ValAnn

I have been trying to get more protein in my diet and have started adding protein powder to my Dannon Greek yogurt. I use Unjury unflavored protein powder and just mix it in thoroughly. Usually a tablespoon or so. I don't taste it that way. I occasionally have a small glass of juice when I want something sweet and mix it in there as well.

Hey Snap, I live north of Cinci in Butler County. I also had Dr. Watkins as my surgeon. I am one year out and love my band. When did you get banded?

Thank you all for the awesome words of advice! Especially you, Willowcat, for finding that awesome thread! That was very sweet of you to take the time do that for someone you've never met. That is what I LOVE about Lapbandtalk. There are always people here to encourage you on your journey. So a very hearftelt thank you I agree that it seems I do need to up my Protein and maybe change up my food some. I do tend to eat the same things regulary(food just does not do much for me anymore) and I am a little low on my protein. I hope to get back to some other exercise once the weather warms back up here in OH. I love to exercise outdoors! Miss that a lot in the winter. I plan on getting back on to Myfitnesspal again as well. I have it as an app on my phone so there is no excuse not to journal more regularly. Thanks again everyone!!! Best wishes to all of us on this journey!

Hi everyone, Banded last year on Jan 27 and love my band. However, the last 2 to 2.5 months my weight loss has stalled and I am at a loss as to why it has. I have lost almost 73 pounds so far and while I am happy with that, I still have quite a ways to go. I feel like I am at the green zone and don't really have much of an appetite. And that might be part of my problem. I work out 5 days a week doing Zumba and boot camp(usually alternating nights). So I work out really hard! My calories consistently seem to hover around 1200 a day. And that is not taking off the calories I have burned off working out. Am I possibley not taking in enough calories with what I am doing as far as exercise? Not sure how I can increase the amount of food I can eat while in the green zone. I can tell I am losing a little on inches(not much, I have measured) but nothing on the scale. If so, what number of calories/food combination should I shoot for? Any ideas? Thanks

I do plan on making an appt with the nut. It just takes a while to get in to see her. Protein averages around 50-60 and Water intake is good. As in at least 64 ounces a day or more. I just hate to exercise less as it really hopes my mood in this crazy cold Ohio winter. I plan on tracking for the next couple of weeks to gauge exactly how much protein, water and calories I am taking in though. Thanks for all the great suggestions though

Oh girl, I could have so wrote this exact post this time last year. I was FREAKED OUT about having the surgery. But guess what? It went fine....really. I personally had never been under before and even though I have had 5 kids(3 of them naturally), I was so scared. I get it. But here is what I kept coming back to....if I don't get the surgery, I am going to end up with a heart attack, a stroke, or worse!! Then it will be surgery and not my choice. I prayed about and really thought about it for a long time before committing to the surgery. But it's the best thing I have done. I have lost over 70 pounds, TONS of inches, went from size 22/24 to a loose 14 in pants and Large in shirts. I have more energy, feel so much better and getting compliments again is nice. I'm not done yet but I am enjoying this weight loss journey. You have to trust in your Dr, the hosptial, the whole process. You have to find peace with it and expect it to go well. Once I made the decison and had everything in place, I was ok with it. But it's up to you to get to that place.....best of luck to you

Absolutely you can! Went to Kings Island here in Cincy numerous times over the summer with my kids. It was so nice fitting easily into the seats. And goodness, they are small!! I did hit my port once while lowering the lap bar but it didn't hurt. Just reminded me it was there. Have a great time

Please make sure your head is in the right place before doing this. I looked at doing the surgery 5 years ago but didn't feel "ready" to make all the changes needed to be successful. Fast forward to 5 years later and I am extremely happy with my decision to get the band last year on Jan 27. I have lost quite a bit of weight, changed my eating habits, gotten better about not eating when I am bored and come to love ZUMBA!!!! I would have been shocked last year at this time to hear myself say I love Zumba Best of luck to you.

I am 5'4 and my goal is 135-140. I am currently at 189 and people are asking me if I am done losing?? WTH? Umm....noooo, I'm not. Goodness, I'm pretty sure I am still considered obese at this point. I have found it is better to sometimes to just ignore all those other people's voices!

Yeah, I need to get back on track as well. I have lost nothing in December and it's all my fault. I plan on doing some shakes, then maybe the carb cycling. I feel like I need to DETOX to get all of this sugar out of me Are you setting a goal for January? I think I might do that as well.

I am sitting at my desk eating some chicken tortilla soup and a small cup of fruit(IF I can finish the soup first..not likely).

Every time I am out walking it sounds like a flock of ducks are walking right behind me

Hello ladies!! Ok, forgot to weigh in last Monday but remembered this am and I am happy to report I am down to 189.2. I have not seen this weight since my daughter was born and that was in 1990! Is anyone else preparing food for Turkey Day that they know they can eat? We all should have a "go to" food for that day. I am having Thanksgiving at my house so that is a stressor in itself! But in addition to all of the goodies, I am making a veggie tray with low fat dip. I know I will snack on the broccoli with some dip. What's your plan for that day? I plan on having what I want, IN MODERATION. And yes, I am sure that will include dessert. We had a Thanksgiving Luncheon last Friday at work so that was a good test for me. I tried everything I wanted to try(except for the HOMEMADE dinner rolls......sigh) and ended up eating about half of what was on my plate. I still take too much food. But the turkey was iffy for me...even with gravy. I did go in for a slight fill on Saturday. Only .25 put hopefully that puts me back into the green zone. It's hard once you have been there because you know how awesome it is and you want to get back there! And Otaknam, PLEASE let us know you have gotten some relief....

Yay for loving yourself enough to take care of you for a change. I completely understand what it is like to always put the family before you but sometimes YOU do have to come first. Follow all the rules, come here for support and get ready for a new life

Great idea! I have been stuck at this weight for over a month now! Give or take a few ounces. Need to start seeing the scale move downward again soon! 192.8 this morning.

Your story brought tears to my eyes because it is so similar to mine. Honestly, a year ago I could have written it! I thought long and hard about the surgery(5 years) and ended up having surgery last Jan 27. Honestly, I wish I had done it sooner! This past year has been amazing. Hard yes, frustrating at times, sure....but I have lost almost 70 pounds and feel like a different woman. To be able to run with my kids, fit into the seats at the amusement park with the kids and not worry about the bar not closing, hanging out on the beach and not worrying about covering myself up the whole time, walking into ANY store and finding cute clothes, having guys check me out again(weird but flattering .....yes, you can have all these things as well!!! You have to make the decision and then never look back. Come here for support and when you make a mistake, know that it's ok. One bad food decision will not derail you this time. You can do it....do it for your kids, do it for your hubby but most of all, LOVE YOURSELF enough to do it for you

Congrats! Been following your blog since I got banded last Jan. Thank you so much for all of the inspiration you give me. I would have NEVER believed that I would fall in love with Zumba and boot camp. I gave Zumba a try after reading about your fun and success with it. Now I can't imagine life without it Thank you!

Hi everyone.....we are a BUSY group! But that's a good thing, right? We are all out living our lives...much thinner and dare I say happier than we were last year at this time? The scale has really slowed down for me but I am trying to be ok with it. I am wearing size 14 Limited dress pants today so I feel pretty good about that. My goal is to be a size 8 or even 6 and I am still at 193 pounds. So I think in the long run it will be doable. Still doing Zumba, boot camp and walking/running whenever the opportunity presents itself. I just have to think that without the band I would have gained weight this summer and would not be feeling this good about me. Flew down to Atlanta last week to see my oldest son and it was the first flight since surgery. How awesome was it to have no worries about fitting in the seat and as a bonus, my seat belt had a tail First time EVER for that! Have a great Monday everyone!

1. Greek yogurt(I prefer Dannon with fruit on the bottom). 2. Homemade chicken salad 3. Boars Head Turkey with provolone and a dab of mayo 4. Special K Fruit Crisps(a little sweet something) 5. Kroger's brand tropical fruit cups

Today is 6 months for me and I love my band. I have lost 58 pounds and can't wait to lose more. Agree with everyone who says find an exercise you like and do it. It really does help to burn the calories and to tone you up. Plus you just feel better about yourself when you exercise(at least I do). If you would have told me 6 months ago I would love Zumba, I would have told you that you were crazy!! You will find lots of things you never thought you wanted to do or try! And welcome to the club

6 months ago today I was freaking out as my hubby was driving me to the hospital. Was I doing the right thing? Was I going to regret this? Was I going to WAKE UP from surgery? LOL....I had never been put under so that was a huge concern for me. Fast forward 6 months and I can honestly say it has been the best decision I have ever made regarding my weight. I have learned sooo much about myself in that short amount of time...not to mention losing plenty of weight in the process. Has it always been easy? Nope, but it sure has been worth it. I am down almost 60 pounds from where I started. Yep, I will take that thanks! I can't believe how much better I feel. Not just physically but emotionally as well! This is certainly a learning curve but one well worth learning. Thank you to all the awesome ladies of the January group. Even though I don't always get a chance to respond due to crazy work schedules please know I am reading and going through it right along with all of you. Including the stupid plateau I am on right now! Ugh...but I know it too will pass so I will just keep doing what I am doing. Before surgery a plateau would have been my excuse to give up. Not this time!! Cheers and continued great health to all of us

I totally agree with everything you said. Dr. Watkins did my surgery 1/27 and I have been very pleased with the results. The office staff is fabulous and the whole thing has been such a blessing. I am down 50 pounds and really looking forward to summer. Best of luck to you in your journey

Hi everyone, Memorial Day weekend coming up got me thinking about last year at this time. I was dreading putting on a bathing suit, dreading trying to fit into rides at our local amusement park, dreading going to the beach on vacation, etc, etc, etc. Fast forward to this year: looking forward(mostly to wearing a bathing suit, super excited to take the kids to the amusement park, beyond excited for our beach vacation, etc. etc etc. I am looking forward to wearing shirts with no sleeves! That is a huge NSV for me. I was always so HOT in the summer because of all the clothes I felt I needed to wear. I would always look enviously at the women in sundresses, sleeveless tanks and other cute stuff. Finally get to wear it myself this year! What are you looking forward to this summer?

LOL....nice! Definitely time to treat yourself to some cute, smaller panties!

What you are going through is perfectly normal. I too felt the same way and could not figure out why. I started exercising which not only helped the weight loss and inches, but it really did make me start feeling so much better. Your body is just going through a lot of changes and since we not longer really have food as a coping mechanism, it really is a tough time. I promise you it will get better. Keep your therapist appt as having someone to talk through it is a great thing. Worse case scenario the doc puts you on some anti depressants for a little while just to get over the hump. Take care and stay on this site to get lots of support. Very important to have other people who are going through the same things to support ya