monicaleon18

Hi All,

I just celebrated my 1 year two days ago and have lost 88 pounds so far... I'm between a 10 and 12 pants (from a 22-24) and a l - xl shirt (from a 3x) so the difference is there... I still have 20 til my original goal... anything more is a bonus in my book. Let's keep going and work WITH our band... take care, Moni

Hi Everyone...

Just got back from the doc with 1cc less in my band =( I have a dilated pouch. So I am on liquids for a week, then mushy foods, then two days of liquids and then back to the docs office to check my band again.

SO, if you EVER feel acid reflux... don't think about it... just make the call and go in. My doc said if I continued like this for another week I could of slipped my band... I couldn't believe it. Remember to listen to your body... I knew something was not right... I'm so glad I called and went in.

So now I am at 3.5cc and if everything is ok when I go back they will give me .5cc and then go from there.

I have to stay focused and eat like I have 4.5cc... I just hope to not gain any weight.

Feeling a little down... but still motivated...

Take Care,

Moni

so Moni, do you take synthetic Fiber. I just get so backed up if I don't have a lot of fiber, so I do a lot of raw veggies, which don't hurt the calories, but much fiber adds some to the carbs. this is where I have trouble with the hardcore low carb. I'm just wondering if you deal with this at all.

I take it in my Water ... I take the CVS Natural Fiber Supplement... but I only take one a day... it is 20 calories, 5 total carbs (3g dietary fiber and 2g soluble fiber) but I forgot to add it that day to my log... I really don't have a ton of issues going # 2. You have to think of it this way... we are eating a ton less so we will go less. Of course if it has been 3 days and nothing then take something to make you go and add more fiber. I don't need more... my body got used to just 1 supplement and I go once a day. My doc says I'm good that way I am doing it. I do eat veggies I just didn't eat them that day.

Actually today I have an appointment because I think my band might be to tight. I have been experiencing some Acid Reflux at night while asleep for the past 2 nights. To the point that it wakes me up, so my doc asked me to come in and have it checked. He said most likely I will get an unfill. Right now I am at 4.5cc so I am a little sad that I will lose my restriction, I am really happy with the level I have now.

I will let you know what happens.

Moni

Alright Moni, you are killing me, really? 25-30 carbs, wow, that is impressive, I shoot for 60 and feel great if I make that.

you have to share what your typical meal day looks like?

I can't imagine. Especially because some days I try to do less meat, like I probably do vegetarian like 3 times a week, and those days of course the carbs are higher, many years of being a vegetarian, and even a vegan, and now I see that probably had something / well a lot to do with my constant weight gain.

anyway I'm dying to hear if you are willing to share.

Hi Lisa, Here is my journal for yesterday... I really don't track Water in this... that I keep in my head. Also I am really tight in the AM so I eat less... again this was yesterday. I consumed 860 calories, burned 650 (Sunday I work out like crazy), Carbs : 29.7 and Protein: 92.0 which keep me FULL all day. I treat fruits like Desserts when I need my sweet fix. Hope this helps.

Today's food Log

Food Name Serving Size Cals Fat (g) Carbs (g) Prot (g)

Egg, whole, boiled 1large 77 5.3 0.6 6.3

coffee 1mug (8 fl oz) 2 0.0 0.1 0.3

tuna, canned, Water 1can (6.5 oz), 194 1.4 0.0 42.6

KRAFT mayo Light 1tbsp 50 4.9 1.3 0.1

Watermelon, raw 0.5cup 23 0.1 5.7 0.5

cheese, Swiss 2slice (1 oz) 215 15.8 3.1 15.3

Beef goulash w/ potatoes 1cup 298 12.4 19.0 27.0

Total 860 39.9 29.7 92.0

Hi Everyone!

Long time no post, I’m sorry about that. I read up on some past posts and wanted to share some insight that has recently helped me. Carbs!!! I was told to watch out for them, but really watch out… so I started tracking and what a difference it has been making. I was stuck on a yo yo for some time and this helped me. When I started tracking I was averaging between 60 to 70 carbs a day, which is not good at all. So I took it down to half and saw a 3 pound drop in 1 week. Since then I am now between 25-30 a day and I have been losing about 1-2 a week.

Here is some of my info:

Banded on Sept 20^th

Highest Weight: 268.8

Current Weight: 180.3

Pounds lost: 88.5

Goal Weight: 160.0

I love the challenge you guys are doing so my challenge for this month and until my anniversity will be to drink at least 70 oz of Water a day, stay within my 25-30 of carbs, and exercise at least 4 days a week. I would love to reach my goal by Sept 20^th, but I have to not focus on that now and just take it day by day. I love the fact that I have lost 88 pounds and even though this is no walk in the park, it is the best thing I have done for my life, my health, and my confidence.

For you that are struggling… change things up like Lisa said. If you’re not losing then whatever you are doing is not working with your body. You have to figure it out and only by experimenting you will find out. Only you know what you put in your mouth, don’t cheat yourself. If you gain or not lose this week, think about what fuel you are giving your body. That is how I have figured out that rice, bread and Pasta are a NO NO for me. Anything dry will get me stuck and milk which is not slim milk will make me gain weight.

There are no true instructions with the band, only suggestions. Remember that… we have to do the work and find out what works with our bodies. <BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break">

I hope that my words help in anyway. Keep taking it day by day and keep listening to your body, it will guide you.

Moni

I have 4.5cc because I had to get an unfill of .5cc in March. I was throwing up a lot back then. I have an appointment on June 24th to see about getting a .2 or .3 small fill to find my sweet spot... I am really happy with the weight lose thus far even if I don't lose for a couple of weeks and then lose 5 pounds at once... really strange, but it is working for me.

As far as hunger... it varies just like my weight. This week I have been really tight and can barely eat my portions. Other weeks I can down double so that is when I have to control my mouth

Isn't it funny how we are all different... this band thing is so amazing!!

Thanks LisaA. I have 5 ccs. For the month of May I was hungry a lot. I felt I was eating a lot more. I also started snacking on chips. Plus my weight was up and down. One week I lost the next I gained. I felt ready for a fill. But Dr. said I was pretty tight and didn't want to add to much more. Today is my first day back to eating and I can feel the tightness, so I am making sure I am chewing, chewing and eating slowly. I also was eating very fast and throwing up a lot.

I have 4.5cc because I had to get an unfill of .5cc in March. I was throwing up a lot back then. I have an appointment on June 24th to see about getting a .2 or .3 small fill to find my sweet spot... I am really happy with the weight lose thus far even if I don't lose for a couple of weeks and then lose 5 pounds at once... really strange, but it is working for me.

As far as hunger... it varies just like my weight. This week I have been really tight and can barely eat my portions. Other weeks I can down double so that is when I have to control my mouth

Isn't it funny how we are all different... this band thing is so amazing!!

Thanks LisaA. I have 5 ccs. For the month of May I was hungry a lot. I felt I was eating a lot more. I also started snacking on chips. Plus my weight was up and down. One week I lost the next I gained. I felt ready for a fill. But Dr. said I was pretty tight and didn't want to add to much more. Today is my first day back to eating and I can feel the tightness, so I am making sure I am chewing, chewing and eating slowly. I also was eating very fast and throwing up a lot.

Hi all,

I found this link on YouTube... for the 5 day pouch test... I think I'm going to do it also...

Let me know how it goes for you guys...

Monica

I've done a slightly modified version of the 5 day pouch test (because I'm a vegetarian), and it really does work. The first 1 - 2 days are horrible, but it really isn't bad after that; and the benefits are great. If you're really struggling, I'd give it a try!

That is wonderful news!!! CONGRATS

Moni

Good News! My band slipped resolved itself!! I will get a fill on Monday and can't wait!! I hate feeling hungry... Have a great weekend everyone!

Well Lisa, thanks for the inspiration part!!! that just made my day. Continue running... most days I run a little more but my minimum is 1 mile.

Moni

wow moni, that is awesome, onderland, holy cow. funny I've been down on myself for only doing a mile, so I'm glad to hear that's what you are doing because I think of you as an inspiration.

Hi all, Moni here

It's been a while since I've posted so here is a summary... I was banded on Setp 20th 2010 and weighed in at 268 pounds. Today I weighed in at 193 with a 75 pound lose!!!

I have only 33 more pounds to hit my goal of 160. I think that anything more than that will be a bonus and that is how I plan to keep it. I am in a full size 14 and fitting into some 12s. My tops are still xl because I am a big chested girl so I think it will be a miracle if I can ever get into a L... I guess time will tell.

Besides that, I keep running my 1 mile daily and taking care of what goes in my mouth. I have 4.5cc in my 10.cc band and I go for a visit on the 24th to see if I get a small fill.. I think it will really help me out because I have been in a yo yo 190s for a while now.

I read and see that everyone is doing great, so keep it up.

Take Care,

Moni

Hi Everyone,

It's been a while since I last updated... I have lost 64 lbs... only 4.2 to be in ONEDERLAND!!! I can't believe it is now so close. My new mini goal is to be there by April 28th when I go on vac to Costa Rica.

I am running 1 mile and then doing parts of the P90X. At this point I am not going to force myself to do the entire program. Another goal is to do the entire program from start to finish by the time I reach my goal weight... so now I just do portions and about 3-4 times a week... I really want to tighten everything I can as I am losing the weight so it is not so hard later on =)

Continue eating Protein first, drinking Water, and vitamins...

Has anyone heard from Brian? Hope he is ok...

Remember to take it one step at a time... good job everyone!

Moni

Hello All,

I am happy to report that I am down 60 pounds... and just 8 pounds short of onderland... My mini goal is to be in onderland before April 28th when I go to Costa Rica on a family vacation.

Mrs. Doxie I also live in Richmond and was banded by Dr. Hollis on Sept 20th 2010.

I would also love to attend and did have the same concern about making the drive and maybe no-one would show up...

Why not put in this forum if we are planning to go next month so we at least have an idea how many people will attend?

Just a thought.

Moni

HI Everyone!

I would love to join in for 17 pounds... 17 would put me in ONEDERLAND.... let's see where I end up... Thanks for the motivation!

Spring Break Challenge

Hi Everyone,

I am here to share my exciting news... I FINALLY reached my mini-goal of losing 50 pounds!!! It took me longer than I wanted to, but I made it!!!

Hope all is well with you guys!

Moni

Hi Everyone!

WOW... let me tell you how hard it has been to loose my frist 50 pounds... I have been on a see-saw ... and today I am still .9 lbs away from that goal... but I am motivated more than ever to see a change tomorrow... I plan on eating my portions today, drinking Water, and I am doing the Zumba DVD and running at least 2 miles tonight... I hope to see that scale move tomorrow =)

I also have my first 5k run on Sunday and I have to be honest... I am scared... but all I can do is try my hardest...

I will post once I hit my goal, origianlly it was due for Dec 31st... but a couple of days after is not a big deal... without my wonderful band... I would of probally gained... so I am happy and just have to put in a little more effort.

Have a wonderful week!

Remember to take it one step at a time.

Moni

Hi Everyone!!!

Happy New Year!!!

So far I have not met my goal to loose 50 pounds before 01/01/11... I am 2 pounds away!!! But come on... I lost 48 pounds in 3 months and 14 days... and that is out of this world... so no sad faces here... just have to push harder =)

I am really excited because I found a location about 4 miles from my house that gives Zumba classes. I love to dance and love Zumba... I have the DVDs at home, but wanted to go see if the class would motivate me more. So tonight is my first class... I can't wait.

I wanted to share my 2011 resolutions and goals so I can feel some type of accountability with completing the goals... here are mine...

What are your 2011 New Year resolutions?

A New Year and new resolutions... Here are mine:

1. Continue to work on my personal happiness, wellbeing, and health

2. Continue to loose weight and reach my goal by year end (160 lbs)

3. Continue school with GPA of 3.8 or higher

4. Pay off as many bills as possible

5. Work on my communication/relationship with my husband

6. Go to a "woman" doctor to get in control

7. Always look my best, put makeup and fix my hair daily

8. Workout at least 4 days a week

9. Track my calorie, Protein, and workout daily

10. Save as much money as possible

What mini-goals do you have for this year?

1. Loose 50 pounds by 12/31/2011 (did not meet goal in 2010 so I will meet by 01/15/2011).

2. Be in Onederland by April 1^st 2011

3. Be in a size 12 by my birthday (06/01)

4. Be in a size 10 by my anniversary (08/30)

5. Get a makeover on my bandaversary (09/20)

6. Be at goal weight (160 lbs) before 12/31/2011

Let's keep pushing forward... one step at a time.

Moni

Hi Everyone... so far I have two people and myself wanting to meet... TXPrime says Galleria... which is a great location. so how about Jan 15th at the Starbucks on Westheimer and Post Oak? say noon? We can then decide where to go from there... there is a Soup and salad place on Westheimer and Hillcroft... maybe we can have lunch there? Just a thought...

Here is my cell phone: 713-385-5487 call me if you want to confirm... also... I was thinking of making a little questionaire up before the meeting.... that way we can all have a small bio-page. Let me know if you guys are interested and I will whip something up =)

Just send me your email address and I will send out the form.

I am SOOO excited and can't wait to meet everyone... we need all the support possible.

Moni

Hello everyone, wow it sounds like so many of you are doing great. I am bummed, today I weighed myself and am back up to where I was when I got filled before thanksgiving. Maybe I need a fill, the holidays are killing me, I'll lose a lb. and then gain it back. I've lost 30 lbs total now, which I am happy about, but really I've only lost 13lbs since I was banded. I need to get back on track. I also broke my toe on a treadmill I just bought, so now I can't walk on it. I'm feeling hopeless. I need to get back on track.

Hi Lisa,

Don't be bummed... if you can't walk just work on your Water intake and Portion Control. You can also do some weights while sitting down. Maybe go on youtube and find some sitting down excerise to keep you activate.

Have a wonderful Holiday!

Moni

So we all want to meet... that is great!!!

How about after the holidays to get ourselves on check and maybe even set some goals that we can help eachother achieve =)

Can anyone think of a good, quiet location that we can meet at? maybe someplace where they won't kick us out if we chat for too long =)

How does Saturday, January 18th sound? Maybe 10am for a brunch?

Please let me know and send me some suggestions on a location or if you want to change the time and day.

Hope to meet as many of you as possible... I need as much support as I can =)

Hello,

I live in Richmond, TX and was banded on Sept 20th by Dr. Hollis. If there is a group out there I would love to join... just let me know...

Hi Everyone,

Hope all are doing great and getting ready for the Holidays!

I had my 3^rd fill on Wednesday and now have a total of 4cc in my band. I have lost about 9 pounds since my last update and am SOOO happy. My highest weight was 268 and now am 222, that's a 46 pound lost so far =) I was banded on Sept 20th.

I had some people ask me how I did the 9 pounds in a month…all I can say is the treadmill… I signed up for my first 5k for Jan 16^th and have been doing the c25k program and I promise it is working. I also have changed the way I control my portions by buying 1 cup size containers… I have a Protein shake for breakfast, coffee and 30 oz of Water all before lunch. At lunch I eat my 2 containers full of a meat (1 cup) and a veggie (1 cup) and then start my 2nd 30 oz of Water again. Around 3pm I start to get hungry and I have my snack (yogurt, pudding, cheese, or fruit). Then I start on my 3^rd 30oz of water that holds me until I eat dinner. My dinner is the same as lunch and about 30minutes later I do my workout and finish my 3^rd container of water. I have been doing this for a month and I feel great. So now I am drinking 90 oz of water.

My end-of-year goal is to loose 50 pounds and I am only 4 pounds away and am really excited and proud of myself.

I share all this because I want to let you guys know what works for me. It took my 3 months to figure out how my body reacts to different foods and activities (or the lack of activities), I am really happy to have found a good routine. I spoke to my doctor about it and he loved it. He says I am his biggest looser for the Sept banded patients and that makes me push even harder. I was always the girl that was in last place… so it feels wonderful to be doing the right thing and being recognized by my surgeon.

I want to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas. Remember to take it one step at a time and to take a look back at where we were 3 months ago… that should be fuel enough to push us forward.

I will post again when I reach my 50 pound goal… I can't wait!!!

Moni

[1. how many cc's you have in your band

I have 3.5 cc and I go on Dec 15^th for more =)

2. do you feel you have restriction- what does that mean for you?

I have some… Let me explain… if I eat fast or don’t chew… I feel it. But for me to say wow I can’t take another bit… nope… I actually see my plate and say stop eating now… and the difference now is that I feel contempt.

3. are your calories tending to stay below like 1600 (or what are your calories generally.)

I am way below 1600 calories… more like 1000. I really don’t count… I just know it… the times I count it I am always below.

4. what is your weight loss like.

I was banded on Sept 20^th and I have lost 41 pounds as of this AM. My mini-goal is to have lost 50 pounds by New Year… 9 more to go… 24 days!!!

5. are you hungry between meals.

It depends on what I eat. M-F I have a Protein Shake and coffee in the AM so I definitely feel it by noon. Around 3ish I make myself a banded frappachino… that is what I call it. Lol

6. are you exercising, and how much

Yes… doing the c25K… I am signed up for my first 5k on Jan 16^th

7. how much Water are you drinking?

I am drink about 60 oz of water a day

Hi Everyone!

I got my 2nd fill yesterday and I feel no difference… I actually think my doctor is very careful with fills… my first fill I only got .7cc and yesterday I got 1cc for a total of 3.5cc (Doc put some fill the day of surgery). My scale has been moving up and down like crazy… I gained 1 pounds, lost 2, gained 1 and now I am back down 2… so I am the same weight I was 10 days ago when I last posted… so frustrating… but when I look at the BIG picture I have to say that without the band… I would have probably gained 10 pounds… so that is what I need to focus on.

I am making Thanksgiving dinner so I can try to “be healthy” as much as possible. I figure if I cook, I get to have control of “most” of the calories I will eat. It is so hard to go to friend’s house to eat because you never know what they put in the food. So I guess I will be doing most of the cooking from now on… at least I love to cook and don’t mind it at all.

Less than a week till Thanksgiving… have a safe one.

Moni