Hello all,

I'm 23 and ive had the gastric band since I was 18.

I lost about a third of my goal weight within the first year, however then had complications and had to have the band infastened for about a year. Long story short, I was in hospital unable to eat for 3 weeks (iv drips), I lost almost all my goal weight from this, (Unhealthy and by accident) but put almost all of it back on after (65%). Since then (About 2-3 years) I've sorta thrown in the towel, but I know I need to change.

I find it extremely hard to say no to food. Im cutting back my portion sizes and stopping my snacking. However, what o find the hardest is exercise. I have severe pain in one ankle (fallen arch/over pronation) and one wrist (tendonitis) which limit the exercise I can do.

Any hints, tips or words of encouragement on eating, exercise or getting back on the bandwagon would be very much appreciated.

Wow you've had quite the battle!

Do you currently have the band fastened and filled?

Hello all,

I'm 23 and ive had the gastric band since I was 18.

I lost about a third of my goal weight within the first year, however then had complications and had to have the band infastened for about a year. Long story short, I was in hospital unable to eat for 3 weeks (iv drips), I lost almost all my goal weight from this, (Unhealthy and by accident) but put almost all of it back on after (65%). Since then (About 2-3 years) I've sorta thrown in the towel, but I know I need to change.

I find it extremely hard to say no to food. Im cutting back my portion sizes and stopping my snacking. However, what o find the hardest is exercise. I have severe pain in one ankle (fallen arch/over pronation) and one wrist (tendonitis) which limit the exercise I can do.

Any hints, tips or words of encouragement on eating, exercise or getting back on the bandwagon would be very much appreciated.

Swimming is what you need dear...it works out every muscle in your body, it's great cardio and if you buy a set of Water dumbells, you can also do your strength training in the pool. I have designed my own water aerobics routines, so I am never bored and the water really helps relieve pressure from my joints - so if you have pain, you can work out very easilly in the pool and not hurt during or after. Just be sure to get your Protein in 1 hour before and within 1 hour after your work out. Don't be discouraged, I hope you have access to a gym with a pool - it will be your best bet.

So protein before and after? I never knew that.

How much do you have, and examples of what you have would be appreciated, Pt1. Thx

So Protein before and after? I never knew that.

How much do you have, and examples of what you have would be appreciated, Pt1. Thx

Yes - I usually get in a 20 - 26g shake 1 - 1.5 hours (never more than 2 hours) before the workout and anywhere from 16 - 26g within an hour of finishing (30 minutes is optimal). The one before gives your body something to start burning and it keeps you from getting hungry. The one after is for recovery - it feeds the muscles and keeps the burn going long after you have finished. If you do this in the evening, you shouldn't be hungry again, just drink lots of Water because you will be flushing out the bi-product of your burn.

I use: the cheap stuff from Walmart or Muscle Milk and I always take my shake with me and down it as soon as I finish getting dressed. Add a little ice and it will be cold when you're done. I work with many "fitness gurus" and this helped me to lose 60lbs. over the course of a year, without really dieting.