I am setting a few challenges for myself. I've been driving myself absolutely insane by counting every single calorie that goes into my body. (an almond has 6.3 calories.) I've also been super restictive with my diet, doing my best to stay between 1000-1200 calories a day.

All of this has provided me with an average of 5 ounces lost a week since May; and stress beyond what is good for anybody. (an egg has 70 calories)

So, my challenges are that I will stop counting calories for a month, I will actively ignore my caloric intake until Dec 1, after Thanksgiving break. (2.5 ounces of turkey has 165 calories). I am on my 4th fill, but I am less than a week into it. I, of course, doubt that I lost anything last week. I feel really restricted, so we shall see how this works out. I can always get another fill, right?

My second challeng is that I'm going to start snacking. 3 meals with no Snacks isn't working for me, so I'm going to add at least one snack in the afternoon. The last time I had any success losing weight I was required to have two snacks in addition to my 3 meals. I would have a bowl of Fiber one Cereal with peaches as my before bedtime snack. Considering how much success I had with that program, I'm going to try modifying my diet to include at least one good quality snack.

I know that these seem to be breaking the bandsters rules, but I'm not having much luck dropping the weight following them.

Great idea! Keep us updated (one in a while, not obsessively, LOL). I can relate to what you are saying because if I focus too much, I will drive myself crazy...I even sabotage myself sometimes. Good luck with your modified plan!

Oh Wise One, Leader of our Little Tribe -

I say... You GO girl! You are so smart and self-aware and honest with yourself, that you, better than anyone else, will know what works for you.

And that part about breaking the bandster rules? What rules? My doctor and nutritionist WANT me to eat 5 small healthy meals/snacks a day. I feel like a failure if I've only eaten three meals - so go figure..... I think healthy snacking a perfect way for bandsters to eat.

I am SO VERY HAPPY to hear that you are not going to obsess over every little tree in the forest ....er, I mean calorie on your plate! That is no way to live, and the band is about LIVING!

It sounds like you are doing the right thing to me. I know how much the slow weight lost has been driving you crazy, so going back to what has worked in the past sounds like a really smart thing to do. Best wishes!

I think screwing the calorie counting is a great idea. I think adding a snack is a great idea, too. I think you are brilliant. I think it's gonna work. Let us know!

When what you are doing doesn't work, Try something new. That is the answer. As always, you are on the front of the learning curve.

Go, Crystal, Go!!

We are each individual - and what works for one is not going to work for all. You do what works for you.

You are, after all, the Turtle Spokes-Model. Normal rules do not apply.

:]

Good for you Vines! No one diet works for everyone, and I think experimenting to find out what will work for you is the right way to go about it. I am wishing you luck!

Crystal, good luck with your challenges, I'll be rooting for you.

You know it struck me funny when you said "bandster rules." I was talking to my doctor this morning and some of the nurses that were banded. They all gathered around this newbies bedside to tell me what to do and what not to do. Do you know that they all said to eat 5 small meals a day rather than 3. Even my doc was nodding his head.

I'm really glad your going to try this, I think its going to help alot, especially making healthy choices.

***CROSSING FINGERS FOR YOU***

Eileen

My nutritionist also told me to eat 3 meals plus 2 snacks. You never know - maybe it will kick your metabolism in the butt. Good luck!!

Vinesqueen i have a forefeeling that soon very soon you will lose suddenly much weight!

like 6 - 7 lbr in a week..

do ya have PCOS? are your periods regular like every month?

Vines, I think you have some great ideas! I do not count calories and I snack..it has worked well for me. I do know however I keep in therange of 1200-1800 a day just by what I eat on a normal day, today though I went WAY over the 1800 mark and dont feel 1 bit guilty

I had a plateua from April to October where I saw NO movement on the scale , I have lost 8 lbs in October..dont get discouraged, keep reading you awesome NSV list. You got lots to be proud of and greatful for so far!

Good for you. I dont think its healthy to live life counting calories, it never really got any of us anywhere did it? The thing about the band, the way I see it, is it should free you from that type of obsession and teach you to eat according to your (reduced) appetite and bodily needs.

You no your body, and what work,s for you Good luck! Some time,s change is good! I have tryed six small meal,s aday felt guilty?

I, no in time you will reach your goal,s best of wish,s to a happyer healther you!

Glad to hear your coming to your senses with the obsession of countin calories girl! And hell yes you need a snack or 2 to tide you over - I can't make it on 3 meals a day - I fell tired and bogged down if I don't eat a snack to pick me up in the afternoons and evenings! Keep us updated and forget those freakin calories!

My nutritionist also told me to eat 3 meals plus 2 Snacks. You never know - maybe it will kick your metabolism in the butt. Good luck!!

So did mine....so see? You aren't breaking the rules. My nutritionist said that doctors say only three meals a day because they are aiming at people who graze all the live long day. She said if you are hungry, EAT! She said snacks are fine as long as they are a small snack and done, not all day grazing.

I guess the grazing issue is a big one for bandsters.

I actually come and go on counting calories. Like you, I do it until I go nuts. Then I stop for a while....then when it seems like I'm not losing, I go back to it and make tweaks.

Hang in there, girl!

Hey! Vines...I always enjoy reading your messages cause' I learn something every time!!

I think you're going in the right direction. I was fixated on eating only three meals a day but now I'm re-thinking that...I'll go with what my body needs, if it's a snack once or twice a day, I'll go for it!

Best of wishes!

pam