Lunch at the mall food court...and a question

So many people on here have issues with their knees or back or something like that...I am very lucky to have caught my obesity before my joints and back deteriorated.  I feel i am blessed to be able to run the way I do with no pain. 

Maybe after you lose your weight and do some physical therapy you will be able to be more active...I know not running but taking a nice brisk walk and not feel the pain the next day.  I did want to bring up that you mentioned you have a gym membership.  I was wondering if you tried any low impact workouts, like- recumbent bike, elliptical, water aerobics, or even yoga (you can get your stretch on).  You can start out very small like 15 minutes at a time and as that gets easier you can go to 20.  It's only a suggestion and of course I have no idea how bad your condition is.  Wish you the best in your journey and don't give up on your walks. 

I was 100% committed to being one of the 'results not typical' people --- to  work as hard as possible to be successful with my band.

I followed my doctor's rules, I bought all of the 'band' books I could find.

I read here -- I read everywhere

I planned my food -- I weigh/measure ---- eat---- stop ---- eat again later

I knew which foods my band would not 'stop' or 'dim' ---- and I made a decision to stop eating them.  One day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time ---- but the results have been worth every single sacrifice.

By the way -- that burp is your 'soft stop' ---- listen to it.

Kath,

That is interesting what you said about the eat -- stop -- eat again later.  Does that mean if you aren't able to finish your dinner that you revisit it later?  Last night I had 4 ounces of salmon and some asparagus.  I was only able to eat half but since yesterday was a day I spent out of the house for most of it -- day off from work -- I was already lower in my intake then I wanted to be.  That salmon was bringing me to the 80 gms or protein mark and i needed to eat it.  So I put it in the fridge for a couple of hours and then was able to fini****

I know the burp is my soft stop.  I have had it almost since the beginning.  Along with the burp comes a tightness in my chest.  I have to take a deep breath and then I realize it's over.  That burp comes pretty soon though so overeating or not having enough is definitely not an issue at this point.  I fully intend on being one of those people that are 100% committed.  I am already a statistic waiting to be confirmed as I started at a BMI of 52 with the Band.  I'm going to make believers of the naysayers!!

My personal opinion is that you absolutely must be committed from the beginning because it get's harder as time goes along, especially after the first year.

You made a good choice being that you were faced with a tough challenge.  Don't beat yourself up for eating at the food court.  Sometimes you have to do what you have to do.
 
I was very, very strict for the first year and lost 104 lbs in 9 months.  Once I let up and started eating things I hadn't in the first 9 months I stopped losing. 

That was my approach and it worked for me, but many others are less strict and still lose weight over time.

Best~
Lisa O.

I have to agree with Jacklyn and what she wrote because I'm the exact same way.   This is me and my feelings.

I did not get the band to restrict me from foods I love , I got the band to teach me portion control, and how to eat more healthy , but to restrict me from foods nope nope and nope it will never happen with me.

Some people like that restriction that they cant eat these foods or that food and I do not want to be that way I will always keep my band on the loose side because I got the band to teach me portion control not to give up or have problems eating foods that I love :o)

You have to have will power and determination going into all this to.  I have it set in my mind now when I go out and eat like Jacklyn said two tacos is enough , or I go to Wendy's I get the grilled chicken and eat that and not the bread, I have some fries not a super size fries with two burgers, or sit down and eat a large pizza by myself . I can sit down and eat two slices of pizza and I'm full for a good 4-6 hrs.  Can I eat more in between them hrs sure I can  and I have done it before  but that is when the will power and determination comes in the band dont stop you from over eating you have to be in control of that :o)

I am like her also Moderation not deprivation I live by that rule 100% of the time.   

I might lose my weight a little slower then some folks that get the fills or that kind of restriction but that is okay with me . 

Im very strict about not eating with my meals and waiting 30 min. ater though . I follow that rule to a T .   I use to stop 30 min before meal times sometimes I still do but most of the time I dont .  It has not effected how I feel or how long the food stays in me.

But the first month follow the rules to a T you are still healing .  Once you get out of the healing stage you will find your own way and what works for you :o)

Thank  you for that! 

 i really enjoy reading all these responses. And your original post is classic!

i too went to the mall food court about 1 month post op and I was Blown away by how much people were eating, what CRAP people consumed. And YES i was one of those that could eat my way thru the court.

I did find a place at the food court that sold SOUPS, so I ordered 1 cup. It was so salty, fatty, disgusting that I had 2 sips and thru the rest out and drank my s/f iced tea while watching the world eat up everything i site.

I am now 4 months post op, down 33 pounds and STILL eat some of those slider foods. My nutritionist says that I am human, I still like a treat, or a cookie, but I can't have a whole BOX or BAG of anything. The beauty of the band.

I am grateful for my band today. I hope you have much success!!!