MCP

I'm also stuck! I did take a few days off from exercise 3 days and today I had so much more energy! I guess you really do need to change things up or the bod adapts and maximizes the incoming calories and energy consumption. I've lost 65 pounds and want to lose another 35-40 to reach my goal weight. I'm going to try to start weight training to mix up my routine. I've been walking and runnning 4 miles ,6-7 days a week, twice a day but now nothing seems to work. The 3 day rest seemed to help my strength and energy but I did gain some weight. It is frustrating to plateau for so long after so much good fast weight loss. I'm trying to be positive and view this as a long term body learning experience. Let me know what you try when you start losing again as I'm positive you will as you have done so well so far!

Lexi, I know many bandsters at my MD's office are trying to lose weight simply with will power! Wow is that hard! If you are able and not physically discouraged for some medical reason not to exercise which I know is common, exercising makes the pounds come off in a hurry! Particularly if you haven't exercised in a long time. The trick is to do something that doesn't feel like work at first. I found recumbent biking for a 1/2 hour every day while watching a favorite show to work wonders. You do have to avoid food commercials as they make you ravenous! Any amount is better than nothing, and for all of those people who get back into regular exercise, there is no other way to go! You may also have to make time for your workout when there is no time in the day. Truly though exercising is probably 75-80 percent of the reason I've had any success. Dieting is so hard even with the band to help. Do what you can and you will succeed!

After my initial surgery I wanted to exercise immediately. I started a slow walk around my block. All good. Then I thought I might mow the lawn. Not Good! I had to take a couple of days off before I could begin to slowly and mildly exercise again. After they removed the stiches for my port, I realized how restrictive the stitches were and why I was sore and so uncomfortable. Once the stitches were removed which was about 4 weeks after surgery, I was able to execise better and longer. I know my Surgeon didn't want any real stress placed on the wounds for the initial several weeks. Riding the recumbent bike and walking seemed ok but lifting weights was too stressfull to the wound. Once the stitches come out though, sleeping and execising returns to normal. Hope this helps!

I too believe it is important to change for life the way I've been eating for way too long. This dieting and exercise program is working with and without the band but my thought is to ultimately enjoy this whole process. Eating well, exercising and consistency are my longest term goals. I am constantly trying to figure out what I will eat once I do reach my weight goal. I want to continue to eat the right combination of healthy foods that maintain my weight. Currently exercise helps to keep the weight loss rolling even when the dieting is not perfect. I am always seeking a book or formula that will keep the weight monster from getting back into my life. Long time bandsters have any advice for maintaining your goal weight long term?

In the beginning all of the temptations are hard to ignore. I had to literally throw out my temptation foods; popcorn and m&m's and quickly change the TV channel when all of the fast food commercials came on. I did find that after surgery in the first few weeks I couldn't eat very much but was hungry alot. Since I was recovering, I took this as normal. Your body is responding to the new changes in a normal way. It wants what it always has had. But if you give in too much, you'll go back to the way you ate before the surgery and what would be the point of it? I found this web site to have answers to every question I had after surgery. I know I have good days and starving days. Exercise is all I have found that really slows the starving feelings. In fact the more I exercise the less hungry I feel. I've had one fill and haven't noticed a bit of restriction. So far it's been all will power and consistency. I do occasionally snack on a piece of bread or take a bite of a burger, but as long as I don't quit and get back to my "routine" I feel good. Remember this is a life changing plan. It isn't simple or quick. It takes a while to reverse the effects of "couch potatoism". The hunger pangs you feel are certainly a sign the plan is working and your stomach is simply whining for what it used to get regularly. You are in charge and you will succeed!

Congratulations on getting banded! The problem with food boredom is a question many of us have alot of the time. I got really tired of broth. In fact since getting past the liquid stage I have never have had another cup! I've heard people trying a variety of the liquid shakes EAS, Myoplex, Adkins and everybody seems to find one they love to drink. Have you tried changing up the flavor or brand to see if you like one better than the one you are using? I really like the ready made canned ones, like Adkins chocolate low carb low cal but only 17 grams of Protein. The chocolate low carb EAS at Sam's are also good. Check the recipies section of this forum for ideas and help with cravings. Hunger is a sign that you are losing weight and that you are healing. The first month is tough with the cravings and growling stomach but you are training yourself to eat right and need less... you will succeed by sticking with it. Follow your MD's diet plan and you will see the pounds come off.. it's pretty exciting and worth the pain of starving a little or alot! I haven't been to a support group yet and mine are located way out in San Bernadino at Saint Bernadines Hospital. Too far after work!! I haven't heard about any support groups in Temecula, Murrieta or anywhere near here yet. Hang in there. Other than hunger is everything going good?

Another thought, It seems everybody does their eating and exercise a bit different than the next person. I agree there is no one right way to follow the WLS program. I read on this web site the point is to stick with it..... either step up the exercise or eat a little less and the weight will come off. I'm really trying to find the right food combination which will allow me to lose the weight and be healthy in the long run..I am very serious about keeping this weight off permanently.

Oh man did this thread make me laugh! I was very curious to see what others are doing in the face of HUNGER! Of course everyone will cheat to some degree. I too have had some rather hungry moments... when I tell those near me "to stay away... You look like a steak to me right now!" I am still losing weight even though I've yet to be filled, but I've stepped up my exercise to twice a day on the exercise bike for an hour per session. I expend according to the digital readout 350 calories per workout. When I cheat I'm trying to cheat with protein and cheese.These really fill me up. So I know I'm eating more than is recommended, I think at least I'm not eating sugar or sweets. I have cheated by eating pretzels at work when I was starving and didn't have any snack with me and I grabbed a hanfull of trailmix with M&M's in it another time. These were still in my freezer from before surgery. I then threw them away so I wouldn't be tempted in the near future. I'm really surprised at my will power during this whole process... I have the least amount of will power of anybody I know, but I'm managing to be consistent with my exercise and fairly consistent with my diet. The first month I think is the hardest as everybody is adapting to the new routine and hunger feelings and food soothing issues. This web site has helped a ton! Keep with it... you'll love yourself more and you will succeed. Lots of people have and are doing so right now! Great Thread!

Tessorina, Glad you found someone who is doing what you are doing! I also was glad to find this website to answer all of my pre-op and post op questions. Tou are welcome to email me at Marc.cowen@ca.rr.com for specific info. I made a record of what I went through to get banded up to leaving the hospital. Now I simply go to this web site for answers and inspiration in dieting, exercising, and controlling my type 2 diabetes. So far I'm down 30 pounds as of a few days ago. Clothes are getting baggy and I believe I've lost a chin! Let me know what you would like answered. So far my experience has been great! MCP

Jack, I just read your reply to a gal who is stalled in her weight loss and took great consolation from your wisdom. I was banded Feb 11th and lost initially 16 pounds during the whole liquid phase. Now in the mushie stage the weight isn't coming off very quickly if at all. Still it isn't coming back on either. I too am trying to work out this new tool to see how I can live a healthier more active life style and reach my goal weight. Your advice is always usefull and pertinent... keep up the replies!

Guys and Gals, Glad to hear you both got your surgery dates and are on your way. I just had my stitches removed today and I've lost 16.5 pounds so far! My MD, Dr Krahn does have a support group every 3rd Tuesday of the month. The problem is He's located in San Bernadino, not a very geographially desireable location for us. I like this web site to view the issues I'm thinking about and how others are handling their banding. I always felt the fear issue towards the banding was minor compared to living with this weight and all of it's health issues. I am/was pre-diabetic, have High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and am sick of worrying about what I might develop next. I also needed a real answer to yo-yo dieting. This to me seems like a real answer to some of my weight issues. Anyway keep in touch keep dieting and stay positive. MCP

RMorgan, What's the status of your banding process? I also was thinking about a Mexico Lap Band, but my health insurance came through and paid for most of it.

Until today I would have said yes. Today I over did it and I'm sore and stiff near the port site. I think I'll relax all day tomorrow. I'm just getting to a week out of surgery. Everybody told me I'd be down a week to two weeks before feeling physically ok but now I see it's easy to overdo it. If you can talk Hubby into Daddy Daycare Duty for two weeks it's probably more realistic.