AlisonL

Set small goals, do not look at the enire weight loss but small sections. I am 5'8". I was banded July 2007 and weighed 282 pounds, i was a size 24. On my one year anniversary I had lsot 100 pounds, and by New Years (18 months later) I reached my goal weight. I current weight 145 and am in an 8 or 10. My first goals was to get to 250...that was all I focused on. Then i could hardly wait to get out of the 240's, then 230's, 220's... When I got to 210 i was excited by each pound knowing I was on my way to "onerderland". Once I brok the 200's I just looked forward to getting further and further away from that point. The last 10 - 15 pounds were the slowest but to be honest I felt so good even at 160 it wasn't a big deal. You can do it!

How many cc's do you have in you band and what type of band?

My band was too full once and I had heartburn issues. My doctor removed some of the fill and this resolved. If you force yourself to eat super slow you will fill up on much less food. I found if i put my fork down between bites it made a different. It seemed wierd at first but I got use to it. Try that and see if it helps. Also avoid high calorie liquid or semi liquid foods like juices and ice cream. I am a firm beleiver that calories should be chewed.

Since you were all so kind to tell me eabout yourselves let me tell you a little something about me. I am 39...turning 40 in July. My bad was placed 3 days after my 38th birthday. I was very hopeful that I would reach my goal by my 40th birthday...YEAH I did it!!!! I am married with 3 children, I live in southern California. I was cash pay so I did not have to attend any support groups or jump through the hoops many insurance companies require. The band is a tool, it will not loose the weight for you but will make it much easier to be honest and loose the weight. I am sure none of us had this done without first trying just about every diet out there. You all can and will succeed!!! Stay focused and remeber nothing tastes as good as thin feels!! My email is alison_legendre@yahoo.com. Please feel free to email me. If it takes a couple of days to get back I appologize, with three kids things get crazy. I hope this helps.

I drink small amounts throughout the day. Always keep a water bottle with you and dont drink after you eat/ If I do I always throw up.

I eat three times a day. I try to make sure to get protein in whenever I eat. If you cook chicken in broth it keeps it moist. I also cut it into very small bites and chew a ridiculous amount of times.

The key for me was eating slow and having a bite of something I really wanted. I do not drink protein shakes but did occasionally have a slim fast for breakfast when i was not realy hungry for a full breakfast. If you can get it in your head to stop when you are not hungry vs full it will make a huge difference. Let me know if this helps.

I would be happy to be your buddy. I am so pleased with the decision I made to have the band, it has chnaged my life. How are things going for you? Have you had your first fill?

Thank you very much! I am not saying that I couldn't benefit from a lift and tuck here and there but for now clothes are very fogiving.

For some reason I can not make the video play

I have lost 130 pounds over the last 15months. I am told on a regular basis how much younger I look. I am 39. I would take the wrinkles any day for how incredible I feel!