sunshinelady

Hi gone 4 evr, Thanks for welcoming me back to the site. Your name says it all for me. Saying goodbye to an old friend at the same time learning your new best friend. There is definitely some conflict with that relationship. I've adopted the AAA/NA motto, "change people, places, and things". My old behavior/thoughts are very difficult to get away from but little by little it's happening - self acceptance. I used to think being skinny was the ugliest look in the world. Now people call me skinny minnie - I don't think I liked that very much in the beginning. I thougt, due to my culture, that big was beatiful; I still do but big unfortunately "big" would have eventually killed me. So I'd rather redefine beauty as healthy as opposed to being "big" and unhealthy. I think that working on your image is just as important as working on your eating habits or exercise regiment. The purpose of wls is to become healthy - you must work on ALL components that make you - mind, body and soul. Good Luck and thanks again.

Hi Everyone, I haven't posted since December 2008 but I'm back. I have been the same weight since June of last year -205 lbs. I am going to the gym 3-5 days a week and hopefully the weight will come off. I am very happy where I am right now. Although the scale says the same number, the measuring tape is going decreasing. My doctor says that's what matters; I am inclined to believe that as well. I've decided a long time ago that I have done all this work to get my body right, I need to start working on my mind. I found that after working on my mental I could let go of the negative self image that I had of me. I thought I was always so self assured and confident but when losing weight and having people to comment on it and looking at myself in the mirror, I wasn't so confident - I couldn't see me as the person I was becoming. That blew me away because for the first time in my life it became apparent that I may have had some self image problems. But, I am doing well and feel well and will continue to do the work - mind, body and soul. I am still work in progress. I have had happy times in my life but this is truly an honest and genuine happy time for me. So, I wish and pray that everyone will continue their weight loss journeys in a way that the outcome is that of peace and acceptance of oneself in spite of. Thanks for letting me come on here after abandoning this site for a while and do my soap box message. Happy weight loss!!!

HI Everyone! I haven't been posting lately because I was becoming too addicted to this site so I forced myself to stop and get out and enjoy life. I have lost a total of 48 lbs and still going. I think that I have found my sweet spot because I was filled 2 weeks ago to this day and I was at 212 lbs and am now down to 205!!!!!! OMG!!!! Anyhow, I am enjoying the band life and still sticking to the rules. Hope everyone is enjoying their loss as I am.

DesertRose, You are not alone. I have had 2 fills and with the first one I was hungry all the time but I had to go back to basics; measuring my food, making good food choices and front/backing loading with Water. It does work, you just have to work it. I know that old habits die hard but the only way to get out of this rut is to take some ownership of your eating habits. I completely understand about the asthma but asthma doesn't prevent you from making good food choices and following the bandster fundamentals(excluding the exercise). It truly is mind over matter. Please rely on your support system and if you don't have a sound one then please stay in touch with experienced bandsters on this site, I always pull my strength from them. Please stay encouraged and Good Luck.

Firedust, Have you weighed in yet? If not, try not to lose weight because you will need to start your 20 lbs weight loss after the initial weigh in.

Firedust, I had my surgery with Dr. Dibenedetto. They will take care of you!!!! The office is wonderful and they will walk you through the necessary steps for surgery. The psych team is awesome. If you are having any emotions about dealing with this life altering change, they will also assist you with that. I 2nd the above comment about this being the best thing that I've done for myself. I was hesitant and a bit scared about taking this giant step but was reassured by gathering information and testimonies of other individuals that had done this before me. It is quite natural to be fearful of the "unknown" but it feels sooooo good (all praise to God)to be on the other side of this.

Mzreeda, Let me know how you are doing from time to time? you can always pm if need be.

Mzreeda, My meals are always small. I of course take into account how much protein/calories I take into at the end of the day. I found that if I plan my meals/calories and split up my meals throughout the day, I have a better handle of my calorie/protein intake. For example, My breakfast maybe eaten into 2 meals, my lunch into 2 meals and and my dinner into 2 meals(rarely though) -if I eat these small meals throughout the day it's very rare that I need to eat a 6th meal. Sometimes I will eat a sf or ff/low carb/no calorie dessert. My breakfast is usually between 250-300 calories/5-7grams of carb/12-20grams of protein/I eat at 7a and then take the rest to work and eat at 9/10a. Same thing for lunch. So even though i am eating more frequently, I am breaking up the same 250-300 calorie meal into two, I am not adding anymore calories/carbs on the second meal-it's still just 250-300. The trick is for me is water/crystal light just before meals and in between meals and o calorie/low calorie foods in the evening, IF i need them, which I usually don't. My calorie intake throughout the day is 800-1000. I hope this helps you even more. Again, please stay encouraged.

Mzreeda, Don't be discouraged. Not that I am the one to talk but my nutritionist gave me the advice that I need to kick start my metabolism in the morning with something. I used to be a late day eater just like yourself; this was a contributing factor as to why I am overweight. I hated breakfast and was never hungry in the morning. I basically had to force myself to eat in the morning to kick start my system. As I started to do that, i was able to control my hunger throughout the day. When I skip breakfast I seem to overeat in the evening for dinner and later on into the night. Also, I was told that every 3-4 hours I should be eating something to keep my metabolism going/"feed the furnace". I do not eat after 7pm, except for o calorie items because your metabolism slows down then. I'm not an expert or anything, I'm just talking from self experience. I hope this helps you some. Please stay encouraged.

globally yours, I am jaw dropping amazed at how much success you've had with your weight loss. Keep it up!!!! Although, my expections were different with what I wanted to have lost by now, I am still very happy at the loss that I've had this year as a whole. I am just going to keep praying for some patience and understanding with how to utilize this tool in me. I'll get the hang of it. As long as I am not gaining, i will be thankful and grateful.....so you won't hear anymore griping(well, not alot) from me. Oh, i forgot to mention the reason behind the weight gain.... I have edema and have been instructed to stop taking my water pill for 4 weeks now. I started taking them again on my own and within 4 days dropped 7 lbs.....it was all fluid stored in my limbs(fingers, legs, ankle, feet). I've never used the bathroom so much in the last 3 days. I'll let the doctor know at some point that I've made the decision to start back taking the pill and why.

Hi ladies, Since my last post reply, I've decided to take my diuretic pill that my surgeon discontinued; i have edema. I noticed that when pressing my fingers into my legs and around ankle that i was leaving a fully indented fingerprint behind. My water retention was bad and I wasn't feeling good either. I hadn't taken it for 4 weeks. So after I took a pill, I urinated out every single fluid it seems like in my body. Overnight i went from 224 to 220 and then taking the second pill, I went from 220 down to 217. I feel much better. I will be letting my doctor know that I have started taking my water pill again. I am very cautious with making sure I am getting in my 64+ oz now. I've increased my exercise regimen from 30 to 45 mins x5 week and I am recording, for at least a week, exactly what it is i'm eating/calorie intake and time. Thanks Felicialevy75! I knew I needed to do that but I guess I needed to hear someone else say DO IT!!! But guys, the main point is, try not to be too discouraged, BE ENCOURAGED!!!!!! We WILL make IT through. I'm glad I got you guys.

You are not the only one! I had surgery on May 27, 2008. The day of surgery I was 225 lbs. I did lose 7-8 lbs but since then gained all but 1lb back. I am doing all the things that are required but the scale is going in the opposite direction. Becoming very frusterated and discouraged! Pre surgery, the things that I am doing now would have already led to weight loss. I lost 30lbs on my own presurgery doing what I am doing now. What gives??? I am going to scream if someone tells me, "now is the time for your body to heal and not for weight loss". I kNOW that, yet, why is it that reducing calories, exercising don't always lead to weight loss???????? CONFUSED!!!! So thindolphin you are not alone. Let me say this......although i am discouraged I am still going to continue with eating the right things and exercising....I am hoping that my body will come out of surgery shock at some point and start dropping some of its weight. I am at the mercy of my body!!!

Hi all, I had my surgery may 27, 2008 and within 1-2 weeks went all the way down to 218(day of surgery 225lbs). I weighed myself today(normally do it on sundays but my daughter is the scale keeper in my house and won't be here tomorrow to give it back to me for weigh in) and I am now at 224 lbs. Ughhhhhhh!!!!! Yes, I am exercising and I am eating all the recommended foods - proteins first(800-1000 calories). I am just getting very discouraged by this process. I know so many have responded with " this is the time for healing and not losing weight" but I am putting in the work, I am doing what I have been instructed to do and I am not getting the response from my body that I was expecting. I never, even waking up after surgery, questioned if i did the right thing with getting the lap band but today I am. But, for every other may bandster that is having great success with the band, Congratulations and keep up all the good work. I am genuinely happy for you.

Sunshine2, Congratulations on your choice to take your life back and to get back to bandster basics. Your numbers look good to me!!! I am 3 weeks post op and I would just be in heaven for a weight history like yours. Please stay encouraged and always remember that there is always someone else that is struggling way more than you with their weight loss - such as myself. I appreciate your struggle and again, please stay encouraged!!!!!!!

Christina40, (mouth dropped wide open!!!!!) I can't believe you've dropped that much weigh so far. I am so happy for you and........jealous. I've only lossed 8 lbs but I'm still work in progress; i'll get there eventually. I start weight training next week so hopefully that will help with some weight loss. My weigh in is on sunday too. I will let you what my scale says and please let me know how you are doing too.

I had my surgery may 27th......so that makes me......a little over 2 weeks. I am getting hungry but I can only eat about 3-4oz. I am almost consumed with finding and eating enough protein. It seems like thats all i've been concentrating on since surgery. I guess I am too vain and don't want my hair to fall out (LOL). It's funny because I don't think about food the same way I used to. It's just something I have to deal with in order to get by. It sometimes is an inconvenience, so I deal with it 3x a day and get it over with as quickly and safely as possible. AM I THE ONLY ONE THAT FEELS THIS WAY?????? Christina40, I forgot about deli meat!!!!!! I've done everything else except deli meat duh!! The reynold's storage containers are awesome; they've been a life saver for me. Oh yeah today was scale day and I'm now down to 217lbs. YEAH!!!!! Goodluck ladies and again, WE CAN DO THIS!! XOXOXOXOXOXO - KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

Hi Christina40, yes i did have an issue with staying off the scale. I told my daughter to take the scale when i left the house and hide it from me. I haven't weighed myself since the beginning of the month. I became so obsessed that i was doing it 7-8 times a day and looking in the mirror. I still have the mirror out but the scale is gone!!!! My daughter is only allowed to let me have the scale on Sunday mornings; no exceptions!!!!!!! I've been doing good without it. I use my clothes now as an indicator as to am i having any weight loss. Taking the scale away makes me work even harder because I know that i have 7 days to move the numbers down on the scale. "hohum......to lose or not to lose?....that is the question"

AMEN VIKKI!!!! We can do this. I am only 2 weeks post op but I have figured out in order to keep my sanity I need to keep of the scale. So, I have'nt weighed myself since beginning of the month. My clothes is a good indicator where I am at with weight loss. Good luck and keep the faith.

Hi Christina, Yes, I am finally on mushies!!!!!! I ate 3 tbsp of baked potato and 1 tsp spoon of chili. It was sOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!LOLOLOLOLOLOL. Anyhow, I agree with you.....WE CAN DO IT!!!! Thanks Christina and Good Luck to you as well.

christina40, congratulations on your new band. I, too, was banded on May 27th. It seems as though you are doing all the right things. Your weight loss is unbelievable. I won't be on mushies until tomorrw and BOY, I CAN"T WAIT TIL THEN! I AM HUNGRY!!!!!! But, keep up the good work and hopefully both of us next year on our bandiversary can write about our wonderful journey of weight loss.

I was banded on May 27th and I weighed 225 lbs on day of surgery and weighed 232 a day after. As of today, I am now 219 lbs; so I've only lost 6 lbs. Keep up the good work!!!!!

I was on a 5 day liquid diet and experienced the same symptoms as you all. I decided to eat a 4 oz chicken breast and brocolli with onion salt and I was satisfied and the headache went away. This is a high protein/no carb diet - so I figured it went along with doctor's orders. BUT, I think you should still consult with your doctor and ask specifically are there other food choices that would satisfy this diet plan. I think my doctor makes liquid diet plan a requirement because he doesn't think his patients can or are willing to follow a strict diet that consist of preparing "real food"; the liquid diet just makes it easy. Call him and see. Good luck to you both on your liquid diet.

Ezma If you get anymore lowcal recipes, please forward and I will do the same. Thanks again.

Ezma, Thank you for this recipe. I am going to try this out on my kids today and then when I can eat it myself (which is in about a 3 wks or so). I am a big brownie lover and if i can still treat myself every now and then to brownies with fewer calories, WHY NOT!!!!!!!!!! YES I CAN!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you.