Numbrgirl

When people talk about "stretching" what exactly does that mean?

"Praise The Lord!" = PTL So good to have such an inspirational and thankful group!!

God is good and I am so glad that the medical field has made such strides in this area............helps me to have the self-control that is so necessary in life.

I understand that 1-2 lbs a week is a healthy loss - granted we would all like to see it at 10-15 lbs.....My initial reaction is why would someone want to go through the surgery if they were not willing to really work hard at achieving the goal - which would include the food restriction/sacrifices and exercise? Obviously everyone has their own outlook and coping mechanisms but I think it would be a terrible waste of time and money not to do whatever it takes.

I have no regrets whatsoever. I am going into my 4th week banded today and have so much more energy and a much more healthy mental outlook already. I am looking forward to my first fill and what the addition of exercise back to my life will bring. Wish I would have taken the steps to have it done sooner.

I think the doctors are conservative so as not to inflate high hopes for a swift and immediate weight loss. I have read this board extensively in the last 5 weeks and I have seen wonderful success stories that far exceed the 50% quote. I think it is all about how devoted and determined one is. I spent so much money over the last 15 years on various weight programs, medical tests, not to mention the time spent in meetings and traveling to various locations. I will simply not be happy with the 50% and will one day surpass this typical expectation. I wish I would have spent the money (I am a cash pay) years ago and would have been so much further along. In addition to the weight not have to worry about all the other potential negatives like high blood pressure, diabetes, pain in joints, etc. All of it can go!! 8-)

Confused.......why wouldn't the fill be there? Did it leak out? Never went in? I have my first fill on 6/10 and am curious what to look for.... so many here say the first fill doesn't make any difference and I would find that a little disappointing.........

I didn't tell many people of my decision so most people just see me eating less. The ones that do know will be watching to see if it ultimately makes any difference in my life. I am determined to get down to a "normal" size and maintain it there. Nothing too extreme - just athletic and healthy. I went to a wedding this weekend - it was the first time I didn't have any cake at a wedding!! It was a pretty cake but I had no desire to have any...........I did start my exercise this morning. I am going into my 4th week today. I started out slow - 20 mins = 1 mile and felt really good when I was done. I know this is not enough to make a dent but I want to ease back in to stay away from any injury and don't want to get burned out. I am amazed at the amount of energy I have these days. Not to be sluggish is such a blessing.

Salsa - WOW I am so impressed by you and your blog! What determination! I used to be an avid runner in my 20's and then I got pregnant and started working my own business - working like a dog for both myself and other people and never really lost the weight from the pregnancy and then just started compounded it over and over. I will be starting my exercise program this week on the treadmill. The doctor says I can do cardio - whatever doesn't "hurt" since I will be entering my 4th week banded tomorrow. Thanks for the inspiration - I hope that I can make a difference once the exercise is added.

At the beginning it seems like it is a more "drastic" step than it really is - at least for me. It is a useful tool that is always with me and helps me regulate my food both physically and mentally. Since being banded I don't even try to shove some of the same stuff down my throat that I used to (ie breads, pastries, etc.) also staying away from sodas and the fast food helps immensely.

Congrats - whatsarah!! Such a great outlook. I am excited for you! Now you won't be in your 40's, dealing with weight issues, bad joints, etc. Good 4 You!! 8-)

Wish I would have done it sooner myself. Oh how much money, effort, etc. I would have saved......but I guess all of our circumstances lead up to this time to help us strive for more success - finally a valuable tool to use to my advantage!! I know that we experience let downs, lack of loss, plateaus, etc. but have faith it will continually be with us! At least that is what I am telling myself!!

It is very interesting to eat like a thin person. It still feels a little foreign but good!! I am surprised at my ability to stop eating and push the rest away - of course it might help know that if I don't stop it will start to come back up!!!

Just don't look at it as a restriction - look at it as a boost out of the bad habits and choices that have been made to get you where you are! You have to be ready to make a lifestyle change and you will have so much more energy once all the junk carbs and fast food, sodas, etc are out of your everyday diet. I think I am the most amazed that the "sluggish" feeling has left me and I am only at the end of my 3rd week of being banded. It is such a useful tool. I hope you will put it to good use and be amazed!!

Gas seems to be a constant issue.............my husband will have to learn to live with it!!! 8-)

It is difficult to be patient for sure. It helps to mix the food up a little and eat a little more one day and then not so much the next day. This holiday weekend presents a perfect opportunity to do that!! Thanks to all the troops and those who have given their lives for our freedom and safety.

I am only in my 3rd week with the band but I too realize that I am not constantly fixated on food anymore. Today the office had a birthday celebration with all the wrong things for me, I was able to eat some of my mushies right along with everyone else and not feel like I was missing out on anything. I am so thankful for lapband. I wish I would have done it years ago.

I was told by my doctor's office today that I can start my "exercise" this weekend. Hoping that I can really incorporate this into my life again. I was an avid runner when I was in my 20's and then life got so busy I let it get away from me........I enjoy exercising once I get started - it is just getting started!!

Congrats Christy.........what a blessing to have the opportunity to use this tool. I was watching the operating being done on a medical show the other day and just sat amazed at how much progress has happened in medicine. God is good.

Congrats Braven - how did you lose so much?? CookieLover - I LOVE your list of things. Really Great!!

Wonderful - I will take you up on the offer!!! So nice of you.

Indiogirl ~ I was thinking of you this morning on my drive into the office. One more reason your loss and testimony is so inspiring is because I have heard from both my doctor's office and the various medical shows on TV ("Big Medicine" on TLC) that the lapband is not as effective as the full gastric bypass. The last statistics I heard on this show was that the patient should only expect to lose about 40-50% of the excess body weight. Now something is better than nothing but for an obese person - 40% is not quite enough to live a truly healthy life. So whenever I might be discouraged or fall back on "well 40% is standard..." I will know that there are exceptions to the rule and with diligence and hard work, I can be an exception!! So thanks again!! :biggrin2:

Wow - what an inspiration!!! Thanks for sharing. I too would have mixed feelings about being a poster girl - the procedure does change lives but like many, I have kept my decision to do this very private - only a few trustworthy friends and family members know - so I guess it really is going to have to be a personal decision on your part. What do you attribute most of your success to? lack of food, exercise ??? Give some of the newbies some advice!! 8-)

The energy level is surprising to me as well. It happens whenever I lay off carbs, soda, fast food, bread............

I believe you have to add it to your signature area.