jen_1381

I think the heat in the South would completely drain me...if not kill me! I'm not a hot-weather girl at ALL. I couldn't imagine exercising when it's hot and humid.

When I least feel like working out is when I need it the most. It gives you this weird energy afterwards. Try a workout or a nice brisk walk around the block. Also - have you had your Vitamin D and thyroid levels checked? Just a thought, if you feel excessivly tired, there may be an underlying culprit.

Is this our regular monthly challenge? Maybe submit the format of questions so we can all fill in our answers. I forgot them all!!

Oooh fun topic! I just hit the 50 lb loss mark the other day. I'm having a hard time seeing any changes but my husband sees them. He pointed out yesterday that my leg muscles are really showing (I've been running every day). Also, my hips are pokey He pointed out my now-hourglass figure and it was actually really cool to see! I catch myself glancing in the mirror when I'm running on the treadmill. I used to have a...boxy?..figure. It's pretty nice to see actual defined hips and curves instead of one big curve Health-wise, I notice that stairs are no longer a problem. I haven't had heartburn once since surgery (I did have a hiatial hernia repair though which probably helped). My blood pressure has been fantastic the past few times I've seen the doctor. And my pants that didn't fit in March, then finally fit in June, now need to be taken in about 3 inches! (I used my FitBit clipped to them to hold them up!!). I dropped the "x" before my shirt size.

I actually do follow that plan. My surgeon and nutritionist were on the same page about the diet - - Protein, then veggies, then fruit. I asked my nutritionist for snack suggestions a few weeks ago and she said to add in a piece of cheese if I was hungry between meals, or a yogurt. They are the only non-original-plan items that I have. I know I could eat more variety, but right now this is working for me.

Good job!! I find that I park furthest away from where I need to be. Any added steps really help!!

Great post! I read a funny little thing yesterday about the "new" exercise in weight loss. Turn your head to the left. Then turn your head to the right. Every time someone offers you food, perform 5 reps of this exercise. You're completely right though, discipline does make it easier to resist temptation in time. I can now easily walk by a plate of french fries without feeling like I'm REALLY missing out by not indulging. Food for thought I like it!

I love how on the website where I update my ticker it has ads for different diet pills and plans. "Lose weight without surgery!" "Miracle diet pill!"....uh, been there done that, no such luck!

I have hypothyroid, have been on levothyroxine for about a year. After I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago, everything went out of sorts. The replacement keeps me in the normal range. I've lost 50 lbs so far and am almost 11 weeks out from surgery. It can be done!! I asked my surgeon if losing weight would have any effect on my thyroid level (in hopes to one day have it function normally on its own and I can quit the pill) and he said that the research so far has been inconclusive. Wait and see? I tell you though, getting my thyroid level regulated and my Vitamin D level up to par, I feel 100x better.

My surgeon doesn't do lidocaine. If you think you'll need it, ask for it, but to me it's just one more poke.

I was so nervous before my first fill, I almost asked him not to do it. It's actually super easy and it doesn't hurt hardly at all. Each surgeon is different I'm sure, but mine just had me lay on the table, he felt around for my port (had me do a crunch to help it stick out), swabbed the area with alcohol to clean it, drew up the saline to inject, then poked it in. It hurts way less than a tetanus shot (if you've ever had one of those). When my surgeon pushes the saline in, he puts in a small amount then draws it back out to confirm he's in the port. Once Fluid comes back out (indicating he's in), he injects the rest. I then have to stay in the office for 5 minutes and sip Water to make sure it all goes down okay. I do 24 hours of liquids then 24 hours of mushy food, then back to normal. Each surgeon is different, but that's the general idea.

I intially wasn't, and I've got super thick hair so it wouldn't really bother me to shed a little, but after dying my hair a few weeks ago I decided to start Biotin as a preventative. Not necessarily because of the band placement and diet change, but mainly because I've been in the habit of having my hair cut or dyed every few weeks lately and I'm sure it's taking a toll on it! It is one of the main reasons I focus on my protein intake though.

Waiting to eat food? Is that what you're asking? My surgeon explained that anytime they do a fill, it can cause stress on your stomach. He always recommends 24 hours of full liquids, 24 hours of mushies, then back to regular. Most likely to let your system ease back into things, and give you a feel for your new restricted feeling (if you have it).

Congratulations on officially becoming part of the Bandster Club!! Welcome!! The next few days may be kind of rough, just remember to follow your instructions and plan. Wishing you all of the success in the world!!

Hey, 33 lbs is GREAT! That's over 10 lbs a month since surgery. Everyone loses at different a different pace. It's hard to compare or tell if you're where you're "supposed" to be since it's such an individual thing. As long as your doctor (and you of course!) are satisifed with the progress, consider it success. Losing 33 pounds to me sounds very successful!

The whole process takes time. I think it's their sneaky way of making sure you don't rush into it When I went to the WLS Seminar, they gave me a timeline and the average process took 6 months through their program. I got it all done in 2 months but didn't need the sleep study and some other tests. I also was VERY prompt in getting everything back to them and took the first available appointments that everyone had and rearranged my schedule.

I wouldn't recommend diet pills at all. There is a flury of side effects they can have on your body, and I think taking them freshly post-op may be dangerous. Just my two cents though As TMF said, welcome to bandster hell. We've all been there and it's no fun. This is when you get to test your mental strength and will power. You CAN do this. I would just remind myself that there are people in the world who would LOVE to be able to have Protein drinks and Water all day. I wasn't, in fact, going to die of starvation....so my stomach had to get over it. And it did. Find an activity to fill your time if you're stomach is trying to convince you to eat. I myself spend entirely too much time on here! It's a good distraction though. Drinking water helps. I go running. Then at least I feel like I've worked up the appetite. Good luck to you making it through Hell! You CAN do this!!

I LOVE this entry!! Congrats to you on your amazing journey. I couldn't agree more - - it's ALL up to YOU with the band! I had to take all of the pro's and con's and consider what I could do. The number one most important thing I have learned on my journey is that I am responsible for myself. If I do bad things, I have bad consequences. Good things cause good things to happen. What a difference a year can make!!

I hit a four day plateau and was so frustrated (I know, only four days, but I have been consistantly losing so stopping scared me!) so I went to liquids for the day. I drank an extra 20 ounces of water, on top of my normal 80 ounces, and had a protein shake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I also added a mile onto my normal jogging route. That seemed to kick me into losing gear again.

Remember two things - - first, everyone is very quick to talk about the negative, but when things are fine people are typically quiet. Second, the risks of being obese are worth comparing to the risks of the surgery. I looked at both and to me, living my life 80+ lbs overweight was much more dangerous than the band.

What you're feeling is totally normal. I haven't regretted the surgery for a second, BUT, I did have a moment post-op of "Oh my goodness, I've changed my life FOREVER, what did I DO?!" but then I managed to talk myself back down. What I did, was make a great decision for myself. You're very newly banded. Please don't worry about not feeling full, etc until you're healed. It's a process. A journey. There are some drawbacks to weight loss no matter what you do to lose it (diet, band, bypass, etc). When you lose weight, you may have some saggy skin. It depends on your genetics and age. The whole stuck/vomiting thing is a learning curve. It may happen to you it may not. I'm 10 weeks post-op and haven't ever been stuck or vomited. I eat small bites and chew very well, and avoid certain foods that I think may cause problems (breads, crackers, etc). I need to tell you though, this was by FAR the best decision I have ever made for myself. Losing weight and being successful feels amazing. It has been a huge lifestyle change but it was one that HAD to happen. My previous lifestyle was headed to a bad place. My family and a few friends know I had the procedure done and have been extremely supportive. All in all though, my life doesn't feel abnormal at all. I just have a new normal. A normal where I eat very healthy, run every day, and fit into pants that are two sizes smaller than I wore just two months ago. A normal where I go to a restaurant and ask for a to-go box with my order. I can make three meals out of what I would normally inahle in one sitting. It is a lifestyle change but not necessarily for the bad. Embrace the journey and keep your goals in mind. I have an overall goal (on my ticker) but I also set monthly goals to keep me on pace. I wish you all the luck and success in the world on your new journey.

I love my FitBit teamed up with Myfitnesspal just almost as much as I love my band. And my husband I don't eat back any of the calories I burned. I aim for "net" calories between 300-500 a day. I usually consume about 800 calories and try to burn off about 400 with exercise daily. It's been working great for me, but each person is individual. Can you give your nutritionist a call or email to have the calorie in/calorie burned process? That would probably be the best resource.

I don't remember feeling hungry until about 3 1/2 weeks post-op. Remember, when they place your band initially you will have some swelling which will feel like restriction. There was times when I had to "white-knuckle" it and ignore my stomach growls. I learned to be more in tune with when I was actually hungry or when Water would suffice. It's amazing how confused the two can be.

Great job Melinda! You're very inspiring. Whenever I'm feeling discouraged, I think about how heavy the weight is that I've lost so far. Picking up a 25 lb weight in each hand feels HEAVY - and that's how much I've lost so far! When you put things into real life terms (like your bag of dirt you have left to lose) it's pretty amazing. To think you've lost 2 1/2 bags of dirt!!