daisychains7

Yes, I'm back at it again. I am going to do Day 4 today. It's definitely not to the point where it's easy or fun yet... But maybe one day? lol. I signed up for a 5k in April, so that's my motivation.

I usually eat an hour or so before. I drink plenty of water during and after. I have read that if you are going to eat before a workout, do it at least 45 mins prior. Eating too soon before a workout will make the blood flow to your stomach instead of the other necessary parts of your body, and contribute to cramping. Not sure if there is any truth to that but I found it interesting.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the support and motivation. Sometimes I forget I have made any progress until I bring out those photos.

Anybody here??? Breakfast - 6oz yogurt, 1/8c blueberries, 6 almonds lunch - 1/2c chicken caesar salad, 1/4c macaroni dinner - 1 wheat tortilla with 1/2c grilled chicken, veggie slaw and salsa Snacks - 1 Protein bar, 6oz yogurt, 1/4 banana Liquids - tea no exercise today

I was looking through old photos this morning and was struck by how much I've changed in a short period of time. May 2011 - February 2013 July 2011 - February 2013 But it goes beyond just physical appearance. Today I am all about being fit and feeling good, not some stupid number on a scale. I have avoided diabetes and high blood pressure which effects many in my family. I try new things, I am more confident, and I do not let size define me. Keep working hard and do this for YOU. You are valuable, capable, and beautiful whether you are 400lbs or 100lbs.

Went in for appointment yesterday. My doctor is happy with my process. Down 5lbs since last month and getting fit. I am training for a 5k in April. Still dealing with a yucky metallic taste in my throat and mild heartburn. So my doctor wants to take .2cc out of my band next month if it doesn't improve. I am very nervous about that though. Breakfast - 6oz yogurt, 6 almonds lunch - 1 flax pita with Peanut Butter, 1/3 banana, 2 strawberries dinner - 3 turkey bbq turkey meatballs, 1/2c baby spinach salad, 2tbsp fat free raspberry vinaigrette Snacks - 1/2 luna bar, 5oz yogurt, 1/4c blueberries liquids - tea, tall light frappuccino Exercise - 15 min weights, 30 min couch to 5k

Yep, I can relate. I was at a cookout a few summers ago, sitting in a plastic lawn chair in a circle of friends. The backyard was sloped downhill. The chair legs gave out under me and i rolled down the hill. Everyone laughed and it was one of the most mortifying experiences of my life. In the past I was asked to get off amusement park rides because i was too big. In front of a huge group of schoolmates. So glad I do not have to worry about those things now, but those moments stick with you forever!

Welcome! This place has a wealth of good information. I'm 23 -- was banded in May at age 22. Like you, i did not want to take the decision lightly. I decided I would give myself 6 months to try to lose 50lbs on my own. If i couldn't do it, I'd attend an info session and make the decision. Well, like every other diet, I failed. I GAINED weight! Getting the lapband ended up being the best decision I could've made for my health. I am down over 150lbs since starting this process, and am enjoying life. Its great to be able to enjoy life to the fullest at a young age. Feel free to message me any time.

LOL! I'm glad you talked to your doctor. If its not better in a week I would suggest going into the office for an appointment. I am not on the pill but my period was a bit wacky the few months after surgery too. It would come really late or be short. Now things are back to normal. All those meds and change of diet can mess with your hormones.

I am within 5lbs of my goal. When I got within 15lbs of it the weight loss slowed down. Seems like the less of you there is, the harder you have to work physically to burn as many calories. I am doing longer and more varied workouts. I've signed up for a 5k in April so that's my new goal I'm working towards. The remaining few lbs are slowly coming off, but I also notice the shape of my body changing to become more toned/muscular. Might not hurt to try some new foods and recipes too! I have not been at this very long but the maintenance stage is almost more daunting to me than the losing stage. Would love to hear how others have done it successfully.

Yes and no. I feel energized when I exercise. But I also want to have a nap. The more exercise you are getting, the more muscle you are working to build, the more your body is going to need from you. Get more protein (bars, skim milk, Greek yogurt) and more water.

Shouldn't have had the cake today. Every Tuesday we do dinner at my moms and there are treats. I know I have to get my sweet tooth in check and I am going to the gym tomorrow. Also have a check up tomorrow. Breakfast - 6oz yogurt, 6 almonds lunch - 1 flax pita, 2oz ham, 3 carrot sticks Dinner - 1 chicken leg, 1/4c potatoes, 1/4c plantains Dessert - 5 m&m's, 1 square piece cake (no frosting) snack - 1/8c blueberries, 1 Protein Bar No exercise

Breakfast - 5oz yogurt, 1/4c blueberries, 15 almonds lunch - 1 flax pita w/ 2oz deli ham, 1/4c bell peppers with 1tsp hummus dinner - 3oz chicken breast, 1/3c broccolli Snacks - 1 Protein bar, 1 skinny cow ice cream Liquids - 8oz skim milk, tea, Water Exercise - 30 min elliptical

Breakfast - 6oz yogurt, 8 almonds, 1/4c blueberries lunch - 2oz tuna salad, 10 wheat crackers, 1 carrot stick, 1 cookie dinner - 2 1/2 bbq turkey meatballs, 1/4c broccolli snack - 1 Protein bar, 5oz yogurt Liquids - green tea, Water No exercise

Amen! This is why I love my band.

That's to be expected. You're still healing from a major surgery and its unrealistic to expect any weight loss for the first 6-8 weeks (that's what my surgeon told me on surgery day). You are doing just fine! Stick to your 1c or less portions and getting enough water.

You look awesome. Congrats on your success!

Welcome! Congrats. I'm 23 too (was banded in May at age 22). It has been a huge learning experience. I have never worked as hard at anything in my entire life as I have these past 9 months to get healthy. But it is extremely rewarding and worth it! Any specific questions, fire away. This place is an invaluable resource and I learn something new every time I log on.

So frustrating but I know you will get there! Try switching up the types of exercise you are doing, and add variety to your diet.

All of you on the pre op diet - Hang in there. We have all been in your shoes and you can do this! It is truly a wake up call to see just how much power food has over us. The pre op and all the yucky emotions that come with it are no fun, but a necessary part of the process. So allow yourself to be sad, angry, scared, whatever you are feeling. Imagine how happy and healthy you'll be one year from now. It is SO worth it!

I use cocoa butter every day (long before lapband) and it honestly did not help with my scar at all. It ain't cute, but I figure I just gotta wear my battle scar with pride.

Yay!! What a great feeling. I'm sure you look fabulous

I donated all of my big clothes. It was sad, yet therapeutic. That girl is gone, and never coming back!!! But... I did keep 2 pairs of jeans from when I was my heaviest, as well as the tshirt I wore on surgery day.

This is why exercise is my lifeline. I feel a lot less guilt and anxiety about indulging in some dessert or bread, knowing that I've gotten a hard workout in that day. I never allow myself to eat junk in my house, but if I am out with friends, I let myself enjoy it in moderation. I just track everything I eat and make up for it the next day.

I agree with Donna. The pre-op was the hardest part of the process for me too. I was a complete wreck, physically and mentally. Keep your eye on the prize and please try and remember this is only temporary. Drink as much water as you can. SF jello and broth do help, just for variety. Hang in there!