auntielle

You also my want to think about therapy of some kind if you think it is a mental/emotional thing. I was 10-30lbs up & down before I got into the big gains & losses. My head stuff has been a large part of the problem. The band has helped tremendously but there are still times (night) when I have to fight it. I try to go back to the beginning with things like sf jello, sf frozen popscicles & ff broth. Plus, hot tea, etc. I think 20 lbs from goal is very impressive!

299.8!!! First time under 300 in 4+ years! I am so excited I can hardly stand it... and I got to start mushies today... first realy meal in 3 weeks... today was a good day

my name is sylvia... and i love my band! lol
i was banded 7-2-12... so about 6 weeks ago i'm down 38 pounds (that includes pre-op and post-op)... and here are a few little victories that make me smile and love my band...
1- people that dont know about the band have FINALLY commented about how 'great' i'm looking and how i've lost weight. (i had been a little down lately because i felt like no one noticed!)
2- i'm fitting into clothes that haven't work in YEARS! pants that i love and kept in hopes of one day fitting into them... i can FIT INTO THEM!!!!!!!!!! one in particular that made me happy was a paid of tommy hilfiger trouser jeans that i LOVED. and when my now husband and i started dating about 3 years ago, i wore these pairs like once or twice and he loved them and asked me to wear them more cause he liked how they looked on me. well... they were already a little tight and getting tighter (as i gained more) and were too uncomfortable to wear! SO i always had some excuse as to why i didn't wear them (i wasn't about to tell a guy i just started dating that my pants were too small! LOL and , yes, eventually i told him they were too small! and by the time i was banded, i couldn't even get them UP to my waist... much less close them!) so last night i go and try these and other pair of pants on and they all close!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mind you, they are a little tight, but they CLOSE. and in another month or so... they will fit well!!
3- i'm learning to eat to live... not live to eat! i still love food and appreciate it... but its not an obssession (usually). i have been able to say no to certain things and to learn to stop when i'm full and be ok with giving part of my food over to my husband because i'm getting full. (i may or may not have growled/scowled at anyone trying to share my precious food in the past) love it!
4- my husband sees me walking around with pants that are now huge on me and calls me 'thin' (who, ME?!)
anyway just wanted to share these because i'm so excited!
what are you're little victories that make you love your band?!

I am sorry to hear what you are going through. I am not sure how old you are or how dependent on your mother (ie do you live with her) but maybe it is time for some tough love back and standing up to her. No matter how much I loved my mother, it would not be acceptable to speak to me that way and she would certainly know it. Sometimes you have to make boundaries/rules and there has to be consequences if they can't respect you, or treat you with respect.
I understand a bit, my mother is 110 soaking wet and is obsessed with exercise and her weight. If by chance she has a full on coke she nearly strokes out. She is a lifetime member of WW and still weighs in and the world is coming to an end if she gains 5lbs. Although she is supportive of my surgery, the zings still happen...........are you sure you can do this, i'm not sure you can change your habits, should you really be eating that, you need some exercise. Keep in mind I'm 45. Unfortunatly they never stop, but I have had to put the breaks on her a few times. Fortunatly for our relationship, she has never called me 'fat'.
Congratulations to you for making the decision to have the surgery!!!

This breaks my heart to read I have three of the worlds greatest, most beautiful daughters, one of whom is going to have lapband surgery too. I believe strongly that we must tell our kids, especially our media influenced daughters, everyday how beautiful they are. My daughter that is going to have surgery has never let her weight hold her back, she always played sports and is very outgoing and popular. It sounds to me like you have tried not to let your mother's negative comments hold you back and for that you have proven you have the strength to succeed in whatever you choose to do. Hang in there and stay strong. You are beautiful.....period! Not, "you have a pretty face." Good luck to you!

It's great you have such a supportive husband! You need to do your research & decide what is best for you. I am almost a year out & 100 lbs down. It has been a wonderful experience on all levels.
However, the only people who know I had surgery are my sisters & my therapy group. I've lost this much twice before the band & I had people gossiping that I had wls then. So, for me, I just don't talk about it & say I've changed my eating & exercise habits & am working hard. All of which is true.
To make a life long change you must put you first & make your health your priority. As long as you have a good dr & follow the rules 90+ % of the time you should be feeling great & looking great before you know it. All the best!

Yay for you! I am down about the same in a year. What I've noticed is that as I've lost I had to get adjustments. Also, for some reason, my band seems to tighten up a little a few weeks after a fill. Going to your dr is a good decision. Wishing you all the best & continued success!

once I went to the seminar I started eating less, logging everything I ate, drinking Water like crazy. I was determined to not fail.
I measure and weigh everything. I never guess. I have started to plan my foods for the first time ever. I think about Protein 1st, haven't had any ground beef since August. I have been experimenting with spices and eat a more varied supply of meats. So far I am having fun looking for new recipes.
yesterday was a very stressful day and I ate a oatmeal raisin cookie and a too many carbs. The first thought that came to my mind was that I had failed. I felt like I should just eat whatever else I wanted. Luckily I snapped out of it after I logged all the stuff I ate. Yes, I did not like what I saw in the food log but it was one day, one error. Today was a good day, I feel back on track.
I hope that I can keep thinking this way forever. I want to be healthy for the rest of my life.

Mind over matter mostly. This does take a lot of mental effort too. It is definitely a learning process. Take it slow and listen to yourself and your body!

Before the band I had a hard time limiting my portion sizes. I don't know what changed because it was a long time before I felt any restriction, but from the very beginning I measured everything out and put it on my small salad plate and accepted that was all I was going to have.

Your results will be up to you. You have to get honest with yourself and make sure you are willing to change your life, eating & exercise habits. I was banded 9/7/11. So far I have lost approx 80% of my excess weight. 9 lbs left to normal BMI. 25 lbs to goal.
I have been fortunate to be healthy & have a great experience. But, I have also followed my drs rules 97% of the time. I use my fitness pal & track my food, cal,pro,carb,fat,etc. I am accountable to my friends on there. I have told almost no one in my life.
I did it for me and will continue to do so. One day at a time. It's not always easy but it is worth it and it can work if you work it. Good luck in your journey!

So the average is 55%, don't you think that is awesome? Because it sure is a lot better that 0% right? or even worse, if you keep gaining weight.
I guess it all depends on how YOU look at things and it is completely normal to have fears and insecurities before making such an important decision but the truth is that it is the RIGHT decision.
So put aside those negative thoughts and embrace this new chapter in your life, embrace it fully and with enthusiasm.

I have had luck shocking my metabolism. I normally eat around 900-1000 calories a day. When I hit a plateau, I will have 1400 calories one day, 700 calories the next day, then back to 900-1000 calories a day.
I don't do this unless I've gone at least 2 weeks without a loss, I know I've been eating right so it's not a matter of food choices, and I'm not on my period (because I know that can cause Water weight gain).
But the two times I've done this, it's worked and I started losing again.

Two years ago today I made the best decision of my life and entered the life of being a bandster. Two years later I have more energy, am an active member of a gym getting ready to try boot camp for the first time, have run my first 5k, am healthier in my eating habits, have more self confidence, and am down about 105 pounds. Sure I probably could have lost more but looking in the long run I've averaged losing just at a pound a week which is amazing to me! Never did I dream how happy I'd be with this decision and how proud I am with myself for sticking to this. It's not an automatic weight loss -- it's a tool to help and I have had to work at it to lose. I have about another 40 pounds to lose for my first goal to get into One-derville and then I think I will start looking more at skin removal surgery because even with the slow loss, I have excess skin under my arms, in the tummy area, and my thighs. But that's down the road. Now is just a happy day! Hope you all are having as great of a day as I am!

Ingrediants:
2/3 cup of Tomato Soup (condensed)
1/4 cup of skim or almond milk
1/2 scoop of Protein powder (unflavored)
1/8 cup of Part skim Ricotta cheese
Parsley for garnish
Directions:
Warm in the microwave the milk (about 12-15 seconds) , add Protein Powder and fork mix thoroughly until powder is disolved. Stir in the tomato soup and put back in microwave (about 40-50 seconds) remember to not bubble. Pour into small serving bowl and add the ricotta cheese, parsley or whatever you like for garnish.
Calories: 145 / Protein 15 grams
Enjoy!

I was banded June 3, 2010 and I lost over 100 lbs the first year the second year I only lost about 25 lbs but I am happy I didn't gain. The band was the best decision I have ever made for my health. I would do it all over again in a heart beat I feel amazing I can run, I can play with my kids. I don't feel ashamed when I go out. I still have 50 lbs to lose to be at goal but the band does work miracles if you just stick to what your doctor tells you to do.
the first picture is me in the purple in October 2009
The 2nd picture was taken in April 2012

I was a self pay also.my granfather gave me the money as a gift because he was so concerned with my health.On my self pay my entire pre op testing, entire surgery and 1 year of fills and checks and lifetime with dietician and weight loss nurses was included in the cost. I do not regret spending the money and in my mind I think it kept me on track better because I felt like not only did I need to do this for my health but because I used money my grandpa worked hard to get and so far I have done well for 4 yrs lost 230 pounds and I feel great and my grandpa has passed away but I know he is proud and knows his money was well spent.

Hi, I was just watching The Hypochondriac Hour, ie. Dr. Oz. , Dr. Keith Ablow, Oz's resident Psychiatrist, and they had Super Morbidly Obesity as the topic. One group of women claimed to enjoy, have pride in, embrace and add to their weight, these women did not want help. The other group, were women who claimed they no longer wanted to be super morbidly obese (SMO) for physical and psychological reasons, and wanted help.
I, personally am on the side of the fence that wants help. I steadily gained weight and have kept it on since 1992. I am 46 and SMO. Five years ago, I was banded. It, rather "WE" lasted a year and I jumped off the bandwagon. Three years ago, I built an excellent working relationship with my therapist. I decided to jumpstart my Banded life, and have been doing very well!
Dr. Ablow struck a raw nerve with me. He asked all of the women to close their eyes and think about the first person who told them they were worthless. I knew where he was going with this, as I come across it often in therapy. I did what Dr. Ablow said, closed my eyes, thought about what he said, and started to bawl. I knew the answer.
I'm tackling my weight issues with the band, changing my entire lifestyle, exercising, choosing healthy smaller portions of food, etc. But I am, and probably always will fight the emotional pain that feeds my obesity issues. I have a list of reasons why food is a drug for me and I uncover more reasons as I continue therapy. It is a bad drug, this relationship with food. I'm in recovery.
I got over the "excuses" as to why I shouldn't, wouldn't and/or couldn't lose weight. But I struggle with my [abusive] past and the negetivity that made me who I am today. I'm turning the tides...I'm taking control.
I'm not seeking advice, or sympathy, or criticism...
What I am wondering is if anyone here can connect their past, be it good or bad, to their weight problems. Well, I'm not "wondering" so much as knowing that there is a connection for some people. And in realizing that, I hope to engage a conversation about that connection in the hopes of learning a bit about ourselves, and possibley helping others with our stories. I'm game.
Maybe no one will respond...but someone will think.

I'm really happy and can't wait for the rest to fall off.
Funny story that made me feel good. While I'm getting into the car waiting for a few ppl get in, my brother walks up to me and tells me that an old family friend who was sitting in the car behind my husband and I, asked him "who is that girl getting in the car with Mar(my husband)" when he tells her its me she couldn't believe it and the weight I lost....I was really happy! It never felt so good to be not recognized

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thanking God for my band- I think it looks kinda like a lifesaver....and it was.
Trish

Was banded July 11th. Three weeks out down 20 pounds! Starting weight 318 today 298! I'm under 300 pounds for the first time in 2 years! Dance party commence!!!! This is huge for me!

Hi everyone. I'm Shannon, I've actually been banded since May 13, 2009. I started out great with the weight loss and now I've been at a plateau for the last 2.5 years! Luckily I haven't gained any weight back though. I recently went for a fill and had a different person that I had never met before and he made a world of difference from all the other fills I had. He gave me tips and suggestions and had some insight for me, rather than just giving me a fill and leaving me on my own to do this like the past providers have done.
I hope to connect with others here and be a support as well have have others support me As well.

You're not doing anything immoral or dishonest, so what if anyone knows you are trying to improve your health. This is really not anyone else's business, and you need to relax and just think what
you'll look like when you reach your goal weight, then let them talk.

I went in to get my first fill since surgery last month. I was super surprised that I had dropped another 6 pounds in 2 weeks. I've been panicking about my food intake increasing but with the help of this site and it's members, I've been able to keep myself from being so fearful.
I knew when I went into the office today that it was possible I would not have lost anything, or that I might have gained a little. But when I looked at the scale and it said 280... I was so excited! To lose 13 pounds in about 6 weeks... that's never happened to me before.
I've also been paying attention to what I consume. I'm proud that I stay away from junk food and don't crave things as often as I used to. If I have a craving for something sweet or salty I just substitute something healthy versus bad for you.
I'm celebrating every little victory because no matter what it is... a victory is still a victory.

gonna be tough---dont hate me....but was in your shoes not long ago:
ok. you messed up. so what....you gained back what you lost. ok. so what...
shall i take your head now or later??
what is done is done. we cannot go back in time to what was. what you have is today. right now.
you also acknowledge drinking soda, eating/binging and all the things you know is what made you
and i gain weight in the first place. SO STOP IT-- RIGHT NOW.
just because you can overeat, and eat junk food and eat around the band
does not mean you should. did you go through all the pre ops and post ops and liquid diets just to say WTheck?? no i dont think so.
right now is a new day. a new start.
3 meals a day and a couple healthy Snacks.
get rid of the junk (high fat/salty/processed foods).
get rid of the sodas.
buy fresh fruit/veggies and lean Protein.
NO EXCUSES by saying i got kids and they need treats.....
you know what to do to lose weight
you also know what to do to gain weight.
you either make up your mind to do something about it or you stay where you are.
when is the last time you seen your surgeon/lap band doctor?
if you want help, this forum saved me and still saves me to this day. i am a newbie bander.
but i know if i want to succeed, i have to do it.
you can do this. Yes you can. dont say you cant or its too hard.
no more excuses. just get on with it. life is too short to ponder what was.
if you need me to email you/text/call you every hour, i will.
i am here for you.
but please know you have to be there for yourself first.
you are in my thoughts.