kshallow

Read good calories/bad calories -or- why we get fat both by Gary Taubes. The 2nd one is a condensed version of the first. He goes through all processes surrounding metabolism and common misconceptions that are unfounded.

Such a cute pic Rachel...you're doing fantastic!!

Woohoo!! Jump around on your bed for a couple minutes yelling "woohoo"

I am exactly a year out and have lost exactly 85 lbs. You can do it!

Rachel: I love your responses.... The wonky boobs made me laugh.... You share a nice mix of "sweet honesty"

Hi Brie..... I think we ALL wondered the exact same thing early on. It probably will happen at some point as you slowly return to a "real food" diet. Like above posters, it is pain that can be downright horrible but. My advice would be just to always go real slow when "introducing" a new food to your band especially something real dense/solid. It really varies across the board as far as which foods give which people trouble. Unfortunately, sometimes it comes down to trial and error with some foods. Just take it slow with small bites and lots of chewing as you move back into a solid diet. Best of luck wheelchair..I'm not a moderator but could you direct future comments about LBT's "search" function to the "LBT suggestion" thread.... That way we can streamline the unnecessary ridiculous info...

Omg..... This whole thing got me laughing! It made me try to remember back a year ago on surgery day to my own he-hem "status"

I was never given a number, he just told me it was a large one. He also said it's more common than not for band patients to have one and have it repaired during band surgery. Maybe a second opinion or ask for clarification about why the size of the hernia affects whether or not he suggests surgery or not? I've just not heard of this as being a reason not to get the surgery.

Coco; my dr is out of Huron Valley... Good luck!

I had a large hiatal hernia repaired at time of surgery. It's very common! Did your surgeon say he will repair it at time of lapband surgery? It's pretty standard to do this.

I would get a belt that had the holes all the way around b/c I kept running into that same problem, still kind of a fun problem to have

I have a normal BMI and there are still times if I'm going somewhere where there will be alot of people that I wonder, wow, are people going to be looking at me wondering why I don't do something about this fat?! Or if I do catch someone looking at me someplace, I'm thinking that they're starting at me because I'm fat. I am slowly shrinking out of my size 6 clothing and these are my thoughts at times!! It takes time and effort to get your mind, body, and eyesight to all see and embrace the same image. Not a fast process by any means....

About a week ago the view counter on my blog stopped as well as everyone else's as far as I can see. Is it me or are there others who's counters have stopped?

Binge eating is a tough one! That's what I struggle with. I don't even deny myself treats and other foods I really enjoy and I still struggle with bingeing once in a while. I'm not sure there's any sure fire way to prevent it other than just working through it. My binge episodes have gone way down but definately something I still am working on. It's a slow process to change this for sure! I do have quite an issue with getting that chocolate/sugar taste and then losing control so I can soooo relate to your comment!! Sometimes the feeling both physically and mentally after a binge is actually a good thing, a reminder our bodies were not meant to be treated this way. I feel your pain!

you don't have to necessarily eat more or up your calories a whole lot! Try taking 8400 calories for example (1200 a day x 7 days) and just mix up your daily amounts. Eat 900 one day, then the next, eat 1500. My doctor recommends this quite often for people experiencing a plateau. The point is to change up the quantity of food, not quality. I wouldn't recommend a bag of doritos to get the extra calories. It doesn't take a whole lot to add in a few hundred calories a few extra days each week. Things slowed down for me quite a bit over Feb-march so I took the suggestion and tracked my calories quite carefully to see if this would, indeed make a difference and nine pounds in the last ten weeks is lookin pretty good to me considering I am about 8 lbs. away from my 135 goal. The point is this: it may work and it may not but to state that it absolutely won't work, don't try it, it's a bad idea, it's ridiculous. I think it's great to try different approaches now and then, tweak things here and there, change things up! As long as it's not crazy unhealthy or physically dangerous what have you got to lose...except some additional pounds?

I started zigzagging my calories a couple months ago and I do believe there's something to it. My weight loss picked up and I do think there's something to the theory of not allowing your body/metabolism to get too comfortable or stagnant. It keeps your body working harder to burn the calories. That said, what works for one person may not work for another. It's worth a try!

I have the same temptation at night. I suck on sugar free lemon drops. (or the sugar free mixed fruit ones) or I chew on sugar free gum (I like trident cinnamon flavor) I know these things don't take the hunger away but may take the edge off. Oh, also maybe try having a protein shake as the last "food" you eat for the day at your "cut off" time ?

I do have some excess abdominal skin after substantial LB loss and would love to tighten this area up. I know the full TT is not covered by my blue cross plan and have been told I need medical documentation for any PS coverage either by PLas. surgeon or bar. surgeon for any kind of PS coverage. Is there any medical reason that I can get documented for abdom. work done if there is not an excessive flap of skin hanging? Has anyone gotten ins. coverage for loose tummy skin that was not excessive or hanging?

Congrats!!! What an amazing accomplishment!!

Amjcal: sometimes drug therapy for depression is a lifelong issue that weight loss can't cure necessarily. I'm involved in some research re: post bariatric emotional/mental issues. Early studies indicate there is something behind depressive symptoms in the first one to two yrs. Post bar. surgery but this is generally linked to evolving body and self image issues as well as changing hormonal issues. Generally speaking, bar surgery doesn't cause major depression but of couse I'm speaking in generalities. Depression is such a vast issue that it really comes down to your own personal situation.

Welcome!! It does make things more difficult without the support of family but maybe they'll come around when they see what great positive changes will be made in your life?!? This is an exciting time when you start counting down the days 'til BandDay. Have fun continuing to peruse around this sight...definately info on anything-lapband! By the way, your pic is downright gorgeous....Beautiful face

I hear you!! My sons bday was yesterday and every time I walked by the cake after it was cut I kept slicing off a thin piece cause it tasted sooooo good! I have yet to figure out how to navigate these in your face temptations. Moderation is tougher than all or nothing for me

Yay!! Super exciting! Such a terrific accomplishment! So glad you took the time to share! Enjoy and celebrate this awesome milestone:)

Ugh!!!! That's the worst!! I can eat everything and anything during TOM! I usually have about two days of crazy sugar and salt cravings. It just sucks and every month I stress about how I'm going to try to get through it without too much damage!!

I've verbally attacked my scale on many occasions. It's been the proud recipient of the " f-bomb" many many times! We have a love hate relationship. I've vacationed in Gulf Shores before and I'd love to go back....beautiful! Congrats on such a great weight loss so early on! Keep rockin it out!