silvers320

I am just about at goal - about 10 pounds less then I even thought I would weigh. There isnt anything that I can't eat. I do tend to stay away from white carbs, but not because I can't eat them . I did measure my food early on because I had no concept of what a 6 oz or a 1/2 a cup looked like. I had to reset my frame of reference. nmalek- keep an eye on those flavored waters, if you dont get the 10 calorie one (which is actually 20 calories a bottle) you end up with something like 300 empty calories.

The concept is fast/ normal. So whatever your doing you do some faster - then some at a slower normal rate. It can be applied to the stairmaster, the treadmill - or even "old fashion" things like jumping jacks. So lets say you are walking on a treadmill at a rate of 4.0 - maybe you try doing 4.4. (or what ever your comfortable with) for say 3 mins. Then you drop back to 3.7 for say 3 mins. Each segment of time being an interval. You could do how ever many intervals you are comfortable with. The studies stay that it tricks the body to burn calories at a faster rate then if you just stay at the 4.0 for the whole 6 mins. Hope that helps

I actually had to read your post a couple of times - because at first I thought what you had been doing wasnt working but then when I re-read it, it seems the scale is moving and the mirror image is changing! All good. I am a big believer in interval training. I used to believe that the longer I worked out - it must be better. When I got banded I switched to intervals - and it seems to have worked.

No way to tell. It was more then likely there for a month or so before I called the doc.

I am a member of the two-fer club also. First port went in July 08 - came out in Nov 08. The second one went in Jan 09 and by the first week of Feb it was starting to show signs of infection. Thankfully, the doc put me on IV antibiotics which mean a trip to the hospital every day for two weeks, which was a pain but it saved the port.

Yep happened to me. I figured I was being a tough guy and would work thru the pain. It ended up being a port infection. I had to have my first port replaced because I didnt act quick enough. Call the doctor today. Could be nothing but he gets paid to make that call.

For me this was a big concern. I love food, I love really good food but I also used to love crap food. So I was worried how the band who change my tastes. Because I have slowed the speed at which I eat - I actually really taste what I am eating. So I love food even more then before. When I go out to eat I no longer HAVE too order the biggest thing on the menu in order to fill my pie hole. I can order what sounds good. My desire for crap food (chips, candy etc) is all but gone. There are some days when I really, really want it- and I let myself have it but I now happy with a hand full of chips as oppose to 1/2 a bag. I eat things these days I wouldn't have touched before. So much of my diet was bread pre band that I didnt know what I was missing with Beans, and chili, etc

So I am ready to get off the treadmill and head outside. But I still want to be able to get all the stats I currently get from the treadmill's monitors - Distance, Calories etc etc. Anyone have any suggestions? I am also thinking about upgrading to the new iphone - so if anyone has one of the training apps would like to hear about that also. Thanks Guys

Well, as a banded man -welcome. I dont know what you mean by smaller size- pre band I had a bmi of 41. I will agree with the other guy who said - "Don't assume you know what you want at this point" Consider the pluses and minuses of the band, bypass and GS. Then consider yourself - you know yourself better then anyone else. I will say that, as a former volume eater - the band has worked really well for me. But I have also worked to change a lifetime of habits. So its not as simple as set it and forget it. Good Luck - ask any questions we are a helpful bunch

Part of me can understand not sharing with folks their band size and fill amounts -I think there are some folks who rely to much on that one piece of the "program" But making a patient feel poorly about themselves helps no one. I would contact him and let him know your take on the conversation. Then I would explain to him that even with the 2 lbs gain you are right at the 1.5 to 2 lbs per week expected loss that the makers of the band say to expect - if my math/ your surgery date etc are correct. And ask what is it about his methods that you should be expected to excedd the band makers guidelines. Between now and your next visit I would log my food and keep a workout log to bring with me. I would not share these items until you have seen his reaction to your next weigh in. If he is more positive - you won't need them, if he is abusive again - say "Let's look at my committment level - with the proof" ( and stick a sock it in). If the appointment goes that way it might be time to start doc shopping.

Well you have to not think of it as a diet, because we all know diets don't work. When I got the band - I figured this was the last chance. And I committed myself to re-educate myself on portions, food choices etc. I had time - since the liquid time made my meal times a snap. For me, I had two vises : huge amounts of food at one sitting and bad choices. The limits my food volume. As of choices - that's up to me - and I figure if I make the right choice 90-95% - all is right with the world. But in the same token if I REALLY want a cookie - I have it. But these days I am happy with one - in the past it would have taken 1/2 a bag.

Talk to your doctor. I had the same problem early on. I would get so hungry that I eat so fast I would take one or two bites and get stuck. My doc ok'd 2 small snacks a day which made the world of difference. These days I dont always do a snack every day - I just listen to my body. But yes- it does get better. Its a learning and reeducation process.

I know this isn't a Marist Poll but still the fact that 60% of those polled PB on a regular basis is troubling to me. A large part of this process is behavior modification and I have to wonder if some of these folks didn't have their restriction ramped up too quickly (which would achieve WL) and perhaps didn't have a chance to learn the new behaviors? I say this not to judge anyone, but because why should you accept pb-ing as a daily fact of life? Isn't accepting PB's as the norm just exchanging one unhealthy lifestyle for another? Isn't the purpose of the band to move you towards a healthier life? I think we need to stop looking at the band as a tool. You use a tool to achieve a desired result, but with most tools - its a one way street. I perfer to think of my band as a business partnership. You benefit from a business partnership. Each partner brings to the table something. For me the band brought forced portion control and carb control early on - while I brought my willingness to change my habits, make better choices. And as will all great partnership - if one of the partners once in a while wants a cookie so be it. This conculdes the Dr. Phil portion of this post.

The 200 lb mark is a huge deal for those of us that have always been fat - I can completely relate- and I had the same problems around that point. I think for me, if was because I was so focused on it. Forget out the scale for a week or two and see what happens. Not judging but is it possible that if you are pb-ing often, weak and cant eat most things that maybe you are too tight and not getting in enough calories for your activity level? Do you log your food? It know it sounds like a pain in the ass but I find it helps when I hit a plateau.

Too be fair, I heard it was a Dwarf, Tanzanian witch doctor, and the guy didn't die but did grow a second head. Oh and there was a bloody hook on his car door handle when he left the hospital.

Thanks babygirl - Should be illegal. Or at the very least have a sin tax on it. Is it any wonder our obesity rate in the US climbs higher every year.

Hey 70 is nothing to sneeze at, so dont let her tone put down your success. I can understand if your having financial pressure feeling like you might not be getting what you are paying for. BUT.. While how she said it might have been really bad (and it seems like it was), I think her questions made some sense. Take a look on the this board and see how many times you can find things like " I am at 9.998 cc in a 10cc band and I live on chips and salsa" or "I throw up everything I eat" - that is not how this is suppose to work. It's about working with the band to make better choices. I think there was a chance her questions were targeted to see if you are making the lifestyle changes we need to with the band.

Over the last 3 or 4 days I have seen the ads for the latest Domino's offering - pasta, covered in cheese, wrapped in bread dough. After days of watching, my interest was peaked.....while I could find the price within seconds- 15 minutes of trying to find the nutritional info and I finally gave up! Granted - A year ago, I am not sure I would have cared but a little education goes a long way Now I believe every food as a time and a place but do we really need this???

I was a big meat eater, ate quickly (since I was a kid), and in large volumes, couple of sodas a day, but without the fast metabolism. I also like a sweet once in a while - but not a huge every day sort of things. So 10 months and 110 lbs after the band - as a guy- let me tell you my thoughts: 1. The band forced me to re-learn how to eat. Eating fast makes me sick - I dont like being sick -so you learn to eat slow. 2. I think I choose meat most of the time because it was the most filling - and I needed the most food at a sitting to fill me up. While I still eat meat, I love fish because I am full after a normal fish meal. 3. Soda was hard to give up but I didnt have a choice - it was part of what I signed up for. I thought the benefits were worth the trade off - and I was so right. Don't miss it at all. 4. The band forced me to eat more often, smaller meals etc. 5. Having dieted for years (20+) this is the first time I dont actually feel like I am on a diet. I eat "right" 95% of the time but if I want a cookie - I have one. But I am happy with one or two as oppose to 1/2 a bag. 6. There is something to the losing weight being addictive. While I have dropped 50+ a couple of time over the years, thing time was different - cant explain. The bottom line is he has to decide if it's the right choice for him. I am happy to answer any questions

For Encouragement - just look at this site and look at the number of successful people on here! Next, consider that with the internet you can connect with someone no matter your location, age, etc. That's encouragement. Call your doctor and maybe a theraptist to discuss the mental part - which I think many (myself included) downplayed the importance off. Good Luck

I am with you guys these last 10lbs have been a real SOB. I lose 3 of them - put it back on- it stays on for a week or so - I lose 2. In the world of Charlie Brown - UGH!!!! I am past my orginal goal so that makes me happy but these last 10 are hanging on like an Astor on the Titantic.

I second that - We tend to focus on pool openings, bbqs, and white sales and forget the true point of the day!

It has the makings of a great afterschool special.

I think I was 3 months after surgery. But seems each doctor is different with this too. Be prepared to be a cheap date.

I have never been a huge fan of the veggie but I am trying to expand my horizons post band. My problem is I live alone, and I dont seem to be able to eat salad "parts" before they go bad. I hate frozen meals- the photo on the package always looks great but leads to disappointment! I have gotten very good with cooking meats etc on a Sunday for a few days during the weeks but need help when it comes to veggie ideas. Ideally things that can be made in a batch and frozen into smaller portions..... I know I want it all