Denny_C

Hi Everyone, It's official, I'm down 103 pounds since November when I had my operation. The wife is down 52 pounds, we had our surgery on the same day. I had someone ask how I did it and I have to say that it was exercise and diet. I watch the carbs and calories very closely and exercise for an hour each day. It's not easy but it has paid off. I have another 13 pounds to go to my initial goal and I think I'll make that by early June. My exercise is at level 12 (max) and I walk at a 3 MPH pace. The schedule, first thing in the morning, is to walk three 20 minute miles on the old treadmill while I watch the news or something interesting on TV. It's boring but it works wonders for the old body. I'm wearing waist size 36 jeans now, down from 46 and I think I may get down to a size 34 waist by June. I have to admit the last 10 pounds have been very slow in coming off but I'll keep at it!

I had my band placed on November 19th 2008 and I have lost 101 pounds, so far. My wife had her band placed the same day and has lost 52 pounds. It has been great to do this together as we keep each other "honest" and support each other to get past it when you get the craving for munchies. I had my job outsourced to India around the same time so I've been able to exercise everyday and watch the diet very closely and that is how I've (we have) lost so much weight. It's great to buy "normal" pants and underwear now. My biggest problem is keeping a belt that can keep my new pants up. I bought size 40 jeans and found that they were too big, so, I went to a size 38, now even these are getting too loose! I have another 14 pounds until I reach my initial goal weight but I may continue to reduce my weight below that as I'm feeling very good and want to get down to a size 34 waist. I must say that when I held the size 40 jeans up I didn't think I would even come close to getting into them by the looks of things. You know, when you hold up a pair of pants and think is this the right size? I thought, "well, keep working at it and you can fit into these". But, when I got home, I actually had room to spare! It felt really good. It's amazing what reducing your weight by 101 pounds can do for your body shape.

OK, not it's official, getting rid of the extra weight really sucks...but I'm doing well with it. I've managed to lower my weight by 78 pounds since November 2008 but, sometimes, I feel like I'm killing myself on the old work outs! Now that we know working out really sucks I've found that outside of the time consumed (at least an hour a day) I'm not really challenged anymore. Of course I sweat and my feet get blisters from time to time but overall I'm getting somewhat use to it. The past week has really had some ups and downs so I'll give you the ups first. I had my yearly checkup and my regular doctor was amazed. All of my tests (Blood, urine, etc...) came back normal, nothing elevated! I was 248 on Tuesday but (here comes the bummer) I'm at 250 today (Friday). Still, it's not bad. I contribute the extra weight to the water intake being higher. I wanted to increase my liquid intake so I've been drinking more water than before. Overall, I'm down 76 pounds since November and have just had my third fill. With that third fill I had my first two PBs, a very unpleasant experience. (PB means productive burp which is a polite way of saying vomiting!) I never "PB" but now I have to watch the way I eat and how fast I eat. I have kept up my treadmill exercise of 3 miles a day at an incline of 10 at a speed of 3MPH and have not missed a day in the past 6 weeks. I hate every minute of it but the results are fantastic. I'm able to fit into my old (really old) pants and shirts. It's also nice to have people tell you “you look great” and ask how you are doing it. That makes the heart smile. I’m not sure how much I would have lost if I were not working out but I’m sure it would not have been as good as it has been. My wife walks for 20 minutes a day at an incline of 5 at 2.5 MPH. She has lowered her weight by 40 pounds (as of this morning). We had our lap bands placed on the same day in November. We eat pretty much the same thing except I take a larger protein drink than she does usually. It really helps to have the both of us doing this together. I would think it would be very difficult to diet with the rest of the family eating regular meals around you and having all kinds of goodies in the refrigerator. Needless to say we emptied our cabinets and refrigerator of all things that are not good for us. You have no idea of how many times I’ve stood in front of that frig looking at empty shelves hoping that she missed something. I must say she was very good at getting rid of all of the temptations. I wish everyone success in their efforts to get rid of the extra weight and hope that you take my suggestions of exercise to help you do it. I know it is extremely hard, especially at first, but you can do it! Weigh in on 11/01/2008 at 326 Banded on 11/19/2008 weight was 309 On Tuesday 2/25 my weight was 248 only 38 pounds to go to my initial objective.

Hi, I weighed 326 on November 1st and I was at 309 on my day of surgery on 11/19/08. Today (2/10/09) I'm down to 259. That's 67 pounds in 3 months. I work out at least 1 hour a day by walking 3 to 4 miles on an incline of 9 or 10. This keeps my heart beat below 176 but that is for me, you may need to work up to that so be careful and don't overdo. I haven't been too hungry (so far) but it's been difficult at times not to grab a soft drink during my lunch or supper. I think that has been the hardest thing for me so far. I do confess, when I start to get hungry I get up and walk for a while until the hunger goes away. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't but it's a trick I use to help me. My initial target is 210 but I may lower that when I get close to that initial target, we'll see. My wife and I had the band placed on the same day by the same doctor and it's really helped both of us. She is down 40 pounds from her start of 264 and is doing about 15 minutes of walking everyday but keeps her incline down to a 3 or 4. By both of us doing the band at the same time we understand what the other person is going through and we support each other. At any rate, you will feel sore at first but as time goes bye you will feel better and want to do more and more. Of all of the over 300's I've read about I'm most impressed with Sue Magoo, Bigpapa2 and Gingerbug! Way to go!

Jewels68, your stats are great! My wife has lost around 40 pounds as well and is doing about the same amount of exercise. I think the trick here is the walking combinded with the diet. I know it is a major pain to do but it seems to get us past the "weight holds" and creates a steady weight loss. I really haven't had the problem of food getting stuck on the way down or any of the other problems people have when the band is filled but I worry that it will come sooner or later. I've been doing my best to chew, and chew some more, so, mabe that is saving me. I see where someone is using baby spoons and forks but that doesn't do it for me. We have traded our large dinner plates for smaller plates and that seems to help make it seem like more to eat. However, I really haven't been to hungry up to this date. Yesterday, I had a slip off the wagon and had cheese nachos at Fridays with extra peppers and had a small steak to go with it. After my walk this morning I was down another pound so it didn't hurt me too much. Today was a new milestone for me, I'm in the 250's which is something I've been shooting for. I'm wearing pants that I haven't had on for several years and they are getting too big for me now. I'll have to get new threads soon but for now I have enough to keep me going. It's nice, in a way, when people ask if you are OK because you have lost so much weight! They always try to do it with tact but it seems to come out badly when they worry that you are sick and that's the cause of the weight loss. Actually, I'm in better health now than I have been in years. I wish you and eveyone else a successful weight reduction and that you look as great as you feel when it's done! Start 11/01/08 326 day of operation 309 (11/19/08) today (2/10/09) 259 target 210

Hi Everyone, I've been reading this post and see where several people have had a very hard time in trying to get rid of the extra weight. After my workout today (I walked for 80 minutes = 4 .2 miles) I weighed 260 down 66 pounds from my start weight. I know that sounds like a lot but I just had a lot more extra weight to get rid of than you do, so, it comes off faster, is all. I'm lucky that the weight is coming off but I'm disappointed that it isn't going down even faster! I think that the workouts and the very tight diet has made the difference for me but I don't recommend this to everyone as it really sucks doing that much time in heavy sweat. I really don't care for it other than for the pounds melting away. Being a male seems to help a great deal and I have time now that I'm "Simi" retired. If I were still working I don't think I would be able to spend as much time working out and my weight would not drop as fast, I'm sure. My desk job was sent to India so I was retired early and I now have time to hunt for a new job and exercise at the same time. Otherwise, I'm sure my weight would not drop so fast. I tell myself that my new job is to reduce my weight so I work on it at least an hour a day. I'm writing you to give you hope. My band is working (somewhat) to help curb the hunger but that's only part of the story. Try to start walking as much as you can and see if you can get past the "weight holds". If I can get rid of 66 pounds (from 11/19/08) then you can too. I'm the world's worst in trying to diet but with the walking and with the diet combination I'm doing very well. Hang in there no matter what and just remember that when it starts to come off you will be able to do more and it will come off even faster. I know it sounds easy when it's really not. But, I'm doing my best and I hope that it gives you the desire to do well because it does work. Denny_C Start on 11/01/08 326 operation day 11/19/08 309 today (2/9/09) 260 initial target 210 altimate target is 180ish

Hi, I thought my band had slipped or something wasn't right until I found that until the second or third fill you really don't have a restriction and can eat pretty much anything. You have to work past that on your own but I'm sure you can do it. I just had my second fill and I do feel a bit of restriction now. I've got to tell you at times I wake up in the middle of the night and my hunger just screams "eat something" at me but I've managed to resist on my own. It's not easy, that's for sure. I've reduced my weight from 326 to 267 in three months by following the doctor's orders and doing a very heavy exercise program. I just past my half way mark to my goal weight and I'm feeling pretty good about my progress. I think I may be over doing it but I feel good and I'm very happy with the results. What I've found is that the band is a great help but it does not do all of the work. You have to help it by doing what you already know is right and exercise.. I hate exercise too but it's really paying off in my case. :thumbup:

Misty, I guess the best thing to tell you is that I weighed 326 on November 1st, 2008. I was banded on 11/19/08 and I now weigh 267 and I'm half way to my goal. The band is not a cure all and it does not do all of the work for you but it sure helps! Until my second fill I really didn't have a restriction and I thought maybe my band was screwed up or something. Now, after the second fill I'm just starting to feel the restriction. I've got rid of the weight by following the doctor's orders and did not eat like before even if the band does not restrict at first. I exercise at least an hour a day (I hate it too) but it is really paying off. So, hang in there and keep up the "I can do it attitude".

Hey Biker, You and I are pretty close to the same build. I'm a little shorter (5'10'') but you have me beat by a few pounds when I started this same course of action. First thing, the day of the surgery isn't as bad as it could be but it's not all that bad either. You will be really sore the first day but by the day after you can start to feel human again. You will feel the port for a few weeks and it will be sore so if you use your belly to push things you may want to think it over first. Second, the band is not filled when you first get it. You will not feel a restriction until around the 3rd fill. At first everything will pass right on bye so you have to get rid of the weight by just following the doctor's orders for a couple of months. Third, ya have to start an exercise routine. I walk everyday for at least 1 hour at a speed of 3 and an incline of 10 on the treadmill. Now, it took me several weeks to get to that level and it takes a lot of self discipline but you can do it. For the good news, I weighed 326 on November 1st, 2008. I now weigh 267 and I’m half way to my goal of 210! I’ve followed the “rules” to the absolute and over exercised to make that happen but you can do it too. Hang in there Bro you can do it and the operation is not all that bad. I won’t lie to you, the operation is not a fun thing but it’s not all that bad either. The fills are easy and really don’t hurt. By the way, I’m older than you are by 20 years, so, if I can do it you can do it!

Hi everyone, it’s been awhile since I posted so I thought this particular thread was the best suited as my Wife and I had our lap-bands placed on November 19th (the same day). So far, I have reduced my weight by 59 pounds and my wife is down around 30 pounds. I refuse to say I “lost” the weight as that would indicate that I plan to find it again someday. I do not plan to “find” it anytime soon (never again!!!). I know that the weight reduction is large but I’ve been really working on it and have followed the doctor’s orders to the absolute. I have also been very active in my exercise plan. I spend about 1 hour of very intense walking on the treadmill. I walk at a speed of 3.0 on an incline of 10 for an hour. Then I “cool down” by changing the incline to a 3 and change the speed to 2.6. I keep that up until my heart returns to a somewhat normal beating per minute. Yes, I hate every moment of it! I watch TV as I work out to help pass the time and it doesn’t seem to be quite as bad. I’ve found that without the extreme exercise I just can’t get rid of the weight. While I don’t recommend this plan for anyone it works for me as it took me a couple of weeks to work up to making it the whole hour at that speed and incline and stay within my ability range. My heart does not go over 172 beats a minute at this speed and that’s about what I use as my objective heart rate. Yesterday I reached my half way mark to my weight objective. After I came out of the Marine Corps (in very good shape, might I add) I weighed 190. The doctor thought that with my age, height and build I would be about right at 210, which is my initial goal. Today, after my workout, I weighed 267 from my starting at 326 on November 1st. I’ve found that the lap band is a tool that helps me to keep from being hungry all of the time but it’s not the cure all. I have to work with it and keep exercising. I’m, actually, starting to get accustomed to the routine now even if I hate doing it. I’m lucky that I don’t seem to gain the weight back if I miss a day or two of exercise due to other activities. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the lap-band is great but you need to exercise and follow the “rules” that your doctor gives you. You must try to find out what is right for you as far as exercise is concerned, so, work up to it. I hope you all do well and that I don’t weaken in my drive to my goal and you also reach your goals soon!

Hi everyone, I hope this note, to my blog, finds you all happy and well! I know everyone is getting ready for the holidays... and the food that goes along with it. I have to admit that my family and in-laws have been very helpful in not trying to push food toward me or my wife. It's difficult this time of year but I'm dead set that I will get past the next two weeks and not overeat! Just so everyone knows, my wife and I had our lap band surgery on the same day. We both needed to get rid of the extra pounds and figured that the best way to support each other was to be in the same boat when it comes to eating, or not eating, depending on the point of view! I'm down 40 pounds from my pre-op weight but I've been stuck at this weight for about a week now. This is discouraging as I walk 3 miles every day and have not been going off the wagon and eating. I've kept my diet going, I'm just at a stand still right now. I know it will past but it seems like it should be dropping like a rock instead of staying around. :mad: I've been reading several blogs and thought I could contribute to helping others that have become discouraged. I'll just keep the old attitude going that I'm getting my health back and the weight will come down as I continue to get better eating habits and more exercise. I can only hope that by being positive I can help someone else know it's not a lot of fun but it will get better! I took a long time to get this overweight, so, I should not expect it to drop off overnight. I do wish it would go a little faster but I'll take what I can get. So, if you are at a stand still, like me, we'll just work through this together and someday.. we will be normal size again! I would like to take a moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a great new year! I hope you have a wonderful week ahead with your family and friends and that they tell you how happy they are that you have lost so much weight!

My wife has lost 28 pounds, but, we had a lot to loose. No complications, so far, but we have been very careful to follow the diets and instructions on how to eat solids after the post op diet. No deviation from the plans for us and it's much easier when we both have to follow the same plan. I do get a bit more protine drink than she does but that was in our guidelines from the doctor. My plans are to drop 115 pounds overall and, more importantly, keep it off. My wife wants to do around the same amount. That's where we'll need the lap band. We have lost the weight before only to gain it back (and then some) so we felt we needed to get some help and the lap band seems to be the key. Being in this together really helps in the support department. Congratulations on the marriage! My wife and I have been married for almost 27 years, we got married on the 1st of January so we would always have it off. I can only hope that you are as happy as we have been over the years. (We got married in the morning on New Years day, so I could watch the football games in the afternoon! :biggrin:) My wife is very understanding and I'm sure that is why I'm happy with her. I try to be as good to her as she is to me so she may keep me; at least for now!:biggrin: This must be a very large change in your life, getting a lap band and then getting married within a few weeks of each other. How wonderful for you!

Hi everyone, I hope this note, to my blog, finds you all happy and well! I know everyone is getting ready for the holidays... and the food that goes along with it. I have to admit that my family and in-laws have been very helpful in not trying to push food toward me or my wife. It's difficult this time of year but I'm dead set that I will get past the next two weeks and not overeat! Just so everyone knows, my wife and I had our lap band surgery on the same day. We both needed to get rid of the extra pounds and figured that the best way to support each other was to be in the same boat when it comes to eating, or not eating, depending on the point of view! I'm down 40 pounds from my pre-op weight but I've been stuck at this weight for about a week now. This is discouraging as I walk 3 miles every day and have not been going off the wagon and eating. I've kept my diet going, I'm just at a stand still right now. I know it will past but it seems like it should be dropping like a rock instead of staying around. :biggrin: I've been reading several blogs and thought I could contribute to helping others that have become discouraged. I'll just keep the old attitude going that I'm getting my health back and the weight will come down as I continue to get better eating habits and more exercise. I can only hope that by being positive I can help someone else know it's not a lot of fun but it will get better! I took a long time to get this overweight, so, I should not expect it to drop off overnight. I do wish it would go a little faster but I'll take what I can get. So, if you are at a stand still, like me, we'll just work through this together and someday.. we will be normal size again! I would like to take a moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a great new year! I hope you have a wonderful week ahead with your family and friends and that they tell you how happy they are that you have lost so much weight! :biggrin:

I use to joke that if I didn't find work in Florida at least I would be warm and hungry. Now, after being here for 11 years I am warm.. and hungry! Not because I don't have work but because I started my new changed life style. I was "banded" on 11/19 after 2 weeks of dieting. I went from 326 to 309 on that pre-op diet which shrinks the liver. Well, the liver shrank and I was ready to get started on the band but I have found that I have already stalled somewhat in my race to get rid of the extra fat. I weighed 315 upon returning from the operation which must have been caused by the dripping bag of liquid that was stuck into my right hand. That came off in the first week and I'm now at 301 after 10 days post op. However, I have been at 301 for about 3 days now. I know I'm impatient but, hey, I am ready to get going! An interesting thing that you may be interested in. My wife and I had our bands placed on the same day. We shared an overnight stay in the hospital in the same room which was unusual for the hospital as they prefer not to have people with the same last name in a room and never a man and a woman in the same room. I guess we broke several taboos but we made it and we started this life style change together, as it should be. I'm really tired of the liquid diet but I have not been too hungry or felt starved just yet. I know things may change in the next few days but we made it through Thanksgiving without falling off the wagon, so, I think we can get through the holidays in good shape (as far as the diet goes). It really helps having my wife going through the exact same thing I am. It let's us know how the other one is feeling at the time and we support each other to make it another day. I look forward to blogging my weight decline and sharing our experiences with you in the hope it helps you or a loved one. I would like to take a moment to wish everyone a very happy holiday season and wonderful new year!