Betsyjane

Words to live by.

Congrats! Welcome to the club.

I've talked with a number of people in our age group, and so far the concensus is that we lose more slowly. I suppose it has something to do with metabolism. Other than that, I know of no difference. I'm really glad I had it done. I'm 57.

Mommytokk and whoever else might want to go play.... 10:30 AM Monday Starbucks 1037 W. Bay Area Blvd. Webster TX, 77598 United States

I didn't realize I had a sugar addition until I was banded! The artificial sweetener in protein shakes set off binges for me! If I don't have the shakes, I'm pretty OK. Or if I haven't had enough protein for the day, and have a shake at night, I'm OK.

Kathy-Do you want to get together for a cup of coffee or something? I'm a Spivak baby too, and I'd love to cheer you on. I'm in northeast Harris County and can travel. Anybody else? Maybe somewhere on 45 south of downtown Houston? I hope that's not too forward of me, but I sure would have liked to ask a banded person some last minute questions before my surgery. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself.....

It's so easy to feed the addiction now since sugar goes through the band so easily. In addition, artificial sweeteners do the same thing to me...make my blood sugar go up and make me crave sugar. I find that I'd just like an alcoholic. I can't touch sugar or I binge. I have to cold turkey off of it until the cravings pass. Then sometimes I fall off the wagon and binge. Just like an alcoholic....

Hey, I want to have lunch with some November bandsters! Anybody in Houston want to go have a bite together?

The nice thing is, once you get banded and get used to it, all those uneducated people out there don't bother you much. They're on their path and you're on yours.

I didn't feel restricted until fill #3, and I watched others losing. All I can tell you is that we are all different and we all go through stages. Your stage is called Bandster Hell. It will get better. For now, just learn as much as you possibley can, and practice it when you are able.

Where are you? Let's see if we can find you a cheering section.....

wow. Your exact words used to come out of my mouth! And my PCP said all I needed to do was eat smaller meals and I'd be fine. I should say my ex-PCP. I'd suggest you find a lap band Dr and go to their seminar to get information. And congrats on the insurance. I had to self-pay mine. And worth every penny. Find a local lap band support group andf start going there for support. And then slowly begin to educate the uninformed around you. It takes awhile. Change (in you) is as scary for them as it might be for you.

Hydration is one thing. Putting crap in your body is another.

I just don't think 75 grams a day makes sense unless you are a serious weight lifter!

Er, I haven't attended. And I feel funny about watching them..... But I know where there's an amateur night at a men's club, if you want to try it. Actually, I have no idea where there's an amateur night.... Does anybody need some of those chair bows that you put around chairs for a party? I should have asked before I put them on ebay.... I bought them and never used them, so they have to go!

Maybe it's an urban legend, but I do know that artificial sweeteners or sugar will raise your blood sugar and lead to cravings and a roller coaster of energy.....

NVGirl---You probably won't be having it after the band! No carbination recommended!

Oh, I suppose everybody knows this already, but I just figured out that I can't eat right after I exercise. Nothing goes down but water for a good 40 minutes. This is the second day I tried it, PBed, and then the light went on. Duh.

I succeeded and failed at my assignment. The folks next to 24 hour fitness have a nutritionist with no formal training, who will talk with us, but in the course of a 2 minute conversation about nutrition, it was recommended that we take pills for stress, pills for digestion, cleansing herbs, vegetable drinks, etc etc. And nothing about actual FOOD. I know this is probably a long shot since everybody is committed elsewhere, but 24 Hour Fitness has Pilates and Yoga. I think I pay $25 or $30 a month and all the classes are included in the price. Just in case you want to buddy up for exercise, The have cycling class step class weight lifting to music kick boxing aquarobics abs class dance and barbells class salsa moves Each day of the week is different. Pilates is both daytime and evening. Yoga is only daytime right now, but there is a stretching class evening... Aquarobics 2 nights a week. No Tai Chi yet, but they're open to suggestions. They also teach pole dancing.... :-) I just did the weight lifting class this morning for the first time. My legs are rubbery but I got through it and had a great time. Most of the classes are open to all fitness levels, and they tell you in the class descriptions if it's intermediate or advanced. It's not all Babes in Bras, which I like...... I figure it's a good place to hang out and do a lot of different things....

My Dr. says to get all my calories from dry foods so I have the feeling of fullness. I like Protein shakes, but I hate putting all that artificial sweetener in my body...It raises my blood sugar and gives me cravings. And it never gives me a full feeling. I doubt if our bodies can metabolize the super high protein shakes above 25g. Seems like we're just asking the liver to work overtime for no benefit with those. I'm looking for a good pure whey product without flavorings or sweeteners, and I pan to add that to my salads, etc.

Stephie We're all been exactly where you are. But some of us have waited years and had even more failed diets before we figured out what you are figuring out now. No matter how many infomercials say all we need to do is exercise and diet...or we're lazy...we know that we have tried and tried. There comes a point where you just have to say that your body and brain are wired differently and you have to mechanically fix things. I used to just hate that I didn't have self control. I just hated it so badly. And I was sure that getting the band was the easy way out. I was so wrong. It used to be impossible. The band just makes it hard work. But hard work I can succeed at. And that boost my self esteem. Now, I don't have the cravings and the food seeking, but I still have to face my demons and do the right thing. But I CAN for the first time in my life. Some days are still a struggle. Some days are perfect. All days are better. On average, I'm losing just under 2 pounds a week. You'll still have to struggle with the depression that comes with back injuries. I have to struggle with Lupus. We all have our own stories. I had to learn about being happy no matter what I wiegh, but it sure is easier weighing less! But losing weight will surely also help your back, as it has helped me. Start by reading everything you can. It's an interesting journey and a huge learning curve. Best wishes. Keep posting and reading.

Can't do this Sat. after all. But I can the following Sat. If you go this week, I'll be interested to hear about it. I've never had a delayed reaction before. Can't figure out how that happened. I'm going to try the wieght lifting to music class this morning.....

Yeah. Spivak will walk you through the whole thing..... I'd do him first and then get your TO DO list together.

Had a great time tonight with you guys. Unfortunately, I had a delayed reaction to eating the rice, and lost some of it on the way home! I'll start my assignment tomorrow morning...one more reason to go to the gym!

Ah, they're dropping like flies. I'm heading out to Nara Thai. We'll toast you guys and wish you were there.