lapband82709

**Updating due to nutritional changes**

Since I've been getting more messages lately asking for advice, what do I eat, how often do I work out, etc., I thought I would take a little time to blog about it. It makes me chuckle a little bit because 7 months ago, I never thought that I would have been one to give any kind of health or workout advice...ever. I am definitely not an expert and am learning as I go as well, so what I'm about to share is only what has worked for me. Everyone's bodies are different and will adjust to the band in different way and our bodies will adjust to the weight loss in different ways as well.

MY STATISTICS

Age: 29

Kids: Alyssa, 4 yrs old

Height: 5'7

Starting Weight: 285 Current Weight: 212

Starting BMI: 44.6 Current BMI: 33.2

Band date: 8/27/09

Band type: AP - holds 10CC

Current fill: a little over 5CC (about to have some removed as my band is a little too tight at the moment)

MY DIET

Morning: Protein shake - In the beginning, I was doing something quick like a Slimfast. If I have time to doctor it up then I like to blend as strawberry slimfast with a banana, ice and a dash of cinnamon OR the cappuccino slimfast is good blended with ice and two teaspoons of peanut butter. However, I found out from my doctor that I wasn't getting nearly enough protein, so I headed over to GNC for some advice. I am now drinking the Syntha 6 Protein Shake (Mochaccino is my fav). It is a little higher in calories and fat grams then some of the other protein shakes, but it is actually very good tasting and since I take it as a meal supplement, I have some calories to spare.

No morning snack

Lunch: Cup of soup OR a salad OR a SmartOnes/Lean Cuisine meal OR tuna wrap

Afternoon snack: Piece of fruit or some other low fat snack

Dinner: SmartOnes/Lean Cuisine meal OR 1/2 Chicken Breast with side of green beans OR 1/2 hamburger patti with slice of cheese and side of corn OR soup (I'll doctor up a can of soup for dinner with chopped onions, cilantro, hot sauce)

Drinks: Coffee in morning; I try to get in at least 4-5 bottles of water a day and add Special K Protein Water mix for the additional protein

WORK OUT SCHEDULE

Monday: Body Works class (aerobics class using weights)

Tuesday: Kickboxing class + Abs

Wednesday: Pilates OR Weights + Abs

Thursday: Spin/Cycle class (you can burn 800-1000 calories during one of these classes) + Abs

Friday: Weights + Abs

Saturday: Workout with personal trainer on either Upper or Lower body using weights (depending on what I did the night before)

all my workouts range from 1-1.5hrs

MY VITAMINS

Solotron Chewable Multivitamin - 2xs daily

Biotin - open and add capsule to shake 2xs weekly

As far as my banded life has been. I have had 3 fills since being banded (doc says I'm far behind on my fills). All fills have been pretty easy and have given me a good amount of restriction; however, this last fill, a little too much was put in and I need to have some removed. One indicator that your band is too tight is if you cannot drink an entire glass of water without wanting to vomit or spit it back out, then your band is probably too tight. Needless to say, I haven't been able to put anything but liquids down...mostly soup. Hopefully after tomorrow it'll be easier. Again, just proves that having the band is trial and error and everyone's body adjusts to it differently.

I hope this helps and good luck on your journey. Please always feel free to email me with any questions!

Missy

So, I'm a little over 2 months post-surgery and down 41 lbs. I really am beginning to see and feel the difference. I only wish I hadn't waited this long to have the surgery - what a life changing experience. I am hoping to not only lead a healthier lifestyle for me and my daughter, but to help influence friends and loved ones who have struggled with their weight as well.

I joined a gym about 3 weeks ago. I was always so hesitant to do so in fear that it will take away time from my daughter, but knowing I wasn't being disciplined enough (at all) on my own, I decided to just do it. Best decision ever. I forgot how good it feels to work out in a gym. I now have a personal trainer that is helping in the process and I'm now seeing such a difference...not even just in numbers but in the inches I'm losing. I highly recommend getting the help.

Thank you to everyone that has been so supportive to me on this site and for all the picture comments that help keep me motivated. A special thanks to my friend in AZ that is always there for me when I have a question.