i know that there are some people on here who have lost TONS of weight...

please share some of your secrets... like some pointers on what to eat..or how much...or what kinda/how much exercise u do...or what keeps u motivated!

Mentally, what keeps me motivated, is living with the assumption that this band might not be with me forever. Initially, I thought that it would (it still probably will), but after reading about all of the erossions/slips, it really stressed me out. I know it sucks to live this way, but after seeing so many lose their bands, I know that there is always that possibility that I might run into problems in the future. So I am trying to make as much progress as I can, while I am fortunate enough to not have any complications. And if I end up having the misfortune of running into complications, I know that at least something good came out of this experience. As people say, the band is just a tool. I want to make sure that if this tool is ever taken away, I am still able to lead a semi-normal life without it.

As far as pointers, I would only advise that you become aware of your daily calorie intake. Initially, I thought that once I got this surgery, I would never have to worry about this, but it is still important. I never realized how many calories were in some of the foods I ate. I try to stick to about 1000-1200 calories and exercise twice a week. I know I could do more, but this is where I am right now and it seems to be working for me.

So anyways, this is what works for ME. It might be different for others. Everyone is different here. You will find out what works for you. It will just take a little time. Good luck:)

I log my daily intake on fitday. I keep my calories between 1000 and 1200 and my carb grams at or below 30 percent of my total calories. I try and keep my protein at 100 grams or less, but never below 75. I don't eat past 7p and I do my best to get in 60 ozs of liquid a day. I also weigh every single morning and log it on a spreadsheet. I don't get freaked out by variances, because my spreadsheet shows my downward trend on a weekly basis. You will eventually just have to find out what works for you, because not everything is going to work everytime.

I haven't lost as much as some of the others here, but one thing I think is helpful is to understand that no one is perfect and so to hold yourself to a standard of perfection is counter-productive. Be flexible, what is working for you now might not work for you in a few months; be able to look for little changes you can make to keep the weight loss going. One more thing: don't freak out when you stay the same for awhile...most people do that, and your body needs time to adjust. Be nice and let it have it's time.

Good luck, Cindy

Have healthy, sit-down meals w/your family and eat the same things they are eating. If you're too tight for eating most 'regular' foods (solid proteins, vegetables), then you may be too tight, period.

I have had a really tight band. I have had my band really loose. If your band is tight enough, you will lose weight. Quickly. However, many american doctors get real conservative with the fills. Threfore, weight loss is slow....or darn near zero. Having a tight band is not all rosey by the way. It takes skill to live with a really tight band. You also may be on a plateau. I stayed at 210 for 4 weeks and then dropped 6 pounds in 2 days and stayed there for 3 weeks. Go firgure.

I am down 53 lbs. in 7 months. I'm hoping I qualify as one of those who continue to lose weight. If I'm not, then skip to the next person.

Here's what keeps me motivated:

In my office I track my weight loss in 3 ways. I have a weight loss chart hung on my wall. The starting weight is at the top with an arrow heading downwards with a big 150 in stars!! (My goal weight!) I also have monthly pictures taken of me hanging on the wall. These pictures are a big motivator for me. BIG!! There are days when I really can't tell that I've lost weight. Then, I look at those pictures & I can see it!! I also have my "50 Reasons to Weight 150 lbs." hanging on the wall. When I have down days, these really pick me up.

What I Eat:

I usually drink a Protein shake for Breakfast because I have a hard time getting down solids in the morning. For lunch I eat at Wendy's EVERYDAY!! I either have a chili or a salad. I eat dinner with my family & just eat a smaller portion. I drink lots of Water through out the day. If I am hungry in between meals, I eat protein because I know that it won't go down real easy & will keep me from eating more. (Jerky, Peanut Butter, tuna, hot dog, dry chicken) 2-3 bites usually does the trick & then I'm uncomfortable. Perfect for me to stop putting something bad in my mouth!!

Exercise:

I didn't exercise the first 3-4 months after surgery. I've never been a big exercise person & frankly, I HATE IT most of the time!! However, I have forced myself to go to the gym. I started going 3x a week & hired a trainer. (I figured if I'm going to do it, I might as well do it right!) I now work out on my own & usually go 4-5x a week. It was when I started working out that I saw a big change in my pant size & started feeling so much more energy. I still don't like it a whole lot, but I know it's good for me. Besides, it gets me out of the house!!! :rolleyes

I am not a perfect bandster all the time!! I have made lots of mistakes & eaten lots of Girl Scout Cookies. I give myself a free night on Fridays to eat something fattening & fun. I eat it & get it out of the house. If I am tempted during the week, I just tell myself that I can have it on Friday & then I feel better.

Hope this helps!!!

I just want to say that every time I read this thread title, I think I need to post here because it looks like (at a glance) "People who CAN"T lose weight, share your secrets" and it GETS me everytime! I don't have a thing to share about continuing to lose. I'm a Turtle and a big-time plateau-er. I'm working on it though.:biggrin1:

Well, I've only been at this for a few months now, but I seem to be losing at a steady rate so I'll chime in.

I could pick out several things from each post so far. I eat between 800 - 1,000 calories per day. Only once did I manage to reach 1,200 and that's because I was eating beef instead of fish or chicken.

I make sure to eat between 60 - 100 grams of Protein per day.

I drink at least 64oz of Water.

I weigh once a week, sometimes twice. But I'm trying to break the scale addiction.

I try to walk on the treadmill or outside everyday.. 1/2 mile is my goal. Sometimes I can do more. I've been sedintary for a long time. We've joined a gym and will be going a few nights a week to swim or use the machines.

We have no junk food in the house.

I have a variety of foods that I enjoy, that are band friendly, and are high in protein. I keep these on hand at home so I don't have to think too hard about what I'm going to be eating each day. My shopping lists are simple. I don't want to have to think about food any more than I have to.

When I go out to eat, I know exactly what I'm going to order and I do not look at the menu.

With the exception of cottage cheese and potatoes.. I live by the saying, "If its white, it's not right". Bread, sugars, pastas, etc. These are all starchy, high carb, processed foods that provide nothing for my body in the way of nutrition. However, they do an excellent job of making me fat. So I've removed them from my life.

I do not eat after 7pm, unless it's the weekend and I know I'm going to be up late. But even then, never after 9pm.

I'm still trying to get myself to stop eating when I know I should. For some reason I keep wanting to clean my bowl. Actually, as I type this I've had a revelation. The meals I have the most problems with are the ones I eat in larger bowls. Most of my meals are eaten in 1 cup size bowls, but at dinner I use a Cereal bowl for my fish or chicken and veggies. By golly, Im going to start using the smaller bowls at dinner too! I can always go back and get more if I need it, right?