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

Hi Cerrin, I had to learn this lesson over and over again. I had to stop comparing myself to others and only look at my progress. Look at the fact I was moving down the scale instead of up. I was eating much less than I was preband. I was making better choices on food and I am exercising regularly. The reality was that the changes were coming fast (just not fast enough at times:rolleyes2:). I can't tell you just how happy it makes me to look averagly fat now. I love having my picture taken becasue you can see my face, not all the excess face I allowed to happen. You will get there and you can do it. Be patient and kind to yourself. Treat yourself the way you treat your friends. Stay encouraged and keep a positive attitude (this expecially can take you very far). Hang in there, soon you will see the you on the outside that lives on the inside. Best wishes, Mary

Hi whosyadaddy, :) :wub: Congratulations on your achievement, way to go! Keep up the fantastic work! Cheers, Mary

Hi bjr, Hang in there and discuss with your doctor about a more aggressive fill at the visit. Perhaps the doctor has a good reason and that would be great to share with you. My first fills were much more aggressive and now I am getting tiny fills when I get them (last fill was .2ml). Hang in there, when you get dialed in the restriction will really help with managing the food. In the mean time keep up with your water, exercise and getting the appropriate amount of rest, it really does help. You can do it! Happy banding, Mary

Hi insubordination, Onederland refers to a three digit weight beginning with the number 1 (i.e. 167) and twoterville is the same, a three digit weight beginning with the number 2 (i.e. 243). I hope it helps. Cheers, Mary

I'm glad the subject of bikes came up because I need to get mine set up and get it ready to ride. Often there are bike trails in metropolitin areas that will give you a great challenge or just a leisurly ride. Google in your geography for bike trails and check them out. Thanks for posting to remind me to get that bike out and ride! Cheers, Mary

One century this week. I just wanted to share that I have rid myself of 100 lbs of excess weight. I discovered the achievement this week. Finally past the half way point of this journey. Just a shout out to my PT Jonny, without his help I would not have made it here in this time frame and with this level of fitness. Another item to note: I finally have a healthy HDL cholesterol. After it being 35 at its highest, my latest bloodwork (taken last week) has me at a healthy 41. Exercise has made all the difference. Cheers all, Mary

Hi heidabear, It is actually getting to the point of being able to manage my struggles with overeating that helps me get through this. In the beginning I had to look for the postives everywhere I could and a couple of things always rose to the top of that list. 1. I am no longer moving up the scale. For the past 15 or so year it has been consistanly upward with a few downward spikes that resulted in gain of what I had lost and more. 2. To merely look at what I can eat. Before the band I would eat a whole plate in a restaurant and everything is bigger in texas, very rarely is a plate anything smaller than a platter or a 15" round plate. Now, I usually have to go with the kids meal or Soup or salad and that is too much some days...it feels good to not eat so much. 3. Often when I get a fill, I have to revisit my relationship with food and it slays me that I have to keep learning this lesson over and over. I over eat and I will have to deal with that the rest of my life, but having the band makes it easier because it forces me to face the issue and I have learned. 4. I have learned so many other ways to deal/cope with my stress other than food. I had to, eating is no longer a choice. I use exercise, these forums, talking with my friends and family, a nice hot shower with a good cry and prayer to help me cope with stress now and one of those things always works. I believe you will get to a point where you look forward to the future and not fear the journey. It is weird and wonderful and you can do it. You will figure it out. It is a great sign that you posted here and are considering the advice of others. Best wishes, Mary

Hi April, I was banded 7/23/07. Thanks, I am pleased:thumbup:. Have a great weekend! Mary

Hi April, This is the question I was asked at my last aftercare appointment that led them to suggesting a fill. Are you hungry, my answer was yes, are you searching for food, my answer was yes. They suggested a fill, so I had my sixth fill of .2 ml. Now I was also at a plateau that broke with a 9 lb loss the following week. For the last three fills, it takes me more time on liquids and soft mushies before I can move to hard foods (a month on fill four - additional personal stress added to the issue). I think from what you are saying about your intake that they will recommend a fill. Seems one of the things they look at is how much in a sitting you are eating and I keep hearing 1/4 to 1/2 cup. I know that seems very small, but sometimes it is a blessing to be able to eat that amount. I have always had problems with eating in the morning. If it weren't for protein supplements, I would starve until the evening some days. Often the only hard meal I can have is in the evening. I think they will recommend a fill based on my experience. I only skipped one follow up appointment (after fill four mentioned above) because I was still on liquids four days before the fill. Didn't seem like I needed to get a fill and did not want an unfill, I knew stress was my problem. Rarely do I get stuck, but when I do I can contribute it to one of two things. I ate too fast or too big a bite without chewing enough. It wasn't until this last fill that I had to really consider my bite size/chewing and even drink size. Up to now I could guzzle water and this fill, I had to begin to sip water. I also went back to using a baby spoon and seafood fork as my eating utinsels. It helped me to get it together better. I always had read about a bandster bite, but never saw anyone put it into words that built a visual for me. After this fill, I discoverd that my bandster bite is the size of an almond and I chew that particular food about 25 - 30 times before I express all the air from my mouth and swallow. Just when I think I have this expereince mastered, I keep getting new experiences. You have to consider your personal situation and the advice of your after care medical professionals and make the right decision for you. Best wishes and enjoy your trip to Hawaii, Mary

Hi Val, My trainer takes several measurement with a set of fat calipers and does some math and gives me a number. I also have a set of fat calipers that I purchased at GNC, that give a fairly accurage measurement that I take at my belly within 1% the trainer measurements. Here is a web site to the brand that I purchased. They are only about $8.00: Accu-Measure Body Fat Calipers You take your total weight and multiply that by your body fat %. This gives you the lbs of fat you have on your body. Subtract that number from your total weight and you the resulting number is lean body mass. Thanks for asking! Cheers, Mary

Here are the numbers I promised: Initial measurement / New Measurement / Difference weight: 364 lbs / 300 lbs / -64 lbs Body Fat %: 52.6 / 36.0 / -16.6 Lean body wt: 172.6 lbs / 192.0 lbs / +19.4 lbs Tape measurements: Initial measurement / New Measurement / Difference Chest: 63.75 in. / 54.0 in. / -9.75 in. Waist: 63.25 in. / 56.5 in. / -6.75 in. Hips: 63.25 in. / 57.75 in. / -5.5 in. Arm: 19.25 in. / 16.5 in. / -2.75 in. Thigh: 29 in. / 25.25 in / -3.75 in. Cheers, Mary

Okay, after I broke 300, my trainer took new measurements. This is from the day I began with my trainer after the initial six weeks post surgery to ensure my body was healed (at this point I had rid myself of 28.5 unwanted lbs) to last Monday. They are as follows: Initial measurement / New Measurement / Difference weight: 364 lbs / 300 lbs / -64 lbs Body Fat %: 52.6 / 36.0 / -16.6 Lean body wt: 172.6 lbs / 192.0 lbs / +19.4 lbs How this translates for me. Since my end goal is a bit unknown in that I hope to get my body fat % down to 20%. This helps me to know that if I were to take the numbers from my last measurement 192 lbs of lean body mass and add 20% (38 lbs) that at 20% body fat - my weight would be 230 lbs. Now in reality, I suspect that my lean body mass will go down as well, but my goal is to get the fat down. Some other interesting numbers: Tape measurements: Initial measurement / New Measurement / Difference Chest: 63.75 in. / 54.0 in. / -9.75 in. Waist: 63.25 in. / 56.5 in. / -6.75 in. Hips: 63.25 in. / 57.75 in. / -5.5 in. Arm: 19.25 in. / 16.5 in. / -2.75 in. Thigh: 29 in. / 25.25 in / -3.75 in. All areas have reductions and I am thrilled. I guess if you want to measure it that way, I have rid myself of a total of 28.5 inches. Here is the thing. That gain in muscle mass is stellar, without the exercise/training, my numbers would not be so good. The band is beneficial in controlling my intake, but the exercise is all about me wanting to get much healthier. I am amazed, I did not think three years ago my body fat % would be below 50%. Since my body make up is different that many other ladies, it gives me a more reasonable way to measure my progress than the scale. I will never be one of those petite ladies that weighs 120 lbs and that is perfect for me. I know that I am more physically fit than the average American, yep, I can say it. I am more physically fit than the average person here in the US. Whoo hoo. I no longer get winded going up stairs. I can run...thats right I can run. I did a 100 yard sprint and four 50 yard sprints on Monday in training and I loved it. Also noteworthy is two things not reflected in the numbers about the Hips and Arms. My hips shows a loss, but what it does not show is that I gained muscle in my butt (making it more shapely) and lost it in the front. My arms, are slowly losing their "granny" arms or "bat wings" becasue the muscle is getting larger and the fat is shrinking. I am so pleased with these two things. Now I know the weight will come off slower now and that is okay (remind me I said that when I whine about being at a plateau). Now begins the turtle portion of the program. Slow and steady wins this marathon. Keep working at it, the payoff is sooo worth it. Cheers, Mary

I have lurked on this thread from time to time, but today I have arrived. Not just on the thread, but in twoterville. I hope my stay will be temporary to whatever it is called when you get to the 1xx. Anyway it has been a challenging and dare I say at times fun journey:thumbup:. You can see from my ticker that this goal represents 93.5 lbs that I have rid myself of. On Monday, my trainer will again take measurements and we will know what that number represents in inches lost and my new body compostion (lean body mass and fat mass). I am soooo glad to be here. Have a wonderful weekend! Mary