jfran

congrats on the new baby and the one on the way!

the tabloids are saying she has gained 50lbs. I don't know, but a thyroid problem can definitely pack on the pounds. She'll get back on track.

try citracal creamy bites in chocolate fudge. They taste great and you will be getting in your calcium. Maybe this would satisfy your daily craving for chocolate and not affect your weight loss

I just had my six month band anniversary the other day and I feel great. I am down 70+lbs and 5-6 sizes. I am constantly getting compliments on how great I look. This was the best decision I have ever made and I would do it a million times over. I still have 40-50 more lbs to go and it is getting harder to lose, but I know that I will get there and I can't wait. Congrats on everyones successes!

I never had any problems swallowing pills.

UPDATE!!!!!!!!! jfran.......195..............192.........183 ..........9

believe it or not I exercise all the time. Just today I worked out for 4.5 hours. I am exhausted though but it feels good. I never thought I would ever be addicted to exercise but I am.

I am doing South Beach and I am having great results.

That is very interesting! I am having my 6 month band anniversary today and I have lost nearly 70lbs! Woohooo for me! I can also eat just about anything and in rather large quantities. Granted I have only had 2 fills and don't have much restriction, but the whole spit thing makes a lot of sense to me. I figure that this is a good thing so long as we all commit to a life of healthy choices and moderation with exercise. I am not complaining.

I go to the gym everyday for 1.5 to 3 hrs. I love the gym and boy 6months ago I would not have been saying that. It helps my stress and I can see a dramatic difference in my body and it keeps my weightloss consistent.

I was told 3 meals no snacks but I have been doing 5-6 small meals instead. My doc says whatever works for me is fine with him.

go for it. every pound you lose makes your surgery safer.

<p>I was on spirolactone for years and I saw a great improvement in my excess hair. I had hair all over my forehead when I was a kid and the spirolactone took care of it. Now it works too good, because I am seeing more hair loss than I want and my hair is starting to thin. I have discontinued the med per doctors orders (I saw the loss prior to banding so my hairloss is not from lack of protein but the drug alone.) I am seeing an improvement since getting off the drug.</p>

They make you lose the weight usually 10% before surgery because they want to shrink the liver and make the surgery safer. My doc let me slide with 5%. The best thing aside from having lost nearly 70lbs is that I can keep up with my friends in daily life. For me the worst thing is the scars. They aren't that bad, but 6 months later and they are still reddish purple. I guess I have bad skin for scarring. Oh well, it is a small price to pay to be healthy and thin and I would pay it a million times over. Good luck with your decision.

I agree you need more protein, fruits, and veggies and more exercise. Try this for a while and see if it starts you losing, if not you may need to cut some calories.

applebees has weightwatchers meals that are great. The shrimp and steak terryiaki is fabulous. I also eat salads and grilled chicken. I avoid bread and creamy sauces just because of the calories.

I eat 5-6 small meals a day and I swear by it. My metabolism is speeding and I am losing 2-3lbs a week. I really feel great when I am eating this way and I exercise for an hour to 2hours everyday so that helps the metabolism a bunch too. I agree with the dietician about eating something small in the morning to get your metabolism going. If you can't stomach a yogurt or string cheese, try a shake or just simply a glass of milk. Your body needs those calories and nutrition to kick start it for the rest of the day.

I just ordered my Actitrainer tonight so I will report back here in a few weeks with results and reviews.

<p>I am 5'3.5" and I am 195lbs. I am wearing 14s and 16s in pants and 14-18 in tops. It all depends on the cut, fabric, and brand. But I am thrilled to be able to pick up a size off the rack and 9 times of 10 it fits!</p>

From Thanksgiving to now I have actually lost 3 lbs. That is great to actually lose weight over the holidays. The holiday's are so much better now because I am not a prisoner to the food instead I can enjoy my family, friends and the true meaning of the holidays.

I am 23 and was banded May 31st 2007. I have lost 67lbs so far and my friends are constantly telling me how great I look and that I am the amazing shrinking woman. I am doing things I never could before and I am a much happier person. I would do it again a million times over

There is a certain amount of portion control, but more than anything, the band is a constant reminder that I have to change my lifestyle and exercise and eat right. This is a lifelong commitment to being healthy that I am willing to make and this is because I have my band.

Hello everyone, my mother has a really bad knee which is headed in the direction of a total knee replacement. She was banded October 19th and is doing pretty well and has lost around 15-20lbs, but she is constantly battling pain and swelling of her knee. She wants to exercise and speed up the weightloss, but doctor says she can't walk. Does anyone have any suggestions on what type of exercise she can do and not be hard on her knee. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

I ate two thanksgiving dinners and actually did pretty good. I didn't overeat and didn't have any pbing episodes at all (actually I never have, knock on wood). I just stuck to veggies and meat and had a couple of bites of dessert. The scale stayed the same so I call that a victory.

Name...........Chall. Start Wt........Current......Chall. Goal...........To Go jfran...............195....................195 .............183......................12