Giby97

Remember you should have at least 60 to 80 proteins a day and multivitamins. Adding powder is ok as long as you stay within the diet plan for daily intake of proteins. I cound proteins each day.

I tried Ensure and was satisfied, now I switched to Whey Protein, professional strength (52kg protein). Protein 26g and Sugar 3g. When I am not having a shake and Multivitamin (always take a multivitamin daily) I have two or two eggs and toast in the morn. Lunch I have Tuna and crackers or a bowl of chilly, or a small microwave meal from the store which is high in protein. Evenings, I try to have fish, or chicken, or sometimes just veggies and pork and beans. Green salads are fantastic and filling. I enjoy sugarless popsicles in the evening when I feel hungry, or I have a piece of string cheese stick. There are some new snacks out there that are only 100 calories. I have tried them and still promote my weight loss. Enjoy your journey.

Hi I started 4 Jan 10 at 270 (123.1 kg). Now, 7 mos out, 229. Loss of 42 #s. Your off to a fantastic start. My pains did not go away until the 8th day. I weight myself daily and today I weight 103.9 kg. I reside in South Korea-where they use kg vs actual #s. Conversion by 2.2 for me to get weight. Figured my goal wt out: 77kg and my plan to reach it is 4 Jan 2011, my band anniversary date. Good luck on your journey and hope it is as fantastic as mine is. So sit back and enjoy the ride as a fellow bandster.

Hi, I don't think anyone should worry about loose skin after their surgery. For one fat turns to muscle and it tightens up particularly when one exercises three to four times a week. Loose skin is when you have Liposuction! Our weight loss is gradual so much better toning. I am in my 7th month now after surgery, toning up all the time and I really have not started my hard exercise program yet. Don't worry about loose skin too much. Just be patient, and follow the diet plan. Remember exercising tones muscles, (fat turns to muscle-possibly no weight loss--cause your toning up) Then after it reaches a peak, whammo weight loss will happen. I have lingered for one to three weeks without a loss, but then one day there you go. I have seen a gradual loss during my 7 mos. I started at 270#s and now I am 229#s. Goal 170#s(Jan 11-my one year mark). Best of Luck on your journey. You will look fabulous when your done, so hang in there.

Janet, you are truly amazing. Patience and Will Power go hand in hand for all of us bandsters. Our communications in this forum will help many others achieve what you have so far. You are an inspiration to all of us. What I have learned as a bandster is be patient, time is on my side and my foreseeable results will be in sight and achieved in due time. I have adjusted my behavior to ignore all negative thoughts of me by others, I am in charge and I am on the road to success as I see you are too. Our Lord Jesus Christ is on our side and he will hear us and guide us. There is a reason why things happen. Living a happy lifestyle and with very little or no stress is our new way of life. We should all be happy now, Hope all fellow bandsters are patient and positive, problems have a way of working out for the best whereby creating a much better happier life for us.

Yes I drink my coffee still, and I drink it Black. I get up at 4 am and make coffee and have at least two cups prior to having my breakfast-shake and vitamin at 6:30. I also drink coffee at work maybe two cups the whole day. I do however eat my meals at 4.5 or 5 hours apart. Tuna and crackers for lunch or chili beans, or mac and cheese. From lunch to dinner I drink water, 4 cups. Then it's dinner time, tuna salad sandwhich. I manage to drink water for a few hours and may have a sugarless popsicle. Most bandster's tailor their eating habits to their own life style. I love my coffee and my doc says it's ok. There is nothing like that first one or two cups of coffee in the early morn, sitting outside with my 4 dogs on the steps or my rooftop-this is my quality time I set aside for myself everyday. Best wishes on your journey.

Super Job!!!!You should be very happy with those results. I am impressed. We share the same goal, 170 then possibly 165.

I begin my day with either a shake and multivitamin, or an omelet with cheese/two eggs. 4 hours later I have tuna salad and crackers-kits you buy at store. then it's water for the next 4 hours. Dinner is a cup of fish, chicken or beef, with a 1/2 cup of veggie. Two hours later a sugarless popsicle or two, then some water before bed. That's my routine. Lunch at work usually are tuna and crackers, or small microwave dishes, like chili beans, or mac and cheese, or a small 390 caloried meal. The grocery store has nice protein meals high with protein which I usually eat at lunch. When I do, I eat lighter in the evening. I do drink coffee in the a.m. A must for me, since I love my coffee. Other salads are egg salad, or a mixed salad. Nice choices for mushies are tuna or egg salad. I also enjoy mashed potatoes and pork and beans. Chicken boiled and baked is a great choice too. I love fish, and any type of fish as a meal is good. Hope this provides you with more choices. Have a great day.

WoW, that's a lot for a Fill. Glad I am here in Korea, it's only 30,000 won or about 28 dollars a visit. My initial start was every two weeks get a fill, and I did that for the first three fills. Then I waited until I felt that my own initiatives were not helping me loose, plus the fact that I had to be checked out prior to my flight to the states in Sept. I just had my 4th fill, and have restriction. I have no problems with any foods, but I do occassionally get that bad feeling and you know, it hurts for a few and you don't feel like eating any more at that setting. Since my 4th fill, only one bad occasion but I drank some water with my meal, I know not suppose too. I am conscious about the rules and think that a person will know when he/she needs to get another fill. I would not go because the doc says, since after reading many blogs, one can reason out what is best for him or her. I tried to do it myself between my 3rd and 4th fill, and I feel ok about that. Yes fills are needed at times and I welcome them. RESTRICTION is what we want. Our Journey takes time and we will eventually loose our unwanted #s. The earlier you receive your fill, the faster your restriction is reached. It's maintenance after that, so be positive and let your band go to work for you. Upon my return from the states, I will see my doc again, for another fill as I will want as much restriction as possible prior to my 1st year as a bandster, my goal 100 #s loss. Take care...

Hi, people fly all the time, everywhere, especially from South Korea to their homes after they have their surgeries, yep. Oh I was getting my Fill,s at every two weeks after my surgery. I intentionally hesitated for my fourth fill, which I had on 7 Aug purposely to see if I can do it myself, you know self determination. I am scheduled for a trip to the states in Sep and my doc recommended a fill prior to going, so I did that. I have 7 cc in a 10 cc band. Once I return I will get another in Oct and press my schedule to loose my #s by my anniversary date which is 4 Jan 11. Since my 3rd fill to my 4th I had not worked out at all, just in the garden one to two hours occasionally. Now of course I will pick up my exercise routine. I have a stationary bike inside my home, You may want to purchase an inexpensive one and exercise in your home 30 minutes, three or four times a week or more if you desire. You really feel good too. Schedule your vacation and go and have fun. Rem you are in control now of your life, everything you do is for you so think positive. Rem we adjust our schedules everyday, so enjoy life now. Look at all the bandsters who have already flown, especially those who come the South Korea for their surgery and return to places like Canada the same week. HAVE FUN OK.

Thanks all, it's nearly 1000 am on Sunday and I weight myself constantly, daily--new wt: 104.0kg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just got done working outside in the garden, and rode my stationary bike for 30 minutes with some minor weight trng for toning my upper body. Feels wonderful. May shoot for another kg for tomorrow morning. Looking for 103kg Monday. Note: 1 kg equals 2.2#s. Having Fun

Eat proportionately, small helpings and bites, slowly and enjoy. Because your on a vacation, still exercise, and drink fluids-water. You can enjoy and maintain some. If you gain a few #s just readjust afterwards, but the main point is to stay within your boundaries for your journey. I too am heading to the states for a vacation, and plan to eat moderately and exercise. Our routine does not stop, but you know we can still have fun and loose. Have Fun.

How does one feel after a 4th "Fill". At the Doc's, it only took about three minutes, and shall I say PAINLESS as expected. I did not think about being injected at all during my trip, especially when one bandster knows how it's done anyway-pull shirt up, lay on table, let Doc find port, wipe off first, inject, wipe off again, get up and see if you can drink some water. Once that's done, pay your bill and leave. Of course this time I did not have to pay anything, but we were expecting to pay this time since I passed the three month mark, (7months now). Feelings within an hour after are: a sense of fullness, not wanting to eat, even though you are really hungry cause you did not eat anything all morning. I did manage to eat 12 bites of soup, veggies, some meats at a restruarant right after the doc appointment, and then on the bus ride home, at a rest stop, had 5 or 6 potatoe snacks(korean style) nothing to drink. Was full still. Upon returning home I worked outside for a while, had two sugarless popsicles, and about an hour later had a tuna salad sandwhich. Felt satisfied. My next morning, as usual up early, had coffee, and weighted myself, 104.2kg-a loss. Now at nearly 8 am on Sun I am not hungry, feeling full and content. I feel the pressure around my stomach of fullness. My mind is not thinking about food. I think this 4th "Fill" is my "sweet spot". Will see. Hope I loose 10 to 20 #s by 18 Sep-my date I am scheduled for a trip to the states-3 weeks. Going to be Cool on the airplane- buckling up without an extender-hehehehe. I had to use it once on a small plane ride. Today, is special, my birthday, the big 56. Start exercising on the stationary bike too. Up till now I was not exercising like at a gym, but only in the garden. Now it's time to press. Feelings are: Happy, content, satisfied, positive attitude, no stress, taking one day at a time. I want to thank the Lord,Jesus Christ for guiding me on my straight and narrow path in life. I was baptized 4 July and today I celebrate a new beginning on my Birthday. My purpose in life is real close, I can feel it as I am still wondering what it is. Hope my thoughts and experiences helps others and I wish much success to all my fellow bandsters and those new ones. God Bless.

Fabulous results at the doc's. Staff and doc was happy to see me. Traveled 4 hours to get there in Seoul, Korea by 1030 am. Doc was busy with more surgeries and in-between them he talked to and gave me a 1.0 cc added to my already 6 cc's in my 10 cc band. He also used a scope to see my band, which I thought may have moved, so he took a look and he found the reason why I was hearing a thump sound in my chest when I lift things, it turned out to be the top of the band unit brushing against my sterndom--nothing to worry about. Glad to hear that. My statistics are: Obesity Rate: 4 Jan 10-210%, now 179%; my BMI was 44.7kg in Jan 10, now 38.1kg; my Weight was 123.1kg in Jan 10, now 105.1kg. I am on a gradual loss pattern and should be able to reach my goal in Jan 2011. One great aspect of my visit was my "Fill" cost. It was "ZERO", my DOC said I was good to go. My 4th Fill was free. Good news as tomorrow, Sunday 8 Aug, I will celebrate my 56th birthday. What a gift! I love my lapband.:tt2:

I had my surgery in Jan 10 and tomorrow I am getting my 4th fill. Yes another 1.5 cc in my 10 cc band which has 6 cc's in it already. Then it's liquids for a week for me, my choice, to see how many #s I can loose. What a challenge!!!. See even after surgery, one resorts back to the basic's to keep on going on this wonderful journey. Love it.

How does one get a "Fill". Traveling, sometimes great distances. For me it's up early like 5 am. Ride in a car to the bus station, and find a parking slot. Then its purchase a ticket for a 3.5 hr bus ride, where at the end you change mode of trans for a subway, then a briskly walk say 10 minutes to the Doc's office. All this for a 20 minute "Fill" a weight-in. Before departing the doc's office, try to drink some water to see if your ok from the "Fill". Then it's a reversal of the travel back home. Practically a full day, and I am thankful I can do this on a Saturday. After the doc's appointment may with my wife stop at a restuarant like we always do and have a light lunch-soup for me, maybe alittle rice. After a few bites as in the past, that's it. Restriction. Yes that's what it's all about, more restriction, and eating less. Once home it's liquids for a few days, tomatoe juice, chicken noodle soup, and water, maybe a shake or two, and possibly a sugarless popsicle. This will be my routine for a week. Yes very demanding and strick but necessary for me to guarantee my loss by 18 Sep of a few more unwanted #s. This is my story. and on 17 Sep you can hear the rest of my story-my results on this particular journey. Have a great day all!!:tt2:

Great that you are exercising, USE THE STAIRS more instead of the elevator. You will feel the pain at first, but after a short while, you will be feeling great and can walk it with ease. Use that as a venue of exercise-you will see the difference...healthier stronger body.

Headed to the doc's this weekend to get one more "Fill". This will be my 4th, maybe a 1.5 cc which added to my already 6 cc's will give me a 7.5 cc in a 10 cc band. This will help me maintain as I head to the states, for some training and a short vacation. Down to 105.8 kg from 121.1kg since Jan 10. Pant's size now is 48, down from 54. Shirt size down from 3x to 1x, all at the 7 month point after my surgery. Feeling great, always happy, lots of energy, enjoy work, fishing, gardening, and my dogs all six. Once heard in a movie, "Stuff is Getting Better" and that it is, I'm Loosing these unwanted #s. It's gradual like 1.68#s per week, but that is ok. Sometimes the weight lingers and holds on for a long while, but then out of the blue, it begins to drop. I have not routinely exercised, but will do so beginning tonight. Going to ride my stationary bike for 40 min to 1 hr. Time to get moving as my anniversary is approacing, 4 Jan 2011. I want to be at 100 kg. This is my GOAL for one year. My next goal will be to shed the #s to be at 170 #s. Ultimately I will try to reach 165 or even 160, then it's well, NEW CLOTHES for the NEW ME. One more goal will be to go to the pool and swim-my ultimate dream. Goals are reachable. To all bandsters, stay positive, be patient, and relax and enjoy the ride, it's fantastic, and unbelievable. God Bless.

Hello Janet, I have been following you throughout my journey and you are an inspiration to us all. Your posts have been very helpful to me in maintaining my road to success and I hope my journey is as successful as yours. I took an opportunity to review your albums and you have improved vastly. Girl you look fabulous. Great work, and may God be with you as you continue on the road to success again. Thanks for passing along your experiences. Ken

Thanks imaluckydog. Can't wait untill one year and I am 170 or better yet 165. I had not seen that weight since the late 70's. WoW.

Hello, I used TRICARE. See your tricare office rep and get the forms and fill them out. send copies of the bill. They practically paid for all of mine except 1700 dollars. I paid 7K up front, had my surgery and then submitted my paperwork. Good luck, its a fabulous journey and one that helps one loose the #s.

Have not posted in a while, it's 30 Jul 10, and it's been six months since my surgery. Weight-Loss 41#s, Waist-Loss 6" in six months with a monthly average of 6.6#s loss. I have 6 cc's in my 10 cc band. With a trip to the states planned in Sept, will hold off on the next band fill, untill Oct. One good thing is learning control, and being patient. I am down on my waist size from 54 to 48, and my weight from 270 to 229. I am maintaining control of my eating habits now, no discomfort with eating oversize foods, ALWAYS CHEW 30 to 40 times and eat right, PROTEIN and TAKE YOUR MULTIVITAMINS.:cool2:My Goal is to loose 100 #s by Feb 2011 which means a rigorous exercise program is in the forecast. Yep Goal is Attainable. Good luck to all Bandsters, take one day at a time and if sidetracked, step back and regroup-Go back to the beginning, soups, mushies and solids for a few days---it works. May God Bless You All!

Hi for me the gas pain went away by day 5 to 8. Since your not eating anything, it won't be time to use the b-room for #2.