I NEED TO START ALL OVER, I'VE BEEN REAL BAD!!!

I have to stop fooling around and get moving.  I feel like such a ninny!  I had the lap band surgery in April 08.  I have been using the excuse of my bunions on my feet that I can't do any walking.  I also thought that it was the band not working for me.  The truth is I'm not working on any type of execise.  I have not been watching what I eat either, I've been eating too much fattening food........I believe this is going to change now.  I have an appointment with Dr. Eldridge on Oct 1.  Like I said before I have not lost any more weight but I've gained about 7 lbs.  I guess its my own fault.  I'm tired of this!!!  I even went to see another doctor to see if I could get a revision done.  My insurance said the revision would not be covered, unless there was something wrong with the band, errosion, leaking etc.    I need to get some exercising buddies and some good receipe ideas.   Help me PLEASE!!!  

Virginia-try following the bandster rules until your appointment-no drinking with meals, solid protein first.  Until you get good restriction, weight loss can be tough-but if you don't make the right food choices, it doesn't happen at all.  Learn as much as you can about how work the tool you have-each of the surgeries is a bit different, and each requires it's own brand of discipline.  Eating around the band is typically eating what we call slider foods-foods that don't seem to have any restriction.  One of the really common slider foods, believe it or not, is popcorn-and that's for bandsters and sleevers both.  Another is ice cream.

Whenever I think I may need a fill-I sit down with some good old chicken or even a rib and see how much of THAT I can hold.....

To be brutally honest, if ALL I ever ate was chicken, fish and pork, I'd probably never even need a fill, but that isn't in the cards.  Finding the right level of restriction for you will make a huge difference. 

Virginia, we have a walking group that meets in Regional Park every Saturday morning at 8:30 by the main pavillion off Reno.  BUT, we won't be walking this weekend since we will be in Tulsa for the Walk from Obesity.

Please join us next Saturday in the park.  We pretty much walk at the pace that is most comfortable for the majority.  We have also started going for coffee at Panera after.  We walk either just over two miles or 3.5 miles depending on who is there.

I drive a little green car and the other regular drives a red car so you an find us in the parking lot.  PM if you want more details.

Virginia - please come walk with us on Saturday mornings!  Like Denise said, we'll be in Tulsa this weekend, but next weekend will be there with bells on!!  Or something like that!!  Also, if you need additional mental support you are always welcome to come to the WeightWise support groups - www.weightwise.com - there is a band group and pouch groups - but any attendance is SUPPORT!!  It doesn't matter what program you had surgery at, we welcome anyone!!

The biggest part of these surgeries is making sure you have someone you can bounce off of!!  That is what this forum is for - and we have the BEST state forum on OH!!!  There are a few banders here - Deb, Luanne are both experienced banders and are always helpful!  Also there is a band forum that might be helpful as well. 

Hang in there and get your butt in gear!!!  Start with the basics - NO CARBS, high protein, lots of water!!!!  Then get moving!!  Doesn't matter how much or what right now, just start!! We're here for you!!

Ruth