writeonamber

Well yeah that does make sense, thanks for the info

Absolutely! So glad it helped. My doctor explained that one of the possible reasons we go through plateaus when we're losing large amounts of weight has to do with hormones. Fat cells release estrogen and can cause us to hold on to weight (or it will appear to be a plateau when we're doing everything right!). He said sometimes it's just our metabolisms adjusting and again, the way our bodies deal with chemicals/hormones - and called it a "metabolic shift." Just keep going and your body will snap out of it!

Thank you for your comment and your words of encouragement. You'd be surprised how much you saying that you have been through these dreaded "plateaus" meant to me! Seriously you are the first one to basically say its okay it happens... and here I was thinking I was doing something wrong and really beating myself up about it. Thank you again. You seem to be doing great! I bet you were so psyched when you hit the 100 lb. mark, I know I was. Best of luck to you and please keep in touch

Hi Ash - just saw your pictures. You can absolutely tell! Keep up the good work. Don't get discouraged because those plateaus do end. I'm currently in the middle of my 3rd one in 15 months...but I've lost 152 lbs (from 361 to 209). It happens so fast. . . just stick with your 'band rules!' Best of luck on your journey!

Hey smilin_apple,

I saw your response on the before and after thread. Honestly, I just follow the band rules except I work out more than 30 minutes a day. I work out 5-7 hours a week, which helps a lot. I keep my calories around 1500 a day and get my water in. Don't get discouraged! Are you are the right restriction level? You've still lost an incredible amount of weight and you should be proud! Let me know if you ever need to talk or if you're getting discouraged. Best of luck to you!

Amber

Hey - thanks for the message! It feels WONDERFUL!

I just saw your before and during pics....you look fantastic...keep up the good work! Feels great doesn't it? )

I am from MT. vernon its about 2 hrs south of Clinton. I really like Dr. R. I am still waiting on insurance to finalize my approval. Ive done everything ive needed to do and am soo ready for surgery. You Look AMAZING!!!! you have done awesomely with the band , your such a beautiful woman and I am so happy for you and your new life. Im sure its not been easy but im sure it has been worth it!

Hey Becca - Yes, Dr. R was my surgeon. I actually have an appointment tomorrow. Saturday is my one year "bandiversary!" I'm very proud of how far I've come and best of luck to you! Where are you from?

Hi I am being banded in Clinton Illinois I was just wandering who your surgeon was and if it was Dr. Rohrscheib??

Hey gellyandjd - I saw your post about being self-pay & worrying that you didn't try hard enough before getting surgery. I was self-pay & I'm 100% happy and at 10 months out I'm down 120 from my high and 105 w/the band. Could I have done it on my own? Not likely. In fact, I'd lost 100 lbs before and I gained about 150 back. It's a lifelong battle and some people need extra help. The LAP-BAND? is that extra help.

I'm 24 - and I see that you're young too. Do you know what the most common thing I hear out of women on these boards? "I wish I would have done it sooner." The unfortunate truth is that while most people can lose the weight "naturally" - most will gain in all back within 5 years. It's like a 94% failure rate in long-term, permanent weight-loss. Go for it. You've done all the research. Assuming you're happy with the band as the form of WLS and you're comfortable with your surgeon - you're golden.

Best of luck to you on your journey and contact me if you ever need anything!

Hi Amber hope you have a wonderful day!!!!!

Just saw your pictures - you look awesome! Great work!

Oh - and congrats on going off all of your meds! I only had young age on my side - so I wasn't on any, but both my parents have blood pressure & cholesterol issues -- so time was the only thing on my side. My stats looks even better now!

We've lost almost the same amount and unfortunately had pretty close starting weights. I'm doing great. I'm loving life, ya know? I've fallen in love with working out bc I can really kill it in the gym now - I just feel strong. I've lost 104 with the band (banded July 10, 09) and 119 total! What do you do in STL? I work for the State Senate...policy & budget nerd. Haha.