9 months and 100 pounds later... what I've learned.

[StormRoyale 2]

Nine months ago I was 270lbs with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and borderline diabetes.

As of today, I've reached my original goal weight of 170lbs. Last time I was under 200lbs was... 20 years ago?

I've had 2 fills totaling 6cc into a 14cc band. I've always had very little restriction. Nothing has ever gotten stuck and I can eat about 4 cups in 10 minutes.

I truly believe that my surgery saved my life! It took having surgery to finally get that elusive something to click in my head that I had to change my eating habits.

While I don't think that the Lap-Band is for everyone... (***I recommend most people I know to get a by-pass instead***) I'm so happy I got one!

My new goal: loose 10 lbs of body fat and gain 15 pounds of muscle.

***From my experience, success with the Lap-Band is 80% willpower and 20% band. Whereas the people that I know who have gotten the by-pass: 80% by-pass and 20% willpower. With a by-pass you CAN'T over-eat and must avoid high sugar foods. With the lap-band, I can eat everything and must monitor myself.

[kll724 3,055]

Nine months ago I was 270lbs with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and borderline diabetes.

As of today, I've reached my original goal weight of 170lbs. Last time I was under 200lbs was... 20 years ago?

I've had 2 fills totaling 6cc into a 14cc band. I've always had very little restriction. Nothing has ever gotten stuck and I can eat about 4 cups in 10 minutes.

I truly believe that my surgery saved my life! It took having surgery to finally get that elusive something to click in my head that I had to change my eating habits.

While I don't think that the Lap-Band is for everyone... (***I recommend most people I know to get a by-pass instead***) I'm so happy I got one!

My new goal: loose 10 lbs of body fat and gain 15 pounds of muscle.

***From my experience, success with the Lap-Band is 80% willpower and 20% band. Whereas the people that I know who have gotten the by-pass: 80% by-pass and 20% willpower. With a by-pass you CAN'T over-eat and must avoid high sugar foods. With the lap-band, I can eat everything and must monitor myself.

I think that I agree with the statement above; but when willpower(won't power) gives out, lapband takes over causing you not to overeat! Karen

[TKW 501]

Good for you! I am 9 months and just over 100 lbs too but lots more to go yet. I couldn't imagine being able to eat 4 cups but I could still eat sweets to the breaking point! I love my band too and if there would be anything I could have different about the band it would be the sweets thing. They just go down too easy. Continued success to you!

[rktaurus71 4]

You are a total inspiration. I am only down 30 lbs. It's been 4 months since surgery. I started at 276 and want to get to 180. So our sizes and goals are very similar. I am still trying to figure it out. Right now, I think, I'm 'too tight'. I've had 3 episodes of 'getting stuck' this week -- with horrible vomiting. So, I'm seeing the doctor on Monday. I just can't quite figure out what I can eat. The things that are easy for the band to tolerate (mushy things) are higher in calories. Still, I've lost 30 lbs in 4 months, so I guess that's not bad, but I'm wondering what you eat during the day. What's an average day - food-wise, look like for you? Congratulations --- that is really amazing.

[StormRoyale 2]

You are a total inspiration. I am only down 30 lbs. It's been 4 months since surgery. I started at 276 and want to get to 180. So our sizes and goals are very similar. I am still trying to figure it out. Right now, I think, I'm 'too tight'. I've had 3 episodes of 'getting stuck' this week -- with horrible vomiting. So, I'm seeing the doctor on Monday. I just can't quite figure out what I can eat. The things that are easy for the band to tolerate (mushy things) are higher in calories. Still, I've lost 30 lbs in 4 months, so I guess that's not bad, but I'm wondering what you eat during the day. What's an average day - food-wise, look like for you? Congratulations --- that is really amazing.

Breakfast:: 3 slices of Foster Farms Oven Roasted chicken Breast deli meat (60 calories and 15g of protein) diced then browned in the frying pan, 3/4 cup of Eggbeaters (90 calories and 18g of protein), 1/4 cup of diced onion, 1 wedge of Laughing Cow Light Sun-dried Tomato & basil cheese (35 calories and 2g of protein). Ends up making about 3 fluffy cups of food worth 185 calories and 35g of Protein.

Lunch: Clif Builder's bar (chocolate mint or vanilla almond are the best!) 270 calories and 20g of Protein.< /strong>

Dinner: A variety of things made out of Ground Turkey BREAST (8oz 240 calories and 56g of protein) Some example of what I make with the ground turkey: Chinese Orange Ground Turkey, Chili, Ground Turkey Tika Masala, Ground Turkey Asian Lettuce Wraps, Red Curry Ground Turkey, Ground Turkey Enchiladas (no tortilla), Ground Turkey Doro Wat (Ethiopian chicken in red pepper paste), Moroccan Ground Turkey, Ground Turkey Chili Rellenos... etc.

With all of these dishes, 8oz usually equals about 400 calories. (If anyone is interested, I can give you my recipe. It's all about full flavor with minimal substitution.) I only cook them once a week in bulk. Half get frozen and the other half will last me most of the week.

Snack: Skinny Cow chocolate Truffle Ice Cream bar (100 calories and 3g of protein)

About twice a week or so, I'll also eat a Lean Pocket (average 250 calories and 10g protein).

Average day: 900-1300 calories and 115-125g of protein

Once a week I'll go out to dinner and eat whatever I want. I try to avoid empty calories (rice, Pasta, mayo, etc.) Other than that... on my nights out, I probably end up eating close to 2000 calories.

[rktaurus71 4]

Thank you so much for this. You are so generous with your time. I truly appreciate it. Thank you for the inspiration!

Breakfast:: 3 slices of Foster Farms Oven Roasted chicken Breast deli meat (60 calories and 15g of protein) diced then browned in the frying pan, 3/4 cup of Eggbeaters (90 calories and 18g of protein), 1/4 cup of diced onion, 1 wedge of Laughing Cow Light Sun-dried Tomato & basil cheese (35 calories and 2g of protein). Ends up making about 3 fluffy cups of food worth 185 calories and 35g of Protein.

Lunch: Clif Builder's bar (chocolate mint or vanilla almond are the best!) 270 calories and 20g of Protein.< /strong>

Dinner: A variety of things made out of Ground Turkey BREAST (8oz 240 calories and 56g of protein) Some example of what I make with the ground turkey: Chinese Orange Ground Turkey, Chili, Ground Turkey Tika Masala, Ground Turkey Asian Lettuce Wraps, Red Curry Ground Turkey, Ground Turkey Enchiladas (no tortilla), Ground Turkey Doro Wat (Ethiopian chicken in red pepper paste), Moroccan Ground Turkey, Ground Turkey Chili Rellenos... etc.

With all of these dishes, 8oz usually equals about 400 calories. (If anyone is interested, I can give you my recipe. It's all about full flavor with minimal substitution.) I only cook them once a week in bulk. Half get frozen and the other half will last me most of the week.

Snack: Skinny Cow chocolate Truffle Ice Cream bar (100 calories and 3g of protein)

About twice a week or so, I'll also eat a Lean Pocket (average 250 calories and 10g protein).

Average day: 900-1300 calories and 115-125g of protein

Once a week I'll go out to dinner and eat whatever I want. I try to avoid empty calories (rice, Pasta, mayo, etc.) Other than that... on my nights out, I probably end up eating close to 2000 calories.

[54Shirley 105]

Breakfast:: 3 slices of Foster Farms Oven Roasted chicken Breast deli meat (60 calories and 15g of protein) diced then browned in the frying pan, 3/4 cup of Eggbeaters (90 calories and 18g of protein), 1/4 cup of diced onion, 1 wedge of Laughing Cow Light Sun-dried Tomato & basil cheese (35 calories and 2g of protein). Ends up making about 3 fluffy cups of food worth 185 calories and 35g of Protein.

Lunch: Clif Builder's bar (chocolate mint or vanilla almond are the best!) 270 calories and 20g of Protein.< /strong>

Dinner: A variety of things made out of Ground Turkey BREAST (8oz 240 calories and 56g of protein) Some example of what I make with the ground turkey: Chinese Orange Ground Turkey, Chili, Ground Turkey Tika Masala, Ground Turkey Asian Lettuce Wraps, Red Curry Ground Turkey, Ground Turkey Enchiladas (no tortilla), Ground Turkey Doro Wat (Ethiopian chicken in red pepper paste), Moroccan Ground Turkey, Ground Turkey Chili Rellenos... etc.

With all of these dishes, 8oz usually equals about 400 calories. (If anyone is interested, I can give you my recipe. It's all about full flavor with minimal substitution.) I only cook them once a week in bulk. Half get frozen and the other half will last me most of the week.

Snack: Skinny Cow chocolate Truffle Ice Cream bar (100 calories and 3g of protein)

About twice a week or so, I'll also eat a Lean Pocket (average 250 calories and 10g protein).

Average day: 900-1300 calories and 115-125g of protein

Once a week I'll go out to dinner and eat whatever I want. I try to avoid empty calories (rice, Pasta, mayo, etc.) Other than that... on my nights out, I probably end up eating close to 2000 calories.

I'm interested in recipes. Email them to sstasevich@charter.net if you would. That way I can print them off.

Thanks, Shirley.

I'll take the enchiladas , and lettuce wraps. Whatever you want to throw in that isn't to hot or spicy I'll take. I can't hold the spicy stuff. Thanks, Shirley.

[Spot 20]

I'm literally jealous. Literally.

[suenan 0]

Nine months ago I was 270lbs with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and borderline diabetes.

As of today, I've reached my original goal weight of 170lbs. Last time I was under 200lbs was... 20 years ago?

I've had 2 fills totaling 6cc into a 14cc band. I've always had very little restriction. Nothing has ever gotten stuck and I can eat about 4 cups in 10 minutes.

I truly believe that my surgery saved my life! It took having surgery to finally get that elusive something to click in my head that I had to change my eating habits.

While I don't think that the Lap-Band is for everyone... (***I recommend most people I know to get a by-pass instead***) I'm so happy I got one!

My new goal: loose 10 lbs of body fat and gain 15 pounds of muscle.

***From my experience, success with the Lap-Band is 80% willpower and 20% band. Whereas the people that I know who have gotten the by-pass: 80% by-pass and 20% willpower. With a by-pass you CAN'T over-eat and must avoid high sugar foods. With the lap-band, I can eat everything and must monitor myself.

WOW,totally impressive!!! I hope I am as successful as you have been. I go in about 2 weeks to see if I am a candidate. I truly hope so. I have been reading a bunch of different posts,some positive and so negative. I would like to lose about 75 lbs and hope to do so with the help of the band.

Keep up the good work, and give yourself a pat on the back for a fantastic weightloss journey!

Sue

[StormRoyale 2]

WOW,totally impressive!!! I hope I am as successful as you have been. I go in about 2 weeks to see if I am a candidate. I truly hope so. I have been reading a bunch of different posts,some positive and so negative. I would like to lose about 75 lbs and hope to do so with the help of the band.

Keep up the good work, and give yourself a pat on the back for a fantastic weightloss journey!

Sue

Thanks! Believe it or not, but I didn't really think that the lap-band was going to work for me all that well before I got it. Hell, even after I had had it for a few months, I thought I would be like most and only lose about 60% of my excess weight. I figured if I actually DID lose all the weight I wanted to, I was expecting it to take up to 2 years to happen. Thankfully, I lost 2 pounds a week pretty steadily. Any time I started to plateau, I would do something drastic to shake up my body and start the weight-loss again.

[54Shirley 105]

I'll take the enchiladas , and lettuce wraps. Whatever you want to throw in that isn't to hot or spicy I'll take. I can't hold the spicy stuff. Thanks, Shirley.

[mousek 4]

Nine months ago I was 270lbs with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and borderline diabetes.

As of today, I've reached my original goal weight of 170lbs. Last time I was under 200lbs was... 20 years ago?

I've had 2 fills totaling 6cc into a 14cc band. I've always had very little restriction. Nothing has ever gotten stuck and I can eat about 4 cups in 10 minutes.

I truly believe that my surgery saved my life! It took having surgery to finally get that elusive something to click in my head that I had to change my eating habits.

While I don't think that the Lap-Band is for everyone... (***I recommend most people I know to get a by-pass instead***) I'm so happy I got one!

My new goal: loose 10 lbs of body fat and gain 15 pounds of muscle.

***From my experience, success with the Lap-Band is 80% willpower and 20% band. Whereas the people that I know who have gotten the by-pass: 80% by-pass and 20% willpower. With a by-pass you CAN'T over-eat and must avoid high sugar foods. With the lap-band, I can eat everything and must monitor myself.

wow! What a success! This post should be in success stories! congratulations on a job well done!:Banane34: Cheers!

[Donnaamarie 0]

Breakfast:: 3 slices of Foster Farms Oven Roasted chicken Breast deli meat (60 calories and 15g of protein) diced then browned in the frying pan, 3/4 cup of Eggbeaters (90 calories and 18g of protein), 1/4 cup of diced onion, 1 wedge of Laughing Cow Light Sun-dried Tomato & basil cheese (35 calories and 2g of protein). Ends up making about 3 fluffy cups of food worth 185 calories and 35g of Protein.

Lunch: Clif Builder's bar (chocolate mint or vanilla almond are the best!) 270 calories and 20g of Protein.< /strong>

Dinner: A variety of things made out of Ground Turkey BREAST (8oz 240 calories and 56g of protein) Some example of what I make with the ground turkey: Chinese Orange Ground Turkey, Chili, Ground Turkey Tika Masala, Ground Turkey Asian Lettuce Wraps, Red Curry Ground Turkey, Ground Turkey Enchiladas (no tortilla), Ground Turkey Doro Wat (Ethiopian chicken in red pepper paste), Moroccan Ground Turkey, Ground Turkey Chili Rellenos... etc.

With all of these dishes, 8oz usually equals about 400 calories. (If anyone is interested, I can give you my recipe. It's all about full flavor with minimal substitution.) I only cook them once a week in bulk. Half get frozen and the other half will last me most of the week.

Snack: Skinny Cow chocolate Truffle Ice Cream bar (100 calories and 3g of protein)

About twice a week or so, I'll also eat a Lean Pocket (average 250 calories and 10g protein).

Average day: 900-1300 calories and 115-125g of protein

Once a week I'll go out to dinner and eat whatever I want. I try to avoid empty calories (rice, Pasta, mayo, etc.) Other than that... on my nights out, I probably end up eating close to 2000 calories.

Thank you so much for the above. Your tastes and what you've eaten are very similar to what i would find myself eating in the future!! That is wonderful that you did so well. Your starting BMI was not outrageously high so you did better than I am sure you expected!!! Good for you and good luck with your maintenance. You seem like you have it all figured out!

Donna

[54Shirley 105]

Congratulations ! ! ! It's nice to see some one make it. Have a CELEBRATION !

[ElizabethNYC 1]

Congratulations!! You are a inspiration. Right now I am down 30 and ready to get rid of more, thank you for sharing your story!