Lindsay

Consider yourself LUCKY!!! When i was at my leanest, my boobs looks empty - like someone let the air out. IT was pretty gross actually ... We're all built so differently, you can't predict where you're going to lose fat.

Boobs are fat, so no wonder they've shrunk down to nothing! As for you 'problem areas' - cardio will help that a lot! You're looking fabulous!!

The more weight you have to lose, the more you'll drop at the beginning .. it's a major shock to your body - all of a sudden, your caloric intake has been reduced by up to 85%! As your weight drops, your weight loss will stall. This is very typical. Your metabolic rate will get sluggish .. your body is trying to level itself out. At this point, I suggest really changing things up - starting from your diet, continuing to your fitness routine. Here's a basic, but informative link on 5 ways to break a weight loss plateau

... doing a search, will often bring up a lot more info that starting a thread on the single topic. It will also give you an idea of how often that question is being asked - which can be comforting. In the least, you'll know that you're the only one wondering. If i wanted specific information, I'd want to read EVERYTHING on the subject - not just a thread that I start, that may, or may not get the answers I'm looking for. It's really in your best interest to do the search to ensure you're getting a well rounded answer. As a side note // I've never met a group of people who are sooooo sensitive to responses on a forum in my life, as this one I'm part of a lot of online forums & communities - nutrition/diet/fitness/bodybuilding and the like ... and this one, by far is the most 'sensitive'! I find people get there back up about almost everything. And area always bitching about me being 'insensitive' because I suggest things they may not agree with.

http://www.thatsfit.ca/2009/12/13/a-smoothie-recipe-to-make-you-smarter/

I don't have an iPhone, but for those who do, and need a bit of inspiration every so often, this looks useful! http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/wh-workouts-for-iphone

I always work out with music, and though I'd share this gem of a website! http://www.inthegym.net/

So, I guess I'll add my 2 cents in ... The younger you are, the more elasticity you have in your skin. Being so young, you definitely have that as a huge benefit! It's a pretty safe bet, that while ver quick weight loss doesn't give your skin a chance to bounce back nearly as quick as slower, gradual loss, you probably won't have much of a concern with it. Plus, what's worse: Being unhealthy, severely over weight, or having a bit of extra skin, to remind you of all the work you put in, and the results?! You're still very young - this shouldn't be an issue for you!

I can honestly say, that the day after my surgery, i was sleeping back on my tummy! It's my comfy position, and once set, I was fine. Even to this day, I still sleep on my stomach, with no issues. This shouldn't be a concern for you

Note: IMHO, the Fill Center has a unreasonable 'consultation fee' I was quoted, while the fills themselves are ok priced, the consult fee is what kept me away. They also require you to 'hold' your appointment by paying in full, without seeing/visiting the facility first, which I was uncomfortable with. If i'm driving down from Toronto, I'm not paying for something without seeing it first. They would not issue a refund if I changed my mind about it, upon arrival. I know I posted about my experience communicating with them in this forum, which is from a Canadian's perspective. http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=9689&view=&hl=&fromsearch=1

bump. did all of you doing these injections melt away to nothing?! just wondering what the overall update/status is.

I understand this a forum to ask questions, but honestly, when the exact same questions are coming up over and over, it's time to do a SEARCH.

http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=11268&view=&hl=extra%20skin&fromsearch=1 http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=11069&view=&hl=extra%20skin&fromsearch=1 http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=11092&view=&hl=extra%20skin&fromsearch=1

pls do a forum search. this has been asked amillion times. very recently, too.

Thanks CHAD!! you're awesome!!

its the same here in canada!

Alcohol use - as a well-established part of human culture - is something that has become almost as acceptable as eating and breathing. As a social facilitator and feel good drug of choice for many, alcohol is very popular indeed, with consumption at mass levels. However, alcohols well-documented deleterious effects - diminished performance, mental impairment, possible addiction, diabetes and liver disease to varying degrees in certain individuals - could be seen as a good reason to steer clear of it. This being said, many people enjoy its sedating influence and it does play a vital role in many of society's traditions and practices. One effect alcohol has, which is not widely discussed, is its impact on body composition. In its purest form, ethyl alcohol, which supplies seven calories per gram, alcohol provides energy, bumping up ones total energy balance whenever it is consumed. Unlike macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats, alcohol supplies what nutritionists often refer to as empty calories: calories without nutrition. To make matters worse, it is the first fuel to be used when combined with carbohydrates, fats and proteins, postponing the fat-burning process and contributing to greater fat storage. Here is what diet guru Robert C Atkins says regarding alcohols affect on fat storage: Main concerns are: 1. Alcohol Supplies Almost Twice As Many Calories As Protein & Carbohydrates - At seven calories per gram, alcohol supplies almost twice as many as protein and carbohydrates. In fact, alcohol has only two fewer calories than fat, which has nine per gram. It must also be remembered that the calories in alcohol lack the nutrients beneficial for a healthy metabolism and will therefore hasten fat storage. The calories found in the average alcoholic drink are quite concentrated compared to many foods, and this actually causes one to inadvertently take in many more calories than would otherwise be consumed. Alcohol is quite deceptive in that it passes through the system rapidly, often before the drinker is aware of the number of drinks they have had. Alcoholic drinks also contain calories from other sources, which add to overall caloric intake. Certain cocktails, for example, contain fats. Wine and beer both have high carbohydrate content. Although the affects these various calorie types have on the body are different - carbohydrates release insulin, which can hasten fat storage, while fats will be stored directly in the fat cells - the overall result is added body fat. An example of how many calories can be easily consumed can be seen with a small glass of wine: a 5-ounce glass of wine will typically contain 110 calories, 91 of which come from the alcohol itself (13 grams), with the remaining five grams coming from carbohydrates. Beer contains more carbohydrates (although many of the "Lite" beers have a carb content similar to a glass of wine) and less alcohol than wine, but is seen as being more fattening, due to its higher energy content. 2. Alcohol Loosens The Inhibitions - While drinking, people usually will not stop to consider the impact alcohol is having on their bodies; such is alcohol's affect on loosening the inhibitions. The result of this relaxed thinking could mean more calories consumed and extra body fat gains. Those drinking might also eat more of the wrong kinds of food, without thinking of the consequences. Alcohol tends to have an appetite stimulating effect as it provides little in the way of nutrition, leaving a craving for other foods at the time of consumption. Add this to the fact that fatty and salty foods tend to accompany most occasions featuring alcohol (as well as alcohol actually stimulating ones appetite for these kinds of foods), and the general loosening of resolve that goes with an inebriated mind set, and you have a recipe for excess fat gain. Alcohol has also been shown to affect motivation, making a healthy diet harder to stay on while it is being used. 3. Alcohol (When Used To Excess) Can Damage The Stomach, Kidneys, And Liver - Given alcohol is a by-product of yeast digestion; it can have an irritating effect on the lining of the stomach and gradually weaken the kidneys and liver, leading to serious health problems - even death in certain instances. Any weakening of the stomach will lessen the rate and efficiency at which food is digested, which ultimately interferes with a healthy metabolism and the weight loss process. The liver, which processes toxins and breaks down fats for fuel - is crucial when it comes to maintaining a healthy body composition. Alcohol is at its most destructive during the livers detoxification process. 4. Alcohol Lowers Testosterone - Testosterone, which has a powerful fat loss effect, is reduced whenever alcohol is consumed, thus halting its full potential as a fat burner. Also, testosterone as an anabolic hormone, contributes to gains in lean muscle mass. Lowered testosterone means fewer muscle gains, and less muscle means a lowered metabolic rate. A lower metabolic rate will make the job of losing fat all the more harder, as this is what governs the way we use energy. Those with a higher metabolic rate will burn more calories at rest. By interfering with testosterone production, alcohol indirectly causes the body to lower its metabolic rate (and thus the rate at which it uses energy) and directly prohibits testosterone from exerting its powerful fat burning effects. 5. Alcohol Increases Appetite. Touched on briefly in point two, alcohol can increase appetite, making the combination of alcohol and a fattening meal all the more worse. A Canadian study showed that alcohol consumed before a meal increased caloric intake to a far greater extent than did a carbohydrate drink. Also, researchers from Denmark's Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University showed that if a group of men were given a meal and allowed to eat as much as they wanted, alcohol, rather than a soft drink, would increase the amount of food consumed.

Hydrogenated oils – Oils that go through a process to become solid at room temperature. Any type of oil that is solid at room temperate is poisonous, including hydrogenated oils. “Partially hydrogenated” just means that it takes twice as long to poison you. The body breaks these down into “trans fats.” Although the ingredient of food will list the trans fat count at 0, they may still contain hydrogenated oils. High-fructose corn syrup – Corn syrup that has been through a process to become sweeter. It numbs parts of the brain that tell you when you’re full. What results is an empty feeling that your brain confuses for hunger. “Water” – If it’s just plain water, not filtered water or mineral water, chances are it came straight from the tap. You’re just as good drinking Kool-Aid. There is no conclusive evidence that sping water is any healthier than tap water. Artificial flavors – Chemical compounds produced in a laboratory Artificial colors – Ditto “Natural flavors” – Essential oils, which up the fat content a bit, and lack the nutritional value of the real thing Sodium Hexametaphosphate – I found this in many pre-packaged drinks. It is used to keep the drink from settling. It is basically a type of glass that dissolves in liquid. Titanium Dioxide – Found in powdered foods. It is the main ingredient in white paint Refined sugar – The enemy of mankind. Bacteria in the digestive tract ferment this sugar, causing the bad bacteria to multiply, excess bacterial waste in the bloodstream (mainly methanol), as well as excess gas and bloating. Sugar is good for supplying quick-burning energy to aid in digestion, as well as making healthy food more palatable, but refined sugar is absorbed by the body too quickly, and many ready-to-eat foods simply contain too much of it. Other types of sugar are “safer” because they are either more “complex” or have their absorption slowed down by fats, oils and the like. White rice – Ditto Bleached flour – Ditto. “Enriched” means simply that they put back in what was taken out while it was processed Brown sugar – Basically, refined white sugar mixed with molasses Soy – About 80% of the soy in industrialized countries is genetically-modified. It is used to up the protein count in food, as well as a filler or substitute for meat. It is becoming more popular now that more and more youngsters are becoming “vegan.” The biggest source of non-GMO soy is probably soy milk. Corn – About 70% of our corn is GMO. Processed corn provides little nutritional value, and lots and lots of carbs.

Could you make a new section, dedicated to General Health/fitness & Well being?

Forum Suggestion: a thread on general health/well being. I completely agree with this. As a dog walker, I spend the majority of my working time outside with dogs, moving moving moving ... my own dog is a doberman pinscher - standing around the dog park chatting isn't really his idea of a 'good time' - I"m extremely interactive at the park, keeping my buns moving not only for the dogs, but for my own health & well being! Source: Dogster, Dogblog.com

I had everything done within hours of my surgery. Breathing test, Blood test .. then i was whisked off for surgery. IT only takes maybe 30 to complete the testing - it's very very basic.

i don't drink at all anymore. for a couple of reasons: 1. i can't validate those calories - i'd rather eat them. and 2. i don't really care for it, so it's easy to pass on.

The over eating feeling can last for 2 days. lol.

food tracking. & exercise. even with the band working the way it should, weight loss doesn't happen by accident. i know a lot of people on here make it sound simple, but it's not.