labwalker

Well, I have been the doing the gym, at least five times a week. One hour on the treadmill, and a few machines. the treadmill is showing between 400 and 500 calories being burned. Unfortunately the weight is at a plateau. I feel a lot better, have more energy, but the weight is not exactly falling off. I may have lost a few inches, but I still haven't made it to the next pants size down. It is a bit of a bummer! I may have lost four pounds at most. But, that is better than gaining. I think I'll consider another fill in the Fall, after we get back from vacation. I'm also going to start taking a serious look at the carb to Protein ratios in my diet. The cards may be the clue. I've read that lapbanders can expect to loss 40% to 50% of the weight they need to lose. I'm about 30 or 40 pounds away from that statistic.

I had the lab band surgery back in December 2012. After four months I was finally at the right fill, and began losing weight at a steady rate! During the following summer, and until now I've lost around 60 pounds. I do need to lose more! The problem is I became "comfortable" at the new weight! I was able to wear clothes that hadn't fit since the previous fad diet failed and the weight came back on. One good thing, the weight is not returning. Had I failed a fad diet in the past, I'd lose the weight in the summer, and by the next spring be at a new record high. The lap band works well enough that I find I can maintain weight without a lot of work, mental anguish, or going hungry. That in itself is a godsend. I was just curious if the same has happened to anyone else? Have you lost a lot of weight, and then become too happy and allowed yourself to stall at what should be the midpoint of your weight loss journey? Now that spring is here I'm recommitting to the gym and tracking what I eat in a daily log. LW

I didn't miss my boobs....

Good luck to you. It sounds like you are going through insurance hell, and that isn't fair to someone who needs help.

Since the surgery, I can't eat much pizza. I eat the toppings, any maybe a bit of the crust. It fills me up fast, and I am forced to eat very slowly and deliberately. It isn't a slider food, so I find I am satisfied with about 1/10th of what I could have eaten before surgery!!

Wow, congrats!

I think everyone trying to get to the green zone wishes doc's would do more fills... but once you experience being really stuck, you'll appreciate why they go forward with fills slowly rather than aggressively.

One of the questions on the sheets I fill out for each visit includes a question on whether I will be traveling in the near future. Having a fill before leaving on vacation is taking a chance. If you have episodes of being stuck you'll be looking for an ER or bariactric doc.

Sounds interesting, but I also see you need an iPhone to use the service. That rules me out.

They told me to make sure to eat enough protein, that will protect the muscles.

Still hitting the gym every day... I've hit 305, which is a new low... I really want to get below 280 before or on August 22!!! We're going on a special vacation to Alaska--land followed by a cruise. I want to really enjoy this vacation, since we may never do it again... I feel pretty good at 305; but I think I'd be in heaven if I can reach 280 or less! Two pounds a week will do it... three pounds a week would get me near my "goal" weight. If I can do two pounds a week I will be fine. Three pounds a week for the next 16 weeks will get me where I want to be long term. I am getting motivated again!!

I agree with the post that said carbs are sliders! I have to be very careful to avoid the rolls and breads! One of the hardest parts of going on a cruise or to a restaurant is NOT eating a warm, freshly baked roll that has a few slabs of butter sitting next to it! Pure torture! At one time I'd eat four rolls before the dinner arrived. Now I may eat one or two a week at most. Deserts are another source of sugars and carbs; and boy do they go down without any sense of restriction!

Once you re-learn HOW to eat, and learn what you should NOT eat, restaurants are fine. Almost all restaurants have foods that are low carb and high Protein, but you have to pick and choose carefully. I eat at the local family restaurant once a week or so... their portions are HUGE--but I take home 70% of the meal and freeze it. When they have the stuffed pepper special, I measure out one cup portions and end up with several easy to reheat meals. Fortunately, I can tolerate rice so it works for me. Their large chicken salads are good for two meals.

I remember being able to lose 50 pounds by dieting when I was in my late 20's--it took three months, but the weight came off. Now that I'm older, and even with the band, I am noticing that it takes a lot of WORK... strict calorie and Protein counting, and a lot of time at the gym. It ain't getting easier... I wish I had this tool 30 years ago.

I have to say the band is a lifesaver when it comes to backsliding. I always gained back whatever I was able to lose... sometimes it took a bit of time, but the fat won in the end. I notice that the band is good for controlling hunger and portions. It would be almost impossible to eat what I was able to eat before.

Amen!!! I took a long flight a few months' back... one leg was five hours. I actually was comfortable in coach. I remember when I would have trouble trying to get out of the seat due to the cramped space. What a difference losing a bit of weight can make.

I have a feeling that the long term effects of artificial sweeteners might be more harmful than the corn syrup that is being passed off as "sugar" these days. Diet soda is all chemicals. And, there are studies that show folks who drink diet sodas don't show any benefits from the reduced calories. One thing is for sure, losing the carbonation (acidic) will do a lot for to preserve the enamel on your teeth over the years.

I started hitting the gym again this month, after a long, cold winter... I'm doing 45 to 50 minutes a day on the treadmill. According to its computer, I'm burning over 400 calories per session. Best part is the weight is starting to come off again, after being on a plateau for five months.

Amen! I drank two one liter bottles of diet soda each day... after surgery I gave it up. Now I can't stand the taste of the stuff. It is an addiction. Now it's flavored Water from costco.

Oh, I am still here I've been hitting the gym everyday religiously, and doing two miles on the treadmill. That burns a bit of calories and I feel a lot more energized after a session. I'm seeing some slow movement in the weight... but we were on a 10 day vacation during which I enjoyed a few liquid refreshments. The good news is that I probably still lost a very modest amount of weight despite a bit of indulgence. I'll know better in another few weeks of tracking stats, since my weight can move up and down I have to use a longer term average to really be sure the pounds are really gone. My doctor has excellent support groups and staff, and they will keep after patients who haven't been into the office for followup visits. They definitely don't forget a patient after surgery, as all too many surgeons seem to do.

Protein levels are critical... protein intake first, veggies second, carbs last. Do you have access to a NUT?

Well, I am somewhat motivated... I've been going to the gym and doing 40 minutes on the thread mill every day. Next I have to start logging all the calories and protein on a daily basis. The weight isn't coming off as I had hoped, but it isn't showing any signs of going up either. I'll give it another few weeks to see if the scale starts moving in the right direction. At least I feel better after exercising!

Seriously, I'd ask your doctor, and your choice for a surgeon is going to be more important than the type of surgery for the long term. Support before and after the surgery, and choosing what is safest and most effective should be a decision that your doctor is capable of providing. I wanted the sleeve, but my doctor strongly advised against it. My wife had the VSG. In my opinion, the VSG is more effective since the weight loss is quicker, and she is forced to eat like a mouse. Her weight loss has been dramatic! Mine less so, but I've let the diet and exercise slide. I can say one thing, even being lazy I'm eat well enough that haven't regained any lost pounds.

Just be yourself, and honest about your dietary needs... you'll be fine!