PuraVida37

This may sound harsh, but I'm going to address your concerns honestly, based on my success and what this whole process has taught me: You need to see your nutritionist right away. I think you are likely making some poor food choices and that is why you aren't seeing much weight loss. Are you staying away from carbs? Sounds like you need more Protein. Cheerios are not a good bet for Breakfast. Keep the eggs, but try maybe yogurt, kefir, or some other protein instead of any Cereal. It is important for your metabolism to keep eating. Why are you getting more fills if you can't eat that much already? You should be able to eat 1/4-1/2c food at a meal. Any less and you may be too tight. You shouldn't be in any pain or nausea. Maybe you should add in a Protein shake here or there to keep your metabolism up. Snacks aren't vital, but at least 3 meals are. And, are you exercising or at least walking? It is vital too. I don't think your food allergies should hinder your success, since you need to concentrate on the protein. But all in all, like I said, you need to see your nutritionist asap, and s/he can help you build a food plan that will work. It WILL WORK! Good luck!!

I use BA shakes as well. Do you mix with Water, or will they let you mix it with milk? My doc says skim milk is ok, and I love the chocolate ones that way. I find that you need to go a little fast with them though, or they will congeal a little which is icky.

So happy that things are going well for you! I hope it continues!!

Benefiber is my new best buddy! lol

Wow! Look at you, on TV!!! Outstanding! Only goes to prove that you are a worthy inspiration for others. Keep it up!!

I had surgery on a Monday and went back to my job teaching on that Friday. It was too much and I really should have rested! Bu the end of the day I was in terrible pain. PS I've had a c section too, this was a breeze compared to it. Every day got so much easier with this.

NSV alert!! I ran for 5 min without stopping twice today at the gym. Week 3 (or maybe 4? I lost count) has me doing 3 min, walk, 5 min, walk, 3 min, walk, then 5 min. The second 5 min was tough, BUT.I.DID.IT!!!!!

I put my mask on before I sleep, it's comfortable, I've been doing it for 4 months now, and lately I wake up and it's on the floor. I have no idea when/how it happens. Is that a sign that I maybe don't need it anymore? I am on a 6, but ramp from 4 each night. What should I do? Anyone else do this?

I thought green means going 4 or 5 hrs without getting hungry between meals. Not "no hunger at all". ?

I just went to my gyn this morning and was shocked at my loss. He told me he was proud of me! He said that he thinks it was the right move, and that with the obesity epidemic, more people should be doing it. He said he thinks is a safe surgery. He even sounded interested in looking into it for himself. Glad to hear some reassurance.

At my first appt (after seminar) they did my weight, then I went to discuss which type of WLS I was going to have. I thought I would get a bypass, but the doc reviewed my health history with me and found I would be better with the band. Then we discussed all the hurdles I would have to jump to get to surgery day: cardiologist, pulmonologist, psych eval, nutritionist, etc. Once I had the checklist and found out what my pre-op diet would be, I was ready to get started. Surgery was only about 2 months later for me. Good luck!!

No advice for you, but wishing you lots of luck to get back on track!

Ok, so here are some stats for my check in: Starting weight (Aug 1): ~300 lbs Banding weight (Sept 30): 270 Current weight: 227 Total loss: ~73 Band has 2ccs, same as at time of banding Trips to ER: 1 Clothing: 26-28 to 16 Gym: 2-3 times a week, 30+ min treadmill intervals, weights, stretching, sauna Favorite protein: 2 eggs, sunny side up (my breakfast most days) Favorite NSVs: Taking charge in bed after many years of not being able to. lol Other NSVs: clearer smoother skin, able to walk way faster around the building at work Can't wait to: bike in the spring time Favorite good indulgence: Quest chocolate chip cookie dough protein bars Lap Band annoyances: gas, empty-stomach shoulder pain, still hard to take compliments, hair loss Next fill: Feb 4 (going to ask for .5cc) Hope everyone is doing well this week!!

I wonder whatever happened in this situation...?

Due to my weight (most likely) I've had wonky periods, but now that I'm losing they are getting more normal! We're talking last cycle was about 40 days when normally I'd go for 3+ months with nothing, then 1 month of heavy period. I'm so glad!!

Keep up the good work!!!

I think you have a lot to think about and need to not rush in to weight loss surgery. Do your hysterectomy as planned by your doctor. Then when things calm down focus on your weight. Getting weight loss surgery is nothing to rush in to!! And you will have to be very focused with your after care, no matter what you choose. Do lots of research between now and then. Second, about your sisters. Their weight loss is truly none of your business. Sounds harsh, but every person is different! If you doctor recommends one surgery over the other, s/he has good reason to based on your physical being. You may also want to seek a second opinion to be sure you're making the right decision. Each one has its pros and cons. Good luck with both surgeries!

Congratulations! Besides your weight change, perhaps you also take more pride in yourself, dress more professionally, act differently, care more, have more enthusiasm, etc. All those may have also contributed to your promotion. But whatever the reason, enjoy that extra money! best wishes

Have you seen the doctor? Can you post a follow up? Thx!

Have you been sticking to the rules 100%? I notice that when I stray, that's when I pay!! LOL The band can tighten up randomly, I've learned. If you're feeling tight, I def. would reconsider the fill. You can always add more later.

You'll have to ask your doctor that.

DL, I could have written your post. I was a sugar addict who tried diet after diet for 20 years and only ended up bigger after each attempt. I stopped even attempting Weight Watchers because I knew I would lose those 20 lbs only to gain 30 each time. For me, the change of the lap band has been physical: the sugar addiction cycle has been broken (and my lab work and no more cravings prove it), and mental: I am truly accountable for the first time ever--if I don't follow the rules I could be in pain or die (getting stuck or slipped). Therefore I must follow the rules. And now that I am losing, I WANT to follow the rules. The rules free me, not hinder me. I don't miss the disgusting feelings I got physically and mentally after eating something "bad". I don't miss soda, I don't miss carby sugary foods, and yes, i miss chocolate a little, but I can get a chocolate Protein bar or drink. You will start to crave Water with lemon or tea. You only crave soda because it's what you're used to. You will get used to new things, and it won't be that hard!!!! I promise! I know I'm fairly new to the band, only 4 months, but it has been a very worthy endeavor so far. So, just like the famous quote from Shawshank: "Get busy living, or get busy dying." I choose to get busy living!!

Debbie, congrats on being green!! Today I downloaded some cool apps for the gym--they are all about stretching and also working out and have pics and instructions, so I won't get stuck not having a clue anymore. LOL I'm on week 3 couch to 5k program and did 3 min of running x2 without stopping. That's a big deal for me. And, (eek I can't believe I'm gonna say this after a lifetime of not) I actually LOVE the gym. I feel so good afterwards....till I crash from exhaustion. But it really does feel better than lying on the couch being tired all the time. This week I negotiated my first party post band. I didn't fail, but I didn't get an A+ either. This was a party with my coworkers, who don't know about the band. They all just thought I was being cautious about my carbs (they know i do low carbs) but when someone suggested I try the shrimp ("Lotsa protein for ya!") I got nervous because I know for many banders it is a food that can get stuck. But I did just fine, eating like a little bird. I did however eat a brownie (slowly) and regretted it almost immediately because it made me "not feel right". In my wine glass I had water all evening. Overall not so bad for trying to fit in incognito.

Great post!! My band has taught me that I am a stronger person than I ever thought. ...both physically and mentally. I am BRAVE. Brave enough to admit I had a problem, brave enough to ask for help, brave enough to undergo surgery, brave enough to keep fighting afterward. Brave enough to go after the life I always wanted!!

You never "have" to tell. Order soup!! LOL