SillyAuntDi

Congrats to all who are just starting the process! I was banded 9/11/13. BEST decision I've ever made. I started at 354lbs and currently at 276lbs. The best piece of advice I can give you is this: Listen to your medical team (surgeon, nutritionist). Your surgeon and nutritionist have a plan that they believe works the best. Don't get discouraged or think you are doing something wrong when you read that others have a different plan than you. If you are following your plan, you are doing it right. My plan has been very different from others on this board, and sometimes I have a pity party when I read how different it is. But then I look at the 78lbs I've lost, the blood pressure meds I no longer take, and the upswing in my physical activity and I realize I'm on this plan because it works. I'm glad I found this group of people to travel with on my journey. I've learned so much. I've found the encouragement that I've needed on those pity party days. So, welcome aboard my train to better health. I hope you enjoy your journey as well.

I drink a Protein shake every morning. I apparently cannot tolerate the whey-based powders on a daily basis. I have a dairy allergy that causes me to break out in hives when I've had too much. I had too much using the unjury powders (very yummy, btw) after my surgery. My nutritionist and I quickly decided that I needed another protein. So, I use egg protein. I really, really like the GNC Pro Performance Egg Protein. I tried a few brands...and took them back each time before settling on the GNC brand. I use the chocolate flavor and add powdered Peanut Butter...it's like drinking a peanut butter cup each morning Good luck to you! Keep us posted on your progress. I have learned a lot of valuable information from the people on this site!

Congrats!!!! What a great job. Perfect example of what is possible when we listen to our doctors and our bands I'm very happy with my choice as well. Wishing you continued success!

My best friend and I share meals now when we go out for meals. She's been working on portion control as well. So we just order a meal that is enough for both of us, ask for an extra empty plate...and tip the waitress very well since our bill is now cut in half

Happy New Year! Name: SillyAuntDi (Diane) Goal Weight for January 31: 265 Weight January 1: 276 Dietary Goal: Try new recipes/make old favorites band-friendly Exercise Goal: boxing class 2-3 times per week Personal Goal: bought a bicycle, so I need to remind myself how to ride

I start my day with a shake. A couple of hours later I will have yogurt. By lunch, I'm all loosened up and ready to go...

Goal weight for December 31st~ 285 Weight on December 1st~ 294 Checking in today at 279.6 Merry Christmas everyone!

Where is your superhuman costume???? You are awesome and truly motivating. I've got another 30-40lbs to lose and I get a brand new knee. But, the 74lbs weight loss I've already accomplished has enabled me to move easier, live with less pain, sleep better, smile more and feel so much happier. Most importantly, I've found my self-confidence again. I had lost that. I no longer walk down the hall with my eyes directed to the floor. That's a great feeling. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!

If I have learned anything so far this holiday season, it's this. All my life I've associated the holidays with food. Sugary, fatty, chocolately, delicious food. I have the rolls of fat on my body to show for it. This year, though, by not concentrating on the food, I've discovered that there are people at parties...not just the dessert table. So, while I eat my little meatball, and my bits of cheese and some yummy mexican dip, I can actually carry on a conversation and laugh without worrying about food. I'm enjoying this holiday season in a totally different way, and I like it!

I used a heating pad for the gas pains. I used it on my shoulder/back for the first week. It helped a lot! Also, remember to walk, walk, and walk some more. Moving will help with all the trapped air in your body. Remember, though, you are healing and you don't want to over do. It's OK to ask for help from others (that was the hardest part for me). Good luck! Keep us posted on your recovery

GIRL...you are talking my language TODAY!!!!

I have one every morning to kick start my day and it's doc approved

On one of my early visits to the doctor, he asked me how much I had lost. He didn't even look at the chart in his hands. I asked him if I could go by what my scales at home tracked instead of what the scales in his office tracked. He said yes. So, now when I visit him and he asks me how much I've lost, I give him the number based on my home scale. I weigh early in the morning at home. I often see him in the middle of the day. So, it's a more consistent record from home. Don't be discouraged by the numbers...they don't define us. Just listen to your body. Is it happier and healthier? Then you are doing it right

Welcome to the Banded Life! I had surgery September 11, 2013. It's the best decision I've ever made in my life. I just wish I had done it sooner I've really enjoyed the people on this site and I've learned so much. Good luck to you!

Such a great post! Just the motivation I need to get through the end-of-year craziness at work. Normally I would have Christmas goodies stacked on my desk and eat my way through the mayhem. Not this year This year I'm thinking of joining the new boxing club across the street from work...much better way of working out my stresses Have a great day!

When I went for my consultations, my surgeon asked me what my expectations were for the first year. I told him I hoped 100lbs wasn't aiming too high. He smiled and said absolutely not. I see people on this site that have done it. I have a friend at work who has done it. I'm well on my way to doing it. Stay positive and focused

I believe I set my goal for December 31 at 285. I'm checking in today at......280.1 That's a total of 74lbs gone! (That includes a little rounding....) Have a great day!

You've already done the hardest part...choosing to change your life! It gets better. I was banded in September. I remember that old fear of being a failure lurking in the back of my brain. I stomped on it. I stomped on it until it couldn't bother me anymore. It's your journey. Whine a little if you want. Just don't let it get the best of you. I'm willing to bet in the coming days, weeks, months, you'll look back on this time and laugh a little. It's going to be great We'll all be here to support you (and listen as you whine if you need it).

I struggled with all that leading up to my surgery in September. I've had absolutely no regrets. I've had a few days of "what have I done to myself," but they are short-lived and very infrequent. There is a certain freedom knowing that food no longer rules my life. I don't crave it. I don't miss it....well, I miss Christmas sugar Cookies, but by next Christmas, I should be able to eat them again. I was terrified of trying to go out to eat. I've found that each restaurant I've gone to understands I need modifications and they don't need the details why. My favorite neighborhood restaurant knows about my surgery and they like the challenge of helping me stay on plan...it means money in their pocket I came off my blood pressure meds about a month after surgery. I sleep better. I move better. I smile more often. Best decision I've ever made.

We are like Band Twins! I had my surgery one week after you and our starting weights are so close. Before I checked in to the forum just now, I was looking at the class schedule for the gym I joined near my house. I keep saying "I'm going." and then I don't. I find excuses. We can get to the gym. We can do anything we set our minds to. We just need to set our minds...I'll nudge you if you'll nudge me OH...and I've taken over three bags of clothes to Good Will so far. I've got another bag almost full. And shopping in "real" stores is the most awesome feeling in the world, isn't it?

The people who say they can't see a difference are bat crap crazy. I just went and looked at your before/after pics and I see a great difference! Congrats to you!

My journey has been great so far. I've lost about 66lbs in three months. I'm one of the lucky ones that didn't feel ravenous following surgery. My real hunger didn't really return until last month. I've not yet needed a fill. I eat maybe 4 meals a day. I came off my blood pressure meds about a month after surgery. My arthritis pain is manageable. I sleep better. I smile more. Life is really good.

Welcome to the party! I'm three months out and loving my new life!

Checking in at 288.6, down about 3lbs!

I'm still a newbie (3 months post op tomorrow), but I LOVE my band. Best choice I've ever made in my life. No, I won't be baking this Christmas, but that doesn't get me down, no way! I'm not hiding from parties. I'm going full steam into them knowing this year I get to party without guilt! I won't be concerned whether people are whispering "Did you see what she ate? Gross!" All that is gone! I'm loving my life. I was walking out of the office yesterday and one of the managers in my department was behind me. I turned around to say good-bye and she had this shocked look on her face. "Diane...I wouldn't have known that was you. You are getting so skinny!" I love her to pieces...so, thank you Band. And thank you veterans for showing how happy life can be with the band. Love this forum!