Elle23

Kis, You have done amazing!! I am still moving along...hitting plateaus now and then and devising new workout stragies to get past them. Running my first marathon in a couple of months (eek!!). Generally, I am loving life and going full force forward with energy I couldn't even remember that I had.

Hello all! Hope everybody is doing well out there. The February 2011 Bandsters have been so quiet. Kiskis ~ You are doing so AWESOME!! I'm still about 25 pounds from goal, but chugging along. I agree -- the closer you get, the harder it is...though I am totally determined. I am so proud of you -- onward to goal and maintenance we go!!

TxMama ~ You shouldn't be upset at all! I think we've all had our ups, downs, and plateaus with the band. I plateaued for 5 months or so and am just now getting back into hard workouts. I ended up going back to the pre-op diet for 10 days and that kick started me again...it was hard, but I finally got off of my plateau. Keep us posted -- you are doing well -- just think, you are still about 30 lbs. down -- and that's awesome! (((HUGS)))

Long time, no post --sorry!! How is everybody doing? I'm slowly (emphasis on slowly) losing, but not gaining -- and as I've read in other posts, I am WAY more fit than I was last year. I am running four days a week and just completed my first half marathon in January. Never in a million years would I ever have been able to do that. I hope everybody is doing well. I *hope* to reach goal by summer and then onward to maintenance. Keep in touch. (((HUGS))) to you all!

Hi JPT! I'm glad to hear that you are doing well again! Like you, I have had my ups and downs and I can't seem to get my exercise rhythm back on track -- though I'm starting back up full steam with a boot camp class this week. Lol! Not sure what I'm getting myself into. I am not in the green zone, but my doctor has been really hard to get into for fills and due to a stomach bug, I had to cancel the last appointment (and couldn't get back in until the end of this month...so hopefully that fill will put me closer to the "green zone"). I hope all of our other Feb 2011 bandsters are out there and doing well! Check in when you can and we can chat!

Sophinator ~ I'm not sure if the Biotin is working either, but the hair loss is slowing for me too. I need to book a haircut -- I think that would help a lot. How is the latest fill going? I definitely have more restriction since the last fill, but could probably use a little bit more (I'm at 4.5 cc's). How is everybody else doing? In general, I think I'm doing all right but for the first time since being banded, I've had horrible cravings and bloating during my TOM and that has the scale fluctuating. What kind of work outs are you guys doing? I've been trying to mix it up and have been alternating between going to the pool and jogging. I need to find some sort of toning/strength training to do -- I would like to try pilates, but haven't found location nearby. I went to a spin class last weekend that totally kicked my behind...it gave a whole new dimension to biking that I had never seen before. LOL. I am thinking about doing a 90 day session of P90X with some family and friends, but it's kind of scary intense...and I'm a little intimidated. I hope all of you are having a good summer and seeing some good results. HUGS to you all and check in when you can!

Texas Mama ~ I'm so glad you had fun on vaca! Don't be hard on yourself -- we've all got to live in the real world sometimes -- just get back into your losing routine and you'll do fine. Your heart rate has improved drastically since starting work outs -- that's awesome! I have a question -- how much do you do per week of cardio and strength training? Also, if you don't mind me asking -- what is your goal weight and did your doctor set it? I am 5'8" (a little shorter than you) and my doctor set my GW as 151 going by BMI. Here's to much healthier and happier Feb 2011 Bandsters by December! Maybe we should set up goals on here to movitate each other. Like you said, we all lose at different rates, but it's still something to work towards. JPT ~ Great work on the treadmill! I need to set goals like that. I start off strong, but my staying power could use some work. This week I either swam at the pool or jog/walked almost every day, but I have issues with letting life get in the way (work, kids, etc.). I completely relate on the scale addiction...and unfortunately it can set my mood for the day (especially on PMSing weeks...LoL). You are doing great and more than halfway to goal! Woo hoo! Soph ~ Ugh...the hair loss. Don't get me started...I seriously started to panic about it. I've been adding Biotin to my daily vitamin regimen and it seems to be helping (I take 1000 mg a day). Before banding, I had a lot of hair and now it seems so thin and I have lots of baby hair coming in. On carbs, I think it definitely helps to keep an eye on it -- BTW, I LOVE My Fitness Pal -- I log on many times a day via phone or PC and it has really helped me to be accountable (plus, I notice when I have and don't have restriction). Like you, my band is really tight in the a.m. and drinking something hot usually helps. I'm still having a glass of tea or coffee in the morning and then getting in a protein shake about an hour later. This week has been pretty good -- I feel like I'm back on track with exercise and watching my food intake. I haven't lost a whole lot (1 lb. or so), but then again it isn't gaining so I'm happy with that. I really think watching carbs and getting in some breakfast has helped me. Will post more later -- have a wonderful weekend everybody!

Sophinator ~ First off, (((HUGS))) It is frustrating...I know. I'm on a big plateau and have been trying to mix up my exercise and food. I had a fill last week (now up to 4.5 cc in a 10 cc band) and am feeling some restriction again...though not as much as I would have hoped (I got 1 cc added this time, instead of .5 cc). You sound like you are doing great on exercise and not gaining is awesome! Are you using a program to chart your food intake? If so, maybe look at the number of carbs you are eating. I saw the nutritionist at my doctor's office after my visit last week, and she said that I should try to keep my carb intake below 80, if possible (which is still on the high end considering low carbers stay below 50 or even less) -- so I'm starting that this week (more recently I've been getting in about 100 or so carbs a day). Also, are you getting in all of your protein and how many calories a day do you consume? I find that I lose the best when I get in at least 70-75 grams of protein a day and no more than 1200 calories. Also, do you eat breakfast? I'm guilty of that and usually just grab a cup of coffee or hot tea in the morning and don't get in any protein until lunch. Apparently, skipping breakfast can signal the body that it should store fat versus get rid of it (the nutritionist said that it could be the reason I'm plateauing), so I should try to get in a protein shake or something in the morning to balance my day out. I think you are doing great! Just chat with your doctor and maybe have him/her take a look at your food/exercise journal to see where you can tweak. Feel free to post anytime you are frustrated -- that's what we are here for -- to support each other. And, trust me -- we've all been there.

Hi Korilynn! You are doing great! 50 lbs is awesome! I'm hoping to get there eventually, however my body isn't exactly cooporating and I'm experiencing my first full-blown plateau (I've been the same weight for about 2-3 weeks...sigh). I'm trying to mix up my exercise routine (swimming and yoga) and change up my eating (proteins) to work on getting the scale to go back in the downward direction. I don't think I've ever fully PB'd yet, but have had some minor stuck episodes...and those were TERRIBLE (of course it was eating something that I knew I shouldn't). What kind of exercises are you doing and have you found any foods that work really well? Everybody ~ It has been too quiet around here! I hope you are all doing well -- Texas Mama, Sophinator, Tom, JPT, and the others -- check in when you can! I hope you are all doing well!

Korilynn ~ How is the latest fill going? Liquids should really streamline your pouch! That's wild about your doctor telling you to cut back on working out! LoL, but I can see the reasoning since I am defninitely hungrier when do more exercise/physical activity. You are doing so awesome! I'd love to have lose 60+ already! Woo hoo! Go girl! Aww...thank you for the compliment! It means a lot coming from someone who knows what it is like. I think you are right about old habits dying hard...I've really been working on it for the last week, but TOM is making an appearance soon, so tomorrow's weigh in should be interesting. Plus, I think I've had too much sodium in my diet this week. I've stayed within my calorie, carb, and Protein counts but have been hitting the trail mix something fierce, which does contain more salt than I would like. I guess we'll see. Hope everybody else is doing well! It's is super quiet now! I think Texas Mama is on vaca -- hope she's having a wonderful time! She posted the MOST ADORABLE swimsuit pic on her blog! You go girl -- you rocked it, and it looks awesome! You are braver than I am, but I'm slowly getting over it. My youngest starts swimming next week, and I've got to be in the pool...

Texas Mama ~ I really think a food journal does help -- I write down everything good or bad that I put in my mouth. Sometimes, the calorie counts will amaze you. However, it does help me to keep myself accountable. Side Bar: I'll abbreviate so I don't go on and on...I think I've been kind of sabotaging myself lately, so I had to self-intervene before it got bad and re-evaluate my eating and exercising. I've been getting a lot of attention due to weight loss (comments from friends, family, coworkers, strangers, etc.), and I think part of me wanted that old comfortable fat suit that kept me somewhat invisible for so many years (or at least gave me that invisible feeling). I had a heart to heart with my husband about it all last night, since he's my biggest supporter and best friend who loves me big or small. I'm still 30+ lbs. from the goal my doctor set and I can't let myself fall back into the old routine. I guess part of me is a little upset that I'm getting treated so much differently now that I was when I was bigger. Anybody else feel like this?

Hi Everybody, Texas Mama ~ I like your doctor's definition of being in the zone! It's very encouraging. Lately, I've noticed getting hungrier too...I think I need a fill, but can't get in until the middle of July (my biggest complaint with this process has been how long it takes to get into my doctor's for fills but then again it lets me adjust to fills, so I guess that's the silver lining). For the first time since being banded, my calories are in the 1300-1400 range due to my increased appetite. I hear you on the Crystal Light addiction...I love Cherry Pomegranate something fierce! I don't have a sugar addiction, but I do love me some bread...totally my gateway food. LoL. Korilynn ~ I do have food guilt sometimes, but like Soph said I don't let it bother me and just admit (journal) that I ate it and move forward. I really think it's part of learning to live with this device in a new lifestyle. How is your exercise going? Sophinator ~ Awesome about your recent fill! My doctor's office didn't give a whole lot of instruction about how and what to eat (the nutritionist said that banded folks can eat just about anything in moderation) -- they just gave a calorie and Protein ballpark to stay in. I plan to ask them about carbs the next time I go in...I keep forgetting. My doctor set my goal weight as 151...I always *thought* I looked decent at about 160-165 when I was much younger, but I guess he's going by BMI. Did any of your doctor's set goal weights? Well, I've gotten back on the exercise wagon but the summer heat is really putting a damper on me. I'm thinking about hitting the local pool and swimming if I can get over my swim suit phobia. :eek: It's just so hot where I live...I don't even want to picture what August will look like. I think Texas Mama can relate. I think my big issue right now is that I'm considerably more hungry the second half of the day. From wake up until about 7:00 p.m. my day is slammed, but until this last week or so I haven't eaten anything after 7:00 p.m. -- this week (big hand slap) I have snacked before bedtime. I guess the scale will show, but hopefully my workouts will help. I really think I need a fill and a bit more willpower. :tape2:

Korilynn ~ Don't be discouraged! 41 lbs is an AMAZING amount of weight to have lost -- you should be proud and Celebrate every pound you are down. Plateaus are tough, but heal up your ankle, and get back to workouts when you are ready. I know you'll do great! P.S. TOMs are always a pain...my weight fluctuates +/- 5 to 8 lbs in the days leading up to TOM. :juggle: As a major scale junkie, I have to really try to IGNORE those days. LoL.

TexasMama ~ I'm so happy that all of your hard work and dedication is paying off! I knew that it would! Your new endo sounds like they have a great plan for you. 1-2 lbs. a week is awesome!! I'm right in there with you and Soph on age, and I do think it factors in a lot with weight loss. For my journey so far, I think really watching carbs, calories in/out, and Protein have been key. I haven't tried the premade Atkins shakes -- I'll have to get some for days when I'm on the run (which is most days -- LoL). What kinds of workouts are you doing? I need to try to vary mine a bit -- I don't think I'm getting enough strength training in...all right on the cardio, but slacking on the rest. Do you take classes or just work out 1-1 with your PT? Soph ~ I hear you about being 25 in your mind! I guess I thought I'd feel different for some reason, but I haven't. I'm actually feeling much better than I have in several years -- more energy and focus on enjoying life. Stick with the treadmill -- it's a lifesaver in the summer -- and gives you a great workout with just walking. I usually put in a movie or catch up on some reading while walking...or just try to keep up and not fall off if I'm running. LoL. Not much excitng with me, I've had a horrible summer cold for the past week end haven't worked out much at all. On a different topic, I don't know if any of you experienced it, but I had a crazy time with hair loss after banding, and I think it has finally started slowing down. Luckily, I had some extra to lose but it still made me a little nervous. My doctor said that it happens to some people and not to others, but it should subside within 6 months. Anybody have any new tips, tricks, or recipes they would like to share? Or find any cool new products? I found a snack that I put in my lunch that is pretty good called Just the cheese (http://www.specialch...com/bakedch.htm). It's kind of like a cross between cheese and a rice cracker, but it's baked cheese that's crunchy, low carb, high protein, and fairly decent for snacking or adding to lunch (I sometimes have it with Soup or salads). Well, hope you all are having a great week. I've got to knock out this cold and get back to working out...I've actually missed it!

Korilynn ~ I think I'm the opposite of you on the Protein shake -- when I have a shake replace a meal, my calories are usually lower and it helps to keep my protein up. Plus, I'm rarely hungry after having a shake -- holds me well until my next meal. I guess we are all different. On eating -- I consume about a cup of food per meal or an 11 oz. shake. I measure things out and use my kitchen scale to portion, however if I do get "soft stop" signals from my band -- hiccups, burps, etc. I will stop eating and either pack up my meal for leftovers or toss it -- so far it has worked, and I am either full when I finish my portioned meal or full before I finish. Unlike before I was banded, I never stuff myself to the point that I'm overly full anymore...I think that would be a horrible feeling with the band. Knock on wood, I haven't thrown up with the band yet. My stuck episodes tend to occur more in the morning since the nutritionist advised me to eat something -- I think my band is tighter in the a.m. So, instead of eating I've been having a cup of hot tea or coffee and then a shake about an hour later. That has seemed to work well for me. Your workouts sound really intense -- that's an awesome amount of calories that you are burning! What are you doing? I'm starting to try running again...well, very slow jogging mixed with walking (jog 1 mile, walk 1 mile, etc.). I'm trying to do that 4 times a week and build up to regular jogging 3 miles 4 x's a week. For my birthday, my husband got me a Polar watch to keep up with my workouts (counts calories burned and heart rate) and I've started with that this week -- so far, I love it. It's been quiet on here -- hope you guys are all okay -- check in when you can!