cbreeden28

I just recently joined the 100 pounds lost group and it feels amazing. I have also stumbled through some plateau's. Weeks would go by where I wouldn't lose anything and then I would gain a pound or two. Then the next week, I would lose like 4 pounds. For example, last week, I weighed 222. Over the weekend, I had high sodium days and when I went in for my checkup on Tuesday, I was 225. That was only 1 pound less than I was a month ago. My PA gave me a slight fill and today (4 days later mind you), I'm 220. Weight fluctuates so much. I try and only weigh once a week for this reason, but it can still be deceptive. This fill seems to be working really well. I'm getting satisfied on about 3/4 cup of food and don't feel the need to snack between meals.
I started this journey in April 2011 weighing 326 wearing a 26 pants. Today, I weight 220 and wearing a 18. I can't wait to get to goal. I hope to get in a size 8/10. I have NEVER been that small.

I agree with Missy. My weight fluctuates 3-4 pounds everyday. It's usually due to Water retention. That is why I am trying to get away from weighing everyday. It isn't a good measure of weight loss. Once a week is plenty. However, it usually does correct itself. You can help by drinking lots of Water and keep up with the exercising. That will help you body let go of the excess water.
Also, 20 pounds in 1 month is AMAZING!! You should be proud of that!! Your body is basically a machine and sometimes, it has to recalibrate itself. So, after loosing that much weight, your body is rebooting and moving stuff around. That can cause a temporary weight gain. I seriously doubt you gained 3 pounds of fat. It's probably just your body readjusting. Mine has done it numerous times throughout my weight loss. I will gain 5 pounds one week and the next, it's all gone plus 2 pounds. It's completely normal and nothing to fret over. Just keep doing what you are doing and it will correct itself.
Again, big congrats on getting back on track and with the 20 pounds. It makes my little 5 pound/month weight loss seem petty. LOL Best of luck to you!!

I love Soup. I eat it for lunch quite often. My trick is that I drain the broth as I eat it and after all the veggies and meat are gone, I throw the broth out. You get a little bit on your spoon as you eat, but not much. It also keeps me full for 3-4 hours. I usually eat the Progresso light or reduced sodium Soups. They are usually between 200-230 calories for the whole can and about 15g of Protein. I don't think I could do the grilled cheese though. I have tried it several times and it just doesn't go down for me, but everyone is different. Trial and error is the only way to find out what works for you.
But, I would limit it to half a sandwich. Grilled cheese sandwiches are high in calories and fat. It's all about portions. I don't limit any food in my diet (except those items I don't tolerate well), I just watch my portions and make sure I don't eat 3-4 servings of something. I think that is the key to weight loss. That was what I got the band for.

I agree with Missy. My weight fluctuates 3-4 pounds everyday. It's usually due to Water retention. That is why I am trying to get away from weighing everyday. It isn't a good measure of weight loss. Once a week is plenty. However, it usually does correct itself. You can help by drinking lots of Water and keep up with the exercising. That will help you body let go of the excess water.
Also, 20 pounds in 1 month is AMAZING!! You should be proud of that!! Your body is basically a machine and sometimes, it has to recalibrate itself. So, after loosing that much weight, your body is rebooting and moving stuff around. That can cause a temporary weight gain. I seriously doubt you gained 3 pounds of fat. It's probably just your body readjusting. Mine has done it numerous times throughout my weight loss. I will gain 5 pounds one week and the next, it's all gone plus 2 pounds. It's completely normal and nothing to fret over. Just keep doing what you are doing and it will correct itself.
Again, big congrats on getting back on track and with the 20 pounds. It makes my little 5 pound/month weight loss seem petty. LOL Best of luck to you!!

I do the same thing. If I want something sweet, I eat it. Just in much smaller portions than before. For example, I keep chocolate covered peanuts and Milano Cookies at home. When I want something sweet, I get 2 peanuts or 1 cookie. It satisfies the craving and I haven't destroyed my day. It is unrealisitc to think you will never eat sweets ever again. My aunt is getting married in October and I fully intend on having some wedding cake.

I do the same thing. If I want something sweet, I eat it. Just in much smaller portions than before. For example, I keep chocolate covered peanuts and Milano Cookies at home. When I want something sweet, I get 2 peanuts or 1 cookie. It satisfies the craving and I haven't destroyed my day. It is unrealisitc to think you will never eat sweets ever again. My aunt is getting married in October and I fully intend on having some wedding cake.

I do the same thing. If I want something sweet, I eat it. Just in much smaller portions than before. For example, I keep chocolate covered peanuts and Milano Cookies at home. When I want something sweet, I get 2 peanuts or 1 cookie. It satisfies the craving and I haven't destroyed my day. It is unrealisitc to think you will never eat sweets ever again. My aunt is getting married in October and I fully intend on having some wedding cake.

I do the same thing. If I want something sweet, I eat it. Just in much smaller portions than before. For example, I keep chocolate covered peanuts and Milano Cookies at home. When I want something sweet, I get 2 peanuts or 1 cookie. It satisfies the craving and I haven't destroyed my day. It is unrealisitc to think you will never eat sweets ever again. My aunt is getting married in October and I fully intend on having some wedding cake.

You are not crazy. I'm the same way. I'm coming up on my 1 year anniversary (10/10) and I had my last fill in July (skipped August). I have between 3 and 4cc's in my band. My stomach is very senstive and I can't handle large fills. Anyways, one day, I can eat whatever I want, as much as I want (though I don't), and others, everything gets stuck. I have even gotten stuck on a Protein Shake one day. Tell me how that's possible?? But, what I have found is that the more liquid you drink between meals, the more flexible your band is. On day's I don't drink enough Water, I'm very tight and get stuck a lot. Other days where I drink all day long, I'm comfortable and loose. That's how I prefer to be. I go tomorrow for my Sept checkup. Not sure if I will get a fill or not. I'm still loosing, but it has slowed. Good luck.

I have gottens stuck more than I care to admit. The worst for me is the first week after a fill. You have to re-adjust your eating habits each time. Small bites, chew really well, and pause between bites. Getting stuck is like something heavy sitting deep in your chest and it can be painful. For me, my mouth begins to salivate really badly, I start to have air pockets come up my throat, and I get the hiccups. It's all my body's way to try and dislodge the food. In the beginning, I didn't recognize the early signs of being stuck and would continue eating until I was stuck so bad that I had to vomit it back up. Now, I can tell when something isn't going down right and I immediately stop eating and get up to walk around. It has helped a lot. I still sometimes end up having to force it back up, but for the most part, I can get it to go down. The one thing you never want to do is drink something. That will definitely come right back up so be near a toilet if you do it....

1) Not being self-conscious when going to town
2) Ride amusement rides with no worries about fitting into the seat
3) Take part in more boating activities (skiing, kneeboarding)
4) Go into any clothing shop and find something that will fit me.
5) Weighing less than my hubby
6) No more weight lectures from my primary doctors
7) Go on my next cruise and take part in the activities and possibly wear a bikini (this will depend on how my skin does after the weight loss)

I love salads!!! It's my go-to meal if the family is eating something that isn't "band friendly". I always make sure to add cheese and grilled chicken for Protein. I also add a few croutons for crunch. I also use low fat hidden valley ranch dressing. Yummy!!!
I usually do iceburg lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, shredded cheese, grilled chicken, bacon bits, croutons, and dressing. Great meal that's low carb and calorie and keeps me full for hours.
If I have them, I also cut up a hard-boiled egg. This adds more Protein.< /p>

You are very early in this journey. You've only had 1 fill and was banded in March. It's normal to possibly gain some after surgery because your body is healing and re-adjusting to everything. Plus, with no restriction yet, you can eat just like you did before. Be patient and wait for more fills before beating yourself up. It doesn't do any good. Just try to stick with healthy foods as much as possible if you are hungry.
Also, if you are hungry...eat. Just don't eat the bad foods like cakes, ice cream, chips, etc. Stick with yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese sticks, etc. That's how I got through bandster hell. When I got really hungry, I learned to turn to good foods rather than the junk I use to eat.
Good luck to you.
P.S. It's very hard to gain 5lbs. in one week. I would be willing to bet it's Water retention from a lot of sodium intake or that time of the month. Try increasing your Water intake. That will help with water retention. Weight again in a week. You may be surprised.

Thanks, I'm going to do that. I currently workout 4-5 days a week for 45-60 minutes each day. I just feel my body needs more than I'm giving it and it's fighting me. I'm going to start netting around 1400 cals a day and see what happens....
Thanks and congrats on finding the green zone so fast!!! We are similar in our fills. I have a little over 3cc's and I'm close to the green zone. Probably need one more to curb hunger between meals.

I've always loved my Pasta dishes. With the band, I have cut back drastically on my portions and how often I fix it, but I can't eliminate it all together. I did away with bread, rice, and potatoes, but I just couldn't let go of the Pasta. Spaghetti is my favorite meal at home. I just eat a smaller portion and take my time. It hasn't affected my weight loss at all.
I think pasta is only bad when you add lots of creamy/fatty sauces (for example: alfredo sauces).
As long as I can fit it into my calories, I will eat it. My total carbs for the day are usually around 70-100g. Again, I have lost 80 some pounds doing this everyday. Not all carbs are evil.

I also started out in a size 26. I was 326 the day I started my physician's supervised diet last April. I have lost 79 pounds since then and am in a size 20 right now. It's great to dig out old clothes that I had gotten too fat for and have them fit now. The smallest size in my closet is an 18, so it won't be long until I have to start going shopping for some 16's. It's so exciting!!
Congrats to you and enjoy your Easter looking and feeling fabulous!!

I'm proud to announce that I am wearing the same pair of jeans that I wore when I met my husband 7 years ago. I haven't worn them in at least 6 years. They are a size 20, which is still huge, but considering I was in a snug 26, it feels fabulous. The NSV's are so much more rewarding than that number on the scales.
My next goal is to get in a size that I don't have stuffed away in a drawer or closet somewhere. Because that means I get to go shopping!!!
Not sure what my goal size will be. At 5'4" and a goal weight of 150, I would hope to be in a 8 or 10. I won't know how to act to go hunting sizes like that at the store and actually be able to find them. I'm super excited!!!!!

I'm proud to announce that I am wearing the same pair of jeans that I wore when I met my husband 7 years ago. I haven't worn them in at least 6 years. They are a size 20, which is still huge, but considering I was in a snug 26, it feels fabulous. The NSV's are so much more rewarding than that number on the scales.
My next goal is to get in a size that I don't have stuffed away in a drawer or closet somewhere. Because that means I get to go shopping!!!
Not sure what my goal size will be. At 5'4" and a goal weight of 150, I would hope to be in a 8 or 10. I won't know how to act to go hunting sizes like that at the store and actually be able to find them. I'm super excited!!!!!

bread is my biggest problem. I don't even try it anymore. If we have hamburgers and hot dogs, I just eat mine without the bun. If I chew well and take my time between bites, I can eat anything. I think that is how it should be. You should be able to eat anything (as long as you eat slowly and chew well) and be satisfied on a smaller amount. I chose the Lapband to restrict how MUCH I ate, not WHAT I ate. I'm fine going without bread, was never a fan anyways. I eat everything in moderation. The few times I've gotten stuck, it was my own fault. I didn't chew well enough and ate too fast. I consider that food to be off limits until after I've tried it a couple times.

I also choose Leslie Sansone's videos as my exercise. I had been going to them gym, but I didn't like the atmosphere and the traveling to get there. Now, I do my exercising at night after the kids are in bed. I alternate between 3 and 4 miles with the stretchy band. My DVD only as 1,2,3,&4 mile workouts. I'll have to try and find a 5 mile. I love her videos because she does a little bit of everything. Some evenings, I don't really feel like doing it, but I do. I will admit that some day's, I'm so tired from work that I only do the 2 mile walk, but I figure it's better than doing nothing.
I'm in a plateau right now, so I'm going to step it up to 5 nights a week and see if I can get out of it.

After working on this process for over a year, I got insurance approval and a surgery date this morning. I will be banded October 10th. I'm very excited and nervous!! I can't believe it's really happening. Good luck to everyone!!
My 2 week liquid diet starts Sept. 26th.

Wow, thanks for all the tips!! I wil try and use some of them. Especially the cheese part. I always go to sring cheese for a snack. I didn't realize it had more fat than a regular chunk of cheese. I also like the idea of eating summer sausage with cheese for lunch. I love my Protein shakes. I use the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury recommended by my surgeon. They tast great and do fill me. I think I will add another to my diet right after my workout. I'm always starving at that point.
My biggest problem comes from dinner. I have a husband and son I have to cook for and they aren't into just eating meat and cheese. They like potatoes and mac and cheese. After fixing it for them, I find it hard to not have some myself.
I will cut out the Fiber bars. I didn't realize they had so many carbs. I was eating them for the fiber content. I guess I can go back to using my metamucil to get my fiber.
Again, thanks for all the advice. I will definitely try some of them.

I have been looking into the lap-band procedure since June 2010. I went through the whole process (physicatrist, dietician, wellness) when I found out the my hospital has a max BMI they can operate at. The can't do the Lap band for anyone over 50 BMI. I was then 53. I tried for several months to lose the weight, but nothing worked. I kind of gave up for a while, but then got a call from my surgeon's office in April about where I stood. I told her I couldn't lose the required weight. She had me come in and meet with the bariatric dietician (the first was a general nutritionist). They gave me some pointers and really stressed that I need an exercise routine.
So, I have to redo my insurance required 3 month dieting (Started in April). I had my first weight check in May and was down 5 pounds. I was so happy. I currently have to lose 23 more pounds before I can have the surgery. They told me that I would lose between 12 and 16 pounds on the pre-op liquid diet, so I really needed to lose another 9 pounds. However, this month I have struggled. I'm still following the same diet and exercise, but the scales (home) aren't moving anymore. I feel stronger and my clothes are fitting better so I wonder if I'm losing fat, but gaining muscle.
Did anyone else have to lose a good bit of weight before surgery and if so, how did you do it.
I currently go to the gym 3 days a week. I do 30 minutes of interval training on the elliptical and about 30 minutes of weight training. Below is an example of my diet:
Bfast: Protein shake
Snack: cottage cheese (3/4 cup)
Lunch: Ham and swiss on whole wheat bread or Progresso Soup
sugar free Jello pudding
Fiber One Bar
Snack: yogurt or applesauce
Dinner: some type of meat baked with 2 sides (a starch and a veggie)
Snack: pretzels or popcorn
I don't drink sodas, only Water and propel zero. This diet is a LOT better than what I was doing, but I'm still not seeing good results. It's very discouraging. I go to weigh in again in 2 weeks. I hope to have lost another 5 pounds at least.