Seanamw

Great post!

OK, I'm gonna ask the tough question...why are you eating whoppers, donuts & pizza? Having a lapband does not magically make the calories go away. Your tummy will fill up the same whether it's pizza or grilled chicken with restriction. You have to commit to changing your habits and to making better decisions. Start the day smart, eat lean protein or make a protein shake, then listen to your body. If you have quality food in it, you will not feel hungry! You are basically ripping yourself off if you are depending on the lapband to do all the work for you. It is a tool that will help you in the weight loss process...not the answer! Sorry to be so blunt.....I had to come to the same realization about a year ago. I hope things get better for you!

What an amazing transformation! You look amazing!

One of my most favorite things that is packed with protein, fiber & veggies is grilled tilapia over wilted spinach. Heat up your frying pan, spray with pam, place a tilapia filet when hot & season with salt & pepper. Wait about 4-5 mins & flip and add fresh spinach (at least 4 cups). Cover the pan & let the spinach wilt. After about 4 minutes, put on a plate & season however you like. It is delish!!! And easy to chew and digest!

I was banded last July and had my first fill last September, second fill in December and my last fill in February (not exact...but I think close!). My fills had nothing to do with when I saw the Dr or how many times, it was about the restriction I felt. My weight loss was not even in the mix. I think this is a very individual type of thing...you will know when you are filled too much & too little by how your body responds. The best of luck!

You are so right!!! I am where you are in my journey & I wish someone had posted this a year ago! Great post, thank you!

Does anyone get and/or know why I get a pins & needles sensation on the roof of my mouth sometimes after my first sip of liquids in the morning? It is very annoying and has only happened since I was banded. Thanks!

Nice post! Thank you!

As a person who has been through it, yes! My husband has always been loving & ready and able regardless of my weight. But since I have lost weight, I am so much more confident. It really does make a difference!

I did Progresso light soups, the clam chowder was my fav! But make sure you put a powdered vitamin in when you heat it up.

Yes, it's my bandiversary! I looked back at my previous blogs and I cannot believe how much has changed, but shockingly, how much has stayed the same. I can sum up the positive changes in one instance - my husband & I went on an escape this weekend downtown (got a hotel room for the night & went out). A year ago I would not have even agreed to go. That day and night we walked all over downtown, probably over 5 miles total. A year ago, that would have killed me! We had lunch at a hotdog shack (hubby's choice), I ordered a chili cheese dog and ate 1/4 of it, avoiding the cheese & bread. A year ago I would have eaten the entire thing and more than half of the chili cheese fries hubby ordered. We walked some more & went back to the hotel to nap & "have fun". A year ago, I would have napped, then made an excuse for not being able to "have fun". I'm not gonna elaborate there, lets just say we had fun. After that, we went out for dinner at an amazing steak house. A year ago, I would have ordered everything; appetiser, salad, dinner, desert, the whole 9 yards. This time I only ordered an appetizer of pan seared Ahi tuna because of my guilt from my lunch choice! And I was totally satisfied. Then we walked some more and found a place with an awesome band, and I danced! I danced like a fool! A year ago, I would have already been in bed, overstuffed and exhausted from and exertion! It was a great getaway for us, because of the changes the lapband has made for me. Ok, now on to what hasn't changed. I still eat when I get stressed. I still eat when I am happy. If I find a loophole (when I find a food that my band doesn't hate) I over indulge. Living with my band is an organic, ever changing thing that I still have to force myself to learn from. I have learned so much this year and am so thankful for that! I know if I hadn't been "banded" when I was, my life would not be in the positive place it is now.

fool4dance - I don't mean to go off topic, but I became lactose intolerant after my band. Foods like cottage cheese & yogurt made my day terrible! Just a thought!

I read your external blog and loved it! Thank you for sharing! I think the reality of the band is just like everything else in life.....everyone has their own unique experience, and just like everything else in life....some people succeed, some people don't. And as for your post on beer, I have been able to enjoy a cold one here & there!

Great post!!! Congrats on the scrubs!!

Nice post! Please keep us updated!

I agree with Shonette, you have to love yourself before you consider getting another person in your life! Embrace what you have done with getting the lapband, charge ahead with it! You sound young, you have so much to experience and now that the weight is leaving you....you can!!! Get out there & love the life God has blessed you with!

Awesome! Great accomplishment! I remember when I hit 14! It was surreal for me.

I hear your frustration! I did something to my sciatic nerve working out last week and have to rest. The set back is so frustrating, but then I think back a year when taking a few days off (more like months) was the norm for me. Now I can't wait to get back. More restriction might help you, but know that all of us lose at different rates, so please don't compare! It will happen for you!!!

You are so right that we know how you feel when you are tempted! But we also know your feelings on what brought you to this point, so be strong! And be GOOD to yourself!!

Wow, I have so been there with the depression aspect! I feel guilty about feeling depressed because why should I be depressed, right? I am finally getting thinner so everything should be better! Not true, just goes to show you that feeling complete has a lot more to do with being thin! Hang in there! Don't be afraid to really feel what you are going through so you can hopefully figure out why! Keep us posted!

I had the same problem with exercise about 2 weeks ago. I was banded last July and have lost 70 so far and have 20 something to go. Those last few pounds aren't going anywhere unless I get my butt off the couch & out the door to the gym, walk or bike ride! My son asked me why I wasn't working out, I had no excuse. He said "Mom, you got operated on to lose all the weight you wanted and all you have to do now is work out a little". Yes, it's that simple! Once I started back, those positive feeling hormones started flowing and I feel sooooo much better already! Make the commitment for YOU to get your workout in before you do anything else for the day, I promise you it will make a huge difference in your day! Good luck & keep us posted!

Great blog! Thank you for posting!

Every flippin day! It's the one thing that scares me the most!

Beautiful post! You are going to be successflu!

Once you start getting fills, things will change. Stay away from creamy soups all together! I found that anything with cream or cheese in it really hurt my tummy after I started getting fills. If you are dying for clam chowder, try Progresso's light clam chowder. Absolutley delicious and 100 cals per serving! Good luck!