lat1nacurv3s

So I was thinking back to when I first got my band (11/2007). WOW, that was almost 3 years ago. At that time I was living with a man that was very unsupportive. From the day of surgery he argued with me about having it done. But I was determined because it is what I wanted. And heck who was he to tell me what I can and cannot do with my body!! He made it very difficult for me to stay on track. Always offering me fattening sugary foods... "slider" foods that were easy for me to get down. Ice cream, chocolate bars and even cookies. WTH? I don't know how I managed to not gain any of my weight back? I guess subconsciously I knew I had to stop and not ever over indulge myself. 2 years after I finally got rid of him and for good!! That was last summer (6/09). It took me the rest of the year to get back on my feet. A lot of great things happened during this process, I bought a home for me and my kids, I bought a new car. The one thing I hadn't done yet was drop weight still at a plateau but hey I'm not complaining! Finally in January of this year (1/10) I decided that I was ready to do ME! Here I go minding my own business and BAM I meet the man of my dreams, the love of my life! And he's been so amazing to me and supports me, encourages me, and accepts me just as I am. Weight is still slow in coming off, 26lbs since January. But it's 26lbs on top of what I had already lost putting me at 56lbs LOST FOR GOOD! Being back in the forums has also been great motivation for me. I love reading all the blogs and testimonials from everyone. It's also supportive and encouraging. THANK YOU for sharing your success and even your not so success. We need to hear from you no matter what so we can help lift you when you don't feel like getting up. I can't imagine being without my band. I LOVE IT! And I wouldn't trade it for the world! S240/C184/SG170 by Aug 3rd)/LG140 by Nov 14th Height 5' 2.5" Banded 11/14/07

It's easier said than done but you've got to find healthier alternatives. I don't keep any of the sugary fatty foods in the house anymore. But I do have sugar-free alternatives. Frankly I'm not as impressed with the stuff so I don't touch it much. Except for that time of the month. Because that's the only time I feel a sugar/salt binge coming on. Some people say it's all in my head but I don't think so. Consider keeping a journal when you feel stressed and write down how you're feeling. Maybe drink your favorite sugar-free beverage, mines sugar-free Snapple's Peach Tea. Or if you prefer coffee try a soy based one or one made with skim milk like a Starbucks late or light frap. Try going for a walk, clean the fridge out, or call your best friend and talk about what's going on, listen to your favorite music... anything you can do to keep you from eating the wrong foods or from over eating. The calories are not worth it. Try something new and you'll feel better about yourself. Think about it the stress will pass but the calories will last!!! Much luck to you!

Oh no. So sorry to read this. How did the doctor to know to look for a leak? Were you feeling any side effects? Best of luck to you!

Hi Grl!! I can totally relate to your story and if you need encouragement we can encourage one another. I was banded 11/07. Up until just 1/10 I had only lost 30lbs! My plateau was due to stress. I was told even by my doctor that stress can hinder weight loss. I was living with a man that was totally against my having surgery to begin with. And was very unsupportive of my efforts to losing weight and getting healthy. Thankfully I'm out of that relationship and he is not longer a part of my life. Since 1/10 I've lost 26lbs!! I had to really look within myself and decide that this is what I was going to do and recommit to my band. I set mini goals for myself, started working out and preparing my meals for work. Weekends I usually eat whatever but still being mindful to get my 60+ grms of protein in. I on the other hand I have stretched my pouch too! Therefore, I'm able to consume more food than before. I'm not suggesting that this might be what's going on with you, not even implying that you may be under stress. But if you've not lost any weight in a significant amount of time then sOmethings going on. Weather it be your diet or lack of exercise, stress, I don't know? But that doesn't mean that anything is wrong with you either. Just means you need to set some boundaries for yourself to follow. And get back the mind set you had when you first went into this. When's the last time you visited your doctor? I try to go every 6 months for a check up. Good luck and hope to read from you soon!

10 lbs in 28 days is not bad at all. In fact that's great! Better than not having lost anything. lol So many people would love to lose 10lbs in a month and have not the will to do it. You have the band to help you. But always remember the band should be viewed as a TOOL not the cure. You will begin to feel more restriction each and every time you get a fill. Once that happens and you apply these new findings with your allergies as well as staying within the lap-band way of eating you will see the weight melt off. As soon as you're given permission I would highly recommend working out too. Gaining weight didn't happen over night, neither is losing it. Keep your chin up! You can do this! S240/C184/SG170/LG140 Height 5' 2.5" Banded 11/14/07

Good for you! You can do it! I've got a goal of 14lbs by 8/3. But I'm a slOOOw loser. Been banded since 11/07. ANyways, much success to you!

Great job! Keep up the good work!

Wonderful for you! I had my surgery two weeks before THANKSGIVING 2007. So I know the feeling! lol I don't have a husband at the time I had a live in boyfriend and he was a complete jerk about my surgery. That warms my heart to hear when men support their wives or visa versa. It really does help in the process of weight loss because let's face it... our eating habits have changed (in a good way) dramatically. And everyone else around us usually have remained the same. Stay strong and motivated, you will see awesome results and reach your goal in no time!

Hi Ms. Leigha! How was your run on Sunday? I start week 3 tomorrow. Yeay! Tonight though I'm doing upper and lower body toning. I picked up a DVD, Biggest Loser Last Chance Work Out. It's TOUGH! I actually did pretty good on W2. I realized though I was doing one minute walk intervals instead of TWO minute walks. Day 3 was a breeze compared to days 1 & 2. lol But I'm actually looking forward to my run this week. I've even noticed a slight change in my legs so that really has me excited! I hadn't thought about how running would tone my lower body. Does it? Or is it my imagination? Cause I would love nothing more than to minimize my legs and thighs! lol Have a great day and a better week ahead! :scared2:

Good for you!!

Hi Ms. Janet! I think you look GREAT! And I'm so so sorry to hear about the devastation this mad oil spill has caused those once beautiful beaches. I can only imagine what it would look like to see that in person. And the work that it will take to clean it up, well, just terrible that it's not a quick fix. Just wrong for them lil creatures who depend on fresh ocean water to survive too, poor things. But THANK YOU and thanks to all the people who are putting forth the effort to make a difference. And good for you on your 3.5lb weight loss this week. That's awesome! Hope all else is well and read you around in the forums!! =o)~ S240/C184/SG170/LG140 Height 5' 2.5" Banded 11/14/07

Knee high boots, knee length pencil skirts (can't wait till my legs are more slender), sleeve less shirts and dresses (working on the bat wings now), new boobies and new tummy (guess you know what my next surgery will be lol), traveling more (cause i'll have more energy and reason to take pics with me in them), bathing suits, running, zumba, salsa dancing (cause i'll have more energy), feeling and looking sexier, healthier, feet not swelling (hate this with a passion but it still happens sometimes), allowing my man to buy me an entire outfit from head to toe (right now i won't let him cause i don't want lane bryant or size 14-16 to be an option), and getting rid of the "she's pretty for a big girl" comment (rolling eyes)... this will be some of my most favorite things!!!

Hi and thank you Ms. Jackson! ((That's my man's last name btw. lol)) It def is something to keep in the back of your mind. There's are several open topics in the forums section on it for anyone interested in finding out more information. I only heard of it myself because of this very site. But if you or anyone ever have any concerns you should consult your doctor. Often times it can be corrected with a simple partial unfill and be on liquids and/or mushies for a few weeks to a month. When I happened to go see the doc it was not the one that performed my surgery. He's since moved a bit farther out so I opted to see someone else. That also has a lot to do with why I'm unhappy with what he said. I def want to make an appointment with my own doc and see what he says about it. It could be a totally diff out come but I won't know until I see him. In any case I'm staying optimistic about it all. Learning to eat cleanER, portion control and making working out a part of my life. I'm not gong to let this keep me from achieving my ultimate goals. Thanks again and be blessed!

I can't say that I cried but I did stop and think to self. WTF did I just do?! lol It is most def a life changing experience... did you catch that word "LIFE"! It will not be as you know it, it will be so much BETTER! It may not seem like it at first. But once you get all of the "rules" down, and really put forth the effort to work with your band and not against it... you start seeing the results of the surgery, get through the pain, handle pb'ing, deal with restrictions, countelss doc visits for fills yara yara.... only then you'll feel "normal" again... because you realize it's all WORTH IT!! Good luck ladies!! S240/C184/SG170/LG140 Hight 5' 2 1/2" Banded 11/14/07