Hi everyone,

Been a while since I posted but I just have to share my excitement. I am about 1-2 pounds away from ONEDERLAND!!! I can't stand it!!! I am fitting in extra workouts this week just so I can get there sooner! I still have a while to go (at least 20 more) but I am so proud of the steps I have made to change my life on both a physical and emotional level.

I have said it before to others who struggle.....the band is just a tool, the strength and dedication comes from within you! What I found to help me to succeed:

1. An amazing support system....my surgeon and his staff, my family and friends, all of you....

2. Being involved in support groups (both Lapband patients and I also belong to OA). I have learned that I can't do it alone. I need others around me to keep the motivation going and keep me accountable for my actions

3. Taking it not only one day at a time, I also take it one meal at a time

4. Don't set unrealistic expectations of myself....I can do what I can do with the time I have

5. Physical activity....I hate the word "exercise"....I just move my body. Started off slow and now I am a runner (well, pathetic jogger really). The benefits are so amazing! I have more energy, am proud of myself for doing something healthy, and my body is changing in a good way.

I am always open to emails for support and encouragement if you need it! I am more than happy to help! I am actually a mentor in my surgeon's office....been through the good, the bad, and the ugly of living the banded life!

Have a great day!

Katie

YEA!!!!!!!!! Congratulations, I don't know you, but I am proud of you. Keep up the outstanding work:thumbup:

I love #4 - I will use that. I am so struggling right now. I had my surgery in November 2010 and have lost 68 pounds. But the last two months nothing.I am starting to crave carbs, especially sweets! I am trying to get back into the swing of things but it so frustrating. Any advice you can give would be great!

Hi Patyann,

A few things come to mind....

First, think about the order of your food when you are sitting down to a meal. It should be protein 1st, veggies 2nd and, only if you have the room, carbs last. I can sometimes not even finish my veggies much less get to the carbs. I find, for me, when I eat a lot carbs I want more of the sweet things so it makes sense to me to reduce the amount of the carbs and thus the cravings are less.

Second, the quality of the carbs you are eating. I have found my cravings are a lot less with whole grains and whole wheat. Any kinds of white flour, rice, pasta, bread, etc just stirs the beast inside me and I want to overeat. I tend to avoid flour and sugar because I can't handle it.

Third, when you are craving something, is it a "real" hunger or an "emotional" hunger? I always ask myself "Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired/bored?" (the HALT rule). If it is an emotional hunger, food is going to do nothing to fix it (or the problem) and does nothing for you physically/nutritionally.

Hope that helps,

Take care,

Katie

Katie:

Congratulations! I remember you from support group.

I hope the big event happens very soon. I cried big crockodile tears the morning I stepped on the scale to 199. Was exactly one year after my first appointment with Dr. Glasgow.

Way to go! Keep up the good work.

Sue

Hi everyone,

Been a while since I posted but I just have to share my excitement. I am about 1-2 pounds away from ONEDERLAND!!! I can't stand it!!! I am fitting in extra workouts this week just so I can get there sooner! I still have a while to go (at least 20 more) but I am so proud of the steps I have made to change my life on both a physical and emotional level.

I have said it before to others who struggle.....the band is just a tool, the strength and dedication comes from within you! What I found to help me to succeed:

1. An amazing support system....my surgeon and his staff, my family and friends, all of you....

2. Being involved in support groups (both Lapband patients and I also belong to OA). I have learned that I can't do it alone. I need others around me to keep the motivation going and keep me accountable for my actions

3. Taking it not only one day at a time, I also take it one meal at a time

4. Don't set unrealistic expectations of myself....I can do what I can do with the time I have

5. Physical activity....I hate the word "exercise"....I just move my body. Started off slow and now I am a runner (well, pathetic jogger really). The benefits are so amazing! I have more energy, am proud of myself for doing something healthy, and my body is changing in a good way.

I am always open to emails for support and encouragement if you need it! I am more than happy to help! I am actually a mentor in my surgeon's office....been through the good, the bad, and the ugly of living the banded life!

Have a great day!

Katie

awesome thanks for ypur inspiring words :