Lynn42

For me it would be dangerous territory to get an unfill before a vacation, however in your case you can't get real food down without having trouble. That is a problem. Being unable to eat solids in the morning is perfectly normal for a bandster. You should be able to eat small amounts of solid protein during the day and it does sound like you are too tight. Maybe a tiny unfill would be a good idea. Just don't "go to town" on your vacation. I was able to go on a 12 day cruise and I lost weight by sticking to small amounts of healthy food. I made sure to exercise daily to counter act the pina coladas! Airplane cabins are pressurized so I don't think that should affect your band. I am curious about that though.

You are truly amazing and your success is an inspiration. Congratulations!

I ordered some unjury shakes off the web and can't wait to get them!

I know someone who left her band too tight for too long and it eroded. If you can't eat, that is too tight. Consider going for a tiny unfill. Good luck!

Everyone's journey only belongs to them. We are all so different. I know what you mean but try and focus on yourself and don't let the negative creep in. Easier said than done!

I didn't tell many people before I had it as i didn't want their advice or opinions. After i got my band I felt like shouting it off the roof tops. I think almost everyone knows except funnily enough my personal trainer. I started seeing him about a year ago and I didn't tell him at the beginning and now I feel weird that I haven't told him. It is not like it is a big secret but I just feel funny that i didn't bring it up in the beginning. it has no impact on what we do so i probably won't tell him ever.Every single person i have told has been so supportive. It is definitely a personal choice as some people that don't understand and will judge us.

I actually did have a hernia repair that my surgeon fixed during my surgery and apparently it is not uncommon. Maybe it won't be a fib?

I have learned not to worry too much about those rapid type of gains. I have found that my weight fluctuates up and down, but if I look at a graph, it is a gradual decline overall. It is unlikely your 5 pounds was a real gain...it was probably a small gain with some water retention. We are on a journey with a lot of turns and hills. We need to just keep looking forward and do not look back or you may go off your path. Slow and steady wins the race!

Great story!

Initially i wrote all my food down plus my weight and how many hours of sleep and exercise. I really like being able to go back and see how I progressed and also what I was eating when I did well and not so well. I too have used my fitness pal and have enjoyed the many features. I especially like when you finish logging in at the end of the day it says " if every day is like today, in five weeks you will weigh XXX pounds". I find that motivating. Even though I like it, I am back to writing down everything as I have put myself back to basics. I have stopped calorie counting as I was getting in to the crazy diet mentality head space again. I went and bought a pretty little notebook that is the same size of my iphone and write in there so it is not a big deal to throw it in your purse or pocket. All the best to you!

I went out and bought 2 pandora charms. One for when I complete my 5 day pouch challenge (Friday) and a very special one for when I hit 174 lbs and am no longer considered obese. They are all wrapped up pretty and sitting on a special shelf. I can't wait to hit my goals!

I love the Pandora charm idea! I already have one in mind for my next goal...when I am officially overweight and not obese. I am going to buy myself the butterfly charm that is two pieces to signify my metamorphosis. I love the lulu lemon idea. I have always wanted a lulu outfit but have never been able to fit the clothes. The largest they have is a 12. So perhaps that will be my goal after that! Thanks for the great ideas!!!

I have never been told not to drink with a straw and as I write this, I have a straw in my glass right beside me. I haven't had a problem but do follow your doctor's advice.

Wonderful! Keep up the good work!!!!

Vanilla Sky, you inspired me! I love when you wrote "BAM lost 30 pounds". I will keep plowing along! : )

I use 0% fat greek yogurt. It is loaded with protein. I use Oikos brand and likethe honey and the strawberry best.

Hi, thanks for your note and congratulations! I have been plateauing for far too long and am feeling so frustrated. I was writing down everything with my fitness pal and counting calories and then realized I was getting in to the freaky diet mentality again. So now i am just writing down what I eat and not counting calories. I am finding I am eating less as I am more mindful about what i am eating and thinking I can have X amount of calories at each meal etc. I am exercising regularly and just want to see the scale move significantly! argh! I need to find some patience.

I just ordered the chocolate splendor shake from unjury. Has anyone tried their chewable multivites for bandsters?

Dr Oz suggests dark chocolate with chilies . I have never heard of that but apparently it satisfies the chocolate craving and the chili curbs the appetite. You can apparently buy a bar like that but I have never seen one.

I usually have something before a morning workout...always coffee and then a glass of skim milk or a greek no fat yogurt. If i don't, i won't have a good workout. After working out, I heard that we have 45 minutes to get some form of protein in to help with our "stores" so that our next workout will be good too. I will either have a low calorie protein drink or else a low fat greek yogurt afterwards. i always drink water during and after my workout.

I am considering a lower body lift and am wondering if you have had it done, would you do it again based on your experience and results?

I don't post a lot but sure appreciate hearing everyone's updates. Lucky, Glad you found a doctor to do your fills. Cathy, sorry to hear that your band has slipped. Good luck with your surgery and keep us posted. I have been having my ups and downs over the last year. Life is stable but it is my weight that goes up and down. i had lost 85 pounds but my weight is fluctuating and I have now gained 16 pounds back. I had to have an unfill about 6 weeks and have gained 6 pounds since then. I have been working out with a trainer now twice a week and am trying to track my food but I am having a hard time staying on track. I am going to make a fill appointment and see if I can get a bit more fluid in. At my lowest, I had trained for a 240 km bike ride, which I did in June but since I stopped training, the weight has crept back. I am still so glad that I have my band to help. I am curious for the people that are feeling successful, how many calories a day are you eating and what are you eating? Take good care and happy holidays to everyone!! Lynn

Hi, I prefer biking because it is a much better work out for me than walking. I can burn 500 calories in an hour with a smile on my face. To burn 500 calories in the gym, I have to work really hard with a trainer...no smile! You can go a lot further in less time. Where I live, there are many bike lanes and routes and am in quite a bike friendly city so that helps a lot. I think it is important to find something that works best for you with your schedule and what you enjoy. The key is to find something you can stick with. Maybe it is a combination of walking, riding, dance class..whatever makes you happy!. Good luck!

How is everyone doing? My 2 year bandiversarry was June 8 and I have lost a total of 67 pounds. I still have 50 to go. I have been struggling and haven't lost any weight in the last 6 months.I keep going up and down the same 3 pounds. I was having trouble with my band adjustments. First I was too tight and then too loose and I just had a small fill yesterday so am hoping I have hit my sweet spot again. At the beginning of June I made a commitment to myself to make myself a top priority in my life...we all know how hard that is. I have a personal trainer and have been working hard on my card and weights with him. I am really hoping to get back on track with my weight loss. I am so grateful to have my band and i could have never got here without it. I hope you are all doing well and would love to hear some updates. Take care, Lynn