Ms Bandit N AZ

EXERCISE! Good nutrition is a given but exercise is what will help you lose the visceral fat. I've always exercised but turning up the intensity is what helped me get off a plateau. During my last adjustment the Nurse practitioner said that's where the success comes from and if I wasn't doing it I would believe it. I was exercising 3 x a week and now do Bootcamp 3x a week and run 3x a week.

Did you click on the link in the first post? www.muffinPanMeals.com. There are lots of different sites with for muffin pan meals if you search for it online.

It's possible your body has become used to your activity level. The body is a very smart machine and will adjust when it knows what to expect. I was an exerciser before I had the Lapband placed and could loose the weight (runningb12 miles a week and going to a boot camp workout three times a week. When I first got banded my body didn't budge for the first 2-3 months. I had to increase my exercise level to working out 6 days a week with hikes in the mountains. I know it's probably not something you want to hear but increasing the exercising and write EVERY BITE will definitely help. Hang in there, great job on what you've achieved so far. Celebrate that too!

The carbonation is the problem. I have a soda stream and make my own soda so I can control the amount of carbonation. I was a HUGE Diet Pepsi drinker and after the my surgery I stopped and really don't care for it anymore. The Soda Stream is worth the investment if you are jonesing for a soda.

I think you are doing great! I was banded in Nov 2011 and have lost 42lbs, exercise 6 times a week (boot camp and run 16 miles). Keep in mind this is a journey and not a quick solution. I lost weight on Optifast very quickly and gained it back very quickly, so I need to keep reminding myself this is a permanent solution. My body finally kicked in on weight loss about month 4, so give yourself some time.

Thanks for sharing. While I'm doing well I am having a tough time getting the veggies in and this is a perfect way. I will be sure to give you feedback on it.

Hi Bea, Congrats on the early Christmas gift news! I too live in Arizona (North East) and had my surgery Nov 17th. I go for my first fill Dec 19th and so far so good. Keep us posted on your pre-surgery weightloss and post op weightloss. We are all in it for the long haul. Elisabeth

I was hungry, I think I was mentally hungry . I didn't have a pre-op diet as I was still training for my 1/2 marathon and took advantage of eating all the stuff I new I wouldn't be able to eat afterwards. As for the "schmooshies" that is the stuff I'm allow to have as long as it is blended. Greek yogurt, cream of wheat, chicken noodle soup in a blender, etc. I guess I'm on that from week 2-3. Definitely a whole new adjustment and trying to keep myself busy. I am glad I have a forum to speak as my husband tries to understand but doesn't and I haven't told anyone of my friends or family. Good luck on your journey and let me know how you are doing.

I'm Elisabeth and I had the surgery Nov 18th. No complications at all! I was in a little pain after the surgery due to the placement of the port but other than that I was good to go....that's what I thought. I knew I was an emotional eater, never admitted to it but had all the qualifications and when my "friend" was taken away from me I didn't know what to do. I'm an active person ran my 2nd 1/2 marathon Nov 6th and not having the energy to exercise was tough. I took a walk around the block and normally I would be interested in going shopping but not NOW as I don't want to buy clothes until I need too. I'm glad I found this forum but I sure could've used it a few days out of surgery so I knew what to expect because even though I new I wasn't going to be hungry I didn't realize I didn't know what to do with myself. I'm finally settling into a routine ( 8 days post op) and really can't wait to go back to my exercise class with my friends. I survived Turkey day and was surprised how quickly I filled up on the "approved schmooshies". I am going through a mourning perioud though as I'm realizing that some foods are totally off limits for now, maybe when I am properly healed things will get better, but I guess I really didn't fully understand what my journey will be. I'm so glad I did it and don't regret any part of it, but getting the LB is definitely an ADJUSTMENT. I look forward to following everyone elses journey's too.

Thanks everyone for your kind words and advice. Today was a little bit better and don't feel so down today. Hubby and son brought home Wendy's and there were left over french fries and I didn't even dare! Through the bag away and blended my chicken noodle soup and felt good with that!

I'm on day 7 onto "smushies" so it will be interesting. I'm looking forward to enjoying myself with the fam and not stuffing myself as usual.

I am 7 day out of surgery and its THANKSGIVING! My husband keeps asking what are you going to eat? Instead of saying you are getting together for family time and will be fine, he is mentally setting me up for failure?? Go figure...I haven't told any family members yet as I'm sure I will be scrutinzed and that's why I needed to find a forum to get the support. For once, I wasn't watching The Biggest Loser and eating pizza! I'm glad but sad to hear that others will encounter the same challenges.