CJZ

I got kidney stones about 2 months after my surgery. My urologist told me it was due to my increase of calcium supplements. So.....I stopped taking those and have been getting my calcium through my diet instead. I hope I never have to go through that again!!!

Congrats on joining the gym. I go to 24 hr Fitness and it was the best decision. I never liked exercising in the past and now I go right after work and its such a stress reliever. I've made that my "ME" time. I have come to enjoy exercising (most of the time that is ) My partner says that I am obsessed and maybe I am just a bit, but I rather be obsessed about exercising than being obsessed with food! Well anyway....enjoy yourself! Chris

As for exercise....I go to the gym and do cardio for at least an hour. I actually enjoy going to the gym now. (Thats something I thought I would NEVER say..LOL!) I rotate among the treadmill, ellipitcal, crossramp machine, and stationary bike. Afterwards, I'll go sit in the sauna and/or steam room. I've been doing this after work and I love the fact that its such a stress reliever. I go home in a much peaceful mood and that actually helps me control my evening eating habits. As for clothes....I was shopping at Casual Male as well. I hated shopping there. Prices were crazy! Guys you can do it! I went from a 44 waist to a 30 and a XXXL to M in shirts. Congrats to everyones progress!!!! Chris

Ok...I was banded last March. Since then, I have lost about 130 lbs. I'm always excited now to go clothes shopping. (Never liked it in the past). Well, anyway....I used to be a 44 waist and today I was able to put on a pair of 30 inch waist jeans!!! OMG! I couldn't believe it. I'm sure I was getting looks from people at Kohls when they heard me scream "Hot damn! They fit!" So of course I had to buy them. I wore the pants the next day to work and I got a comment from a female colleague....I'll paraphrase "Wow! Nice ass!" Ok...I know I'm a guy, but that was AWESOME to hear!!! Just thought I'd share. Chris

I have been very open about my journey. Honestly, everyone I have mentioned it to has be supportive (to my face that is). I'm hoping to be an inspiration for others and have had several people ask me about the process. I honestly dont care if people think I've "cheated". I'm healthier than I have ever been. In fact, I just had blood work done; the first since my pre-op appt. My cholesterol dropped from 239 to 126!! That only made me realize that my health is far more important than peoples feelings and comments. I understand some are hesitant to share and I understand their reasons, but consider this. You should be proud that you have taken control of your health! That control will, in the end, make you a much happier person. Good luck on your journey!

Thats the way to do it! I had 5lb goals. Every 5lbs was a victory for me and it also motivated me to continue my path. Keep up the great work Amanda!

I lost 18 lbs after my first week. I swear I must have stepped on and off the scale several times to make sure my eyes weren't decieving me! Some of it is water but you body is starting to burn fat because of the change of diet. Congrats on your loss and hopefully you will have a prosperous journey!

I use Lose It! You can track calories, protein, carbs, etc. You can also record your weight daily and the app adjusts your calorie intake according to your weight loss goals. Another app is Livestrong. I downloaded that one as well. Has many of the same features. Seems to have a more extensive database of foods but I use Lose It because I think its very simple to use. You can also add the calories you burn from working out. Hope this helps.

I was banded by Dr. Atkinson too!!! They told me that they put some Fluid into to the band at the time of surgery. (Not much .5 cc) but that may be part of the reason why so many of us have lost weight without a fill. I have been very pleased with the way I've been treated there.

I lost 18 lbs after my first week. I must have stepped on and off that scale several times within a 10 minute period to make sure my eyes wern't deceiving me. As for those who gained or haven't lost weight.....it will happen. Don't dramtically cut your calories! You will put your body into starvation mode and you will lose absolutely nothing. You have to learn to "trick" your body into thinking its getting more than you're giving it. In fact, when I hit my first major plateau, it was suggested that I should in fact INCREASE my calorie intake for awhile. I thought that was crazy but I tried it and all of a sudden I started dropping again. The band works differently for everyone and you need to remember that its a tool. The band doesn't lose the weight for you. You HAVE to be commited to changing your eating habits and slowly incorpating exercise into your life. Please remember that. I see way too many on here that get the band and whine and complain that they haven't lost weight and they have done nothing to change their lifestyle. Make sure you find a support system. EIther through your surgeon or maybe you can find one through social website like Facebook or MySpace. Good luck to you!

I'm sorry that is the case. You need to check to see if having the band removed would preclude you from enlisting. However, do you REALLY want to possibly sacrifice your good health for going into the military? Just playing devils advocate here.... I have an 18 year old that wants to go into the military and thats ALL he talks about. I hope he considers all his options before making a decision. You should do the same.

I know how you feel. I've lost about 130 lbs now and I feel incredible! I still have a hard time thinking about what I used to look and feel like. I, too, believe that the lap band saved my life. Congrats on your accomplishment!!!