Annette 9/2012

Hey Jeff, Welcome to our support network of "bandsters" you will find out so much information if you search the entire website. All of us are here for the same reason "weight loss and get healthy" so that we can lead a long "active" lifestyle. Also, you might want to check out "youtube" many people record live about their weight loss journey of all kinds of things related to food choices or exercise hints or just to vent out their fustrations. One thing you will find out that this surgery is "not" a cure all for our obesity and you will have to WORK at it and follow the rules to be successful. 1) start on your healthy eating 2) get into a exercise plan. 3) Have your family in the household "on the same track" which means they are there to support you! I have been on my 6th month preop for insurance purposes for my lapband in September. In January, I have started with my "new lifestyle and mindset" to get ready for this procedure. I understand that once this lapband get's placed-I am responsible how sucessful my weight loss will be! You can view my profile for my journey. My doctor wanted me to lose 10 pounds before surgery and I have done that to date. I wish you the best in your weight loss journey. Annette

I went to the beach for the weekend and didnt exercise and ate some subs and drank 2 glasses of wine, last night the scale says 204LBS WHAT!

Hi, Welcome to the Maryland Bandsters! That is really cool your on your way to a new life ahead ............. I am getting myself ready now, eating less and I exercise alot now. I will be doing more liquids than solids in August. As far as I know, my doctor does not do the preop liquid diet. I wish you all the best and feel free to post when you find some interesting topics. Annette

Welcome to our support network! Your on your preop journey "like me". You will learn alot from this site. Also, you might want to try youtube another great site. Good luck. Annette

Hi Donna, I am a newbie and have not been banded yet "waiting" but I will say that you have had a "surgical procedure" and your body needs time to heal. Your body heals from the outside first then inside or internal organs. I would make sure your drinking the correct amount of Protein and make sure your blood count (CBC and Diff) is normal-check your temp is normal 98.6 and there is no drainage out of your port-if you don't feel well in a few days, call your doctor. I would say it would take about 6 weeks till I would start to exercise, just like walking and some arm weights. I would not do any ab work or treadmill till your feeling better. I am not an expert, so I would check with your doctor. Good luck.

yeah, put some of that stuff in your protein shake. I usually take metamucil and drink WATER! or you could try some "de pitted" prunes. I love them.

I am on my way to Lapband in September. I exercise 5 days a week at Fitness First gym. I do a Spin class and bodypump, I have found this exercise plan to be effective. I change my exercise per monthly.

Exercise is very hard to get back into but if you find workout that you love-it will click for you and you will like to exercise. Good luck on your running!

Hi- Filter out those folks who stare at us who are obese and trying to get into shape. The great thing to think about is that sweat that leaves your body is another pound off! ROAR!

Hi, Your post has really hit my heart and I can read that you will get stronger-get away from the triggers that make us want to reach for the foods that we love and do the most damage. I wish you the best on your journey ahead! Annette

Oh, I have been told to chew each bite 20-25 times then swallow!

Sounds like your on your way down on the scale-good luck!

I found that my difficult time is when I get home from work around 8:30 and sit in front of the TV this is my munchie time. I have got to replace this behavior with a positive one. This will break my calorie intake and all the good that I have accomplished this week. I will avoid the trigger- read a book and not watch TV in my favorite chair!

I have tried the Unjury "unflavored" choc and strawberry. I purchased the variety package from Unjury and then I picked what I liked. My friend got me the "cheese sauce" protein but I have not tried it yet. Actually, what you mix with it will make it taste better but at the same time watch the calorie intake of the mixtures!

I have tried Unjury and Walmart brand and CVS of protein powder. I use low fat and latose free milk and fill with ice. I got the flavored "sugar free" carmel, hazelnut to add to my protein shake, you can find it at walmart about 2-3 a bottle. I also have unsweetend Coco powder and pumkin pie spice. I also add cinnamin to my shakes too. I will add a 1/2 pack of stevia to my shake mix and use defaf coffee. youtube has examples of bandsters with alot of good ideas-thats where I found most of my information. Good luck!

Hi- I want to say to you that I hate to exercise too but if you start walking each day and get into a regular exercise program -you will loose "inches" in your body. I started my exercise program in January and I really hated it until I found the exercise program that I find now "a little enjoyable" because I know this is the only way with my band that I be able reach my goal weight. You can read my profile that will give you a little more insight about my journey. Also, you might want to measure out your Protein on a scale. I found that I was eating way too much from a food scale. I purchased mine from K-mart and it was under $20.00. Don't loose it-some people take off the weight slower-keep on trying different things to get those pounds off. Best of luck to you, Annette

Great Job Eric!

Hi- I totally understand about that soda! That soda will keep you from wt loss- no matter if it's diet or not! Water or crystal light "I only use half for my water bottle" or You will face many battles to fight on this wt loss journey. I was told on my pre-op instruction for my band in September "no bubbles" NEVER! I have been on a struggle since January to get this pre-op 10 pounds for my band in September. Exercise keeps me going now and away from my bad habits. Good luck!

Hmm- well you could get a food scale to measure your food quanity. I find that when I did start to exercise my food intake was the problem,,,,,and your building muscle which is more that fat,,, I am so hungry! after a workout! I have to fight not to eat after an hour of exercise. Perhaps keep a food or daily journal and perhaps you could find your culprit! I will be banded in September-pre op stage. But on the positive side, you have lost! Good luck