leannel90

Take it very, very slowly to start. I had lost weight a few years back, and worked up to a 5K. I signed up for it, so it gave me a huge motivation to keep going, but I allowed plenty of time - several months (about 6, if I remember correctly.) This was starting from scratch. I followed a couch to 5K program (there are many available if you google it) and I did have an experienced runner as a mentor. I still wasn't able to "run" the whole 5K - I had to stop and walk a couple of times, but many people do. Not comparing yourself to anyone else is also very important as everyone's pace is different and how quickly they improve. I highly recommend reading a book or two by John Bingham - "No Need for Speed" is a great one!! he started off obese and now runs marathons... very slowly
I will give you the link to his website - well worth a look for any beginning runner!!
http://www.johnbingham.com/index.php
I'm going to start back myself in a couple of weeks when I heal from my surgery. Good luck!!

I had my first timmies yesterday with one sweetener and it was delicious...power to the coffee!!

I had my first timmies yesterday with one sweetener and it was delicious...power to the coffee!!

I have to say I completely disagree with the doc that its not about restriction (for me). Heres why:
Back in the day I could probably eat a whole cake and now I can barely eat a whole cupcake - thats restriction!
If it was all about appetite we wouldn't eat when we are not hungry and if we are being honest most of us will admit we can and do eat when we are not physically hungry! I still want to eat when I am not hungry and sometimes I do eat, but not very much due to restriction!
PS: Amazing pix - they say it all!!!

...finally made it to "Onederland"?? This girl! I have been working to get down under 200 for weeks!! I really thought it would never happen. But with this last fill and kicked up exercise.....I finally made it! And it feels GOOD! When stuck at a certain weight....keep plugging along......keep working it......it will eventually start moving. Never give up!

I agree with the others- let me have my dang coffee. I quit smoking 2 years ago, I don't eat junk food anymore, and I don't have my beloved soda anymore.
...I'm drinking my coffee!

The hemp Protein was so gross!! Would not recommend that at all. my nutritionist suggested a whey protein that I can add to Soup or juice or anything I happen to be eating our drinking. Does anyone know of a good one?

Trust me..it gets better every day.im post op day 16..I have went back to work and my surgeon has started me on soft foods for this upcoming week...I haven't had anymore gas pains like I did the first 10 days but it gets better just make sure you follow your surgeon's orders..

Day 2 post op. still very sore. Was able to get my morning shake down. Feeling better. Gas not that bad. Was able to take shower. Sipping and walking. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to get outside. Worst day was definitely right after surgery. Better everyday!

I can't take the liquid vitamins, don't like the taste. I take gummies. They for me are much better. (But to each his/her own)! Glad you fund something you like. Karen

I'm now banded as of 4 pm yesterday. Still in Hospital. Alot of pain in stomach. Feels like I did a million crunches. Quick test this morning to check band then home!!! My journey begins today. Walked several times last night. Good luck to anyone else being banded this month

Thanks for the support! This site is amazing I love being able to talk to people with the same issues and experiences!

Wow.... The eve before surgery.... Went through my doubt stage a few days ago. Today is a different story, I'm really looking forward to the fresh start
I made Jello and bought chewable everything today. Small bowls, tiny baby spoons too lol. I can't wait to get off the shake diet and enjoy Soup and jello! Gotta enjoy the little things
Good luck to to everyone who will be or was recently banded!

hi - I already sort of answered in the other topic - but let me know how the organic hemp Protein is!! The stuff I'm using is whey protein so it tends to have an almost milky flavour... but as I said thankfully not that thick yucky stuff - ugh. I had some of those pre-op shakes left, and haven't been able to touch them.

I bought those same liquid vitamins yesterday and started taking them this morning. It was so much easier than the chewable vitamins.

I could not, once I was banded, eat those nasty Vitamins that were recommended by my nut. Today I went directly to a Vitamin store and purchased Natural Vitality Optimum liquid vitamins. I tried my first dose and they're so much better! Although expensive, they are worth not having to chew vitamins.
I also bought organic hemp Protein in tropical flavor. Has anyone tried the protein that you just add to juice? I could not take another thick gross Protein Shake. Let me know what your thoughts are and if anyone has tried either liquid vitamins or the protein for juice.

Day 4 and getting better everyday !

I got mine in the organic section of Superstore, right near the vitamins... it is called proteins+ and there are several different flavours etc. It is a bit pricey but I figured I'm not going to use it forever. The one I got is called "Weight Loss Support". It is in a white container - it claims to be flavourless but I drink two scoops in some apple juice - it isn't GREAT tasting but I have been tolerating it because I figure I really need the Protein. I know there are some other flavours which I may try next. Hope you can find something that works for you!!

First off, congrats! Second of all, there is plenty of variety, but right now, don't think of it, it just makes the post op diet harder. But since you asked a question I'll answer, let's go through each option.
Chinese food - Dumplings can be difficult if soft, try eating the fillings and not the wrapper. Crispy wontons are ok, but then they have been fried which isn't all that healthy. Egg drop Soup is completely fine, just watch the sodium intake, orange chicken is doable but again remember it's fried, a better option is the grilled mandarin chicken. Lo mein and fried rice are completely off the menu but check out bandfriendlyrecipes.com for a fried rice recipe using cauliflower (sounds crazy I know but so good)
Japanese food - Chicken/shrimp teriyaki are perfectly fine but watch the sodium in the teriyaki sauce if that is a concern for you. Shrimp tempura is ok, though again, in moderation because it's fried, tamago sushi (egg custard) should be fine but watch the cholesterol and if it has rice then it's a no go. Shumai is the same Chinese dumplings, no if it's soft, yes if it's crispy (but careful cause it's fried). If you like other sushi, forego the rice and get sashimi, tofu is a good option, and miso soup is on the menu still. Edamame is still edible.
Cheeseburgers - light or nonfat cheese, low cal version of toppings, no bun and eat with a knife and fork. Switch to turkey if at all possible.
Chicken fingers - they are alright, they can still be eaten but remember they are fried. Try grilled chicken strips.
French fries - they are alright, you can eat them but they are unhealthy. Search pinterest for things like baked zucchini fries instead though.
pizza - eat toppings only, or eat minimally topped thin and crispy. This is just wasted food though (I work at pizza hut so I know). I posted a recipe here for a cauliflower Pizza Crust, check it out.
spaghetti - ditch the spa spaghetti and go for spaghetti squash. Find the lightest Tomato sauce you can. I just found a tomato basil Pasta sauce yesterday for 45 calories a serving (half a cup!)
Meatballs - all about what goes in them, extra lean ground beef or Turkey. I am actually going to be making a recipe using ground turkey stuffed with bits of nonfat string cheese.< /p>
Mashed potatoes - it's ok in moderation but it's pure carbs so it's wasted space, I keep mentioning cauliflower, but try a cauliflower mash.
meatloaf - same as meatballs
noodle pudding - you've stumped me as to what this is, but the noodles tell me no.
cake - extreme moderation, like I'm talking, for only your birthday only!
tuna sandwiches/turkey sandwiches - all sandwiches really... take off the bread, put the toppings in the meat and roll it up. Tuna is harder, just make tuna salad and use it as a spread for high Fiber crackers. Use things like mustard (0 cal) and extra light mayo to flavor it.
Any way sorry that was so long. Just remember, this is not a diet, it's a lifestyle. It's all about the decisions you make. Good luck, and pm me if you need to. I'm always here to talk. Also my name is fight4light on pinterest and I have a pretty popular lapband board so you should follow that for some great recipes.

I was starting to think something was wrong with me - like how could I possibly be so tired after a full night's sleep? ?, but thanks for your replies - makes me feel like this is just a part of the healing process.

You're right... funny for some reason I keep thinking this was NOT major surgery - I think the fact that it IS major gets downplayed a lot because on the outside we only see these little laparoscopic scars.

Oh lady...I can. I was thinking it might be a lack of calories. I only made it to 11am at work yesterday.I'm hoping to feel better soon...but I'm in the same boat. I'll muddle my way through until the two week appointment and can hopefully get on some better food... mushies are sounding delightful. 300 calories a day isn't cutting it. Talk to you soon my friend.

Thanks girly! Yes I had the IV in my arm and was about to be put to sleep and I asked the nurse who gave me the IV was everything okay with my urine test because I seen her handing it over to a nurse. The nurse came back and said ummm your pregnancy test came back positive but it's a little light do you want to take another test just to make sure? I said yes so here I am trying to pee in a cup with an IV still in my arm. lol! Second test came back positive and I asked if they can share the news to my husband who was waiting with my 2 girls (age 3 & 7) in the family waiting room. We were all in shock. I also went to my OB/GYN that same day and did a blood test and they called me this morning and confirmed I was pregnant. It's exciting and Cari called me from True Results to crongratulate me yesterday. Thought that was very nice of her. Who knows I might lose a lot of weight chasing 3 kids around and working full time I might not need the lap band but I know that I can always have it done after the baby comes. Thank you everyone!