Bandiversary

Today is my 1 year bandiversary!!!   It has been an amazing year.  

I have learned so much about myself in this past year.  I discovered that I'm a lot stronger than I thought I was.  It is amazing to me how this little band inside me has made such a difference in my weight loss journey.

In one year, I have lost 104 lbs.  I worked hard for every single pound.  I have found that the gym has become my friend.  While I don't have a lot of money, I decided that I needed to invest in me, so the gym has become my splurge.  

Last month my BF had a heart attack and bypass surgery.  So, although I haven't been great with food the past month, my band has been doing its job holding me back from gaining a ton of weight.  I'm happy to report that my BF is home and recuperating.  Now I need to get the focus back to me.  

So today, I'm celebrating one of the best decisions I've ever made.  I'm truly proud of myself, and I can't wait to see what this coming year will bring.  
~ Barbara

Here is my before and after pics.



                            

Congratulations, you look great!

Thanks, Sue 
~ Barbara

WOWWOW!!!!! You have found some skinny girl living inside of you!

Thank you.  I find it amazing how it takes your mind so long to see yourself in a smaller body.
~ Barbara

I need help from successful banders like you. I am also one year out and have lost 23 pounds!!!!!!!! I am so frustrated. I started out great for the first 3-4 months. I got a fill every month until I was up to 9cc in a 10cc band. No change!

I would like to know what a daily meal plan looks like for you. I have revisited my nutritionist and she was not a lot of help.

I worked with a personal trainer for a year, also. I just stopped....totally frustrated. I have lost 18 inches, but right now I have stopped because I'm ticked off. HELP!

Hi Wbell, I have some questions so I can better understand your situation: 1. How much weight did you have to lose before you got banded? Based on your avatar, I would guess not more than 30-50 lbs?
2. What is your average daily calorie intake? 3. Do you drink with your meals?

I am not trying to blame you, by no means. I have noticed though a big deterrent to losing weight is drinking with meals. If you aren't eating enough, that can stop you from losing weight. Tell us some more...many here more experienced than me can help.

My vavatar is very deceiving. I started out 100 pounds overweight! I am 5'7 and weighed 246 prior to surgery.

I never drink when I eat. That's one thing that I have been very, very good about. I wait 30 minutes minimum afterwards. My nut wants me on 1500 calories and eating real food......not shakes and bars. But when I see bandsters listing their daily menus, sometimes even if they are down to their goal, their daily menus contain very little "real" food. I see people eating only a shake, a protein bar, a cheese stick and a frozen dinner. That is not real food to me. That's even scary to think that I would have to eat like that forever! (Just  being honest)

I joined Myfitnesspal.com to start logging my daily calories, protein, etc.  I have been doing pretty good and slowly have started back to lose a few pounds over a two week period. I drink plenty!

I am disappointed in my doctor at this point. I have only seen him once since my surgery. I see his PA or his RN or his nutritionist. I call and get return calls from the RN. Just quite frustrated. Guess I need to speak up and demand an appt. with my doctor and talk about my frustration.

Thanks so much for your reply. Wynell

Congrats!

Happy BandiversayYou have done WONDERFUL!!!! You look amazing. Not too many people lose over 100 lbs in a year, it was one of my goals but it took me longer. Glad that your BF is doing OK, now. Keep up the great work! (I jumped on our trampoline today, would have never been ever to do that before WLS, LOL)