I lost my bandster way, but I've found the path again.

Tiff,

Throughout my band journey, you have been an inspiration to me.  I know that you can do this.

I, too, have lost my way and finally got on the scale this morning and saw that I'd gained about 8 lbs!  I have not had a fill for about six months or so, although I have been going to the surgeon on a regular basis.  My band is at a good place, in fact with allergies, lately it has felt a little tight, but I can still eat solids.  I've just found that eating ice cream is so much more fun!  I have totally been out of control.  To be honest, I've been struggling with head issues for over a year which has resulted in little actual weight loss, mostly just fighting the same 5 lbs up and down.  Lately it has been so hard and between work and writing my masters thesis, I've not been going to the gym and the only exercise I've had is doing Zumba once a week.  I've been really disgusted with myself and finally called a therapist and have my first appointment with her next week.  I have issues I need to resolve and I started therapy over a year ago but the therapist and I just didn't click so I quit without really dealing with anything.  I hope this goes better.  And, I've decided that I just have to buckle down and do low carb seriously to help get rid of these sugar cravings.  They are driving me crazy.  I have an appointment with my surgeon in about three weeks, so we'll see where I am then.   I'm hoping lc, getting back to the gym and therapy will get me back on track.

I guess this just shows that this is not the easy way out.  It's hard work and if you let up for any reason and take things for granted, it just bites you in the butt big time! 

You have done great working your band in the past and now that you've had a fill and the weather is better, I know you will do great! 

cat

Wow Tiff you look fantastic in your pics before & after above...what an accomplishment and so good to hear you are back on track.  I bet you feel great from making that move.  What type of foods did you stock up on for low-carb etc that you mentioned?  I keep like s/f jello, cheese sticks, yogurt, that type of thing...just wondered what you were using, as well, to get yourself moving again.  Thanks for sharing such a motivating email with us to let us know that we can get back on the "bandwagon" if we put our minds to it!

here we go....  Just to warn you. I'm a major foodie!

Chinese BBQ pork-  It comes with hot mustard and sesame. YUM
Low Fat String cheese
I'm trying out those
all the bells and whistles to make egg scrambles.
Fat Free Milk
Shelled Edamame- Great with cajun seasoning!
Broccoli Spears + Mrs. Dash butter powder
A deli chicken + All the fixings to make Chinese chicken salad from scratch. No crunchy noodles though!
Ground turkey  - for tacos+ all the fixings (same as whats in the scramble)
Ground sirloin -  for chili + all the fixings
Potatos with chili and fixings.
Ground pork - for Laab
Ground italian sausage-  Meaty italian sauce
2 cobb salads from the deli
Crystal lite
I got a new liquid version of a crystal lite.....Mio I think. The nutritionist recommended it. I'll let you know how I like it.
popcorn kernals- the nut says if i'm making it at home and using canola, a reasonable portion is a great snack alternative. But no extra butter and easy on the salt.
Wasa lite rye crackers
Canadian Bacon
Red peppers
Turkey Breast lunch meat-  roll the peppers and cheese up and delish.
A monster assorment of cheeses. I'm just now getting into the babybel rounds for portion control.
Tuna and Cracker snack packs. They are actually an entire meal for me.
Canned chunk pineapple
Baby dill pickles.

** edited to add 2 lobster tails cause they were on a super sale and some chorizo.


I have a problem counting calories since I make most everything from scratch, but I get to control the fat content so much easier that way.

The true key for me is to prep the veg ahead of time every few days. That way you just reach in the frig and start throwing your garlic, peppers, onions and what not in the pan. the Cilantro and green onion are already chopped for garnish. Easy Peezy!

Wow, this is great - thanks!  I LOVE cheese - it sounds like you must too?!?  I tried the Mio and I hated it...I bought 4 of them cause Target had them buy 2 get a 12 pk Arrowhead Water for Free so I have 4 of them and have to figure out what to do!  Much prefer my Crystal Lite & Diet hawaiian punch options! 

Like I said before, I am RIGHT THERE were you were. Gain, sugar, etc. I have exercised my butt off for 2 months and bounce around the same 2 lbs. I re-evaluated what I was eating and found 3/4 were carbs. I adjusted that to be more protein and I am getting another fill tomorrow. Hopefully I will be in the same boat the way you are now.

Thanks for the post. I needed it.

 You Go Girl!!

I had decent restriction but need to get back my low carb no sugar momentum.  Still losing but so slowly.  

I think I'll take another look at the rules myself

Congrats, Tiff, I'm only 3plus months out.  I've learned a lot reading yours and others posts.  Glad you're back on the wagon.  Keep posting.  Great pics, BTW.

Awwww Tiff I am so glad to hear that little fill has helped you tremendously!!!  You always dish out sound advice and I love reading your posts.  Well done getting back on track girly!

I sadly haven't even found the beginning of my way... thanks for this post... it helps!

You will Kathy. Give it time. Thats the one drawback to the band. It takes a lot of patience and nothing happens overnight. Unless you are willing to put in some seriously sweaty hours and be so diligent. But the rest of us know that this is a long haul process. Pace yourself.

There is no magic ratio of calories, water, exercise, fill levels, carbs, stress, allergies, snacks..... It's all trial and error for what works for your body!

Keep trying, you'll get there.