Bklynike

Good to see you back. I will check out your blog, as well. Hope you did well in your 5K.

I have been fluxuating between 71 72 lbs for a few weeks now, but I know I will get past it. Your body is just fighting right now, but don't give up. Keep doing what you are doing and it will turn around. If not, see if you need a fill. Whatever you do, I wish you the best.

Well, it has been a long time since I posted anything on this webiste. Once upon a time I was posting daily, then the site changed and I couldn't locate most of my friends or even figure out how to post. So, I am hoping some of my old banster buddies and perhaps some new friends will read my blog and send a hello. I was banded on June 21st, 2010 - my birthday. It was the best gift I have ever given myself. As of today, I have lost 72 lbs. I feel amazing and love the gym. I am still going 3-4 times a week, when health and family issues don't get in the way. I have been suffering with bronchitis this week, so I missed both my Friday night and today's trip to the gym, but I am anticipating by Tues I will be going back. I have only had 2 fills since my surgery - the first was 1cc and the 2nd was a 1/4cc. I am scheduled to go back in March for another, which I think I will be ready for. It is not that I am eating the wrong foods, but I find I am able to eat larger portions and this weight loss is based on portion control and exercise. It amazes me how great I feel at the gym and how exhausted and old I feel when I get home. I guess at 56 years of age I can't do what I used to do in my 20s and although in my mind I am still very young, my body is screaming "Enough old lady". I used to have my husband take a picture of me at the beginning of each month and I would post it to the old site. Unfortunately, I have no clue how to post a photo at this new site, so the green shirt photos have been a thing of the past. But I can tell you I had started at a size 3-4X and am now wearing Larges. I actually needs some new pants because my 18s are getting ridiculously big on me and my co-workers are making fun of me. So perhaps that will be my next project. I'll pick up two or three pairs of jeans; I can still wear my tops. I have had to go back to wearing a belt. Now I am not complaining, in fact I am thrilled to death that I have lost so much weight. People who haven't seen me in a while are shocked at how much I have lost in a relatively short time. I wish all of my fellow bandsters and those who are contemplating getting the surgery the best of success and good health. This is truly a gift.

You didn't "CHEAT" because this is a lifestyle change, not a diet plan. My doctor always says if you crave something, every once in a while it is ok to give into to it. I beat myself up over a crouton! But after speaking with the doctor, I figured out what I needed to do to remain shooting towards my goal weight and have been very successful. As long as what you did doesn't become a habit, forget it and move on. We have all been there. Look forward, not behind and good luck to you.

My first fill I had 1cc and my 2nd only 1/4cc. They know what they are doing and if you don't feel restricted enough, make another appointment. The best of luck to you what ever you decide to do.

I think we have all felt under motivated, but you have been doing so well. Don't give up on yourself - you can continue to do this with or without the fill. You know what you should be eating, how much exercise you should be doing and how much fluids to drink. So just do it, as they say in all of the Nike commercials. Get back to the basics - no grain, no carbs, until your next fill and you will be amazed at how well you will feel about yourself. I have total faith in you - I know you do too. Take care, my friend. You derserve it.

You either want to lose the weight or you don't. A lot of people want to stop smoking or kick any other habit you can think of, but are just not ready to make the sacrafices necessary to do so. It doesn't make you a faillure - it just means you are not ready.You have to weigh, no pun intended, the differences between staying heavy or actually putting you mind to losing weight and doing it. Do you see yourself as a loser? Not good enough? Low self-esteem? If this is the case, you need to speak with someone to find out why and take care of that problem before concentrating on the weight loss. Did you see a psychologist prior to the surgery? Perhaps you need to visit them again. I truly wish you the best of luck and hope you can figure out what will be best for you.

I don't know anyone who has complained about this situation. Perhaps you are having a reaction to something else? Have you been to the doctor - either your surgeon or your primary? After 18 months I can't imagine it has anything to do with your band. I wish you luck in finding out what is going on. Please come back and post so we all will know.

OK, let's see if we can figure out this problem. 1) Do you keep a food diary? I did when I was first banded and it does help you make better decisions. 2) Are you drinking your 64 ounces of fluid a day? Crystal Lite has saved my life because I hate plain water 3)l Have you had a fill yet? 4) Have you talked to your doctor, nutritionist, nurse, primary doctor? 5) You seem to have already given up. Do you want to remain heavy? Some people do. They feel sorry for themselves and it gives them an excuse to pig out. It probably took years for you to get "fat" and it will take time to take it off 6) Are you eating bread, pasta, pizza, potatoes, chips and other carbs? That can be a big problem. 7) Are you hoping to sabotage yourself? Sit down and make a list of what you really want. Speak with your doctors and let them help you reach your goal. Don't give up becuase it is never, ever to late.

There is always non-alcoholic beer! The weight loss is really more important, but you are a grown up and your priorities are your own.

SF ice pops are the best! Once you can start on food, tuna with lots of lite mayo in the food processor is a great way to go. Also, I use 1 egg with egg whites and make scrambled eggs for breakfast everyday. Land O Lakes make a great light butter with either canola or olive oil. I prefer the canola. Eat slowly and chew well when you can start eating. I hated the protein shakes, so I went to soups and eggs quickly. Get the the gym as quickly as you can and stay on your routine. If you can't afford or use a gym, walking and swimming if you have access to a pool. Stay active - at the beginning it is so hard, but it does get easier. When I started at the gym I was able to walk about 5 minutes on the treadmill and increased the length of time, the speed and incline. You will not do it in a day - take your time. It took years to put the weight on, be patient and it will come off. Follow your doctor's instructions and see a nutritionist with your food log. They will give you the best advice. I have cut out carbs, except for what is in veggies. No white products - bread, pizza, pasta, potatos, etc. for at least 1 year. But do what the dr says to do and you will succeed. Good luck and welcome to our little bandster family. Thank you for writing.... I love the SF popsicles. They are a life savior right now. As of Friday, I can start solid liquids so I can increase my diet somewhat. I have protein drinks from Medifast that I can tolerate well and that will help. This first week I am not getting any protein and that scares me. I love walking so I will be walking like crazy again. I usually walk almost 3.5 mile a day with my dog. I am so excited about this.

How amazing that you and your hubby get to do this together. While I have insurance, they would not pay for my banding so I paid out of pocket over $13,250. My husband does not have insurance, but he feels he will be able to take off the weight on his own. It has been a slow process for him, but we are exercising together and getting healthier together. You are making a better future with eachother by losing the weight together. Remember to do as much walking as you can to get rid of the gas you are going to feel. GasX has helped some people, but I just did a lot of walking. During commercials, if you can believe it. Drink plenty of liquids to help with the hunger, but you won't experience hunger as you do now. i wish you both the best of luck. You are so fortunate to be able to do this together. You will give eachother strength and encouragement - just don't be competitive. Everyone loses at a different rate. Also remember it took years to put the weight on, it will take a while to take it off. I am almost 70lbs down, surgery was on June 21st of 2010. Good luck.

You go girl. I am so glad you have found your way back here to list a blog. I really miss the old site, but we have to work with what we have. Love the name of your band. 70 lbs is great - I'm at 69. Today is my 1 year anniversary of being cancer free and I am so excited, proud and just plain happy. Keep in touch and keep posting.