JustDoIt130

1 oz cheese? I too like the greek yogurt and have one at work almost always. Nuts, a Protein bar-watch the sugars.... Good luck!

Wow, no posts over the weekend? I was playing with 15 foot long king cobras, what's your excuse?? LOL Meredith- awesome shopping! I love those outlets, can't wait to spend a whole lot of $$ there. A lot of walking, no real "formal" exercise though. I did my Firm video this morning, it was tough being out of it for 3 days, bidia (but I did it anyways). Got some.....news...on Friday right before I left- I will be leaving my company but have an interview that is a "formality" for a sister division. So that kind of sucked, I love where I am...but better than being without a job. So I had that stress. And we did 3- count 'em 3- buffets in 2 days. A chinese buffet, Golden Corral, and KFC buffet. I did well. I did PB bad on the way down and once at my mom's house. No bread for me anymore! I also let myself go too long between eating sometimes then eat too fast, have to work on that. I hope everyone's weekend went well, post post post!

Hi everyone- Dee- welcome back!! That is the wonderful thing about the lap band- you can start back up again!! Good goals to have, but while on liquids do a protein shake or 2 (or 3 or 4) to get some protein in. Also, are you exercising? Maybe start doing a little just to bump up the calorie burn. And probably don't exercise while just on liquids, that would be hard! I do between 1000-1300 calories a day, depending, except Sunday is my big ice cream eating day. I splurge that one day, but still count it in my calories! Nicole- awesome NSV's!! I have avoided flying and amusement parks because I was too fat. Now I am "regular" fat, LOL and able to do whatever I want . So I found a great recipe for protein ice cream! I am going to try it- it doesn't seem lower calorie particularly, but protein packed- I'll let y'all know if it's any good. I am doing good, did get my exercise in last night and will go to zumba tonight. Not sure about tomorrow as I will be heading to the beach tomorrow night- we decided not to go tonight, just head down there tomorrow after work and spend all day Saturday (that's when the reptile thing is) and part of the day Sunday. So I'll bring my workout clothes, my parent's clubhouse has a little gym thing with an elliptical. Exercise is important!! Have a great day- Nicki

Kyime-Lou- that's almost 3.5 lbs a week, that's awesome!!!

Hi All! I spent the day yesterday with DH at a medical procedure. Yay! I ate okay, but did not get a work out in yesterday. I was going to get up this morning to work out but just didn't. So I will do something tonight, for sure. We may go to the beach this weekend- it's supposed to rain, but there's a reptile thing at the convention center in Myrtle Beach that dd (7) would love. Not sure if DH will be up to it, so it's up in the air. Sigh. I had a really bad stuck episode at dinner on Monday- really dry fish, I was bad for a good half an hour and pb'ed/slimed like never before. Ick. But then yesterday I ate a grilled chicken sandwich (no bun) and fries, no problem (the hospital cafeteria)- but boy did I take small bites and chewed like crazy. I am up 1 lb, but for the past 2 weeks still down 4.5 lbs, so it's all good. I feel bad for not exercising, but I figure since I'm good MOST of the time I am NOT going to beat myself up for the little bit of time I don't quite make it. Savannah! That is awesome to have lost your vacation weight gain so quickly!! I agree, before LBS I would have kept that on, plus who knows how much! It is nice to be on vay-cay, but good to be back into a routine. And 35 lbs down in 6 months is awesome!!!!! Hi to everyone, I hate to miss a day posting because I get a lot from all of you, so post!! Nicki

Mine's named Magic...........

Hi everyone! Sorry to be quiet on the weekend, was busy busy! Had a great zumba class on Saturday and bought new workout shoes- it was our tax-free weekend, and I had a 20% off coupon at Kohls, and I really needed new shoes!! That was fun. I honestly can't remember what my goals are!! I know I want to be 207 (half way thru my weight loss goal) by August 30. I'm at 211.5 right now, but think that will go up to about 213 this week- last week was a 5.5 lb weight loss, so even if I'm up to 213 that will still be a 2 lb average. We'll see what Wednesday brings. Nicole- yay for the fill-that is pretty hardcore, 2 days liquid and 2 mushies!! Mine only has me do liquids for the same day as the fill, then mushies one day after. Well, to each his own! That is why I had such a big loss last week, that liquid/mushy stage. And your profile picture is GREAT!!! Chrissy- yay for 78 lbs gone forever!! And losing while ttotm, that is awesome So I did my 50 minute Firm tape this morning, and have eaten my on-plan breakfast and lunch. I do feel this last fill, really having to eat small bites and watch the speed that I eat, for sure!! I am not sure about being totally in the green zone, though. My next fill is the beginning of September- I did it for 5 weeks out instead of 4, but might move it up a week, depending on how I'm feeling. Back to work for me!! Nicki

Hi all! Myfitnesspal doesn't have zumba as an exercise option. I found a site that says that a 50 min medium intensity zumba workout burns about 715 calories. Does this sound accurate?

I love them too. Try the vanilla. I do 1 scoop, 1 Tbsp sugar free pistachio pudding mix (dry) and 1 c skim milk. Yummm! Or 1 scoop vanilla, 1 c trop 50 orange juice and about 6 frozen strawberries. I use am immersion blender (also called a stick blender) to blend all my shakes. Easy to clean. When I do my chocolate splendor with 1 c skim milk I also add a couple ice cubes- makes it really cold. Also try the chicken broth. It is similar to lipton, imho. You just can't have it too hot - only 130 degrees, I think, or the protein clumps.

The right choice is the one that you think is best. Everything has risks. For me, I really didn't want my insides re-routed or taken out, ala bypass and gastric sleeve. The band is not easy, it takes WORK- you have to commit, follow the rules (eating small bites slowly, not drinking with meals or after, eating solid Protein, not "eating around the band" with unhealthy junk). You have to exercise (most people do). You have to watch what you put in your mouth. Good luck in your decision. I am so happy I did it, I've lost over 70 lbs in 6 months. Nicki

I know I'm not a man, but.....as DH said, that's not stopped me yet! I am just 42. Boy do I wish I had done this earlier. Started at 284 lbs, lapband surgery on 1/26/12, and down just over 70 lbs in just over 6 months, now. It is a tool, not a magic pill or button. It is WORK and you have to COMMIT to it. I decided I was worth it, finally. I make time for my workouts. I eat right, follow the rules (solid Protein, eat at least 80 g protein daily- it would probably be more for you since you're a man- lower carbs, I log everything into my fitness pal). I workout at least 30 minutes a day- and usually closer to an hour- at least 5 days a week. It's not easy. I am close to- or possibly at- restriction, I just had my 5th (?, lost track) fill. I have a little over 10 cc's in a 14 cc band (the doc decides the size of the band, I have the large. The standard is 10 cc's. Depends on your anatomy). I eat slowly (so hard for me), don't drink with my meals or for at least 30 minutes after (I thought this would be impossible, but it's not). To make a long story even longer- you have to be prepared. You have to be committed. It's not easy! It IS worth it. I am worth it. I feel so much better, I look better, I have a better outlook on life- and I can wear cuter clothes!!! It's a process, it's not instant. Good luck!!! I too wish I had done it sooner, but better now than not at all!!! Nicki

Yep, the pain med will be liquid. Also get some children's Tylenol just in case you need it- I was off all pain meds pretty quick. I second KRussell- I wish I had taken measurements, but I do have full body pictures- in tight exercise shorts and a sports bra- yes, even at 284 lbs. At first I did them about once a week, now it's about once a month. It's fun to go back and look, I can't tell much of a difference until I look at the pictures (other can really tell, it's harder for me!!) As for the pill thing- I do the chewable Vitamins too, but do have a bigger L-Lysine that's not chewable, but I can break it in half (it's scored) and even with about 10.5 cc's in my 14 cc band I can swallow the half no issue. Just make sure from the pharmacist that any pills you take (I know none now, but in the future or for antibiotics, etc) that you can cut them or get them in a liquid form. Nicki

Have you had- or can you get- a fill? Maybe after time it's a little looser- I have heard that it will lose a little saline after awhile just to evaporation.....or if you lose weight it can make it a little looser as you lose internal fat....

I use a digital food scale and then just regular measuring cups. I measure things like chicken, etc with the scale- 3-4 oz depending. Then I use the regular measuring cups for things like carbs- pasta, potatoes, etc- I tend to just eyeball the veggies, but use the regular measuring cups if I do want to measure. I think they're a must have- especially the food scale. It keeps me honest as far as portion sizes are concerned. Mine has grams and ounces, and a tare function so you don't measure the weight of the container. I use it almost every day, banded just over 6 months. Hope this helps! Nicki

Really good ideas, ones ITA!!! For me, the not drinking with meals and the eating small small bites, chewing thoroughly and eating SLOWLY were so hard! I had thought to try it before being banded, but didn't do it, and it was an adjustment. I still get "first bite syndrome" where I don't chew that first bite quite enough and feel tight/mini stuck. I'm working on it, though. I really second the walking - especially right after surgery after you get home, and for the next days. It REALLY helps with the gas (they pump you full of gas for ease of moving around your guts). Also, start an exercise program- even if it's just walking, or carving out the 30 minutes or whatever, just to start making it a habit. Good luck, I am a very happy bandster, lost over 70 lbs in 6 months- I was banded on 1/26/12. I do follow the rules, and exercise and eat solid Protein and avoid slider foods. I'm in it to win it!!!! Nicki

Hi Minos- a lot of us January bandsters post in the introduction section- there's a January bandster thread. I had my 6 month bandiversary on 1/26, and like you I wish I had done it sooner. Then I banish that thought and am glad I did it at all. The hardest part? Really, nothing has been too hard. The few days after surgery with the all liquids- that was hard. But nothing really too awful. The best part? I've lost over 70 lbs in 6 months! I'm almost half way to my goal- and my personal goal is lower than my surgeons. I like to exercise, I feel better about myself- in all ways- physically, emotionally- at home, at work, etc. It has been such a great change- a great and permanent change! Join us all on the January bandsters thread in introductions!!! It's a great support system. Nicki

Oh, and I'm 5-6 lbs to my halfway point!! I want to lose 154 lbs to get to 130- I've lost 72 or so so far. I hope to see the halfway mark by the end of August!!!!

Hi everyone! Erica- I was just talking to DH about the wedding ring thing- I told him I'd need a new one, LOL. I think they sell sizer things at jewelry stores that will help. And congrats to being more than halfway through!! This is not easy, by a long stretch, but certainly worth it. ChrissyLu- wise words- as I sit here eating my healthy, pre-portioned lunch (that before being banded would NOT have been sufficient) and down over 70 lbs- I am DIFFERENT! And different better- aware of me and my health and willing to do what is needed to change. Before- I knew the theory, I knew what to do and how to do it, but wasn't. NOW- I am!! That is an awesome ah ha moment you have, finishing that 5k!!! I have had more stress in the last few months than I can shake a stick at- family, financial, work, did I mention family and financial??? And it hasn't mattered. I still count. I still can carve out time to eat right and to exercise. I am NOT perfect, and I never will be. But I strive to be pretty dang good. And it's working. I know for me this band has helped me see the loss and continue to lose and that motivates me. Before, all my trying wasn't getting me any real results, and it would be de-motivating. Now- it's good weight loss, about 2 lbs a week fairly consistently, with some ups and downs- and I see it and I know this band is helping me with this. It really helps me stay motivated!!! Calling out to everyone!! If you're reading and not posting, just pop in a Hi every now and then, LOL. No matter where you are, if you're losing, gaining, on a plateau, struggling, succeeding- who cares? We're all in this together and can support and encourage each other. Have a fabulous day!!! Nicki

I'm sorry for your friend, for sure, but very glad for you!!! How wonderful- and I feel the same way! I'm not totally in the green zone yet, but still down over 70 lbs in 6 months- almost halfway to my goal, feeling SO MUCH better about myself and my life- and love to exercise. I still can eat more than I expected to with the band, but know I'm not quite in my sweet spot yet- and just because I CAN doesn't mean I DO. As I tell my surgeon and PA every month when I visit to check in and get a fill- I did not do this to be average. I did this to succeed and lose the weight forever!!! Nicki

Name, real or screen~ Justdoit130- Nicki Goal weight for August 31st~ 207 Weight on August 1st~ 211.5 Age~ 42 Dietary goal for August~ Watch the calories!! Exercise goal for August~ always take the stairs at work (already working out at least 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes) Personal goal for August~ Make it to my halfway weight loss!!! Date banded~ 1/26/12 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~ 72.5 lbs What is your favorite place to travel?~ London!!

Hi everyone- long day today, had to go to another office about 1.5 hours away- then the meeting- then back to my office where I am now to do my actual work, LOL. There was nothing mushy to eat at lunch- we had chick fil a- I had 1/2 wrap (not all of it) and a few nuggies- chewed to oblivion since I had my fill yesterday and really shouldn't have been eating solids yet. I was SO HUNGRY yesterday on my Protein shakes- the PA said I could have a yogurt last night, but still!! I did zumba last night too, and was exhausted with so few calories in me! I had a good drop this week, down 5.5 lbs but we'll see if it sticks- I may bounce up a smidge since yesterday was so low cal and then WID. Oh well. Otaknam and Horsegirl- your plateaus will break- it's just a matter of holding on! You're doing it right, so just keep on going. Otaknam, you've lot a LOT of weight, and you're right about the heat wreaking havoc too. I tend to really retain Water when it's so dang humid. And horsegirl, not sure where you started but you're doing great! I too am inspired by new workout wear, especially when it's smaller sizes. I have gotten so many comments lately about my weight loss. It's so nice to hear! All my hard (and it is freaking hard) work is paying off Have a great rest of the day!! Nicki

Okay January Bandsters, we've all had our 6 month bandiversary (if you haven't then you're a February or later bandster, but still welcome, LOL). So let's take a moment to reflect on this journey so far, and consider what goals we have. No matter the number of pounds we've lost, we're all sticking to it, we're all making progress and making necessary changes. We are doing FABULOUS!!!! So let's make monthly goals- and keep each other accountable! Join in on any or all of the goals below!!! My goals: Food- Continue logging- stay under 1300 every day (except Sunday) Fitness- Exercise 5 days a week at least 45 minutes (up from 30 minutes) Water- Log this! I know I'm usually getting enough, but need to keep track because sometimes I'm not!! Behavioral/Personal- to speak more kind words and not just be flippant or sarcastic. Really need to work on this, need it in the forefront of my mind. Nicki

Hi Nicole, glad things are going well! All that walking counts as exercise, for sure. I worry about starting a new thread too, don't want to lose people!!! I had a fill today- remember I said that the doc didn't tell me- wouldn't tell me- how much he was filling? Well the time before last he didn't write it down even! So I saw the PA today, who went over it all with me, LOL. She's the one who saw he hadn't written it down. So she guesstimated that I had about 10 cc's in my 14 cc band, and she gave me a .5 cc fill. So hopefully that puts me solidly in the green. liquids today, mushies tomorrow! Tomorrow is WID, and I think I'll see a good drop. According to the doc I've lost 68 lbs so far, but MY scale says about 71 lbs. My next post is going to be my goals for August....let's all post them!! Nicki

Oh, 2muchfun, those dvds sound great! I love to dance!

I adore the Firm dvds. They're hard, but one girl does modified moves. Some of the use additional equipment, like their Danny lifter or transfirmer, but some just use weights so be sure to look. I just got their cardio bootcamp one from netflix, just uses weights and was really great!! I also love anything with Karen voight. She is awesome- cardio, weights, pilates, anything by her is great!!! Hope this helps!!