Michelle (Shelly), would you mind posting some of your hard-earned lessons on "living with the band"? You have done an absolutely fantastic job! What was your beginning weight, current weight, height, co-morbidities (if any)? How long have you been banded? Any band-related problems? Please share anything you've learned that you feel is beneficial. Thanks so much! Congratulations on a "job well done"!

Michelle, what does your average day's food consist of? Do you weigh, measure your food? If exercise, what type and how often do you try to do? Thanks!

thanks marie!

what does your average day's food consist of?

i eat Protein, protein, protein. i used to eat an egg everyday for Breakfast. today i had stir fry steak and broccoli 1/2 cup, lunch today i had 4 hotwings. dinner who knows. last night it was the stirfry 1/2 cup

Do you weigh, measure your food? . no not daily. now after a fill for a week i do measure 1/2 cup incremints because i dont trust the eyeballing. when i notice i am getting that full feeling i stop for 5 minutes to see if i am full or just didnt chew well enough.

If exercise, what type and how often do you try to do? i dont do a formal exercise program. i am SO much more active though. i do all kinds of yardwork. i have been on my parents eliptical trainer some, walking, swimming

would you mind posting some of your hard-earned lessons on "living with the band"? DONT OVER EAT!! if this is a problem MEASURE your food until you can eyeball it. chew slowly and take SMALL bites ESPECIALLY the first few bites

this is a big one! dont let yourself get HUNGRY i eat my 3 meals hungry or not because when i do get physically hungry i want to eat RIGHT THEN and will pick something that isnt that healthy because i did plan ahead

What was your beginning weight, current weight, height, co-morbidities (if any)? beginning weight 350. i lost 25 pre-op so day of surgery i was 325. today i am 228. height 5'-9". co morbs- i have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis all in my family. i was having dizzy lightheaded spells and chest pains. my health was giving me anxiety and panic attacks

How long have you been banded? 11.5 months

Any band-related problems? i had problems getting restriction. i went 7 months with minimal restriction. i could still eat 2 cups of food. it ended up getting fixed without surgery.

Please share anything you've learned that you feel is beneficial.

i have done a low carb diet to 'work' my tool. i asked my dr and he said it was great he wished all his patients would do it because it makes you lose much faster.

what i have learned is that it doesnt matter WHAT type of plan you do as long as you are happy with it and accepting of the rate of loss it will give you.

some people do non-diets they just eat healthy...thats great but you must be accepting that you will slower

some people diet- as long as its a healthy one and dr/nutrionalist approved then great! its a great way to work your tool

some people eat anything all day and no matter what it is. this is not using your tool.

oh yeah

dont drink with meals for atleast an hour! it helps you keep that FULL feeling!

michelle

Thanks Michelle...I love hearing about sucuess and how you are getting it. Keep up the good work...Thanks again...Janie

he he janie its funny because the secret to my success has been:

follow the rules of banding!

the ONLY thing extra i do is omit certain veggies, limit my fruits to once a week and eat only Low Carb bread, Pasta, wraps, chocolate and icecream. BUT only 2-3 times a week

Job well done Michelle. You amaze me!!! Keep up the good work! Teresa

I just want to say GOOD JOB Michelle. You are an inspiration. I appreciate you sharing. Sometimes once some people get close to goal, it's harder for them to share their experiences.

I appreciate it!!!!

Thanks

Birdee:D

Yeah, Michelle!!

You've done so well, against so much adversity. I'm so proud of you!!!

you've done so well !!

Good on ya !

Aud x

lol thanks ladies.

once i got restriction it made staying on the bandwagon so much easier!

my main challenge comes when i dont plan out my meals.

i LOVE my band!