Leepers

Yes! I am with you on this. I more so worry that I will plateau if I don't go to the gym. And I am obsessed with losing right now.

I think you're doing great. My only advice comes from my own experience. Make sure you're getting enough protein and try to stay away from starchy carbs like the potatoes and dumplings. It's protein, then veggies, then carbs if you still have room. I truly believe the less carbs you eat, the faster you will lose. Best wishes! And don't be afraid of trying new foods. If you eat slow enough and chew your food well, you should be fine.

Just today I was thinking how I wish I hadn't told people I got the band. I feel like it downplays all of the hard work I have put into losing my 47 pounds as of today. Not that it really matters though. I am on a course to change my life for good and you will be too, soon. Don't let anyone deter you.

Yes! Big difference! You look fabulous!

I know for a fact, I would not be doing as well as I'm doing if it weren't for my hubby deciding to change along with me. Yes, I planned on making changes, but it has progressed much faster with him on board. We talk about our eating habits and calorie intake constantly. Also, he joined us up to a gym and my exercise level has progressed much faster than expected. We see this as a life change. We have not had any sodas or fast food since December 9th. And we are Lovin it! I'm so happy for you that you have his support. It makes a huge difference. Best wishes to you both!

Wow. Scary!

It's like quitting smoking. A lot has to do with self control. Sugar is addictive. When you eat it all the time, you want it all the time. I too, get sweets cravings around that TOM. I've found that a banana and a small glass of pure oj can satisfy me. Yes, they have sugar too, but fruit is a naturally occurring sugar. So much better than the junky, refined sugars in cake and cookies. I watch my calories in MyFitnessPal and it helps me stay away from those types of foods.

So glad you had your aha! moment. This can be a long process and who wants to be upset the whole time? I just got over a two week plateau. I was irritated, but I knew if I just kept at it, I would get past it. Best wishes for your continued success!

Click on your name at the very top right of the page. There should be a link that says "my tickers." Best wishes on your success!

My surgeon begrudgingly told me a glass of wine would be okay here and there. I drink about every other weekend. Like she said before me, you just have to consider how many calories you are pouring down the hatch. Check with your surgeon again. He may have some reason in your health history or medications that he may not want you to mix with alcohol.

That is freakin awesome! You should be so proud of yourself. I am inspired by you! My hubby and I go to the gym together too. It is something I've dreamed of for many years and now it's happening. Ive mainly been a treadmill person, but I've just started trying the elliptical. I'm going to use you as my inspiration to keep at it.

I like the top one. I've been thinking about another tattoo also. Just can't commit to what I want.

I hadn't really planned anything. I do think I would like to go to an amusement park and ride some roller coasters. I want to be in shape enough to take a trip to the Grand Canyon and be able to do some of the hiking trails.

Black beans are healthy, naturally occurring carbs. And a great source of protein. I eat as many beans as I want.

Name it after a favorite celebrity or singer. Like Oprah. Or make a play on the name. Like Doctor Fill. Lol. Barack Obanda.

I've been thinking about this a lot. And then, the other day, I bought a book called The Body Book, by Cameron Diaz. I know, I know. Cameron Diaz? Skinny, pretty, actress? But it is a really good book so far. Very easy to read. She breaks nutrition and food down into simple, easy to understand categories. Explaining how your body uses food and the types of things you should be looking for in the foods you eat. And why you should avoid processed, junky foods. It really makes you think about the quality of the fuel you are eating every day. How, when you feel tired and cranky, that so much of that is cased by poor food choices. I know a lot of what she's said (even if I haven't always followed it) and I have learned a lot too. Just saying, if you want read something that will help give you reason to eat healthier, this is a good book. If you have a smartphone or a kindle, you could download the sample for free to see if it's something you may like. Happy Eating! P.S. I wrote a new entry on my blog today. Click on "my blogs" over to the left under my pic and info if you'd like to read it.

Is it paid time off? Then I would ask for at least a week. I took two, but I have a physical job. If you're not being paid and want to get back, then Monday would probably be ok.

You are on the general weight loss board. The site has started incorporation some of the threads on the right hand side recent topics with lap band threads. I kinda like it.

Plateaus are bound to happen. Just getting through one myself. I have a hard time with this same subject. I eat anywhere from 850 to 1200 calories a day, plus exercise 4 days a week. I looked back at my calorie intake the weeks I lost big and I ate closer to 1100/1200 calories the whole week. I don't know if I really believe in starvation mode, but it may be true. Also, the week leading up to my period is really hard to lose weight. Once I start, the weight starts dropping. So don't forget about hormones. Just keep doing what you're doing. 33 pounds is awesome! That's the weight of the large bag of dog food I buy every month. Crazy! You're doing great.

You poor thing! I'm glad you got another doc if this one was so unwilling to work with you. Unfortunately many surgeons are total a-holes. But sometimes the nicest doc can be a really crappy surgeon. I'm sure everything will turn out fine for you. I'm glad you're not letting them deter you from your goal.

I'm very interested in this. I would love to help organize or lead or co-lead. I'm in Louisville, KY.

Luckily, I did not have to do that. But don't worry. You can do it! Do you have a smart phone? Download MyFitnessPal app. It's an awesome and easy way to keep up with what you're eating. Best wishes!

I agree with Cheryl. Learning to deal with hunger is hard and yet very important. When I was in the mushies stage, my surgeon said grazing was ok. It's when you hit the solid food stage that you want to try three meals a day. Will you sometimes have to have a HEALTHY snack between meals at first? Most likely. But hopefully they will taper off as you get fills. I have somehow learned to ignore hunger. It's the cravings that are a battle for me. Stick with it, you can do it.

Possibly what you're running into on this forum is human nature. The majority of people did research and knew that there's a risk of complications. But, like most humans, we want to think this can't happen to me. And we are embarking on, or have been on, a new journey in our lives. It is such a mental game that we are afraid to let even the smallest amount of negativity, however well meant or tactfully said, enter into this new little world. Most people on here already have a band and don't want to worry about what could go wrong. I do empathize with your situation and I think you do have your place here. There are sub-forums for complications and you should be able to post your journey and your story. Unfortunately, tone of voice is hard to convey through the written word and people can take what you say in ways that you may have not intended. I hope everything works out for you healthwise. I can't imagine having the problems of complications and the uncertainty of being able to maintain all your hard efforts. Best wishes to you.

Very inspiring! Good for you, getting back into the swing of things!