enjoythetime

In my opinion this is definitely the way to go. I don't own a scale my husband threw it away right before I had the surgery because I knew I would be on it multiple times a day and would end u gettng discouraged so for the past 15 months the only time I weigh is when I go in for my monthly check-ups. It's so nice to see that bigger number on the scale PLUS you don't see those little ups and downs and stalls that get your mind in a frenzy. For me I think this was the best thing I could've done for myself!! Keep up the good work!

At my initial consultation I weighted in at 289lbs. After the 2 week pre-op diet I was down to 278lbs. Today I'm almost 15 months post-op and have lost a total of 154lbs putting my weight at 135lbs. Just like SillyAuntDi I follow my doctors instructions to the T. I ate the recommended portions and made nutritious choices. I made the choice going into this surgery that I was going to eliminate foods from my diet that were trigger foods for me or didn't carry any nutritional value such as Pasta, potatoes, rice etc. nt because I can't eat them I just choose not to because they don't fill me up and make me crave them more. If you have any additional questions I will be more than happy to try and answer those for you. Good luck on your journey.

Mine varies, so for me there are some months that the week before I have strong cravings and amh hungrier than normal, but then the week of my band gets tight and it's hard for me to get in all of my calories. I'm still able to eat whatever without restriction but the amount of food is definitely more restricted. I figure it equals itself out in the end:-)

Hey all! It's been a while since I've been on, so I'm just checking in. I hope everyone is doing well! Since the last time I checked in, about 3 weeks or so now, I've been working on something that has been one of the scariest things for me throughout this journey, letting go. I'm almost 15 months post op and since my last weigh-in about 6 weeks ago I've lost 149lbs. I couldn't be happier with the decision I made to have this surgery! It has changed my life in more ways than I ever could have imaged and all of them for the best! One of the things this small but mighty tool has taught me is that it's in control not me, no matter how hard I fight it, so I need to just let it happen, which for me has been the biggest struggle along this journey but one I know I need to work to over come in order to sustain long-term success. For the last month I've been letting my band do the talking, not the scale, not counting the calories, not measuring etc. Yes, all of things are extremely important especially when starting out and during the weight loss phase so don't ver from that but when you approach maintenance there comes a time when you have to let go, live life and apply what you've learned throughout your journey. I will have to say it hasn't been easy, but slowly I'm getting there. So what do I mean by letting go??? During a year of measuring, weighing, counting etc. I've learned what a portion for me should look like in terms of size and in proper nutrition, so I've stopped all the weighing, measuring and counting and am focusing my effort on making healthy choices, eating when I'm hugry and stopping when I'm satisfied. When I want a treat I eat it and I don't beat myself up over it, I have to constantly keep reminding myself that this is lifestyle change NOT A DIET so there aren't any cheats, it's about finding that balance and learning what you can and can't live without. Last Friday was my birthday so we took a trip to the lake with some friends and yeah I had some treats but that's ok, it's not something I do everyday and by no means is it in the quantity it was before having this surgery so I'm slowly accepting it's all about moderation and balance, this is something I've always known but couldn't accept. Before I would've beat myself up over this for weeks, and stressed that one cookie or a handful of chips or a slice of cheesecake was going to make me gain weight but then I remember all of the posts on here stating the fact that 3,500 calories equals a lb and that it's all about calories out vs. calories in it made me feel better! Tomorrow will be the real test for me, I go to see my doctor and weigh-in, it's been six weeks since I've stepped on a scale so yep even after saying all of this I'm still nervous, BUT I know I'm still being monitored so if I need to tweek some things here and there now is the time to do it. Plus I've gone down a size since my last visit so that tells me something too:-) For the first time in oh forever, I actually posted pics on FB of me in a bathing suite and I wasn't a bit embarrassed so that right there makes this ALL worth it.

2723 + 154 2877

Thank you all for your kind words of support and encouragement! You guys help me keep on keeping on and inspire me everyday I'm on here so THANK YOU!

@@MarvyMimi congrats on your upcoming surgery and the decision to change your life! I'm excited to hear about your journey and will be cheering for you!! Hi:). I am having my surgery in four days and I have read your posts often. You have been a true inspiration to me!! You look so great and I am sure you feel so wonderful about the decision you made to have your surgery. What a great accomplishment. Thank you for sharing with all of us. I will continue to read your posts as I count down these next few days. Eek!!!! :)

@@Debbie3sons well, well, look at you lady, by looking at your pics you know exactly how it feels to be half your size!!!! You look WONDERFUL! So proud of you! Thank you so much for always supporting and encouraging me! I really appreciate it.

Congratulations on your success! You're doing a wonderful job! I love my tiny but mighty band too!

Good Luck and don't be nervous! I am the BIGGEST baby on earth when it comes to needles and honestly it's not bad, just llike a little bee sting and it's over before you know it. As far as your weigh-in you're going to do great! You're excersing and eating right, which is what's important! More important than the number on the scale is how you feel and how your clothes are fitting! Some times the scales can be deceptive because you're losing inches vs. lbs which in my opinion is more important any way. Good luck and keep us posted!!

You look amazing! Great job and congrats to you on your new life!

@@2muchfun nope I don't own a scale. I knew going into this that I would be on that thing and obsessing over every little movement constantly so I felt it best just to throw it away and only weigh in at my Dr., however with that said and with me trying to figure out this whole balancing act I may have to go get one just so I can keep up with what's happening. Thanks I will. Wish me luck!!:-)

Exactly what Betty_S said. Continue to measure and weigh your food, eat ONLY the recommended amount per your surgeon. After you've eaten and your hour is up drink some Water, do something to get your mind off of eating, walking, housework, playing with the kids whatever it takes. Then if you're still hungry eat a high Protein snack, deli meat, cheese, sugar free pudding etc. I know it's hard but you can and will get through it!! Keep your head up because you're doing great!

Awesomeness! Great Job!

Amazing transformation! So happy for you!

How in the world do you tag people on here? I've tried the @ plus the screen name but it doesn't work. What am I missing:-) Thanks all!

Oh yes, yes, yes, I can relate. If we're having food brought in at work I will have them add a salad for me, if there are donuts, Cookies whatever sweet sugary junk and I'm having a chocalate craving I eat my Protein bar, or some of my skinny cow treats. This year for my birthday we're not doing the big dinner, cake, etc. I decided I wanted to go to the lake with my family and close friends (who know I've had the surgery) so instead of eating myself into a comoa because it's my borthday instead I will Celebrate the fa I'm going to live longer because I'm not having the big food fest, instead we'll be on a boat tubing all weekend. So buring calories instead of bathing in them:-)

I started my journey at 33 years old, weighing 289lbs on a 5'1" frame, and looked like I had no neck or eyes:-) My blood pressure was 180/98. This surgery was my ONLY hope because without it I knew I was only going to get bigger and the healthy issues more severe. So, One year ago today I remember checking into the surgerical center and waiting to be called back for my surgery; I was nervous as hell and wondering if I was making the right decision. Well today, 1 year later, I'm confident I made the right decision and would do it all over again in a heartbeat!!! This has truly been a life changing experience for me on so many different levels. I'm definitely not the same person I was a year ago, I'm healthy, happy and just thankful to have my life back! I didn't realize how much of life I was missing out on until I was given the opportunity to live again! I feel like I can do anthing now with no restrictions! Has this been a cake walk?? Well, honestly, for ME I never really thought about it, i just did what I knew I had to do and with every passing month I was less of a person than I was the month before:-) Several people have asked, how did you do it, how did you lose all that weight in a years time, even the nurse at my doctor's office asked me this and the honest answer is, I'm nothing special, I chose to follow my doctors instructions to the T, I chose to believe in myself, I chose to have a positive attitude. Going into this I told myself failure wasn't an option, I knew there were certain things I was going to chose to give up forever, I accepted that, moved on and never looked back. The best piece of advice I can give to anyone starting out on this journey or is needing a restart is believe in yourself, if you put in 100% you'll get 100% back, don't set and dwell on the things you can't have, think of all the things you can have because you made the choice to kick some unhealthy habits out of your life. The reward will be so much sweeter than anything you can imagine!! We all started this journey out with similar worries and fears, always keep that in your mind and remember that one person(s) that encouraged you through the tough times, pay it forward!!! One of the greatest joys for me is being able to help someone else who is where I was. That's why this site is so great! So if you find yourself stuck in a rut one of the greatest ways out is by helping someone else. May 14, 2013- Before Pre-op Diet- 289 May 30, 2013- Day of Surgery- 273 May 30, 2014- 147ish (I haven't weighed, go for my check up next week) Total weight lose- 142lbs I started out wearing a size 20-22W in pants A size 3X Shirt (24-26) TODAY, I'm in a size 5 pants, and med/small shirts! My blood pressure is 128/78, my cholestorol is NORMAL, my liver is NORMAL I've almost lost more than I actually weigh now:-) I'm just thrilled! I HAVE A NECK NOW AND 2 EYES THAT EVERYONE CAN SEE!! I MAKE IT A POINT TO MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH EVERYONE I MEET NOW INSTEAD OF WALKING WITH MY HEAD DOWN. Just know if you stay the course you will achieve your goal!!

I'm full of questions this morning, too much tea already:-) The thing I love my most about myself is my hard head. Yep, this hard head of mine is full of determination. I'm determined to be healthy for the rest of my life. I'm determined to keep going even when the road gets bumpy, I'm determined to find the good in ALL situations, because I truly believe everything happens for a reason! HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!

I see that smile coming through your post!! You're always so positive and encouraging to others and you deserve all the happiness in the world!!

I woke up thankful and excited this morning to find that most of the new clothes I purchased a couple of months ago and have only worn a few times are already too lose....TIME FOR A SHOPPING WEEKEND!!!:-)

@@par1959 That was a completely uncalled for statement!! You know what they say about opinions??? They're like a $$ holes and everybody's got one but that doesnt mean you need to be one!!!! In case u missed the memo, this is a SUPPORT forum so if you can't be supportive perhaps you should just move on.

@@CarolinaGirl Yes, that is definitely somethig to be loved! You've come so far! Now you're jumping on your Harley with your Honey in your Hot Purple Zezbra sparkle Heels:-) So happy for you! These are for you girl!! that i am able to walk...... oh and that i can ride on my ole mans HD Road King again w/him... once you lose mobility and you get it back, its very eye opening..i love i can merely (walk)

@@CarolinaGirl That sounds like so much fun! Have a great time and enjoy every moment! I'm trying to convence my hubby that we need a Harley! thankful for 430 to come and i can be off work and be done w/this week...... I woke up thankful and excited this morning to find that most of the new clothes I purchased a couple of months ago and have only worn a few times are already too lose....TIME FOR A SHOPPING WEEKEND!!!:-) off to bike night tonight with ole man and a couple glasses of wine......happy happy

Yay! Me too! It has been a loooong week! TGIF