Jachut

I also eat all foods in moderation, carbs included. We dont do "Protein first" in Australia, and Australians by and large lose weight just fine. I eat wholegrain versions where possible and I try to avoid really processed white carbs although I have a weakness for rice cakes with Peanut Butter on them! But yeah, good heavy wholegrain bread, brown Pasta, brown rice, same calories but way more nutritious. A lot of people just cant eat those foods though, they cause them pain and vomiting. But overall, compared to Americans, I eat a very carb focussed, even low protein diet (probably 40 to 50 grams a day) and I do just fine. It makes me feel good, gives me energy to run a lot and has gotten and kept me thin.

Dont know, its totally individual. I lead a similar life, work, study, kids etc. I find a 45 minute run most days enough to have gotten me to goal and keep me there. 45 minutes of hard-ish aerobic work five times a week ought to be enough. I dont have time for the gym and strength training so I just dont do it. I do some pushups, tricep dips and stomach work in front of the telly a couple of times a week. Despite the doomsayers who insist you'll lose all your muscle and not lose weight I havent found it to be true. I not only am fit, I actually LOOK fit with good muscle tone. Its hard. Stationery bike is a good thing, anything at home that you can still do at 11 pm at night if you really have to is a great back up. I really need my treadmill because sometimes i simply cannot get out at 5 or 5.30 for an outside run. And I make sure that I run both days on the weekend because I know I have time then, so at the very minimum if I can get out two days during the week I know I've done enough. I think you sound like you've got a fairly good routine going. The only other thing I could suggest is get up in the early morning, but I know that just makes me really really tired after a few days.

Personally I would run in the opposite direction from anyone offering a "special" on cosmetic surgery of any kind. Any of that pressure - book 2 surgeries get the second half price kind of crap would ring alarm bells for me.

I attend Prof. O'Brien's practice and they give that advice out verbally as well - you go in knowing there is a likelihood of replacement surgery further on down the track.

Yay you! Being so tall, I often get the "you're lucky, you've got a figure like a model, (ah, not quite, lol) you can wear absolutely anything". I have a quiet smile to myself. I dont feel compelled these days to say I used to be obese. But it does irk me slightly that people assume that you're "lucky" and that you dont work for it. So many people out there walking around looking healthy and good work very hard to stay that way. Thin doesnt only happen to the genetically blessed!

I dont think you need to be freaking. People lose at different rates. I was absolutely thrilled by my weight loss compared to my previous efforts, I'd actually NEVER lost more than about 15lb before in my life, and it took me 2 and a bit years to lose 100lb, but it never occurred to me that this was what others would call slow. Honestly, it was steady, lasting and dependable, what more would I want? Youve got less to lose than a lot of bandsters, and that often means you dont get quite the same initial HUGE losses that many do. 10lb since 12 August is actually pretty darn good, it only has to keep up at that rate (which you spur it along with more fills and exercise) and you'll be slender in no time!

Pre ops are often not necessary here in Australia, and I think docs use their judgement with the weight/shape of the patient. Being a BMI of 36 with a huge bum, but relatively less obese midsection, I didnt have to do it. I think it also is relevant what sort of lifestyle you lead - a heavy drinker/junk food eater will nearly always have a big fatty liver. I was lucky thogh - I'd just had a liver ultrasound scheduled by my overzealous GP when I asked for a referral to the surgeon, so I knew for a fact I didnt have an enlarged or fatty liver. DH being male and with a big belly had to do it! But statistically, open surgeries (or no surgery at all) due to a huge liver are very rare, given the difficulty of that stupid Optifast diet, it is not an unreasonable or very risky chance to take not to do a preop. there is a 99% chance you'll be fine for surgery anyway - figure of speech, not actual statistic!

I'm exactly like you, I get stuck and have to wait for it to work its way down because it wont come back up. I'm positive this is why I dont PB much in comparison to others - its becuase others PB easily and not because I"m such a perfect bandster that I never make mistakes. I've been stuck for an hour once, till I finally PB'd spectacularly. Usually it can last 20 minutes to half an hour, although if it goes that long, its usually followed by a PB. But I've never ever eaten something, thought Oh, that's not quite right and pbd it back up. Its always a long drawn out affair.

Oh, that's SO true. Me too. I was always always always going to become obese. I managed to hold it off for a long time, but having a couple of babies was the final straw for my body, the weight really began to pile on after that. As it was I really DID get banded to prevent future weight gain but this little band would have been a big help to me earlier on. I just dont see it as "so extreme" the way others do. I just cant understand why its OK to have fake tits and cut your face to bits and inject yourself with botulism, all in the name of looking better but a lapband is suddenly EXTREME. There's pills to lower our cholesterol and our blood pressure and its OK to take drugs all your life to prevent health problems related to those, and to start them when you're not already so far gone that the damage is done, but to get a lapband at a BMI of 35 is EXTREME? It does the health prevention job of about six drugs in one drug free solution! One can never be sure, you dont know what's round the corner, but in all probababily getting on top of this problem now will improve the quality of my life for 50 years to come. I'm going to be that marathon running granny! I just think its completely blind not to be able to see the virtue of preventing really serious obesity in the first place.

I really think for a lot of us, there's no fixing it. I've never really had bad emotional or non hungry eating patterns that you could define as disordered eating. I just ate a lot because that's what it took to fill me. When it got to 4pm, OK, I wasnt starving, but I was definitely "interested" enough to eat a lot of whatever was there. Since having a lapband, that interest has decreased. There just isnt that "headwork" for everyone, everyone's journey is different. Many people just have appetites that are larger than their body's energy needs and no matter how much headwork you do, that wont change. On the other had if you're an emotional eater and chocolate addict, perhaps a lapband isnt the best choice. But that is true whether you're 200lb or 400. 25 or 55. Fatme, nobody's attacking you, obviously some of us have misunderstood what you're trying to say. Sometimes things come across in writing differently to what you intend, if so, sorry to take you the wrong way.

Ok, I've thought about it and I disagree to some extent. I mean, yes, surgery is a last resort but where is it written that you can only reach your last resort after a certain number of years? Like McMadame, I was on my first diet at 12 years old. Its not a quick solution, the lapband is a fairly recent invention that's had a fairly length period of being an unusual and little known surgery where statistics on the guinea pigs were being compiled, and of late, its come into its own as an effective solution to obesity for many people. That's why people appear to be jumping on the "band wagon", because we've reached the point where we have a history, some statistics, some experts to train surgeons etc. I dont like the implication yet again that some people are somehow more "worthy" than others of being allowed the priviledge of surgery. The only difference here is that its agist instead of thin-ist (is that a word? If not, it is now!) In fact I'd argue that its often the most long term and heavily obese patients that have the least ability to really change their outlooks, lifestyles and activity levels. I really believe my journey was much easier for the fact that I was light enough to be active and to run, I was not as disordered in my eating patterns as some others (hence why I got to a BMI of 36, not 56) and I had a much less extreme lifestyle overhaul to make. I certainly dont know many 60 year old morbidly obese people that would be able to take up running or triathlon! That's a huge generalisation I know, but its got some merit. If I have the money to pay for it its my right to have it, no matter what anyone else thinks. There's enough of it to go round, I dont understand why people seem to feel their territory is being invaded by the less obsese - yet again more fodder to fuel my belief that there is every bit as much bias and prejudice against thinner people from fat as vice versa.

Nobody ever really likes my story, it tends to cause arguments lol. I lost 100lb give or take, went from a BMI of 36 to 22, did it over a 2 year period, and did it by eating from ALL food groups, never buying a single Protein shake, never counting protein, I eat carbs, wholegrain bread most days, I ate fairly high calories (1500 or so a day) and I run for an hour five times a week or so and ofen go for a swim or something as well. What I didnt do - protein first, low carb, high protein, incredibly detailed regimes of strength training with protein shot this, Protein Shake that before and after training etc etc. I did everything 'wrong' according to modern wisdom, which I consider nothing more than an unproven fad, same as every other lifestyle gospel we've been taught over the years - 20 years ago, people would have agreed that lots of cardio and a high carb low fat diet was the way to go, nowadays they think its all strength training and protein. There is and was plenty of so called scientific evidence to back it all up, as much for the high carb low fat stuff 20 years ago as there is for the high protein stuff now. I think its ALL bollocks personally. I think what I achieved simply indicates that if you eat less and move more, you will probably lose weight. I know that I certainly havent given myself diabetes and wasted all my muscle with my carb and cardio focussed approach. Worked for me anyway. Slowish, but without any baggy loose skin to boot and I have PLENTY of muscle, I've not wasted all my lean body tissue away either. For some reason, this tends to mortally offend people, I think people LOVE a real regime, something to cling to that they believe heart and soul will work. I'm sorry, I dont have one. I stopped being a piggie and couch potato basically.

That happened to me recently, I got a fill in May which I probably didnt really need, and it was OK, tight but good tight, I could eat, I wasnt PBing and I dropped to 68kgs! I was pretty thrilled with it. Then over a month or so it began to tighten, I didnt really notice, but I began eating lots of slider foods like chocolate, rather than real foods, then I had my period and went on a plane flight at the same time, and I spent the whole weekend away virtually unable to eat, did a 10km fun run too! I had a .2ml unfill and now I am having NO trouble getting through 1800 to 2000 calories a day EEEEEEK, that's 1800 to 2000 calories of healthy food, not chocolate, so fruit, vegetables, wholegrain bread etc - which means I'm pretty darn loose and certainly way looser than I was at this level before I had the fill. I've resettled at around 70kg which is fine for me, not changed sizes, all my clothes fit but the mental side of not being in the 60's sucks, lol. I'm not sure what I'll do now, I guess as long as I'm not gaining, given that I'm at goal anyway, I may as well just enjoy this normal eating. I obviously burn off 2000 a day. Sorry, I'm rambling, but yes, that's happened to me and the tighter you are, the more things like flying and periods affect you. A small unfill totally fixed it and I didnt really want to do it but I realised that being too tight is bad for your band, and I want my band long term.

Could you *really* put the effort in though? Statistically its pretty much a given that nobody loses large amounts of weight and keeps it off. Those that do are very very unusual. It just is unlikely to happen. Its not as if any of us dont have motivation and willpower, none of us wanted to be fat. But we couldnt Just Do It. I'm a real stickler for not being lazy, being honest with yourself and well, just getting on with it. But to a degree thats hypocritical because I couldnt just do it either. I'd tried many many times to lose weight. That's if you count starting ANOTHER diet as just doing it. Me, I chose to view it as STOP, take a good hard look at what you're doing, its NOT working so why are you persisting in this destructive behaviour? Really, the definition of insanity is to do what you've always done and expect a different result.

I'd have to echo Chickie, the difference in your body with the last 20 lb or so (when you're talking about a goal weight with a BMI in the low 20's that is) is MORE than with the first 60, honestly. I've changed so much in the last year or so and barely lost more than about 15lb. If you're the kind that wants to pick a BMI goal weight of 27, 28, 30, then that really doesnt apply quite so much. The biggest difference was boobs. I had boobs 20lb ago, now I dont, lol. They just suddenly deflated totally. I *do* have loose skin there, but I always did, its no surprise to me. Those are getting done. But its a totally different type of job now than it was 20lb ago. I can see now that I need a lift but also a small implant to fill in the empty skin. I have breastfed 3 babies for a total of over six years though, so that has a lot to do with it, they were ruined before I lost any weight. They were big and saggy before, now they're like tennis balls in a footy sock. Being pear shaped is a big bonus in the weight loss game though. Pear shaped people like me who never carried weight on the stomach anyway tend to escape quite well from the tummy tuck, but then again, my bum has dropped and looks a bit sad.

I had a weight loss of about that size and I dont *really* have loose skin. Oh, its there, but I'm 41, I do believe had I been 20 when I lost this weight (not that I had weight to lose at 20!) I wouldnt have had even what I have. I'm just a little saggy in the backside, lol, but nothing major, certainly not surgery worthy. I can put on a bathing suit no problem and wear whatever I want to without worrying about rolls, lumps and bumps. I lost weight slowly, did a lot of running, and was just lucky - no stretchmarks after having babies either.

I'm banded, I tend to be a 3 meal a day eater, with maybe an afternoon snack. I dont find I need to eat mid morning and I never eat anything after dinner, never did even pre banding. I just worked it out myself, I do what suits me, have never had a meal plan or a set of rules or anything. That included the drinking rules, my doc doesnt really have strong feelings on that and I dont find it makes any difference at all to me, with the exception that I cannot drink when I'm full! I usually have a coffee at night after dinner.

Exactly Kat. People post their own private pity parties and turn savage when they dont like your practical advice. I'm busy too - 3 kids, a job, full time study, a house, a husband that's gone at 7 am and not home till 8 pm and I find the time to exercise. But that's somehow different becuase I'm *lucky*. I *like* to exercise. Huh? Even if I could swallow that, it drives me crazy when people insist on thinking that I'm telling them its running or nothing. I run becuase I like running, everyone else doesnt have to! Just exercise! Then they turn round and say that that kind of blunt, practical advice isnt helpful. How is mollycoddling someone helpful? Perhaps the fact that people cant take sensible advice must *might* be part of their problem?

You're fairly early along so there's not a lot of risk yet, but I would check your blood pressure just to be sure. I had bad headaches BUT it was last trimester and I was mildly pre-eclamptic - but again, that didnt start till 35 weeks or so so dont panic. When I was pregnant with Eliza I developed a really bad headache that gradually worsened over two weeks, I was only about 9 or 10 weeks along, bit of a worry, but it turned out to be a sinus infection.

5ft 10, 154lb and an Australian 12 which is a US 10ish. I'm usually a medium here on top, which is your small.

Yeah, I think so. Different strokes and all that, despite the potential for argument. I think its all about the struggles of losing weight as well as the mechanics of it.

I would say the same thing - having big muscles is not the be all and end all of fitness. If you like them, then there's not a thing in the world wrong with working for them, as long as you realise that you also need cardiovascular fitness. There's an awful lot of body builders out there than cant run 5kms. And just having muscles doesnt increase your metabolism exponentially, you still have to do the diet side of it (unfortunately). Its between you and your wife but at the end of the day YOU have to like how you look. And if big and built is your thing, go for it! I think muscles only look fat if you have a lot of fat covering them. Within reason, some people build to the point where they look really weird, they cant dress properly, becuase their thighs and arms are huge etc. But again, that's totally personal choice and how you like to look! Oops, I've wondered into the men's forum. I actually am meant to be doing an assignment on the shoulder joint.

Lol Foofy, I was watching the marathon too and cringing at the chafe factor. I mean, even the thinnest women have a touch of flesh around buttocks and thighs, dont they? I did a fun run yesterday morning, and believe me, being about 8 degrees C and mid winter here, I was NOT wearing a bikini, lol. When I put that thing on, I dont MOVE!. Something might fall out. Once arranged on my beach towel with all bits firmly tucked in, I'm staying there! Wanda, what do they do for the blood clot? Medication? Will you be able to exercise normally eventually? That's rough luck, they do so much to try to prevent that happening these days, and yet it still does. Hope you are better and out of danger very soon. Till then, try to remain postive, this will work for you when you're back on your feet so to speak.

Oh, you soooooo dont want to know, lol. Are vanilla slices an Australian thing too? Here goes. And yes, I ate three, yes THREE over the course of Saturday and Sunday. I did run 15kms on Sunday though! But the trouble is I washed them down with wine. Well, it was my BIRTHDAY! So the calories dont count, right? I'm no reformed fatty/superhuman diet dynamo. I fall off the wagon. That never matters as long as you get back on. Ok, here goes, a vanilla slice is layers of choux pastry and vanilla custard topped with yummy white icing. We call them snot blocks in our part of the world. I ask you though, does this not sound like it was meant to be? We were in the car going to do the grocery shopping, heading for the fruit and veg wholesaler we shop at. I suddenly had a really big craving for a vanilla slice, it must be 10 years since I last ate one. What do you know, they had trays of six going for $3 at the front of the fruit and veg place. How weird is that? So of course, I had to buy them. But that's not my fault right? It had nothing to do with me or my choices, right? If I had any self control I wouldnt have needed a lapband, okay? That's what I mean, nobody is going to crucify anyone for making a bad choice or a lazy one. Absolutely all of us do it at times. Its what you do afterwards that counts. And I know for sure, that without the exercise I do, my dietary indiscretions would have way more effect on my weight. As it is, I tend to stay very stable despite these brain farts. But am I moaning about being 3 or 4lb heavier this morning? No. I know why I am and I know what I need to do for the rest of the week. If someone comments that one shouldnt eat vanilla slices becuase they make you fat, they're not going to get an argument from me, because its TRUE. Even though I dont want it to be. And sadly I cant make it untrue by attacking the person who points it out to me.

SCREEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAM! Doesnt this drive you absofreakinglutely NUTS? I have taken to walking away from the computer and slamming my head against the brick wall when I read this. It is said to me at least once a day on this forum. It is the ONE thing guaranteed to have me up for a fight. I really really really hate it. If someone wants to ruin their own weightloss chances and wallow in their own disgusting misery that's their business but do NOT belittle how much effort I made and continue to make on a daily basis. Its not as if I dont fall off the wagon too. Hell, I ate nothing but vanilla slices and booze all darn weekend (my birthday, lol). I've put on 4 pounds in 2 days. But when that happens, I get back on the bike and get with the program again. I even enjoyed it, everyone needs to let loose in a while. I am not some freaking superhuman wonder upon whom god bestowed this magical effortless weightloss. I worked for it and I still do. I'm not a reformed fatty as I was accused of being yesterday, I am not devoid of sympathy for those who are struggling. But what are you going to do? Do it or not? There's only two choices no matter how many excuses you put in the way, isnt there? You either want it or you dont. I just dont see why those that have managed to come out on top, even if its a precarious seat, have to bear the brunt of negativity, jealousy and enmity from those who are still finding their way. If they have so much energy to spare, they ought to be devoting it to their own journey.