TracyW2

I agree with the rest. band surgery was much easier. I had 2 c/s before band and 1 c/s after band.

Do you happen to know of any support groups that are closer to the Quincy/Jacksonville area?

Had a home day care when I was banded. Had surgery on Thursday and back to work on Monday.

Congrats. That is so wonderful to hear. I love hear success stories!

I only go out to eat maybe once a month, and have never tried it. I dont even walk into a buffet and at a regular restaurant I just take left overs home.

Everyone is going to have their own opinions on what they prefer and why. I'm heavy into weight lifting and use the Optimum nutrition brand from GNC. Chocolate Mint is my favorite.

I agree, try and stay away from the carbonation. Dont worry about having some drinks. I enjoy my margaritas and have had no problem with my weightloss.

Motivated...just curious as to why you want to get the band removed once at goal? I have had people ask me if I was going to get the band removed now and I couldnt imagine not having it plus the fear of gaining the weight back would haunt me.

The carbonation! I can not handle carbonation at all. Plus its filled with empty calories. Oh yeah, I have popcorn with no problem.

6 hour round trip and then $40 for the actual fill

It took me a long time before I would finally wear more appropriate sized clothing. I kept being told my clothes were too big and I needed to wear something to show off my new body, but I just wasnt comfortable. You will get there!

Lay on a pillow or blanket?

I cant help except to say you are not alone.

Nope, not at all. I had a slight unfill because I was having trouble getting food down. No complications with the band and being pregnant.

In 2 years I not only lost 160lbs, but I also had a baby. At 4 months post band, I got pregnant and it was a high risk pregnancy to boot. So no more exercising and no more weight loss for a year. But once he was here and I got the green light, back in the gym I got. You can do it!!

For me there was a lot of things leading up to my decision. Mainly the fact I didnt have the energy to play with my kids. I seen an add for a seminar and decided to join it. I left knowing I wanted to do this. Made the call and got the process rolling. I had to do a 6 month diet and the whole time I was second guessing myself. I am beyond thrilled that I went through with it and put my all into it. Have not regretted a day of it! Best of luck to you!

Its not just because of WLS, its the trama your body has gone through. Around 3 months after each of my c-sections, I had the same issues with hair loss. Hopefully you can keep from having this issue.

My kids are young and they dont recognize the old me at all. I will ask them who that is and they have no idea.Pretty cool feeling, huh?

Thank you! I will definitely be trying that one!

Thank you! Here you go. I think they are yummy, but Im eating clean so I have cut out all the processed stuff. http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/video-jamie-eason-chocolate-protein-bars.htm

I make protein chocolate bars that gives me that fix for my sweet tooth, but its healthy and gives me some added protein.

I have had the same issue. It is like I went from one extreme to the next. Just remember you do need calories to lose weight. Your body will go into starvation mode if you arent feeding it. I typically feel better on the days I allow myself to have more calories. I just overall feel like I have more energy.

I love going to the gym, in fact I have been working there for over a year also. I am constantly looking for things to switch it up so I dont get bored. Right now I am doing Jim Stoppani's 12 weeks shortcut to size. It actually takes out the cardio and only has me lifting 4 days a week. Its a far cry from Jamie Easton's 12 weeker where I was working out 6 days a week. I have been still doing some cardio, but not hitting that as hard. So what does your workout look like?

I love my gym time. Its where I find my peace and sanity!

I use Optimum Nutrition from GNC and you really want to use a blender. My favorite is vanilla or chocolate whey protein with peanut butter and a frozen banana and skim milk. So yummy!!