It's been awhile since I've been on here. There have been several gaps of time when I have "slacked" off in my motivation. TBH, what I struggled with was not being able to get ENOUGH calories with how active I wanted to be. I had finally made the decision to have my band unfilled and that was to occur this past Thursday. But strangely enough, even though it had been since summer of 2009 since I had been adjusted, I started having issues the week right before my appointment. It was a gradual build-up over three days to the point where I was struggling to get down fluids. I had to make an emergency appointment to get the band unfilled. This didn't upset me - it's what I was planning, anyway! The nurse practitioner couldn't believe that it had been 2-1/2 years since my last adjustment and I had zero issues since then.

I joined a weight loss challenge with my employer at the beginning of the year that lasts 12 weeks. I stalled in my weight loss right before the issues that led to my emergency unfill. After the unfill, I had a major WOOSH and lost everything plus a couple more pounds. So, since the last week of December, I have lost 8 pounds. I HAVE to get about 1800 calories everyday, or I can't lose weight. VLCD (very low calorie diets) don't work with me for the level of fitness I am working on. I used to be running a lot and weight training. I couldn't get past a certain point in my weight loss because my body kept kicking into the starvation response. Considering that it's easier for me to get calories now, I'm eating healthier, and it's working like a charm, I'd say my theory was right. But we'll see.

Currently, I'm doing the Insanity workouts, eating up to 1800 calories a day (split into 6...3 meals, 3 snacks), drinking Shakeology as one of my snacks, taking health supplements, and drinking lots of water. I feel fantastic.

I do feel that the Lapband was a necessary evil and given the choice to do it all over again - I would. Over the course of my journey, I have learned SO MUCH about fitness and nutrition that I never took the time to really delve into before the band. I knew I was eating unhealthy, but really didn't have a clue of the best way to approach nutrition. I'm positive that I can take off the rest of my weight and keep it off. The surgeon that did my unfill said if I'm able to stay at a stable weight for several months, then I should consider removal. The Lapband was a great tool...but I think at this point, I may have outgrown it.

How is everybody else doing? I'd love to hear updates.

It's been awhile since I've been on here. There have been several gaps of time when I have "slacked" off in my motivation. TBH, what I struggled with was not being able to get ENOUGH calories with how active I wanted to be. I had finally made the decision to have my band unfilled and that was to occur this past Thursday. But strangely enough, even though it had been since summer of 2009 since I had been adjusted, I started having issues the week right before my appointment. It was a gradual build-up over three days to the point where I was struggling to get down fluids. I had to make an emergency appointment to get the band unfilled. This didn't upset me - it's what I was planning, anyway! The nurse practitioner couldn't believe that it had been 2-1/2 years since my last adjustment and I had zero issues since then.

I joined a weight loss challenge with my employer at the beginning of the year that lasts 12 weeks. I stalled in my weight loss right before the issues that led to my emergency unfill. After the unfill, I had a major WOOSH and lost everything plus a couple more pounds. So, since the last week of December, I have lost 8 pounds. I HAVE to get about 1800 calories everyday, or I can't lose weight. VLCD (very low calorie diets) don't work with me for the level of fitness I am working on. I used to be running a lot and weight training. I couldn't get past a certain point in my weight loss because my body kept kicking into the starvation response. Considering that it's easier for me to get calories now, I'm eating healthier, and it's working like a charm, I'd say my theory was right. But we'll see.

Currently, I'm doing the Insanity workouts, eating up to 1800 calories a day (split into 6...3 meals, 3 snacks), drinking Shakeology as one of my Snacks, taking health supplements, and drinking lots of Water. I feel fantastic.

I do feel that the Lapband was a necessary evil and given the choice to do it all over again - I would. Over the course of my journey, I have learned SO MUCH about fitness and nutrition that I never took the time to really delve into before the band. I knew I was eating unhealthy, but really didn't have a clue of the best way to approach nutrition. I'm positive that I can take off the rest of my weight and keep it off. The surgeon that did my unfill said if I'm able to stay at a stable weight for several months, then I should consider removal. The Lapband was a great tool...but I think at this point, I may have outgrown it.

How is everybody else doing? I'd love to hear updates.

Well not as good as you lol. I was banded 11/6/07 I was dwon as low as 165 but had issues in 6/10 and they took Fluid out and I gainded went up to 190 then back down to 170's but back up to 187 cant seem to get my act together. I know everything I am doing wrong but still do it. I dont exercise at all and I eat all the wrong things.Cant seem to get motivated

Glad to see your response, Ann. We've all had our stop and starts. I know I have done my fair share of fluctuating. I have to keep reminding myself that a commitment is a choice you make every moment and every day. It's not something I say once and it just sticks. I have to consciously keep making that choice. And there are certainly days that I struggle. Today has been rough so far. I feel tired and sluggish and did not want to work out. I did it anyway and hated it the entire time. I am craving processed garbage like crazy. Because I have been doing so well, as long as it's within my calories allowed for the day, I'll probably fit in a small treat. I find that I do better that way rather than denying myself completely. Committing to your own health is difficult! Especially when you may have a lifetime of experience abusing your body (which I certainly do have).

Hang in there. We've all been there.