sandi2004

you can eat pretty much what you want, when you want- you just will NOT have any measureable results. You might want to make sure that you are committed to a lifestyle change- that is what is required for good results.

You are in exactlyt he right place- nervous, excited- starting on a life altering journey..I'm 5 1/2 years out and here to hold your hand - any particular questions or concerns? sandi2004

Click on private message and go for it!

Hey there- you are not alone- i could try to redirect you...send me a pm with an email address so we can get talking and you can get back to losing. sandi2004

Hi Jackie: Your doctor is correct. You have done really well- you are ahead of the curve....To get the last 20 - 30% of your excess weight off takes some hard work- I have some ideas for you and I would be happy to share them with you- send me a PM and send me your email and we can get started..I'd love to mentor you and help you with the last of it....

hey Shelley- I'll be happy to do what I can- I'm 5+ years out and have lost alot of weight- I think I kow how to do it- and I have hit all of the walls you will probably hit- so PM me if you're interested- email or IM is much easier than this forum to have one on one discussions

Hi: It is sooo easy to fall back into old habits- consistency is really what is necessary to succeed and from that consistency comes new habits to replace the old. I am 5 years out and still find myself slipping - I just go back to basics each time and that helps- a diet of mostly protein for a day or 2 to get the carbs that I have overeaten out of my system - I found that with working lots of hours and having a high stress life planning was my greatest tool ..planning my meals in advance and always carrying something with me so I never got stuck buying fast food in a pinch....also, lots of water...you can pm me if you want some more ideas or so we can talk more specifics- I lost 250 lbs and have been able to maintain it...and, you are right- slow and steady wins the race....you just need that steady part worked on a little- but you can do it! sandi2004

Hi there- I'm definitely a few years out (5+ and counting), OLDER THAN YOU (BUT PROBABLY NOT WISER)and would be available as a mentor- buddy. You are doing the best thing you can for yourself- reaching out to others ho have been there and done that for assistance along your journey- way to go girl! You can contact by PM and give me your email if you like so we can have quicker conversations in detail. sandi2004

ok- so instead of wondering why the weight isn't coming off can you start journaling exactly what you eat- calories, protein for a few days and then figure out how many calories you are really getting? then you may be able to plan some more changes in your eating to accomplish more quicker. The fact that the weight has stayed off is aweosme. you're almost there..Alot less really has no meaning unless you know the value of alot less? This means journaling everything you eat and drink so you can have control over what you eat and drink...I know this is a pain but to achieve success you have to do a little work. You may also need a fill? sandi2004

I'm 5 years out and after every diet I had ever been on gained it all back, and then some more so I know what you mean...This time I have been able to keep it off..I'd be happy to answer your questions and provide a cheering section for you.. Sandi2004

I'm 5 years out and have probably hit most every possible situation- so ask away.... sandi2004

you can PM me as well- I am 5 years out and maintaining after losing 250 lbs....I am also one of several who provide support for new band patients in my doctor's practice and would be delighted to answer any questions I can and to be there for you. It is a wonderful opportunity and I am thnakful every day that I have my life back. sandi2004

Hi there- DO NOT GIVE UP! You have a great tool now you just have to commit to working the tool. I'm 5 years out and have had small weight gains, tried to use excuses to keep eating crap but just decided I wanted to look and feel better! So I went right back to basics- the first thing that caught my eye was that you don't eat breakfast- START EATING BREAKFAST RIGHT NOW! It is proven that people who eat breakfast weigh less than those who don't AND it will be easier to get in all of your protein. The first thing you want to do is take everything out of your diet besides protein for a day or two or 3 to adjust your eating habits and hunger...Once you start down the carb road your hunger follows quickly. So eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, chicken, shrimp, sliced lunch meat turkey and cheese- no bread, no pasta, no rice, no potatoes..Whenever your hungry take in some protein....After a few days of this (when you are no longer ravenouse every hour) limit your calories.Make sure you are getting plenty of fluids...but not with meals....no diet sodas or artifically sweetened stuff....and figure out a plan that can get you to the gym before work- I'm at the gym 6 days a week by 6:30 am and at work by 8:30 - and I'm a woman and have to do my makeup and my hair and gossip in the locker room so you should be able to make it in and out and to work on time.....send me a private message if you would like more - I'll give you my email address (or u give me yours) it's quicker and easier to talk. Sandi2004

so how much weight have you lost and are you at your goal? You do want to keep off your weight, right? Just plan your meals in advance - all of them, or carry some protein source with you so if you get in a place where bad choices are calling to you, you can just choose YOUR protein source and leave it at that. Have you started drinking (even water) with yourmeals? If so you may want to quit so that you stay satisfied longer. If yyou have a specific question or would like a more private discussion, please feel free to send me a private message- with your email address. It's ok to make occassional questionable choices, but not on a regular basis or the weight will come back on...don't beat your self up - be gentle and start each day new- with a plan! You did it for 2+ years, you sure can continue, but those old habits try to come creeping back don't they? Sandi2004

I live in socal as well (Ventura) and would be happy to help. You can send a private message with your email if you like, or stay on th eforum or? I'm 5 years out and 250 lbs lighter..Who's your doc? sandi2004

I'd be delighted to- ask away with any questions, etc...or send a private message and I'll send you my email address...

if you can't find my contact info check these things: 1. are you getting enough protein? 60 - 80 grams per day? 2. are you getting enough fluids (water) - 64 ounces per day? 3. Is there sugar in some of the things you are eating? That can make you hungry an hour after you eat? (yogurt is a big culprit int he sugar area) 4. Are you waiting 1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after you eat to drink any liquids? Also, your surgical site where the band is has probably healed, all of the swelling is probably gone and you just don't have any restriction yet. Your first fill will help with that.. It is not unusual to be feeling hunger a month or so after surgery before your first fill.

Hi all: I am new to this site but have been banded for 5 years and have lost 250 lbs- I would still like to take 25 more off, but not sure if it will ever happen. Still not used to my new body- afraid it will just blow back up one day. I work out regularly, watch what I eat and am starting to have some issues with snacking so I force myself to go back to basics and start journaling. I'd b happy and available to mentor anyone who is just strating out or who is having problems..just let meknow...:tongue2:

Hi Lisa- you are doing great- I have been banded for 5+ years and have lost 250 lbs and would be glad to talk with you back door . send your email? I am one of several "angels" who cheer on newly banded patients in my local support group..any current questions or concerns?

I'll take these on one at a time- and if you want to email me it may be quicker? 1. Keep buying single protein drinks - you have 3 weeks to find a few that you can tolerate- it's not forever, just for a couple of weeks.. 2.I am happier now than I have ever been before...I can move around at will, I can live my life instead of sitting ont he sidelines because of physical restrictions due to weight. 3. Your loving hubby will support you in all of your choices to be healthier IF you enlist his support- and, by the way, you guys will be eating the same meals and you will have a healthier hubby too.. 4. Work lunches and dinners are easy once you are back on solid foods...Check out the places you are going to and know in advance what you will order- you can approximate calories and protein - I travel all the time and my first trip was 1 week away 5 weeks after surgery. 5. You will know what you want to tell people at the time they ask you- Don't try to figure it all out now- you are just looking for ways to sabotage yourself- it's ok to be frightened and a bit insecure- this is a bIG step- but it is a good one! 6.The work thing is not difficult- it takes the organization and planning that you are so good at- food is probably the only thing you haven't planned carefully before in your world- it was in mine- I ate with reckless abandon- you will now learn how to taste, chew and enjoy your food instead of "wolfing" it down....

as are you doing so well maintaining your weight loss...

My surgery was done by Dr. Helmuth Billy in Ventura CA- he is THE BEST! The only problem I had was that I replaced my regular port with a low profile port because the port was interfering when I would be gardening- but I did this when I had my lower body lift.... have not had an adjustment in about a year- actually I did not have my first adjustment for a year after I was banded. It has been an incredible journey.

It willbe the best decision you ever made- I'm 5 years out and DOWN 250 lbs ( I have lost more than I weigh now) and am loving life. Talk to me...what are your concerns?

OK, so sometimes even the health professionals make the wrong choice. This is a very personal matter and a very personal choice. I was advised to have the gastric bypass because I had over 200 lbs to lose, but I have done it with the band. It is all "doable" You must try to look inside yourself and decide what surgery you are most comfortable with. With either surgery your success or failure long term depends on you gaining knowledge and making good choices so either surgery is perfect. Go with your comfort level. The bypass may be easier at first, but at 18 months it is still all about making the right choices to keep the weight off! I'm 5 years out and i made th eright choice DESPITE what every health professional was advising.