mmcbelle

Hi aronson333, I am choosing more than one way to measure my health. I don't believe in the one number as the final measurement of my success. My goals are to have healthy blood work, that is have triglycerides, LDL, HDL, total cholestrol, etc. in the healthy range...that goal is accomplished and is in maintenance. Another goal is to be at 20-23% body fat. I began at 52% body fat and am currently at 34%. My goal for scale weight is 180, I am 5'7" tall and according to the height/weight chart I should be 151 max. If all my bloodwork is good. I am exercising regularly and have no known health issues, I consider that good for me. During my journey, I have lost my comorbities...sleep apnea and lower back pain. What I am saying is that measuring success with weight loss is more than one number on the scale. Many doctors recommend GB over the band. That is a really personal decision. It boiled down to a couple of things for me. More people die, due to GB or GB complications. The band is removable. The band surgery has faster recovery. The speed at which I lost the weight was not a big consideration for me, but GB will get the weight off faster. As for folks not losing over 100 lbs with LB, well I have broken that mold and in the end believe I will maintain ridding myself of over 200 lbs. I know it can be done...others have done it. Was the doctor that you spoke to aware of your meds? I ask because with GB the second part of why it works is malabsorbation. Malabsorbation is when a percentage of what you take in is never used up. Since GB reroutes the inner digestion and bypasses the stomach and some other parts, your food and meds are not fully absorbed into your body and are not used. This means that calories are not absorbed either, so you lose weight. What would concern me for you is any meds you are on for your conditions may not be fully absorbed and there effectiveness is much less. Talk with a knowledgable doctor about it. Happy banding, Mary

Hi Kelly, I found mine through my chiropractor. I was terrified of going to a "gym" in the beginninng, so I needed a different solution. I asked around and have a good relationship with my chiro. He recommended someone to me. I met him and have been training with him since September. I do go to where he trains, but it is an indoor soccor field and rarely is there anyone besides me there and now, I just don't care if anyone is there. I did initially begin with the internet by looking up trainers and my geography. That would be a place to start. Also, here there are many smaller training gyms that specialize in one-on-one training. Check for some in your area and call them and see if they make home visits. Just be aware that for them to come to you is more expensive. Best wishes, Mary

Hi Anita, Welcome and congrats on your surgery. Keep up the positive attitude! Cheers, Mary

Hi KKG, Welcome! KISS, keep is super simple. Every day renew your commitment and continue to do the things you know work. Stay hydrated...especially important now tha summer is upon us. Eat within the bandster rules..they work. Keep doing your headwork...this is one of the most important steps, it takes time to deprogram our old habits and negative thougths and reprogram with new habits and positive thinking. Exercise. If you only have time for a little, make it cardio, otherwise cario and resistance (weight training). Just get up and do it, once you are out the door...that is the hard part. When you stumble, no guilt, if guilty - forgive yourself. Get up and do the things you have been doing well...again. Stay connected to support, a live in person group, this forum and especially your family and friends. I know it seeims like a simple list, but completing the list every day will keep you on track and moving forward to reach your goal. Kelly, you can do this! Cheers, Mary

Hi LovelyLady, Yes, I do think it is possible and I think there are things you can do to help yourself with your goal. I realized that at almost 400 lbs to begin, I had to do more than just control portions and food choices. I chose to forego a new car and get a personal trainer and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. At 10 months and a week from surgery I have rid myself of 124 lbs. I also know that becasue my trainer takes my measurements and calculates my bodyfat that over 90% of that is fat. Yes, you absolutly can reach that goal. Yes, it will take lots of effort. YES, it is so worth it! Best wishes, Mary

Hi all, It has been a while since I posted. First Smilin... I am so glad you are alright. I also appreciate your sharing your experience so others can benefit. I have had some amazing progress over the last few months. About two weeks ago I reached another goal and my trainer took measurements. I am happy to say that my body fat % is 34.4 (just within normal) and an amazing thing has happened. My upper arms have lost 4.75 inches since I began. My granny arms are going away. Today I hit a major milestone. I have rid myself of 120 lbs of excess weight. I am so excited. I was hoping for 120 by my band anniversary (July 23), so I am happy to exceed that goal. I have to credit working with a trainer for my excellent progress. I do the work, but I don't have to think about what to do, he says run, I say how far? I also realigned my original goal weight. Originally, I just wanted to get below 200, but now I believe that 180 is a reasonable and attainable goal. Thanks for reading and to those newbies, just stick with it. I am living proof that it does happen. Cheers, Mary

Thanks to all the posters. This particular question has been heavy (no pun intended) on my mind lately. My goal is to rid myself of about 200 lbs. I am just over half way there and this question came up. Reading this thread has been inspiring. It has confirmed that I can do this. Thanks all! Cheers, Mary

Hi shannongetsslim & MicheleK, When I had surgery, I was at 380 lbs. I have had surgeries before, so knew what to expect. It is so natural to have fear about going under. When you are a week out you will wonder what you were worried about. Again, it is so natural to fear this part. It will be okay. I am always groggie when I start coming out of the meds, but the going under part is really cool, I like it. Once I asked the anesthologist (sp) if this stuff came in a six pack, lol. Try not to worry about this stuff. Take the pre op time to start your new habits and especially get as much headwork behind you as possible. That will serve you well. Best wishes to you both. Mary

I can cross my legs. It just happened one day.

Hi Angelyco, You are very brave for stepping on the scale and facing that fear. I used to dread it too, but now don't look at the scale as my arch nemisis. It is just one tool for measuring a level of health. It does not tell me what is going on inside my body. It is just a number that totals our blood, bone, Water, fat, internal organs etc. It does not even give any indication of body composition (how much of me is lean body mass & how much is fat body mass). You can do this and one really important thing is that you not give up. At the age of 43 I got my surgery. I really understand now how important all the attempts (and failures) were in my path to here and the success to date. I needed all those to be ready (I am a slow learner where this is concerned:rolleyes2:). Never giving up is really important! I want to echo something Valstar said. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. This was a difficult lesson for me and I still have to be reminded. Strive for improvement of YOUR accomplishments. Don't compare yourself to others. Go for improvement, not perfection. Every improvement counts, don't belittle any of your improvements. Also the high BMI means that you have the greatest opportunity for improvment! You can do this! Best wishes, Mary

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are doing GREAT! :Dancing_wub: Way to go! Cheers, Mary