Jean M's Bandwagon Newsletters and Book

I just wanted to reach out to you all and tell you how encouraging this site it and how much I appreciate it while I take this WL journey.  Through this site I came to know about Jean McMillan's book "On the Bandwagon" and subscribe to her weekly newsletters.  The book is excellent and the newsletters seem to telepathically know exactly what subject to cover based on what I'm going through.  I guess we are all going through the same thing and it's great to know we are not alone.
 
This week's email had me quite emotional because there is so much truth to it.  It dealt with change in behaviors.  In my wildest dreams I never thought I would have to do so much work with the band - not the other way around.  Magic transformation? Naa.  Every pound I lose is because of the hard work I do.  It's all me and sometimes I feel I could have done weigh****chers instead!  I'm at am a 6 week/2 month plateau and I know something is stopping me from cutting my food intake to 1/2 cup per meal.  Something is getting in the way of a faster weight loss (not crazy fast...just another 5,6 pounds more at this stage, 4 months out).  Something in my behavior is getting in my way.
 
But, I have now incorporated exercise into my life, bought a heart monitor/watch thingy and love it and love working out with my trainer.  I definitely eat way less than I used to.  I feel as though I am on the right path but again, something has to change and her email today really resonated with me.  And, they really help.
 
I hope to change one thing this week - and to see the scale move a bit more.  4 months out and 26 pounds gone.  I feel it should have been over 30 by now.  :)

To anyone else reading this thread, I just want to say that if you haven't already subscribed to Jean's Bandwagon on the Road newsletter or read her book, you need to do it now!

Sending (((hugs)))
moviemum

Thanks, moviemum!

You know, you're a step ahead of the game just because you're aware that something inside you is holding you back. And incorporating enjoyable exercise into your life is a huge step towards breaking that plateau.

Keep on keepin' on!

Jean

I'm a big Jean M. fan.  She is one of the first people I "met" on this site 2 years ago.  We clicked right away and have developed a great friendship.  I've been lucky to have her visit me her in Seattle twice becuase of the bond we formed through this site. 

I too was touched by her Newsletter subject today and I attribut all of my WL success to the fact that  I changed WHAT I eat as well as HOW MUCH early on.  For me, it's not about what can I eat, but what SHOULD I eat.  I can eat bread and do on the rare occasion but for the first 9 months of my journey I didn't even try becuase I was afraid of getting stuck.  I mindfully cut out all simple carbs and changed all my carbs to complex carbs.  I didn't cut carbs completely but I made sure that if I was going to eat carbs they were going to be "good carbs" that would at least contribute to my fiber intake, and level of fullness.  I eat whole grains instead of processed.  I eat yams instead of white potatoes, brown rice instead of white, etc., etc.  I KNOW it made a difference in my weight loss, plus I just feel healthier all around. 

In addition to changing my carbs, I watched sugars that are hidden in many foods including yogurt, and other "diet friendly" foods.  My Nut told me to not eat anything with more than 5 g of sugar per serving.  It's not easy to do, but it's possible and when I stick to this rule I not only lose weight, I don't crave carbs in general.  I'm a sugar addict!

Drink your non-calorie fluids but skip the bubbles.  I gave up diet Coke and I don't miss it at all.  It's been 2 years now and when I've had the occassional swallow from my DH's glass I don't really like it.  Instead I drink 0 cal. flavored water, iced tea, Crystal light, etc.  Schedule your fluids just like your meals to be sure you getin 60+ oz a day.

Protein, protein, protein.  I used to do a much better job than I do now and I'm paying the price, (cause I gained some weight over the holidays), but 60-80 g per day is a MINIMUM requirement AND you'll stay fuller longer.

I could go on and on, but you have the most complete book on life with a gastric band, so you'll do fine. 

My goal for this week is to exercise a minimum of 25 minutes a day 5 days a week.  So far?  2 days down.

Best~
Lisa O.

Jean is also a bra specialist. She is soooo talented. I need to subscribe to her newsletter.

How do I subscribe to Jean's newsletter?

Here is a link to buy the book:
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=aifyj4dab&et=1104494734116&s=2 0&e=001Q63fvbiZddyjNM-ZuBnqGA_pWCsBCtLXujzlxrOdqw9GPpdkgzPoA peCUnbjFUJXieD9VHLPzGUjO66egOigktY3vKeHzu22eWHLOjbyaS7E2aAun KblxlD-2VJc9U-4YJmqt6xBSPYSjP-bNb1q8xeP-nZD9HBRM4ONU8QlFXtvK AcDlXMMk4-1oQZsvhz9R_t9_pquBuM

And the link to subscribe to the newsletter:  http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001 HCwLAcddTzfDZu-bSKqz8g%3D%3D

I have issues with OH killing my links when I try to post so you may have to copy and paste this into your browser/