Diamondgirl81

Adjua....................347...............337...........240......... ....97 Amy.....................289................252.7...........160........ .. 92.7 Angie64.................270...............270...........210....... ......60 Astrasmom............254...............254...........170............. .84 Babe....................265...............265...........199.... ..........66 Band_Groupie........172.5.............157.5..........0-148........0-9.5 BetsyB.................226.6.............206.8.........109...... ......97.8 BigMomma............209.................209...........135...........74 Bklynike...............258.................258...........150.......... .108 BobbieND..............224................207...........150..... .......57 Bree99.................259................234...........155..... .......83 Brigette................198...............198............150.... ........48 Bristlecone............157...............157............130....... .....27 crzytchr................217...............217............180..... ... ...37 Dana36.................233...............229............160....... .....69 daqui26.................274...............274............200....... .....74 DDGALARZ..............185...............185............150............ .35 destined4thinness..215.5.............215.5..........150............65 5 Diamondgirl81........317...............287.............225............ 62 ericanda1973.........198.5............198.5..........130......... ..68.5 Fourme.................189...............172............145........... ..27 HummingBird..........204...............177............150............. .27 jenibeni.................224...............208............165........ ....43 Jennih...................232...............232.............130.... ......102 Jeni 85..................185..............185..............150........35 KDEE....................240................240.............150...... .....90 kyleegirl01.............245................198.............160...... .....38 Lady LAP...............217................217.............125...... .....95 Lisa65...................174.5............165..............145..... ......20! Liz........................193.4............174..............155...... ......19! lotzasunshine.........259...............259..............199........ ...60 MaggieGT..............238...............236..............208.......... 30 newdicarlo.............187...............174..............135...... . ...39 Northernmist..........289...............265..............175.......... ..90 ol55andahalf..........184...............184..............144...... ......40 Peggy1.................308...............308..............225......... ..83 RandaPanda...........194...............175..............150........ ....25 RAYNE913.............234...............225..............160....... ....65 RobinAnn.............232.4...............210.4..............160...... ....50.4 scoutmama...........270...............270..............180........ ....90 shadst8................333...............303..............217........ ....86 skinny31................261...............240..............182..... .......58 SNDYCNRD.............207...............194.5............150.......... 44.5 sueinne.................220................212.............180.... ........32 Tabithan................244...............234..............190....... .....44 TARASGIRL.............305...............282..............225....... ......57 tdtucker................256...............256...............160...... . ....96 Teacher2010..........192...............183...............150...... . ....33 Tealeaves..............305...............289...............150...... . ...139 TeriLu....................215...............212...............150.. .... ....62 TIGGER71G............224...............224................130....... .....94 unshackled............277...............277................180....... .....97 Valerie.................190................190................150... . .......40

Try Miralax. It's helps relieve constipation without some of the painful gastric side effects of other laxatives or stool softeners. My doc recommended it for me shortly after I had surgery and it worked well. It's flavorless and not bulky, so you can mix in w/ Water , crystal lite, etc. Best, Lauren

In the early days, I watched the clock and it really helped me get into a slower rhythm. But now that I'm about 4 months out, I'm more focused on chewing thoroughly and eating smaller pieces. My doctor says that should be my primary focus when eating, not necessarily the amount of time. However, inevitably when you are eating smaller pieces and chewing well, it will naturally slow you down. Best, Lauren

Hi everyone, Just wanted to say hello to my fellow December bandsters. I don't post a lot but I have read a ton and have found this site quite helpful and insightful at times. I wish everyone the best on this journey. I know it can be tough w/ all the adjustments and the fickleness of the band but for me it's been a life changer for the better. Like many of you, I'm not at ideal restriction yet either but I've committed myself to changing my eating and living the healthiest life I can. The bands gonna have to catch up w/ me :eek: All the best, Lauren

Hi, I'm 28 yrs.old and had my surgery on December 17, 2009. I've lost 60lbs since my surgery, no pre-op diet. It's been great. A lot of work and discipline but I don't regret a thing. I only wish I had done it sooner and a few pounds lighter. I do feel odd pains sometimes at my port area but nothing dramatic. I just try to listen to body and work with my band as best I can. The biggest obstacle for me has been getting in regular exercise, but that's a work in progress like everything else. Best, Lauren

Hi, I had a BMI of 56.6 when I went in for surgery, now I'm at 47.1. Though my surgeon did say that I was a better candidate for the gastric sleeve, he did not discourage me from getting the band. He just told me that I have to work harder :0 No pain, no gain!! Best of luck to you! Lauren

Please don't get discouraged or rush yourself. This is supposed to be a lifestyle change and for most of us a life's journey. Take this time leading up to when you have restriction and discover your new body. Learn how the band works for you and most importantly, learn what you can do to avoid as much of "bandster hell" as possible. I don't have real restriction yet either but I'm determined not to let that stop me. Since this band is only a weight loss tool, I've had to learn to hold up my end of the bargain as well. I'm retraining my brain to not equate fullness with being stuffed. I track everything I eat, keep my Protein high and my calories in a healthy range. I walk or work out as much as I can. I'm in contact with my nutritionist when I need guidance. Bottom line, I'm accountable for how I use this time period. So I say, in conjunction with the band, go ahead and join weight watchers, count calories, find support groups, up the cardio, etc. Do whatever you personally have to do, to make the best and healthiest possible choices for yourself. In the end you will be a healthier person all around. Best to all on this journey!! Lauren

Congrats to you!!! What a great start! Best, Lauren

Adjua....................347...............337...........240......... ....97 Angie64.................270...............270...........210....... ......60 Astrasmom............254...............254...........170............. .84 Babe....................265...............265...........199.... ..........66 Band_Groupie........172.5.............157.5..........0-148........0-9.5 BetsyB.................226.6.............206.8.........109...... ......97.8 BigMomma............209.................209...........135...........74 BobbieND..............224................210...........150..... .......60 Bree99.................259................259...........155..... .......104 Brigette................198...............198............150.... ........48 Bristlecone............157...............157............130....... .....27 crzytchr................217...............217............180..... ... ...37 Dana36.................233...............229............160....... .....69 daqui26.................274...............274............200....... .....74 destined4thinness..215.5.............215.5..........150............65 5 Diamondgirl81........317...............292.............250............ 42 ericanda1973.........198.5............198.5..........130......... ..68.5 Fourme.................189...............180............145........... ..35 HummingBird..........204...............182............150............. .32 jenibeni.................224...............208............165........ ....43 Jennih...................232...............232.............130.... ......102 KDEE....................240................240.............150...... .....90 kyleegirl01.............245................198.............160...... .....38 Lady LAP...............217................217.............125...... .....95 Lisa65...................174.5............165..............145..... ......20! Liz........................193.4............187..............155...... ......32 lotzasunshine.........247...............245..............175........ ...70 MaggieGT..............238...............236..............208.......... 30 newdicarlo.............187...............174..............135...... . ...39 Northernmist..........289...............265..............175.......... ..90 ol55andahalf..........184...............184..............144...... ......40 Peggy1.................308...............308..............225......... ..83 RandaPanda...........194...............175..............150........ ....25 RAYNE913.............234...............225..............160....... ....65 RobinAnn.............232.4...............217.6..............160...... ....57.6 scoutmama...........270...............270..............180........ ....90 shadst8................333...............317..............217........ ....100 skinny31................261...............249..............182..... .......67 SNDYCNRD.............207...............194.5............150.......... 44.5 sueinne.................220................212.............180.... ........32 Tabithan................244...............234..............190....... .....44 TARASGIRL.............305...............284..............225....... ......59 tdtucker................256...............256...............160...... . ....96 Teacher2010..........192...............183...............150...... . ....33 Tealeaves..............305...............289...............150...... . ...139 TeriLu....................215...............212...............150.. .... ....62 TIGGER71G............224...............224................130....... .....94 unshackled............277...............277................180....... .....97 Valerie.................190................190................150... . .......40

No prob at all. That's what we're all here for, to share and share a like. I recently had Pump's DaySpa salad, which is Mixed greens, 12-hour turkey slices, sweet potatoes, steamed baby spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers and basil vinaigrette. So yummy and flavorful, even though I was only able to eat all of the Protein and just a few of the veggies. They also have salmon fridays.. haven't tried that yet, but maybe this next week. Check out this link https://www.thepumpenergyfood.com. Best, Lauren

Hi Chellz, Congrats on your success so far. Any loss is still a loss. Regarding the stall on the scale, I hear ya. Though I weigh myself every morning, I know I shouldn't. I don't want to end up being a slave to the scale. The body is fickle and weight may not come off every day or even every week. Regarding what Betsy mentioned, I'd have to agree with her. Maybe if you'd try replacing some of your meals w/ higher Protein, low carb, leaner options that might jump start your loss as well. I know that typically frozen meals, even the low fat ones, are loaded w/ sodium. So that can also cause bloat and Water retention, which doesn't help the scale move down either. I think that if you slightly tweak what you're doing now, you'll see even more results. Also hat's off to you for working out so much. That's been the hardest thing for me. I walk and walk...but the gym has been tough to get to given my hours at work/ Best to everyone on this journey. Lauren

I'm from Manhattan but live in Astoria. I try to stick to seafood or chicken when I go out for the most part. It's high in Protein and satisfying. I like Carmines, Oceana, or Atlantic Grill. For chicken, basically any restaurant will have a decent grilled or baked chicken option. For lunch, I recently started going to Pump Energy food in midtown. They specialize in high protein, whole grain energy foods and Protein shakes. Regarding alcohol, I usually go with wine or vodka and cranberry. Best, Lauren

Hi, Though I'm only 4 months out, I do drink and it feels as if one drink hits me like 3 would normally. It does sit in my pouch as well, but as long as I sip slowly, it doesn't bother me. Thanks, Lauren

Banded 12/17 and I've lost 54 pounds since my surgery. I just started having some restriction about 2 weeks ago after my 4th fill. I am now at 5 cc's but it's not too tight. Really should be exercising more... that's been the toughest part for me. Best to everyone on this journey!! Lauren

Adjua....................347...............337...........240......... ....97 Angie64.................270...............270...........210....... ......60 Astrasmom............254...............254...........170............. .84 Babe....................265...............265...........199.... ..........66 Band_Groupie........172.5.............157.5..........0-148........0-9.5 BetsyB.................226.6.............206.8.........109...... ......97.8 BigMomma............209.................209...........135...........74 BobbieND..............224................210...........150..... .......60 Bree99.................259................259...........155..... .......104 Brigette................198...............198............150.... ........48 Bristlecone............157...............157............130....... .....27 crzytchr................217...............217............180..... ... ...37 Dana36.................233...............229............160....... .....69 daqui26.................274...............274............200....... .....74 destined4thinness..215.5.............215.5..........150............65 5 Diamondgirl81........317...............297.............250............ 49 ericanda1973.........198.5............198.5..........130......... ..68.5 Fourme.................189...............180............145........... ..35 HummingBird..........204...............182............150............. .32 jenibeni.................224...............208............165........ ....43 Jennih...................232...............232.............130.... ......102 KDEE....................240................240.............150...... .....90 kyleegirl01.............245................201.............160...... .....41 Lady LAP...............217................217.............125...... .....95 Lisa65...................174.5............165..............145..... ......20! Liz........................193.4............187..............155...... ......32 lotzasunshine.........247...............245..............175........ ...70 MaggieGT..............238...............236..............208.......... 30 newdicarlo.............187...............174..............135...... . ...39 Northernmist..........289...............265..............175.......... ..90 ol55andahalf..........184...............184..............144...... ......40 Peggy1.................308...............308..............225......... ..83 RandaPanda...........194...............177..............150........ ....27 RAYNE913.............234...............225..............160....... ....65 RobinAnn.............232.4...............217.6..............160...... ....57.6 scoutmama...........270...............270..............180........ ....90 shadst8................333...............317..............217........ ....100 skinny31................261...............249..............182..... .......67 SNDYCNRD.............207...............194.5............150.......... 44.5 sueinne.................220................212.............180.... ........32 Tabithan................244...............234..............190....... .....44 TARASGIRL.............305...............284..............225....... ......59 tdtucker................256...............256...............160...... . ....96 Teacher2010..........192...............183...............150...... . ....33 Tealeaves..............305...............289...............150...... . ...139 TeriLu....................215...............212...............150.. .... ....62 TIGGER71G............224...............224................130....... .....94 unshackled............277...............277................180....... .....97 Valerie.................190................190................150... . .......40 __________________

CONGRATS!!! To wrap your mind around that number and know that you were able to loose that. You can do anything!!! Best, Lauren

I had surgery on December 17, 2009 and started walking about 45 minutes straight a day about 2 weeks after surgery. However, I just started working w/ a trainer three weeks ago and started to do some ab work. Best, Lauren

Today was a really good day. For the first time in 4 years, I haven't tipped the scales at 300lbs+. I am officially 299!!! I'm so proud of myself... cause we all know the band DOES NOT do it all on it's own. I even got unsolicited compliments from my co-workers, both male and female today. These folks have seen me through it all for the past few years. Sometimes a little acknowledgement can go along way and it is a great motivator. Though, I know we are all not doing this for vanity sake, but for health, wellness and whatnot.. it still feels damn good to like the body your'e in. I love me... all 299 lbs of me. Best to all on this journey!! Lauren

Hi Tara, Congrats on you loss thus far!! Within the past 4 weeks, I stalled for about 2 weeks and then all of a sudden started dropping about a 1 lb a day or so. Perhaps, I was retaining Water at the beginning of the month or it was due to my cycle. Regardless of when it comes of, I'm just glad it's coming off. I did notice that I eat more around my cycle still, so that could be why I stalled a few weeks back. I typically eat bet. 800-1100 calories a day and walk a much as I can. Best, Lauren

For what it's worth, I see a doctor who is listed on all of those top doc listings each year. He'a brilliant surgeon with a great success rate, but questionable bedside manner. Most people in my support group agree that while he is a great surgeon, he can be very abrasive. To that end, he is also a pioneer in the field of the gastric sleeve. He is the gold standard when it comes to that particular procedure. He wrote the book. Last week, I saw him for my three month follow-up, he told me I was doing great, just remember to exercise, exercise, exercise, and that will see me through to the rest of my goal. He gave me a slight fill and sent me on my way. However, 5 minutes before I saw him, I heard a doctor talking to a new patient. The gentleman had about 100 lbs to loose and wanted a surgery w/ the EASIEST follow-up & lifestyle. I think I heard the word easy in about 10 different ways. Of course, the "easiest" follow-up care is w/the sleeve. There are no fills, not many follow-up appointments, and no foreign objects in the body to worry about. However, to me, there is NOTHING easy about removing 60% of my stomach or w/ bypass, rerouting my intestines. I'm not against any of these procedures at all. We all came to a point where we realized we needed some sort of help. However, I am strongly against marketing any of these procedures as an EASY option. Tying this back into the thread, I believe we get out of these procedures, what we put into them. Regardless of the path we take. Best to all on this journey. Lauren

Thanks everyone!!!

Hi, About 3 weeks post-op, I did go out to lunch w/ my boyfriend and I ordered a salad platter (scoop of tuna, chicken, & egg salad). Of course, I could only eat about half of the scoop of tuna and took the rest home. I know those aren't your typical dinner suggestions, but in the beginning I stuck to foods that were soft and high Protein. So I'd stick to a flaky broiled or steamed fish. Now that I'm a few months out, I've had dinners out and have ordered grilled chicken, veggie burger no bun or salmon. However, with chicken, I tend to poor balsamic vinegar over it to add some moisture. No matter what you choose, make sure to take small bites and chew, chew, chew. Enjoy! Best, Lauren

My boyfriend of the past 5 years, has seen me through it all. The lows of me crash dieting on south beach and ww; the highs of me just giving up. Every step of the way, I never felt his love for me or even attraction to me change. He really must love me for me... go figure. Nonetheless, when I made the decision to have a WLS he was very understanding and supportive in words, but not necessarily in actions. My doctor only had us do a 1 day pre-op diet, so on that day, while I'm drinking broth and sucking down ice pops, my bf comes in with a WHOLE cheese pizza pie. Talk about sensitivity. I burst out into laughter and then cried. He just didn't get, how much of a life-style change, I was about to embark on. Since then, he's changed, no more pizza pies, just a slice here and there The ironic thing is, he's now talking about getting the band or the sleeve. Either choice I fully support, it's all up to the individual. I just wish that when the time comes for him, I could taunt him w/eating pizza or a burger.. just a little friendly pay back. Best, Lauren