I started my journey in April, and I still have a long way to go (due to ins. issues I can't get my paperwork submitted until Jan 2011). I am on my required 6 month diet, and am not doing so well. The first six weeks, I lost 14 lbs, but in the past 2 months, I have neither lost nor gained. I know that I am not eating like I should be, I am falling back on bad habits; but I am now more active than I was before. Maybe that's what's got me maintaining, I don't know. I feel like I am not taking this seriously, since I have such a long time before I get banded. Is anyone else experiencing the same type of thing?

I really want to get banded, and I know that once I am, I will be forced to change my eating habits and lifestyle, but I need to start that now! Am I sabotaging myself?

Please help!!!

"Active" is important, but "Exercise" and getting a grip on your energy balance is non-negotiable. There's really no butt kicking to it. You are only responsible to yourself.

Good luck!

Brad

I started the sugery process 1/10 and due to treatment of a bloodclot from 8/09 I was not able to do the surgery in March like planned. My surgery is now scheduled for 8/12 (fingers crossed). I understand feeling like you are in limbo because your insurance will not cover until January. But, if all of your requirements are met when your insurance request is submitted will your doctor schedule the surgery upon approval? My insurnace approved me in about 2 weeks. So I had approval long before I had lost the required weight. I was told to loose 30 pounds before surgery which I did by late February. You don't want to slow down the process by not having lost the weight you need by January. I am down about 53 pounds since Jan 1 from diet and exercise. I am actually a little concerned that the band will be less succesful than planned because I have already been on a 1,000-1,200 diet for months now.

I know that it is hard to go to the gym when you are overweight. Trust me on this. I really recommend swimming as it is easier on your joints and you can really go at your own spead. I even use a Snorkle so I don't have to worry about the breathing part. If you have not set up a exercise program I strongly recommend doing so.

Not to be preachy but you mentioned knowing your food choices are'nt the best. How bad are they really? If you would'nt tell your doctor what you had for dinner/snack than don't eat it. Also I know before I started this life style change sometimes I was embarrased when I put my groceries on the check out. I felt like the thin people were thinking no wonder she's fat look what she eats!

I started my journey in April, and I still have a long way to go (due to ins. issues I can't get my paperwork submitted until Jan 2011). I am on my required 6 month diet, and am not doing so well. The first six weeks, I lost 14 lbs, but in the past 2 months, I have neither lost nor gained. I know that I am not eating like I should be, I am falling back on bad habits; but I am now more active than I was before. Maybe that's what's got me maintaining, I don't know. I feel like I am not taking this seriously, since I have such a long time before I get banded. Is anyone else experiencing the same type of thing?

I really want to get banded, and I know that once I am, I will be forced to change my eating habits and lifestyle, but I need to start that now! Am I sabotaging myself?

Please help!!! :rolleyes2:

You've lost 14 pounds. That is a positive.

You haven't gained. Another positive.

You don't need your butt kicked yet.

Being banded may force you to change but not necessarily for the better. You can always find ways around the band and many do. The band may make us eat slower and less but it doesn't necessarily make us eat any better.

Do NOT try to change everything at once. Take it one step at a time.

• Drink at least 64 ounces of Water a day. This is a MUST!
  
• Keeping a positive attitude also a MUST! Not about everything, just the fact that you can lose the weight and not suffer doing it.
  
• Cut your portions down a little at a time. Using smaller plates helps.
  
• Cut your food to about the size of a die (that pencil eraser crap is unrealistic)
  
• Chew each bite at least 25 times.
  
• Document everything you eat. Sites like Calorie Counter, Diet Tracking, Food Journal, Nutrition Facts at The Daily Plate help.
  
• Stop drinking calories. Do NOT drink any soft drinks with more than 10 calories per serving. This include fruit juices and whole milk in your coffee.
  
• Do NOT eat at any joint that has a drive-thru.
  
• Walk at least 150 minutes a week. Break this down any way you want.
  
• ALWAYS eat breakfast!
  
• Eat only 3 meals a day.
  
• Snack between meals if you are truly hungry but keep it to less than 100 calories. This doesn't mean rabbit food only. Baked chips and Cookies are fine in moderation.
  

I did this and lost 95 pounds between my initial consultation and surgery. If I can do it, anyone can!

There are other minor changes required but those I listed are a start. Do one at a time and only move onto the next when you are comfortable doing so. This isn't a diet. This is the rest of your life and there is no need to hurry.

Good luck!

Bob

I I am down about 53 pounds since Jan 1 from diet and exercise. I am actually a little concerned that the band will be less succesful than planned because I have already been on a 1,000-1,200 diet for months now.

Congratulations honk!!!

You are doing great!

I understand your concern about already living on a low cal diet and had a similar one myself. I went through with surgery anyways and am pleased that I did. The lower calorie meals are much more satisfying now.

You have 2 weeks to decide. If you still aren't sure you want to go through with it; postpone your surgery until you are. Surgery is not going anywhere and will always be there when you are positive it is right for you.

Good luck,

Bob