Joel

I'm at 101 as of today! My surgery date was 10-25-11

Beauty.... Keep your head up and stay focused! It just takes time:) and dedication!!

I agree with oldie, you want your calories to be at or over 1000 at a minimum, but regimen sets me there daily, I'm not supposed to go over 1200. If your only hitting 7-800 to get more calories go with another protein shake, some days I will drink 3 to get me where I need to be. Protein shakes are always my 1st choice.

Ohhh and I have a 10cc band with no restriction yet, I have about 4.5 cc's so far, this weight loss I'm experiencing is all diet and excersize so far. I'm waiting for the band to kick in to help me keep the weight off.

Hey army girl, this is what I do on a daily basis. I stick to 2 ounces per mini meal and no more. 2 ounces is 4 tablespoons. I eat 3 mini meals per day. My mini meals never have any sugar and low caloric intake. Examples I eat per mini meals are *turkey chili/2 ounces *1 egg *1 packet of no sugar oatmeal *campbells soups with no sugar and low sodium/2 ounces *1 small potato And I have 2 protein shakes a day, my protein intake is about 125 grams. My protein shakes are about 220 calories each. Again no sugar. Sugar in anything you eat inhibits weight loss as your body begins using the sugar as fuel and not the fat. Stay away from it. I during nothing but water. No milk, no juice etc.... Just water. And I excersize a lot, running/ walking and weight training. I'm extremely dedicated to this and no not leave my plan ever. It is working as I have been losing 5-6 pounds a week. I hit one plateu but just changed my workout routine and in a week blasted through it. Any questions let me know!

Hey Fat2flat! Thank your for your kind words. I just make sure I do at least 30 minutes of walking/ jogging 5 days a week. I do not miss a beat here. I go to my local stadium and hit the oval track, I run the 100 yards straight always on each side of the football field, and walk the corners. It ends up being about 2 miles in about 32 minutes. I also weight train 4 days a week, I do not miss this either. It is truly been an "iron will" mentality. In fact I'm sitting here at burger king with me wife and daughter, and have not touched a single piece of food, I just won't do it, simple as that. I'm sticking to this 100% and it works:) good luck to you and all who have replied to this:) this is a life changing experience and one I do not regret. God bless. Only 83 pounds more to go!!!

Thank you all, if I can inspire one person with my success it is all worth it. As of today I am now down 93 pounds. Losing 5 pounds a week very steadily. Lots of gym time, and track time. Every week I change up my routine and it seems to be working.

Amen! The band does work, as long as you work with it! Im down 92 pounds! Surgery was oct 25 2011. Its the mentality that the band is supposed to do ALL the work and eat what you want....... sad. Great job to all who stick with this lifestyle change. It is truly worth every second.

I do feel amazing, and that was a ridiculous comment by that person! It is very possible with dedication and sacrifice. Great job!.

Thanks guys for all the feedback. I have not needed my BP medicine for the last 5-6 months. All my BP checks come back great. It's weird, it only started after surgery. And seems to only happen when I stand from sitting. Maybe it is my caloric intake. I will adjust my diet. But other than sitting to standing I never get the feeling. I am extremely active, play football every weekend and never get lightheaded, lift weights, run etc..... Very odd

I'm taking in about 900 calories a day including 3 meals and 2 double protein shakes. I used to take 5 mg of blood pressure medicine but have been off that for 5+ months. My caloric goal is 1200 by my doctor, I lift weights 4 days a weeks and do 8+ miles of running/walking a week. Hitting 1200 calories a day is hard!

So every time I get up from sitting, I get light headed. I have to take some good deep breaths and it goes away immediately. It's been this way since I've had surgery. Only when I get up from sitting. Anybody else get this? I am about 3 month post op and I've already lost 90 pounds total. I did have high blood pressure before surgery, and now I'm totally normal. Maybe that is it? I'm not sure. Any help would be appreciated:)

U can definitely do it! Dedication to completing you goals! Thank you for your kind words, keep me updated on how things are going for you, any tips I can offer give me a shout:)

Thank you Fit:)

It is, but I looked at this surgery as a real gift and I will not let it go to waste, so I push myself very hard. Trust me there's days I don't want to go lift weight but I do it anyways. I look at results as just a bonus to my hard work:)

Like title says, I'm down 88 pounds already, from 356 to 268, feels amazing! I have followed my doctors diet to a T, hit the gym 4 days a week to weight train, and walk/jog 8+ miles a week. I feel amazing and would like to thank everyone encouraging words and advice here on this forum. Here's to my upcoming season of semi pro football! Without God and this life altering choice I have made I know it would not be possible. 176 pounds down here I come!!!!

Hello, I had my second fill about 3 days ago. The second day after my fill I noticed a sore feeling whenever I breathe in about an inch above my port, feels kind of deep. Almost like a trapped gas bubble. if i lay in different positions I notice it goes away. But seems to come back. Its not a intolerable pain, just annoying. Anybody felt this? I can eat normal and have no issues keeping anything down. I do go to the gym 4 times a week, and wonder if i may have pulled something?

Thanks Laura!

Awesome, ya, most people i have spoken with tell me the same. I plan on wearing a Kevlar rib protector just to help aid in the hits as well.

Well, I am thinking about going semi pro football this coming 2012 season. My doctor told me I would be 100% ok to do this. What are your thoughts? Safe?

Hey Brandon. I started out at 356 pounds and did 30 minutes a day walking pace. That is a great starting point. Dont over due it. I am now down to 290 and can run a full lap at the highschool. Set small achievable, measurable goals, that is key.

I was moved when reading your Blog. Being a Daddy myself to my 18 month old daughter, this really hits home. My daughter is my world. I could not imagine dealing with what you and your husband are dealing with. My heart, and prayers go out to you, your babies and especially your husband. God heals all.

Well it definately sounds like a very large possibility! Everyone is very kind on here. Great appreciation for the positive support.

Thanks everyone for the positive responses! I'll keep everyone posted!

Hello Everyone!. So i have a question. I was banded on October 25th. My start weight was 356 pounds. Today i am down to 292 pounds. I work out 4+ day a week religiously with a minimum of 1.5 miles a day of walking and have not faltered once when it comes to my doctors orders. I am following this to a T. And to be totally honest, its not hard any longer. My question is, can I realistically get down to 180 pounds? My goal was 210-220. However, last Wed, My grandfather came to me and said, "son, you get down to 180 pounds and I will write you a $5000.00 dollar check". Now as if a healthy life wasn't enough incentive, My grandfather goes and throws this on top! I am losing 1.5-2 pounds every 2-3 days, I have hit one pretty serious plateau around 303 pounds but adjusted my workout plan and changed my diet a little and boom! Blasted through it no problem. So, what do you guys think? Is a total of 176 pounds lost realistic? Heres to another 112 pounds! Thanks for all your thoughts.