TexasBecky

I thought I'd start a thread to talk about getting close to goal. I know that some of the Crazy Ates are getting there now and all the rest will be there soon. As exciting as it is there are "issues" surroundig that too. Salsa, I've read your recent posts on the subject with great interest becasue I have unexpectedly arrived in the same place - needing to start maintenance. I've now been told by two plastic surgeons and my band doctor that I've lost enough weight. This is so shocking to me because in my mind I still need to drop about 20-25 pounds. I saw the band doctor yesterday and he explained that people who have been obese for a long time have had to develop more bone and muscle to support the fat. As the fat is lost the bone and muscle stay the same - the underlying body structure is heavier than it once was years ago when I was younger and thinner. Also my saggy skin is adding extra weight that wont go away without plastic surgery. So, I've adjusted my goal weight to be closer to what the docs are recommending. (I just can't bring myself to put my ticker at goal yet). As far as how to maintain, I am clueless about that also. I've spent my whole life either losing or gaining - never had any long term success at maintenance. What my doctor wants me to do is continue exercising for health and fitness and eat the same way I've been eating, but adding additional healthy calories to my meals, i.e., nuts on my salads or half an avocado, more olive oil in my cooking, a little extra cheese here and there, etc. It sounds simple, but with my history, I'm really nervous. I know that this is a good problem to have, but for a lifelong food addict like me, it is a whole new world. I'm really glad to have a place to discuss my fears and exchange ideas. I just can't tell you how much this board has helped me so far.

LJM, the next consult is with Steven Wright. Do you know anything about him?

Judi, first of all I think that you have done extemely well. Yes, there are those of us who have lost more, but there are also plenty of people who have lost less. As your doctor said, you are right on track. Remember too, one of the up sides of losing a little more gradually is that you will be better equiped to maintain when you do get to goal. As far as the secret to my success, I think that an active lifestyle has been key for me. I started walking in June before my surgery and have kept it up faithfully since then. I try to get in about an hour of cardio (now its a walk/jog combo) five times a week. I recently added strength training twice a week (thanks to Frangi) and it seems to have given me another boost. All of the exercise and weight loss has also increased my energy level and I find that I am overall much more active throughout the day. Lastly, I am a tall woman (5'9") with a naturally speedy metabolism. I've always been able to loose pretty fast. I burn more calories just breathing than someone who has a smaller frame than me. That's why comparing ourselves with others is pointless. I guess I should add that I've also stayed very faithful to a healthy diet. Sweets have always been a weakness for me so I decided that I can do without them. I don't trust myself to moderate my intake. I've found that the longer I've stayed away from that kind of stuff the less I crave it. My life has definately not been stress free since I've been on this journey. My parents are still staying with me as my mom recovers from a broken hip. Thanks to my band I've had to replace my old stress related eating with healthier coping methods - mainly exercise. I've said it before and I like to say it every time I can - the band is not magic, but it certainly is the tool that has finally allowed me to change my life. Also, for anyone reading this and looking for some help, I say read these boards and try to connect with other people who have the same goal. I was always so uncomfortable talking about my weight problems that I never would seek out support. This forum has given me an outlet and support system that I've never had before. I think that too has been invaluable. Ok, that is enough out of me. Good luck and much continued success.

Chickie, Another of my role models checks in! Again, I'm so glad you responded. Yours was another story that inspired me from the beginning. It is so encouraging to see people like you who have figured out how to make this work for the long haul. If you can do it, I can do it too! Thanks so much for the advice. (Now I'm hoping JulieNYC will respond!)

Wow! I just went back a couple of pages and got caught up on the pics. Everyone looks so good and so happy. Andree you are just glowing, and purplegirl you are just beautiful. Hey Sheaross, I've cleaned out my closet too. It felt fantastic to be rid of all the plus sizes and the best part is filling it back up!

Candle, you look wonderful! I bet you are closer to goal than you think you are. Great job!

Jachut, I'm so glad you responded. I've been a fan of yours since I joined LBT. I've tried to live by your motto of shutting my gob and moving my ass and it has worked. As often happens when I read your post, I had a light bulb come on... "I think viewing goal weight as the end is a BIG mistake". You are so right. That is exactly what has been wrong with my thinking. I have seriously changed my life since I was banded. I'm no longer an obese, sedentary, wreck of a human being. I've turned into a fit, active, ethusiastic, and dare I say, vibrant woman. I like myself a whole lot better this way and whatever I need to do to maintain this new lifestyle is worth it.

Candle, I'm glad we are in this together. We've lost so fast that it is hard to wrap our minds around all the changes. I think you are smart to be giving maintenance a lot of thought; that has always been where I've failed. I knew I could lose weight because I've done it so many times. This time I'm determined to learn how to keep it off.

That sounds like a reasonable plan. I think picking the right PS is more important than who swaps out my port. I definately do not want two separate procedures at two different places. LJM, do you know of anybody who does lapbands at Presby? I still have another PS consult coming up but I'm pretty sure this one operates at Presby too so it could be the same port deal with him.

Thanks Jody - that made my day. I don't think I've ever been anyone's hero. Frangi, I hope you're back from FL soon. I miss you.

Hi Melissa, Glad you're joining us. This is a very motivational group. Looks like you are doing great with your weight loss. Checking in here regularly should help too. I did cardio and weights today. Crazy Ates March Exercise Challenge 15/20 Cardio Sessions 6/8 Strength Training Sessions

Thanks Karey & Steph. Yes, I definately need a low profile. Mine sticks out big time now. Karey, the coordination is an issue. One of the docs I'm considering (LJM's doc) doesn't operate at the same hospital as my band doc (who doesn't have privileges at the PS's hospital). I think that may be why the PS suggested getting the port done first. You've confirmed what I was thinking - that it makes alot more sense to do it at the same time. I'd hate for that to eliminate LJM's "no drain" doc because I really liked him alot, but it might be a deal breaker. LJM, I'd still like to hear what you know about it.

LJM, did Dr. P do anything about your port yet? I need a low profile and he told me it would be better if I got my band doc to change it out before my PS. Saw the band doc yesterday and he said it has to be done in the OR so it should be done at the same time as PS. What's your experience been?

I say the most important thing is to find something that you enjoy and will do. 30 minutes of exercise per day is enough to gain real improvements in your overall health. If you really want to ramp up your weight loss then ramp up the exercise to 60-90 minutes at least five days per day. Studies show that people who regularly exercise in that range lose much faster and do not regain. Whatever you do, make it a lifetime commitment. Good luck!

Jody, I'm sure that you are replacing fat with muscle since you are doing so much exercise. That would explain why the scale is not moving even though you are losing inches and your clothes are getting looser. As you build more muscle your metabolism is going to function better and the pounds will come off. Try not to worry about the number on the scale. It is just not a very accurate measure of everything that is going on with your body in this phase of weight loss. You are doing what you need to be doing. Great job! I finally got my cardio done for today. Crazy Ates March Exercise Challenge 14/20 Cardio Sessions 5/8 Strength Training Sessions

I'm back from my sick bed. Did cardio and strength training yesterday. I've got to get with it or I wont make my challenge this month. Jody, you are doing so good! How are you liking exercise these days? I think I've finally learned to like it - or the way I feel afterwards anyway. Crazy Ates March Exercise Challenge 13/20 Cardio Sessions 5/8 Strength Training Sessions

Judi, Lands End (landsend.com) has a good selection of swim minis and swim shorts. I think Spanx underneath is a great idea. You can make any suit into a slimmer that way. We just want to look good right? You're not trying to get something to swim laps in I assume. My big swimsuit issue now is my hideous arms. I don't know of any long sleeve (or at least 3/4 sleeve) swimsuits. Any ideas about that?

I managed to do my cardio today. Hoping to feel better tomorrow so I can get some strength training done. Crazy Ates March Exercise Challenge 12/20 Cardio Sessions 4/8 Strength Training Sessions

I'm here but sick too. Same stuff as Judi. Everyone in my house is sick with this. Take care, Becky

Andree, you are not a slow loser. 60+ pounds since August is fantastic. There are a some of us who have been very fast losers, largely because we do alot of exercise. I know I'm lucky to have a fast metabolism, good restriction from almost the beginning, and the time for and interest in exercising. Keep doing what you're doing and you'll be at goal before this year is over!

Did both my cardio and strength training first thing this morning. Have a great day everybody. Crazy Ates March Exercise Challenge 11/20 Cardio Sessions 4/8 Strength Training Sessions

I start my day with coffee and then a chocolate Slim Fast Low Carb/High Protein shake. Yes, every single weekday. I tend to be tight in the mornings and I like that I can carry it around sipping on it while I get makeup on, etc. Best part - 20 grams of protein to start my day and no prep required. lunch would be about a cup of chicken or tuna salad and a couple of crackers or a few baked chips. Some days I'll have a salad and Soup or a frozen Lean Cuisine type meal. Somedays lunch is just leftovers from the previous nights dinner. Never sandwiches because I just can't do that much bread. Dinner is almost always about 3-4 ounces of lean meat, fish, or poultry, a green vegetable or salad and a very small (1/4 cup) serving of Pasta, rice, or potatoes. I like to cook so, its just whatever I'm fixing - just not very much of anything, especially the carbs. I do cook with sauces, etc. and try to keep my evening meal interesting and very satisfying to my taste buds. Might have a glass of wine or two a couple of nights a week. I also have a Starbucks habit. I'm ashamed, but I admit that at least three times a week I have a Venti Nonfat Latte around 2pm. I do need the calcium! If I want a snack it is usually just head hunger in the evenings. If I go ahead and give in to it (I often do), I usually have a 100 calorie bag of popcorn or a 100 calorie Weight Watchers English Toffee Ice Cream Bar. Jody, you're really working hard and just think, you're going to be at your goal weight this year! So exciting!

Jody, you are really kicking in to high gear. I can tell you are serious about this. Great job. Keep going! Oh yeah Dave, you're such a wimp. Are you kidding me Mr. Exercise Machine? You haven't gotten down 117 lbs. by taking very many days off from exercising. As you are getting close to your goal how are you feeling about exercise? Do you love it now or just force yourself to do it? Do you think you've picked up a lifelong habit? I'm curious how everybody feels about exercise now. Please chime in one and all. Almost forgot, one hour of cardio for me today. You guys are making me look like a wimp.

Losing, $12,500 is less than two other quotes I've gotten already. Thanks for sharing that info. I'm even more encouraged about him.

Frangi, If we can't find a good surgeon and a fair deal in the US or Mexico, I'm going to be really disappointed. My consult with LJM's doc is Friday. I've checked his website and read his journal articles about his drainless technique. I'm really, really, hoping I like him and his price, because I love the idea of no drains. If you haven't checked him/them out its North Dallas Plastic Surgery: Cosmetic Surgery in Dallas and Plano, TX. Regarding your earlier post; I agree completely that clothes, fashion, & shopping are of major importance to me (actually one of life's greatest pleasures when I being shallow and self absorbed, lol). DH is happy with me as I am/was/will be. He has seen alot of versions of me over the last 30+ years - poor guy. It doesn't matter to him (although, I'm sure he'll be thrilled with the "after") whether I do this or not. So it is up to me to decide what will please me the most. The more I think about it and the more we talk about it here, the more realistic my thoughts are becoming. I have already put aside the fantasy of everything being near perfect and I'm getting comfortable with the idea of a flat tummy and lifted breasts. If it turns out that I can't get both done in the same surgery, then I'll definately do the tummy first and think about the breasts down the road. I'll let you know how the next consult goes.