Bandista

Willing Willing Willing -- you are doing it. You are willing! Here's that Ted Talk. When I get on the treadmill I do that raised arms thing as though I'm crossing a finish line, yippee! Instead of the dreading that used to go on. And you know, I think it's working. I am actually looking forward to exercise -- I plan it and execute it. Who the hell is the person? Definitely happier. And definitely losing weight. I'm pretty sure exercise is the secret ingredient. Best wishes to you. http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are

You should definitely be able to eat most foods -- time to see your surgeon! Don't worry, you can just get a small unfill. They will work with you and this is good information for them. That's the whole point of the band -- adjustable. Best wishes -- you'll be back on track soon.

I'm going to readjust my goal for this month down to 202 - the weight seems to be finally letting go. That will be two pounds per week. I think my body finally has the message now that it's time to shed -- that famine isn't coming after all. Now to get down to the basement to work out harder than ever. That's what's working!

I can still drink quite fast but it can't be too cold.....

Survey has some problems -- if I pick 'other' it doesn't see that as an answer and won't advance the survey -- thinks the question is unanswered.

Hi there, so sorry about your Mom and of course life with new babies can be overwhelming at times. Twins! I think you are doing a great job of identifying what's happening, the reasons you reach for food. Noticing these triggers is a huge step in the right direction. I worked hard on this and ended up going to a therapist. We broke down the behaviors to very specific events. I knew I ate to quell the whirring of anxiety inside but when I really examined the occurrences I was able to get more information. One example, I work from home and when I have to have a conference call I used to get so nervous I would prep myself with something to eat ahead of time. This turned into eating every time I went to sit down at my desk and do a task I didn't really want to do -- I'd pop up and run to the kitchen to get something to eat while I was in front of the keyboard. So I had to change that up. Now I have a big bottle of my comfort drink instead (Water with splash of cranberry and aloe) and I drink up. That's just one instance -- point is I had to look at each of my triggers like that. In the car and wanting "something" -- is it real hunger (ha!), boredom, sadness, despair -- why am I feeling the way I feel? Even when I wasn't stopping each time I got to notice what was happening and this led to incremental changes. And of course having the band at the right restriction so that my appetite monster wasn't cheering me on in the eating department -- that has made a world of difference. Have a heart-to-heart talk with your husband and let him know how much you need his support and that you can't have the junk and comfort foods in the house. Period.

Fantastic progress! You look happy and healthy -- doing so beautifully. Yippee!

GREAT post! And so happy for you losing twenty. Yippee!

Cheryl's answer was my immediate response to seeing the title of the post -- absolutely call. Don't ask us, a bunch of people on the internet. Ask your medical professionals!

Hope you feel better today -- I am a big fan of zinc lozenges and ginger tea. Maybe this is your body detoxing and you can help it along with lots of liquids, plenty of rest. I don't do dairy or anything congestive when I'm not feeling well. Best wishes!

. Great list! And links at the bottom -- I emailed it to myself so I can go back later. Thank you. Magnesium keeps coming up for me.

Yippee! Congratulations on your success and what a fun time you are going to have.....

I am really hoping for an easing of joint pain from reduction in weight load -- has not happened yet but maybe at 50 down. There's some incentive for me!

I'm thinking if I'm going to be an exercise queen we are going to need to move to a more suitable climate. My husband keeps reading forecasts for other places. Seventy degrees sounds lovely! And bike and walking paths, oh my. But of course we love our place. Under all that snow are lots of garden beds and in a couple of months we will be surrounded by flowers. Sigh. Meanwhile, the basement with treadmill, recumbent bike and BowFlex. I'm so lucky to have it right here. We live in the sticks so gums are far away and I like it that I can be a slob when I work out. Have increased incline and hitting a whole new set of muscles -- the rear. Back is sore and only thing to do is do it again today. Happy exercising everyone

I don't notice mine much -- no tenderness. Just after surgery, however, it was the largest incision and sore. I used an ice pack once or twice and that seemed to do the trick. Good luck as you continue to heal up!

Way to go on all the yoga -- your body is changing a lot and the weight will drop -- meanwhile you'll be so healthy and toned! 1.5 per week is just what I have as a goal. The closer we are, of course, the slower the loss. But I think it's better this way. One of the things I wanted from the band was a healthy loss, not drastic with all the loose skin, falling out hair, etc. There is so much mental adjustment learning my new lifestyle, not hyper focusing on food all the time and enjoying exercise, not beating myself up, etc. It's probably good that it takes a little time.

Yikes, I would call the doctor's office ASAP. Can you swallow warm tea, etc.?

I get set off by artificial sweeteners such as sucralose (Splenda) which tell the brain more is coming. When I have an uncontrollable craving -- like at PMS time -- I can usually trace it back to something like a bar that had a long list of "diet" ingredients or having used Muscle Milk in a shake, etc. Sigh, I loved that Muscle Milk but after a shake like that (with lots if frozen peaches, yum!) I find myself hungrier than ever and questioning what was the point. I have those 100 calorie packets of nuts which seem to do the trick stopping the nibbles rather than opening the floodgate of appetite. And I get the 100 Greek yogurts that have fruit with Steevia, a plant-based sweetener that works well for me. Good luck -- there's not one of us here who doesn't know what you're experiencing and sympathizes with you. Personally I wouldn't worry about the piece of cake -- don't beat yourself up! I am not on a diet -- the on or off mentality is a hard thing to break. It's what made me want to have all I could if I went off a diet because I knew I'd be back to depriving myself.

My surgeon doesn't share the amount but I have had six fills and am feeling like I'm in an excellent place. I think he is of the small frequent fills school of thought. I would not tolerate any difficulties swallowing or any spitting up, GERD, etc. Not okay! Determined not to be too tight but to have the appetite dimmed as much as possible yet still enjoying food. If that makes sense.

I'm going to quote the tag line some one has attached to their posts, "Compliant Banders are successful Banders." Following your doctor's plan is the best possible option -- be careful of looking for workarounds as it is very possible to eat around your band later. You have made this decision to choose your healthy future -- congratulations! Any minor sacrifices are nothing compared to what it's going to feel like to lose the weight and regain your health.

I had one night in the hospital (my first ever!) and was a little sore at home for a few days after but just so elated. I think the positive attitude helps a lot. And I elected not to take prescription pain medication. Walking cannot be overstated. I think all the walking -- up and down those hospital corridors and then round and round our driving circle at home -- helped me shake off the a anesthesia and kicked my body into healing mode. I got some left shoulder pain at about four days and managed that with a heating pad and Tylenol (liquid). Loved my Popsicles. I was glad to have about a week off from real life. Now I have a new real life! Good luck to you and congratulations on choosing yourself now and your healthy future.

Yippee! So happy for you. What a great thing to be inspiring others. By the way, you inspire me nearly every day. Thanks for the post!

Hi Ducky, just sending you best wishes. I am new at all of this but it sounds like you're doing really well with noticing what's going on -- we can all identify with the emotional eating, boredom and missing gulping, etc. You are in good company! I think it's great you're running for the treadmill in times of stress. And identifying that you were going for sliders -- so easy to do. But you want this weight loss more than anything, that's the thing. You are on way! And just one other thought, some people do a five-day pouch test or all liquids for a few days to get back on track. You can google five day pouch and see information there.

I'm so glad -- hope you feel better soon. Keep us posted!

What a great blog post! I hope people getting ready for surgery will read it as to me it is stress-relieving to have such a thorough description. You have a beautiful smile! Good luck with your recovery. You sound very prepared and so ready for everything that is ahead. I was banded four months ago tomorrow and I am so happy. Feeling very healthy in my head and in my body -- not obsessing over food and eating, plus I've been able to increase my exercise a lot. That is a huge surprise to me -- has not come naturally in the past, that's for sure. I am feeling "whole." Oh, and hey, good call on giving your son his cell phone back -- what a sweet text to receive!