Hello! I haven't been on lately, but I wanted to stop by and post on my progress. I am 6 months out from surgery as of today (11/21/11). As of today, I have lost 79 pounds. 14 of those pounds were on the pre op diet, so since surgery, I have lost 65 pounds. I have soo happy and my life has already changed so much! I began at 259 and now weigh 180. My doctor looks at me in amazement every time I go in. He said I should be a trainer or how to lose weight with the lapband lol. Honestly though, I am super duper strict. I eat really well, count my calories, and go to the gym 5 times a week. I also jog 3 times a week. I now only have to see my doctor every other month (which saves me money). I know most people go this route because they don't want to feel like they are on a diet. However, the band has taught me how to choose the right foods for my body and I no longer want the junk (although I do splurge on occasion). I no longer have pain in my legs when I get up from my desk either. I'm also one of the lucky ones whose hair has not fallen out. I make sure to keep my protein between 50 to 90 grams a day, and I believe that's why. I also try to keep my carbs below 100. This is a complete lifestyle change for me and I'm so excited. The one thing I have laxed on is the vitamins, which I have to start back up. I ran out and just haven't bought more. I still try to take my calcium when I remember. My main piece of advice for anyone thinking about this surgery, is to please make sure that you are ready mentally for the change. If you are not, you will not succeed. I still have 40 more pounds I'd like to lose. I know my weightloss will start to slow down, but I would love to be at my goal weight by time my 1 year anniversary comes along. If you have any questions, please let me know! That's the reason I'm posting. I am so thankful for those who were around to help answer MY questions. So consider me at your disposal! I've uploaded a pic of me from last week. I was getting ready for an interview. Please ignore the hair! lol. Unfortunately, I don't have any "before" pictures because like most of you I'm sure, I avoided the camera like the plague.

Great job! Keep up the great work and I know you will reach your goal.

legnarevocrednu-

thanks so much for your update, gives me hope...I'm still anxiously awaiting approval! Could you be more specific about your eating habits? You said every 2 hours you eat and I saw the list of types of things you eat but if you have a chance could you maybe post an example of a day of your eating? I'm good with examples, lol...I'm doing a lot of planning and prepping so I will be as prepared as possible. Any & all advice is welcome and appreicated! Thank you!

Great work.. sounds like we are about at the same place...time frame and weight loss.

Most folks think I'm crazy when I talk about 50 + grams of protein a day..good to hear you are following the same plan. However I am nearly 62 years old and waiting on a new knee so my exercise is limited to walking the dogs. I have another 40 to lose to make the doc happy. Like you it would be nice to do it by the 1 year (11/30/11) mark, but if not...I will continue to live this new life and enjoy. Good Luck

legnarevocrednu-

thanks so much for your update, gives me hope...I'm still anxiously awaiting approval! Could you be more specific about your eating habits? You said every 2 hours you eat and I saw the list of types of things you eat but if you have a chance could you maybe post an example of a day of your eating? I'm good with examples, lol...I'm doing a lot of planning and prepping so I will be as prepared as possible. Any & all advice is welcome and appreicated! Thank you!

Hi! I don't mind. I will be as detailed as possible. And keep in mind, this is a basic day. Often on weekends, it's a little different. Also, I don't cook, so these aren't the best options for most people, but it works for me!

8:30-Greek Yogurt (any flavor, any brand although I prefer Chobani of Fage).

9:30-Hot green tea

10:30-Snack (usually string cheese or something else that is 100 calories. I try to keep my Snacks 100 calories or less).

11:30-Glass of Water

12:30-Grilled chicken salad with coutons and fat free ranch dressing. This is less than 300 calories from Wawa.

1:30-Glass of water

2:30-Snack (this really ranges from whatever is on sale at Acme at the time so it just depends. I would say aim for some fruit. Sometimes I'll have sugar free applesauce as well.)

3:30-Water

4:30-Special K Protein Bar (I usually like to eat one of these right before I go to the gym).

5:30-I'm usually at the gym at this time and am drinking water the whole time so I'm not really hungry.

7:00-Dinner. Usually grilled chicken breast. I put different things on top to make it interesting.

I have tried to cut out as many processed foods as possible. I rarely ever eat anything out of a box or can. I believe it has helped me. I'm usually well under 1200 calories for the day. I try to keep my meals less around 300 calories or less (breakfast is usually a lot less because I can't eat much in the morning anyway) and my snacks around 100 calories or less. I also use myfitnesspal which has been a huge help. Good luck, and if you have any more questions, let me know!

Congrats!! You are doing great! Karen

Awesome! Keep up the great work

sounds great! What is your name on myfitnesspal I would love to see your diary. I'm struggling with foods. I'm 5 months out and only lost 35lbs.