losangelesislovely

Also it's kind of rude to come into a topic and give unsolicited advice that has nothing to do with what the OP was looking for.

Thanks for the advice but I'm aware of fluctuations and this is what works for me. It doesn't drive me nuts and it helps keep me on track. We're all individuals and your way isn't the only right way. In fact studies have shown that people who keep close track of their weight are more likely to keep it off.

I don't think I am small; I am medically obese. I was banned in Mexico by Ortiz.

I'm only 5'1"....and yes, I paid out of pocket.

I'm gonna be honest, savoring one glass of wine is not how I drink. I like wine a lot, whiskey a lot and I like getting drunk, too, sometimes. Since I'e been banded however, I've cut back drastically, mostly because of the liquid diet--I can't drink on an empty stomach. In the six weeks since I've been banded, I think I've had some wine (about 2 glasses) on 4 occasions. I make no apologies for liking to drink. I'm young and an English graduate student and writer. My social circle consists mostly of writers who enjoy drinking Scotch in dark bars after grueling, hours-long workshops. Buts...sigh...I know I have to cut back if I want to lose weight.

I agree that a lot of people here are unncessarily rude and judgmental. It's really annoying. Like in the 20s forum when someone asked about smoking pot or with the band several "helpful" posters wanted to point out that pot is illegal (which isn't even true in many, many cases and it's not like people are unaware). and there were a lot of high-and-mighty responses. A lot of high horses here, it seems. But a lot of people are also really helpful. I guess this is just a microcosm of the real world. There will always be assholes.

I read 2 interesting articles about willpower that came to opposite conclusions based on some behavioral studies: A, that willpower is a mucle and the more you use it the stronger it becomes and B, that willpower is finite, so if you use your willpower to turn down (for example) an appetizer, you might have depleted that store of will and be more likely to cave and order dessert. Based on your own life/personality (before or after the band), which school of thought is more true for you?

God, some people here are so judgmental. Weed has actually been decriminalized in many states. and just bc something is illegal doesn't make it morally wrong. you need to look at the historic reasons weed was banned while alcohol was not.

Banded 11/9/2012 Weight at Surgery: 172 Current Weight:165 Goal Weight: 125 Goals: Lose 5lbs/month Exercise: C25k Age: 26 Location: Michigan for now, LA in the near future I'm not so much looking for a mentor as someone at the same point in the journey with a relatively similar amount of weight to lose (40-50lbs). I'm 6 weeks post-op. I've found that daily weighing keeps me on track like nothing else, so I'm looking for someone to-without excuses--email each other our weights every morning and also talk about our ongoing progress and struggles.

I would not have gotten the band if I could not drink on it. The thought of never having a glass of whiskey while I'm cooking or some wine with friends is upsetting...that's how I relax! Cutting out beer has not been too hard, but I miss it. Also, it can be the cheaper alternative to wine, so that's a bummer.

Are you near me?

Thanks for the input

I'm really going to try to change the way I look at food before going on the trip. I'm just afraid because usually, I can do pretty well when I have a fixed routine, but go off the rails when that is disrupted. But that's life, so I need to figure out why and how to stop that. I will be doing two major things differently-I won't have access to my gym and I won't have access to a kitchen, so I won't be able to cook for myself. Additionally, I won't be able to go to a doctor if I need a fill. I know that I can still exercise without a gym and still try to eat healthily eating out every meal, but I am trying to mentally prepare myself for the troubles that can arise from breaking away from a routine.

So, I'm actually pretty good at losing weight. I'm sure a lot of us, like me, are just really bad at keeping it off. I'm prone to yo-yo dieting and massive regains. It just so happens that I'll be out of the country for 3 months smack in what I hope to be in the middle of my weight loss journey. I have 40-50 pounds to lose, and I go abroad in 5 months. I aim to be 20-25 pounds down by then (losing 4-5 pounds a month, fingers crossed). Meanwhile, I'll be working on the emotional side, but I do best when I have a routine and traveling might really throw a wrench in the works. So, I'm looking for advice for people who have successfully traveled and kept it off? Joining a gym won't be possible, as we're going to 3 different countries in 3 months (Ghana, Spain, and Morocco). Furthermore, I doubt I'll ever be going back to these places for a very long time as I'm not rich and am going on a research grant, so I know I'll have the mindset "when am I ever going to eat this (local food) again?! And indulge over and over. I'm HOPING I'll be in the Green Zone by then, so that will at least help with hunger. Will be doing lots of walking as exercise. I'm worried about not drinking for 30 minutes to an hour after eating since it will be hot and we will be doing lots of walking. But I really want to maintain the weight I do lose and not get knocked off course so I'm already dreading it and trying to mentally prepare myself. What are some habits I should be trying to build NOW that might be well-ingrained by then? (besides the monster I'm already dealing with--eating when I'm not hungry). Any tips/advice would be much appreciated.

age/starting weight/surgery date/goal weight?