enjoythetime

How in the world do you tag people on here? I've tried the @ plus the screen name but it doesn't work. What am I missing:-) Thanks all!

@Cat225. The link TMF provided above his really how I live my new life. I will gladly send you over some additional recipes if you're interested? There is one additional thing I should point out and I know everyone has different views regarding giving credit where credit is due and by that I mean giving credit to yourself. Some believe the band is responsible for 100% for their success and well I disagree. The band can only do it's job if WE'RE doing ours! The band doesn't make the proper food choices for us, WE do! It's been said many times the band doesn't go around your head so it's our responsibility to feed our minds with positivity which for me means recognizing my accomplishments everyday when I make the right food choices. Your mind can be your strongest assest or your worst enemy! If you aren't feeding yourself with positive reinforcement, surrounding yourself with positive people, you will grow tired and negative and give up, so you need to give yourself credit everyday for doing the very best you can to make the proper food choices. When you do that you begin feeling proud of yourself and when you feel proud of yourself you gain power and motivation to continue making the right choices. The band is just a tool not a fix all and yes without it I would fail (obviosuly that's why I got it:-)), but it's only responsible for a part of our success. If you think you can you will, if you recognize and give yourself credit for the food choices you make everyday it helps build that positive mindset which will drive you to success! I'm a very strong minded-(stubborn) person. I remember telling myself I would never have this surgery but when I found this was my last option I told myself this was my LAST option, failure wasn't in my vocabulary. So when I was in bandster hell I would literally do anything and everything to keep myself busy. I didn't allow myself to sit around and think about food and how hungry I was and how miserable I was feeling and how sorry I was for myself that everyone around me was eating cheeseburgers and fries. Did this take away the hunger, NO, but when I would go in to see my doctor after a month and I had lost 20lbs, I no longer cared about all the things I couldn't have , I knew all the things I could have was much more rewarding and greater than that snickers. I hope this makes sense and helps a little! If you have any questions or if I can help in anyway let me know, you can send me a message any time!!:-)

Thanks TMF!! Smiling from ear to ear. Thanks for your encouragement and support!!! YOU ROCK!!!! Enjoy can answer for her own success but I like braggin on her just cuz she's so awesome. There are others here who have found success too. CarolinaGIrl, Gowalking, catfish to name a few. Here's the link to her post about achieving her goal with pictures, recipes and how she did it. Enjoy(pun intended) Thanks everyone! I feel like my appetite is a beast right now! I'm trying so hard to keep full with Protein and limit my carbs, but it's not easy. I've dropped over a dress size, so that is something to be happy about. I still have so much weight to lose. I just want to be under and stay under 300 pounds for good. It sucks to lose 40 pounds and no one notices. My doctor will only fill .5 every 4 weeks, no more than that and not any sooner. I read about bandster hell before I got my band, but now I really understand it! @@enjoythetime, I think you are right about me preparing/expecting to fail. I've been trying to lose weight for so long, and I'm so used to always failing. Can I ask you a question? I saw in your profile that you lost 142 pounds in 1 year. That is amazing! How did you do it? What were/are your meals like? How did you get through this initial hell stage and keep losing weight? http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/305070-i-cant-believe-it-is-this-reallty-happening-for-me/?p=3445432

@@Pinkygirl I sent you a message with some recipes. I hope this helps!!

I understand these things completely, I've dieted most of my life. I was successful at losing a lot of weight several times only for it to come back and then some. Of course I understand that, everyone on here does and no I haven't forgotten what that's like. I also understand that the band is just a plastic ring when its not properly adjusted but the band is JUST a tool!!! It is up to us to make the proper food choices that nurish our bodies, the band doesn't make those choices for us. If you got the band thinking its going to do it all the work for you, you're probably figuring out that's not true! You do have to have willpower, stamina, and the desire to stay the course!!! You have to continue to find things that motivate you to keep you going. If I have a big head because I know and take credit for MY part in my success then so be it. Again the band is just a tool and if you don't do your part, filled or unfilled its useless!!!! The point for me asking these questions was to hopefully help and have people take a step back and realize its not worth going back to old habits once coming so far.

Glad you went back to the Dr. I have days and meals when I'm hugrier than others or that don't stay with me for the 4 hours, but then other days I can't finish my normal serving? I can message you some recipies if you'd like? I do alot of chicken, deli turkey rolled up with cheese wrapped in lettace leaves with okios greek yogurt Jalapeno salsa dip..yumm:-) I make sure I always have alot of easy go to foods on hand at all time so in the event I don't feel like cooking or something last minute comes up I don't have to think about it. I will send you a message later this evening with recipies.

I'm sorry to hear you're both going through this! I have a question, and I hope this doesn't get taken the wrong way but why would you go back to old habitis when you worked so hard to learn and practice new ones? Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should. Just because there isn't any fill or as much fill, shouldn't we still be practicing what we know we should be doing? You've worked so hard and have done such an amazing job!! Keep doing what you need to do. I don't know what it's like but I'm sure you are hungrier but why not practice your good eating habits and if you're still hungry eat extra Protein at each meal or add in an extra protein filled snack? I also would think that a non-band vacation:-) would make it harder to get back into the groove once the fill is back to where it needs to be. You both have shown you have excellent willpower, try to rely on that until your bands are properly adjusted!! Best wishes and much success!

Take a deeep breath:-) You're doing fantastic!! 40lbs. in 5 months is amazing! My doctor always told me that an average 6-8lbs monthly loss was amazing! It's been 5 months since your surgery which means you're averaging an 8lb loss every month which is the highest end of the average. This is all just my opinion but when I read your post, I almost feel like you're trying to prepare yourself for failure so that you wouldn't experience disappointment. Trust me, been there done that, but like you said this is a lifestyle change, not a diet where you do anything and everything to dump as much as you can as fast as you can. Everyone loses at a different rate, and your weight loss rate is great. I'm not sure but are you worrying so much about weight and food that you're dealing with head hunger vs. real hunger and are unable to tell the difference? If you're stressing out alot about it, that will also give you a hungry feeling, so try and relax and listen to your band, not your head:-) Just because the scale isn't moving doesn't mean you're not losing weight, if your clothes are fitting better than you're losing inches vs. lbs. Your body goes through these cycles of lbs lost vs inches lost to keep up with itself so what seems to be a stall on the scale is acutally your body catching up and sheading inches, which to me is a hell of alot more important than the # on the scale! Don't get down on yourself, you're not a failure. If you stay the course and communicate properly with your doctor, follow his or her instructions to the T, eat as healthy and as clean as you can, exercise and get your Protein and Water in, YOU WILL LOSE WEIGHT. There really isn't another option. Yes, there will be times when the scale stalls but during those times look for as many non-scale victories (NSV) as you can to keep yourself positive and motivated!! You're going to be just fine!!

Gowalking, I completely understand what you're saying. I work in a small office of about 40 people so I don't get the I don't recognize you on a regular basis, but when I run into someone I haven't seen in a long time, I almost hesitate to say HI because they always look at me strangely for a while and then are like OMgosh I didn't recognize you, you look great, you've lost alot of weight. I get compliments from the girls at work telling me how different I am now that I've lost all this weight, that I'm happier and more full of life and energy. They've been a huge support for me through all of this and I appreciate they can see the difference not only on the outside but on the inside. Today one of my good friends I work with said wow you're so skinny you need to go eat something:-) They always comment saying I have something new to wear everyday now (instead of the same 5 outfits I had when I was large). I actually love it. I've always been a very outspoken, bubbly person but when I was big I lost some of my sparkle and when something didn't go according to plan well it was a little harder for me to get back up because I was so miserable with myself I had a hard time grabbing the positive in every situation. To answer the core of your question, I think we're the same people we've always been, just an enhanced version:-) I still have the same values, morals, ethics and beliefs I've always had that make me me, but I think people can just see it more now because they look at us differently. Have we changed a little through this whole process, I sure hope so! I hope that I'm a better me now then I've ever been, I think that's something we should all strive for everyday; to be better than we were yesterday and when you notice you've progressively gotten better than the day before and the day before that we do change along the way, but for the better. It's not because we're skinny, or normal now it's because we see things differently now, things are more clear, we have more confidence to say and do the things we always wanted to before but were hestitant in fear that we would be judged even more, we're more aware, we had to change our way of thinking about food and with that sparked other changes in thinking. I always felt like people didn't take me seriously when I was big, that they looked at me and only saw a round ball, or the best was always when you would meet someone for the first time and they would say wow, you have such a pretty face....that used to infuriate me!!!!!:-) Embrace the person looking back at you in the mirror because she's the same amazing person she's always been, just in a smaller package:-).

"I plan of using this to turn myself around, starting today. As of today I am starting over. No excuses, no more envy, taking accountability for myself and asking for help. I cannot allow myself to stay where I am because that means I am not moving forward or upward." You got it .......you found your motivation so let this take you or atleast be a jumpstart for your journey!

I'm alomst at a year post-op so you've both been banded a lot longer than me but my motivation comes from the way I feel. There's no greater feeling than waking up every morning fearless. When I was over weight it seemed I lived in constant fear; fear of not being able to fit into anything in my closet, fear of going to the Dr. because I didn't want to see the # on the scale because then I had to try and do something about it, fear I would begin having irreversible health issues, fear that my kids would be embarrased of me when they got older, et.c. Instead now I wake up everyday thankful that weight isn't the first thing on my mind, living life is. I think about what fun things I'm going to exp. with my kiddos today that I wasn't able to do a year ago, wondering what I'm going to wear to work today because everything fits and I have so much to choose from (shopping problems), I love hearing compliments from my husband everyday:-) I will say fear is not always a bad thing at times I find it's what drives me to keep going, that fear of going back to a place I I never want to be again. You both have been very successful and you can pick up and start again! Have either of you thought about going to one of the local support meetings? I would think this would be very motivational and would help you get back on track. Have you visited your doctor lately? Go back to the very basics. There was another lady that posted something similar a few weeks ago and I told her if this were me, I would literally go back to the very beginning starting with the pre-op diet your doctor gave you, then move to the post op diet stages, consult with your doctor, get a fill if you need one and most importantly surround yourself with positive supportive people. You've both come so far and the great news is you're both aware of what you need to do and are asking for advice so that means you still want it and if you want it you will do it! If there's anything I can help with please let me know. Good luck and keep us posted on how you're doing!

I stopped drinkng soda 6 months before my pre-op and haven't had any sense. My doctor told me I had to stay away from the carbination and to be honest I don't miss it and I was a BIGGG soda drinker. As far as alcohol is concerned I'm not a drinker so.....I drink alot of tea throughout the day and it's cafinated, my doctor never said I couldn't have caffenee but every doctor has different guidelines. The reward of not having certain things is far greater than having them:-) Good luck on your decision!

Dang it!!! Betty S, this is what happens when I'm not on here for a few days. I miss good tips, I just had the CCCD one yesterday and the oven thing sounds like a GREAAT idea!! I'll have to try that next time:-)

I'm not sure you can actually use the words binging and responsibly in the same sentence. We all know anything in excess is not good for you whether it's food, alcohol, stress you name it, it's all hard on the body. Vomiting like that can cause your band to slip, and in addition to that alcohol contains tons of calories, sugar and carbs. Just because we can, doesn't mean we should;) I think since being banded our bodies process some things differently then they once did so what you may have been able to do before you may not be able to do now. Listen to your body and your band and most important check with your dr. tell them what happened and follow their advice to the T. Good luck!!!!

Can you take a or a small insulated lunch bag or box? If so I suggest cottage cheese cups, Greek Yogurt, cheese stix, tuna packets (they don't require refrigertation they can be purchased ready made), turkey deli meat. If you don't have access to a cooler or insulated box then most of the items above are sold at many gas stations etc. so when you need to make a stop you can just grab something. Good luck and have a fun trip!

Omgosh! So sorry you had to go through this! This is a good reminder for me because I find myself doing the same thing when I'm staving. Since I'm almost a year post op some times I think I feel too comfortable with the band and I forget to chew. I hope you're feeling better today!

How exciting! Congrats!!

Much of mine are the same as the responses above, but here's what I do If I'm at the gas station my options are A protein bar, pure Protein or low sugar detour bar. Cottage cheese cup Lunchables with turkey and cheese- 250C with the crackers Special K Cracker chicps (I sub these out for the crackers that come in the lunchable)- 110 cal for the ENTIRE Bag couple of sticks of cheese and either cup of grapes, apple or orange If I have time to run by the grocery store make a salad from the salad bar go to the deli and buy 4oz of deli meat and a slice of cheese and roll it up in the car and eat If I'm in a super pinch I wiil: wendys and get a 4 pc spicy chicken nugget and a side casear salad (eat half of the salad) total 295 cal or a value chili Taco bell-Two crunchy tacos- 340 cal Grilled chicken salad from Steak and shake with the dressing and salsa on the side (pick out all of the chix first)

Hey, You got it on and got it buttoned, that's an accomplishment in my book, stuffed or not:-)

Gowalking I swear not only has our journey mirrored one another along with our views but now our NSVs on the same day are almost identical. Are you my sister from another mister:-) I went shopping today and they had a sale on all their collegiate apparel. My husband and I are BIG Ohio State fans and I've been wanting a shirt for forever but they didn't make them in my size (or atleast not the cute ones). I went up to the man and asked, do you have any Ohio State things for ladies and he said yeah I have a couple is it for you and I said yes, so he goes over to the rack and pulls out a dress, shirt and a jacket and says here these are cute and should be the right size, I smile and say thanks and as he walks away I'm looking at the items and all of the tags say size SMALL, I said to myself WTH is this man crazy I can't wear this stuff and then I looked at the items again and said well maybe I can and sure enough I tried them on and what do you know......they fit, (they must run a little on the larger side of small) but DAMN....I just bought a small and like you said someone else picked these out based on the size they saw me to be!!! Woe, what a great feeling this is. LOVE IT!!!! Oh what an eye opening NSV just now. I'm here in my office today and the place is like a freezer. Cold as all get out. I have a long sleeve blouse on but I'm just frozen to the bone. My very slender colleague comes into my office to chat and I tell him how cold I am and he offers me his fleece jacket that the company gave out a couple of years ago. I got one of these fleeces also but quickly gave it to my son because even the extra large didn't fit. So when Claude offers me his fleece, I take him up on it hoping it isn't too small because I still think I'm fat damn it! Well...I'm sitting here typing and warm as can be....and zipped up to the neck. Not only does the thing fit but it's got extra room as well. This is what normal must feel like. To be offered an item of clothing and not realizing the person offering isn't wondering if it will fit....they know it will fit. I need to remember this NSV to help me to see what everyone else does....

I agree completely with TMF! It hasn't even been a month since your surgery and only 6 days from your first fill. The band is not a magic wand that can be waved and one day you wake up skinny. Give yourself a break and do the best you can to get through this stage until you can find the right restriction for you. This will take a lot of will power and commitment on your part but you can do it. Try and keep yourself as busy as possible drink something as soon as that hour goes by after you've eaten, drink lots of Water, take up a hobby. If you stay the course the weight will come off!! Stressing about it (as hard as it is not to) actually only makes the situation worse. This is a life long commitment that requires a change from you for the rest of your life. Keep up the good work and don't get down on yourself. It will take some time but nothing in life worth having is ever quick and easy so just hang in there.

Suzanne, This is just my opinion and others may have a different view BUT if this were me I would start at the very beginning with the pre op diet you were instructed to do by your doctor, then progress to the post op diet stages that you were given by your doctor (maybe not for the same amount of time), but just to get you back into that right frame of mind. I think this would also jump start your progress, then or maybe even before doig this I would schedule an appointment to see my doctor and see what his or her thoughts are regarding the amount of restriction you have etc. and make this a regular thing for a few months just so that you are being held accountable again and have someone to guide you through the process. This is a new start and you can do it. Just focus on all of the positives that come with feeling great and being healthy; this will also occupy your mind from the other things going on around you that may not be as positive. You can do this! I wish you all the best.

Awesome! So happy for the new healthy you!!

Love this!! You are amazing! There's plenty of success stories out there Shelly. I've posted about mine several times but will be happy to share again. Per my ticker below, you can see that I was morbidly obese. I had limited mobility due to arthritis and was heading towards a life in a wheelchair. I had the surgery in January of 2013 and subsequent hip replacement in October of 2013. I am now off the cane and walking again. Yes, I have residual pain...I have alot more physical therapy in my future, but the difference is tremendous. Then there's all the other stuff. I buy pretty clothes again. I can fit anywhere. And I mean anywhere. I don't fear small spaces because I'm small myself. Yes...I'm a small lady again. I'm getting my life back. Before getting the lapband, I was on a cruise and couldn't get off the ship because I was in terrible pain. Even if I wasn't in pain, I couldn't do most of the excursions because I was afraid I couldn't fit into a life vest. Horrible, right? Well, I'm going on a cruise in July and my son and I are going on a deep Water scuba excursion. I have no concerns about keeping up or about fitting into any equipment. I'm normal sized now, and living life like a normal person. I'm happier about having the lapband than I ever expected. How's that for a success story? Oh, and I posted my before and after pics so you can have a visual. Yes...they are both pictures of me. Some difference, right? before and after.jpg

Wow! What a huge difference! You're doing awesome!!!