Dapzilla

As an aside, I'm actually an atheist. I know other people have lost more quickly, but I'm not worried! It's not a race - this rate of loss is obviously right for my body, and for how I'm working my band. It's ALL GOOD. I'm so happy to have my band, and I'm very proud of myself for taking the step to do this. Surgery is scary - but I know this was the right thing to do. Eye on the next big goal: another 25 pounds!

Woohoo! Had to share my 50 pound milestone with everyone. I was banded October 20, 2008 (in PA), so it's been just shy of 7 months, but it's slowly coming off!!

Wow - this is a great article. Thanks for posting it! I have my first fill in about 2 weeks, and have now hit the "no restriction" phase. The article is a good reminder that this is normal, and everything is working as it should.

Congrats, Jazzy!! You're doing so awesome - what an inspiration!

Congrats on your band! When I was in my creamy soups stage, I used the College Inn Bold Stocks (Sirloin, Roasted Chicken, Wine and Herbs) to mix them instead of water (or skim milk). It kicked up the protein, and made the soups really flavorful. After having soups day-in-day-out, I was looking for anything to vary up the taste. Those "bold" stocks really helped. Oh, and someone here recommended a dash of taco sauce (not salsa) in cheddar cheese soup. Holy cow - that was yummy, too. Anyhow, best of luck on your journey as you move on to soups! Soft foods around the corner!!

HOLY MOLEY!!! You two look fantastic!! What an inspiration. =D> I'm a few days shy of a month post-banding, and weight loss just slowed down a bit for me - totally normal and healthy I know. It's awesome to see success stories that highlight the potential journey in the months ahead. You and your son look great.

I wasn't banded at the OCC, but I imagine the logic should be the same: I was told "eat light" the day before surgery so there wasn't a bunch of undigested food in my system, and no eating or drinking anything after midnight before surgery.

I took a nutrition class in preparation for my band, and the way I understand it is that you want to drop your caloric intake without sending your body into starvation mode (metabolism slows to a crawl in order for the body to preserve itself.) You have to get enough protein because our bodies burn carbohydrates first, then proteins including your muscles, and finally fats. You need to give the body plenty of protein to enable it to burn the stored fats instead of your muscle tissue (which causes the dreaded metabolic drop.) Lost muscle mass means lower metabolism, and slower weight loss. Protein keeps the body operating, it helps with cellular repair and growth (to help against sagging skin,) and bonus - it keeps us feeling fuller, longer.

How frustrating when it feels like you are doing everything right! Dianna, though I am a humble newbie, it looks like you don't have enough protein or fiber. One ounce of meat has 7 grams of protein, so assuming you are shooting for 60-70 grams of protein a day, you are missing that by a lot. If you could add in a protein shot or protein shake to your morning routine, it would help you hit target. Also, the fiber would be coming from your veggies, but your portions are small, so you probably could use a boost. Benefiber powder comes pretty recommended, and might help your body flush things out (no pun intended.) Good luck - I have my fingers crossed for you.

Just 3 more days until "regular" food for me! I can't wait... I've been thinking about the Weight Watcher options at Applebees. I remember back when they first came out, I was on Weight Watchers - and I was so "starving" after eating them because the portions were so small. I have a strong feeling that won't be the case anymore!

Beautiful dress - beautiful lady.

Trav, I know how you feel!! I am craving chinese food and pizza in the worst way...

WOW. Those sorts of successes are a long way off for me, but I sure look forward to them!! I'm so psyched for you - what a great way to start the day!

Welcome, G! :-h

Drinkable yogurts are under full liquids, just like soups. I agree about WOW on the weight loss! I'm jealous! WAY TO GO!