Uncle Ted

Slept better than I have in weeks and I feel better than ever today. Though "The Shithead" (my name for the gas bubble) seems to be going way. I think it's scared! I did weigh more today than expected, especially since I ate zero yesterday but I realize that's probably due to my body reacting to getting hacked on. It's really odd to not eat and not be hungry. I like it! While the fam is downing turkey, 'tatos w/ gravy and the rest, I'll be trying to get some broth to go go down (didn't have much luck w/ that last night). Oh, and having to answer questions because I'm not telling anyone what I've done until I get near my goal. My hope is that the four or five who need it will get excited enough to follow my lead. Nothing like an obvious success to inspire others. Thanks to everyone for the good words an support!

I'm at day 5 of 7 and have very few restrictions. In fact, the only one seems to be calories (no more than 870/day). They just want to see that 10 lbs have gone away by Monday. I'm wondering if it's okay to eat an unlimited number of zero-calories foods during this time. I haven't but sure could, stuff like dill pickles and Top Ramen broth. Lots of sodium, though.

Hi all! I'm scheduled for banding Xmas eve morning and am pretty excited. I, like most of you, have tried every diet under the sun. No matter how much I lost with each I always knew it wasn't sustainable. After an internal struggle, I decided that getting banded WASN'T a sign of weakness - I was born with the "overweight" trait and I need a solution outside of myself, much like I would take insuliin shots if I was diabetic. I am, however, having a tough time understanding why this doesn't work for some. For myself, the math seems simple: Calories req'd to hold my current weight: 3200/day Calories allowed after banding: 1500/day Calories burned by exercise: ~300/day Those numbers suggest I should lose 3-4 lbs/week, at least at the start. I realize as I lose weight the 3200/day also goes down so the loss will slow but, if averaged, it seems that during my intended 70 lb loss I shouldn't drop much beyond 1.5-2 lbs/week. I get that the above assumes I don't ever cheat. After what I've read it seems that cheating not only makes a person feel guilty but can cause physical discomfort, even pain, so I'm hoping that's a good enough reason to stay on plan. I'm probably being naive, especially since I've not yet experienced this. Assuming I stick to the plan, I've got to be missing something. Someone please school this boy!

As a kid who was "big-boned" until I finally grew out of it in high school, I completely get this. It took me forever to stop thinking of myself the way I was. I'm truly looking forward to re-living that experience.

In looking at my posts in this thread I've gotta say I'm looking like a serial suck-up. Maybe when you find your calc you can let me know how many times...

The help is appreciated. In truth, for me a big part of this is because there are several people I care about who need to do as you (and me starting Monday) have done. For whatever reasons they are all hesitant or maybe don't know about this. I'm hoping if I can successfully plow the road they will be willing to follow. As for the flattery, I think most anyone would agree. Credit where credit is due though my goal is to do an even better before/after. Big talk from a newb but who knows?

There you go. I ask and I get to learn! I thought "starvation mode" WAS just the body going into a metabolic slowdown. What I thought I knew I learned the hard way which was the first time I ever lost any significant amount of weight. For a few months I ate almost nothing and worked out like a fiend every day. At the time I didn't understand why I lost so slowly and why I wasn't gaining a ton of muscle mass. Had I only listened... As for my "kind words", I'm only saying what you deserve to hear (and have most likely heard a ton of times). What you've accomplished is nothing short of amazing. Which feels better, the physical or mental? I'm very much looking forward to the day when I can share these same things.

Based on your results, anyone who doesn't listen to you must not have ears. Amazing loss and maybe the best before/after pix ever. Well played ma'am... well played. You can bet I'll pay attention to your posts and follow what you've done as closely as possible.

Honestly, it probably would have bothered me before I decided to do it. I would have considered it weakness, laziness or just plain taking the easy way out. Age has brought wisdom (I think). I've come to the conclusion it's not so much weakness as a final opportunity where previous honest attempts have proved useless.

Missy, Makes loads of sense. The one thing that hadn't occurred to me is what you said about the number of calories you need to eat. Do you think the reason you lose better at 1200 calories is that the lower amount puts you in starvation mode? Your weight loss is amazing - I can only imagine how great you must feel!

Missy, Thanks for the response. I assume the 27 was one of the first months, the 7 more recent. I'll lose a ton this first month due to Water and I know it will slow. As this goes on I'm sure there'll be times when I eat water-retaining food so will see artifical gain/losses. I wonder, though, if there are other factors?

I'm no doc but if you're concerned about your metabolism you might try going for a walk or two to get it jumpstarted. I get why you wouldn't - I'm purposely not working out during this phase because I get uncontrolably hungry when I do.

Started 7-day pre-op diet today. 870 cals/day most of which are Protein drinks. I'll hate this but it can't be worse than the juice fast, HCG or any number of others I've tried. I can do anything for 7 days. Monday Night Football w/out beer - what a concept!