Frangipani

Wow! Tropical storm after Tropical storm moving through the Caribbean here -- and quite unseasonably late too. No sooner did wet and windy Olga pass, now something else seems to have descended on us. I don't know if this is yet another storm or not, but I hope it passes quickly. Anyhow, #9 was wet and muggy, and these steep hills can be quite treacherous when they are wet, but I muddled through it. Looking forward to the sunshine again!!!! Crazy Ates DECEMBER Exercise Challenge 9/18 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Well, I did make it to the gym this evening for weight lifting. I think the new trainer and I will work together just fine. He seems to understand that I want to be worked intensively, and he seems to have a very ambitious workout plan set up for me. Our plan is to work together for only a month or two -- just long enough for me to get a solid routine down, so that I can continue on my own with this. The most interesting thing to me was how much fun I was having just being at the gym and working out this evening. I still continue to be amazed at how much I enjoy exercise nowadays................ Crazy Ates DECEMBER Exercise Challenge 8/18 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Good morning! Running late, but got a nice workout in this morning. Tonight weight lifting with the new trainer -- hopefully that will go well too. Have a great day everyone! Crazy Ates DECEMBER Exercise Challenge 8/18 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Anitak, First of all congrats on losing the 20 pounds. That's terrific!!! I lost only 14 pounds total before my first fill and look where I am now. I really don't think you have much need to worry as long as you are doing all the right things, following your Dr.'s instructions, and taking good care of yourself. That said, even four months out, this hunger/fullness issue is a very confusing thing for me and continues to be. So much so in fact, that I recently traveled 5000 miles round trip for a fill because I was absolutely convinced that I had lost restriction. When the Dr. looked at it under fluoro, it turned out that I had excellent restriction. I have days/times when I feel as if I have no restriction whatsoever, and then I have times when I do feel restriction -- and these feelings occur without any real predictability. Still, my overriding feeling most days is that I don't have enough restriction, even though I have been shown that is not the case, and my weight loss is progressing quite well. I wish there was a foolproof method for knowing when you are "full," but I don't think there really is -- my guess is that this is at least partly because having a full, "pouch" is a much different thing than having a full stomach. I therefore think the key is to do what Sue Magoo and St. Louis gal suggested, which is to stop eating when you have eaten a certain, pre-determined portion, whether or not you are still hungry. This is what I do and, so far, it is working well for me. Once you are filled, you will notice that the band takes a significant edge off of your hunger and even if you stop eating before you feel "full," you will feel sated most of the time. At least that's how it seems to be going for me. Crazy Ates DECEMBER Exercise Challenge 7/18 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Good morning everyone! Becky, thanks for the nice comments, but you're right, December is not a good month to begin a new mission. I have three parties this week alone (one down -- two to go) and then beginning next week I am traveling until the end of the month. What was I thinking????? That said, I did do my first weight workout last night, but I am rusty and out of practice. I have decided that I need a little refresher course on the weight training, so I have signed up with a trainer again. We are getting together on Thursday night -- I will let you know what happens......... Crazy Ates DECEMBER Exercise Challenge 7/18 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Good Morning! #6 was a good workout, but I noticed I was still dragging a bit from yesterday. If I manage to get out of work at a reasonable hour, I will get started on my weight workouts tonight. Have a great day all! Crazy Ates DECEMBER Exercise Challenge 6/18 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Everyone, Band Chick, Welcome Back! As Texas Becky said we are all here to help each other out -- so keep checking in with us and we will keep each other going during the challenging times. We all do have those times, that's for sure. Well, I had my third fill appointment. The Dr. says that everything looks good, and that I seem to be holding my fills well at this point, so this time he added just the tiniest amount (.2cc). It seems as if I won't need to be getting any more fills for a while, so now it is time to devote my full focus to my workouts -- and Amigos I am on a mission. I am pleased with my weight loss so far, but the time has come to kick this operation into high gear! Today was Day 1 of the new mission. I doubled the duration of my cardio workout as well as the intensity (added three more steep hills to my route), and this week I will be headed back to the gym for weight lifting workouts. Enjoy your Sunday everyone! Crazy Ates DECEMBER Exercise Challenge 5/18 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Good morning, I am just SO impressed with how dedicated everybody in our group is to their exercise regime -- and the wonderful thing is that the numbers are reflecting all of your hard work. High fives all around!!!! You guys inspire me and really keep me motivated -- I love this group! Dave, I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope that he is on the road to recovery, and will be out of the hospital soon. Salsa, that is a very funny story! Enjoy your day everyone. Crazy Ates DECEMBER Exercise Challenge 4/18 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Good morning! Still traveling, but the hotel I am staying at happens to have a very deluxe fitness center (a refreshing surprise), so I got an excellent, not-too-boring, workout in this morning. LadyBugRed congrats on your successful fill :clap2::clap2::clap2:! Welcome to the wonderful world of restriction -- it's great isn't it? Have a great day day everyone! Crazy Ates DECEMBER Exercise Challenge 3/18 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

I know this won't be very encouraging for people who want that cold feeling to go away, but I live in the Caribbean and I frequently feel chilled nowadays................ At least I am saving $$$$ on the electric bills, which are absolutely out of control around here............ Crazy Ates DECEMBER Exercise Challenge 2/18 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Well yesterday was my day to not do squat, but I am back at it today. I will be traveling for the next few days and am hoping that I will find someplace other than hotel gyms (which are just SO boring) for my workouts. Have a great week everyone! Crazy Ates DECEMBER Exercise Challenge 2 /18 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi AtlSpeedy, My read on the situation is that you are very fortunate to have friends who care a great deal about you. Remember your friends haven't done the research and are not as knowledgeable as you about WLS. To them the surgery probably sounds quite risky. I cannot think of a single person in my life who was supportive of my decision to have this surgery. Everyone expressed concern that I was doing something incredibly risky and dangerous. Again, they did not know what I knew about the relative safety of the Lap Band procedure. Even my own primary care physician strongly advised me not to have the procedure done. His reasoning was that I didn't have any health problems and in his opinion, I was having this surgery done for "purely cosmetic reasons" (his precise words). My read on the strong opposition to my weight loss surgery was concern, and I know I am absolutely right about this. Now that everyone sees how healthy and so much happier I seem to be, they are all genuinely happy for me. Even my primary care physician commented favorably on my weight loss when I ran into him at the DMV recently. I suspect that your friends will react the same way after you come through the surgery with flying colors and begin your weight loss journey. Best of luck to you! Crazy Ates DECEMBER Exercise Challenge 1/18 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Dear Derry, I am very sorry for the tragic loss of your husband, and commend you for encouraging other Lap Band patients to make sure that all the proper tests are done after surgery to prevent something like this from happening again . I am not qualified to speak about standard practices with respect to this surgery, but I do know that I had this test done on the morning after my surgery, before I was released from the hospital. Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Alexandra, Glad to hear that everything went so well -- Congratulations :clap2::clap2::clap2:! Crazy Ates DECEMBER Exercise Challenge 1 /18 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Everyone I thought I would start a December exercise challenge thread -- until Band Chick is able to put a new one up. Good luck and Happy Holidays to all!!! Mexico

Hi Everyone, Well, we made it to the end of the month and it looks like just about everyone reached or exceeded their exercise goals. Hoo-Rah for us :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2: Crazy Ates November Exercise Challenge 19/16 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico 9.75 cm/4cc Inamed Band 2 fills (both under fluoro): 9/07 & 11/07

Hi, Our exercise thread has really helped motivate me, and I am sure that this thread will do the same -- so here goes..... My short-term goal is to lose fifteen pounds by Christmas. I set that goal a few days ago and have since lost two pounds. Thirteen pounds in slightly less than four weeks is a bit of a push, but I believe I can do this. Good luck to everyone trying to reach their short-term goals, and congratulations to those who have already done so :clap2::clap2::clap2:! Crazy Ates November Exercise Challenge 18/16 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico 9.75 cm/4cc Inamed Band 2 fills (both under fluoro): 9/07 & 11/07

Good Morning! Overslept and running way late this morning, but did manage to get another workout in. Have a great day everyone!!!! Crazy Ates November Exercise Challenge 18/16 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico 9.75 cm/4cc Inamed Band 2 fills (both under fluoro): 9/07 & 11/07

Hi Lauraj23, Thank you so much for the positive feedback and the encouragement -- and please feel free to join us anytime! Crazy Ates November Exercise Challenge 17/16 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico 9.75 cm/4cc Inamed Band 2 fills (both under fluoro): 9/07 & 11/07

Hi Sharon, I am still learning this banding/diet process as I go along, but since you and I were banded only 8 days apart, I thought I would throw my two cents in for what it's worth............ 1) I think exercise is really key, and unfortunately there is just no way around that. The good news is that once your workouts become habit, you will probably start to enjoy them. I know that this has happened to me, and for the first time in my life I actually enjoy and look forward to my workouts. 2) Portion control. I have learned from others on this board to portion out my food on the plate and once I have eaten that portion to stop eating, even if I am still hungry. I do occasionally have slip ups and eat more than I had planned to, but most days I manage to do this. 3) No eating or snacking after dinner. This has always worked well for me -- even before I was banded. The band makes it so much easier for me to do this now. 4) My current diet consists mostly of Protein, fruits and vegetables. I try to limit my intake of bread, Pasta and starchy vegetables as much as possible, but have not eliminated them completely from my diet. As I said, I am still learning this as I go along, but this is what is working for me at this point in time. Good luck and congrats on your weight loss so far! Crazy Ates November Exercise Challenge 17/16 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico 9.75 cm/4cc Inamed Band 2 fills (both under fluoro): 9/07 & 11/07

Welcome back Val! It sounds like you did extremely well with your workouts while on vacation I'm still plugging away and am hoping to lose another 15 Lbs by Christmas. Crazy Ates November Exercise Challenge 17/16 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico 9.75 cm/4cc Inamed Band 2 fills (both under fluoro): 9/07 & 11/07

Good morning everyone! Just a quick note this morning because I am running late! Becky you continue to amaze me -- great job!!!! I met a nice young lady while working out this morning. She was wearing short shorts and a midriff top, and it was obvious that she had a stunning figure. I told her that I hoped to look as good a she does one day and she said "Oh, you will. I have lost 85 lbs." I couldn't believe it -- the woman did not have an ounce of fat on her body!!! That was inspirational to say the least........... Have a great day everyone!!! Crazy Ates November Exercise Challenge 16/16 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico 9.75 cm/4cc Inamed Band

Hi LadyBugRed, If you haven't had your first fill yet, in my humble opinion you shouldn't be too concerned about your progress. I lost only 14 pounds before my first fill. The majority of that weight came off in the first few weeks after surgery, and then the scales came to a dead halt. I lost 8 pounds almost immediately after my first fill, and am pleased with the steady progress I have made thus far. I really don't think most people start to see real progress until they start getting fills. This does seem to be a process for most of us. As you read these boards you have probably noticed that some people need only one fill while others need two, or three or even several. I don't feel that I am at an optimum level of restriction yet, and am scheduled for my third fill next month. Hope this helps a little and Good luck! Crazy Ates November Exercise Challenge 15/16 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico 9.75 cm/4cc Inamed Band 2 fills (both under fluoro): 9/07 & 11/07

Good Morning All! Well, I certainly had an eventful workout this morning......I got asked out on a date. About halfway through my workout this morning as I was walking (and sweating copiously and panting), a very pleasant, thirty-something, man waved at me and said good morning as I walked past. A few minutes later he caught up with me on the road and started a conversation. I live in a very social place and meet new people all of the time. I therefore thought nothing of it and stopped to chat. About 20 minutes into the conversation he asked me if I would like to join him for dinner this evening. At that point you really could have knocked me over with a feather (although hopefully I didn't show it). It never even occurred to me that he might be "interested." After battling this weight problem for so long now, that sort of thing isn't even a part of my mind set. I don't wear jewelry when I work out and wasn't wearing my wedding ring, so I explained to him that I am married. A few minutes later we ended the conversation with him playing Sean Kingston's, "Beautiful Girls" on his iPhone for me -- because, he said, "You are a beautiful woman." How's that for a major ego boost on a Sunday morning????? Crazy Ates November Exercise Challenge 15/16 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico 9.75 cm/4cc Inamed Band

Hi Nana, I think 100 Lbs in the first year is a bit of a push, but totally doable. In fact, I fully expect to lose that much by next August, if not even (hopefully) more. Look at WasaBubbleButt (Hi Wasa !). She worked hard and lost 103 pounds in 10 months. We can do the same -- absolutely! Crazy Ates November Exercise Challenge 14/16 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico 9.75 cm/4cc Inamed Band 2 fills (both under fluoro): 9/07 & 11/07