JosieK

I'm going to let someone else handle this one for now...

Good for you! Any weight loss achievement is to be applauded, no matter the method and no one way is better than any other as long as the end result of better health and fitness is achieved.
I've got to ask, @@Chuckster . You just recently joined this forum (a weight loss surgery support forum), you lost a whole lot of weight non surgically, and both posts you've made since joining have been about losing weight non-surgically. What's your agenda in being here?

Congratulations on your weight loss success. Awesome job. It's hard work to make any lifestyle change that involves healthy eating and consistent exercise.
My question is why do you feel that you are healthier now and have learned more valuable lessons than if you had gotten the sleeve or had a bypass?
I had the gastric sleeve over a year ago and I am the healthiest I have ever been in my life, including times in the past where I have been thin. I am now physically fit, strong, energetic, adventurous, and have a zest for life.

Getting back to the basics for me means reflecting on what I have and haven't been doing. For me one of the most common things I omit without realizing it is my 80oz of Water. Since I don't drink soda any more and I've never been a coffee drinker the source of my caffeine is iced tea. Sometimes I find myself going through the day drinking (2) 32oz glasses of tea and realizing at the end of my day I've only had 1 bottle of Water. The other thing I commonly find myself doing with a fast paced life is grabbing and going, so I will have a yogurt and trail mix for Breakfast, a Protein bar for lunch and then for dinner I will just grab another yogurt and trail mix just because it's the easiest thing for me. I'm eating high processed foods and am omitting the clean healthy whole foods from my diet. So the basics for me is 80oz of water, 3-4 oz of lean fresh Protein and 1/2 cup of veggies per meal, finishing in 20 min regardless of what's left of my plate. When I commit myself to doing the very basic and core things I was taught in the beginning, the flex= I was seeing on the scale goes back to "normal" for me.

Hi meggs353,
Good question.
The physical basics I followed were:
-eat slow (7 years down the road I still have trouble with it)
-chew chew chew
-don't drink with meals
- stay off carbonation (I can drink soda but way after my meal)
The "other" basics I did
-tracked my food (my fitness pal)
-I stopped weighing myself (it messed up my head too much)
Once a month was all I'd do.
- I also measured myself once a month because I was working out a lot and while weight didn't shift a lot some weeks, the inches would fly off.
-increased my exercise 4 fold from what I was doing pre-band.
Like you I had my band too tight at some points when I was losing weight and my weight loss stopped. My body was trying to hold onto any calories I gave it.
I still follow the basics. However sometimes I slip up... And have to jump on this site to remind myself what the basics are. Good luck on your journey.... It's well worth it....

Hi meggs353,
Good question.
The physical basics I followed were:
-eat slow (7 years down the road I still have trouble with it)
-chew chew chew
-don't drink with meals
- stay off carbonation (I can drink soda but way after my meal)
The "other" basics I did
-tracked my food (my fitness pal)
-I stopped weighing myself (it messed up my head too much)
Once a month was all I'd do.
- I also measured myself once a month because I was working out a lot and while weight didn't shift a lot some weeks, the inches would fly off.
-increased my exercise 4 fold from what I was doing pre-band.
Like you I had my band too tight at some points when I was losing weight and my weight loss stopped. My body was trying to hold onto any calories I gave it.
I still follow the basics. However sometimes I slip up... And have to jump on this site to remind myself what the basics are. Good luck on your journey.... It's well worth it....

0. Type of Surgery? RNY
1. How long have you been in maintenance mode? 20 months

2. What's your current height and weight? 5' 7", 150 lbs

3. How many calories do you eat daily (on average) to maintain your weight? around 1500

4. What kind of focus do you put on Protein -- number of grams or anything else you want to say? around 65 grams of Protein per day derived from meals.

5. What kind of focus do you put on carbs - number of grams or anything else you want to say? I avoid like a plague processed sugar (including sugars with calories, such as honey. The exception being sugars found in fruits and milk.) Instead I use artificial sweeteners (Splenda), artificial sweeteners (Stevia and sugar alcohol) and the sugars found in fruits and milk. I try and limit my complex carbs (bread, Pasta etc.) to about one meal a day.

6. What other nutritional tips / tricks are working for you that help you maintain? I rely on fats to avoid hunger. As a result I eat real butter, whole milk and cream, meat other than lean meat. [in the weight loss phase my stomach was cut away and fats caused immediate dumping but after the first year my intestines took up the function of processing fats and I was able to incorporate it into my diet again.]

7. Which foods, if any, do you avoid altogether? Milk shakes, ice cream, any foods with more than 5 grams of processed sugar per serving.

8. What exercise regimen (exercise types and frequency) do you follow? I rely on normal physical activity (manual labor). For example last year I moved 100,000 pounds of gravel by hand and 50,000 pounds of concrete landscaping blocks.

9. What role, if any, has counseling or therapy played in your WLS success? None

10. What advice would you offer WLS patients to help them be successful? The approach to succeed in the weight loss phase is different than the maintenance phase. They need to adapt to the transition or if they follow the same rules, they may begin to put the weight back on.

Hi meggs353,
Good question.
The physical basics I followed were:
-eat slow (7 years down the road I still have trouble with it)
-chew chew chew
-don't drink with meals
- stay off carbonation (I can drink soda but way after my meal)
The "other" basics I did
-tracked my food (my fitness pal)
-I stopped weighing myself (it messed up my head too much)
Once a month was all I'd do.
- I also measured myself once a month because I was working out a lot and while weight didn't shift a lot some weeks, the inches would fly off.
-increased my exercise 4 fold from what I was doing pre-band.
Like you I had my band too tight at some points when I was losing weight and my weight loss stopped. My body was trying to hold onto any calories I gave it.
I still follow the basics. However sometimes I slip up... And have to jump on this site to remind myself what the basics are. Good luck on your journey.... It's well worth it....

Josie, excellent attitude. We all have the same issues with food and weight loss surgery indeed is not easy. I had lapband surgery 2 years ago and do not regret it. I do get weary of the band bashers and their holier than thou attitudes if they have the sleeve. I don't care what surgery anyone chooses I commend them for taking their health seriously and no matter how you improve your life and I have everyone in my prayers. Josie I suffer from sugar addiction as well, I have gotten much better but there are times I just can't control it. I am trying to drink a chocolate Protein shake if I get a craving for sugar, it seems to have helped me.

Congratulations on your Bandiversary! It's so great to hear from long-time banders -- very encouraging. Sometimes when the old instinct of tamping down feelings with food kicks in, I greet the feelings and try to name them. Hello, overwhelm! It helps me to know what the anxiety is about, or whatever it is that is behind my wanting to turn to something like chocolate, etc. (boredom, rewarding myself inappropriately, prepping for something I don't want to do.....). If I call it out then I seem to be able to remind myself that feeding the feelings is something I don't do anymore. But if I want a bit of chocolate or something as a treat, I don't deny myself either. Thanks for a great post.

Thanks for your post Josie. I'm two years out and have also reclaimed my life. I too am trying to get to the root causes of my overeating and emotional eating trying to give myself every chance to make this work.
I've not been this happy or healthy in many years but I know that the band is a tool and read enough posts about people who gain it back to know that I must stay vigilent for the rest of my life just like any other addict has to do.
Good to know a long term bandster such as yourself is still very much in the game and dealing with ups and downs but dealing and staying successful.
Congratulations!

Oh I read your first response, remember I'm the one who pointed out the structural mistakes you made while bitching about others?
Now let me help you with something else since you don't like people being ignorant: I didn't have to come back here and go out of the way of the main topics and seek out rants to pick up your quaint complaining. I came to the site and saw your post under "recent topics" and clicked on it.
Now you aren't as ignorant anymore about how people sometimes find posts on this site. I'm sure you're glad I'm helping you and you'll see it as such since your only wish is to help others with their own inadequacies. You're welcome in advance.

Speaking only for myself, I focused on that one because the other two have merit in my opinion. Neither bother me as much as they appear to bother you, but I find the vent concerning grammar to be "unfair" for lack of a better word. Perhaps because I was a special education teacher for children with learning disabilities or because my father is dyslexic and has trouble communicating correctly via the written word, I have more empathy.

Gee gads batman. Maybe Alex needs to set up an editing staff so that all those people will be edited! And their grammar mistakes would be cleaned up and their words properly placed for your sensitive eyes. Laugh out loud!
No wait a minute I have read grammar errors and spelling errors even after editors are finished with the writings of someone. Oh to be so perfect!
And by the way your thread has been on this site before. Complaining about the same things!
Also there were situations that came up for me personally that there was no answer for. They had to create answers for me to survive. So not every thing can be researched on here or the internet about weight loss surgery.
I only hope that I have made some grammar mistakes as well!

Calm down? I assure you I'm not even in the slightest bit upset. It's not worth it to get upset about people I don't have to interact with in real life.
Why did I respond? I liked what Emma had to say so I gave her a compliment and used her call for kindness to explain my own view on the site and explained to her my experience it and why I'm here less frequently. Why would I take the time to respond? To have a conversation with Emma and exchange ideas with her. So you think that means I'm doing it for attention as per your rant? I promise you that how it appears to you does not factor into my decisions on what I post and knowing now that you see it that way still doesn't change that for me although I do find it curious that you think the reason people are posting is to seek attention. Not a rhetorical question: is that why you post things, for attention? That is the only reason I can think of that you'd assume that to be anyone else's motivation.
I'll take a pass on elaborating on the rest of your post but you have a lovely day.

I understand your frustration with some of these things but in my opinion if you don't like something someone does and says and it is not bothering you physically or mentally it is best to just move on. Not all people are going to live up to your expectations and it is unfair for anyone to expect perfection. This is an open forum and it should be a forum of support and not judgement. There are things in life that just need to be at the bottom of the list of importance. You are free to rant and I respect you for that, I just hope that your rant did not run someone off because they feel as though they are not as educated as others. People should have the freedom to come and ask as many questions as they want without the fear of someone being critical of them. Bottom line....Choose being kind to be an example to someone that may need YOU right now. Sometimes it is not all about us and our hangups.

My own personal rant is when people make a numbered list and use the same number for each point. Well all have our crosses to bear, I suppose.

8 years ago I was miserable, hating myself. 270 lbs and growing. I decided to have the lapband and never looked back. My earlier posts tells the story of my journey.
This year I'd like to talk about.... This year.
After losing the weight..... The next big hurdle and probably the biggest in my book.... Is dealing with headhunger.
It has been the most difficult part of the journey.
I have everything I want in my life... So why do I eat sugar (mainly) or sometimes eat obsessively. I've been working with a therapist and I have to say, I'm learning to "sit with my feelings" and not eat over them.
I've had periods of great success and periods of not-so -much success. I'm in a good routine now, working out, still using Protein Shakes in the morning and eating healthy meals for lunch and dinner.
I'm trying to keep this routine which allows me to stop thinking about food 24/7.
I am truly happy with my decision to get the lapband and the road my life has taken ever since. Surgery is not a magic pill. I worked very hard to lose the weight and maintain. People that don't know about weight loss surgery think it's the easy way. IT IS NOT! It's a tool to help us.
This year I went to to get full checkup on my band and all is working well. I hope to keep this going as I feel like I need one of these tools for life.
Anybody thinking of any weight loss surgery, gather info and make your OWN decision with your doctor. Not one surgery is perfect. Nor are any all bad (saw lots of band bashing going on when the sleeve came out). For me it's been great. But I understand if some had problems, the best thing is to take another route.
Anyway I hope some of the other March 2007 Bandsters check in

Hey sharpie, thanks.... I think we have to keep the attitude "we've got this licked (sugar)" not literally of course ha! I also use the 12 step concept of spiritual healing. I found a book called "made to crave" which has been helpful.
One thing about websites like this.... I am ever so grateful to have had it. Alex is one of the most patient, caring and hard working people. The website was fairly new when I started. But I chose to stick with people that were positive and really kept "getting up" when they fell down. I found my lap band surgeon, my cosmetic surgeon and many great solutions to problems along the way.
I also chose not to get into it when people attacked (I think the boards are more positive now). Sometimes I felt like lashing back but held my tongue because I wanted it to be positive. My mom always said "you reap what you sew". When I jumped in on a thread, I always talked about my experience and my feelings.... How can anyone refute that? They're our own feelings (Altho some tried)
Anyway... Glad your experience has been good.... Stick with the winners....
Best regards

8 years ago I was miserable, hating myself. 270 lbs and growing. I decided to have the lapband and never looked back. My earlier posts tells the story of my journey.
This year I'd like to talk about.... This year.
After losing the weight..... The next big hurdle and probably the biggest in my book.... Is dealing with headhunger.
It has been the most difficult part of the journey.
I have everything I want in my life... So why do I eat sugar (mainly) or sometimes eat obsessively. I've been working with a therapist and I have to say, I'm learning to "sit with my feelings" and not eat over them.
I've had periods of great success and periods of not-so -much success. I'm in a good routine now, working out, still using Protein Shakes in the morning and eating healthy meals for lunch and dinner.
I'm trying to keep this routine which allows me to stop thinking about food 24/7.
I am truly happy with my decision to get the lapband and the road my life has taken ever since. Surgery is not a magic pill. I worked very hard to lose the weight and maintain. People that don't know about weight loss surgery think it's the easy way. IT IS NOT! It's a tool to help us.
This year I went to to get full checkup on my band and all is working well. I hope to keep this going as I feel like I need one of these tools for life.
Anybody thinking of any weight loss surgery, gather info and make your OWN decision with your doctor. Not one surgery is perfect. Nor are any all bad (saw lots of band bashing going on when the sleeve came out). For me it's been great. But I understand if some had problems, the best thing is to take another route.
Anyway I hope some of the other March 2007 Bandsters check in

Hi butterfly, I loved reading your enthusiasm for "what's to come?"as you start this journey.
I was banded 7 years ago actually today! My life is sooo different... And I have to say I've entered the world. Previously I was so unhappy because of my weight.... I felt like I was on the outside looking in on everyone.
1year after I was banded, I started dating. I went on match & eharmony. I preferred match but everyone is different.... They are just a tool like the lapband is for weight loss.
It can be difficult....but someone suggested I have fun with it... And that sort of changed my outlook. Another person suggested I date a few guys at once till I formulated what I liked in a guy. I hadn't dated for years. This also helped me from getting too attached too quickly.
I met some pretty nice guys.... And some big fat liars... But it's a numbers game just like job hunting. The more you put yourself out there... The greater your chance of meeting a compatible person.
I was dating 4 guys having fun with all of them...when my "husband- to-be" contacted me. He was also dating 4 woman at the time. We went on our first date then a second date and we decided to become exclusive..... And the rest is history.
I never planned on getting married... I really just wanted to find someone to have a relationship,... But I met someone, fell in love and got married 3 1/2 years ago.
You sound like a really good person... And your enthusiasm is infectious. So wishing you all the best. JosieK

Name, real or screen~ JosieK
Goal weight for April 30th~ 160
Weight on April 1st~170
Age~56
City/State~Eagle Lake, TX
Dietary goal for April~ 3 meals/1 snack....no sugar
Exercise goal for April~ 5x week (combination of weights and cardio)
Personal goal for April~
Date banded~ 3-30-07
Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~120 lbs
What do you like about Springtime? Longer days

Hi butterfly, I loved reading your enthusiasm for "what's to come?"as you start this journey.
I was banded 7 years ago actually today! My life is sooo different... And I have to say I've entered the world. Previously I was so unhappy because of my weight.... I felt like I was on the outside looking in on everyone.
1year after I was banded, I started dating. I went on match & eharmony. I preferred match but everyone is different.... They are just a tool like the lapband is for weight loss.
It can be difficult....but someone suggested I have fun with it... And that sort of changed my outlook. Another person suggested I date a few guys at once till I formulated what I liked in a guy. I hadn't dated for years. This also helped me from getting too attached too quickly.
I met some pretty nice guys.... And some big fat liars... But it's a numbers game just like job hunting. The more you put yourself out there... The greater your chance of meeting a compatible person.
I was dating 4 guys having fun with all of them...when my "husband- to-be" contacted me. He was also dating 4 woman at the time. We went on our first date then a second date and we decided to become exclusive..... And the rest is history.
I never planned on getting married... I really just wanted to find someone to have a relationship,... But I met someone, fell in love and got married 3 1/2 years ago.
You sound like a really good person... And your enthusiasm is infectious. So wishing you all the best. JosieK

Have fun on your trip

Hey justwatchme.
My first year I think I had 3 or 4 adjustments.
I made a BIG mistake my first year. I made one adjustment too tight and I almost landed in the hospital. I couldn't drink Water or anything. It was stupid because I had it tightened and got on an airplane which made it even tighter. I thought I'd be able to lose faster when in fact I was putting my life in jeopardy.
I could've dehydrated.... I never did that again.
I actually don't have fill now but I still have restriction. And it's actually a correct amount. But the key to any of this is to eat the right foods. For a long time after I reached goal... I started saying "it's to hard to eat good food.... Easier to eat junk". Well when I started putting on weight.... I panicked. I made myself eat good food again. And as I'm doing this it has gotten easier to eat good food. Plus I feel so much better (energy), my skin looks better due to this and drinking lots of Water, etc.
I still use Protein shakes for Breakfast because I am tight in the morning.... Plus I make sure I get in a good amount of Protein. Sets my day out correctly.
Good luck... You can do it....