BlueMoon~T

I know exactly what you're saying. Just watching people eat now amazes me! Giant bites, big gulps of drinks another giant bite...and I'm like wha??? Did you chew that? That used to be me...
Having the band makes you slow down and chew or savor each bite. It gives you lots of time for good conversation and sometimes people watching! I still get a lot of questions like, "Don't you like your food?". Which I respond to by saying, "Yes! I'm just enjoying the company." Corny maybe, but it works.
I love my band and I feel healthier and stronger every day!

Yoga and resistance training this morning! Should be a busy weekend, but I'm going to find time to get my exercise in daily. Couch-to-5K tomorrow! I really appreciate this thread you all are so supportive! *hugs*

I have been noticing lately that I am getting "checked out" by guys. In my car, walking down the street, in a store. I had forgotten that this happens to people. What once would have been a minor annoyance is now welcomed by the new sleeved me. Think it would be odd to thank random guys for looking at me?!

Everyone is doing AWESOME...I was at the pool again this morning and did more walking and a few more exercises in the pool. Each morning I just wish I could stay there...it feels so good and refreshing and walk and exercise without any pain...very nice!!! Wish you ALL a wonderful weekend and please remember those that gave the Ultimate Sacrifice for this Country on Monday and all those that have and are serving this Nation to keep us safe!!!

9.21 miles in 49 minutes on the elliptical this morning! Only 5 more pounds till I start light running on pavement. I'm thinking I'll just add a day a week of pavement to my two days of elliptical each week. I will continue my two days a week of interval training on the Arc Trainer.

Had to have one if the trainers at the gym repeat this line" you are fit you can do that " hellooo are you talking to me ??? I still see myself as struggling or as the gym newbie but I guess not a year later I'm fit wth I still can't wrap my head around it . Spent a 1/2 he after this leg workout trying to figure out my workout schedule for the holiday weekend n following week/weekend bc I can't do my normal routine n I'm getting nervous about missing a work out.
Last year at this time I was probably obsessing over what I'm making for a BBQ whose BBQ I'm going to n what to eat now it's all about the workout. Kid you not me n two people from the gym confirm n plan our workouts together n I wouldn't change it for the world .

Power hour of boxing today. Good lord. He said it was going to make us lose 2lbs in class. I believe he tried very hard to accomplish that goal!

5 mile run, transition, and a couple quick miles on the bike....just to practice for Mondays Biathlon.
Who knew it'd be so difficult to change shoe's from running to cycling while dripping wet.....lol. Hope everyone has a great day!

I live alone and as such, don't pay attention much to anything but my own food intake. Maybe those of you with partners/children are more aware of consumption but for me, like I said...I am not really aware.
So...it's coming as quite a surprise to watch my family and what they are eating while I am visiting with them this week. People stuff themselves. It's that simple. I love my family...it has nothing to do with that. I just can't help but notice how much friggin' food is going into their mouths...and used to go into mine I might add.
We went to a bistro for dinner last night and ordered the following to share:
Soup, salad, mussels, fish, vegetables, and a chicken/mushroom/swiss cheese crepe. Oh my but what alot of food it was. I was surprised they were able to eat it all. My portion was inconsequential compared to what the others ate.
Oh...and we topped it all off with coffee and dessert. Now...I understand that if you are not banded, you're going to eat more than a banded person will but come on....this was consumption on a massive scale. Jeeze..no wonder I was a fat kid. Now I'm not blaming anyone. After all, no one put a gun to my head and made me eat. But it just shows the difference between people who live to eat, and those who eat to live.
Oh, and by the way, I had lunch today with a cousin who has never had a weight problem. We split a sandwich and I was quite satisfied as I'm sure she was as well. No wonder she never was heavy...

Summer - you are adorable!
Blue Moon - you look great!

B-52,
I always enjoy your posts because you always have a positive "can do" attitude!
I have no doubt you'll do great...just wanted to say, "Enjoy your trip!".

So it has begun. Week 1 Day1 Couch-to-5K... CHECK!!!

Here are my fur babies! Woman's best friends! <3

I can't wait to meet my goal. Here are my before and progress pic. I love seeing everyone's pics. It's motivating!!

So it has begun. Week 1 Day1 Couch-to-5K... CHECK!!!

I think you mean 1/2 cup per meal. And most women consume 900-1200 calories a day. 1400 could be too many if you want to lose.
And, my guidelines were 1 cup of food per meal.
Sorry, but this is not the time to be concerned about losing weight. It's a time to heal. Once your band is adjusted properly you will lose weight. That may be 1 fill or 6 fills? Stalls and plateaus are common and expected but nothing to be worried about unless it goes beyond 4-6 weeks. One week of not losing isn't anything to be frustrated over.

So it has begun. Week 1 Day1 Couch-to-5K... CHECK!!!

Yesterday I uped the speed on the treadmill as we sprinted . My trainer was splitting the class up 1/2 to sprint on spin bikes 1/2 to sprint on treadmill the athletic people on treadmills me athletic wth had a huge smile inside as I was in the athletic group.
To bad my myzone hrm monitor doesn't like me . My trainer says my boobs get in the way so I out it on my back n I guess I have no heartbeat lol it doesn't record the whole class
Any suggestions what I'm doing wrong ? I wet the strap before I put it on.

Oh my...another runner in our group! Yea for you!

I was pushed toward RNY because I had so much weight to lose. I had been to a consult with one of the best bariatric surgeons in my area. Here I was talking about all the research I had done and why I chose the Lap Band. He shut me down... he told me he knew what was best for me, RNY. I, too, cried when I got to my car.
I thought about it for a week then scheduled an appointment with the surgeon who gave me my Lap Band. As TMF stated,my surgeon told me I would have to be committed and work hard. It hasn't been easy, but I'm successfully losing and I'm very optimistic that I WILL meet my goal.
This choice is all about you. I'm not saying one surgery is better than another. What I am saying is, this about your future, don't let someone else decide for you!
Best wishes!

Update: I've been wanting to start running, but I keep telling myself I can't because of my health issues. My Dr. told me to go slow and see how I feel. So, today I downloaded Couch-to-5k.
Wish me luck!

I'm having my band put in tomorrow morning! I'm nervous/super excited! I have a friend that's a fee years out but not nobody recent! So I need a buddy And support please!

Hello everyone! I was banded 5/6 and yesterday had my 1st nsv! My mom and dad have been telling me they could tell I've been losing the weight but honestly I hadn't been able to tell yet. I've been working hard though this past week when I started feeling better from surgery. (19 lbs lost) Well yesterday was my nephews bday and usually I hate getting dressed up to go places bc I've felt no matter what I wear I look awful.(might I add both of my sisters put together weigh as much as me by myself) Well I pulled out some old clothes I haven't worn in a yr or longer. Clothes actually fit!!!! And we're loose!!!!!I actually thought I looked really pretty and when I got there my sister told me how great I looked. I'm so excited! Great motivation! !!! I will be working really hard this summer to keep this up!! What was your 1st Nsv story?!

I was in the EXACT SAME position as you were about 3 months ago. I had decided in jan of last year I wanted the band. Did the 12 month insurance required health coaching, then when I met up with my surgeon again, he refused to give me the lap band. He said I was way too big (5'7" 295ish) to be successful.
He rescheduled me with the other surgeon in his office later that day. I left the office BAWLING. I knew in my gut that the lap band was right for me. I'm still young, 26, and I didn't want to removed 80% of my stomach.
Luckily, the next surgeon was SUPER supportive. Said since I was young and already active, I should be successful. Yes, it might take some more work than the sleeve, but I'm happy with my decision.
I was banded 11 days ago and have lost 21 lbs since the pre op diet about 3.5 weeks ago.
Do what you want to do, don't let anyone away your opinion.

Traditionally, society has treated obesity as a choice. If you have been struggling with obesity for years, you have undoubtedly come across many people who believe that they believe that you have consciously decided to become and remain overweight. They let you know, tactfully or less discreetly, that they have no sympathy for you. However, obesity is a disease that requires as much attention as any other medical condition.
% Of Obese Americans Keeps Growing Every Year
The CDC, Center for Disease Control, reports the state averages for the percentage of Americans who are obese by year:


The American Medical Association’s Designation of Obesity as a Disease
The American Medical Association (AMA) officially classified obesity as a disease in June of 2013, describing it as a “multi-metabolic and hormonal disease state.” It was already common knowledge that obesity leads to unhealthy metabolic and hormonal changes, so this new classification may seem at first glance like a question of semantics that is relevant only to academics and scientists. When you dig a little deeper, though, it seems as though this decision can actually have far-reaching effects in the nation’s fight against obesity and in your own life.
Why Obesity is a Disease
In addition to the AMA, the World Health Organization (WHO), food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), and other respected organizations recognize obesity as a disease.
It impairs normal body functioning.
It has a set of characteristic signs and symptoms.
It decreases life expectancy.
It can lead to harmful conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
It can be a genetic disorder.

Benefits for Society of Recognizing Obesity as a Disease
An important benefit of classifying obesity as a disease is the increased awareness. An organization as respected as the AMA is calling the nation’s attention to the fact that obesity rates are alarmingly high and increasing. The AMA is also drawing attention to the wide-ranging set of causes of and treatments for obesity. Policymakers are more likely to support community public health approaches for fighting obesity. They might promote obesity education in schools and provide funding for obesity research. Weight loss drugs could receive more scrutiny and faster approval if they are seen as necessary to fight a disease rather than unnecessary products that encourage consumers to continue unhealthy, obesity-promoting behaviors.
How Your Health Care Might Improve
The benefits of having obesity seen as a disease can hit closer to home, too. Doctors are more likely to address obesity and work with you to fight it when obesity is considered a disease. They might pay you more respect as society moves away from the current model of finger-pointing when it comes to obesity.
Also, since obesity is a disease that can be treated, it is the role of health insurance companies to pave the way for you to seek treatment. Insurance companies are more likely to provide coverage for obesity treatments from lifestyle counseling to weight loss drugs to weight loss surgery. Until now, insurance companies have rarely supported reimbursement for diet counseling and psychotherapy as an obesity treatment, and only some plans provide coverage for weight loss surgery. Often, they only allow certain types of weight loss surgery, and have more stringent requirements.
The Psychological Benefits of a Label
Finally, there can be psychological benefits when obesity is recognized as a disease. The stigma around obesity, seen in the workplace, on the streets, and maybe even in your own family, may decrease now that there is official recognition. Like HIV/AIDS and depression have already become, obesity may eventually become an accepted condition that deserves compassion and requires medical attention and support rather than a condition to be ashamed of.
The designation is a validation of the struggles you currently face and may have faced for years or your entire life. It can be infuriating when others judge your obesity as a choice or lack of willpower. Worse, these descriptions can be discouraging, and prevent you from having the strength or even wanting to continue to fight obesity. An official diagnosis of obesity lets you know that you have a specific battle to fight, and the medical field is in your corner. This can give you confidence to make tough lifestyle changes or life-changing decisions such as weight loss surgery.
You Still Need to Treat It
What would you do if you were diagnosed with pneumonia? You would not just ignore it. You would discuss your treatment options with your doctor, and follow his or her recommendations. You would get chest x-rays, lab tests, and lung Fluid samples to help in determining the nature of your condition. You would aggressively treat it with antibiotics, other medications, hospitalization, and plenty of rest and fluids. High blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and depression are just a few other conditions that you would not think twice about treating.
Similarly, a diagnosis of obesity is not a green light to ignore it, but research described in the New York Times suggests that this is exactly what is happening in some cases. In one study, individuals who were told that their obesity was a disease ended up choosing higher-calorie foods than individuals who were not told that they had a disease. That is, individuals who were told that they had a disease called obesity felt that they were victims of a condition beyond their control, and that there was no point in fighting it.
The point is that you need to address obesity, whether it is a disease or not. Not everyone will be able to use the same strategy to successfully lose weight and keep it off, but one or more approaches can work for you, whether they are specific dietary changes, exercise, weight loss surgery, or a combination of these.