How important are the rules really?

[TN_girl21 1]

I will admit, the big rule I break is drinking with my meals. Although, I don't gulp it. I may take tiny tiny sips. I barely drink 1/4 of my glass, if even that much. It does not affect my hunger, nor does it make me pb or uncomfortable. I drink alcohol on occassion. I haven't had a drink in over a month. I don't eat bread anymore, although I can still tolerate rice. And I don't drink any carbonation at all. I took a sip of my husband's flat Dr. Pepper once, and never again!

Exercising makes my port sore too. My husband and I just moved into a new house, and when we were packing up, I was so sore in my port area. It went away after about a day or two. I will see how sore unpacking makes me.

Edited July 15, 2010 by TN_girl21
typo

[sloanjd 0]

Congrats on your progress! I highly doubt that the elliptical did anything to damage your port. Soreness from exercise will come and go - especially when doing new/more strenuous exercise. The discomfort should wane after a day or two. If it is persistent or increases call your surgeon at once.

Brad

Thanks Brad, it feels good to be back in the gym!

Everyone was right, my port site soreness subsided by the next day (I was in the gym pool doing laps by night- felt good!!)

My weight loss had come to an absolute stand-still so I figured I better start hitting the gym- have to fit into a size 14 bridesmaid dress in 2 weeks (I can zip it up now but I'm afraid the zipper my completely BUST! 10 more pounds it will fit like a glove)!! Goals are good! :cool:

[RavenClaw779 2]

I put the "benchmarks" on my calendar i.e., "Can try pasta..", "Can try steak"...so far at four months out, there's not too much I can't eat - including the occasion bagel..but it takes me forever at a pinky tip size bite at a time, so not really worth it.

I'm not a big alcohol drinker, but I love the occasional margarita or gin & tonic - so far no problem, but I feel the effect very quickly. Was a diet soda a-day girl and gave that up - Love SoBe Water and still have a cup or two of coffee a day.

My NUT encourages me to 1) Eat Real Foods(don't rely on Protein Shakes except past recovery or post-fill), 2) Focus on Protein first, then fruit and veggies, 3) Limit but don't eliminate carbs, 4) Have the occasional treat but watch the portion size - that said, I really have to control myself around ice cream which has always been a favorite and slides down the ol' pie hole real easy! :cool:

[kellyodoran 12]

have you lost 60 pounds in 4 months?

[kellyodoran 12]

Sloan-- I recommend you avoid restaurant food, at least for a while. It really packs on the salt which helps retain Water and shows on the scales. It takes 14,000 calories to add 4 pounds so I really don't think that is your problem. (I am going to ask my favorite question now) Are you journaling your food? (I know, a lot of people don't have to, it makes it seem like at diet, etc.) But if your struggling it might help you. I personally thought I was doing everything right until I started journaling and I found I was kidding myself.

have you lost 57 lps in one year?

[chrisisshrinking 0]

Wow, this has definitely been a loaded thread in several different ways. So, I thought I should put my two cents in as well.

I think I've now experienced first hand the benefits of sticking on the narrow path, and the problems when I don't. For example, the first time I had a carbonated beverage, holy cow, I paid the price in discomfort. However, I have to say that I had a beer the other evening, and because I really nursed it (over a 2 hour period), I wasn't really thrown by it, although it takes far, far less alcohol now to feel the effects than it did pre-band. I've decided that perhaps with the exception of a very occasional indulgence, it's not really worth it.

I have been able to eat just about anything since going on solids post-surgery. Do I gradually advance my diet post-fills, as recommended? Sure- and I love the little weight loss boost I get as a side perk. Do I eat tiny bites and chew like crazy, as recommended? Most times, and when I don't, I pay in being "stuck", which simply hurts. Do I restrict portions, as recommended? Generally, although I'm not as vigilant as I should be...and again, I pay the price. These days, I'm extremely stressed, so now I know that I'm not good at focusing on the rules when I'm so pulled aside with other things.

I trust that my surgeon and his team know more about this journey in general than I do. Just like I trust my general doctor to guide me in managing my medical care, I trust Dr. McKenna to help manage my Lap-Band care. It's crystal clear that when I make my own decisions in this arena, against his direction, I'm the one who loses the game. So, why not set myself up to win? I may question the methods or the motives, but the results of compliance (65 pounds so far- my surgery was 2/26/10) is hard to deny!

My very, very best wishes to you all on your journey!

Christine