What's your approach?

How are you handling this whole new lifestyle?  Are you staying to a strict diet, allowing the lap band to be a tool to help you not feel deprived or are you eating whatever you wish and again-allowing the lap band to be a tool to eat less?

I have been on a diet my entire life.  Basically if I didn't watch what I ate, I gained.  I would try to hard to plan out my day and stick to it, but I felt deprived and usually ended up gorging towards the end of the day.  Needless to say anytime I lost weight it was great but I ended up gaining it back, plus much more.  You all know the routine. 

Up to this week I had been kind of just doing whatever.  During the whole mushy food phase I was eating foods that I would not have even dreamed about eating pre-band.  Small portions of anything were working for me.  I have managed to take off 25 pounds. 

Now that I am eating whole foods again things have been different.  I am still losing (pounds and inches) but slower.  I am OK with this.  My doctor told me to plan on two years to meet goal.  Nice and easy will win the race.  It seems that I lose my weight in one big chunk during the month.  I flutter back and forth for a majority of the month and then all at once 5 pounds will come off, putting me at a whole new low.

After reading a few logs I am wondering if I should have a different approach.  Many bandsters are counting calories, sticking to around 1200.  I try not to eat "crap" food but I have never counted calories.  I watch portion control and make wise choices.  I don't want to fill the space with something less than wholesome.  I want to eat for nutritional reasons, not just because I want to eat.  I logged my food on Monday and Tuesday.  I went over the 1200 calories each day.  I logged 1700 calories.  Last night I planned my Wednesday food and logged it.  Today I packed what was logged last night.  I think I will be able to come in around 1200 calories.  Now I have managed to take off 3 pounds this week going over the 1200 calorie allotment so it must be OK.  I think it's working for me....but for how long?   Right now I have had one fill, I believe only 1cc.  I had a nice feeling of restriction for about 2-3 days.  I am getting back to the point of being able to eat what I want, but I let my mind be in control.  Next fill isn't until March 11th.  Will the fills eventually build up and allow you to feel restriction longer?

Basically the way I look at it is being banded was a lifestyle change.  I want to be able to set my mind free.  I don't want weight and food to be constantly wearing on me.  I don't want to feel guilt and remorse any longer.  I want eating to become survival, not a hobby. 

Your thoughts?????

Port Pain

Does anyone ever experience port pain?  Not the band itself, just the area where the port is.  It just kind of aches. 

Tracy

Feeling so good about my decision

Well this weekend was nice.  The weather here has been so warm, around 75 each day.  I loved digging through my closet and getting out clothes that haven't fit in awhile. 

I haven't received too many compliments on weight loss.  My husband is always good about telling me that I am doing well and constantly tells me that I am slowly shrinking away.  Nobody else has really said much.  I know that I have lost a lot of my belly.  I fit really, really well in my clothes.  I was shocked that my capris weren't all too big...which tells me that I was definitely poured into my clothes last year.  I do remember that my waist bands were tough to button.  It feels good to have some breathing room.

Still bouncing around on the scale quite a bit.  This Saturday morning I stepped on the scale.  When it settled in I saw 199.5.  It stayed there for the longest time.  I was shocked when it jumped to 202.  I really, really thought that I was under 200 for a second there.  Nice motivation....too bad this morning I saw 204 again.  I really am not too worried about it.  It's working for me, just slowly.  I do not want to lose it too quickly.  I want to appreciate every single pound.  This is forever for me. 

I had two nice NSVs this weekend.  #1 - There has been a German Chocolate cake on my kitchen counter for a week.  I have not had one single piece of it.  In the past I would have consumned at least half of it on my own.  At least a piece every night.  I have had no desire lately.  I am not saying that I do not have sweets anymore, just not all the time.  My once in a while treat has been mini York Peppermint Patties straight out of the freezer.  I bought a ton of fresh fruit this weekend so this week it will be cantelope, pineapple, watermelon, and strawberries.  #2 - I recently hosted a Cookie Lee party (Jan 16th).  On Saturday I went over to pick up my order that came in.  Both ladies there could not stop raving about how much weight I have lost since that time.  I was on cloud nine.  It feels so good to be noticed.

Have a great week everyone

Tracy

Fill went great!!!

Well I have to say, it's not a big deal. I just didn't know how it would be possible to get a fill without it hurting. It's a needle, you know?? I also worried about it having to take several attempts to hit the right spot. Well it was just fine. It didn't hurt one bit. Yesterday I had a lot if restriction. I hope it lasts for a few days. My doctor said that she would absolutely not do another fill for 6 more weeks. Here's to enjoying restriction while I have it!

Good news....I finally broke 207. I am happy to report that I am 202 as of this morning. I can smell 199 right right the corner!

Happy Saturday everyone :)

Tracy

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

First Fill Today

All I can say is, "Eek! I am nervous!" Will let you know how it goes. I need it BAD!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

It's the weekend!! Woo Hoo!!!

Time for a hubby, wife weekend without the kidlets.  Low key, relaxing, movie weekend.  DS #1 & #2 are heading to see their dad and our DDs will be with friends.  I think we will take in a movie or two....haven't been since my banding.  I am a bit worried about my habit of consuming popcorn.  I can do it!  I realize that my success far out-weighs these life long habits that I have had.  I think I will bring something else to snack on instead.

Have a great weekend everyone :-)

Tracy

Getting Frustrated!!

Ok - I need some help.  I have been at 206 and 207 every single day for the last two weeks....WTF???  the first 20 dropped quickly and effortlessly.  I begin solid food and this is what happens.  I am still being selective about my food choices.  I am watching portion control.  I am not eating sweets.  I am intaking about 108 ounces of water per day.  I have not received by first fill.  I am hoping that his will make a difference.  I told my hubby last night that I really wanted eating to be an effort again.  I can easily eat my food portion and my mind has to take over to let me know that I am done.  It takes will power.

Am I in what you guys call "Bandster Hell"????  Please assure me that I will lose more weight.

Tracy