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Sometimes I feel guilty for not telling people when they ask. But not really. I've worked my butt off to lose this weight (yes, the band helped, but I still think I did 75% of the work to be honest). There are certain people I felt comfortable telling, and others, no way. I do not think that it is any of their business. When people ask, I simply say I'm counting calories and working out. Which is the absolute truth! I use myfitnesspal and I go to the gym 3 to 5 times a week. I don't look at it as lieing at all. Everyone has personal things about themselves that they don't talk about. No big.

Hi! I don't mind. I will be as detailed as possible. And keep in mind, this is a basic day. Often on weekends, it's a little different. Also, I don't cook, so these aren't the best options for most people, but it works for me! 8:30-Greek Yogurt (any flavor, any brand although I prefer Chobani of Fage). 9:30-Hot green tea 10:30-Snack (usually string cheese or something else that is 100 calories. I try to keep my Snacks 100 calories or less). 11:30-Glass of Water 12:30-Grilled chicken salad with coutons and fat free ranch dressing. This is less than 300 calories from Wawa. 1:30-Glass of water 2:30-Snack (this really ranges from whatever is on sale at Acme at the time so it just depends. I would say aim for some fruit. Sometimes I'll have sugar free applesauce as well.) 3:30-Water 4:30-Special K Protein Bar (I usually like to eat one of these right before I go to the gym). 5:30-I'm usually at the gym at this time and am drinking water the whole time so I'm not really hungry. 7:00-Dinner. Usually grilled chicken breast. I put different things on top to make it interesting. I have tried to cut out as many processed foods as possible. I rarely ever eat anything out of a box or can. I believe it has helped me. I'm usually well under 1200 calories for the day. I try to keep my meals less around 300 calories or less (breakfast is usually a lot less because I can't eat much in the morning anyway) and my snacks around 100 calories or less. I also use myfitnesspal which has been a huge help. Good luck, and if you have any more questions, let me know!

Strength training is awesome! I was told I may gain some weight once I started, but I didn't. I think it really just depends. And even if you do, just know that it's temporary. The benefits are totally worth a temporary weight gain! I believe strength training is necessary because although you would lose weight with just cardio, your body will look odd. Oh and definitely ask the doc before starting on the weights. I had to wait 2 months I think. Good luck!

I would say I eat completely different. Before, I would eat if I wasn't hungr. Before, I probably had at least 1000 calories JUST FOR BREAKFAST! Before, carbs were my best friend. Now, I schedule my eating. Now, I eat about 1000 calories A DAY, and now, I can't remember the last time I had pasta and I rarely ever eat bread. The good thing is that I no longer crave any of that stuff. I still splurge on occasion, but nothing crazy. That's just a small example of how my eating habits have changed. I started exercising seriously about 2 and a half months after surgery. I walked before that though. I get all my protein through food (on a good day, it's around 90 grams, on a so so day, it's around 50). It's always been that way because I think protein shakes are gross. Questions don't bother me, keep them coming!

180 Pounds. Here is the post where I talk all about my journey. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/147906-6-months-as-of-today/page__pid__1765243#entry1765243

I'm going to be posting some pictures on my blog in a bit in case anyone was interested in seeing what my progress is. Just an FYI!

I would have quoted your post, but this site gets crazy once a few posts are made. At least, on my computer. Anyways, I would definitely avoid the starches. I LOVE mashed potatoes but avoid it like the plague. Also, rice is small and can get stuck in the band (so I've heard) so I avoid that as well. What I eat the most of is greek yogurt, special k protein bars, green tea, salad with chicken, string cheese, and grilled chicken for dinner with cheese or something on top. I do mix it up sometimes, but usually with a day like that, my protein is really high and my carbs are low. I stay under 1200 calories a day. I didn't start exercising until I was a month and a half out from surgery. Your doc approved Zumba? It's definitely a good workout! Congrats on the surgery!

Oh and by the way, I've only had two fills since surgery. My band only has about 5 CC's in it and it's a 14 CC band. My doc didn't want to give me another fill unless my weightloss slowed down. Restriction is not consistent for me. Sometimes I feel it, sometimes I don't. I do have an incident every couple of weeks or so. I still can't pin point what causes them. I think it happens when I eat when I'm really really hungry, which causes me to eat more quickly. So yeah. There is another tip for ya! Do NOT eat while you are super hungry! I schedule my meals and snacks throughout the day. Usually I end up eating something every 2 hours. Makes me sound like a pig, but I'm always below on my calories and I'm never hungry that way.

I honestly don't remember losing a lot. I remember people sayin that weight loss would slow down once I got back on to solid food, but that wasn't true for me either. I have been pretty consistent this whole time. I guess it's because I'm super conscious of what I eat, and of the portion sizes, plus the gym. I've been losing an average of 8 to 12 months a month since the beginning. 2 pounds a week is awesome! The month I only lost 8 pounds, my doc was super estactic and that's on a 2 pound of week average. Do NOT be bummed! There will be weeks where you will only lost half a pound (that's how much I've lost since last Monday) and then there will be weeks when you lose 3 to 4 pounds! You have to take the low weeks with the high weeks! Just stay focused and determined, and you will reach your goals in no time!

Ok so for some reason it won't let me upload the picture. Sorry!! :-/

Hello! I haven't been on lately, but I wanted to stop by and post on my progress. I am 6 months out from surgery as of today (11/21/11). As of today, I have lost 79 pounds. 14 of those pounds were on the pre op diet, so since surgery, I have lost 65 pounds. I have soo happy and my life has already changed so much! I began at 259 and now weigh 180. My doctor looks at me in amazement every time I go in. He said I should be a trainer or how to lose weight with the lapband lol. Honestly though, I am super duper strict. I eat really well, count my calories, and go to the gym 5 times a week. I also jog 3 times a week. I now only have to see my doctor every other month (which saves me money). I know most people go this route because they don't want to feel like they are on a diet. However, the band has taught me how to choose the right foods for my body and I no longer want the junk (although I do splurge on occasion). I no longer have pain in my legs when I get up from my desk either. I'm also one of the lucky ones whose hair has not fallen out. I make sure to keep my protein between 50 to 90 grams a day, and I believe that's why. I also try to keep my carbs below 100. This is a complete lifestyle change for me and I'm so excited. The one thing I have laxed on is the vitamins, which I have to start back up. I ran out and just haven't bought more. I still try to take my calcium when I remember. My main piece of advice for anyone thinking about this surgery, is to please make sure that you are ready mentally for the change. If you are not, you will not succeed. I still have 40 more pounds I'd like to lose. I know my weightloss will start to slow down, but I would love to be at my goal weight by time my 1 year anniversary comes along. If you have any questions, please let me know! That's the reason I'm posting. I am so thankful for those who were around to help answer MY questions. So consider me at your disposal! I've uploaded a pic of me from last week. I was getting ready for an interview. Please ignore the hair! lol. Unfortunately, I don't have any "before" pictures because like most of you I'm sure, I avoided the camera like the plague.

Checking in at 188! Down 2 pounds! Yay!

Checking in at 190! Down 3 pounds! Yay!