minimeme

First few months I was averaging over 30 lbs loss each month. Then it slowed down the farther I got from surgery and the closer I got to my goal. But I had a lot of weight to lose. I have lost 220 lbs.

I shoot for 1200 per day. Me personally, I would not loose at 600 per day. I am 5' 10" and 134 lbs currently. Everyones metabolism is different. Find what works for you.

Early on, I too felt the port pain when I over ate. For the person who posted they didnt see how, it is because overeating puts pressure on the band and forces Fluid out of the band to the port area. I personally have problems with bread and dont eat it. But eating it and then drinking will sure cause it to swell in your pouch.

If you are going to give others internet protocol lesson, you might want to check yourself. You started out this with "I have seen you in other threads posting". Really?

Are you eating the proper foods? Are you drinking before during or after you meal? Eating the right foods and avoiding liquids during meals is key to feeling full. I could eat a huge portion of spaghetti and as long as I chew carefully, never feel restriction. But when I eat lean meats, fish and veggies, I feel my restrictions. Another one I will never get is chips and salsa/queso. They are such a slider food for me. Pasta too.

I started out walking the block, and when weather was bad, walking the mall. I now jog 3 miles a day. Start out doing exercise that cost you nothing and once you build your habit, look for some used equipment. Craigslist, yard sales and the local salvation army is full of old exercise equipment people bought thinking they would develop the habit of exercising once the purchased something. And since you have small children, you might want to think about your local YMCA. Their family plans are prorated for income (or use to be). Letting your kids swim or have fun while you work out would be a great time them the whole family.

How is your exercise? I know it is harder to get moving when you feel exhausted, but it will help. It is all about changing habits and adding exercise is going to be one of the habits you have to get into.

I rarely notice other people eating and I eat out several times a week. I am either eating with my guy and my eyes are for him only, or my nose is in a book. Not bashing others, but I have just never been one to gauge myself by other people. I rarely notice who has or does what. Just not me.

The beginning is the toughest part. Having to limit your intake with little help from the band. The best you can do is make it a habit. Buy small containers and measure everything out. In the beginning, I needed 5-6 small meals and still thought the hunger was almost intolerable. But you can do it and it does get better once your band adjustments kick in and you become accustomed to eating small portions. Right now is important for setting good habits. If you dont change your habits right now, it is going to be very hard to change them months after the surgery.

I made my self a promise when I started this that I would not fall into my old habits. My old thinking was if I was going to exercise more, I needed to BUY something. Instead I fought all urges to run out and make a purchase and instead worked with what I had available. In the beginning, I walked a lot and I danced. There are several youtube channels with dance exercise that I played on my TVs blueray player and danced along. I made my purchases part of my goal/rewards. When I hit X pounds, I purchased new shoes, a gym membership, Tai Chi classes, etc. For me, running out and buying something never worked. The purchase made me feel like I "accomplished" something and actually worked against my goals in the long run. If that makes any sense. Currently, I do 60 minutes of cardio 6x a week, weight training 3x a week, tai chi and yoga 2x a week and am down 140 lbs in about 18 mo.

I am afraid you are going to be sorely disappointed if you think the lap band is forced compliance. From my experience, the only time I really have restriction is when I am eating properly. The band does not restrict candy, chips, etc. The band cannot help me at all in making the right choices, just to eat smaller portions of things like lean meats, veggies and fish. Even spaghetti is a slider food for me...meaning i get no help in stopping eating.

I think one of the crueler ironies is with my band, many of the worst foods go down so easier. The healthier foods I have to be careful of (ie veggies, chicken, meat, etc.) "Sweets" do more damage than just the high calorie content. They also spike your blood sugar and send your hunger/cravings out of control. For me (as I cant speak for anyone else), out of control hunger is very dangerous. I have to be very careful. I eat them very sparingly and with Protein or fats to help with the absorption into my blood stream.

OMG the cover picture on that book has 3 pieces of toast? Who can eat even one piece of bread let alone 3???

Try Fruitein. a lot of people who dont like Protein drinks like this one. fruitein - Google Product Search

Call the practice and tell them you would like to come by and pick up copies of your doctors notes for your fill sessions. They have to provide them by law, although they might charge you a few pennies per sheet for copying fees. I had an issues with a workers comp doc so I just started picking up copies of his notes and bringing them into the next appointment. That way we were both on the same page. No hidden agendas. :smile: