**Updating due to nutritional changes**

Since I've been getting more messages lately asking for advice, what do I eat, how often do I work out, etc., I thought I would take a little time to blog about it. It makes me chuckle a little bit because 7 months ago, I never thought that I would have been one to give any kind of health or workout advice...ever. I am definitely not an expert and am learning as I go as well, so what I'm about to share is only what has worked for me. Everyone's bodies are different and will adjust to the band in different way and our bodies will adjust to the weight loss in different ways as well.

MY STATISTICS

Age: 29

Kids: Alyssa, 4 yrs old

Height: 5'7

Starting Weight: 285 Current Weight: 212

Starting BMI: 44.6 Current BMI: 33.2

Band date: 8/27/09

Band type: AP - holds 10CC

Current fill: a little over 5CC (about to have some removed as my band is a little too tight at the moment)

MY DIET

Morning: Protein shake - In the beginning, I was doing something quick like a Slimfast. If I have time to doctor it up then I like to blend as strawberry slimfast with a banana, ice and a dash of cinnamon OR the cappuccino slimfast is good blended with ice and two teaspoons of peanut butter. However, I found out from my doctor that I wasn't getting nearly enough protein, so I headed over to GNC for some advice. I am now drinking the Syntha 6 Protein Shake (Mochaccino is my fav). It is a little higher in calories and fat grams then some of the other protein shakes, but it is actually very good tasting and since I take it as a meal supplement, I have some calories to spare.

No morning snack

Lunch: Cup of soup OR a salad OR a SmartOnes/Lean Cuisine meal OR tuna wrap

Afternoon snack: Piece of fruit or some other low fat snack

Dinner: SmartOnes/Lean Cuisine meal OR 1/2 Chicken Breast with side of green beans OR 1/2 hamburger patti with slice of cheese and side of corn OR soup (I'll doctor up a can of soup for dinner with chopped onions, cilantro, hot sauce)

Drinks: Coffee in morning; I try to get in at least 4-5 bottles of water a day and add Special K Protein Water mix for the additional protein

WORK OUT SCHEDULE

Monday: Body Works class (aerobics class using weights)

Tuesday: Kickboxing class + Abs

Wednesday: Pilates OR Weights + Abs

Thursday: Spin/Cycle class (you can burn 800-1000 calories during one of these classes) + Abs

Friday: Weights + Abs

Saturday: Workout with personal trainer on either Upper or Lower body using weights (depending on what I did the night before)

all my workouts range from 1-1.5hrs

MY VITAMINS

Solotron Chewable Multivitamin - 2xs daily

Biotin - open and add capsule to shake 2xs weekly

As far as my banded life has been. I have had 3 fills since being banded (doc says I'm far behind on my fills). All fills have been pretty easy and have given me a good amount of restriction; however, this last fill, a little too much was put in and I need to have some removed. One indicator that your band is too tight is if you cannot drink an entire glass of water without wanting to vomit or spit it back out, then your band is probably too tight. Needless to say, I haven't been able to put anything but liquids down...mostly soup. Hopefully after tomorrow it'll be easier. Again, just proves that having the band is trial and error and everyone's body adjusts to it differently.

I hope this helps and good luck on your journey. Please always feel free to email me with any questions!

Missy

Right on Sister!! Way to Workit!!! You look great!! Thanks so much for the input, it really does help. I totally forgot about the Special K protien water mix. I used that stuff a couple years ago but had slipped my mind until you mentioed it.

Congrats and keep it up Woman!!

Jade

How long have you been working out? Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.

Thanks so much for your input. I really appreciate it. I have had trouble with starting an exercise routine,but realize that it is the key to increase weight loss. I was banded on 12-21-09 and have only lost 19 lbs to date. I need to loose 80 more pounds. You have inspired me. I have joined the gym, but haven't been going. Today I will start. Thanks So Much!!

Thank you so much for all the info....I'm ready to see these pounds FALL off, LOL....of course with hard work *wink*

Nice post. Thanks for the info and keep it up you are doing great. imaluckydog

thanks so much that help out alot!! and keep it up you look GREAT!!!

Hiya.. i am a newbie.. got banded sep 2010.. in two weeks i have lost 10lbs-- cant wait to start xcercising - your activity diary reeally inspired me and your food diary really has show me how to suceed. You look fab sweetie and I am really motivated by reading your comments

Im really wondering how your skin treated you? Did you have anything done or have problems with your skin? Do you think your workouts helped with that?

Great I did start going to gym I started with doing Zumba classes I go mon-wed its been really hard on my knees. I dont know about my diet it seems like I can eat more on somedays than others. I have not been doing any protien shakes durning the week I am really good on what i eat like I have egg whites with pita for bf, then a can of Tuna w/o mayo just pepper serve with wheat crackers or pita, sf jello a yogurt sometimes. I snank on fruits or string cheese. I was 285 when I started and stuck at 250 for 4mths now. I dont want to do another fill untill I see if the Zumba works for me or not you know.