catfish87

I went to a seminar in Feb 2009, and was banded in Sep 2009, so about 7 months for me. Insurance required 6 months medically supervised diet.

As Tom mentioned above....I NEED/NEEDED the band to provide/dictate portion control. I ate too much! I could diet for the short term like most anyone else...then right back to eating two or three times the adequate amount. Sure I exercise to help with the overall fitness level, but the band limits how much I eat at any one time....and I want it to do that. Not everyone experiences this and thats ok...whatever works for them. I've been banded for about 4 1/2 years now and regularly attend support group meetings and even some PRE-op seminars. Some people will say all WLS are the same, but I disagree....from what I've been through and hear often. When I go to these support group meetings and hear from people who are struggling to lose weight with the sleeve/RNY, and I ask them what their doctor recommends NOW, when they stop losing or maybe even start regaining weight....its ALWAYS the same thing. Diet and exercise. Thats it! Nothing else.... It always makes me glad I chose a surgery thats adjustable. I never was good at dieting, for the long term. Best wishes!

Congrats Terry! And thanks to you for keeping it real and offering your support.

If you don't mind me asking out of curiosity....which brand of band do you have?

Congrats Cocoabean on a job well done!

Congrats!

I eat Peanut Butter often...several times a week. Straight from the spoon, on crackers, in shakes, in greek yogurt.

You're asking for suggestions.....here's mine, going by your busy routine. When you get home around 3pm.....THATS when your time should be to exercise. AND get that nephew involved with you! Your profile says you live in FL...walking outside should be doable pretty much year round, I'd imagine. An added benefit to getting the nephew involved, you've got a "partner" to go with you......and after a good walk, then dinner, then bath....you may notice he won't "fight you" so much to get ready for bed. Just a thought....I wish you much luck in finding whatever works for you!

A little update for those who may be interested or have similar issues.... Went to the neurologist today and the brain MRI showed no abnormalities. I mentioned the possiblity of the vagus nerve stimulation. He did NOT think this was the issue....due to the infrequency of the symptoms. So, the next thing is I'm going for an Echocardiogram (ultrasound) this afternoon, and they'll have me wear a Holter monitor to see if those detect anything. Haven't had any more issues/episode's since the first one. The Dr today mentioned again....a LOT of times they don't diagnose anything.......Lot's of $$$$ for no answers. Glad I have "good" insurance. At least we will rule out several things I suppose.

30 outside run the warm 20* temps this morning....Lovely!! See you tonight LadyD! Sake?? I'll have a cab.....or three.

30 minute run outside today. Happy HUMP day!

Hey Bluegirly, Congrats on your success! I'm getting ready to do my first HM in about 6 weeks.... So, take what I suggest with that in mind. Nothing more than an opinion. For running 3-5 miles, your body will probably not need anything before you run....EXCEPT for adequte/normal hydration. "Most people carry enough glycogen to exercise full out for 1-2 hours," I did my longest run this past Sunday, 18km, and had nothing except half pot of coffee before hand. During the run, I had 12 oz of Powerade zero, half pack of shot blocks, and one Gu Gel. It worked well for me. I do agree for longer exercising sessions, that carbs are necessary....spread out with some Protein. I like Clif bars when cycling....they're about 4:1 (carbs:protein) I'm glad you started this thread!! I'm gonna follow and learn! Happy running Here's an article about this topic.. http://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-runners/how-do-i-fuel-early-morning-run PS...if you have a "LoseIt" account, the runners forum is very, very helpful.

I was browsing around....and came across this article. It's from a well known surgeon, you see his quotes all over these boards. Hope he's right on this one! A quote from the attached article: "Fish eaters - people who eat fish as their primary source of Protein, have the longest recorded lifespans in the world. Next in line are vegetarians who have the same lifespan as some meat-eaters, lowest living group are vegans." http://drsimpson.net/newsletter/December-2013-weight-loss-newsletter-4/December-2013-weight-loss-newsletter-4.html

If you like a grilled/blackened style fish, maybe look at Swai. A very light-flavored white fish. It goes well with most sauces, like a piquant, or even cream occasionally. Give it a try... Talapia is a fish I usually will pass on....just not my fav.

Terry, I like and eat Cod somtimes, but agree it CAN be a bit difficult/DRY...depending on how its prepared. I will put it in a saute pan, with just a couple tablespoons of Water, tight fitting lid, and just bring up to a steam. Its done in about 5 minutes.. Season to your liking. As a suggestion.....Long John Silvers has something very similar to this. "Hold the batter cod" If i'm on the road, its a nice choice.

I don't often read the external blogs people post, but did read yours. I suppose the title caught my eye. And I'm glad I did! Very well written! I'll offer a couple suggestions/replies to your quotes. " Every meal now seems like a chore and I’m starting to dread mealtime…" I'm guessing PART of the reason you feel this way is you're only 4 1/2 months post banding. For me it just got "normal"....after some period of time. "I will remind myself daily that this is a process that will help me learn to live a healthier life" YES THIS! There is no end date, no finish line, its our new life.... "And, I’m hoping in time, I will get used to this new lifestyle" YOU WILL! Best wishes!

Just a thought.... http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/297464-eat-more-fish-to-live-longer/

From another perspective.... There were 24 votes in that survey that thought it was the "easy way out". There are almost 206,000 members on Bariatric Pal.....just sayin'.

Don't be so sure about that..... 20 years ago, when I was close to the same weight I am now, I hated running too. Then after gaining 130+ lbs, I was sure it was forever out of the question! But funny things can happen to us after losing significant amounts of weight and improving our health. You may ( and already have, it sounds like ) experience the desire to do those 5k walks/runs you see and hear so many people talk about....never mind any pace or time in the beginning. A lot of times our first one is for some charitable cause....a donation if you will. It's just you against yourself....proving to yourself that you can do this. And I assure you, you can. Next thing you know, One shirt, two shirts....soon, you'll have a whole closet full of them. And you'll want more! It really can be addicting. I was at a support group meeting a couple weeks ago, when the NUT asked me before I had my surgery, if I could have ever imagined I'd be running a half marathon. I couldn't have imagined walking up a couple flights of stairs without getting winded 5 years ago. But with a little determination and a lot of motivation from my running coach ( ), we're runners! Congrats on signing up for your first one! PS....I grew up not far from E-town. Go Wildcats!

I know if it were me....I'd be concerned! I haven't ever heard of a small leak being "normal". When my band wasn't providing adequate restriction, I gained weight too....

Congrats!

YES!...I'd do it again tomorrow. No doubt about it. I'm about 4 1/2 years post op...and haven't had any band caused problems. I could write all day about the improvements to my health...and the feeling you get when you accomplish certain things you just can't physically do being morbidly obese. I went to a PRE-op seminar this past Saturday hosted by my surgeons office. And I seen the people there, just like I was 5 years ago.....sick and tired of living a life controlled by obesity! After the seminar, a man and his wife came up to me and we talked in detail about how this surgery changed my life. This man was about my age, and probably similar to the weight I was when I started. He said he was going to get the lapband surgery now that his "schedule would allow." BUT, he told me the one thing he regrets, is he "started looking into this SEVEN years ago"....seven years. The reason he waited seven years is because he didn't think he'd be able to find the time to go for fills, followups, etc. I've been to many post-op meetings too....and have never heard anyone say " I wish I had waited to get this done ". I'm a believer!

This thread may show similar. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/295522-size-does-matter/

Bandista....I knew months ago you were gonna be saying this one day.....I could just tell in the determination of your post from when you first started out here. CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!! First for getting to this point. Second...for not being bashful to come on here and speak YOUR truth....the way its working for you. High fives to you!