TamifromAL

Yes, I believe that exercise has made a difference in my weight loss. I didn't start exercising right after surgery because I had plantar fasciitis, and exercise just made it worse. Plus, I was losing fine just with the dietary changes. But, at about 4 months out/60 lbs. down, I knew it was time to get started. Plus, my surgeon flat out said that if I want to get all the way down to goal, that exercise is not an option...it is crucial. So, I joined a gym, and started going regularly at the first of January. At first I did 20" on the elliptical 3 times a week, plus a couple of sessions of strength training per week. I didn't have huge changes on the scale, but it was steady. Then, by the end of February, I felt confident about my fitness level to take it up a notch, and started taking a spinning class. All of a sudden, I started dropping like 3 lbs. a week, which to me is even more impressive since I'm under 20 lbs. to goal. I love the spinning so much that I now take a class every day except Sunday (because they don't offer one on Sunday!) It's fun, envigorating, and man, does it shred the pounds! I read something in a fitness magazine that I think is very true. It said that sometimes people get discouraged early in their fitness program because they don't see big changes on the scale. Here's the thing, your body starts hanging on to Water after you start exercising, because it needs water to process the glycogen stores in your cells. Plus, after several weeks, you also add some muscle weight. So, don't sweat it if you don't see appropriate feedback from the scales right away. Keep it up, because it is well worth it in the long run. Keep in mind, that you need to start at a level that is appropriate for you own level of fitness, and then progress so that you improve your fitness without getting burnt out or injured. The best way to measure your fitness level for cardio is a heart rate monitor. One other thing...most people don't enjoy fitness activities until they have some level of physical fitness, but, of course you have to exercise to get physically fit. So, either find an activity that you genuinely love to do, or accept that you just have to force yourself to do it until you get to the point where you want to! Tami

I'd like to see those same people in a year. Tami

Thanks, ya'll. I'm thinking now that it might just be allergies, it's certainly the season for it! But, Ariel, you reminded me of something I read recently. It said to go into the sauna (dry heat) once a week for 20" to prevent viruses. I guess it would be the same thing with a steam room, though. They said that viruses can't take the heat! I never use those facilities at my gym, because it seems kind of indulgent or something. But, hey, if it's a matter of health... Tami

I have a sneaky feeling that I have a cold coming on...my eyes feel gritty, and my throat is scratchy. So, what I'm wondering is how that might affect my exercise. I typically go to the gym every day, doing a spinning class daily and strength training 2-3 days a week. Do I continue to go even with a cold? Take a OTC cold med before going? Or, take some time off? Or maybe workout at home? Is it rude to show up at the gym with obvious cold symptoms? I hate the idea of anything knocking me off track, but I also want to do what's best for my body and to be considerate of others. Any advice? Tami

Dang, I'm glad you mentioned that! I'm in the same situation as you, but have free fills until September. I was going to put off gall bladder surgery indefinitely (until more frequent/severe attacks), but with the fill situation in mind, I'd be better off getting the surgery out of the way so that I can get my re-fills for free! I've only had a few attacks. The first two or three were relatively mild. The last one was 5-6 weeks ago, and was fairly severe. It started after lunch, and lasted until dinner time or so. I was in bad enough pain that I knew that I couldn't drive myself to the hospital, so it was either wait it out or call 911. Fortunately, it passed before that was necessary. An ultrasound the next week showed the stones. I visited my bariatric surgeon a few days later, and he recommended I go ahead and have surgery. He said that something like 80% of the American population has gallstones, but once you become symptomatic, it usually goes downhill, and that eventually surgery is necessary. He added that women are more likely to go ahead and have it taken care of, whereas men usually wait until they have "the big one" that makes them regret delaying surgery! Wheetsin, what are you waiting for, girl?? You seriously need to go on and get that baby taken care of! Don't be such a "guy"! Tami

I don't know about printing out a log to keep with you, but SparkPeople.com is an awesome site that includes a nutrition tracker. You enter the foods you eat, and it calculates the amount of calories, Protein, carbs & fat. It's really easy to use. Tami

Ooops, you're right! They just moved to a new room. Thanks for the correction! Tami

How'd I miss this thread? Howdy, neighbors! I had my surgery (self-pay) on September 5, 2006, by Dr. Miles at MCE. He's my hero! I've lost 87 lbs, and feel awesome. We have a lap band support group meeting every 3rd Saturday, at 11am, on the third floor, Bldg 46, at Medical Center East. Although most of the participants are patients of Drs. Miles & Schmitt, others are welcome, too. I think it might be the only lap band-specific weight loss support group in the area. Ya'll come on down! Tami

I was looking at some profiles at ObesityHelp.com, and noticed several people put disclaimers on their profiles saying that their surgery was done by Dr. XXX, and that no other doctor has permission to use their pics or stories. I got the impression that some doc (or more than one) was "borrowing" pics and profile info to advertise his practice. Tami

What I love about the band is that it gave me hope. I had lost many, many pounds over the years, only to gain every one back plus more. I'd gotten to the point where I just couldn't muster up the motivation to try anymore. The band gave me hope that if I would make that effort again, change how I eat, get more active, and lose the weight, that this time, I will hopefully keep it off. And, I believe it will. Just having it there gives me a sense of peace. I don't have to worry that one wrong step will send me spiralling off the "diet" and on the pathway back to obesity. Tami

losingjusme, thank you so much! I've watched your journey, too. You have a wonderful attitude, and the right mindset. And, I didn't make all those new habits at once. I just strive for progression! Tami

I chug it! If I'm so tight that I have to sip liquids, that's too tight for me. Tami

When are you going? I'm going down on the 18th for a week. I don't know of any special precautions, though. I cancelled my last fill appointment, because I wanted to avoid being overfilled on vacation. Tami

There was a post on another site earlier today asking "what happens when you're at goal?" Of course, the band is still there, but what people choose to do with it varies. Some people like to keep a fairly tight band, fearing regaining their weight. Others go for a partial unfill to allow them a little more flexibility with their eating. A few go for a full unfill, expecting their new lifestyle choices to keep their weight under control. I have no idea which path I'll take. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there! But that's what's so wonderful about the band. It *is* still there, and we can choose to put it to use whenever we are ready and/or need to! Tami

Actually, I don't drink it! But, not really because of the "no drinking while eating" rule. It's because I don't like soggy cereal! I put the milk in the bowl, then sprinkle a bite or two in, eat it, repeat. When I scoop out the Cereal, I tilt the spoon so that I don't actually take in liquid milk, but only what sticks to the cereal. Does that make sense? Tami

Automating meals (one or two per day) is one of the suggestions in the "You on a Diet" book. Supposedly, reduced variety leads to quicker satiety. I eat the same breakfast almost every day. That's 1 c. of Kashi Go Lean Crunch Cereal with 1% milk. Because I eat cereal slowly, and it might get soggy, I pour the milk into the bowl, add a little cereal, eat that, then add more cereal... lunch varies, and is often leftovers, but one of my standards is turkey chili. Sometimes I'll serve it over some chopped dark green lettuce. dinner also varies, but is more often chicken and veggies, in one form or another. Tami

Today's my 6-month bandiversary, and I'm down 82 lbs. :rockon: Edit: I missed the "how?" part of your message. Basically, I follow the band rules most of the time, drink my Water, limit sugar, white flour, and trans/saturated fats. After the first 50-60 lbs., I started exercising, and have steadily progressed with that until I'm now doing a spin class 5-6 days a week plus strength training 2-3 days a week. I don't believe in keeping a "too tight" band, because I want to be able to eat Breakfast and solid Proteins. Oh, and I didn't use any Protein supplements until recently (due to the strength training). For the last month or two I've been posting everything I eat and drink on my blog at Obesity Help, feel free to take a look: http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/tamifromal Tami

That makes me wonder whether you are exercising in your target heart rate. Do you use a heart rate monitor? I bought a Polar brand heart rate monitor, and using a calculator on their web site, I found my target heart rate (based on my morning resting heart rate). Tami

I started noticing a lot of hair in my shower drain and on my lap while I was blow drying my hair at about 4 months out from surgery. It lasted about a month or so, but now at 6 months out it seems to be back to normal. I didn't lose enough for it to be noticeable, but I have very thick hair naturally. Tami

Hi there, Unfortunately, it's been my experience that in order to enjoy exercise and even look forward to it, you have to be in pretty good physical condition. Of course, you can't get "in shape" without exercising. So, basically you have to force yourself to do it until you get to the point where you *want* to do it. But, in the meantime, I do have a couple of suggestions. First, don't underestimate the power of your own mind. Every time I drive by my gym, I say (with conviction), "I LOVE that place." It was a total lie at first, but now it's actually true. When you're on your treadmill, picture yourself as you want to be (thin/physically fit), striding along, with your head held high, gut sucked in, proud of what you've achieved. I swear to you that this type of guided imagery really works. Second, find some really good music to work out to. I got an iPod, and loaded all my favorite music into it. I click through until there's a song with the right beat to match my pace, and I'm off! Good luck, and stick with it. Tami

DrewsLou, have you picked your name yet? Don't leave us hangin'! Tami

I don't know how much of our reputation is deserved, and how much of it is stereotypes perpetuated by the media. As Jeff Foxworthy says, when something news worthy happens, they don't look for someone with some measure of intelligence to discuss it, they look for the woman in her housecoat and slippers with curlers hanging out of her hair, saying, "It was pandelirium!" Of course, sometimes the piece just speaks for itself: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zkw_mru-hU]YouTube - Leprechaun in Alabama[/ame]

The real bigotry in this piece is the assumption that they would get beaten, killed or arrested, not the reaction that they received from the people who were taunted. And, we get this type of thing all the time in Alabama. Somehow it's politically correct to lay all the blame for bigotry and ignorance in the US on one state. Every time there's a joke about the south on TV, it's "Alabama". Tami

For the past month or so I've been posting what I eat and my exercise on my profile at Obesity Help. I don't know whether they allow posting links here, but I'll try posting the link to my profile. http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/tamifromal/ Tami

You are singing my song, sister! I get a little frustrated when I read someone post, "Why am I not losing weight yet?" before they have restriction. Invariably, several people respond that the first six weeks or so after surgery are for "healing", and that no weight loss should be expected. I say that's just baloney. It *is* true that you may have little help from the band at the point. But, you can lose weight the "old fashioned" way by restricting your calorie intake and moving your body. And, about the time your motivation starts flagging, you'll start getting fills and have restriction to help you continue. Getting the band was a huge "trigger" for me, that put me into weight-loss mode mentally. I was ready to make some serious changes in how and what I eat, and I've pretty much consistently lost weight. So, don't buy into the idea that you won't lose weight until you get adequate restriction. Because what you believe is often what you get! Go for it! Tami