eyeononederland

This might be an odd question...but are you regular? If you're not getting much in the way of fruit/veggies, are you taking a fiber supplement? If not, that might help get things, um, "moving" as it were.

I considered going that route, but I think I needed the wake up call.

It's based on your goal weight. I was told to make sure I got 55-65g of protein per day. My goal weight is 155.

Exactly! I miss that feeling. Today, we got home and had lunch...we'd discussed a trip to the dog park. Instead, we both passed out on the couch. When we woke up, I looked at him and said, "This is NOT good! We can't wind up like this again!" I used to crave exercise. I'll get there again.

You don't have to use them forever. Just until you heal and more or less whenever you get a fill (just for a couple of days post-fill, I believe).

Omg. Went to the gym today for the first time in over a month. My husband and I used to work out 3-4x/wk but have slacked for months now, hardly going. Today, I worked myself hard. Nothing crazy, but not the namby-pamby "workouts" I've done on the rare trips to the gym. I'm dying! Lol Definitely need to get back in the swing of things. I'm feeling motivated for the first time in ages, plus we're starting a walking challenge at work this week - GCC. Anyone heard of it or possibly doing it? Going to let my body rest tomorrow and then start again on Tues!

Sojourner - Exactly. Definitely focusing on the future and more motivated than ever. *big hug* I know what you mean. File them away and let's both promise to focus on the future!

Thanks! We definitely do manage to fool ourselves, don't we? Otherwise we might never have gotten to the point where we needed WLS. Thanks for the words of encouragement. I know I will be glad I took these pics when all is said and done. I can't wait for the say I can take my "after" pics.

What an eye opener. I've been wavering between depression and hope for the future. I knew I was fat, but seeing myself from all angles in just a bra and shorts was a shock. Seeing my back was especially upsetting. That used to be my "good" side. Now it's all rolls. My boobs look miniscule compared to the size of my gut from the side. I'm trying to look at these pictures as inspiration. I want to use them to motivate myself. But at the same time, every time I close my eyes, I see them. The images are burned in my mind. Before last night, I was in denial over how fat I'd really gotten.

I think it has more to do with restriction than length of time with the band. My husband was banded almost two years ago, but hasn't had a fill in about 10 months. He still doesn't drink a lot during meals, but he can drink more now than he used to be able to.

I was told no drinking 30 minutes before or 60 minutes after.

Congrats!

I went to a local health food shop yesterday and picked up several single serving packets so I could try different flavors/brands. Last night I tried nectar and it's delicious! It comes in about a dozen flavors, sugar free and delicious. They mix so well. I tried chocolate truffle flavor last night and was great. 26g of Protein per 16oz. after mixing, but I put the whole packet in 8oz and it still blended great. Can't wait to try everything else I picked up. Will let you know what I discover.

Always great when people are supportive. I'm happy for you! Good luck!

My nutritionist basically just told me that I could anticipate approx 20% weight loss in one year. I've also read that you can anticipate losing approxmiately 50% of your excess weight in 1 year. For me, those numbers are right about the same, so I'm keeping that in the back of my mind. Some lose more/faster, others lose less and/or more slowly.

Congrats! Very excited for you! I can't wait until I have a date set!

I have Aetna and my husband was approved without any fuss two years ago, but he had a much higher BMI than I do along with sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Give them a call! Couldn't hurt, right?

Have you tried almond milk?

These guys have a great staff! I never wait, I'm treated very well, the staff is helpful... I almost always get the appointment time I want (once the nurse practitioner even stayed late for me). I just had my 3rd appointment there today and they not only got me out in time to get the appointment in during my lunch break, but they answered all of my questions and even thought outside the box to help me with some things. I love these guys! (My husband also saw Dr. Cribbins for his band about 2 years ago - he still goes to this office for follow up treatments.) Their website: http://yournewhealth.net

My doc's nurse helped me, actually... as wrong as that is! I was a little shocked, but I'm happy she did. The next visit I came in and put my purse down...and she went, "oh my goodness, girl - you've lost 10lbs!" I said, "Umm...no, I didn't - remember last time??" LOL She said next time just get on, purse and all!

I'm paranoid I'll be denied, too. My BMI is typically around 38 and I don't have any comorbids. I registered a BMI of 40.1 at my first WLS doc visit, but my history simply shows that I've hovered around 38. Fingers crossed for both of us! My paperwork will be turned in sometime in early June.

Excited for you!

I started the process last year and gave up pretty quickly. I wasn't ready. I am now. I asked myself what I was afraid of and realized the only thing I was afraid of was losing my ability to eat as much as I wanted whenever I wanted. Haven't I done that for the past 32 years? I've never stuck to a diet for more than a few months at a time. So for maybe a year - total - out of my life I haven't just eaten whatever I wanted. I don't NEED to do that anymore. What I NEED to do is get healthy - for myself, my kids, my spouse. It's not as if you'll never be able to eat the foods you love again. Instead, you'll have a taste or two and be done. You'll find other outlets for your emotions - whether they're joy, sorrow, fear... Don't be afraid to lose weight. Don't be afraid to become a healthier version of yourself.