during that time period. Coincidentally, it also happens to be my highest weight ever (259).

Thank you for the encouragement! Very much needed!

Okay so this weekend, I was a mess. I didn't eat much, but for the first time since surgery, I drank alcohol. Not just one or two, but 5 drinks! I am NOT a drinker! I went out with a friend dancing, and I was hoping the dancing cancelled out the alcohol but who knows. I shouldn't have drank that much. I have no excuse for it other than the guy in my life upsetting me and I just needed to have some fun. I won't make that mistake again. I'll try to find another way to release my frustration! Also, last night, I ate some things at my moms that I shouldn't have. Sooo much guilt! :-( Anyways, besides all that, I lost almost a pound over the weekend bringing me to exactly 50% of weight loss. Meaning, I'm half way there! And in only 4 months! I still only lost less than 2 pounds in one week. That's below my average so I'm a little worried. It's probably due to the over consumption of alcohol. Uuggghh! I'm worried my weight loss is starting to slow down. I've still been working out really hard (4 to 5 times a week) and I'm doing the couch to 5k. I start my 4th week of it today. I really like that program! I'm hoping to lose at least 5 more pounds by the end of this month. Anyways, back on the wagon today! Hoping to lose another pound or two by Thursday!

Do you count your calories? Stay under 1200? I eat almost every 2 hours. My meals are 300 calories or less and my snacks are 100 or less. Also, are you working out? Both of these things are important to lose weight.

If you can get liquids down, I say wait about 2 weeks. That's what I usually do. Good luck!

Thanks everyone! I'm so happy with my progress!

Well I had surgery 11/21...not too far off! :-)

Pictures of my Easter dress (the blue one) and a dress I bought for a wedding next month (the multi colored one). I'm so excited! I fit into an XL from Forever 21!

Checking in at 203! Lost 2 pounds this week! Yay!

FYI, I HAVE had two fills already. This would have been my third. Thanks guys! You made me feel better!

At my appointment yesterday, my doctor decided I did not need a fill. I had lost 12 pounds in a month. I'm extremely nervous now! I told him that sometimes I felt restriction, but sometimes I don't. It's not consistent. And the reason I've been losing weight is because I watch my portion size, stay away from pasta and bread, and work out like crazy. I just feel like a lot of pressure is on me now. I have to be even more careful. I don't think I'm in the green zone yet. I go back next month, and if needed, he will give me another fill. However, he said if I keep losing at the rate I have been, I will only have to see him once every other month instead of every month. That's kinda cool because it costs me 25 bucks every time. Has anyone else been told they didn't need a fill even though they knew they weren't in the green zone? I probably could have asked for one, but I figured I'd see how it goes. It's only a month!

Definitely do NOT compare yourself to others. Every single person is different and you are setting yourself up for negative feelings by comparing yourself to them. I just did the math and you have been losing at least 1 pound per week. That's good! They say an average of 1 to 2 pounds is normal. And you are keeping the weight off which is even more important. Just out of curiosity, what are your eating/exercising habits? Do you see room for improvement?

I usually wait 2 weeks after a fill. I found that for those first 2 weeks, I am still swollen. If you can (and your health is not at risk) I would see if you can wait 2 weeks and then if you are still having issues, give your doc a call.

Well, I eat differently during the week days. I try to keep my calories under 800. What I eat probably isn't the best way to model, but I'll post it for information sakes. The reason I say this is because I'm still trying to incorporate more veggies and fruits...and most of the time, I fail. Anyways here is an example of what I eat during the week day: Breakfast-SF Carnation Instant Breakfast or Greek Yogurt (150 calories) Snack-Light and Fit String Cheese (60 calories) Lunch-A Lean Cuisine or Smart One (I'm a single gal and live by myself so I don't like to cook. Most people will tell you to stay away from frozen dinners. I've made the decision not to. That's just me. If you choose to go this route, just make sure whatever it is, is below 300 calories.) Max 300 calories. Snack-5 Prunes (70 calories) Dinner-Either another Lean Cuisine/Smart One or Grilled chicken. (Max 300 calories) Now the weekend is a different story. I usually don't track my calories then. Of course, I still try and make better choices and watch my portion size and I definitely don't over eat. I find this really works for me. I usually won't see the scale move during the week, but after the weekend, I will have lost 2 to 3 pounds. I think my body just likes the mix up. I also work out 4 to 5 times a week. What is your calorie intake? It should not be more than 1200 calories per day. I suggest on the days you do Zumba, eat the 1200, but on the other 2 days, try to eat less, like around 800. I'm not a doctor though. Does your doctors office have a Nutritionist? Maybe you can talk to him/her. Sorry I've rambled on so long. If you have any more questions, let me know!

What about Sugar Free Carnation Instant Breakfast? Not as much protein (13 grams) as a protein drink, but it's better than nothing. I don't think just drinking the milk will be enough.

I guess I'm the worst one here! I weigh myself 5 to 6 times a week. Only in the mornings before I eat anything. Sometimes seeing the daily fluctuation can be frustrating, but I'm used to it. It doesn't bother me now. Most people say that if you can, only weigh yourself once a week. In the mornings, you weigh less (which is why I weigh myself then).

Okay so I literally JUST realized that I am one pound away from losing half of what I need to lose! OMG! That's a crazy thought! In less than 4 months!! I hope to keep going at this rate, but I'll be realistic. I know weight loss tends to slow down as you go along. On top of that, I have 4 more pounds to lose to finally be under 200. That's totally awesome. I love my band so much! I mentioned in the title "problems." Some of this is TMI, so if you don't want to read it, you can click out. However, I wanted to share to see if anyone else has experienced something similar. I often found myself stuck on in the bathroom trying to have a BM. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. This morning, it was for 40 minutes and I was unsuccessful. LOL. Sorry, I have to laugh or I'll realize how disgusting this really is. Anyways, I was late to work by 15 minutes because of my issue. This isn't the first time either. It's just kind of ridiculous. I eat prunes and I've been trying to drink more water. I'm trying to take the natural route before I implement any kind of medicine. Tomorrow is my next fill appointment. My doc usually leaves me the option to choose whether I want a fill or not. As always, I'm not sure! I usually fill out a chart, but honestly, that doesn't really help. It asks me what I eat. I purposely choose not to eat sweets, pastas and bread, so me checking no on that doesn't necessarily mean I don't need a fill. It just means I know how to make better choices. Anyways, last week, I did get stuck a little bit and had to throw up. Also, Saturday, I was not able to finished my broiled crab cake. I've also lost 12 pounds this past month. However, there have been meals where I know I could have finished it if I wanted to. Meaning, no restriction. I still feel restriction every so often, but not enough that I feel completely confident in telling my doctor I don't want a fill. I am leaning more towards getting the fill. The way I see it, if I'm too tight, I'll just go back for a little unfill. I want consistent restriction, not hit or miss. Oh I've also noticed that I haven't been as hungry or been thinking about food as often. I have to remind myself to eat sometimes. Just my rambles! Feel free to chime in with any opinions or advice on anything I mentioned. Thanks!!