daisychains7

I was banded 9 months ago and I have not vomited once since my surgery. You will be fine. Take small bites, and chew chew chew. Your band will tell you when it's time to stop. The first few months are difficult because you feel like an infant learning to eat again for the first time. You are experimenting with different textures, tastes, and amounts, to see what works for you. Once you hit the green zone and get comfortable eating, it is better. If you follow the band principles, listen to your doctor, stay positive and work hard... there's no reason you can't succeed!! We are all here to support you and cheer you on. All the best on surgery day. Post afterwards to let us know how it went.

Soup sounds yummy Went to wedding expo today (my friends getting married) and resisted all the cake samples. Boy, that was hard. Breakfast - 1/2 banana, 1 pure Protein Bar lunch - 2 bbq turkey meatballs, 3 carrot sticks with 1/2tbsp hummus dinner - 3/4c penne with meat sauce snack - 6oz yogurt, 1 strawberry, 10 almonds Liquids - Water, tea, 8oz skim milk Exercise - 30 min elliptical

Today was treat day. I went to a party tonight and I did have almost everything in small amounts (skipped the bread and sugary drinks though). Still.. I think I could've eaten better. I did exercise this afternoon though. I made a meal plan for the next 6 days and will take it in stride. I have a get together next friday and a Super Bowl party next Sunday.. So I know my eating wont be perfect those days. Any tips? Breakfast -6oz yogurt, 8 almonds, 8 blueberries lunch - 1 flax pita, 2tbsp Peanut Butter, 1/2 banana sliced, few carrot sticks dinner - 3/4c penne Pasta with meat sauce, 5 crackers w/ 1tbsp Brie Dessert - 1c strawberry shortcake Liquids - Water, 8oz milk Exercise - 30 min elliptical

My favorites: Questbar - anywhere from 150-200 cals, 20g Protein, tastes pretty good (I like the strawberry cheesecake flavor), very high Fiber. NUGO bars - they are soy, 11g protein, about 170 cals. vanilla yogurt flavor is yummy. Pure Protein Bars - the smaller size is 170-200 cals and 19g protein. S'more is pretty good. None of these are fat free, but I find the protein content makes up for that, and I don't eat them every day. You can get them at Vitamin Shoppe.

Yes they have been killing me lately. Today all I could think about was junk food. Thank you for the encouragement. Tomorrow is my treat day. Good idea! I need to meal plan too. Often I eat the same things cuz it's just easier lol. Breakfast - 6oz yogurt, 1/8c granola lunch - 3/4 lean cuisine pizza... It was GROSS! dinner - 3oz baked tilapia, 1/4c corn snack - 1 nu-go bar, 5oz yogurt, strawberry liquids - milk, Water No exercise today

Woohoo!!! Congrats, Missy!

Now that I am basically at goal, once every 1-2 weeks. I find weighing myself any more than that makes me obsess more on a number, as opposed to just being healthy. But everyone is different.

That is awesome!! You look healthy and radiant. Congrats to you and your future hubby.

You look fabulous!!! Congrats! Totally envy your rockin curves, lol

I don't see what is wrong with enjoying something like Shake 'n Bake chicken in moderation. I'd go for 1 leg, or a breast if that's an option. Have it with a few veggies.

Boy my cravings have been bad today. All I want is a slice of pizza, or a white chocolate mocha from Starbucks. I know with the weekend coming up I need to stay strong during the weekdays. I also don't think I made the best choices today. Not enough fruits and veggies. Breakfast - 6oz yogurt, 6 almonds, blueberries lunch - flax pita, 2tbsp Peanut Butter, 1/2 banana dinner - 1/2c braised beef, 1/2c mashed yams Snacks - 1 Protein bar, 3.5oz kids yogurt Liquids - Water, tea, 8oz milk Exercise - 32 min elliptical, 15 min weights

Winter is the hardest time of year for me too. My motivation takes a huge dip. I do have several fitness dvds, free weights, and an elliptical at home. It's nice to have those things to fall back on when you don't feel like going to the gym.

Congrats on deciding to change your life. I was banded at 22. I've lost over 140lbs and am living a healthy lifestyle. It isn't easy but I have no regrets whatsoever. I did have some of the same fears you do. It's funny - I was judged my whole life for being a fat person, I was judged for getting WLS, and now I am judged for being "too skinny". Everyone always has an opinion. My boss tried to convince me not to have the surgery. One of the bariatric doctors told me I would fail because I was "too young" and would not take it seriously. Post weight loss, I have had supposed friends say I am now competition for them, that I only lost weight to get a man, that I eat weird, and looked better heavier. So basically, you cannot please everyone. Going through this process has empowered me in a way I've never experienced before. I am ok if people don't agree with every decision, because I love this healthy body of mine. Remember - YOU are the one who has to live in your body! If you let friends or family dissuade you from making the needed changes, you are the one who has to live with your decisions, not them. If you ever need support, we are all here for you. Sorry I went on a tangent. I am very passionate about this topic. lol

Yes, my doctor also says she doesn't recommend additional surgeries until 1-2 years post band. Often your body shape will change after that first year, or "bounce back" a bit. That's what I'm hoping anyway. lol And trust me your boobs will continue to drastically change. Mine are pretty saggy but I went from a 44F to a 36/34DD in last 8 months. It is worthwhile to wait.

I actually found Panera to be one of the least band-friendly places. Everything comes with bread. But that hidden menu looks so yummy. Will have to order from that next time.

Love that!!! You are so motivating! I believe exercise is every bit as important in this journey as healthy eating is. It's totally changed my outlook and my body.

Yes, I sometimes will workout at home while dinner is cooking. Can you prepare crockpot meals so that as soon as you get home, you can eat?

I was a mess the week leading up to my surgery. But getting banded was the best decision I ever made. Take a deep breath and remember why you are doing this in the first place. Envision yourself a year from now, happy and healthy. It will be worth it!

I love that idea!! Stealing it.

You look gorgeous, and most importantly, happy! Congrats.

That takes maaajor willpower! Kudos to you.

I think it depends on your height, activity level, etc. My doctor recommended 70g of protein a day. But now that I am close to goal and exercising a lot, my doctor has me upping my calories and upping my protein. I get at least 80g a day now.

I think we've all gone through that. Try not to freak out (even though its hard not to, lol). More Water and more Protein are a good start. Your exercise sounds great but I suggest mixing it up to trick your body. The more weight you lose, the harder you are going to have to work during exercise in order to burn the same amount of calories you were burning 50lbs ago! What about trying a new machine at the gym, a class, or adding weight training? Congrats on your 53lb weight loss and keep up the great work.

Yeah, it may have not been the best day, but like you said, just gotta put it behind you and do the best you can tomorrow. When you are exercising and eating healthy 80% of the time, it will off-set the not so great days. Breakfast - 5oz yogurt, 1/2 Protein bar, strawberry lunch - 2 turkey meatballs with bbq sauce, 2 carrot sticks, 1tbsp hummus dinner - 3/4 chicken breast, 1/4c baby corn snack - 6oz yogurt, 1/4c granola Liquids - Water, tea, milk Exercise - 35 min elliptical

Glad you enjoyed family time! Going out to eat is a challenge but you did good Breakfast - 6oz yogurt, 1tbsp blueberries, 6 almonds lunch - flax pita, 2tbsp Peanut Butter, 1/2 banana dinner - 3/4 piece lasagna, 1/4c salad snack - 2 Cookies Liquids - skim milk, Water, tea