Kflower84

coffee actually supresses my appetite! I find that having my daily cup between Breakfast and lunch really helps me avoid snacking. I did okay for the few months I quit coffee, but man, life is SO much nicer with it I didn't want to deprive myself of everything good!!

I guess I really am afraid of failing at yet another weight loss attempt which is why I have not shared my story.
If I keep my little secret until I know for sure I can be successful it gives me the power and confidence to continue working hard.
At some point I will want to share but for now this works for me.
I have lived in judgement from others for so long in my life and my career,
I don't feel many deserve to know.
I have been successful so far....this works! I hope? I know others have failed...
I have to succeed for my health. Please don't judge anyone on their choice...if you are here on this site we have been judged enough!

It is a personal decision to tell or not to tell...everyone is different. I do feel however that people will judge and have chosen not to tell that I'm banded - now four years for me...I have made goal weight, popped back up and back on my way back down. The only person I answer to is myself - good or bad.

I wish I could tell everyone but I can't.

Hi all - So....we all know that the lapband is not PERFECT and is merely a tool in our weight loss journey. I initially lost a good amount of weight and am happy with my overall experience with the band. It does what I need it to do....restrict me from overeating. However, I've reached a plateau. Blah. First let me explain a little....I do not want to go in for a fill to make me tighter. I've never used the band like that, and my doctor doesn't recommend that. Adjusting eating habits is always my first option. I have "ok" restriction which is OK with me! I am able to eat "portioned" meals (i'd say a 4oz piece of meat w/a 4oz veggie side). But if i were any tighter, I wouldn't be able to eat a portioned meal.
So anyways..... I am trying to lose 30lbs and I've done the whole eating right, exercising, etc. and I still seem to be at a plateau so I figured I'd give the ketogenic/low carb diet a try. My hopes are that I drop a good amount in the beginning since it is such a shock to my system and then I can gradually bring carbs back in and go to a normal healthy eating lifestyle that I usually do anyways.
Anybody who has done the ketogenic diet or is low carb friendly and has some good food choices, please feel free to chime in! So far it hasn't been too bad - yesterday i had 2 eggs, 2 bacon and cup of black coffee with 2 equal for bfast, for lunch I had two beef hot dogs cut up with spicy mustard, snack I had string cheese, and for dinner I had filet mignon (med rare is the only way I can eat it) with spinach sauteed w/garlic and parm cheese. My total carb count was less than 10g yesterday and I am trying to keep it low so I remain in ketosis and burn fat. I am drinking tons of Water as well all day long. I do have 5-hour energy on hand due to the decrease in energy that comes along with low carb. But it is 0carbs.

I only drink Protein Shakes when needed. For example if my Protein intake for the day is low or if am hungry in between meals. My favorite Protein Shake is EAS strawberry cream its only 100 calories 3 carbs and its not thick at all. I love it !!!!

I understand what you are going thru. I was banded 12/09/11. When I initially told my mom and husband I was getting banded they both try to convince me that I was taking the easy way out and that I hadn't try hard enough to lose weight. My mother would call me every day with something new that I should try before going for the knife.
Now after 8 months post op and 55+ pounds lost I am so happy with the decision I took and glad I didn't let anyone keep me from persuing my goal of being healthy.

I always wanted to try that app let me know how it goes. I would love to say I'm going for a run. Lol
Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I still drink my Protein everyday. It helps with weight loss. I tried several shakes before I found one I liked. It is the EAS Myoplex chocolate Fudge 42g of protein. It is ready to drink. I stick them in the fridge and drink half in the morning and half in the afternoon. Keeps me from snacking all day if I start off with protein in the morning and don't eat Breakfast till 9. I have a hard time getting in a good source of protein. chicken and beef get stuck easily and I can't eat that much fish! If I eat any more cheese, I think I will turn into a peice! Have you checked out myfitnesspal.com ? They have a way cool way to keep a food journal, something I could never do in a book and WOW! Really makes you aware of where you are making mistakes and where you are doing good! Give them a try and if you do, add me as a friend bornready01, you can see my food diary and get hints on what other people are eating.

Isn't it obvious? Sugar is empty calories. Sugar will spike your insulin causing you to be much hungrier than you would be normally. Sugar is one of the most evil foods ever invented by man. It's just bad for you.
tmf

Just some facts that may help you...
The band will not stop you from pigging out. It's purpose is not to stop you from eating, nor is it to make you feel stuffed full. The band's purpose is so that you can be satisfied with less food for longer periods of time. Being satisfied does not mean full nor does it mean unable to eat. It simply means you're not physically hungry.
A big mistake people make is thinking the band will physically stop them from eating. Very often you could easily eat more than the 1 cup or less portion we're advised to stick to. But, just because we can eat more doesn't mean we should.
The band helps tremendously to help hunger, but even on smaller portions you have to change your eating habits to healthy ones for a lifetime. The work is still very much ours to do and if changes aren't made, you won't lose.
Mind you, it doesn't matter which weight loss surgery you choose, you still have to eat healthy if you want to lose weight. That's not specific to the band alone.
Understanding what the band does and doesn't do is really important, just like changing eating habits to healthy ones is important. When you do the work and use the band as it was meant to be used, you can be very successful losing weight.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

Love those 10 pound marks.
I plateaued at 300.4 for 6 weeks. Wanted to cry, as a matter of fact I did several times. I just could not get past 300.4 no matter how I ate or how much I exercised! It finally let go... then I cried again!
Nice job... hope the 20's go that fast for you!

I don't want to chew and I don't want to cook.
Breakfast: 2oz Tuna/Lemon-Pepper 45 Calories
Lunch: Protein shake 120 Calories
Dinner: Protein Shake 120 Calories
Snack: Protein shake 120 Calories
405 calories
(No, I'm not suggesting this is good, the medical term for this behavior is LAZY)

Sometimes I crave something munchy, like chips. Obviously I don't need all the calories and fat from chips, so a friend told me about Garden Veggie Straws. They are made of potatoes, spinach, and Tomato. Oh my gosh they are SO good! Only 130 calories for 38 sticks and 7g of fat! I absolutely love the sea salt flavor!
Here is a picture, including couple of the sticks on the counter by the bag.

You know it felt wonderful and he is proud of me but told me he loves me no matter what size...but about that fat lady suit, I do still see fat me in the mirror. Should I go to see a psychiatrist? I know I'm smaller (large 12) but I still see a 24 size. Ill even shop in larger section first and then realize I'm not there. I'm still trying to spot exercise. I'm learning to love myself again and am no longer a quantity eater...thank you band!!!!

I agree with Missy Bear's advice/opinion on wedges. I still wear wedges every day. They force you to stand up straight and walk tall. They give you confidence AND make you look thinner but are much more comfortable than regular heels/stilettos.
Don't forget to post a new photo from the wedding!

I love it. ANd rock some stiletto's, I don't care how uncomfortable they are. They are worth it!

Love it! Just add a splash of color with jewelry & shoes and you're good!

If its a park wedding, also have a look out for heeled wedges, which will save you sinking into the grass.
Wedges will give you the height and can shift the way you carry your weight when you walk to also help you look fantastic on the day.
And as an added bonus, the extra stability will help get over the fear of heels and often save your feet if your standing, walking or dancing alot on the day.

Congrats, there are so many awesome changes in store for you. I agree with all the previous post, you have to put the effort in and do the work and eat healthy. It's so worth it in the end.
I'm 7 months post op and am down 86lbs.
Exercise is difficult at first but gets easier the more pounds you lose. I don't know where it came from but I have a little sign that says,
"It doesn't matter how slow you go, you're still lapping people sitting on the couch!"
Congrats again and good luck!

Boy, do I feel your pain. I sat down last week and cried because I was "missing" some of my favorite foods. What a joke that was on me. I was banded 1 year ago, have lost 104 pounds - after my episode - I looked myself and in the mrrior and said "REALLY" what is wrong with you. What on earth was so good, it was worth being 1/2 a whale? I got back in the zone and now I am fine. Yep, those feelings will return and I pray I can maintain my strength and resist the bag of Cookies.
Melinda in Florida

I can totally relate. The volume is mental based. Get a smaller plate. If that plate is full -I think it tricks your mind. Instead of looking at a plate half empty you see a full plate.

I've had a few NSV's in the past month or so, but yesterday was my biggest! I was walking into Walmart & caught a reflection of myself in the door & couldn't believe what I saw....my collar bone!!! It's been in hiding for a few years. I never thought something so small could mean so much!

Haha! Yes, but my own daughter, who sees me hundreds of times a week, looked down a Walmart aisle and didn't see me! Best wishes and hope that you get to your goal by November!