JulieNYC

I gain 3-4 lbs overnight twice a month, related to my cycle. Keep in mind, to gain 4 lbs in FAT overnight, you'd have to eat approximately 17,000 calories (and your body probably wouldn't absorb all the cals from that severe of a binge anyway, so it's really more anecdotal). At 255 lbs, you probably burn about 2800 cals/day just existing. To gain one lb, you have to take in 3600 extra calories (whether in one day or slowly over time). So (3600 X 4) + 3800 = 17,000. Now you KNOW you didn't eat 17,000 calories. So believe us all when we tell you it's Water and it will come off. The hard part to accept is that this might be part of your pattern. Log your weight and in a few months you'll know whether to expect it. For me, it's part of the deal, but so is losing 5 lbs overnight at a later point in my cycle and that's always fun too! Hang in there.

For what it's worth (probably not a lot!), I've never heard of someone being denied a fill for gaining. That wouldn't make sense. People have been denied for losing too much (on the thought that if you can lose as you are, you shouldn't risk the potential complications of a tighter fill), but not as "punishment" for gaining. If you PA denies you a fill for gaining, find another fill doctor. I firmly believe success with the band is in large part about having access to fills. Your gain isn't your fault. With proper restriction that little voice in your head telling you to eat the "bad stuff" (i.e. nutritionally poor choices) is VASTLY deminished. I have a feeling you haven't experienced this yet. Fight for yourself until you know, first hand, what I'm talking about. You're worth it and you're not to blame. Hang in there!

Aww, shucks. Thanks guys!:embarassed::embarassed::embarassed:

I'm with all the others on going to amusement park after amusement park. I love a good roller coaster! Other than that, I'm going to go vintage clothing shopping in the East Village in NYC. And snow skiing!

jgandg, This is not your fault. You just don't have enough restriction yet. Until you get enough, you can't be expected to follow the bandster rules. None of us could before we got banded and restricted. Be aggressive with your doctor. Explain that you want to do this but that you need more fill and less lecture.1.5 cc's is not a lot of restriction for most people, even in the smallest band. If this fill doesn't do it for you, go back and back until you're sure you've got it right. Then the weight will just come off with far less effort than it's taking you now. Hang in there.

Well, I had an "easy" workout of 60 min on the elliptical and 15 min walking on the treadmill this evening. I'm going to take a couple of more days off before I run again. The elliptical is fine for now. One month, I'm going to challenge myself to some swimming lessons, but not for the moment. I'm going to sleep like a rock tonight, so off I go to it. Yall take care & stay warm.

Betty, I'm so excited about your 5K! You and Alan are going to have a blast. Roberta, How are you feeling? I hope you're not too bruised up from your fall. You've had a rough spell... Amourette, My warm-up sounds just like yours. I just do about 5 min, then go for it. If I'm in the gym, I do weights for about 15 min first because I read somewhere (whether it's true or not) that you don't burn as many calories in the first 20 minutes of exercise, so I save my running/elliptical for at least 20 minutes into my routine so that I get the most "bang for my buck." I'm not sure it really makes much of a difference. Eficka and Amourette, I'm so proud of you for dating. I'm so confident in most areas of my life, but I've not "put myself out there" for dating yet. I think mentally I'm waiting to get under the 200 lb mark. I might even be waiting for my plastic surgery to be behind me -- I'm not sure. Dating is scary. Thanks to everyone for your support with my race. It was a great experience. There were 5,000 runners. I ran the 4 miles in 49 minutes, which exceeded my goal, even though I was definitely among those finishing in the last third or so. Luckily, I was in an early heat, so it didn't feel like I was finishing late, even though in reality I was. The first mile was hard, the second mile was easy, the third mile was IMPOSSIBLE (my Ipod died from the cold!!) and the fourth mile was glorious (and slightly downhill). I'm so glad I did it and I'm already looking forward to the next one (March 11th). Take care,

I met my Valentine's Day goal today. Woohoo! Name....................Current Weight......Valentine's Goal......To Go Juliegeraci................237.................... ..10................Done! 5lbs Bonus Lapbandit.................235..................... .20..........................8 Libra....................... 253......................20....................... ...8 Indianlight................ 268......................20....................... .9 JulieNYC.................. 215......................215.........................0 Elisabethsew............ 283 (-11)...............282........................1

Just a quick post to let you all know I finished the race (4M) -- in 48 minutes -- way better than my goal of 60 min! My stomach is a little queasy but I'll check back in in a few hours when I've warmed up and gotten settled. Thanks a MILLION for all your support. I thought of each of you during the race. Hugs,

I had the same thought Bluehill. I think that may be a great solution. Let's think about what the exact title of the thread should be so that when we start it in a couple of weeks, it'll attract the widest range possible. Maybe: April Bandster Thread (where April Bandsters from 2006 AND 2007 come to chat) I'd like something shorter but catchier if yall can think of anything.... I picked up my race number and souvenir t-shirt (I got a medium - thinking ahead, ha!) for tomorrow. Now I'm off to paint my kitchen and bath. Can't wait until Friday -- the big move. I'm ALMOST prepared for it (but my Mom's coming in on Thursday and will, as usual, save the day)....

Happy birthday Elisabethsew! Name....................Current Weight......Valentine's Goal......To Go Juliegeraci................237.................... ..10................Done! 5lbs Bonus Lapbandit.................235..................... .20..........................8 Libra....................... 253......................20..........................8 Indianlight................ 268......................20........................9 JulieNYC.................. 216......................215.........................1 Elisabethsew............ 283 (-11)...............282........................1

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/223/150 - 40 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: DeltaDawn - 358/202/179 - 156 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/165/132 - 43 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/117/110 - 63 total--NO MORE BAND :-( 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/174.5/134 - 59.5 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/216/180 - 142 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/143.5/140 - 96.5total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/206/140 - 42 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/187/145 - 30 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/192/140 - 50 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: KAYBEE-284/198/180 -86 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-20: TrustUfirst - 210/205/177/135 - 32 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/179/130 - 41 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/228/156 - 60 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/207/150 - 66 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/237/150 - 73 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/98/69 - 27 kgs/59.4 lbs total 4-24: Ceparano- 255/270.5/205/170 - 65.5 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/210.5/165 - 78.5 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/206/160 - 56 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/184/150 - 80 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/229/150 - 54 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/228/150 - 105 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/150/135 - 75 total 4-29: Momofsixkids - 238/188/140 - 50 total

Amourette, My thoughts on this line up with everyone else's responses -- i.e. that this is an exercise challenge thread at core, not a general April thread, but that any April bandster (or other invitee) is welcome here, whether they're participating in the challenge or not. Maybe we can find a way to express that better for anyone else who would like to contribute. Thinking back to the origin of this thread, as you know, there used to be just one April thread -- a general chat. Then, about 6 months in, some of us decided to start an exercise challenge thread to work up to meeting a specific goal (i.e. getting enough exercise in our lives, which we believe to be a vital component to long-term success -- we're still working on getting there by increasing the challenge slightly each month). The general April thread was still around for a few months, simultaneous with the exercise challenge thread. That's the way I, at least, hoped things stayed (i.e. a general thread and a challenge thread). That's not to say that I don't want to share challenges other than exercise on this thread -- I do! It's just that I didn't invision those not doing the challenge not having an April thread for support. Of course there are limitless places for support on this and other forums, so I don't worry too, too much. Everyone who looks can find a support home. I think there are several options: (1) Anyone who feels like they're not getting support on this thread should start a general April chat thread. I would participate because my chosen form of long-term support is about supporting April bandsters (though I do think the challenge thread is now my main "home.") I don't think everyone from the challenge thread would frequent a general thread, but I think many would. (2) We could modify the intro thread to the challenge that clearly gives the option of any April bandster participating on their own challenge terms. I think it was Boo (or maybe Bluehill? Sorry guys!) who recommended an "elite" level for our exercise challenge to accommodate those with more intense exercise goals without alienating the core group. An open-ended challenge option would accommodate those wanting an "elite" challenge for the month OR those wanting to accomplish other lifestyle goals for the month. The point would be there's an option for you to set your own goal for the month (or to stick with the group challenge). There are not so many of us that we can't keep what everyone is doing straight. I actually like this option because most of us will do the prescribed challenge, but it gives everyone flexibility to whatever they commit to for the month. (3) Lastly, we can leave things the same. My belief is that what we are doing on this thread is really important -- maybe just as important as being banded itself. My vote is that I don't want to change the core of that, not because I don't care about other April bandsters, but because I personally go to the gym many days just because of this thread. I wouldn't go if I wasn't checking in with you guys and I need that motivation. Plus, I believe if meeting a monthly challenge isn't someone's thing, there are other places for more general band support, on LBT and elsewhere. Amourette, your post reads to me (though I read things between the lines all the time that aren't there) as if you know someone specific who has expressed to you that they feel left out. If so, would you ask them if option #2 would make them feel more welcome, or whether it's the fact that it's an exercise challenge, period, that makes them look elsewhere for support. On another note, the scale moved today for the first time in 20 days. Woohoo!

Admittedly, there are a lot of factors in getting proper versus poor nutrition. I, personally, can do it on 900 calories, most days (when chocolate doesn't get in the way). I'm 5'1, vegetarian, and an avid food logger. I always get 5 servings of fruit & veggies on that amount, as well as enough protein. I can't say what's right for anyone but me. But what I can say is that if your surgeon and/or your nutritionist (like mine) are telling you that 800 or so calories is where they see the most success during the weight loss phase, there are indeed people out there who are examples of this. It seems incomprehensible to the pre-bandster that that amount of food is nourishing and satisfying, but it is -- for many. Laurend, my advice to you is to not worry about it. You'll find what range is right for you, whether it's 800, 1200 or 1500 calories. It'll come together for you with what feels right once you're in the middle of it. There's a lot of flexibility with the band.

Bluehill, I'm so glad you're ok. I know you'll get it all done before you leave on your trip. My first day of the challenge started off well too. I got in 60 min on the elliptical and 15 min on the treadmill. No running, just walking, in prep for Sunday....

Go Eficka go!!! :purplebananna:

You generally have control over what you can and can't eat by the amount of restriction you choose have with your band. If you prefer a slower loss but with complete variety, you'll keep a looser band and you'll be able to eat everything, or almost everything. If you're in a rush to lose more efficiently, you'll keep a tighter band and you may lose some flexibility in textures, at least beyond a few bites of the offending texture. For most people, it's really quite in your control.

Welcome to February, April Bandits! We've rounded the corner of the New Year and our Bandiversaries are just a couple of months away. Woohoo!This is OUR YEAR to make goal! Let's let exercise in February help! We're upping our challenge for the month in number of sessions (by one). Our ultimate goal is 20 sessions a month for 45 minutes each session, and we'll get there by April. For now, here's February's challenge: (1) Complete 18 or more exercise sessions (counting only one session per day, if you're the type to do more!); and (2) To count, each session must be at least 40 minutes in duration (two 20 min sessions in one day still counts). We can do it!

I wrote a thorough post last night, then hit some key by accident (I blame the new fingernails) and lost the whole thing -- not even "undo" would work. Don't you hate that? Boo and Dawn, my race starts at 8 a.m. on Sunday but you can't track it online. They only do that for 10Ks or greater (so maybe in a few races). I will definitely think of all of you cheering me on though. It's going to be great. I got in a great run last night -- my last training run, and I felt really good about it -- even though it's going to be 18 degrees. Betty, I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. My prayers are with you and I promise to truly appreciate the fact that I have today -- and all the good things about today (even though I'm not at goal) -- in her memory. Please let us know if there's anything we can do. Bluehill, I have no doubt that you'll get your Feb/March exercise in. You'll walk, you'll find a gym where you can pay by the workout (many will let you if you talk them into it, even if they don't technically have a day plan -- I found this out when I was down South over Christmas). Just don't fall into the trap of "gee, since I can't do my normal full workout, it's not worth going for a walk" -- it is worth going for the walk. It preserves the habit and burns good calories. I fall into that trap too easily ("gee, I can't run today, so I won't even bother going to the gym" -- no Julie, wrong attitude). BTW, your weightloss this month was STELLAR. Woohoo! Eficka, I'm glad you're ok with not getting the fill. That would make me angry (because I'm a control freak), but I do understand there are different approaches to band fills. You're doing great. Roberta, I'm soooo happy you completed the challenge despite your health ups and downs. You are an inspiration! Boo, do you think your body has changed this month and the scale just hasn't caught up? That happens to me a lot. February is going to be your month! Speaking of February....

I'm with gonnabethin -- Fage yogurt is the perfect food. I put it on Mexican instead of sour cream or eat it plan with a splenda mixed in. YUM. On the crab cakes, the ones from my deli are pretty high fat. They have 360 cals too, but 24 g Protein, so I eat 1/2 along with some veggies. Yummy and a reasonable choice. Ginger would you please, please share your tilapia recipe! I'm dying to make it! Tilapia is my fish of choice (if I have such a thing). The Applebees weight watchers tilapia is pretty good if you're ever out and in a pinch....

You're going to do great! Jump through whatever hoops the insurance company requires and get a band as soon as possible. It'll change your life! Best of luck. This forum is a great place to do all the research you need to feel comfortable with your decision. There is a lot of work in being a bandster, but it's completely worth it. Take care,

My nutritionist says we don't need to consume calories for energy -- we have energy stores we're trying to get rid of -- i.e. fat. We need adequate nutrition (as opposed to energy) that can be achieved, if perfect choices are made, on 800-1000 cals/day. I eat about 900 most days. Some days I don't track and I know I eat a LOT more. Some days I don't care about food and I eat a little less. But most days, I eat about 900, which gets me 55 grams of Protein and keeps me plenty full. Do what feels good for your body. I think that's the only rule.

Ginger, I'm vegetarian and don't cook much either. We sound a lot alike, actually. I didn't eat fish before being banded, but, on the encouragement of my band surgeon, am trying to eat it once a week now. It's a struggle as, to me, fish is meat. Anyway, I start my day off almost every day with a 1/2 cup cottage cheese. I get the "Friendship" brand that comes "whipped" and it is SO GOOD. It's blended smooth so that there are no curds and it is light and airy. I like it better than yogurt and it is so high in Protein. If it's cold, I might eat it with a cup of tomato Soup. Starts my day off with only 80 cals, but 16 grams of protein. I also eat the "Health is Wealth" soy chicken patties. I put them in the toaster and eat them with a side of veggies (usually steamed in the microwave). Sometimes I can't even eat a whole patty. They're fabulous nutrition -- again 16 g protein (I think) with only 1.5 g fat and lower carb and cal (110) than the Morningstar brand (150). Other lunch staples for me are: (1) NutriSystem vegetarian sloppy joe (you can order them without joining the program if you call). These are so tasty and very portable if you're ever traveling and worried about having something band friendly; (2) Mrs. Paul's "healthy select" fish sticks. They're like 170 cals and great protein for 6 sticks and I usually only cook 3 or 4; (3) crab cakes from the deli (the only fish I truly like and crab is fabulous nutrition); (4) Amy's black bean burritos (I eat 1/2 and put a lot of salsa and plain yogurt on it to boost the protein). I don't usually eat dinner. Lunch is my big meal. If I do eat dinner, it's usually a cup of soup or a SF Jello pudding (put the "dulce de leche" flavor in the freezer and eat it like ice cream -- yum)! Hope that helps and please share your ideas with us too! Take care,

Kat, I'm so glad your knee is a little better too. We're all on the mend. I can't WAIT for your post that announces you're "overweight"! That's a biggie. My goal might be in the "overweight" category, as I don't see myself (at least not at this juncture -- who knows) getting to 132, which is what it would take for me to be the highest weight "normal." I got my new shoes, so we'll see if that makes a difference. I'm going to lightly jog in them tonight to see how they do in prep for my run on Sunday. I can always go back to my old pair for the run if I can't break the new ones in quickly enough.

Pennst8er, You can lose as much weight as you want with the band. There are no limits. I don't know the documented amount of the most anyone has ever lost, but there are no limits. You might check out the thread for "super-sized bandsters" in the "Lapband Support" forum. It's designed for people with BMIs in the 50s or above and most of the people there (myself included) need to lose at least 200 lbs. I think there's less of a difference between those that need to lose 200 or 300 than 100 as compared to 200, don't you think? Come check it out.