BabyGotBack

Man, I didn't eat that much yesterday, but I sure made up for it today grazing on leftovers allllllll dayyyyyy!!!!! I had lots of small servings which was a lot more than I ususally eat. I have really fallen of the wagon. I am not drinking my Water like usual, I am not exercising!!!!! What am I waiting for? I am such a all or nothing person. I can't do anything half way and since I can't do pre op..... On the upside then when I get my lapband, I will be "hopefully" in my "all" mode. Four more days till my pre op diet begins on Dec. 29th. Just think next Thursday I will be driving to Mexico and I will be banded next Friday!!! OOOHHHHH it made me nervous. I can't believe this is really happening!!! It just doesn't feel real yet. Audree

Hi Susan!! Where are you getting your band put in? I am having mine done in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz. I know I definitely gained some weight and feel like a stuffed tomato! When do you start your pre op? I am supposed to start seven days befoe the date, so I start Dec. 29. I am supposed to drink a protein shake for breakfast and a Lean Cuisine for lunch and dinner. I would love to keep in contact with you. I think it's neet to have someone who is near your stats and getting banded the same time. That way we can compare how we are feeling,etc. Talk to you soon!!! Audree:o

I just wanted to borrow this information that I found on another thread. I thought it would be helpeful for us "slower losers" with lower bmi's. Some could use this as a new way of doing things or to blast past our plateuas. I really like finding good advice and posting it here so we can have new ideas. Does anyoone else have anything they'd like to share? Any new tips, etc? Sometimes something someone says gives us those "aha" moments, new ways of doing things. I plan on doing this and maybe sometime we can have a group challenge! Audree ‘How to Lose 22lbs or 10kgs in 28 Days Without Starving or Training Like an Olympic Athlete!' By Stephen Smith BSc If you seriously want to lose 22lbs or 10 kilograms in 28 days then you must perform all of the principles exactly as recommended. Unlike the recommendations in my book, ‘Look good, feel great!', where you can pick the principles you want to use and ignore the rest and where you can even modify the principles to suit your lifestyle, these principles must be followed exactly as they are outlined. If you want extraordinary results, then you must be willing to put in an extraordinary effort! I realise that some people may be thinking, ‘But it is impossible to lose 10 kilograms of fat in a month!' I agree- it is! However, the truth is, it is impossible to only lose fat on any type of weight-loss program. You will always lose a combination of fat, Water, stored carbohydrate and some muscle. Furthermore, most people who want to lose 10 kilograms in the first place are generally retaining excess Fluid anyway, so a system that helps get rid of the excess fluid is certainly going to accelerate their results. Perform 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise morning and night. Yes, you read that correctly, morning and night- 2 sessions a day… every day! No excuses. We're all busy, we all feel tired some mornings, but if you're serious about getting amazing results, then you must be willing to do everything necessary. When we talk about aerobic exercise, we're talking about exercise! Not walking around the shops, doing the gardening or doing housework. It must be exercise, which means your breathing rate increases, your face goes red, you sweat, you get tired- simple! Some examples of aerobic exercise include: walking (pounding the pavement at a brisk pace- not dawdling), cycling (stationary bike is ideal), swimming, rowing, stepper, cross-trainer, aerobic classes, boxing, etc. Use ‘thermogenics'. There are several very effective thermogenic supplementson the market that can accelerate your progress towards your goal. Those containing caffeine, green tea extracts and an extract from a plant called coleus forskohlii are the most effective. They will boost your metabolismand promote the release of fat from the fat stores. ‘Scorch' by MAN Sports is a good example. It contains a combination of 7 powerful herbal ingredients specifically designed to boost your metabolism, burn body fat and increase your energy. Unfortunately though, thermogenics are not ‘magic pills'. You can't expect to take a couple of thermogenic capsules and then go home and eat pizza and drink alcohol and expect to get results. Thermogenics only work when their use is combined with a good nutrition and exercise program. Take 1-2 capsules twice a day; once prior to your morning exercise session and once with your lunch. Don't take them later than 4:00pm in the afternoon because they may keep you awake at night. Before using thermogenics, see your doctor first and obtain their approval. Do not eat anything for 30 minutes after the completion of any exercise. As a result of using the thermogenics combined with the exercise, your metabolism will remain elevated for some time after the exercise session is finished. This means your body will burn fuel at a faster rate than normal. Any exercise causes the body to use carbohydrate (muscle glycogen and blood glucose) as a fuel source. This means that after the exercise is completed the carbohydrate stores in the body are low and the body will be forced to use fat as its fuel. If a meal is eaten immediately after the completion of the exercise session, the blood glucose level will rise, inducing the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. One of the effects of insulin is to stop fat burning in the body. Therefore, wait 30 minutes (but no longer because cortisol will rise) before having your next meal. Perform a weight training workout 2-4 times a week. Lifting weights is the most under-estimated way to lose fat fast! Now, before you start saying, ‘But I don't want to get big muscles!' or ‘I don't want to look like a man!', consider the following. The main purpose of lifting weights when your primary goal is to lose body fat is to preserve the muscle massyou already have. You see, muscle is the ‘engine' within which the fat, or ‘fuel' is burnt and maintaining or even increasing your muscle mass slightly will help ensure your body fat is burnt off efficiently. If you don't lift weights, your body will quite happily lose both fat and muscle as you drop the kilos. Lifting weights forces your body to maintain your muscle mass, therefore keeping your metabolism elevated and turning your body into 24-hour-a-day fat-burning machine! Incidentally, it only takes two 30 minute sessions a week to obtain the muscle preserving benefits of lifting weights. Have 5-6 small meals a day. One of the most common strategies people use to lose weight is to skip meals. Whilst reducing food intake is certainly an effective way to lose weight, having fewer meals is not the way to go. Many overweight people say, ‘I don't know why I'm overweight, I only eat once or twice a day!' Unfortunately, this is exactly why they are overweight. Having a mild calorie restriction is effective because if you consume less calories than you burn each day you will lose weight- simple! However, skipping meals forces the body to invoke its ‘Starvation Mechanism' because it thinks it is entering a famine. As a result, the body slows the metabolism to preserve energy. It also increases cortisol output and cortisol is the most powerful catabolic hormone in the body, which means it goes around the body breaking down lean tissue, particularly muscle. A loss of muscle slows the metabolism even further. Skipping meals also results in an increase in appetite, which forces you to eat larger amounts of food when you do eat. In addition to all these factors, the body also increases the activity of fat-storing enzymes, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), so when you do eat the food gets stored as fat. All of this results from simply skipping meals! By having a small meal every 2-3 hours throughout the day, your metabolism stays elevated and your body will happily burn fat all day long. Unfortunately though, most people are conditioned to having large meals and they automatically assume they will put on weight if they have 5 or 6 meals a day. The fact is, the ideal portion sizes for most people are actually quite small and in order to lose weight fast it is essential that you never feel full from a meal but you do feel satisfied. Also, most people find it difficult to have a meal every 2-3 hours throughout the day because they are so busy with work and/ or family commitments. Here are some suggestions to ensure you get your 5 or 6 meals a day. • Plan and prepare your meals the night before • Use Meal Replacements (Protein shakes or bars) • Select foods that are quick and easy to prepare and consume Ensure each meal contains protein. Protein is a component of all cells and makes up over half the dry weight of the human body. Furthermore, the human body is a dynamic structure, which means it is constantly building up and breaking down tissue. Just imagine a bath full of water. At one end of the bath the plug is pulled out and at the other end the tap is turned on full. The water level in the bath doesn't change but there are ‘new' water molecules entering the bath and ‘old' water molecules leaving the bath all the time. The human body is exactly the same. If the body breaks down more tissue than it builds up, then it is said to be in a catabolic state. This results in the metabolism slowing down due to the loss of muscle tissue. Having a portion of high-quality protein every few hours throughout the day provides the body with a constant supply of amino acids- the building blocks of the body. This prevents the catabolic state, promotes an anabolic state (tissue building) and therefore keeps the metabolism ‘fired-up'. If only carbohydrate or fat is consumed for a meal, for example a piece of fruit (carbohydrate) for the mid-morning meal, then the body will still enter a catabolic state because it doesn't have the building blocks (amino acids) to re-build body tissues. Protein, as its name suggests, is of primary importance. Reduce your intake of high-density carbohydrates. Most high-density carbohydrates like bread, Pasta, rice and cereals cause a rapid rise in blood glucose. This invokes the release of insulin from the pancreas, which in turn stores the glucose. The body stores glucose in the muscles and liver as glycogen and once these sites are full, the remaining glucose gets stored as body fat. Not only this, but insulin also stops the body from mobilising and utilising fat for fuel (burning fat). So if you want to maximise fat loss, you need to keep insulin to a minimum and the best way to do this is by reducing your intake of starchy carbohydrates without cutting them out altogether. Cutting them out totally is a philosophy of many low-carb diets on the market. However, these are very hard to sustain long-term and may lead to nutrient deficiencies. Each day, have a small amount (1-2 serves) of high density carbohydrates (bread, pasta, rice, cereals); a moderate amount (2-3 serves) of medium density carbohydrates (starchy vegetables and fruits); and a large amount (5-6 serves) of low density carbohydrates (fibrous vegetables). [For a complete list of carbohydrates, see pages 136-138 of the book, ‘ Look good, feel great! ] Do not have a Treat Day. Since you are expecting an extraordinary result, it is essential that you put in an extraordinary effort. Accordingly, for the next 28 days you must follow the plan exactly as it is outlined without deviating. This means you can't allow yourself to indulge in any ‘forbidden foods'. This also means avoiding alcohol for the entire 28-day period. I know this may be hard for some people but let's face it, it is only for 28 days! By committing to the plan and disciplining yourself to see it through, you are ensuring that the results will follow. Plus, the disciplines you create to help you achieve your physical goal will have a ‘carry-over benefit' to other areas of your life as well. I wish you the greatest success in achieving outstanding results! * Before using any nutritional supplement, speak with your health care professional. <!-- / message -->

Thanks Decked Out! That is very reasuring to me. I have a problem with them finding my veins where ever I go for some reason. I hate having people digging into my arms. They sometimes do a butterfly needle on the back of my hands. I am so excited about doing this! I can't wait to see "me" emerge. What a difference just every 10 pounds lost makes. My face totally changes and so does my outlook. When I am heavy I don't really want to go out and go anywhere. When I have been thin, I just want to go out even if it is to walk around. Thanks for all the support everyone is giving me. You all have made all the difference to me, to have the courage to take this journey. Thank you for being willing to share your stories with me. Have a beautiful and blessed day, Audree :clap2:

Janice: The way she re wrote her recipes was that there are no pastas, I think no rice dishes and just over all healthier and lower in fat. As a bandster, she said that the servings she would have to eat were so small, so she had to make sure that she got her Protein first, veggies, fruit and a lil' carbs. Her recipes are mostly all balanced meals, not just protien. If there is a recipe that calls for meat, she just has the bandster blend theres so the meat will go down easier. What I liked about her book is that she emphasizes that you don't have to cook one meal for yourself and then another one for your family. Some people can tolerate more than others. Some people say they can eat anything as long as they really chew it, and others can not have steak, Pasta, rice, bread. We won't really know till we get there ourselves since it seems to really vary from person to person. I hope this helps!!!!! Audree:o

Wow, 32 pounds in 5 months!!!!! That is amazing!!! Our stats sounds about the same, just a few pounds difference. I have never been able to lose like that even with fasting. I can not wait to begin. You also were banded by Dr. Ortiz? How was your experience? I am being banded by him too. I bought his book and it is very good. Audree

Merry Christmas everybody!!!! How did you all do? I had a light Breakfast of eggs, tasted a little here and there while cooking and had one serving of dinner. I had a couple Cookies and passed up on the pie. Today, I had some left overs for brunch, mashed potatoes, Beans and corn, so not so bad. Four more days till my pre op diet. I am even feeling burned out on food. Isn't that funny? 2 more weeks till my banding!!!!! WOOOHOOO Audree

I know that there is a Dr. C somewhere here that people ask medical questions. Where is the thread so we can ask there? Audree

Isn't it funny how we feel the need to check in! Is it my new obsession!!!:girl_hug: I just can't keep from coming here. At last, a healthy habit! Now, I just have to add the gym back!!! I actually am not over stuffing myself every time, but I am also not making the best choices. I did scare myself the other day though. I ate till it hurt and I haven't done that for many years. Wow, your pre op is only three days prior? Mine is one week, a protein shake for breakfast and a lean cuisine for lunch and dinner. I am looking forward to my food tonight. My pre op starts on Dec. 29, so in 5 days!!! I can't wait!!! Audree

The good thing is, it will come off!!! And, it won't sneak back up on us!!! Audree

You know, I just bought a book called "Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery" by Patt Levine. She was actually a chef and would write for Gourmet magazine. She is also a banster and re wrote all of her favorite recipes to be banster friendly. She says that they are all healthy foods you can make for your family that you and they will love, except she recommends to blend our portions. A lot of them we can just eat as is. It is really a very intersting book. She also talks about her experience with her banding and advice her nutrionist gives. I also got it on amazon.com for like $11!!! Can't beat that!!!!!:clap2: Audree

If I remember correctly, I had to cut and paste the ticker from the ticker factory and paste it on my signiture, where the User Cp is. I think I did the first or second selection, maybe the first one??? Hope that helps!Audree

Wow, 1-2 pounds lost a week sounds like a dream. I have done the most strict diets, fasts, extreme workouts with trainers burning a ton of calories and wouldn't lose 1-2 pounds in a month!!!!:faint: 1-2 pounds would be perfect and then I wouldn't have to worry so much about the skin sagging. I want to do this thing right from the get go. That is why I am picking all those experienced bandsters brains!!!!:girl_hug: Audree

Can I ask you what advice the nurse gave you so I make sure to not do it? What would your best advice be for us new people who are not banded yet and those who are banded, to not pb. Thanks!!! Audree

Diane: Thanks for the encouragment. I am actually only 2 hours from my Dr. in Mexico and my friend, who lives near me and had her surgery with the same doctor, we will be going up together to get our fillls together and turn around and come home. So, did your band slip because they overfilled you? Was it done under fluro? Dr. Ortiz only does it under fluro. I can't wait to start losing and that I will never gain the weight back. I think I will also work on getting a credit card that will always be on standby in case I'd ever slip. From what I read, the pbing is what causes the slips. Is that what you have found to? Audree

Thanks! I feels really good not to feel alone. Tonight I went out for Chinese, but my husband and I both split a two item combo. I used to be able to clear one out by myself and they really pack the plate. I can't wait to be one of those people with experience. I want to document everyday in my journals so I can watch my progress and help people with my journey. By the way, how do I put the link to my journal on my signiture line? Audree

Can you tell me how many pounds you lost a week on average? Did you have a lot of platueaus? I just want to know things like this in advance so I don't get discouraged. Thanks! Audree

Thanks for the advice!!! I needed to hear that. I just felt so out of control! Today I had eggs, mushrooms stirfry for breakfast and a small piece of pastry midday. I did so much today I didn't eat lunch or dinner. I asked my hubby if he'd take me out for chinese and split the one entree. I didn't think about my liver enlarging. I think I have gained maybe about 3 pounds or so. I really need this board as support. I feel like this is my support group. The only other time I had something like that was on one of my many attempts at Weight Watchers.... But, I love the convenience of the internet. I actually met someone who lives in Rancho Cucamonga online and we are going to meet up and support one another. Thanks for being there!!! Audree

Hi Ddee!! Can you share as a lower bmi bandster, how you did it? What you think helped you be successful? Many say that lower bmi bandsters lose slow and have trouble loosing? Did you find that was the case with you? How much did you lose a week and was is consistent? Did you hit many plateaus? There is a thread about Dr. Sanchez. If you do a search, there is actually the article someone translated into English. Unfortunately, it is true. Audree

Also, for those who would like to get more info on Dr. Oritz, I bought his book "Lap band for Life" on amazon.com Reading that book really made me feel and know I made the right choice choosing him. How many other doctors actually have a book with chapters written by the maker of the lap band and other top surgeons around the world? I was impressed!!! Audree:clap2:

I haven't heard of him, but I am getting banded by Dr. Ariel Ortiz. He wrote a book called Lap band for life (Amazon.com) and he is awsome. I have heard a lot of great things about him on the board. He was trained by the maker of the lapband and has taught doctors around the world. Hope that helps,Audree

I emailed my doctor and am waitin for his response. I will let you know what he says. Does anyone else know? Audree

I just needed to check in. I am eating more than I ever have, eating all the things I never allowed myself to since I lived my life from one diet to the next. I am getting really tired of fast food and eating out. I feel like crap. I am actually looking forward to my pre op diet on Jan. 29. I am a type of person that NEEDS structure. If I don't have a strict structure, I go crazy!!!:faint: I need guidelines. I feel so out of control. I have been eating till I am almost sick. Is this bad? I don't even want to see how much I have gained but I feel it, that I have. I am not even drinking my water. Why am I doing this to myself? I am trying to figure myself out. A part of my thinks, I will never get to eat this way again, so I am going to go to it! What is everyone else doing before their pre op? Are you on a feeding frenzy like me? Merry Christmas (since I doubt I will be on tomorrow). Audree

I am also getting banded in Mexico, on Jan. 5 by Dr. Ortiz. What do you mean by doing a yahoo group to find it easier? Let me know what we have to do! I am having major "last supper" syndrome, but it includes last Breakfast and last lunch syndrome also. I know for sure I have gained weight. I feel it and I feel like a rollie pollie!!!:faint: I, in a strange way, can't wait to begin doing my pre op diet on Dec. 29. , only 6 days to go till pre op! I almost can't believe it. This weekend is Christmas, and my kids are on Christmas break, so I know this next week will fly!!!! Then the following weekend is New Years. I will have a few days to get my stuff ready, Thursday January 4, I will drive out to Mexico and get banded on Friday the5th! I can't wait! Merry Christmas everybody!!!! Audree

Hello everybody!! How are we all doing? I am anxious as heck! I am starting to feel nervous now. I can't believe that Christmas is here this weekend already. I am going to eat to my hearts content! Then my pre op diet starts on Dec. 30, surgery is January 5. My pre op is only one week, thank God! I have been eating way out of control. I know I have gained some weight. I didn't get to exercise today, but I ran around a ton doing last minute Christmas shopping. So, then that must count because my legs are killing me. Is anyone going to be taking appetite suppresants during the 6 weeks before getting there first fill? I read some people actually gain weight during this time because they have no restriction yet. Looking forward to hearing what other Lower BMI ers have done to lose the weight. Is there anyone with a low bmi that had trouble losing or is it a myth? Audree:clap2: