KarenInOhio

I got banded in March 2009. By September 2009, my doctor told me I had lost more than the average gastric bypass person (I was down to 230). And then it happened. My dad died. My mother became suicidal, my brother became detached. My family was fractured. I couldn't handle the stress, and my weight loss came to an abrupt halt. I felt like a failure for over the next 5 years. I wondered if I should have gotten the bypass. Should I have waited until something better came along, like the sleeve ? I was beating myself up emotionally, every day. I did not gain all of my weight back (my highest was 289), but I got very offtrack and gained a few pounds and stayed there (235-240). I had even gone back to WW, but that didn't work for me. Fast forward to 2015. I was all set to start counting calories on 1/1. But I didn't. Again, I felt like a failure. But then something dawned on me. Maybe I could start counting calories with some friends (non-bandsters), and use each other for tips, and tricks and encouragement. So on 1/12, I started carrying a little Mead notebook in my purse, and I started using it religously. I write down EVERYTHING and the calories. Good or bad. My calorie goal is 1450-1500 a day. I have gone under that, and gone over that. But I've never eaten more than 2000 calories in one day. And similar to the Wendy Plan, I think my daily fluctuating count is what is helping me lose weight. And seeing the numbers in ink help me stay on course more than any point ever could. From 1/12 to 2/9, I lost 13 pounds. NOW MORE THAN EVER BEFORE - I see that the band is a helper, a "tool." It is NOT a magic bullet, and if you treat it like it is, you are bound to fail. I hope every banded person finds their way and doesn't spend years regretting the surgery, like I did. I know I am finally using it the right way. If all I have to do is count calories the rest of my life, I know I can make it to my goal.

i started a new job where the cafeteria leaves much to be desired. i guess i'm going to start packing my lunch. could sure use your suggestions. what do YOU pack ?

what's a sticky ?

i haven't tried steak yet (too afraid of it). no bread. can't handle raw broccoli. nuts & popcorn are no problem.

i used to drink tons of soda (i call it "pop" LOL) before i had surgery. i don't know why --- but since surgery --- i have had *no* desire to drink it.

i don't think so. i was always told if the food gets "refunded", so to speak, it was bad.

there is a whole section for bandsters on WW on this website. you can find more threads here: LAP-BAND

does WW only have 2 options when attending classes in person --- the monthly pass & the weekly pay ? didn't they used to have a pre-pay plan ? i don't like the monthly pass because the last time i did that and cancelled, they had some crazy cancellation loophole where they were able to charge me for additional month. i am thinking seriously about actually JOINING because i've been playing around with the same pounds since november (up a few, down a few, up a few, down a few....) :ohmy:

i haven't rejoined yet (i may just count points on my own), but i read one lady used the points that a 150lb woman would use. even though this is not what she weighs now.

i went for my 3rd fill (or what i thought would be my 3rd fill) last friday. but because i've been PB-ing twice a week since my 2nd fill, my doc would not give me a fill. he said i *must* learn to slow down, and chew better. i told him i'm not vomiting, and he said that did not matter --- because a PB, a vomit, or getting stuck can ALL cause a band slippage. so since friday, i have really slowed down and not rushed through my meals, and not eaten when i am stressed. and guess what --- i have not had 1 PB since friday !

that's FANTASTIC !!! :redface:

1pm is fine ! can't wait !

11am ? heather, does that work for you too ?

how about this saturday 11am at the starbucks in willoughby (on euclid ave, near giant eagle) ? then for our next meeting, we can go to mayfield ?

sure heather. how about this saturday at a starbucks?

i would love to, also ! how about a starbucks or something?

i think i'll be driving down for this one !

bernadette, does your doc make you do the "Water test" right after you get your band? on my first fill, i could not finish 4 oz of water without pain, so he withdrew some saline. on my 2nd fill, he was much less aggressive with the fill.

hi there, i have my doctors 10 rules for success at home, so i'll post that tonight. i'm middle-aged and have managed to lose 37 lbs since 3/11, so you CAN do this. basically here is what i do daily: breakfast: a Protein shake with milk, Protein powder, and yogurt (my doc believes our bands don't like food in the morning) snack: 3 wheat pretzels or a piece of string cheese lunch: usually the salad bar, with cheese, chicken, mushrooms, peas, etc. or any kind of chicken dish dinner: usually more chicken or fish and a vegetable evening snack: Protein Shake and i drink 64+ ounces of Water a day. my doc wants us to completely avoid bread. he said matza bread is okay though. at this point, i feel like i am doing all the work, not the band, because i still don't get that full feeling (i've had 2 fills). i usually stop myself before i reach 2 cups of food. hope this helps !!! also, there are some great books out there on what to eat. check them out on amazon.

sure scanlon. i'm in willoughby, i see you're in eastlake.

sorry, just saw this... Fitworks is good, but I don't know if they'd let you in for just a day or 2. We have a few Bally's around too.

hi guys, i didn't feel like reading all 11 pages. i'm just wondering if this has happened to anyone who gets in all their protein (daily)?

good luck today bernadette !!! i get my 2nd fill tomorrow.

thanks bernadette !