So, after posting a lot for the first couple of months I went away, but I did not forget all of you! :thumbup: In the meantime, the band has been doing exactly what it is supposed to do - make me think about what I am about to eat. With enough resolve and resistence to pain it is true you can eat just about anything, but I have more of the former than the latter. I haven't had a soda or a steak since the day before surgery, and other than the occassional longing for steak, I'm ok with it. Beer, well let's not get out of control. I will take the hour to sip a beer. :w00t: It's just that I'm not having the beer's five friends as well any more.

I was allowed to start exercising one week post-op, and I've been good about it so far. I ran my first 5k in almost two decades last month, and I have another 5k on June 8th. That 5k is actually just a "training" run though, as it is preparing me for my biggest challenge so far: a triathlon. I am doing the "sprint" variety which includes a 500m swim, 20k bike ride, and 5k run. Considering this will probably take be close to 90 minutes to finish, I'm not sure where the "sprint" part is. :sad: I cannot wait though. The band has freed me from self-doubt and awakened the competive spirit that longed to get out and have some fun. I've got 6 more pounds to get to my first goal (weight in tag is incorrect: I'm 205), and it has truly been the hardest to get to. The first 60 pounds were a cakewalk. :blushing:

The inspiration has not just been for me too. My aunt and nanny have also decided to get the lap-band after seeing my success, and they are well on their way too. For those of you on the fence about getting this done, I'd suggest hopping on over. :mad:

Thank you for your entry I got my first fill this past Tuesday and I am alittle on the tighter then I'd hope for side and really struggling mentally with this right now. I was thinking last night there is something very unnatural about liquids for days like it is throwing your body in starvation mode but I know in my heart that this is about relearning how to eat and learning when to say enough, its just hard when you drink and your chest hurts for what seems like forever after. It is bearable and I know it will pass but it's scary when that happens. Nice bit of encouragement here that I really needed this morning thanks again

Congrats on becoming an athlete! It sounds like you are really getting fit and that has to feel good! I'm curious though - why have you given up steak? Is it because you can't eat it or haven't you tried? I still eat steak but now, instead of trying to find the biggest steak I can for my money, I go for the best cut and get a small fillet rather than a huge piece of rump. I'm fussier about how it's cooked - it has to be TENDER - but if I cut small and chew properly, I have no problems and savour every bite. I would hate to have to give up steak!!

BTW, a small piece of good steak, say 150g (5.3oz) is only 185 calories.

I haven't tried steak actually. I've eaten plenty of foods with lean ground beef in them, like my homemade chili. However the WORST PB I've had so far came with beef stew. I was in pain and coughing up for a good 20 minutes, at work no less, during that little episode. I figured if I can't get down a overcooked piece of stew meat, how in the world can I get down a piece of steak or even a small filet?

chicken and fish are my main staples now. My wife loves it. Every weekend she gets fresh cooked fish. :blushing:

Routine has been my key to success so far. I bring the same thing (with different flavors) to work every day for my Breakfast, lunch, and Snacks. With my exercise schedule I cannot eat only three times a day, so I cheat a little and eat five times a day to keep my energy up on my exercise days.

Steak is certainly worth it and there is no reason to give it up. To be honest, steak is easier on my stomach than chicken.

I understand the athlete bit. My workout used to be remote control surfing on the couch. I now work out vigorously every day at the gym and have started running as well. Sometimes I wonder . . . who is this person that I have become. I hardly recognize myself :0)

It feels great!!!!

I still eat steak. Once a week. I can't imagine not eating it. Beer, which I absolutely love, is a thing of the past. I haven't even tried it. I can related to the body changes. I was in the pool last night doing a vigorous aerobic workout and the instructor said, "Okay gang, you should be breathing heavily and feeling this now." I was breezing through it with little effort. I'm actually in shape, despite my still fairly large size. It's amazing what religous exercise can do. While I don't consider myself an athlete, I do feel like I'm in decent shape. Considering where I came from, that is remarkable.

Congrats Kago, I too have a dream of doing a tri. I set that goal after I quit smoking. I was well on my way then I don't know what happened. Now 60 lbs later it seems so distant, and after getting shot down by my GP for the surgery I'm kind of at an impass. It may be 6 mo. or even longer before I can get to schedule a date. My insurance don't even require anything but a BMI over 40, or over 35 with a comorbid. It's the lap doc that requires the GP approval and the 6 months, which I have with my original GP. If I go to a new one, then I bet I have to do the 6 months again! Congrats again, and maybe I'll catch up to you one day!