Almost 1 year out

[househuntress 1]

My surgery was April 9th, 2007. I've lost 72# to date....and have almost that much to go!!

I would like some input from those that have been there done that.

1. Did you stall at any time? For how long?

2. What did you do to kick start the weight loss?

3. Have you settled for a year loss and quit?

4. What have you done right?

5. What would you change?

6. This is my greatest fear...have you gone back to old eating habits after the new of the band life wore off? Regain your weight?

Thank you,

Househuntress

[libra 13]

I'll try and answer what I can based on my experience so far. Please hang in there...it's a lifelong process.

1. Did you stall at any time? For how long?

I've had several stalls along the way...my longest was for almost 3 months.

2. What did you do to kick start the weight loss?

I'd try and change up my diet a bit, figuring my body became complacent with what I was eating. For example, if my usual Breakfast was a Protein Bar, I'd have a yogurt for a few mornings and a Protein Shake for a few instead. Just slight changes in diet can kick start weight loss. You can also change up your exercise routine as well.

3. Have you settled for a year loss and quit?

No way! I'm in this for the long haul. I'm not giving up just because a year's gone by. If it takes me 5 years to get to my goal, so be it. I know I'll get there.

4. What have you done right?

For the most part, I make healthy food choices, which in turn, means I make them for my family as well. I also started exercising regularly and being more active.

5. What would you change?

I'd like to change everytime I pop a cookie or piece of chocolate in my mouth without thinking! LOL! Actually, I'd like to change the fact that I've let my exercise lapse when I started my new job. I'm trying to get back in gear but it's tough when you stop.

6. This is my greatest fear...have you gone back to old eating habits after the new of the band life wore off? Regain your weight?

I think as long as I'm at a proper fill, it's impossible for me to go back to my old habits completely. Not to say that I can't make the wrong choices and eat and entire Valentine Heart full of chocolate! Yes, I've done that! The point it to keep reminding yourself that this is a life change and you will mess up. (We wouldn't be overweight if we had great willpower, would we?) The point is to accept the occasional splurge and get back to the program. In the past, I would beat myself up after a cheat...consider myself a failure and gorge myself out of frusteration. I don't do that anymore. I know I can't spend the rest of my life without my favorite foods. I allow myself those "splurges" knowing that I can get it together and keep losing.

I think the point is to not this of the band as a "diet" because that's just a set up for failure. You took a step to change your life forever and it's up to you to make it happen. You have the power to make your life better...and that empowerment should make you feel great.

[kacee 3]

My surgery was April 9th, 2007. I've lost 72# to date....and have almost that much to go!!

Mine was May 23. I was right behind you!

I would like some input from those that have been there done that.

1. Did you stall at any time? For how long?

Heavens....regularly! I had plateaus that lasted 3-6 weeks, but I did NOT let it affect my will. I took them in stride and accepted them as part of my physical makeup.

2. What did you do to kick start the weight loss?

Got more religious about keeping my food log and my weight log. THAT is absolutely 100% the KEY.

3. Have you settled for a year loss and quit?

Not up to a year yet, but I am within 10 pounds of MY goal (past my doc's goal already). If the year were to be up before I reached that...heck no I wouldn't quit. It's not a TIME limit....it's a weight limit. I have a goal and I am going to meet it. Nearly there now.

4. What have you done right?

Made good choices.

5. What would you change?

Make BETTER choices in the last two months, but I've been lazy.

6. This is my greatest fear...have you gone back to old eating habits after the new of the band life wore off? Regain your weight?

Because I weigh every day, there is no WAY that will happen. Yes, I have eaten more of the things I USED to eat....but in BIGTIME moderation. And then I compensate for it later. Because I weigh every day I don't allow myself to slide.

Thank you,

Househuntress

..........