jfran

bump.......surely there are some seasoned bandsters out there that can comment.

Taking pictures is the only way I can see a difference. I am still not happy with what I see in the mirror or on the photo, but I am getting there.

Try upping your calories. (Until Now) My body would only lose when I was taking in 1500 calories. Now I have lost so much that I am having to cut calories to continue losing. Also eat more frequently- every 3 hours to increase your metabolism. Also, eat the majority of your Protein from solid foods not just shakes. Try changing your exercise routine or maybe up the time a couple of days a week. Hope these suggestions help.

<p>For most of the 7 months I have been banded I have had no restriction so I can eat "normal" amounts. I have only had 2 fills and this is probably why I can eat. I have enjoyed being "normal" and no one suspects surgery or even diet. Most just think I am trying to eat healthy. Well it worked for 7 months and now my weight loss is stalling and I am going to have to get a fill. I am scared that with this fill I won't be able to eat the "normal" amounts and my friends and fam will start to suspect/notice. </p> <p> </p> <p>i am going to just have to get over it because I still have 35-40lbs to lose and without help it is going to take me FOREVER.</p>

Try making small changes. Get rid of the soda first and keep up the exercise. Then gradually replace the carbs and sugar with healthy foods. Its best not to go cold turkey and give up everything at once. A allowing yourself treats in moderation can be okay. The key is moderation. Good luck getting back on track!

I have always been able to feel mine, but now that I have lost a lot of weight in this area I can even see it sticking out. Some people feel it some don't. a lot of it depends on where it is located and how deep it is placed. I wouldn't worry.

Still have 35-40lbs to go!

Just curious how many of you have lost a bunch of weight and kept it off for a good bit of time. What is your maintenance plan like?? Congrats to everyone who has lost and kept it off. I expect the maintenance to go fairly well and I have about 35lbs more till I will be on maintenance. I can't wait.

I am still on my metformin even 77+lbs lighter. I am at a lower dosage, but I am convinced that the metformin is what is allowing my body to lose this weight quickly and consistently. I figure when I go on maintenance in a few months I will be able to go off of it. My PCP says to stay on the med as long as possible and milk it for all its worth.

Try changing up your exercise and your caloric intake. Maybe you aren't eating enough??? Try varying it from day to day and also try uping your exercise a few days a week. Maybe some variation will make you lose faster. Also how often are you eating. I eat 5-6 small meals a day to keep my metabolism running high. There is a lot of research to support this and its working for me for the most part (although I have hit a plateau this past few weeks, but after 77lbs lost its to be expected UNFORTUNATELY) Good luck you can do this!!!

If you are taking in a lot of Calcium this can stop you up so try these suggestions: -Magnesium supplement -Flax seed -hot Water with cinnamon and honey -more fiber

<p><p>My face is where it makes the biggest difference butt tI have lost a ton in the but, legs, hips and waist. My belly is smaller but it does not show any signs of going anywhere and I was really hoping to get away with not having a tummy tuck. Sigh...we'll see.</p></p>

milton5a: Thought you might want to hear from someone your own age. I am 23 years old and was banded May 31st 2007. Its been 7 months and I have lost 77lbs. I still have a ways to go but it has been life changing and in a good way. I consider myself an athlete. I exercise all the time and I love it. I am physically able to keep up with my friends and I am on my way towards really enjoying life and my 20s. The idea of a social life before was a laugh and now it is a something I am enjoying. As far as the anesthesia and surgery, it all went great. Our age is really an advantage in a surgery situation. Now that I have lost so much weight I really feel like a 23 year old and not 40+ and invisible. I am not invisible any longer and my confidence and self esteem gets better with every pound I drop. I still have some emotional issues with my weight but I am working hard to leave the "fat girl" behind and embrace my new skinny "beautiful" self. This is your decision and you should do what ever is best for you and what ever will make you happy. Your family will come around. This was the "best" decision I ever made and I would do it a million times over. Good Luck!

I do a modified version of south beach. Breakfast- 2 scrambled eggs with green peppers, onions, tomatoes and a sprinkle of 2%cheddar cheese; 4-6 strawberries Snack- Yogurt parfait with frozen berries and Kashi GO LEAN crunch on top. Lunch- salad with chicken Snack- String cheese and Whole wheat crackers, Fruit Dinner- Chicken and brocolli, frozen berries w/ splenda and Kashi sprinkled on top Green Tea in between along with tons of Water.

Linda: I eat 5-6 small meals a day (usually 200-300 calories each)consisting of lean meat (chicken/fish), veggies (brocolli,green peppers, onions, zuchini, spinach,tomatoes,etc.), fruit (red grapes,strawberries, blueberries, peaches, etc.), and whole grains (rice,wheat crackers, whole wheat pasta) I steer clear of potatoes and bread, nothing but Water and skim milk to drink also do green tea. I take Vitamins and Calcium everyday. I exercise 6-7 times a week usually 2-3 hours at a time. I do the arc trainer, treadmill, and elliptical and I also weight train 3 times a week. Make sure you are eating Breakfast. it jump starts the metabolism and also it is best to eat every 3 hours to fuel your furnace of a metabolism. Exercise is essential. Also drink tons of water (I drink about a gallon a day). How many calories are you eating? It may not be enough and your body may be trying to go into starvation mode. Good luck with your weight loss.

I hated to exercise before banding, but now I love it and I feel wierd when I skip a day. I exercise 6-7 days a week for 2 hours. I do cardio and weight training and I can really see a huge difference in my body.

For me it is 95% me and 5% the band. I work everyday to make healthy choices and exercise my body.

Thanks georgia girl! I have decided to get a small fill and cut out some of my carbs as well as varying my workouts more. Hopefully that will do the trick!

thanks juli

Hopefully I can make it this time. A new year and a new challenge!!! name ...... starting# ....... current#.........goal#.......togo# Rainer...........264................264..............248.........16 wombat712....154.8.............154.8............140.........14.8 LessnLess......172................172..............164.........8 metawnny......252................252..............240.........12 Skinny_Jill......195.................195.............180..........15 Candle .........218.................218..............207.........11 KarenG..........207.................207.............199...........8 Hopping to it .350.................314.............294..........20 SWEETY........180.................180.............170..........10 juliegeraci.......220.................220.............210..........8 Trystelle.........219.................219.............205..........14 Susan4794......240.................240............225..........15 rharriet...........367.................256.............248..........8 nip50.............250..................250............238..........12 keekahari........220.................220.............205..........15 Hollyberries.....298.................298.............285..........13 Stacy73.........230.................230.............222..........8 Irishmae11......233.................233.............219..........14 jfran...............187.................187............177..........10

I am going to attempt to have some fun tomorrow. I am going to the movies and I may even have a "little" popcorn???!!!!! We can do this!

Violeteyes37: glad to hear I am not the only one in this boat. Let me know if you find anything that works. I am going to break down and get a small fill on tuesday. Maryrose: I will try not to beat myself up, but being frustrated is frustrating. I am making steps toward positive thinking. I have made 4 dozen signs with positive phrases like "your beautiful", "you are strong" "love yourself" "embrace your success" and have posted them everywhere. Maybe if I read it enough I will believe it.

mktzfla: I am eating 5-6 small meals a day (around 200-300 calories per "meal") I drink about a gallon or more of Water a day. I eat fruit with 4 meals and veggies and salads with 2-3 of the meals. I limit the carbs to whole grains and eat tons of chicken and fish. I exercise 2-3 hours 6 days a week mostly cardio with 3 days of weight training. I eat "healthy" 98% of the time and when I eat bad I go to the gym and burn it off. I a little mental about it all. I have become addicted to exercising and when I miss a day I feel guilty and scared that I will gain the weight back. So take what I say with a grain of salt. Increase the intervals you eat (increases metabolism) and increase the exercise, but try not to become too obesssive like me. Thanks for your kind words. It makes me feel great to know that I am inspiring others.

Juli: I am exercising 2-3 hours 6-7 days a week doing the eliptical, treadmill, arctrainer, strength/weight training (3 days) and an occasional aerobics class. I honestly don't know what more I could do. Maybe I am doing too much. I think I just have to come to peace with it and get a small fill.

Juli and Tracy: thanks for the kind words. I don't know why I beat myself up. I guess I still have some emotional issues regarding my weight. Juli: my weight has been fluctuating for a month now and I guess I should just get a fill and keep exercising.