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Hey there! Your post touched home as although I'm older than you, I'm about the same height and was close to the same weight as you. Great job on deciding to make a change for the better! Cutting out the soda is a great first step! Soda is just empty calories that don't help you in any beneficial way. The first step – have you seen a doctor about your back? You may want to have it checked to make sure you don’t have a herniated disk. If nothing shows up and you’re cleared to exercise, then I suggest you start walking. Try walking for 20 minutes, and build yourself up to longer time. Once you start exercising on a regular basis, it’s very possible that your back will begin to feel better. When I take more than a couple of days off from working out, my back starts to hurt a lot; when I start exercising again – no more pain. Once you lose some weight, you may want to try jogging/running. Start for short increments, like warming up by walking fast for five minutes, then jog for 90 seconds, walk for 90 seconds, jog for 90 seconds, walk again, etc., until you reach 25 minutes. Then cool down with another five minute walk. That will definitely help you tone up and lose weight. As you become fit, you can increase the time that you run and work out. The second step is to make sure you’re not overeating. If you are not banded, then I offer the following suggestions: You only need 3-4 ounces of protein, and you can always add some veggies. You may want to invest in a food scale – it really does help. Also, if you eat cold meat sandwiches, then I suggest that you switch to whole wheat bread and have low-sodium turkey. You only need one piece of bread and about three pieces of turkey. A half of a sandwich is really enough, especially for lunch. Also, you’ll want to have a mid-afternoon snack, so some fruit and two hard boiled eggs are a great suggestion. (You should eat about every four hours.) You need to remember that you need to burn more calories then what you take in. If you want help in tracking both how many calories you burn and how many you take in, you may want to invest in a calorie counter, such as a BodyBugg or Go Wear Fit. There have been a lot of posts about these, so just do a search to see what the others have said. So, if your goal is to lose two pounds a week, then you’ll need a 1000 calorie deficit each day. For me, this means burning 2500 calories each day and not eating more than 1500 calories. I think my highest weight was close to what you are – and once I stopped overeating and began walking for a ½ hour a day, I lost abut twenty five pounds really quickly (a lot of it was water weight). Last year I lost 50 pounds. I think I could have done a little better, as there were times I slacked off from working out, but I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and hope to finish what I started this year. I hope this helps. Regardless of whether you are banded or not, this site is a great resource. Let me know if you have any questions. Best, Maggie

Hi, I'm Paula. I am 39 and ready and waiting for my lab band surgery. It's scheduled for 1/7/09. I began my journey in February, attending the seminar, and it took me until 6/3/08 to get up the nerve to call to schedule my appointment with Dr. Means (UPMC St. Margarets in Pittsburgh). So...they scheduled all my tests and even gave me the surgery date. Of course I have to complete the required 6 months weight counseling and the psychological evaluation as well. After reading several posts on here, I know that this is the right decision for me. I cannot wait to have this done and start living a healthier life. I am married with 3 children (3,5,7) so they keep me pretty busy. It'll be nice to weigh less so that I can keep up with them. I am looking forward to sharing this journey with all of you. Paula

Seriously? This is an issue that many people deal with. I'm still okay with losing a little more weight but my face is starting to look older and sickly. I'd be about 7-10lbs less if I didn't have excess skin and that would put me at 129-132 for being 5'6" with quite a bit of muscle mass. (My pic is before i reached goal a year ago). To the OP don't worry, you are pretty new out from surgery. Around a year out I could eat 1/3 more than at 6 months out. Your weight loss will slow down and you will even out. What is your weight/height now?

Robbie...I believe that this forum typically is supportive. Not sure if the "Full Moon" had something to do with the emotions here. :-) I am not at a normal BMI yet, still considered overweight, yet already hear how OLD, SICK, HOLLOW that I look. There are so many things to consider. Are you aerobically working out to much? If you're not working out, maybe adding a weight lifting work out may help add some pounds with the new found muscle. I am a slow loser, was sleeved on Dec 28, 2012 and although have lost 65 lbs total, only 50 since surgery. I think that is a nice slow pace, yet I am am older and have lost from my upper half to the point that I get the "please don't lose anymore weight comments. I also started at 40 bmi . The weight loss has slowed down, I work out 5 days a week, but do eat 5 times a day, three meals and typically nuts etc mid morning and mid afternoon. Cheese is also a good calorie intact and good for you. Drink protein drinks, they too are great and add calories. The best of luck to you.

Feeling better and it's been one day already I hope this is a sign that everything will go smoothly. Starting Weight 252 Surgery Date Weight 246

Omg. I'm glad I'm not the only one. I've had super oily skin all my life and now I'm two weeks post op and need moisturizer. I'm following this to see what others suggest! Katy W- Louisburg, NC Lapband revision to VSG with DS HW- 297 Weight at Surgery-279 CW- will update at two week appt

This might be a man specific topic, I don't know, but when did you start to be able to lift heavy weights? I want to get into strength training but I'm cautious.

Well I'll be 8 months out from surgery on Monday. Did another before/after pic. Weight loss is definitely slowing down but I'm quite close to my goal and perfectly content where I am. I wouldn't mind dropping a few more pounds and I'm still losing, just slowly (7 pounds in the last 7 weeks). Overall though I feel a million times better.... I've gone from a 3XT/4X shirt to a regular Large shirt and waist was as big as a 50 at one point but generally a 46/48 and now down to a 34. Absolutely ZERO regrets!

"... Keep going. This is supposed to hurt." As you bust out the last few reps of your last set in a weight exercise. Lol. I am most assuringly hurting as I give her my friendly nod. Grunt grunt..trying not to pass out.. Ever had experiences like this in your training?

I don't respond well to the traditional no pain no gain, sadistic trainer, the kind who says just 3 more! And then after those 3 says, only 5 more! That sort of hooey makes me go into a blind rage. That is one reason why I love Xfit so much, the guys at the box are so enthusiastic and in love with Xfit that they just radiate joy in getting stronger and better, which makes you want to try your hardest.

Next birthday will be another story! Enjoy your weight loss this birthday. I just had my birthday on june 15th, had salad bar out and a piece of cake...no problem.(except the calories!) but back on track just fine the next day. Enjoy the new you this time around. Congrats!

I have to take BC pills to regulate my period due to my PCOS, I've taken it for over 10 years, at the moment I take Marlissa. I don't contribute the BC to any weight gain, as long as I do what I'm supposed to I still lose weight.

So, I had a bad second fill experience. I'm over it now, but have no restriction at all. Can't get my third fill until the first week of March. Here are some things I'm thinking of doing to get through this and still lose some weight. Any other suggestions are GREATLY appreciated! 1. I am planning healthy dinners for this week so I don't just do carry out and get something unhealthy. 2. I'm going to add an extra day of working out. 3. I am not going to eat after 8pm. 4. No more munching on snacks at work. I'm going to bring hot tea and have that instead.

Tunnel Vision. Defined as: “the tendency to focus exclusively on a single or limited goal or point of view”. A lot of people view tunnel vision as a bad thing. And in some instances, it can be. But in the instance of my health and physical fitness? It’s an amazinggggg thing! I sorta-kinda had counted myself out of the 5k I had planned to do next month due to some health set-backs and overall apathy while dealing with some of life’s other BS. But I’m glad to say my "tunnel vision" goggles have returned (as it pertains to getting in better shape) See this pic? That's me. RUNNING (jog/trot is more accurate) across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (MD to VA). The span is 2.-something miles. I did NOT run the entire length, but d@mmit, I DID it. 2 years ago - and 100# heavier - I could have never imagined this for myself. My 1st 5k race is in 3 weeks. I am determined to do it!! My inner athlete at work This weekend I headed out with my family for a traipse across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The span itself is a little over 2 miles one way. The trail totals 6 miles – there & back, including the bridge span. I hadn’t planned on running at all, but when the urge hit me? I took off! Like, didn’t even THINK about running. It just felt…NATURAL. For the first time. EVER. And I’m so incredibly proud of myself. I had nearly given up on the idea of being able to get in that 5k race next month, but this was just the encouragement I needed to stick to my plan. Like I said previously – even if I have to crawl over the finish line, I’m going to FINISH. #the end. My Sweetface...running like the wind! On another note: Who woulda thunk that my Sweetface 3 year old would serve as my biggest source of encouragement? Her daddy used to be runner, so I guess it’s in her genes. (damn shol aint in mine!) *shrug* But she knows it’s a struggle for me. At one point she said “See? Just like this, Mommy” – and took off running. Then said “COME ON, MOMMY! You can do it! Go Mommy!” How could I NOT find the energy after that?? I have exactly 3 weeks to get my bootay in gear. I have enlisted the help of Jillian Michaels and her “Last Chance” workout DVD to help amp it up a notch. So tonight, I will take my first 30 minute punishment. The REALLY insane part? I’m looking forward to it. That blows my mind. Not only that, but I’ve found another 5k race to get under my belt in October. Except this one is going to be funnnnn. (It’s a 5k obstacle course -entitled “Run for ya Lives”. Yeah – running from ZOMBIES! Presumable trying to eat my brains… *lol* Doesn’t get much better than that. Who thought I’d truly ever be excited to run – for any reason other than towards a cupcake truck?!?) Times, they are a changing. And so is my body. Y’all betta watch out… Size 12 is coming.

--- Anything we say to our daughters sounds like criticism to them. They learn from watching us. We didn't end up overweight because we have a healthy relationship with food. Don't project your food issues on to her. Over the years I have watched my child eat like a horse when she is going through growth spurts and then pick at food at other times. I don't believe that tough love should apply to eating. My daughter is 13. I have never restricted how much she eats. I do restrict what she eats. No soda, unless we are eating out. And only the child size drink. No refills. I make sure there is fruit and vegetable for her to snack on. I pack her lunch for school. I would never tell her she has to "diet" I don't think she eats as healthy as she should, but I don't want to plant the idea that she should obsess over food like I do. Since I don't think it's healthy for kids to diet, I sign her up for sports classes and take her to the events. She swims twice a week for at least an hour. Right now, she eats as much as she wants and doesn't gain weight. I know this will change as she gets older, so I'm trying to instill the habit of exercise. Food should not be a battle, it is nutrition. Find an activity your daughter enjoys and encourage her to exercise.

Thank you to everyone's response. I feel very badly for you guys who were criticized. That has to be a horrible feeling My mom showed me really poor habits and I know I have shown poor habits to my daughter. We are definitely working on it. I feel very lucky I can sit and talk w her and she listens. I also am able to apologize to her when I know I was wrong in saying something. This weight battle is never ending on so many levels

Ok good to know. My initial BMI was over 41 on my 1st visit which was at a weight of 265. My second visit was just after I came back from being away for almost two weeks and during the time I gained 9 pounds so I was at 274. As of today, I have two and half weeks to see the nutritionist again and I am at 264 which is 1 pound under my initial weight. I am tracking everything I put into my mouth, working out 4 times a week and eating around 1,250 calories a day. Even so I drop a couple of pounds more, I am hoping I can be under my initial weight in and still over the 40 required BMI. Do you guys think I should be ok?

I called today and the lady was extremely nice and basically told me that as stated the requirements are for you to complete the 3 months supervised diet regardless wether you go loose weight or not. Luckily for me as of today, I lost the weight I gained on vacation and now and I am 2 pounds less than starting weight. I am tracking all I eat and I have increased my exercise going to the gym at work during lunch and Orange Theory in the evenings.

I read this interesting story on the Huffington Post about a woman who experienced jealousy, lost friendships & had to deal with oodles of attention after losing weight. Check out the great article here: http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4577625?utm_hp_ref=tw It got me thinking where there things you didn't expect to happen or threw you for a loop after you the weight? It could be positive or negative. Please share your story!

What a fantastic day! Started with a bike ride with DH and 26 yo son who has taken up cycling like us because he wants to lose weight. Then DH and I spent several hours setting up our local hall for a charity dance we were hosting. We are doing a Lions bike ride over four days in April and need to raise $350 each. our dancing and other friends turned out and we reached our target - and danced all night! couldn't have done that pre-band!

I've been reading a lot about food addiction, and I'm trying to honestly assess myself. I have a huge passion for good food, but I don't eat a lot of junk or processed food. I haven't eaten fast food in probably 2 years. My husband has a candy habit, but I don't eat much of it. I love to cook, but my cooking style tends to be more Mediterranean than homestyle. I'm not much of a baker, so I don't make cakes or Cookies very often. When I get stressed or upset, I tend to cook and eat less than when I'm feeling good. I can get a little obsessive over food, but it tends to be more about individual ingredients. For instance, I'm always looking for new olive oils to try, and over the last few months I've probably bought a dozen types of sea salt. I have 2 lbs of French green lentils in the pantry that I'm excited to try. I'm looking forward to figuring out ways to up the Protein in everything I make post-op. Of course, I didn't get to this weight without over-enjoying a whole lot of great food. In my case, bad knee issues made it very hard to exercise, which just exacerbated the weight gain. But, I know I think about food a lot. I read cookbooks, watch a lot of cooking shows, and search out food blogs. I know that I will face head hunger and the challenges of all the life changes post-op. But how do you tell the difference between food passion and food addiction?

I WEIGHT LESS THEN WHAT MY DRIVERS LICENSE SAYS!!! I just noticed this, I can remember it being as high as 40 lb. over, but too embarrassed to update it, Always thinking by next renewal I will loose it only to have gained a few more. I am so happy right now! What is your latest NSV? I really LOVE reading them!!!!!!

I just checked in my wallet and oops...my weight listed is 18 pounds under my current weight! Not as bad as 3 months ago when it was 46 under (the truth). Congrats to you and your NSV!

I quit smoking. I stopped drinking caffeine. I am blowing up these silly little balloons every day. I have a passport. I bought a round trip ticket, first class. I checked as reasonably as I could into insurance options when I got home. I am doing the pre-op lowcarb diet. Saturday I'm going to purchase a money order since I couldn't get my credit card limit raised since I just moved. I made a plan to stay with my family for the first ten days after I get home just so somebody would be around. I bought slippers and some slouchy pants to walk around the hospital with, GasX strips, and ordered Protein drinks and a pitcher from Amazon. I still need Jello and broth. I have a ride to the airport. I have a ride home from the airport. I think I'm actually doing this! I might be a little optimistic about how miserable I'll feel afterwards. Also I specifically *planned* for this to happen after my TOM and wouldn't you know it, the darn thing hasn't come yet. Neither of these things is enough to make me chicken out. Plus I've never flown first class before -- the trip is about 4.5 hours. I'm looking forward to the happy pills, lol. Mostly I'm just stunned at my audacity. In the past two years I've looked into all kinds of weight loss options. Fat camps. Did you know there's a place in Utah that will put you on the HCG diet if you stay a month and give them twenty thousand dollars? Also The Biggest Loser camp in utah -- 15,000. You can go to a spa in California where some guy will feed you tuna and crackers every three hours and "reshape your body": 25,000 dollars. Hiking, touchy-feely camp in Vermont: 18,000. We Care spa, where Mariah Carey went once: 20k to live in a desert cabin and make your own vegetable juice, all other services extra. Raw food retreat -- 5,000 a week. The Raj Ayurveda Panchakarma spa: 700 a night. Nutrisystem: 400 a month times a year is 5k, if you stay on it. Medifast is about the same no matter what they say. Jenny Craig, oh my lord. Initiation fee of 500 dollars plus about 150 a week. I am just tired of this, you know? At the supermarket every women's magazine is really a diet magazine touting a "miracle breakthrough." I was in the deli section and there was a book caarousel there with a book on it called " The TEA Diet." So think about this. Think about all that money, all that time, all that reading, all that measuring, taping, weighing, the "consultations", the "meetings", the late night infomercials, the exercise tapes, the before and afters, all that time, years and years of life wrapped up in this obsession that NEVER gets solved. I mean look I can love my body and allow myself to be loved and adore my ankles and all that but this will not make me a thin girl. I found one thing that really will and it will cost me eleven thousand dollars, an enormous amount of anxiety, some literal pain and after that? all that, up there? Gone. FOREVER. And I am really doing it.

This is such great news for you "as well as for my hubby" Our insurance as of this moment is Aetna "my surgery is on the 21st" but starting in January we are switching to United Healthcare, but we weren't sure how well they go about covering surgery when weight loss is involved, but reading on here UHC seems to cover more then we were thinking. No matter which plan we have. When do you start your liquid diet? Mine started today for 5 days and then another week-2 weeks after surgery depending on how my body reacts to the reintroduction of food.. LoL I am holding strong and not feeling a bit hungry. Any way CONGRATULATIONS!! It's such a blessing when we recieve news we so want to hear..