lapbandgirl4life

Nice. Hopefully I win and won't need to buy one lol

lol Libby, I have no idea how to shop there either, but I am sure looking forward to it! Congrats Catherine on your new size!!!!!! You'll only keep shrinking!

There's a new book by Hungry Girl called 200 recipes under 200 calories. In case anyone is a huge Pasta fan,there's good news for us! There is now pasta made out of tofu and what's more is it is only 20 calories per serving!!! It comes in different forms like spaghetti, angel hair, etc. With the warmer weather now, instead of having an ice cream, I take my crystal lite, add a little Water and ice to the blender and make myself a slushie. It's very satisfying and a great way to get your fluids in! :thumbup: Oh and with blackberries being on sale, I made a blackberry smoothie, which was delicious and actually stuffed me. It was all under 200 caloies. 1 small banana 1/2 cup blackberries 1/2 cup lite/fat free vanilla yogurt 1/2 cup ice. Blend til smooth and enjoy!

Thank you. On May 5th I'll have been banded 3 months, in that time, I've lost 90 pounds. The remainder was lost preop. I realize some people think it's too much weight too fast, but I eat well and I'm well nourished. I think what has significantly changed is my lifestyle. I now lead a very, very active one. For example today I walked 3 miles, mowed 2 lawns by hand (and one was hilly), which took me about 3 hours, hung laundry out on the line, I then hit the gym for 1.5 hours and then walked around a shopping center for an hour. I try to stay busy like this as often as I can. I do anything to just "move" my body, and I think it's paying off.

Wow!! You look awesome!! Keep up the great work. Can't wait to see you once you hit you goal weight :wink:

They tried to tell me the same thing. I started out weighing 377 (I'm 5'3) before surgery. The day of my lapband surgery I weighed 345. I'm not even 3 months out of surgery and I'm down 86 pounds (119 total). Now my surgeon says I'm the poster child for the lapband. lol. Don't get me wrong, it's really hard work, but change is always difficult... at first :ohmy:

ait, I eat about 900-1000 calories a day. I make sure I focus on getting in my Protein, calicum, and Fiber. I get all of my protein from food, not shakes or supplements (not that there's anything wrong with that). I eat 3 meals a day and usually I eat at the same time every day. At around 1030 I'll have a fat free light yogurt (which is considered a liquid) and in the afternoon I'll have an 8 ounce glass of skim milk. Both are rich in protein and Calcium. Another thing I do is drink a lot of Water or zero calorie fluids in between meals. I don't want to confuse dehydration with hunger, which I guess is easy to do if you don't drink enough. Also I do not drink 10 minutes before I eat nor do I drink anything for an hour after I eat. Lastly, I exercise. I usually burn off what I eat during the day and then some. I cannot stress how important it is to get up and move. It not only helps facilitate weight loss, but it also lifts your spirit and makes me personally feel very accomplished. I work out at the gym for 1.5-2 hours 6-7 days a week. I also do a lot of walking. Michelle, this is what has been working for me. If you can take something away from it.... great!!

Angie, I had the same fears. I told people and then I started questioning myself and my ability. Like you, I have a lot of weight to lose, but once it starts coming off, you feel such a sense of empowerment that you'll almost want to laugh at your self-doubt. Best of luck to you!!

Momster, thank you so much for your kind words. I really do appreciate it. When I was first banded, I didnt have much of an appetite for about 2 weeks, then my appetite came back full throttle. During this time I did not have any restriction and I had researched enough to realize that people refer to this time as "bandster hell". I had to wait 6 weeks for my first fill, and I'm sure if I wanted to I probably could have gobbled up just about anything, but I didn't try, so I can't tell you for certain. I guess I was just fortunate enough to have the willpower to make it through to my first fill. However, unfortunately, when my 6 week fill came around I had lost just over 50 pounds and my doctor wasn't too keen on giving me much of a fill, but he did and luckily it's enough to keep me satisfied. I'm not stuffed, but I'm content. If I was in your situation, I'd be frustrated too, but hang in there, it sounds like it's just a matter of finding your "sweet spot". Make sure you stay in touch with your doctor and keep getting those fills. You'll get there. I know you will. I also have to agree with your doctor, it sounds like you're doing great, especially for not having much restriction!

I've hit another milestone. I am now officially more than halfway to my goal weight. I want to cry. lol Momster, I hope you're doing ok? I have faith you'll get there, just start slow. Start out with a small exercise goal but do it every day. I think that will help establish a routine.

I love reading posts like these! You've done so great! Like anothr person said, go reward yourself. Get a massage or something lol.

Mljalways, just as you're happy with your weight loss (which you should be), I'm happy with mine. Thanks for your input on this thread and best of luck. I also apologize if my chicken wing remark seemed harsh and I do realize that this is supposed to a "support" group, but honestly, there is a fine line between supporting and enabling. It's fine and well to say if you don't like a thread don't read it, but you really can't undo what you've already read? I mean, I opened up what I thought was a "support" thread and what it turned out to be was basically a manual on how to out-eat the band, down to what foods "slip" by the band. It wasn't really something I wanted to read when what I was looking for was people who were struggling but still sticking to the rules. I was incredibly frustrated, but you're right, I won't be reading it again, and I've thankfully found several threads that, in my opinion, provide the support that *I'm* looking for. To each their own, I guess. Allie, we should make this thread our fast losers group. I totally agree! Wednesday is my weigh day and the scale is innnn... and I'm down 10 pounds this weeek!!!!!!!!!!!! 7 more pounds until I hit the half-way mark.

Hey that's great about your increased endurance! Congrats! As far as getting back into the gym, I hate to give this canned response, but it's best to discuss it with your doctor. I know you will be on some weight restrictions, but those are usually lifted after 6 weeks. After surgery, you'll want to walk walk walk, so even if you cant do the eliptical right away, you can still go to the gym and walk on a track or use the treadmill, that way you can still stay in the routine of going to the gym. If I remember correctly, I was doing full cardio at about 2-3 weeks after surgery.

Momster, the short answer is... I want to live. Exercise to me has become just as important as brushing my teeth. It's something that HAS to be done. You know, it was really hard for me at first. I used to weigh 377 pounds and I'm only 5'3!! I was embarrassed that I could hardly even walk 20 feet, but I kept it up, and kept pushing myself because it means a lot to me. This is my last chance to get it right and I don't want to fail. I can't fail and I won't fail. Other things that get me going and keep me going? My dreams. My dreams of a better life, dreams of love, dreams of happiness. For once in my life, I am actually believing that I deserve all of this and soo much more. It takes a while to form a routine, but trust me, momster, if you dedicate yourself, even if it's walking 1 block everyday, I think you'll find after a week of doing this, you'll want to go further. I think the key is to start small and gradually increase, and no matter what... just keep doing it.

Look around this site and get informed about the procedure. If you have any questions, start a thread or feel free to shoot me a question and I'll do my best to answer it. I was banded on Feb 5th, and it's truly been the best decision I've ever made in my entire life. It's hard work, but well worth it. I'm in my early 30's and I feel better now than I did when I was 20.

So I've lost my first 100 pounds. What an incredible feeling of accomplishment. I'm noticing all the other things that come with such an accomplishment. For example, I can now wear "regular" jeans. I'm not scared to sit in chairs. I can get up from the ground. I can Jog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can stay on the AMT (cardio machine) at the gym longer than most skinny chicks! And what's more is, as Nina Simone likes to sing... I'm feeeeeeeeelin gooooooood.

How did it go? My surgeon required letters too, although they didn't have to be notarized. I think the patient letter is a good thing. I think this entire process and the steps we have to take is an even better thing. My only advice is: be honest with yourself and start doing it now before the banding takes place. It'll make the transition easier.

Congrats!! Isn't it such an awesome feeling? I was banded on 2/5/09 and (as of today) I've lost 72 pounds since surgery. Like you, I follow everything my doctor has told me. I also exercise 6-7 days a week and do a lot of walking. I actually look for ways to exercise, be it parking further out or taking the stairs - just anything to move my body, and it has made all the difference. I've had one fill about a month ago and I feel satisfied with my meals - not necessarily full, but satisfied. Anyway, getting banded was the best decision I've ever made!

Hi Sue, I think you should start a group for fast losers. It really is a fantastic idea. I'd join up straight away! I also hope I don't offend anyone by saying this, but it'd be nice to have a place where I don't have to read about people gorging on 1000 calorie chicken wings and other unhealthy crap. lol. It gets depressing reading it sometimes. I guess at this point in my life I want to surround myself with some positive energy.

Admittedly, I haven't really dined out since being banded (2/5/09), but I have had to eat at a couple of fast food places. At subway, I order a roast beef mini sub with no cheese or mayo, but with all the veggies and honey mustard. Just the other day, I went to culver's with my mom and I had a grilled chicken sandwich (no butter or mayo) with extra lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes. With either sandwich I am completely stuffed.

Hi 2Fly, I think I'm following suit here. I've been banded just barely over 2 months and I'm down exactly 70 pounds. (102 pounds if I count pre-surgery weight loss). My doctor is extremely pleased with my results. I haven't had any hair loss, but I also get in usually 50 of protein/day and all my Protein comes from food. I also exercise 6-7 times a week at the gym, and I do a lot of walking.

Good for you! I understand what you mean. JUst going to the mailbox was a HUGE effort. Heck I could barely tie my shoes at my heaviest. You are doing fantastic. Keep it up! Abbie-pie, do what you need to do at home to get that self-confidence built. Once you lose some of the weight, and start feeling good about yourself again, you'll find that you're able to do things that you previously did not think were possible. I felt the same way when I first joined the gym. People were looking at me. It wasn't paranoia. They were looking at me, but now each time I go, it's because I'm not going to let myself down anymore. I'm not going to let other people dictate what I can or can't do. I am going to keep going to that gym. I'm going to keep showing up, and I'm going to prove to everyone that I deserve to be there just as much as anyone else. :eek:

Hi everyone, and congrats on all the success! I found the jackpot when it comes to recipes. All of these are under 200 calories per serving. I hope this website helps put some variation into the diet. http://dietrecipesblog.com/category/chicken-recipes/ It also might be worth mentioning that I am a huge cheese and cream cheese fan. Since the band I have found a nice indulgance. I have one at each of my meals, it's the laughing cow cheese wedges. 35 calories per wedge. I love french onion and the garlic and herb flavors. Yum!

When I started the modified pushups, I could only do 3 sets of 5. Now I can do 3 sets of 15. The modified jumping jacks are a little bit confusing to explain, so instead I'm going to send you a link to a 10 minute cardio workout that does not require any equipment. I did this also in the beginning, and still do it when I need a pep for energy. She teaches you to do them in here, and it's a great short workout. Dont worry about not being able to do the "lunges, mountain climbers or squat thrusts" while she does those, I do the modified jumping jacks. VIDEO: Day 1 Bootcamp Workout I'm also going to give you a link to an excellent beginners weight training guide that you can do at home. Invest 8 bucks in some 3 pound dumbells and do what you can from the list. You will notice your increased strength in a matter of days. Fitness Plan Generator On a side, I took another big step tonight. I bought a swimsuit and went swimming in the gym. I know people were staring at me, but I held my head up high and did my thing. You know what? It felt great. It made me feel like that little girl from years earlier who use to spend all day at the pool. It made me feel human again. Neway, I feel so many good vibes from this group of high bmi'ers. I hope we can all stick together and help each other out.

Everyone is doing such a great job. I'm so glad to be reading threads like these. The motivation factor is incredible! Momster, 6 months before I was banded, I had to be on a supervised diet. At that time, my weight was 377. I couldn't walk several feet without gasping for air. When I'd lay down at night, I was scared to sleep. fearful that I wouldn't wake up. During the six month diet, I saw a fitness expert. She reccommended NOT buying "fancy" and "expensive" equipment. Since I was so overweight, insecure, and knowing I'd be too big for a lot of equipment at the gym, I bought the dvd "Walk away the pounds 1&2 mile walk" That DVD got it all going for me. When I first started the 1 mile walk, I thought I was going to die. I could only make it half way through. But I kept at it, twice a day. Instead of buying the weighted balls, I used Soup cans to start out, and it was just the right amount of resistance. I also started doing modified jumping jacks, and modified push-ups against the counter top. I lost 32 pounds on the supervised diet. I was banded 6 weeks ago, and have lost an additional 48 pounds. I now weigh in at 297. 2 weeks ago, I joined the YMCA, which was a huge step for me. But you know what? I just blast my mp3 player and do my workout. I'm there for me and no one else. I went from not being able to walk a few feet to working out for an hour, 6 days a week. Between the bike and walking, I put on 11-13 miles a day. I place a lot of credit to that DVD for getting me started. Might be worth checking out for you too.