girl55

I don't do chicken well. I can do hamburger in small portions and even that I have to chew well. But NOOO Bread! Can't do bread at all. Don't really miss it. It's been 3 years since I had any and don't miss it.

I think cardio is good, but that too you need to change up. I may do eliptical one day, doing various levels during the workout. Then the next day, I might do treadmill - again doing various levels. I don't think cardio is bad, just don't keep doing the same routine every day.

You've made the right decision. Good luck on your journey. It's well worth it.

Believe me, being overweight for the rest of your life is more scarier than the lapband. I've been banded three years and have lost 85 lbs. I was very nervous too. But my daughter was with me every step of the way and encouraged me. Even as they wheeled me into the OR, I still had reservations. But now I look back and know it was the real beginning of the rest of my life. I love everything about life now .

Plateaus are B-------ches. I had the same problem. After two years banded I had lost about 50 lbs. That's when I hit my big one. So I asked doctors and searched the computer for answers. I'm a gym fanatic. But everyone told me to change up my exercise regimen. Do different things. At first, I wasn't convinced. Then after about 3 weeks, I began to see results. Now every 3 to 4 days, I do something different, but also try to do as much cardio as I am able. I also do weights, not real heavy weights, but enough to challenge myself a little. Since then I've lost about 30 pounds more. That was my answer. Hope it helps you.

I've been banded for 3 years now. I still remember my decision to to get banded. My daughter said "go for it mom". Then came pre-op. I didn't have a regid pre-op of liquids. I did lose a few pounds the t wo weeks before the surgery. But I do remember being hungry the week before and the few weeks after. But soon, your stomach figures out what's it suppose to do - listen to the band. Then you begin feeling less hungry. Sometimes now I have to remind myself to eat something. I do a lot of exercise. I go to the gym 4 to 5 times a week and do almost 2 hours workout. Three years ago, I could not see myself doing any of this. So believe me when I say, it is all worth it. I was 262 when I had my surgery three years ago and I am not at 179. I love to shop for clothes and go out and be with friends. Don't give up - it is all worth it. I know this all sounds crazy, but it did to me when I was at your point. But after a couple of months with the band, you will be so excited at the changing you. Good Luck! You can do it.

Congratulations on the best decision you'll ever make. I had my surgery 3 years ago in March and have lost 80 lbs. My beginning weight was 265. I feel great, I exercise and "it is" the best decision I've ever made. Good Luck. You're going to do great!

I was self pay. My insurance would not pay. I put mine on a credit card. It was a special offer with 12 to 18 months to pay without interest. It was better than going thru a bank.

I enjoyed reading this post. I am down 60 lbs., but have been on a plateau for some time. I finally went for a fill this past week. And as someone said, I too am having trouble keeping anything down. But like you said as you lose weight it will loosen a little and you will again be able to eat a little more. So right now - I am a teaspoon at a time. And I'm ok with that. Hang in there everybody.

I have had no will power in the past. And yes the band is a tool. but if I can do it,YOU 'can'. the band tells me when I am full - yes it will. Once you get a fill or two, you understand how it works. It's great and I wished I would have done it sooner. You won't regret getting the band. I've lost a little over 60 lbs. in a year and everyone tells me I look fantastic. I still have about 50 lbs. I want to loose, but I'm confident I can do so. Good luck on your decision and let us know your outcome.

I like your ticker.cool

Hang in there Carrie. I never thought I could actually lose weight and keep it off. But I feel real confident that I will. The 60 lbs I've lost so far gives me extra confidence. I have about 50 to go. So let's all do it together. Good Luck, I know you can do it.

I know what you meat Cocoa. After you start losing steady weight, you just want to live it up. Not talk about your weight loss. I never told many people. My immediate family - hubby and children. I also told my principal - I work at a school. But she is very reliable and won't tell anyone else. Every once in a while she'll tell how good I look, but that's all - no questions asked. But my family especially my two daughters and hubby are very upbeat about my weight loss. I need that from them.

No problem with salads here. Now chicken and bread are MAJOR no-nos. I might as well as chew and spit it out, because it's going to come back anyway. Sorry for the graphic details, but we all know what it's like to upchuck after the band. For you new guys - the thing to remember is chew, chew, chew.