nothereanymore

When I was focus on losing I did not eat 1200 calories a day. I was really focused on portion control and three meals a day. It’s hard to do when you're eating truly bandster style. I was right on par with Sabrina. I may eat 1200 calories a day now – (most likely not, but sometimes more, sometimes less) and I just maintain. I do believe that since I was obese for so long, and I am going through menopause that I cannot eat as many calories as most women - I would most likely gain my weight back if I did. That's why I'm so focused on eating healthy and organic - I need to do more with less. Lisa

Here's my take from an ex choco, sweeto, chipo, anything bad for me holic.... Watch your carb intake - this can increase your cravings for sweets - proteins diminish them. (Your body is looking for a quick burst of energy). Proteins are a slow burning fuel that will keep much of the sweet tooth’s at bay. (And I’m one myself but have been able to cut them down). Cookies and chips are sliders your band unless it’s super tight can’t hold onto them, low calorie or not - you can just eat too many of the darn things. I buy frozen mangos, cherries and blueberries at Trader Joes – really sweet – justifies my cravings and, bonus is good for me. I can only eat a small amount and even so they are low calorie. (I eat them frozen - they are my ice cream) Lots of vitamins in them - so double bonus. Read the ingredients on the snack pack - good luck pronouncing the words.... If I can’t pronounce and don’t know what it is – its not going in my body. And the good dark chocolate is awesome - lots of antioxidants (I do that too)

When I was really into my weight loss mode I only ate 3 times per day. I followed the recommended bandster life To get move through a plateau I would change the times when I’d eat – move and change my exercise program – I didn’t change how I ate or my calories just the times. (I'd eat breakfast ealier or lunch later). Here’s how I eat – when I’m hungry, I eat – if I’m not, I don’t and you have to think of what hunger is and really focus on it – you need food to keep going – its only fuel. Only fill yourself up when needed make sure to eat the right things, healthy proteins first with veggies ect and add in exercise. You will get through the plateaus. And drink more water to flush out the toxins. And the doctor I’ve been working with now does not believe in the 5 meals per day like many of the personal trainers do, he’s into the 3 meals per day and eat only when hungry – but eat only good fuel. One of the reasons I switched to a crossfit workout is each time I exercise the program changes to keep your body guessing. That’s what you’re trying to do, confuse your body a bit. Remember, plateaus cannot last forever – even if you did nothing and kept up with eating less and burning more calories than you are taking in at some point the body will start losing again. But if you want to move it faster – change the pace a bit. Best, Lisa

Hey Shelby, Start tracking when you get stuck - I found when I started eating salty foods (like the chips first) and then tried eating my protein I ended up getting stuck more. I believe its due to the salt - you can quickly start retaining water which tightens your band. (I've learned that I cannot drink a salt rimmed margarita and then expect to eat without getting stuck). Also look at what’s happening too you emotionally, I really start having issues when I’m under stress – if I feel the tightness while eating I look back and see what caused it. Sometimes it’s not our bands; it’s us doing things that we don’t realize affect our bands. (Or at least I think that’s part of it). So you may need a fill, but then focus on when, how and what you’re eating to have a more consistent eating program. Best, Lisa

Dying to be thin should never be an option; we're living to be thin. And the pain we go through differs by person. For most of it, it’s pretty easy, surgery Friday back to work Tuesday for me. However, there are those that have a harder time, it normally does pass – and it will be a distant memory. (I’m wondering where you had your surgery as well – I’ve noticed that many people who have the worse pain were done elsewhere). But either way, you’re going to make it through, the band is not an easy fix, you just went through surgery and now you are in recovery. You then have to go through the liquids and learn how to live with and properly work your band. It takes hard work, and determination, but the results are awesome. Get hopeful, you're going to do great and look beautiful and be sooo healthy soon! Take care, and hope each day is looking brighter! Lisa

That's odd; I've never gotten nauseous like that with a fill. I'm sure that Arianna is right, and we're all so different and react differently to our bands. Another note, there are so many flu’s going around that you could have picked something up. Take care and if you continue feeling bad please make sure to check in with your fill doc. (And take anti-nauseoum meds in the mean time to keep yourself from throwing up with a new fill). Hope you're already feeling better today! Lisa

I use a pill splitter for my big pills (not to be used on time release pills or filled gel caps). This is a great little gadget for bandsters.

Hello, We’re having a friends and family event at my company and I want to make sure that my lap band friends know about it! I’ve recommended PHYTO Phytophanere (dietary supplement can help strengthen lifeless, thinning hair). I use this to keep my hair from thinning. Here’s a chance to get it with an extra 20% off. (Plus use the discount for any of your other beauty needs). This is only good on Beauty.com orders. Have fun and hope you enjoy the savings – this is just a once in a while event for us! (It ends in just 2 days)! Beauty.com is celebrating 10 gorgeous years online with 20% off any Beauty.com order, May 20th-22nd. Place your order now through 11.59pm, pst FRIDAY, 5/22. Click to shop: http://www.drugstore.com/category.asp?cati...&aid=337947 Thanks, Lisa

Sooo cute!! I love your post!! And it’s odd to think that I use to be where you are starting out now. It does change everything - been awesome and I'm soo excited for you! Congrats on your decision, sometimes it’s hard to give up our old selves and it can be a bit scary. (But let me tell you.... It’s awesome)!!! Sounds like you have my old body; you’re a couple of years older than I am and a couple of inches taller. Weight, you’re just a little bit heavier than me. (275 was my weighted high but at 5'6" we were most likely close to the same size). Girl, you’ve got some big changes coming your way! (and smaller size clothes….) All the best! Lisa

Some of my favorite foods are listed too, and I don't avoid them - just chew them really well. (With the asparagus I just eat the tips; the body is too stringy for me). I will sometimes not eat the skin of grapes – peeling them is fun…. A bit decadent – but if you get the really big red ones – its kinda cool… If you ever have a problem with dried fruits go to trader Joes and try the freeze dried - the mango's are out of this world, yummy and naturally low calorie - (no additives) and crispy like a chip - the banana chips I like freeze dried much more than just dried. And I'll be honest - I don't worry about calories unless its about making sure I get enough - with a tight band I really focus on eating healthy foods, some can be higher in calories but since they aren't processed (organic) they actually go through your system faster and you get more nutrients and less fat absorbed. The question that's being asked right now is why there are so many fat people when we eat so much low calorie fat free foods. (it takes a lot of processes and chemicals to get them that way and many believe its part of what is making us fat). Lisa

This is a life long commitment. I see the band as a tool that: Helped me lose the weight Curbed my hunger so I could make “smart” decisions on what to eat Gave me time so I could educate myself on what eating healthy means to me Learn how to add exercise into my life Drink lots of water that a big part of our success. I continue to eat mainly in bandster style, you’ve got to chew – you’re not using your band if you don’t – and make sure you eat protein first, veggies/fruits, carbs. I added in exercise and continue to use it to not only keep my weight under control but to keep me healthy and add in the needed curves and muscles. I also focused on learning how to eat right through education; I’m organic now and focus on healthy foods. Not processed foods. I know that my journey was not only the weight loss portion, but the maintenance portion. You have to keep fighting and understand that for many of us we may have a food addiction and we need to come to that decision that its something we have to watch and be aware of. Look at how you are eating. Did you go back to your old styles, are you grazing are you eating healthy in bandster style and exercising? If the answer is no (and only you know the truth). You still have your tool, jump back in and use it. You may not know its too tight until you start chewing and eating right. If you do this and you still have issues go in for an adjustment. I’ve been on maintenance for over a year now and I continue to watch and learn to make sure I don’t jump back in to gaining weight – it’s a constant worry and for me it should be. I received my band 6/6/2006, and lost over 130 pounds – I’m not going back there. Take care, you can do it – but don’t let the weight gain continue another day – get back on the wagon and go girl – you’re worth it! Best, Lisa

I felt something like this after my tummy tuck, had my husband pick up some protein water for me - it really helps - it has the sodium plus lots of other good for you things. Once you're done with recovering focus on your diet and making sure you're eating right then see if you need the medication - if you need it, you need it. There's no fighting it, - you don't want to deal with what could happen. Hope you feel better soon! I can’t wait to see your pictures! Lisa

That's great - I know what its like to wait - but it will happen! (And you'll be a bandster soon)! It’s the best gift I’ve ever given my self! I just stopped by my old home and went to the course were we use to live - walked in and saw someone I saw almost everyday for 15 years, and it took him about 15 minutes to finally comprehend who I was - (he really didn't believe me) Our kids grew up together... He said I looked liked I would be my own daughter (not possible since I only have sons). But I get what he meant. I feel like I was given back a second chance at life – I’m so much healthier today than I was for decades! I’m in my late 40’s and feel like someone in their 30’s! You'll get it - my good thoughts are coming your way! Lisa

Hey DapZilla! Congrats - you're actually ahead of the average weight loss for bandsters! (50 pounds since the end of October is amazing)! Awesome job! Keep it up - can't "weight" till you hit your next 25! Best, Lisa

Congrats Amber! You're doing great and its awesome to hear from you! Love how you detailed your year to date journey - you are rocken girl! Best, Lisa

OK, take a deep breath, and realize you may need an adjustment - or you may not. First I don't drink smoothies when I'm trying to gauge a new fill. The cold can close my band up and they can be too thick at first. Right now you might want to try some warm herb teas to see if you can open up, (small sips - slowly add in some honey) then stay with liquids and understand that smoothies or creamy soup are not part of the program when you at the "I may be too tight mode". Stay away from anything really salty and try to figure out if you are too tight with liquids only (broth, tea, warm is good). Once you do this and if you stay too tight were you can’t drink liquids you might need an adjustment. But remember stressing about it only makes it worse – so deep breaths and relax – most of us have been through this. It most likely will be fine. Good luck and hope it works out. Best, Lisa

Yaaaa! Congrats, the mental changes are as big as the physical. Isn't it amazing how the band benefits so many different aspects of our lives? It not only changes how you look on the outside, but how you feel on the inside! I'm sooo proud of you! Keep up the hard work - you're doing awesome! Lisa

Here's what I use to do - I'd get a fill - be perfect - then I'd forget to chew something - pb - which would in turn cause swelling - then my fill would be too tight. Not because it changed - but because I started the issue by not chewing - pbing - causing the swelling. That's why you want to go on liquids for a while to see if you can bring the swelling down. (Stay away from salts and focus on clears). Just my view, Lisa

Vicki, This sounds odd, a bit like heartburn and my question would be does it feel like something is coming back up? I think you should just call the doctor and ask. (If its this then you may be too tight). It’s been a while since I’ve had a fill – so anyone else please help out! Take care! Lisa

Hey Pammie, Yes, I’m scared – that’s why I focus on education myself on how to eat healthy. The goal is to unlearn all those bad habits and focus on a new future. It’s not only so I don’t become big again – but because we’re getting up there in age (us baby boomers) and I’m trying to slow some of the aging processes and make them easier, from menopause to aging gracefully. You just can't do it as a morbidly obese person - sorry my feelings but I've been there - its painful and difficult. I hope I can keep eating right and exercising and not worry about going back to old habits. I do think going for outside education, help and support will help long-term and I’m really glad I did this. The band is just a tool and I see it now as one that helped me learn how to eat right. I’m too the point were all of my cupboards have been emptied out and only healthy food is in there – a pretty big feat for a lady married to a guy who isn’t into health food and I have my 19 and 23 year old big guys back living here. Are you feeling the same? Thanks Diana! Many do empty out their bands – but not all. (it can be scary) I know one lady, who lost her weight 3 years ago, removed her fill and has slowly gained back 40 pounds – she’s going back in for her second fill in the last 2 months trying to get the weight back off again. This seems to be pretty typical – but the good thing is she still has her band and can get a fill and use it. For me its not a test - I need to stop losing weight and focus on eating healthy long term, live the life I've been taught to live! I'm going to watch myself and learn what I need to eat (and how much) to keep my body at a consistant healthy weight. I also know 2 people who have failed long-term with the band. They don’t use it and don’t take the steps to lose the weight for life, they eat around the band and are now bigger than they were before surgery. It’s sad, we have this amazing gift, I only hope I can do it justice and keep it working for me! (I’m pretty sure I can). There are many of us still on the forum who have been doing this for a while and we're happy to help, we also get so much support from all of you. Maintenance is not the end - it’s just the beginning of another part of our journey! Lisa

I totally agree with what everyone said, and dancing is what always kicked it up for me. I think worrying about it makes it worse – sometimes you just have to let go, focus on the program, and just have some fun. Then it all seems to come together. Good luck, and know they never last forever and a few months is a very short time. I think I’d be interested to know how many inches you've lost during that time. You can gain muscle mass and lose fat, be smaller but weigh more. Its annoying until you look at the whole picture, you are improving your body in so many different ways right now! Congrats on your success and know there’s more to come! Be confidant and happy with that – good things are coming your way! Lisa

Thanks for the compliments everyone. And yea, it’s a bit confusing. I don’t think its jealousy either, he a very confidant man who’s not worried about losing me. It may be that when you do slim down you do have hip bones, rib bones and all these other bones that now show. (And are suppose too) and I don’t think he likes that. Also once you really add in exercise it does change your body and you get firmer, your muscles build up, I’m not as soft and squishy as I use to be. Add in PS and I’m pretty tight, (accept for the thighs and I’m not even thinking of those at this time – waiting to see what happens after a summer of working on them). I think once I get time to get all the fluid removed from my bad, focus on healthy eating and exercise – I’ll just stand back – see what weight my body settles too, since I want to try to find my natural weight. It may be higher than right now, but it may be less. I just don't want to think about it and I'm going to try and avoid the scale through the entire summer. That should be fun!

Linda, I just saw these - congrats! You are one beautiful woman with your a adorable new grandson! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your son's beautiful family! Tell him thank you, god bless and god speed at coming home! Take care – hugs and lots of love! Lisa

OK, so I came back from a business trip and had lost a few pounds due to stress and traveling. My husband I just got into a discussion about my weight, since I told him I was going in to have all the fluid removed from my band – and I actually really like my body and size right now. He looked at me, (I could tell he was thinking carefully, trying to figure out if he should he even broach this subject) and he came out and said I was too thin and needed to gain weight. I was shocked – I have been working out, (hard crossfit) and focusing on eating healthy, I never had thought I looked too thin. I worked with a naturopathic doctor while going organic and had everything measured and my normal GP just had my yearly and said I was now one of his healthiest patients… So its not a health issue it’s a he’s not liking me as thin as I am. (I do). I argued, provided my “I’m so healthy” points and realized this man never once said “boo” when I weighed close to 300 pounds – he’s always said I was beautiful, (the most beautiful woman in the world) and has been with me since I was fifteen, through “thick and thin”. I was thin until my late 20's. We finally ended up by coming to middle ground, I am thin now, I am healthy, I do like myself right now, and if he likes me a little bit heavier, it may happen naturally or it may not. Its up to me, it’s my body and as long as I’m healthy and not too thin (I’m a good size 4 in pants and 8 in dresses) and I'm happy that’s what is important. As long as I’m good with myself, he will be too. Never thought I’d see the day…… I just had to take a moment, when you go from a size 22 (tight) 3X to a size 4, sometimes things can get strange.