LastOptionAtty

I wouldn't wait. I had a gain and was going to skip my appointment but I said no more running and my Doc gave me the swift kick in the pants I needed! I'll tell you what she told me "I do weight loss surgery NOT brain surgery" that was what I needed to hear and in July I went back on Weight Watchers and got a personal trainer I (still) go to twice a week and went back to my therapist. I went from 299.5 to 195 pounds in 14 months. Go in don't wait to lose the 20 pounds! The Band is hard work Doctors know that! Go back! :thumbup: You can do it!

does anyone still diet while on the LAP-BAND®, as in do you still take diet pills or do you still eat low fat and sugar free foods?

I had to rejoin Weight watchers so in a sense I am on a diet ie. eating healthier, journaling, going to meetings, all "diet" like behavior buying low fat, non fat, sugar free foods in order to be sucessful. Some people wing it with the band I don't know how its been a struggle for me and I need structure.

Thats great! EXERCISE is key! I just had my third fill and I feel a bit better too at 1/2 a cup I am full and I have to really sip my fuilds and my premade protien shake is too think to enjoy but now I think my calories & protien are too low so please keep an eye on that too

popcorn is a mainstay for me and I don't get gas from it. Maybe try switching up the brand?

I feel your pain! And yes to be honest I have felt like I wished I had taken the leap of faith and had the sleeve but I did go into this knowing I would have to give 110% meaning watching what I eat and working out a lot. I think although we all say it and mean it "It is just a tool" we are really hoping deep down wls is a magic bullet. I try to think of it this way the band offers long term help whereas gastric and the sleeve are a done deal. The band will allow us to kep the restriction that some people lose with the other wls so in the long run I think I will benefit from this choice.

I think by your own admission you have not been on track with the diet and exercise and that has been my issue as well. I had to really just stop myself and go over my goal an set a plan of action and just do it. I kept waiting to be motivated to do things and it just didn't happen so I just had to take small steps and move forward.

I got a personal trainer and rejoined Weight watchers for accountability. Ultimately, you have to look at it this way you must burn 3,500 calories to lose a pound if your BMR is 2,500 even if you do not eat that day you can't lose a pound that day. Most Dr.s recc about 1,000 calories so at best you break even, meaning WE MUST EXERCISE to get progress. Try using www.sparkpeople.com or www.thedailyplate.com We are all in this together and can get healthier!

I just hit my 6 months and this TOM is the worst I have had since I was a teenager! I took 2 midol yesterday:drool: at work! I could not believe it I had to leave early I came home and took some of the liquid pain meds from surgery and it just barely took the edge off. I was only able to have Water and apple juice all day. Today I have not had anything and I took my pain meds. I was told to take Iron supps to help and I was taking slow fe for a few months and stopped so maybe try that as well I know I will be back on them ASAP!:biggrin:

Its your body and your band most of us know these thngs b/c we ask the Dr would otherwise just move on to the next appointment. Call and ask don't be scared to be educated about what's going on! I just had my 3rd fill I was banded on Jan 30th so I am about over 6 months I have 6.75 in my band now and this is my 3rd fill I had one unfill so far. I am down 30 pounds not at all happy but its 30 pounds less and I know I am not working out like I should so I got a personal trainer and I am getting my self together better. I can't say I have found this magical sweet spot people talk about either its more like I don't really ever get hungry and when I eat I cannot eat as much as before. This last fill may be closer I can stop much sooner. Yesterday 1/2 a turkey meatball and less than 1/2 a cup of veggie Soup and I was full. But really 13 seems like a lot of visits! Keep checking in!

I'm surprised to see that you all know so much about how much is in your band. My doctor doesn't tell me that. I don't know how much is going in. 2 times ago, he said "we're going for a record here", I think he mentioned that we were going above 10. It is a "large" band. (there was discussion about that, too. originally he wrote "reg" on the little card he gave me, but we looked again and it is a large.

I feel a little silly not to know this stuff - but didn't know it was something I needed to keep track of. I will ask next time I go. Right now, I think it is working pretty well. I still don't have any food sensitivities, though. Can't point to anything that consistently won't go down. I can eat white bread with no problem.

WOW! Awesome progress everyone! I am setting my goal of 50 miles for the month I am at 10 miles I better get moving! My goodness you guys are doing great! I will check in more:thumbup:

The goal is 1- pounds a week so you are on track we all want more so I undestand but that's a great loss! With the fill my Dr. started with 2 cc then added 2 more going from 0 to 5 cc isnt the right way to do it I had one overfill and it was awful o ask them to increase 1 cc at a time a .5 cc makes a world of difference!

I will join in! I have a treadmill at home that is being neglected and I set a goal of walking on it everyday I am not is the gym. This will help me keep up!

Hi Agnes I will admit that when I read page 1 I couldn't believe you were considering surgery your current weight is less than my goal weight lol BUT as someone who is also 5'1'' and weighed 299.5 the day of surgery you ARE doing the right thing. :thumbup:If I had it to do over again I would have done something about my weight sooner. I have always been heavy but in the last 10 years I gained almost 90 pounds and it is hard to lose even 10 pound much less 50-100. I just want to say it will not be easy so plan to have a workout routine in place and explore healthy food options and make time to get adjusted to the band almost 5months in I am still learning so be patient with yourself along this journey and keep us posted! Best wishes!

I am in the same boat and I am up to 6 cc after a slight unfill when I couldn't even get Jello down. I agree with your statement b/c when I can eat and I rarely feel full I just stop on my own and there are times when I take small bites and get stuck one day then the next time that same item goes down fine. I have no idea why. For the most part I stop eating as much simply because it has gotten annoying lol not because I am full like I thought the surgery would cause. I do take Papaya emzyme as suggested on here when I get stuck and it does help also my Dr. gave me a Rx for something called Ondansetron an anti-nausa pill to prevent Like I said its a bit annoying I am down 26.5 pounds a little over a pound a week I am not pouting too much b/c I am sure without the band I would have kept on gaining. So I have mixed emotions right now. :tt2: :wub::tt2::thumbup::thumbup:

:biggrin:Well what a week! Things are going well work wise but I am still not feeling like working out not in the least bit! I didn't join that other gym yet b/c of the money but I just got a raise and entire grade :thumbup::crying: over 13k more a year God is good:biggrin: So I can afford it.

A few things food is not enjoyable anymore like food has been my friend it brngs m joy its how I relax but its a hassle to eat now. I dont ever feel full like after my surgery but I dont get hungry either. Which is good I need to up my exercise and my protien like yesterday. I been slacking on my Vitamins so I just need to move ahead.

I am debating step class and I shouldnt be debating it but alas the stuggle continues thinking good thoughts and looking forward to a great weekend the weather is going to be wonderful!

Ohh ebay great idea thanks Eb !!!! Sounds like its going well I am still not 100% with my exercise its all mental!!! Keep checkin in

Well I can feel the effects of the 2nd fill. I don't fee hungry and I have to chew a lot and even then I get stuck. I had scrammbled eggs and that felt like it was stuck I may be eating too fast I dunno. I had a good salad yesterday the chicken went down fine but the mixed greens and strawberries felt like it was stuck. It was annoying but not very painful. I was able to eat 1/4 in the cafe and I had te rest for dinner and it went down better at home for some reason. I did step aerobics yeterday and I will use the treadmill at home today.

Okay I had my 3rd fill and I gained 2lbs. Now I must accept resonsibility, because I know I have made the worse food choices this past six weeks. I've even been drinking, wine and mojitos. Forgive me (I'm holding my head down in shame). Now I can two 1 of two things at this point. Feel sorry for myself or be greatful that it was only a 2lb weight gain and get off my butt and do what I know is right. I choose to get off my butt and do what I know is right. I didn't go through all this for nothing I tell you that. The surgery, time off of work, the money I've invested So today is a new day for me and I'm going to start making the right choices. and move forward. My birthday is July 23rd and I will be 43 years old. My current weight is 262,. My goal is to be at 225 by my birthday. That is a weight lost of 37lbs in 3.5 months. That is something that I should be able to do. So here I go...

Hope to hear from you ladies soon. Our board was one of the most happening spots and now I hear crickets when I sign on ...

I am SO glad you checked in!!!!! I was up 2 pounds too and I was doing the same thing drinking and eating out too much and not making wise choices and not exercising! You goals so great and I will check in daily too. Maybe we can post menus/journals to help with accountability!:thumbup:

Its been a busy sorority weekend! Looks of food and cake! :crying: I woke up and rejoined Weight watchers today. I forgot to add I had my first fill on Weds. it was quick and easy and I could tell right away it wasnt good I was able to drink the cup of Water fairy quickly and without a problem. The Dr. warned me that it will take a few fills to get it right so be patient. I am thinking WW will help me with some structure and weekly accountability. No gym this weekend too busy with events but I plan to se the treadmill tonight at 7pm and 2 more workouts this week. Weds spin and Thursday dance class. Hope everyone else is well!:laugh:

http://www.peertrainer.com/how_to_change_anything.aspx

The 7-Steps to Changing Anything in Your Life

By Joshua Wayne, MA

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{Note: This is a rather long article, but I think you will find significant value in it. You may want to consider bookmarking this page and returning to it every few weeks to reinforce how you integrate the ideas into your life. Feel free to send me your feedback: joshua at peertrainer dot com. Enjoy!}

Is there anything in your life that you would like to be different than it is right now?

Perhaps to lose weight? Meet a mate? Make more money?

This is the big fundamental issue we all face, because most of us would like to change or improve certain aspects of our lives. If you find yourself in this camp (and who isn’t there at least some of the time), then you will find the following six steps very handy and useful. It is a 6-step process you can follow to "change anything in

your life".

1. Know What You Want Rather Than What You Don’t Want

No matter what, you have to decide what you do want so that you have something specific to move towards. The reality is that most of us focus on what we don't want in our lives or don't want to experience. For example:

➢ I don’t want to be alone anymore.

➢ I don’t want to be overweight.

➢ I don’t want to be broke anymore.

The reason this is so important is that we gradually create what we focus on in our lives. Understand this key concept: where you put your attention is where you get your results. Think about it: if most of your attention is invested in pushing away the things you do not want, you inadvertently remain focused on exactly those things.

Following the examples outlined above, you remain focused on being alone, being overweight, and being broke. Doesn’t sound too pleasant, does it? Of course not, but many people do it their entire lives.

Conversely, we are suggesting you focus on what you do in fact want to be true in your life. Instead of the above consider thinking:

➢ I look forward to having a beautiful man/woman in my life who is a great fit and match for me.

➢ I look forward to living happily at 125 pounds (or whatever your desired weight is).

➢ I look forward to making $250,000 next year.

Understand that this doesn’t mean that you necessarily now know exactly how you are going to make it happen. That would not be realistic. However, the creative process necessary to get you there will never be sparked if you’re endlessly focused on what you don’t want. Therefore focusing on what you do want is a crucial first step to catalyze yourself into positive, forward-moving action.

2. Cultivate the Belief That It’s Possible

In order to achieve what you desire, you must first truly believe it is possible. This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how often people want an outcome in their life they don’t really believe is possible.

Consider the example of losing weight: many people want to enjoy the benefits of permanent weight loss, but when questioned they realize they don’t really believe it’s possible. Here is a great question to ask yourself:

On a scale of 1-10, where 1 means you don’t believe permanent weight loss (or whatever your goal is) is truly possible in your life, and 10 means you couldn’t possible believe it any more, where would you put yourself right now?

This is a great question to ask yourself frequently to chart your progress. The rest of the steps outlined in this article are essentially designed to increase your level of belief that your goals are possible in your life.

3. Cultivate the Overwhelming Motivation To Succeed

Some people are naturally motivated to make their goals and aspirations happen. For these people, it’s relatively effortless. While it would be nice if we were all like that all the time, not everybody necessarily has the urgency to bring their vision to light. They may have the capability, but not the urgency.

For those to whom this urgency does not come easily or naturally, they must at times “manufacture” the urgency, or else they run the risk of stagnation. One “trick” if you will, for doing this is to become very clear on the pain that inaction will ultimately bring. If you don’t take action to lose weight, meet a mate or increase your income, where will you be in a year? In 5 years? How about 10 or 20? Realizing the pain that will result from inaction is powerful motivator for many people. It can often then be enhanced by contrasting this pain/misery with the enormous pleasure that is going to result from taking action.

4. Change Your Patterns, Change Your Life

As a quick experiment, I want you to cross your arms. Notice which arm is on top and which is on bottom. Now reverse the order. If your left arm was on top, make sure it is now on the bottom.

Feels strange, doesn’t it?

Now try the same experiment by interlocking your hands so your palms are touching and your fingers are interlaced. Which thumb is on top- your right or your left? Now switch everything around so your fingers are still interlaced, but the other thumb is on top.

Weird, eh?

These are patterns in your life. They are physical patterns, but they are also metaphors for the emotional and psychological patterns in your life.

These patterns show up in how we think about ourselves (“I am good” vs. “I am bad”), how we think of others (“I like people like him” vs. “I don’t like people like him”) and what we expect to be true in our lives (“I can be thin and happy” vs. “I will be overweight my whole life”). Of course these are simple examples, but they communicate the basic point.

They also show up in our behaviors. For example, turning to food when we are stressed; acting with rage towards others when we are upset or scared (or bottling it up completely, by contrast); looking towards others for reassurance that we are “okay”.

Here is the important thing to understand: our current patterns have gotten us to EXACTLY where we are in our lives right now.

They have gotten us no more and no less. Therefore, if we stick to the same patterns, we are not going to change, and the circumstances of our lives are not very likely to change either.

In order to get the changes we want, we have to change our patterns; we have to change our approach. When it comes to weight loss, for example, maybe this means following the “Eat To Live” approach for a month and mixing it up.

Maybe it means being open to getting outside feedback and coaching to help you uncover and correct your negative patterns. Maybe it is as simple as saying “no” to somebody you generally say “yes” to or vice versa.

One great thing we find again and again at PEERtrainer is that an interruption in negative behaviors or emotions can lead to powerful results. We get lots of amazing fan mail at PEERtrainer and have for years. One of the key reasons for this is that we provide tools and services that help people interrupt their negative patterns.

What is interesting is that PEERtrainer is growing faster than it ever has. The reason is that we keep taking action and introducing new ways for people to interrupt their old patterns by creating new products and services. We have new email programs, new blogs, and a new “go at your own pace” coaching program that people are loving.

All these new tools increase the odds that we will provide what people need to help them make the change towards the life they desire. We know this because you tell us. We listen to you and bring new things to the table to create the most helpful offerings we can.

This is the same thing that you can do in your own life: keep creating new patterns and behaviors that replace the old ones you are letting go of.

5. Create New Patterns to Replace the Old

After you have learned to interrupt your old habits, begin the search for positive alternative behaviors. Options are all around you that you can start developing immediately. Ask yourself, “what is the experience I really want to be having in my life?” Ask yourself that question and “listen” to the answer that comes back from within. Where does it guide you? Where does it want to lead you? What new behavioral options does it incline you towards?

This is a very important step. If you neglect to do this, you will likely return to your old habits. The more you do this, the more you create positive neural pathways in your brain that increase your sense of pleasure and reduce your frustration or pain.

For example, there are an infinite number of things you can do at night instead of mindlessly snacking, or binge or emotionally eating.

Make a list of all the positive things you can do at night that don’t involve food (other than a basic, healthy dinner). Here are a few ideas to get you started:

➢ Become a night “exerciser”

➢ Join a volleyball league

➢ Join a bowling league

➢ Go to the theater

➢ Take an art class

➢ If you are in our coaching program get in the habit of listening to the coaching calls in the evening.

➢ Hang out with friends.

Regardless, stay laser focused and persistent. Find the positive alternatives.

6. Reinforce, Reinforce, Reinforce (then Reinforce some more)

The sixth step is to reinforce this behavior over and over again. Repetition is the mother of skill. This is why we send out a tip

of the day email each and every day- it helps to reinforce positive patterns over and over again each day.

There is a reason why our coaching program is 12 weeks- it gives us time to not just teach, but also to reinforce the material. Throughout the week, you are sent activities, articles and assignments to help “condition those new muscles”. Similarly, the online peer group you become part of in the coaching program provides you with a group of people who are also laser focused on developing new mental patterns. This total “reinforcement from all angles” is why people are having such great results, or are gradually developing an unshakeable belief that they will get where they want to be.

7. Embody the “Gratitude Attitude”

While this may sound rather cliché, it’s actually quite an important part of the process. Very often we are intensely results driven in our lives. This is a normal part of making a living and dealing with the daily concerns of life. That said, we are too often so busy getting from point A to point B (literally and figuratively) that we lose our ability to slow down and truly appreciate the mystery and wonder that is so much a part of life. I recognize this may sound “corny”, but I am still going to challenge you to really consider what I am saying.

I am talking about the kinds of things mystics and poets have written about for eons: the innocence of your child when she brings you a picture she has just colored in, a flower garden in spring, the sun setting- even things as simple as eating a meal with a friend.

We are all guilty of losing sight of the beauty and wonder around us much of the time, and yet there is real value in being able to “get back to it”. For me, the best way to “remember” these things is to be grateful, meaning to commit to find moments in my day to deeply appreciate my life; to be grateful for all that I have in spite of the normal ups and downs that come.

I think this is such an important part of the process because it brings our attention back to what we do have, rather than endlessly focusing on what don’t have yet. Shifting out attention to this positive place of gratitude is a great (and in my opinion necessary) “balancer” to the intense and avid pursuit to make changes in our lives and achieve our goals.

Gratitude reminds us that while it’s great to pursue our goals in life, having happiness and wholeness ultimately results from a choice that comes from within.

Thanx Eb! How do you like the body bug? I had a polar f11 and debated upgrading to the body bug but then I heard there was a monthly fee!

Well everyone is soooooo quiet what's going on???!!!

I hope everyone is well! Eb I am glad you love that rowing machine I know its a great workout!!!

I went back to the gym last week when I was away on travel.

M, W- Treadmill 60 minutes

Sat-Step and Kickboxing 120 mins

Sun- Spin and weight lifting class

Monday-rest/teach

Tuesday[ I finally went back to then gym during the week!!:w00t: I did Step aerobics and the weight lifting class! I feel like I am on a roll!

Hope eeryone else is doing well! Its so hard for us a women of color to take time for ourselves but please try start with just 10 minutes its better than nothing! :thumbup:

Girlfriends!!!!:laugh: Let's get inspired!!!!:thumbup:It seems we are all kinda in a funk or withdrawing for various reasons but this board is such a great resource and support system so let's share our Top 10 Reasons Why We Want To Lose Weight!

I'll start:smile:

10. To look better

9. To feel better-less aches and pains

8. Increase confidence

7. Increase self esteem

6. Achieve another life long goal

5. To be fit & look fit

4. Be a role model

3. Be happier

2. Be healthier-less or no meds

1. Because I deserve to live my BEST LIFE!:tt2:

Hey Ladies!

I am away on travel and its a 2 hour time difference so its only 7:30 here I was up at 5am so I went to the gym! I did 60 mins on the treadmill.:cool2: I am using this time to get back into my workout groove. I know I am up and I just want to get back to where I was on my last Dr's visit my goal was to lose 4-6 pounds but without restriction its really hard!:tt2: But then again dont we all know that that's why we opted fo lap band to provide us with a tool. I havent made good choices I have had fast food b/c I am so busy and havent really cooked like I use to. But its a new day and a new month and my first fill will be next week and I am really hoping for that post surgery feeling it was sooooo sweet!:laugh: Well I am moving forward and looking forward to good things. I have been in a funk between the breakup and I had a falling out with 2 friends and I was minimizing the affect that was having on me and my mood so I am working on that and moving forward in that way too. More updates on that later! Have a good day!

Heyyyy Ebon!!! Glad to *see* you! Glad your second fill is going well and the clothing is getting baggy that a good feeling!! Keep checking in!!

I've been struggling the last couple of weeks myself. When I received my 2nd fill I was comfortable with the restriction, but now it is gone. I was also doing well working out. On the treadmill every morning, with 1/2 to 1 mile daily. But now my ankle is giving me problems (go figure) I think I need to stretch more, but anyway I can only say to take everyday as a new day and not beat yourself up for whatever mistake you may have made yesterday. I'm not following any specific diet, just trying to be more mindful of my food choices. Keep me posted and I will do the same.

Sxevan when is your next fill? I think that "sweet spot" is so tricky I am just ready for anything at this moment! In terms of your ankle try and visit a store like fleet feet they have good sneakers and it will make big difference. I wear Brooks and they feel like clouds on me feet its worth it! I am getting back on track with my workouts I am away on travel so I am using this time to get back in a groove! Keep up the good work!

Hello out there!

I know that I haven't been communicating much lately, and I think that is the reason, I haven't had much lost. I have been working on building my consistancy. It can truly be difficult to stay focused. I often forget the reason I chose the band rather than having gastric. I have to listen to by body more and not my head for signs of hungry. I would like to hear more from you all about what kinds of diet tips I can include into my program. I am open to any ideas.

Ohhhh please don't shy away when you are struggling we need to lean on each other ad encourage one another!:laugh::thumbup: My tip would be to write down your goals for say the week or the month. Keep them handy and reflect on them. I bought a great food and execise journal that I carry with me. Keep working out and keep checking in!