enjoythetime

Congrats on your lose and finding that sweet spot. You look wonderful! GREEN is my new favorite color:)

Aren't these just the best thing EVER!!! Work it girl!!! HAHA.

@@JustWatchMe this made my eyes wet:-) I remember when you first joined this forum and I've seen how far you've come and how incredibly strong and successful you are! You should be extremely proud of yourself! Don't get me wrong I beat myself up, worry about things that are completely out of my control, why??? it's just my nature I guess, I know it doesn't help anything but yet I do it any way. I get down and that's OK for a little while, what matters most is that we don't waller in it, we get back up! This is the sign of a true fighter, and that's exactly what you are. People like yourself are what helps me to keep going. You've been a huge supporter and encouranger throughout my journey and you made me realize I had been away too long!!!! So thank you for genuinely caring! You're an amazing person!!

First off I completely agree with MarvyMimi. The best thing for you to do at this point is to call your Dr. and be completely honest with them! It's probably going to be ok but it's always best to error on the side of caution. The last thing you want is to have them go in and start the procedure and then have to stop because they can't do what they need to. The second thing I would like to add, and this isn't to be harsh, just trying to be real, you need to stop and ask yourself are you 100% commited to making this work and accepting the sacrifices that come with it (which are ALL worth it!!). You really have to be mentally prepared to go through this process, and make sure you can and will follow your doctors instructions especially post op. It's crutial to receive optimal results and most importantly to allow for proper healing. Eating too soon or too much after surgery can cause several complications. You can do this! You just have to stop and believe in yourself. In moderation the things you had aren't off limits later in your journey. In fact, very few things are off limits, this isn't a diet it's a lifestyle change one that requires 100% dedication to making the proper choices and listening to your doctor. Dust yourself off and get back up, you're going to do just fine, you just have to believe in yourself!!! Good luck and keep us posted on how things go!

Whoohoo! Way to go! Congrats on your recent surgery and the excellent loss! You're doing great!

As uncomfortable as it is, it's completely normal. I really don't think it has anything to do with the Vitamin I think it's still from the surgery. It's all worth it and it does get better. If you find that you're still having this issue maybe try a different vitamin to see if that truly is the culprit! Hang in there!

@@catfish87 Thank you so very much!

Thank you! There is light at the end of the tunnel! You know and you have what it takes to make it and you WILL get there! Stay positive and focused on YOU and the results can only go one way, your way!!!!

@@waitingtoexhale Congratualtions on your upcoming surgery and the decision YOU'VE made take control back over your life for a healthier you! You have nothing to be depressed about! I know, I know you're saying easy for you to say:-) I was there and I felt the same way but now looking back I can say that this is the greatest thing you can do for yourself so even though you haven't started you still have everything going for you and everything ahead of you so be exicted for that. You're story starts right now, and it's already amazing because you've taken that first step and are doing something about it! There's no doubt in my mind that you will be a success-story, you already are and I can't wait to hear about your journey and I'll be cheering for you all the way to the finishline!! If you need anything feel free to message me!!!

@@MarvyMimi People like you are what helps me keep going! Thank you for your kind words of support and encouragement! You've totally got this! I'm cheering you on all the way to the finishline!!! Be proud of yourself for the decision to take your life back, praise yourself for each great choice you make, stay positive and focus on YOU and that's where you'll find the determination to do the hardwork ! LIke I said you've got this and if I can help you in any way please send me a message!!

@@gowalking LOOK AT YOU GIRL!!!! Way to flippin go! I'm very happy for you as well!! We've been pretty much identical through this journey and I'm so thankful for your encouragement and continous support! You're such a source of strength for me and to so many on this forum! I'm so glad you're out there enjoying the life you've worked so hard to re-claim!iYour profile pic says it all, I can just see the happiness beaming from your face!! Way to go lady!!! ((HUGS)) Yes, I am now living out my forum name and it is so great!

I'm the same as you, I drink right up until my first bite and then wait an hour after eating before drinking anything. I think this is key for me to not need a drink while eating and I think it helps us not to over-eat.

At the age of 33 I hit my all-time highest weight of 289lbs., supported on a 5’ 1” frame, I felt hopeless, miserable and ashamed. Before packing on all this weight, I had always been a positive, happy person full of life; I was always proud of who I was and didn’t care what others thought of me, but my weight started taking all that away from me until I no longer recognized or liked the person I had become; I was embarrassed for my husband and my kids to be seen with me, but it wasn’t until after a trip to the Dr. that I came to the realization that my weight was affecting more than just my appearance and attitude, it was affecting my health. I knew right then that I had to do something to regain control of my life so I could be around for my family and enjoy my kids growing up and set a healthy example for them. Right up until they called me back for surgery, I kept wondering if I was making the right decision, now here I am 15 months post-op and I’m confident I made the right decision!!! I now weight 130lbs. I've lost 159lbs; and went from a size 22W jeans and 3x shirts to a size 3 jeans and small shirts. I couldn’t be happier with my results. But the greatest thing isn’t what I lost but rather what I GAINED from choosing the LapBand! First and foremost I’m healthy; I got my sparkle back; I’m able to be the real me. This summer I was able to do soooo many things I haven't done in years or ever, because I can:-) We've gone boating and tubing, got family picutres taken for the FIRST TIME IN 16 YEARS (and I loved them:-)), went to concerts, went to several work and family functions with my head held high, I've sported a bathing suit and actually like the way I look, I've walked into stores and while looking for something in particular been asked what size I needed and had the store associate say I'm guessing you need a small, wait what??? I never realize how much of life I was missing out on until I was given the opportunity to live again! I'm embracing the full me now and that's truly the greatest expierence of all! People are getting used to the "new me" and I'm starting to feel as if the image of the "old me" is fadding away. For all of us who've gone through WLS surgery or are getting ready to, always remember the reason why we made this choice! If you've had a bad day, filled with not so great choices, it's OK, that's the greatest thing about this tool, it's not a diet, there is no, well I've blown it so I might as well give up, nope that's not the case, you haven't blown anything, pick yourself up and keep on keeping on. The only way you can fail is if you quit and why in the heck would you quit when you've gone through so much to get here. We've already took the biggest step by getting the surgery, so quit fighting it and let it help you get to where you want to be!!!!!! I hope everyone has a fun and safe Labor Day Weekend!!

To try and figure this out will absolutely drive one crazy. I know because I've been trying to figure this whole thing out since I hit goal about 4 months ago. I'm consistantly losing about 1lbs a week, with increasing my calories to 1200 per day. I went and saw my surgeon last week and told him I didn't want to continue losing so he brought out this cool machine that subtracted the weight of your clothes, factured your age and helight and then you step on the built-in scale. It said for me to maintain the weight I'm at right now my basal caloric intake needs to be 1338. So I'm going with this for the next 6 weeks to see what happens. It's all just about finding that balance, everyone is different and there are so many factors involved it's definitely a trial and error period but we'll get there. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming:-)

I didn't give this any thought until I broke out the size 8.5 sandals this summer and walked right out of them:) I went from an 8.5 to a 7-6.5 depending on the type of shoe. Whoda thunk;)

When you go into a store try on a shirt and the store associate starts throwing jeans over the door because she thinks they will look cute with the shirt you picked out and looks to be my style she says. I look at the size and said wow, how did you know what size I needed and she says oh well that's what size I am and you look to be the same. You walk out and see she's a tiny little thing..... SMILES for MILES!!!

You look amazing, fit and healthy! From the looks of things you could probably kick that a$$holes a$$:-) You;re rocking it! You should be very happy and proud of yourself!

What an awesome accomplishment! Way to go!

I know what's going on you're dehydrated!! This will definitely make you gain weight! If you "can't" do water afd some crystal light to it or add some lemon to it. There are also great recipies on pintetest where you add fruit and let it set overnight so ypu get some flavor. Any way you decide, you have to get your fluids in, not just for weight liss but for proper kidney function.

Great job on your loss so far you're doing great! What I'm about to say has taken me a year to come to grips with but one of the most important things we have to do is come to realization that this is NOT a diet. There are no such things as "cheats". It's all about moderation and balance, eating ribs and fries once in a while won't hurt you, I'm assuming you aren't able to eat the same amount of food you were prior to being banded right, this is the moderation side? That's why this tool is so wonderful. Now on for the balance side of what I've said you can't eat like this all the time, you still have to make sure you're making healthy choics 90% of the time. So regarding the additional cravings following your meal, yes that's normal, that's what food does to people who love it. That's why when I signed up to get this surgery I knew there were some foods that I had to give up forever not because I couldn't eat them but because they aren't good for me and they're trigger foods for me, I accepted that and moved on and honestly I don't miss them. I notice when I do have a treat that most of the time it doesnt taste nearly as good as I thought it would. Not sure if this is due to my concious or if I have just changed what I crave now. For instance I would rather have greek yogurt now with trail mix than a cookie or candy bar any day. I never would have said that before. So just strengthen your mind, keep your eyes on the prize and you will get through those cravings. Good luck to you!

I'm a mix of all the options listed above. In the beginning I was very much against giving in, I walked away from my own bday cake, I delt with these cravings by drinking something or finding something to do until the craving passed. Then I started to realize this isn't a diet. A piece of cake OCCASSIONALY isn't going to make me gain 5lbs., that handful of chips, it's ok, it's all about finding that balance. You can't give into your cravings all the time but it is ok to treat yourself. You can't go through life with deprivation if you do your following a diet not a making a lifestyle change and isn't that we're all looking for when we get this surgery, to get away from the vicious cycle of dietis that never worked and to trade all that in for something that offers balance with permanent results. There are also times when I'm having a serious craving for ice cream and instead of hitting the Baskin Robbins I will run to the store and buy some Skinny Cow ice creams or I will go Yogurtini so I fall into just about all of these categories.

I see the biggest motivation of all setting next to you. Take this motivation and run with it, you will be a success story!!

You're doing a wonderful job! The best part of this journey is when you start feeling good about yourself again! Congrats!

These are just my initial thoughts and recommendations. The most important thing to always make sure youre getting your protein in. It helps you stay fuller longer and is the most important. You did that today so great job. My doctor recommends 60-80g per day. So make sure you fall in this range everday. Try skipping the mcmuffin. I've given up all bread except for the ocassional slice of wheat toast. You don't have to but one thing to remember is when you're properly adjusted you may find it doesn't go down so well. Some people do fine others have issues it all depends on the person. If you eliminated that you're calories will be lower and you'll get rid of the empty carbs which will help move you along quicker. Maybe instead of a large banana do some watermelon, grapes or strawberries etc. The resson: Bananas contain the highest amount of calories and carbs of any fruit. Some alternatives for snacks: 100 cal dannon light greek yogurt (13g p), or 1-2 oz of cheese approx (7g p per oz), or if you're short on protein Quest makes awesome Protein Bars approx 160 cal and 20g p. Dinner looks great! Some additional pointers: Make sure each meal contains 3-4oz of protein, 1/2 c veggies and 1 serving of starch (if you still have room) Always always eat your protein first, then your veggies and if you do this I bet you'll find most of the time you don't have room for the starch. Make sure you're not drinking while you eat and wait 1 hour after eating before drinking. Make sure yoyre not drinking your calories. Watrr, crystal light and iced tea is what I live on. Make sure ypure getting 80oz a day of fluids. I think if you make these small modifications you'll find that your calories are in the 1200 range, your carb intake will be lower and you'll be able to hit your protein range everday. These are just suggestions. I also have recipies I can send you if you're interested let me know and ill message you. Hope this helps!

Your doctor is seriously falling flat on their end of the deal!!! If it were me I wouldn't give them another dime or day of my life, I would find a doctor who's going to work with you to achieve your desired success!! You deserve it! Based on what you've said I think your body needs more calories, maybe you do need a fill but before you get one I would consider bumping your calories up a little in the form of more Protein and monitor how you're feeling. In the meantime find a new doctor!! This seriously infuriates me! Can I ask you what a typical day looks like for you in regards to food intake? What are you eating for Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Snacks? How much protein are you getting? What are your portion sizes? I'm by no means a doctor but would like to help if I can.