chrisisshrinking

I'm glad someone started this post, because I've been thinking hard about it...I'm 51, and at 65 down since my surgery on 2/26/10 I'm not yet near goal (about 80 more), so it's going to be awhile until I can pursue this. So far, although my face is A LOT thinner, there's not a lot of sagging. I don't think I'm going to end up with a lot of pannus either, although it's still a bit hard to tell. However, my batwings are a-flappin', and I think I'm going to need inner thigh work, too. I'm doing a lot of personal training to do my best to pull that skin in as much as possible during this phase. Once I get to maintenance, I'll look again and see if I can balance the cost against what I see in the mirror. Best to all! Christine

Morning to all my Zumba friends!! Zumba classes are simply too much fun! It can be a little overwhelming at first, since the choreo is a bit challenging, but it's definitely a class where the emphasis is on moving in rhythm with the music, not necessarily being able to do exactly what the instructor does. For example, some of the moves are still a bit too high impact for me, so in order to protect my knees and ankles, I just modify them slightly. I'd recommend, if you have never taken Zumba before, that you check out the zumba.com website and search for a Zumba Gold instructor in your area (you can search by your zip code). Gold is specifically designed for 1) those just starting, 2) those who are physically challenged, or new to exercising, and 3) older adults/disabled (did you know that there is actually a Zumba program available for those who cannot easily stand?). Same great music, but a bit slower paced and with less complex choreo. So, just a little motivation...I started my band journey at 305, having not exercised in a VERY long time. Had my surgery on 2/26/10...now, 65 pounds and several sizes lighter...and I became a licensed Zumba instructor a month ago :-) Come and join the party- you can do it!!! Hugs, Christine

Greetings to everyone, I am at a place right now where my complacency seems to be catching up with me, and I knew that if I came out here and 'fessed up, you all could kick-start me back on the right path. I was banded on 2/27/10, and have lost just under 65 pounds. I feel a LOT better, have more energy, etc., and I know my health has improved, so I'm happy about all of that. I got my third fill on 7/21, for a total of 5.5 in a 10 band. However, based on my perceptions, I can still eat too much, and I've discovered that I can easily get down some things that are probably not helping the situation. In the midst of all of this, I have just moved from WV, where I had lived for 25+ years, down to FL, with all the commotion surrounding that. I'm just about to get back started up at the local gym, after having been slack for 2-3 weeks while I was packing up the house. I think that some of what I'm experiencing may just be in reaction to the stress of the life change. Here are the challenge areas: 1) I'm not getting enough Protein 2) I'm not getting enough Fluid 3) I tend to be leaning towards slider foods I'm not seeing a weight gain through all of this, thank heavens, but I'm not losing either. Do I just need to stop beating myself up over this, considering all the churn in other areas of my life, and do my best to reset, or am I just indulging in a pity party (in which case, please feel free to give me a swift kick in the keester). Thanks for your support- Christine

Wow, this has definitely been a loaded thread in several different ways. So, I thought I should put my two cents in as well. I think I've now experienced first hand the benefits of sticking on the narrow path, and the problems when I don't. For example, the first time I had a carbonated beverage, holy cow, I paid the price in discomfort. However, I have to say that I had a beer the other evening, and because I really nursed it (over a 2 hour period), I wasn't really thrown by it, although it takes far, far less alcohol now to feel the effects than it did pre-band. I've decided that perhaps with the exception of a very occasional indulgence, it's not really worth it. I have been able to eat just about anything since going on solids post-surgery. Do I gradually advance my diet post-fills, as recommended? Sure- and I love the little weight loss boost I get as a side perk. Do I eat tiny bites and chew like crazy, as recommended? Most times, and when I don't, I pay in being "stuck", which simply hurts. Do I restrict portions, as recommended? Generally, although I'm not as vigilant as I should be...and again, I pay the price. These days, I'm extremely stressed, so now I know that I'm not good at focusing on the rules when I'm so pulled aside with other things. I trust that my surgeon and his team know more about this journey in general than I do. Just like I trust my general doctor to guide me in managing my medical care, I trust Dr. McKenna to help manage my Lap-Band care. It's crystal clear that when I make my own decisions in this arena, against his direction, I'm the one who loses the game. So, why not set myself up to win? I may question the methods or the motives, but the results of compliance (65 pounds so far- my surgery was 2/26/10) is hard to deny! My very, very best wishes to you all on your journey! Christine

I have been banded since 2/27/10...I've never had a PB episode, but I have "stuck" problems 2-3 times a week, driven by how fast I eat, how big a bite I've taken, and how thoroughly I chew. It's VERY uncomfortable, and you think by now I'd know better than to set myself up for it, but I get focused on something else, and I kinda forget about my band! Hope this helps! Christine