A fool for my tool...

[Liz1531 3]

So it's been 4 months and gasp!! I haven't lost a thing but my sanity. I read all the posts and KNEW everyone said this is just a tool, but I wouldn't believe it! I thought I'd get this surgery, eat less and the weight would fall off. Sounds simple right? It turns out I have to diet...gasp again! So yesterday... day one of starting Weight Watchers. At least having the band will make it a little easier because I will get full faster. Oh bah humbug!!!! Anyone else feel my pain?

[Kristin1031 0]

What are you eating? How much are you eating? It is just a tool but didn't you get a diet or plan to follow from your surgeon? I met with a nutritionist and had to go to classes on eating and retraining myself on portions and good foods.

Are you doing any excersize? This is Key I believe.

I don't mean to sound nasty at all.....just curious? I would be upset if 4 months out I had not lost any weight. I think you need to look at foods and how much and not drinking with meals and the whole band plan.

If you got the lapband website it has a whole plan as to how the band works.

[juliegeraci 7]

Liz, how is your restriction. I have 40 more lbs to lose and I choose to start Weight Watchers on Saturday. I am joining with my Sister. Keep me posted on your results.

[IndioGirl55 32]

So it's been 4 months and gasp!! I haven't lost a thing but my sanity. I read all the posts and KNEW everyone said this is just a tool, but I wouldn't believe it! I thought I'd get this surgery, eat less and the weight would fall off. Sounds simple right? It turns out I have to diet...gasp again! So yesterday... day one of starting Weight Watchers. At least having the band will make it a little easier because I will get full faster. Oh bah humbug!!!! Anyone else feel my pain?

Liz

The band is not the cure to our issues with food - they banded your tummy not your head and the majority of our problems with food are in our heads.

I know that others out there think this is the magic cure so you aren't alone

I am glad in researching the band and the people on this website told me it was only a tool - this is a lifestyle lifetime change in your eating - until that sinks in - this is no diff than any other program out there. You have to make healthy food choices & exercise to lose weight period end of story... The wonder of the band once you have proper restriction is that you do stay full longer - but you will still have head hunger issue.

You can do this - you just have to wrap your head around eating healthy and exercising...

Good Luck

[Daisalana 33]

Dieting sets me up for failure, I can't diet, that's why I needed the band!

I did do Atkins for a week to jump start me off of a plateau.

But with good restriction, it's very easy for me to make good decisions. food is a chore, I can't eat a whole lot.. so if I make that little bit count, I lose weight.

The downfall is candies, Cookies, ice cream.. none of that gets stuck..hrmph. So, I get it out of my house, out of my brain, and if I'm dying to snack on something, it's not going to be a bunch of calories!

[Liz1531 3]

Well... thanks everyone for your advice/input. I have typically been eating nothing but high fat foods such as meatloaf or cheeseburgers. I think I am restricted enough. I can only eat about 8 oz at a time and I PB 1-2 a week so I don't want to be any more restricted. I know that the problem is what I'm eating and not how much. Since I've been more aware the last two days due to counting points I've managed to eat plenty to stay full and still not exceed my daily points. It just took me a LONG 4 months to realize that the band isn't what is going to do it for me... I am.

[TracyinKS 7]

Congrats on setting up your journey! You've had your lightbulb moment and that is wonderful!

For me super restriction is what keeps me from over eating.... because I know that if I could eat pizza, I would! Lots and Lots of people are doing what your doing.... I can't wait to see you fly down the scale now that your trying! Happy New Year

[NJB-FW 0]

Congrats on setting up your journey! You've had your lightbulb moment and that is wonderful!

For me super restriction is what keeps me from over eating.... because I know that if I could eat pizza, I would! Lots and Lots of people are doing what your doing.... I can't wait to see you fly down the scale now that your trying! Happy New Year

Tracy,

I had surgery 9-28-07 and have lost 40 lbs. I have 5 units of restriction and have to eat slowly. When I get the pressure in my chest, the doctor says that I have taken one bite too many. Sometimes when the feeling goes away, I continue to eat. If I eat the drum part of a wing and I get the pain, I don't think I have eaten enough. How much should I be eating before I quit? If it hurts a lot, is it ok to sip a little Water to make the hurt stop? What I was used to eating and my head are having a little trouble understanding I have eaten enough for my body. I am a little confused about how many bites I should be eating. Can anyone of you help me?

[cQQlgirl 0]

Liz, I am at the same place except I'm out 2.5 months. I came to the realization the other day that if I hadn't had the band, I would likely have put on 20 pounds.

Another thing that has helped me in the last day or two: I read a thread that says that drinking before meals is ok. I was having a difficult time with having to do everything at a certain time. Too much thought involved. So now I only have to remember to not drink AFTER meals and I will be ok.

I also haven't been exercising but fully intend to begin this week. I have a bodybugg and will be using that to measure my input and calories burned.

So although I wish I had lost weight in the past 2 months, I am REALLY grateful to not have gained. The weight will come off with reasonable eating and a bit of exercise.

You sound like me. Not real angry or frustrated that you haven't lost yet (because we know why we haven't), knowing it will happen in time. We know the reason and that is half the battle.

I have had 4 fills and am at 2.6cc in a 4cc band and nearing my 'sweet spot'. I hope that we can watch each other begin to lose in the next few months.

Good luck to you sis!

Valeire

[southerngal_07 0]

....yes for some of us maybe the ancient Chinese foot-binding technique could be applied to our heads....

We have to learn how to use this tool....and it DOES make wonderful improvements possible.

cheers for the New Year....and stay focused on attaining your GOAL not on the obstacles to getting there....

Jack, I have been reading these post since August and I just have to tell you that I love reading yours. You are so funny. You make me laugh out loud. I may try the Chinese foot-binding technique to my head. ha ha. I have been banded for 4 weeks and 3 days. Life is so much easier now that I have gotten past those hellish two weeks of liquids. Keep on posting so I can smile and laugh more often. If I miss a day of laughing, then I feel I have truly lost something special. Take care and good luck. Brenda

[Notsureforme 0]

Could you please tell me how much you lost while on the liquids? Thank you.

[southerngal_07 0]

Could you please tell me how much you lost while on the liquids? Thank you.

Hi, During the 2 weeks post-op of liquids, I lost 10-12 pounds of the 16 or so I have lost now. I did not have a pre-op diet and have not had a fill yet. My first fill is Jan. 8th. I can hardly wait. :party: Hope you are doing well. Email me or message me if you have any questions I can help with. I am just getting started in my journey but I will be glad to help if I can. Brenda

[ladybug 0]

What Is A Bodybugg??

[twiggyinhiding 0]

i have my first fill also on the 8th southerngal..gl to you... i will admit ..i'm a piggy..today is new years day and last night at a party i had too much shrimp dip ..and crab dip...but...my Breakfast and lunch yesterday were reasonable...so i dont feel guilty... what i chose to do today is serve my plate in a saucer...and guess what...i'm satisfied... what a way to start the year...realizing that i can be "satisfied" with a lil food....instead of OVERSTUFFED with alot... i had cabbage and peas and a small piece of ham...and i'm happy.... maybe later i'll have a small piece of cake for a treat...but its not one day at a time...i realized.. ITS ONE MEAL AT A TIME... and my fat head needs to get in the game... i'm making these choices as good as i can till i get that fill...or those fills that will give me restriction..... i will not be on another diet!! my dr said.. NO DIETS... eat protein..then veggies..then carbs....thats the rule.... and man...it works!! and when i get restricted i wont have room for the rest of the stuff...anyway..just my 2cents...gl everyone!!! gl with everything you try for the new year.... its our time!! :welldoneclap:FAREWELL FAT!!

[southerngal_07 0]

i have my first fill also on the 8th southerngal..gl to you... i will admit ..i'm a piggy..today is new years day and last night at a party i had too much shrimp dip ..and crab dip...but...my breakfast and lunch yesterday were reasonable...so i dont feel guilty... what i chose to do today is serve my plate in a saucer...and guess what...i'm satisfied... what a way to start the year...realizing that i can be "satisfied" with a lil food....instead of OVERSTUFFED with alot... i had cabbage and peas and a small piece of ham...and i'm happy.... maybe later i'll have a small piece of cake for a treat...but its not one day at a time...i realized.. ITS ONE MEAL AT A TIME... and my fat head needs to get in the game... i'm making these choices as good as i can till i get that fill...or those fills that will give me restriction..... i will not be on another diet!! my dr said.. NO DIETS... eat protein..then veggies..then carbs....thats the rule.... and man...it works!! and when i get restricted i wont have room for the rest of the stuff...anyway..just my 2cents...gl everyone!!! gl with everything you try for the new year.... its our time!! :welldoneclap:FAREWELL FAT!!

Hi again, I have eaten a little more than I should today too. We have had friends here most of the day and of course what do you do when friends are here? EAT! I am really hoping that first fill will help to restrict me. With my luck it will take several fills. ha I have appointments for the first three fills. I get one on the 8th, then one two weeks later, and a third two weeks later. Then I think we play it by ear. Dr. Wellborn said if you can eat 1/2 sandwich or hamburger, you need a fill.. I like the way he thinks.. :party: Keep in touch and keep our fingers crossed that the fill helps us. I thought I was going to starve during the first two weeks of liquids.. but its better now. Take care, Brenda