MandaMom23

I was just thinking about this as I tied my shoes. When I was 300lbs, I couldn't breathe when I bent over to tie my shoes! Now, not only can I breathe, but I can even continue a conversation while doing so! ...it's these (not so) little things that make this journey so worth it!

Totally normal! I remember laying in bed unable to sleep the night before my surgery I was so terrified...of both the procedure, and the unknown of post op! I even asked my husband WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING???? I can tell you, I have no regrets! I live a life I never imagined...from the size of my clothes and being able to shop in any store I want, to how I can walk without being out of breath, I can actually PLAY with my kids! It's amazing!! You have a whole new life to look forward to, you can do this!

So Amazing and Inspiring! Happy, Happy Bandiversary!

For me, setting a goal was difficult. I had been overweight from high school thru my entire adult life up to that point, so I didn't know or remember what it was like to be a 'normal' weight. My dr wanted me to have a goal set, and I pulled 170lbs out of nowhere as the weight I wanted to be. She didn't feel that was realistic for me, and wanted me to choose something more doable (looking back, I don't know why she doubted me). I had no clue what number to pick, so instead of setting a goal weight/end date, I set my 'goal' to simply get down to the next lb from where I was. Everytime I lost a pound, my goal was to reach the next pound down, until I got to where my body just settled and I was maintaining. It took me just over a year to get there. I had no set date, no set number, I just kept strict to the rules of my band, and let my body do the rest. I recorded (and celebrated) every ounce I lost as motivation. It worked, and I'm maintaining 30lbs less than the weight my dr told me wasn't realistic I really think it's important to find what's doable for you. It may take a little bit of time to figure out what that is. Maybe set a goal range for each month? Instead of a strict 5lbs, tell yourself 2-5lbs? That takes some of the pressure off. Also, remember to focus on all those nonscale things that come along with this journey! There were many times my weight didn't move, but my clothes felt a bit more loose, or I'd get a compliment about my weightloss. Also, I don't use shakeology, or anything like that.

I love, LOVE my coffee! I mostly make it my own adding cream and stevia, but I do treat myself to starbucks once or twice a month. It's very easy to drink away your calories, so if it's the sugary coffee drinks you go for...drink them with caution

50lbs is pretty fantastic! Congrats!! Nothing to be discourage about there! Something that really helped me while losing, was not focusing on how far I had to go. I literally took my weightloss 1lb at a time, and was encouraged by every single pound I'd go down! I had to (sometimes constantly) remind myself It's a process, and not always a fast one! Also, when I found myself discouraged by what the scale said, I'd set nonscale goals and focus on those for awhile. Maybe you could set a goal and focus on getting your Protein in, and drinking your Water. You're doing great! Keep it up! You've got this!

Congrats to you! Now, drop that "ONLY" in front of that 50!!!! 50lbs is nothing to hang your head about!! That's amazing! It's YOUR journey, and everyone loses at different paces! This isn't a race, this is for life. Keep up the great work!

First, CONGRATS on losing 20lbs!! That's great!! I know it's easy to be sucked in by that number on the scale, but if it's bringing you down, stay away from it for awhile. Focus on things that the scale can't show you...How are you feeling over all? Are your clothes fitting any better? etc... Keep up the great work, and the weight will come off!

Gorgeous!!!! You look absolutely amazing!! So inspiring!!! And you're right, the results are real and really do happen! I think it's important for the newbies to know this, and remember this during their journey. Congrats on your success!

Wow, that's an amazing goal! My 9 year old keeps asking me if I'll run a 5K with her...I think you just inspired me to make that my goal for this year! Wishing you the best of luck!

Congrats and good luck! It's going to be so worth it!

I have this occasionally...sometimes while I eat, as well as after exercise. I have discussed it with my surgeon, and he says it's due to irritation to the vagus nerve. He said it's common with the lapband for the vagus nerve to be irritated (but not eveyone gets the referred shoulder pain). From what he said, there isn't much they can do for it. For me, It doesn't happen all the time, but I have found that certain foods seem to trigger it (bread, eggs and oatmeal). I would discuss it with your surgeon so they can rule out any other problem that may be causing this discomfort for you. Good luck!

That's awesome! Congrats!

I eat out a lot. For the most part, I go, and try not to worry about it. BUT, I almost always know what I'll be ordering before I even enter the restaurant. I like to go online and check for the healthiest options at whatever restaurant I'll be eating at. With that being said, there have been times we've ended up somewhere, and I have no clue ahead of time what they have or what to order. I get very overwhelmed trying to make the best choice when I'm in this situation. It's something I'm working on, and hopefully, eventually, I will overcome this.

Sounds like you're doing great!! Don't let the scale bring you down. The first 6 weeks, especially, are all about healing from surgery, so remember that. Also, It's very common to go days, even weeks, sometimes without the scale moving. Make sure you're paying attention to all the great things the scale can't show you (how your clothes fit, how you feel overall, etc...) Congrats, and keep up the great work!

I have a hard time getting things down in the morning. Now, I just have some coffee or tea, and lately I've been making my own iced coffee, and adding 1/2 of an atkins dark chocolate royale shake to it (I HATE Protein shakes, but I love the taste of this combo). After a couple of hours awake, I can eat pretty much whatever I want.

Don't let this bring you down. You're still healing, and that should be where your focus is! I gained 8lbs after surgery, and it took nearly a month for any of it to come off. Just keep doing what you're supposed to be doing, and I promise, the weight will come off! Good luck!

I get it at walmart. It's with all the other peanut butter!

I'm sorry you're not feeling well. You just had major surgery, and a bit of pain and discomfort is to be expected. I remember feeling terrible right after surgery, and my port site in particular took what seemed like forever to heal, but I promise it does get better! Also, if you're really concerned, you can always call and discuss things with your surgeon. Good luck!

I LOVE peanut butter! And celery! If you don't have any trouble getting it down, I don't see a problem with it. Peanut Butter has a lot of calories, though, so make sure you're using it in moderation. I actually started buying PB2 (powdered peanut butter), and it's amazing, only 45 calories for 2tbsp, and my new best friend! haha

I'd call your doctor, and discuss your concerns. Even though 1cc seems like such a small amount, it really can make a big difference when it comes to restriction (too tight vs. not enough). Maybe that 1cc was too much to take out? Also, until you get things figured out, just make sure stay on track. Just because you CAN eat 3 pieces of pizza doesn't mean you should. Good luck to you, and keep us updated.

So beautiful! Congrats on your success!

That's awesome! Congrats!!!

Love this!! Right now, I'm working on getting rid of 'food guilt'. I'm so afraid of gaining my weight back, I was having a hard not feeling guilty when I'd enjoy a treat. What I've started reminding myself is that I didn't gain all my weight from enjoying a cupcake every now and then, having a handful of chips occasionally, or indulging in a yummy meal at a nice restaurant a couple times a year. I gained, because i was doing these things regularly/daily, and I wasn't being mindful. I simply didn't care. Now, that's totally different...I do care, and I am mindful of everything I eat. This is life, and food is always and forever going to be a part of it. It's really ok to enjoy it!!

Such a great NSV! Congrats!