mediummike

Where is everybody ? I'm down another pound this week (really slowing up, but I'll take it!). 24.8% since surgery. Looking for the 240's....

After the initial healing (little over a month) in which I was very diligent about portions and what I ate (fact is, with the swelling, it was hard to eat a lot anyway), it took me 3 fills to feel any restriction at all. The 5th was too tight and my 6th visit I had some taken out. It is a learning process that takes some time to find that "sweet spot". These days, I am on autopilot and really enjoying the success of the band.

Thursday weigh in - down a pound - I'll take it. Down 24.6% since surgery....

Follow advice of your surgeon !! Mine told me low fat/high protein 2 weeks prior to surgery. No other guidelines and he did not require shakes/liquid only at all. I just find the shakes post-op a convenient way to start off the day with a high protein kick - I am not nor never was a breakfast person so this makes it easy...

Jubei - can really eat anything - just a lot less, and yes, some foods are more tolerable than others. But the goal of the band is not deprevation, just smart eating ! In terms of shakes, I still have an isopure shake in the morning,,,,

Not a problem at all. Your primary food intake should be protein anyway, which encourages muscle growth. I bench my weight now (haven't done that in years). There are plenty of strings in the mens room specific to weight training, so go ahead and check them out...

I have those moments where I don't lose (usually weeks) as well bigrick. In fact, I gained a pound this week - even though I ate well and exercised regularly. Like you, I'm not giving up and at this point, I don't let it bother me. Slow and steady is fine with me. I'm really starting to enjoy the NSV's at this point as well - I donated a large bag of clothes to my church that don't even come close to fitting anymore !!

Guess I'm the only one still doing this (Plain??). Up a pound this week (no biggee). Staying the course....

Good stuff. Congrats on your progress !

In my experience, once you have hit that "sweet spot", and are comfortable with your eating, there is never a need to loosen the band...

No experience with the Phen fen but I think you will be happy with the band. Congrats on your decision and welcome !

I missed my usual Thursday weigh in (batteries on my WW scale died!!), but the good news is down 2 lb's this week for a total loss of 82 lb's (24%)

wow - great job so far ! keep at it. so many times when my eyes are bigger than my stomach, I am so gratefull the band does what it does. i can sit at t-day table with a big plate, eat about a quarter and now be just as happy...

I've had the VERY occassional dip and an even more occassional cigar with no problems - except as noted by Jack above !

Thursday check in for me - nothing lost this week, but nothing gained either !

very supportive. i think from every angle my wife is as happy as i am and encourages me along...

I know I am "off cycle", but I weigh myself on Thursday's (and Thursday's only). Down 1 lb this week and down 22.8% since banded.

You NEED calories or your body will definitely slow down. On liquids, 1200 calories would be a minimum - yu are not trying to deprive yuor body of calories at this point - rather the liquid stage allows your body to heal. Focus on high protein shakes - I know, maybe not the best tasting, but it is a blip in time. Your weight loss will "normalize" - expect only a couple pounds per week (and even none some weeks). Keep exercising and try to see a nutritionist who has experience with lap band patients for at least one or two visits - definitely worth the cost !

i am told mushies for 48 hours

this site was floating around the mens room and wanted to share it - apparantly it has sugar free mixers (e.g., maragarita mix) that are pretty good. enjoy !! www.bajabob.com

bigdaddy - scroll down the strings in the mens room and you will find a few threads regarding working out / lifting that have some good stuff in them. Personally, I am at the gym 5am at least 5 days a week and do 60 minutes on the treadmill and then around 20 minutes lifting. On Wednesday nights, I play tennis indoors and Thursday nights softball.

On this site, I have noticed that surgeons reccomendations vary widely. Personally, my surgeon said no alcohol for at least 1 month. I waited almost 2. Since then, I have had wine and harder alcohol (no mixers) and the occasional beer. Beer is tougher for me, because the carbonation. I go regularly (monthly) to my doctor/nutritionist and let them know what I'm eating/drinking. They say its fine as long as it doesn't bother me and they remind me to be mindfull of the calories. Bottom line - listen to your doctor !

Hey Bigdaddy - my band does get tempermental at times it seems - especially when you do have good restriction. Sometimes, its cold liquids, or a certain food, time of day, which way the wind is blowing (just kidding - but it is that erratic). But I have a good feel for it and just work with it. In terms of lifting - At 6'4" I am a pretty big guy. I used to lift when I was younger and could easily bench in the 350 range. Nowadays, I completely agree with Plain. I am so much more focused on reps and trying to get toned. That said, I can still bench more than my body weight today (a NSV for me as I have not been able to do that in a long time....) and I am happy with that. Good luck !

welcome back guys and good luck !

I have been slowly reducing my BP dose (my cardio does not want to do too quickly). Hope to be off by end of year ?? I understand his caution and am patiently waiting for him to give go -ahead. The best pill reduction since I have dropped a bunch of weight - I no longer need to take advil/aleve anymore for my knees !! Literally have not taken any pain medication since February. Prior to surgery, often taking aleve up to 5 days a week.