Been on LBT a long time. I considered myself a listener on here, and not a talker for the first three years. I've started posting recently, but never started a topic.

But today I just had to do this.

I started at my Band journey in 2009. I have never had any band issues, as some may know, I did have an installation issue that was corrected. ( And yes, like others I think I have the best doctor/staff in the world. )

So I was 324 miserable, unhealthy, tired all the time pounds when I started. I am so happy to say that today.... on 3/22.. I WEIGH 222 lbs on my scale. I haven't seen those numbers in over 20 years!! Over ONE HUNDRED POUNDS LOST!

I will reach my goal of around 185 sometime late this year or early next, I don't care! NOW, after 3 1/2 years, this has become my life. I eat almost anything I want, I do exercise ( consisting 90% of the time of bike riding ) more than ever, and I feel better than I EVER remember feeling in my entire life.

So, if I could say a word of advice to the newer folks who will struggle from time to time, its this: NEVER, EVER GIVE UP! If something isn't working, change it. Be honest and firm with your doctor. For me, a properly adjusted band, is the most important thing. I couldn't diet on my own....been there, done that. THIS THING WORKS!

Thanks to all who have posted advice/encouragement/suggestions/etc. Just because we don't all agree on everything surrounding the band, we really are all after the same goal....to be healthy!

Congrats

Feels good to now that there us hope. Life is good.

Thank you so much for those words. I am not banded yet but will be sometime in Septeber.

You are proof that you need to be in this for the long haul, even if it feels like you're taking babysteps, even if it feels like you're not getting there RIGHT NOW. You are an amazing inspiration for everyone (including me) on how not to give up on yourself, no matter what. Congratulations on your loss, you certainly deserve every single one of our good wishes coming your way.

Very inspiring! Congrats.

Congratulations, Fabulous job!!

Thanks for the inspiration and congratulations!

This is incredible and so exciting! I can't wait to say I lost 100lbs. 20 more lbs. to go! Very happy for you!!

Dreaming of the day I get to post something similar! So happy for you...and this was what...three months ago?... so your success just continues! Thank you!

Thanks again,, Catfish.

Can you share how you're able to eat most foods? Is it the small bites and quantities, a certain way you prepare, brand? Any other specifics that you know now that you didn't know when you started your journey?

Thanks again,, Catfish.

Can you share how you're able to eat most foods? Is it the small bites and quantities, a certain way you prepare, brand? Any other specifics that you know now that you didn't know when you started your journey?

I have very few foods, if any, I "can't" eat. Brussel sprouts are almost always a problem for me...and I don't really know why. I don't eat sandwiches....mainly by choice, just not a real desire to. I don't eat much Pasta, or steaks often at all. But I can if I really want to. I should say, I rarely ever get stuck....maybe once a month, due to poor eating habits.

Mostly what I eat is home prepared now. I'm always glad when I have to buy dishwasher tabs...means I'm eating at home more often. That used to be a real problem for me...I ate "out" a lot. sauces, gravies, butter, etc, etc...

When I eat now, I don't limit my portions to any certain amount. ( 1/2, 1, 1 1/2 cups and all that seem like a diet to me....been there, done that.) I eat a much smaller amount than prior to getting my band correctly adjusted FOR ME. You see, I was never any good at PORTION CONTROL.....that's why I got banded! And it certainly works....now that it's properly adjusted. Some folks do great eating only a certain amount, but I failed many, many times trying such diets.

Now I try and cook lots of veggies, fresh 95% of the time. Almost no canned goods.

I use my crockpot quite often. chicken, pork roast, lamb shank, pork steaks ( I'd never heard of them til I moved here ) Homemade stuffed peppers, lentils/onion/ham pieces, corned beef. So easy, and tender, moist.

I probably eat fish at least 5 times a week. Swai, catfish, grouper, halibut, flounder, cod. Grilled/blackened/even fried. It's my favorite solid Protein...and never have any trouble with it.

Tonights meal = spaghetti squash with vodka sauce, oven baked cut up sweet potato/zucchini/onion medley with some EVOO/seasoning on them, a small amount of polenta, half an avocado......and homemade fruit salad for dessert. Pretty low protein dinner.

BUT, I had quite a bit of fried fish (about 8 ounces) and a salad for lunch.

I'll have a 40ish gram protein smoothie/shake around 9pm, three hours before bed. I didn't have anything except coffee until about noon today.

That'll put me right at 80 grams for the day, which is my target over the long haul. Some days it's more, some less.

I have used LoseIt! to track what I eat/exercise since Jan 14th...just out of curiosity, not as any limit. It works for me that way. Here's my avg's since then.

Calories eaten 1858 ( I eat a lot )

Exercise 779 ( I ride a lot )

Net Calories 1079 it evens out

As far as specifics I ( think ) I know now, that I didn't prebanding.... IT takes time to change our eating habits. And the most important is correct adjustment for the individual person...no two people are the same. Just because we may have different ideas of what the band is/is not supposed to do, we're really all after the same goal...TO BE HEALTHY! Best wishes to you for your success!