trulytangledgrl

I am glad you dong this challenge for yourself. Whatever it takes to get you going, it's a good thing! So, you will see him once a week and then on your own at the club for 12 weeks. Where and if I may ask, how much does this PT session cost you? I like to plan something like this myself.

hey there!! i did a lot of research into personal training and found that average price runs 50$ - 60$ Per session. You should research and see what you can find but also meet with the trainer to make sure they will be a good fit for you. Its important to have a good rapport. :-) I'll do once a week with my trainer then later in the same week do the same workout on my own at the gym. I'll do that for 12 weeks. My trainer worked this out with me because i can only afford 12 sessions and he wanted to maximize our sessions. So instead of seeing him 2 times a week for 6 weeks I'll do once a week with him, and once on my own doing the same workout for 12 weeks. He'll have different workouts for me every week to keep things fresh and new. just make sure you ask lots of questions so you know what you are getting for your $

I agree with what everyone here her said. When I decided to have surgery, my partner was supportive but said that she wasn't going with me to Tijuana for the surgery, and she said she didn't think that I needed it and that I should just lose weight by diet and exercise (you know, all the ways I have FAILED to lose weight, and keep it off, before... and not just once but MANY MANY times). I got so angry about that comment because our partners/spouses, etc... they KNOW that those methods haven't worked for us in the past - - even if we can lose the weight it comes back on because we are not FORCED to take an honest look at our eating habits and CHANGE them permanently (as we are with the band). Its hard to accept when food takes over your life and who you are, but we are strong people for realizing that its out of our control and for seeking the help that we so desperately need and deserve. Its just like an alcoholic or drug addict admitting their problem - - overweight people who cannot keep weight off have an addiction to food, bottom line. The band is not the easy way out and its not being 'lazy' by any means. In fact, I have worked harder with this band than with any other diet I have EVER been on. I have worked harder physically and mostly mentally/psychologically. I have had moments where I have broken down and felt like I couldn't do it anymore because I was so upset or angry and wanted to eat x, y, or z, but I physically COULDN'T. I, and other bandsters too, am forced on a daily basis to really think about and contemplate WHY I want that cake or ice cream or that piece of cheesecake or chips, etc. I can't just stuff it in my mouth and be 'better.' I think about and deal with my emotions instead of eating. Its a change worth going through, but what it is NOT, is an easy way out.

Go forward with your surgery, with or without your husband's support. It will be difficult, but find support through other friends or family if you can. If he has an underlying fear of losing you, all you can do is be there to listen and let him know that if he wants to talk about it, that you're there. Do what you need to do for YOU. Stay strong!!

Well, after careful thought and consideration.... and realizing that I am going to have to spend a TON of money, I decided to get a personal trainer. I don't want to spend the amount of money its going to cost, but I also know that its going to be 110% more beneficial than just going to the gym 4 days a week doing cardio and some strength training like I am doing now. I know how to do cardio and burn some fat, but as far as the weights and what specific exercises to do - - I have NO idea. I also find that I can't motivate myself to keep going until I can't go any more. This is where a trainer comes in. Someone to whoop my a** into gear and help me focus where I need to be to get the results I want.

I am getting 12 sessions - - I am going to do 1 session a week with the trainer, then a repeat of the same session on my own at the gym. He will email me the routine and how many reps, what to do, etc so I can take it to the gym with me. Then the following week a different routine, and once at the gym on my own, etc. So it will be 3 months worth of training. I will see how I like it and I pray that I get my money worth with this cause otherwise I will be one very unhappy little camper lol.

I will get before & after shots. I will keep you all updated.

Hey Kim - -

I feel ya on the frustration piece. That is for sure. You know, I think that it is normal to question ourselves from time to time especially because the path we have chosen is costing us or did cost us a lot of money and time, and we (or at least I do) worry what others will think or what will happen if it doesn't work out. We think 'did I make the right choice?' 'what if this doesn't work - - then what?' its very scary and challenging. I question myself ALL the time, and I quickly try to bring myself back to reality and realize 'hey, this IS the right thing - - its gotten me to 163 from 195 and this is the healthiest I have ever been.'

It IS the right thing for you, too! Its hard but try to remember that. The more positive you try to stay, the better you will be able to lose weight and the more you will WANT to push on and continue on your journey. I know that right now I am at a plateau as for my weight loss. I am VERY frustrated - - I go from 163 to 166 to 167 back to 163 and so on and so forth. Its like a bouncy ball that I can't seem to keep ahold of lol. I know that in time I will eventually get over this hump. I am hoping that I get over it soon cause I see my fill dr in mid-feb and don't want to be the same weight as last month lol, but hey, what can ya do?

Anyhow, know that there are others who share your frustrations. Also know that you WILL get past the slump you are in. You'll get to goal!! Get your next fill and see how you feel. You might also want to think about upping your workout to 3x a week if you can. Also maybe add in some strength-training if you don't already do that. I found that to be helpful for me - - mostly in toning and looking slimmer, not necessarily in helping to drop pounds.

I hope this helps

Hey there!! Don't be worried at all!! I, too, went alone for my surgery and it went so smoothly. I met some really nice people there and the staff at OCC took excellent care of me. Like some others said, the worst part was flying (as far as pain) especially after surgery, but even that is not too awful. I had really reeeeally long flights as I was coming from Philadelphia and I had extremely long layovers so that was a hassle, but otherwise it was not bad. The flight home will seem like forever, but only cause you'll be slightly uncomfortable. Have no worries - seriously, you will be very well taken care of at the OCC!

Thanks everyone for the support/encouragement. I am def. going to stick with working out and strength training - - I will increase weight and reps and go until I can't go anymore. I will not give up. I KNOW that eventually I will be able to see the difference. One NSV that I will mention - - I am the maid of honor in my BF wedding. I went to get my dress... I was anticipating having to buy a size 16+ because those darn dresses tend to run very small. I got into a 12!!!!!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? I couldn't. I took the dress off to make sure the girl really gave me a size 12. I almost cried. Yay.

Amanda - - yep def. a PB. I have had several of those and also since having my 2nd, 3rd and 4th fills I have to be VERY careful what I eat and how well I chew, how big of bite I take etc... otherwise I will throw everything back up. Be very mindful, especially if feeling very restricted, what you choose to eat and pay attention to how big of a bite you take and how well you chew it. I cannot eat any bread products what-so-ever, have difficulty with anything 'gooey' or sticky, can't eat chicken very easily and red meat I have to chew extra long. this band is mighty tricky! lol

Hey Amanda -

Yeah I have lost weight since beginning my routine. I have also been able to increase number of reps and the amount of weight for my strength training routine. I began at doing only 1 to 2 reps depending on the machine. I also began with most machines at only 10 lbs of weight. So that has improved pretty drastically.

Also, the other problem is that I don't think I am eating enough. I have periods of time where I am very restricted and find it difficult to eat much of anything other than liquids. Sometimes I am fine and can eat about 1000-1100 cal. per day. Yesterday, for example, I was only able to eat like 3 bites of oatmeal, a protein shake (2 scoops of powder - - 40 g protein/300 calories), half of a small salad, a few tortilla chips and a sugar-free pudding as a snack and 3 bites of a banana. I didn't even come close to 1000 calories and I know this is also having a major impact on my weight loss. I need to start finding ways to get in more calories even if I have to drink more protein shakes or soups, etc.

Again, thanks for the input and advice - - its very helpful.

oh and p.s. I have thyroid problems (hypo) and polycystic ovarian syndrom (PCOS) which is hormonal imbalance causing insulin resistance. SO... Both of those working against me. However, since losing weight have been able to go off of my peds for PCOS and my blood sugar levels are normal.

Kudos Michelle! You look fantastic. Any pointers on routine (as others have asked)? Also, how do you get your abs so nice? I have all this fat I can't seem to get rid of on my stomach... its gross. Any suggestions? Thanks - - and again, awesome work!!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions/imput. Generally, my routine consists of strength training for about 20-30 minutes. I do arms/back/shoulders on alternating days and legs/butt/abs on the opposite days. I do focus on my problem areas especially in my arms/back/abs/shoulders. What I mean is that I tend to use machines that strengthen certain parts of my arms, back, abs and then my shoulders are a concern for me. I use all nautilus machines, I don't tend to do free weights at the gym because I use exercise TV and do the Jillian Michaels sculpt workout which utilizes free weights. I work out 5 days a week

I do bicepts 10 lbs 10x each 3 reps

tricepts 10 lbs 10x each 3 reps

upright rows 15 lbs 10x each 3 reps

flys/rear delts 30 lbs 10x each 3 reps

chest press 30 lbs 10x each 3 reps

lat pull down 50 lbs 10x each 3 reps

shoulders/delts 10 lbs 10x each 3 reps

there are several other machines I do I can't remember the names of or what exactly they work:

a machine that works your arms/back where you sit facing the machine and you pull towards you.

I do 50 lbs 10x each 3 reps

I do an ab machine where you sit crunched forward and you cross your arms over your chest and push back. It works your back muscles.

I do 70 lbs 10x 3 reps

I do another ab machine where you sit and there are handles you grip, you lean back and you push forward on the handles it works your mid/lower abs

I do 50 lbs 10x 2 reps

and 70 lbs 10x 2 reps

I do another ab machine that works ALL parts of your abs - - especially obliques. You sit on it and there are pads between your knees. You start on one side and push your chest against the chest pad and hold onto the handles, and you begin twisting. The resistance begins and you have to use your stomach to push against resistance to get to the opposite side. Then you switch to the other side

I do (on each side) 50 lbs 20x 3 reps

I also do legs/butt - generally all of the machines in the gym. I don't focus as much on legs and butt because those aren't my huge problem areas

Onto cardio...

I do the ski machine.... you can adjust the incline and the resistance. you kind of swing your legs back and forth. Anyhow, I do that on the 'weight loss' program and it changes the resistance and incline every 3-4 minutes. So its easier and harder every couple of minutes.

I also do the elliptical machine. I do the 'fat burning' program - - once again, it alternates between difficult and easy and I set the level generally to 5 or 6. I always maintain my target heart rate as best as I can.

I do cardio sculpt on exercise TV with the other trainer from biggest loser. Bob something? Anyhow, you use free weights for this and its a cardio program where you do lunges, jumping jacks, push ups, jump rope and utilizing weights with this as well for increased intensity. Its a killer.

I don't know... I guess my workouts aren't enough.

I have been working out for some months now. I have just recently been going regularly as prior to this my schedule was so hectic that I barely had time to sleep or eat let alone work out. I cannot afford a personal trainer so I have been working out on my own but getting no results and I am extremely frustrated. I still look the same, I still have all this fat and flab on my stomach, legs, arms and back. It makes me sick to even look at it epecially knowing that I am going to the gym and doing cardio and weights. I do lower weight high reps which I have been told is perfect for building muscle/burning fat but not getting bulky. I don't know what else to do. I would love to have a personal trainer but I just can't afford it. Any suggestions anyone? ( I am ready to give up.

I was dx with PCOS about 4 years ago and I have been very successful with the band. I was 195 on the day of surgery and am currently 165. My weight loss has been somewhat slow, but its coming off none-the-less. There has been no change in other stuff you mentioned (i.e. facial hair) - - I have been told by my endocrinologist that the metformin (or for me - fortamet) is supposed to alleviate those things, but personally, the fortamet never made a bit of difference for me. I actually had to stop taking my fortamet because the pills are HUGE and I was taking 2 a day, and I could NOT keep them down. I haven't noticed a huge difference to be honest. My periods come fairly regularly now since losing weight and I have been losing slow and steady. No worries - - go for it!

Hey everyone. I was wondering if we can count our surgery expenses as a deduction on our taxes? I think I have seen a few people on here say that they did that, but I couldn't remember 100%. I know this is a bit off-topic for this forum but the other topics don't always get many viewers, so thought I would post here and hope someone can help me out. Thanks to anyone who can give me advice.

Also, please check out my photo album!! I have photos from my surgery and updated photos also from about a week ago Your comments would be appreciated. I can't see any difference.

Dana:

I think that your message was so lovely and heart-felt. I don't think I can put my feelings into much better words than what you already said. You look FABULOUS, by the way!! You can tell such a huge difference. You should be so proud of yourself Who gives a sh** what anyone else thinks! You made a decision that changed your life forever and because of your strength and courage to do that, probably with little to no support from your friends/family, you will be around longer to enjoy your time with those people.

My situation was similar to yours. No one in my family ever had WLS, but they always told me I needed to get control over what I ate, exercise more, blah blah. I did all those things SO many times. I lost 130 lbs in college, gained it all back. Lost 50 lbs here and there, 30 lbs, 40 lbs... ALWAYS gained it back without fail. I have been an emotional eater my entire life. When I had no friends in grade school because I was the 'fat ugly girl', food was my 'friend.' No matter what, food was always there for me. It was a love-hate relationship, but I always fell into the trap. I learned from a very early age that if I was sad/mad/happy/bored/etc, I could turn to food to feel a sense of immediate gratification. My decision to have lap-band surgery is the best decision I have made in my entire life. Many people I told looked at me like I was NUTS. I didn't care - I did it anyway, and I am SO happy that I did. The way I see it, those friends who did try to talk me out of it, or who said mean nasty things - - they are probably just jealous.

Dr. Ortiz and everyone that works with him at the clinic - they are angels. Truly they are saving thousands of lives and they are just.... Angels sent form above. I cannot thank them enough - - they surely saved my life. I will ALWAYS remember Dr. Ortiz and his staff and will always think of them in the highest regard. Thank you, Dr. Ortiz and ALL of your staff - - and as Dana said, Happy Holidays and warm wishes to you and your families!!

I have had really REALLY good restriction up until today. I have only had 2 fills - - last one I had was Oct. 30, and had one scheduled for Dec 2 but cancelled cause my restriction was still really great, but then today out of nowhere I feel like I have NO restriction what-so-ever. Is this normal? Has anyone else had this? I'm a worrier and I keep thinking my band broke or fell off or something lol I worry myself crazy.

Has anyone else had this type of issue, where you have great restriction then just BAM! NONE! ?? thanks for listening, guys and gals

Thanks everyone for your helpful responses!! I appreciate it and I am glad to know I am not the only one who is experiencing difficulty with this. I will try the interval training - - I have heard that its really good... I think I may have read it in a fitness magazine or something. Great idea!!

I also do want to add more cardio - I know thats the best way to blast that nasty fat, but my schedule is so hectic because I work full time, getting my masters degree and have 4 classes, a field placement and then the work that goes along with the classes. SO, but after this semester I will be taking a break. So more time for me

Okay, so I have a problem that I must vent about and also I thought maybe some of you fellow bandsters could help me out. I have lost a good amount of weight, and it is definitely noticeable as everyone keeps telling me I am getting 'so skinny'... haha. Here is my problem - despite working out 3 times a week for at LEAST an hour each time, doing cardio for 30 minutes - 40 minutes and lifting for 20 minutes - 30 minutes, I cannot seem to get rid of this stubborn fricking fat in my upper stomach and in my upper/mid back!!! I have that gross cottage cheese like fat on my upper and mid stomach... and it will not seem to go away. WTF?!? I mean seriously - what does a girl have to do to get rid of that stuff?? I am doing a lot of lifting that works my shoulders/back muscles (in all areas of back upper mid and low) and I still can't seem to 'thin out' in that area. Also I feel like my ta-tas are droopy and I do chest press to try and build muscle there but... no luck.

Does ANYONE have any suggestions for me?!? I am so frustrated!! :lb12:

Yeah - - I don't think I will ever be able to say I got 'too thin' Although people I work with, especially this older lady (god bless her soul), all keep telling me "Wow you are getting skinny!!" LOL! It feels kind of weird actually. I will look at them and be like "What? Who? You talkin to ME?" they just laugh.

Oh those will be the days. When I can think to myself 'wow, you ARE skinny!' I cannot wait.

haha - - this is too funny. I get this too and, like most everyone else here has mentioned, its usually at the most inconvenient moments! I am usually with sonme friends who don't all know I am banded, or with co-workers - - none of whom know I am banded. Like Lisa said, I would welcome this ANY day over being obese again! Gurgling noise - - bring it on! lol!!

...of a bandster. I was wondering if a bandster could give a sample of their menu for a day (i.e., drinks, meals, snacks)? What types of food are you preparing to make sure you get all of the needed protein in?

Thanks, Kristy

Hey there Kristy - - First of all let me congratulate you on your (VERY important) decision to get lap band with Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere. He is a phenominal doctor... the best, actually. My fill Drs - - Dr.'s Christine Ren and Dr. George Fielding at NYU center for surgical weight loss, they tell me all the time what a fabulous choice I made to have my surgery with Dr. Ortiz. They are constantly saying how he is such a phenominal surgeon and even Dr. Fielding has said he is 'the best' (Dr. Fielding is from England and was proctored by Dr. Ortiz). SO, you are in THE BEST hands you possibly could be.

Now... like the previous post, I will say that everyone is definitely different in what they can and cannot eat, and the amounts, etc. This is my day, on average:

Breakfast: I find that I am VERY restricted in the mornings. For this reason, I always drink Slim fast low carb (VERY important that its low carb becase it has 20 g of protein and the LEAST carbs as opposed to the slim fast 'HIGH protein' which only has I believe 11 g... hmmm). Another favorite of mine is cream of wheat - - easier to get down than oatmeal and just as tasty

Snack: Fruit - a banana, some homestyle applecauce, watermelon, or pineapple.

Lunch: Once again, depending on how restricted I am feeling. A Cliff bar (crunchy peanut butter) and an iced coffee with skim milk and splenda, I will maybe bring something I made at home like chili or chicken, soup, meatballs are also a favorite of mine. Sometimes I will have a small salad with some canned chicken

Dinner: Generally I am feeling slightly restricted at dinner for whatever reason. SO, I will usually have Slim fast, cream of wheat, ground turkey with vegetables mixed together with seasoning or sometimes in a spanish rice style dish. Sometimes I will also have another fruit here.

Snack: Sugar-free 90 calorie fudge sickle! YUMMO

As you can see, most of the time the meals are very small and they consist of things that are fairly easy to get down. The MOST IMPORTANT thing you want to remember is to TRY - - TRY.... at every meal, to get at least SOME protein!! Also, try to get at least two to three servings a day of veggies and at least two servings of fruit.

Dr. Miranda will tell you that your plate should consist of the following 4 items, in this order on your plate:

PROTEIN

VEGGIES

FRUIT

CARBS

the idea is that by ordering your foods on the plate in that order, by the time you get done your protein you should NOT have much room left for that much of the rest of the items.

I KNOW its overwhelming. It will be - - for a WHILE. Don't get discouraged. Its a lot to take in and it takes the patience of mastering a completely new lifestyle. You didn't learn to overeat and eat unhealthy overnight, so you won't change it all around overnight either. Be patient with yourself and utilize the forums whenever you can GOOD LUCK kristy on your journey to a new healthier you!

Stormy and others ~~ I know exactly what you are going through. I, too, have struggled with mental health issues. Its funny, stormy, that you posted this beause at this current time I am going through a LOT of anxiety myself and my partner has no idea how to deal with me. Lets see... major depressive disorder, panic disorder and severe mood disturbance - - not to the point of bi-polar disorder or anything but I havr severe mood swings. I currently take 300 MG wellbutrin xr in am, 275 mg effexor XR at night, 1 mg of Clonazepam (klonopin) for severe panic attacks - - I take 1 pill 4 times per day. So, I, too, probably seem like I am A HUGEEEEE mess. I am, actually. Without my meds I cannot function. If I lower my doses I cannot function. My point is, just because you lose weight doesn't always mean that your body/psyche will be OKAY with a lower dose - - ya know? I am actually experiencing severe mood disturbance at this current time myself because I am under a lot of stress.

I work with teenagers I am a social worker. One of my 19 year old girls passed away in a car accident 2 weeks ago. I also do one-on-one therapy with adults for my field placement for school (getting my Master's degree in Social Work) and one of my clients has been on a ventilator in the ICU due to suicide attempt. SO. been very hellish past 2 weeks for me. Anyhow, my anxiety is through the roof, depression throug the roof, and my compulsiveness and need to be in control is through the roof. Not sure what to do. Can't increase either of my wellbutrin or effexor... already on max dosage. Ugh. I was thinking maybe I can get my psych. to add in Abilify which is a potent mood stabilizer. Hmmmm.

Anyhow, thanks for allowing me to vent.

WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!! WAY TO GO KIM!!! You look so fantastic! You should be so proud of yourself for the accomplishments you have achieved. Keep up the hard work and you'll be to goal in NO TIME!! =D>

I want to second what everyone else here is saying - - DON'T GIVE UP!! Also, just like Lisa and a few others said, its very important that you are 110% honest with yourself about what you are eating and how much you have really changed your lifestyle. I know that I was in the same boat as you a few months back - I was so frustrated because I was not losing. I told myself 'I am eating much better, I am not eating high sugar foods or high fat foods in excess...' etc. Well, in all honesty, I WAS eating that stuff. I was eating ice cream, cookies, cake, etc. I got my first fill almost 2 months after being banded which was my first BIG mistake. By that time, I was almost back up to my banding weight. That was it for me. The moment I stepped on that scale in the Dr. office and saw that I was only a POUND lighter than the day I got my band, I had a startling wake up call. In that moment, the honest to god truth hit me about how I had REALLY been eating and changing my lifestyle. NOTHING had changed - I was still doing the same thing I had prior to getting the band..... and in order to be successful it needed to change.

SO.,.,. my point is, sometimes we convince ourselves that we are doing the right things when in reality we could definitely stand to do way better. Not saying that you aren't eating right or what have you - - some people do all the right things and just lose very slowly. This could very well be you - and if you lose slowly, that is okay too. Its frustrating to be a slow loser - I lose pretty slowly so I know the feeling. I guess maybe just really take an honest look at all the things you are doing and ask yourself if its really a change for the better. If it IS, and its a matter of you losing slowly, then try not to be frustrated and just tell yourself that you WILL succeed. Tell yourself that you are going to reach your goal and that you are a much healthier person. DON'T GIVE UP!!!

Jazzy Jude - I am so happy that my post was helpful to you! Also glad that it gave you that bit of inspiration that you needed!! The reason I love this forum so much (and think everyone who has weight loss surgery should FAITHFULLY continue logging on and sharing their stories/problems/successes/etc) is because there are bandsters in ALL stages coming on here and we all have important and valuable information to contribute. Those of us who have been banded for 5, 6, 7 months or more (I can't BELIEVE IT! It seems like yesterday I was making the decision to get banded... its gone by SO FAST!!) can offer advice and support for those of you who have questions or concerns and we can share our experiences with you so that you know what you are going through is NORMAL!

No worries ladies, I KNOW you both will be so successful!!

I agree 110% woth everyone who has responded to this post. We have ALL been through the exact same thing you are dealing with, Stormy. It is completely normal - - as a few said, WELCOME to bandster HELL!! It sucks... most definitely. I waited like 2 months to schedule my first fill and boy was THAT a mistake!! By the time I got around to scheduling, the Dr. I wanted to see was booked solid and I had to wait it out and by the time I got my fill I had had my band almost 3 months. It was so difficult because I could eat just about anything - so I understand what you are going through. Like everyone else here has said, just find that will power and strength within yourself to portion your foods out and ask yourself if you are really hungry or if you are wanting to substitute food for dealing with a difficult situation/emotion or even out of boredom. Many times I attempt to substitute food for dealing with my anger/sadness/anxiety/etc.... I am feeling very strongly about something that happened and because I don't want to deal with it, I eat and I magically "feel better." You know what I mean?

We know you can do this!! Be strong and just hang in there until your fill. Maybe try and add some very light activity like walking maybe. Nothing too strenuous that will injur you, since you are still healing - - but getting in some extra activity even light walking might be helpful. Just a suggestion. You will be SO happy in making the right decision because it WILL pay off. Trust me!! For MONTHS I struggled to get below 180.... months and months I was between 180 and 185 and could NOT get below that, but I REFUSED to give in or give up and finally it paid off!! I was frustrated in the mean time, but after I hit 179 I was like 'this was TOTALLY worth it!!' I know you will feel the same. KEEP GOIN GIRL!~!