legnarevocrednu

Thanks everyone! I'm so happy with my progress!

Well I had surgery 11/21...not too far off! :-)

Checking in at 203! Lost 2 pounds this week! Yay!

At my appointment yesterday, my doctor decided I did not need a fill. I had lost 12 pounds in a month. I'm extremely nervous now! I told him that sometimes I felt restriction, but sometimes I don't. It's not consistent. And the reason I've been losing weight is because I watch my portion size, stay away from pasta and bread, and work out like crazy. I just feel like a lot of pressure is on me now. I have to be even more careful. I don't think I'm in the green zone yet. I go back next month, and if needed, he will give me another fill. However, he said if I keep losing at the rate I have been, I will only have to see him once every other month instead of every month. That's kinda cool because it costs me 25 bucks every time. Has anyone else been told they didn't need a fill even though they knew they weren't in the green zone? I probably could have asked for one, but I figured I'd see how it goes. It's only a month!

FYI, I HAVE had two fills already. This would have been my third. Thanks guys! You made me feel better!

Definitely do NOT compare yourself to others. Every single person is different and you are setting yourself up for negative feelings by comparing yourself to them. I just did the math and you have been losing at least 1 pound per week. That's good! They say an average of 1 to 2 pounds is normal. And you are keeping the weight off which is even more important. Just out of curiosity, what are your eating/exercising habits? Do you see room for improvement?

I usually wait 2 weeks after a fill. I found that for those first 2 weeks, I am still swollen. If you can (and your health is not at risk) I would see if you can wait 2 weeks and then if you are still having issues, give your doc a call.

Well I am now down 51 pounds! Sooo happy! Life is going great and I'm unbelievably happy. I recently started the couch to 5k program on Monday. The first time, I thought I was going to die. However, I did it for the second time yesterday, and it was noticeably better. I am really trying to focus on breathing and it's helping. I also purchased the Fitbit. To be honest (and I know this is not the opinion of most) I probably should have just saved my money. It hasn't been helping me with anything really. I think it's interesting to look at the numbers, but that's all. Oh well! Well, not much of an update, I know, but I don't like to let too much time pass without a post! Hope this finds everyone well. Have a blessed day!

Well, I eat differently during the week days. I try to keep my calories under 800. What I eat probably isn't the best way to model, but I'll post it for information sakes. The reason I say this is because I'm still trying to incorporate more veggies and fruits...and most of the time, I fail. Anyways here is an example of what I eat during the week day: Breakfast-SF Carnation Instant Breakfast or Greek Yogurt (150 calories) Snack-Light and Fit String Cheese (60 calories) Lunch-A Lean Cuisine or Smart One (I'm a single gal and live by myself so I don't like to cook. Most people will tell you to stay away from frozen dinners. I've made the decision not to. That's just me. If you choose to go this route, just make sure whatever it is, is below 300 calories.) Max 300 calories. Snack-5 Prunes (70 calories) Dinner-Either another Lean Cuisine/Smart One or Grilled chicken. (Max 300 calories) Now the weekend is a different story. I usually don't track my calories then. Of course, I still try and make better choices and watch my portion size and I definitely don't over eat. I find this really works for me. I usually won't see the scale move during the week, but after the weekend, I will have lost 2 to 3 pounds. I think my body just likes the mix up. I also work out 4 to 5 times a week. What is your calorie intake? It should not be more than 1200 calories per day. I suggest on the days you do Zumba, eat the 1200, but on the other 2 days, try to eat less, like around 800. I'm not a doctor though. Does your doctors office have a Nutritionist? Maybe you can talk to him/her. Sorry I've rambled on so long. If you have any more questions, let me know!

Okay so I literally JUST realized that I am one pound away from losing half of what I need to lose! OMG! That's a crazy thought! In less than 4 months!! I hope to keep going at this rate, but I'll be realistic. I know weight loss tends to slow down as you go along. On top of that, I have 4 more pounds to lose to finally be under 200. That's totally awesome. I love my band so much! I mentioned in the title "problems." Some of this is TMI, so if you don't want to read it, you can click out. However, I wanted to share to see if anyone else has experienced something similar. I often found myself stuck on in the bathroom trying to have a BM. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. This morning, it was for 40 minutes and I was unsuccessful. LOL. Sorry, I have to laugh or I'll realize how disgusting this really is. Anyways, I was late to work by 15 minutes because of my issue. This isn't the first time either. It's just kind of ridiculous. I eat prunes and I've been trying to drink more water. I'm trying to take the natural route before I implement any kind of medicine. Tomorrow is my next fill appointment. My doc usually leaves me the option to choose whether I want a fill or not. As always, I'm not sure! I usually fill out a chart, but honestly, that doesn't really help. It asks me what I eat. I purposely choose not to eat sweets, pastas and bread, so me checking no on that doesn't necessarily mean I don't need a fill. It just means I know how to make better choices. Anyways, last week, I did get stuck a little bit and had to throw up. Also, Saturday, I was not able to finished my broiled crab cake. I've also lost 12 pounds this past month. However, there have been meals where I know I could have finished it if I wanted to. Meaning, no restriction. I still feel restriction every so often, but not enough that I feel completely confident in telling my doctor I don't want a fill. I am leaning more towards getting the fill. The way I see it, if I'm too tight, I'll just go back for a little unfill. I want consistent restriction, not hit or miss. Oh I've also noticed that I haven't been as hungry or been thinking about food as often. I have to remind myself to eat sometimes. Just my rambles! Feel free to chime in with any opinions or advice on anything I mentioned. Thanks!!

What about Sugar Free Carnation Instant Breakfast? Not as much protein (13 grams) as a protein drink, but it's better than nothing. I don't think just drinking the milk will be enough.

I guess I'm the worst one here! I weigh myself 5 to 6 times a week. Only in the mornings before I eat anything. Sometimes seeing the daily fluctuation can be frustrating, but I'm used to it. It doesn't bother me now. Most people say that if you can, only weigh yourself once a week. In the mornings, you weigh less (which is why I weigh myself then).

Hello! I think the lapband was the best decision I have ever made! In less than 4 months, I have lost 56 pounds. My expectations were exceeded! However, you still have to be willing to make a life style change which involves making better choices and working out. If you are committed, you will lose the weight! Best of luck!

I recently responded to someones post about this and thought it would be a good blog topic. This is something I heard quite a while ago that has stuck with me. Any time I am struggling to change something, I remember this saying. In this instance, it has to do with the gym. I do NOT like the gym. I don't like the crowds, seeing people I know (I work at a local bank, and I know half the people there), feeling like people are looking at me etc, etc. I just don't like it! However, I signed up telling myself that if I could do this for one month, then I'm good. Why only one month? Because I know that if I could be consistent with one month, than I obviously have it within me to make it a habit. And guess what? A month has come and gone, and I'm still going strong! I have left myself with no excuses. If I ever stop going, it will be because I gave up. I AM NOT GIVING UP! I love the results I've seen even in this short span of time. The positives obviously outweigh the negatives. I have lost 54 pounds in less than 4 months. See this as an encouragement to you! If I can do it, anyone can do it!

I wish I could say I like to work out also. But I don't. I've been extremely consistent for over a month now, and they say it takes a month to make something a habit! So now, the gym is a habit! My only problem recently is that I've been struggling with a lot of dizziness and I just can't imagine going some nights. I've always gone AT LEAST 4 times a week, but my goal is 5. It's really frustrating when I can't make it 5 times. I beat myself up over it. So my advice to anyone reading this is: If you hate to work out, make yourself do it for a month. I'm pretty sure by the end of the month, you will just get used to it. You will love the results you see so much, you won't WANT to stop! Don't forget to measure either!

Name, real or screen~ legnarevocrednu Goal weight for March 30th~193 lbs Weight on March 1st~205 lbs Age~27 Dietary goal for March~Try and eat more fruits and veggies Exercise goal for March~Continue with my c25k and do more strength exercises Personal goal for March~Spring cleaning!! Date banded~11/21/2011 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~54 lbs What is your favorite outdoor excercise/activity~Walking

Final check in at 205! I aimed a little high this month, so I'm not surprised I didn't meet my goal of 200. I still lost 10 pounds so I'm extremely, extremely happy with that!

So I doubt this has ANYTHING to do with the lapband but figured I'd mention it anyway just in case. All this week I've been getting bouts of dizziness and feeling light headed. I haven't been eating less or anything like that. The only difference is that I've started to work on strength exercises, including abdominal. Does anyone know if there might be a connection between the band, the exercises and my dizziness? Or has anyone experienced something similar? I'm just curious. I'm starting to get a little worried... Thanks!

Well I have been bad at taking notice as to when my dizzy spells occur. I know they happen early in the morning, when I first get out of bed. It also happened today walking back to the break room and after I was done eating. My instinct is that it has nothing to do with the amount of food I'm eating. Especially because I had a dizzy episode right after eating. I'm going to take my blood pressure today at the grocery store. I'm really freaked out by this. It seems to be happening more and more

I am considering buying a fitbit. Because it's a 100 dollars, I wanted to get some opinions on it. Does anyone on here have one? If so, what is your experience with it? Has it helped with your fitness goals? I know there is also the bodybug, but I would rather have the fitbit because it connects with myfitnesspal and I am an avid user of that app. Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!

I had my last fill on February 7th. I'm due to go back to the doctors March 6th. I have lost 10 pounds since my doctors appointment. At that appointment, my doc said he was alright NOT giving me a fill being that I have lost pretty consistently. I asked for one anyway because I felt that besides some restriction immediately after the fill, it was mostly me doing the work. It's basically the same deal this time around. I felt really good restriction for the first two weeks. Actually, probably too much restriction because I was throwing up almost every other day. However, I think that was probably because my stomach was swollen and I kept eating normal things. Once I switched to soft foods and liquids, I was fine. Well, fine meaning I no longer feel that restriction. I believe this is normal. However, now my problem is that my doctors probably going to not want to fill me again. What do you guys do if you no longer feel restriction, and the doctor doesn't want to give you a fill because of the amount of weight you have lost? I don't feel that hungry between meals though...but I have found myself snacking on cookies and chips at parties (I don't keep that kind of stuff at home). Also, even though I'm not feeling the restriction, is it possible that the band IS doing something? I'm just not sure what to do. I'm afraid to not get a fill and start gaining weight. I think those two weeks of restriction are better than none at all. Your advice is appreciated! Oh, btw, I believe I have 5 CC's in a 14CC band. This will be my third fill coming up in March. Thanks!

Yeah I fill out that survey too. What I mean is that I do not feel the band stopping me. In fact, I know I could eat more if I want, I just stop myself. No, I'm not hungry between meals, and no I don't eat pasta and bread, but that's my choice, not the bands. I'm just having a hard time telling the difference between my own personal restriction and the restriction the band provides (if any). I guess my worry is that because I make different choices now anyway, and I watch my portion size, I won't know if I'm in the green zone. I always wait 2 weeks after a fill before I try making that decision. It's just still hard for me to tell. If I base it on weight loss and hunger alone, then I would say that I am. If I base it off the amount of restriction I'm feeling, then I'm not. It's a bit confusing. lol. Thanks for responding!

5'4, 205lbs, size 14, 15 or 16. lol. Depends on where I go!

Thank you! I have had two fills so far! I hit the gym kinda hard plus am doing the couch to 5k program. I'm at the gym 5 times a week between half an hour and an hour.

Well the only thing I can suggest about the soups is that check the calories. I wouldn't have any that were over 300 calories. Also check whatever else it is that you count (some people count sodium and fat...I don't) and compare. I just bought a Progresso Lite Soup. I know they have healthy choice soups as well. As far as snacking goes, I do not believe that it should be prohibited. I feel like if I didn't snack, I'd probably only have about 600 calories a day, which is not good. I try to eat every 2 hours on the days I go to the gym (5 days a week). I like the lite babybell cheeses, atkins bar, greek yogurt, prunes, jello sugar free pudding etc. Hope this helps!