legnarevocrednu

I have a really weird question. I thought I read somewhere that people who have WLS should not chew gum. Is this true? I can't imagine never chewing gum again...just a thought I had.

Hello fellow believers! I don't know about any of you, but I had a hard time making the decision to undergo WLS. I do not know any other believers who have undergone WLS and for the longest time, I always felt like it was too serious a measure and that God wouldn't want me to do something so drastic. However, after about a year of prayer and research, I realized that there is no way that God would want me to live in an unhealthy way. God wants us to take care of our bodies and I truley believe that the sleeve will help us do that. I no longer doubt my decision and after lots of prayer, feel ready to move forward with the rest of my life. I am excited to be healthy because it will enable me to do more for Him and His kingdom. I look forward to hearing about your journey! God bless!

Hi all! So this morning, my mom brought up the prospect of leakage with the sleeve surgery (she's a nurse and it's something I hadn't even thought of until now). Now I'm starting to get worried! Does anyone know the percentage or statistics on this? Is there anything that can prevent leakage? Anything that causes it? Or is it just bad luck? Thanks in advance!

I know that one of my major concerns as a single gal, is how I will be perceived by men after surgery. I have average self esteem but have never had too much attention from men (besides my close friends). I've heard many people talk about on this board about how they get extra attention after they start losing weight. I'm not sure how I will handle that. The idea of it kinda frightens me to be honest. Do any of you share this concern? Have any of you experienced this extra attention? If so, how did you handle it? I would hope I would just take it in stride, but I think something inside of me will be bitter because these people never noticed me before. I hope that when I do eventually meet somone, it will be someone who did not know me before surgery.

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.

Since November 11th, I have been losing about 4 pounds a week on average. A week ago, I joined the gym. I have gone a total of 6 times since then. This is the first week I have not lost ANYTHING since surgery. It really makes me upset. I thought starting to work out would help with my weight loss but it seems to be doing the exact opposite. Are there any medical reasons for this? Am I gaining muscle maybe? Retaining water? As you will see in my previous post, I have been eating more on gym days because I felt like I needed the extra calories because I would be burning calories. But maybe that's not the right thing to do. I have not once gone over my calorie limit either. I'm taking off from the gym tomorrow. I'm hoping when I weigh myself on Monday, I will have beat this little plateu. If I haven't, I'm going to have to do something. Sooo frustrating! I feel like I'm busting my butt at the gym for nothing

So a friend and I have decided to start the couch to 5K program next week. I am sooooo nervous! I still have a long way to go to become physically fit and still almost 70 pounds to lose before I'm where I'm supposed to be. I'm really nervous I won't succeed at this. I'm excited to set a new goal, but definitely more nervous. Have any of you been through this program and succeeded? Were you physically fit when you began or were you a non runner like me? I have been going to the gym/walking for the past 3 weeks, 5X a week. That may have helped me a little. I just don't want to jump head first into this if it's not realistic. The program is supposed to be for people who are non runners. I just wanted to see if I could get some input on this. Also, if you have any suggestions for good running shoes. Thanks!

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.

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 have to say, I am simply amazed by this journey thus far! I wanted to post my story (in a condensed version) for those of you who are thinking about getting this procedure or have just begun your journey. I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. I just ate what I wanted, and enjoyed it very much. I had little to no concern about my health. I remember in middle school, I would sit in my bedroom closet just eating a can of icing. How disturbing is that?! I finally started thinking about WLS about a year ago. My highest weight was 259 LBS. Although I didn't have any health issues, I had began to miss my monthly visitor (sorry for the TMI). This really concerned me because I desperately want children in my future and I knew that the direction I was going in would make that difficult. I went to meet with a surgeon, and got the ball rolling! My insurance required that I meet with a nutrionist for 6 months before surgery. Those 6 months just FLEW by! However, I had not originally planned on getting the Lapband. My heart was set on getting the Vertical Sleeve. A week before surgery, my Insurance Cordinator gave me a call saying that my insurance will not cover that surgery as I needed to have a BMI of 50. I was really far off. However, I COULD get the Lapband. So after crying my eyes out all day, I decided that this is how it was supposed to be and I agreed to get the Lapband. It was the best decision of my life! I stayed one night in the hospital. It was my first surgery ever, and was relatively easy. The only difficult part was that I felt more comfortable resting in a chair than I did in the bed. I did not sleep much that night. Also, the first time they got me up to walk, I thought I was going to throw up and/or pass out. It got better. Today, it is exactly 4 months since my surgery, which I got on November 21st 2011. Today, I am exactly 60 pounds lighter. Today, I am FINALLY in Onderland (199 pounds)!! It has been simply amazing! I have had 2 fills. My doctor decided to hold off on another one due to the amount of weight I have lost. My weight loss has slowed down a bit, but I am still losing about 2 pounds a week. I will probably ask for another fill when I see him next month. I know everyone says this, but the band really is a tool that YOU have to use. I believe you have to want to put some effort into this before even getting the surgery or it won't work for you. Your mind has to be in the right spot. You have to WANT to change. You have to be willing to give up some of the foods you love or at least only have them on a very rare occasion. You have to be willing to work out. I guess its possible to lose weight without working out, but you will lose more slowly and you may end up looking disproportionate. Thanks to the band, better choices, and the gym, I have lost 60 pounds. I never thought I would be here. I love to work out as it makes me feel so much better and I have so much more energy. I also do the Couch to 5K Program. I strongly suggest this program to anyone and everyone! Although I am only in the 4th week (9 weeks total) I am seeing an improvement. My thighs are smaller, I have lost inches, and I am more fit! Since my surgery, I have also lost 2 inches on my neck, 7 inches on my waist, and 6 inches on my hips. Oh, I also use myfitnesspal like a fanatic! Feel free to add me on there. My username is legnarevocrednu. Also, feel free to message me on here if you have any questions. Good luck to all of you on your journey! I still have about 54 pounds to lose, but I'm glad that I could finally post my story as a success!!

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!

Okay so this weekend, I was a mess. I didn't eat much, but for the first time since surgery, I drank alcohol. Not just one or two, but 5 drinks! I am NOT a drinker! I went out with a friend dancing, and I was hoping the dancing cancelled out the alcohol but who knows. I shouldn't have drank that much. I have no excuse for it other than the guy in my life upsetting me and I just needed to have some fun. I won't make that mistake again. I'll try to find another way to release my frustration! Also, last night, I ate some things at my moms that I shouldn't have. Sooo much guilt! :-( Anyways, besides all that, I lost almost a pound over the weekend bringing me to exactly 50% of weight loss. Meaning, I'm half way there! And in only 4 months! I still only lost less than 2 pounds in one week. That's below my average so I'm a little worried. It's probably due to the over consumption of alcohol. Uuggghh! I'm worried my weight loss is starting to slow down. I've still been working out really hard (4 to 5 times a week) and I'm doing the couch to 5k. I start my 4th week of it today. I really like that program! I'm hoping to lose at least 5 more pounds by the end of this month. Anyways, back on the wagon today! Hoping to lose another pound or two by Thursday!

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!! :-/

Checking in at 188! Down 2 pounds! Yay!

Checking in at 190! Down 3 pounds! Yay!

I had surgery 5 months ago tomorrow. I have no problem drinking up until I eat my meal, but after is a definite no no. I usually don't even WANT to drink. You will get the hang of it.

So I have to say, vacations are not good for weight loss! I did go to the gym 5 times, but I wasn't as strict with the type of food I was eating. I missed the structure of a work week! Although I am two pounds up from my lowest weight (191), I am two pounds down from my doctor weigh in on Tuesday (195). I am right in the middle at 193. I am okay with that. However, I am 100 percent back on course today! My doctor did not give me a fill again. It's the second time in a row. I had lost 8 pounds since my last appointment and he thought that was enough. My weight loss has slowed down so I wanted one. I do not feel as if I'm in the green zone. Sometimes I know I could eat more, but I stop myself. Other times, I feel the resistance from the band. I still throw up sometimes. It's the weirdest thing! I guess I'm still trying to figure things out! I am starting week 8 in the couch to 5k program. Never thought I'd make it this far. I am super proud of myself! I am now down to a size 14...started at a size 18/20. It's just so crazy to think about! I love shopping now. I find cuter things for a lot cheaper now. I love to go dancing now too. I'm actually a really good dancer (I say this in surprise, not to toot my own horn). Guys pay a lot of attention to me now. Now that I've said all that, I have to also say, that attention is not what I'm after. As you can probably tell from my previous blog, I don't like it at all! The guy I've been quasi dating, liked me before I started losing any weight. He doesn't know about the surgery (yet) but I plan on telling him should he ever decide he wants to commit to me. It's amazing how much my life has changed in less than 5 months! Well that's it for my update for right now! :-)

I'm checking in at 193 today. I'm pretty sure I'm up a couple of pounds since this started. I honestly can't even remember if I checked in last week. I was on vacation all last week, so I'm not beating myself up about the small weight gain. I'll lose it this week. :-)

Name, real or screen~Legnarevocrednu Goal weight for April 29th~182 Weight on April 1st~192 Age~27 Dietary goal for April~Continue to try and stay away from frozen, processed foods and increase my Water intake Exercise goal for April~Complete my couch to 5K!! Personal goal for April~Enjoy my vacation Date banded~11/21/2011 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~67 pounds What is your favorite part about spring~The sun! I do not have access to a computer on Sundays. Would it be okay if I post on Monday mornings? Or I could do it on a Friday or a Saturday. Thanks!