FatGuy (shrinking)inNC
It's been a year and...........
Oct 24, 2010
Today marks the one year anniversary of my Lap Band journey, one month pre-op and then the actual surgery on November 23, 2009. In the days leading up to my surgery, I often wondered what I would be writing at my first anniversary.
Would I have failed at yet another attempt to lose weight and therefore run and hide from public scrutiny? Could I be successful and lose a significant amount of weight, like many of the friends I had come to rely on here at OH? (Lisa O & NY2ATL, and others too numerous to list)
Well the time has come to answer these questions and highlight the things I have learned and accomplished on my journey. So much has changed in the past months.
I began at a whopping 292 lbs.
Today I am 210 lbs, a loss of 82lbs or 28% of my starting weight. People consistently refer to me as “skinny” which is far from true but compared to how I must have looked to them a year ago, it’s a fair comparison. It’s a great feeling to get a compliment about my weight.
My waist size has dropped from a tight 46 inches to a comfortable 38 inches.
My wardrobe no longer consists exclusively of XL, XXL or XXXL
I consider myself a success in every sense of the word. I am happier, healthier, more confident, and better proportioned at age 55 than I have been throughout my Thirty’s, Forty’s and early Fifty’s. All aspects of my personal relationship, including intimacy, have greatly improved.
I learned early on that I was a “Carb” addict.
Today I am a recovering “Carb” Addict .
With help from many OHer’s, and lots of trial and error, I learned to focus on low carb foods and recipes and that has been the single most important lifestyle change that I have achieved during the past months. I no longer choose to eat Pasta, Potato, Bread, Fast Food, Doritos, Candy etc. This hasn’t been easy but I make these conscious choices each and every day and my journey has been smooth. It just happened to work out that way for me!
Despite the occasional stall, I never doubted myself or my band. I followed the rules as best as I could and I incorporated changes where necessary. I never ever considered giving up or returning to past practices.
At every Dr. visit, I weighed less than the previous visit. It was never about how much I lost or comparing to others, as long as I was losing or at least static, I was making progress and that became my motivation.
I no longer have high cholesterol, Type II diabetes, or severe sleep apnea. Aside from vitamins, I no longer am required to take any prescription medications. The money saved comes in handy to upgrade the wardrobe with smaller sizes.
I no longer have any chronic knee, foot or lower back pains.
I have “slimed” and I have had brief periods of “stuck” but have never PB’d or thrown-up. The afore-mentioned episodes were self induced by insufficient chewing and/or larger than necessary bites. Eating rapidly continues to be a difficult problem to overcome but I'm working on it.
I enjoy being out in public and no longer have to dress to cover up my obese shape.
Despite living in the South, I no longer have to endure profuse perspiration on hot humid days.
I can get into and out of my car much easier and it is comfortable to drive long distances.
I can sit upright and cross my legs. I fit comfortably in an Airplane seat.
My wardrobe is no longer restricted to slimming colors or patterns. No more “OMAR the Tent Maker” styles for me ! (Apologies to anyone named OMAR)
I can comfortably remove my shirt without embarrassment at the beach or marina. Yes the scars do fade away over time.
My energy level is greatly increased and I do not require nearly as many naps as I once did.
I have not eaten anything from a fast food restaurant or drive through in over 1 year.
I treat myself to an occasional pedicure, just because ! (Guy’s …. it takes confidence to walk in and get one but your feet will thank-you and women notice how well kept your feet are, especially if you live in a climate where flip flops and sandals are the norm.)
There are probably lot’s more things that I am forgetting to mention because they have just become a routine part of my new lifestyle.
As I embark upon the second year of banded life I can say that the results that I have achieved through education, perseverance, and dedication are without a doubt PRICELESS !
When I put my energy into what steps I could take to make the lifestyle changes a reality instead of focusing on the impossibility or improbability of making them happen , I achieved my greatest successes.
Thanks to all my OH friends for sharing their journeys with me along the way. I firmly believe that if it wasn’t for the information and support that was / is available here on OH, I probably would have struggled mightily and achieved far less success than I have during the past year.
No longer a …………
FatGuy(shrinking)inNC.
It's been a while........
Jun 18, 2010
Let's see, I'll be 7 months post - op in five days (June 23rd) and the time has really flown by. It seems like just yesterday I was still doing pre-op testing and then discovering all my new friends at OH and getting my head around what this surgery was going to entail on my part.
I am happy to report that I have lost 76% of the excess weight gaol that I set when I was banded. I'am very excited about that. First let me say that seventy pounds is more weight than I have ever lost on any diet, period. Secondly let me say that I have never been extremely hungry or grouchy or irritable since having my lap band installed.
I have read and posted here numerous times, I continue to join the challenges and continue to watch what I eat, I am focused on cutting out unneccessary processed carbs from my food choices. I do this one day at a time and as the weeks and month have passed I am no longer addicted to pasta, bread, rice, high starch foods, cookies, crackers, candy, chips etc etc etc. I have watched my insatiable cravings for food s disappear. I have finally been able to put food in it's proper place, it no longer consume's my every thought.
My wife and I still dineout, I have an occasional lower carb cocktail, we barbeque, I go to other social events where delicious higher carb foods are served but I am in complete control and I love it.
I have lost weight on my Dr's scale at every visit since I started my pre - op liver shrinking diet. It has taken about 5 fills and I am definately at my sweet spot / green zone and I am in no need of another fill as I have approx 22 lbs to get to my target weight. I have dropped several pant and shirt sizes and I am enjoying the many new wardrobe choices that are out there.
Certainly not any less important is that I recently had my annual physical with my PCP and the results were spectacular...... BP 117/73, total cholesterol 185, Triglycerides 86, LDL 130, HDl 39, no more type II diabetes, I am off all medications and have been deemed heathy by my physician.
Life is Good these days andI am chugging along losing my last twenty or so pounds. The great thing is that I have developed new habits and learned about healthy eating and I am very confortable that I can maintain my new weight for the remainedr of my lifetime. That's the beauty of the lap band, the journey and low carb.
In closing this entry, let me remind everyone that you get from the Lapband WLS what you put into the journey. If you simply install it and expect it to do the work, you will be disappointed and your weight loss might be a temporary and fragile. If on the otherhand, you have embraced the journey, made the lifestyle changes and the nutrition changes and have learned to treat food as simple part of daily life, not the all curining panacea for every emotion or comfort you will have taken a huge
stride in conquering your obesity issues.
Have a great day.
30 worst "Healthy Food Choices"
Feb 17, 2010
30. Worst Canned Fruit
Dole Tropical Mixed Fruit in Passion Fruit Nectar (1/2 cup)
90 calories
0 g fat
20 g sugars
If there’s one thing we love about fruit, it’s that nature prepackages it with the perfect amount of sugar.
Apparently the folks who can these fruits don’t trust nature’s recipe, so they augment it with a gob of extra sugar, which downgrades nature’s wonder food into canned candy.
Stick with nature’s recipe instead and buy only fruits packed in 100 percent juice.
29. Worst "Healthy" Snack
Pop-Secret Kettle Corn (4 cups popped)
180 calories
13 g fat (3 g saturated, 6 g trans)
150 mg sodium
28. Worst Herbal Beverage
Arizona RX Energy Herbal Tonic (20-ounce can)
300 calories
0 g fat
73 g sugars
27. Worst Cold Cut Sandwich
Subway Cold Cut Combo (6", on 9-grain wheat bread with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, pickles, olives, and mayo)
530 calories
29 g fat (8 g saturated, 0.5 g trans)
1,670 mg sodium
26. Worst "Ideal" Meal
Jamba Juice Ideal Meal Chunky Strawberry
590 calories
18 g fat (3 g saturated)
55 g sugars
Replacing an oatmeal base with sugars and granola is never a good swap.
25. Worst Caesar Wrap
Blimpie Chicken Caesar Wrap
607 calories
29 g fat (9 g saturated)
1,586 mg sodium
24. Worst Fish Sandwich
Burger King Big Fish Sandwich
630 calories
32 g fat (5 g saturated)
1,540 mg sodium
The Big Fish is a whale of a sandwich
23. Worst "Healthy" Breakfast
Dunkin’ Donuts Pumpkin Muffin
650 calories
29 g fat (5 g saturated)
520 mg sodium
91 g carbohydrates
Despite the healthy-sounding names—banana-walnut, blueberry, cran-orange—muffins are little more than glorified cake. Case in point: This one has more sugar than 3 ice cream sandwiches.
22. Worst "Healthy" Chinese Meal
Panda Express Beijing Beef
660 calories
41 g fat (7 g saturated)
860 mg sodium
21. Worst "Market Fresh" Sandwich
Arby’s Market Fresh Roast Turkey and Swiss
710 calories
30 g fat (8 g saturated, 1 g trans)
1,680 mg sodium
Don't be fooled by vague, healthy-sounding monikers like “market fresh.” More often than not, words like “fresh” and “all natural” are marketing smoke screens. Surprisingly enough, Arby’s line of roast beef products tends to be among the safest bets on the menu. While beef may get a bad rap from fat-phobic consumers, most deli cuts of roast beef are nearly as lean as turkey or chicken.
20. Worst "Healthy" Frozen Dinner
Bertolli Grilled Chicken Alfredo & Fettuccine Skillet Meal for Two (1/2 package)
710 calories
42 g fat (22 g saturated)
1,370 mg sodium
19. Worst Veggie Pizza
Papa John’s Pan Crust Garden Fresh Pizza
740 calories
38 g fat (12 g saturated)
1,320 mg sodium
78 g carbohydrates
Gardens aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be. Just because it’s topped with veggies doesn’t make it healthy. The real problem here isn’t the toppings, though; it’s the excessively thick, greasy pan crust that sinks this veggie-strewn ship. Two slices of this garden-fresh pie will set you back the caloric equivalent of more than 8 Rice Krispies Treats. When it comes to having your pizza and eating it too, the first and most important consideration is crust. Thick, deep dish, or pan crust slices will generally pack 40% more calories than regular slices, thin crust 40% less.
18. Worst "Healthy" Soup
P.F. Chang’s Chicken Noodle Soup
759 calories
24 g fat (4 g saturated)
4,135 mg sodium
92 g carbohydrates
It’s the best part about getting sick: the promise of chicken noodle soup to come. Studies have shown it works, too, but no study could have planned on the torrent of sodium that swirls among Chang’s noodles. Experts recommend capping your daily sodium intake at 2,400 milligrams. Any more than that can put you at an increased risk for heart disease, not to mention swell you up with retained water. Unfortunately, all Chang’s soups suffer a similar fate.
17. Worst Salad Sandwich
Boston Market Chicken Salad Sandwich
800 calories
41 g fat (7 g saturated, 5 g trans)
1,900 mg sodium
Chicken and tuna salad sandwiches might not be the models of health some purport them to be, but even we were surprised to see how bad this Boston Market sandwich really is. Where do they possibly find the room to cram 2½ days’ worth of trans fat into chicken, mayonnaise, lettuce, and bread?
16. Worst Vegetable Pasta
Bob Evans Garden Vegetable Alfredo
809 calories
48 g fat (20 g saturated, 3 g trans)
1,860 mg sodium
Vegetable-based pasta dishes are rarely as healthy as they seem. That’s because cooks take the lack of meat as an open invitation to load on the cream and butter.
15. Worst Turkey Burger Meal
Ruby Tuesday Turkey Minis and Fries
873 calories
46 g fat
88 g carbohydrates
In a perfect world, ground turkey is leaner than ground beef and turkey burger is a decent thing to eat. But Ruby Tuesday finds a way to confound all expectations, considering that these mini burgers still have more calories than a Wendy’s formidable Baconator.
14. Worst "Healthy" Italian Meal
Olive Garden Grilled Shrimp Caprese
900 calories
41 g fat (17 g saturated)
3,490 mg sodium
Grilled shrimp on its own makes for one of the healthiest sources of protein on the planet, but when corrupted by the imaginations of the corporate cooks at Olive Garden, the result is considerably bleaker. The melted mozzarella and the garlic butter sauce are to blame for the high sodium numbers (there’s as much salt in this dish as in 20 individual canisters of Pringles Originals).
13. Worst Cobb Salad
Quizno’s Classic Cobb Flatbread Salad
910 calories
58 g fat (12.5 g saturated, 0.5 g trans)
1,890 mg sodium
61 g carbohydrates
Cobb salads are popular because they’re so tasty. And it’s no wonder—they’re packed with bacon, egg, and tomatoes. Together they bring protein and other important nutrients to the table, but in the case of Quiznos’ Cobb, they team up with the pile of flatbread to bring a reckless flood of calories. When 4 Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnuts have fewer calories than a pile of greens, you know something is wrong.
12. Worst "Healthy" Sandwich
Atlanta Bread Company California Avocado Sandwich
930 calories
50 g fat (11 g saturated)
25 g protein
1,120 mg sodium
Avocado is supposed to bring a bit of healthy fat to your sandwich, not an unsavory deluge of calories.
11. Worst Asian Salad
P.F. Chang’s Chicken Chopped Salad with Ginger Dressing
940 calories
68 g fat (10 g saturated)
2,225 mg sodium
The ginger dressing gives this salad a tangy Asian-style kick; it also packs in a whole day’s worth of sodium. Order this salad as a starter and you’ll be consuming the caloric equivalent of 3½ Snickers bars before your main meal even hits the table.
10. Worst Seafood Meal
Red Lobster Maui Lau Shrimp and Salmon with Rice Pilaf and Broccoli
1,015 calories
19.5 g fat (4 g saturated)
3,000 mg sodium
The shrimp and salmon by themselves have 790 calories and more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium—hardly the type of healthy eating you expect from 2 of the finest sources of protein out there. Worst Rollup
Applebee’s Chicken Fajita Rollup
1,050 calories
The name conjures up the same healthy images that “wrap” does, yet this one tortilla-swaddled chicken dish contains as many calories as 7 Taco Bell Fresco Beef Tacos. And that's before the fries
8. Worst Seafood Salad
Romano’s Macaroni Grill Seared Sea Scallops Salad
1,170 calories
94 g fat (27 g saturated)
2,680 mg sodium
Macaroni Grill manages to take two normally healthy foods—salad and seafood—and turn them into the caloric equivalent of 26 Chicken McNuggets. Not to mention more than 1 day’s worth of sodium, fat, and saturated fat.
7. Worst Veggie Sandwich
Blimpie Special Vegetarian (12")
1,186 calories
60 g fat (19 g saturated)
3,532 mg sodium
131 g carbohydrates
“Vegetarian” doesn’t automatically translate to “healthy.” Sure, this sandwich has vegetables, but it also has 3 different kinds of cheese and a deluge of oil tucked into a hulking 12" roll. No wonder it contains more than half a day’s worth of calories and a cascade of carbs.
6. Worst Sliders
Ruby Tuesday Bacon Cheddar Minis (4 burgers)
1,358 calories
86 g fat
75 g carbohydrates
Diminutive dishes are one of the hottest trends in the restaurant world right now (probably since most are looking for ways to stretch a buck), and you’d think that would serve health-conscious eaters well. But not under the reckless watch of the burger barons at Ruby Tuesday, who manage to turn 4 “mini” burgers into the caloric equivalent of 7 Dunkin’ Donuts Sugar Donuts.
5. Worst Chicken Salad
T.G.I. Friday’s Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad
1,360 calories
4. Worst Mexican Salad
Chevy’s Fresh Mex Tostada Salad with Chicken
1,551 calories
94 g fat (37 g saturated)
2,480 mg sodium
3. Worst Tuna Sandwich
Quiznos Tuna Melt (large)
1,760 calories
133 g fat (25 g saturated, 1.5 g trans)
2,120 mg sodium
In almost all other forms, tuna is a nutritional superstar, so how did it end up as the headliner for America’s Worst Sandwich? Blame an absurdly heavy hand with the mayo the tuna is mixed with, along with Quiznos’ larger-than-life portion sizes.
2. Worst Salad, Period
California Pizza Kitchen Thai Crunch Salad
2,115 calories
This CPK Thai Crunch Salad is the worst we've ever seen, with more calories than you'd absorb from 4 Big Macs. Speaking of crunches, you’d need to do nearly 5,000 of them to work off this one plate of greens.
1. Worst "Healthy" Food in America
Romano’s Macaroni Grill Parmesan Crusted Sole
2,190 calories
141 g fat (58 g saturated)
2,980 mg sodium
145 g carbohydrates
Lean sole served with capers and spinach-strewn orzo sounds like the safest bet on the Mac Grill menu, but it turns out to be not just one of the worst dishes in this restaurant, but one of the worst entrées we’ve found in any restaurant in America. From a nutritional standpoint, “Parmesan crusting” is akin to coating one of the healthiest proteins in the world with a blanket of fried cheese.
42 g fat (22 g saturated)
1,370 mg sodium
38 g fat (12 g saturated)
1,320 mg sodium
78 g carbohydrates
Gardens aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be. Just because it’s topped with veggies doesn’t make it healthy. The real problem here isn’t the toppings, though; it’s the excessively thick, greasy pan crust that sinks this veggie-strewn ship. Two slices of this garden-fresh pie will set you back the caloric equivalent of more than 8 Rice Krispies Treats. When it comes to having your pizza and eating it too, the first and most important consideration is crust. Thick, deep dish, or pan crust slices will generally pack 40% more calories than regular slices, thin crust 40% less.24 g fat (4 g saturated)
4,135 mg sodium
92 g carbohydrates
It’s the best part about getting sick: the promise of chicken noodle soup to come. Studies have shown it works, too, but no study could have planned on the torrent of sodium that swirls among Chang’s noodles. Experts recommend capping your daily sodium intake at 2,400 milligrams. Any more than that can put you at an increased risk for heart disease, not to mention swell you up with retained water. Unfortunately, all Chang’s soups suffer a similar fate.41 g fat (7 g saturated, 5 g trans)
1,900 mg sodium
Chicken and tuna salad sandwiches might not be the models of health some purport them to be, but even we were surprised to see how bad this Boston Market sandwich really is. Where do they possibly find the room to cram 2½ days’ worth of trans fat into chicken, mayonnaise, lettuce, and bread?48 g fat (20 g saturated, 3 g trans)
1,860 mg sodium
Vegetable-based pasta dishes are rarely as healthy as they seem. That’s because cooks take the lack of meat as an open invitation to load on the cream and butter.46 g fat
88 g carbohydrates
In a perfect world, ground turkey is leaner than ground beef and turkey burger is a decent thing to eat. But Ruby Tuesday finds a way to confound all expectations, considering that these mini burgers still have more calories than a Wendy’s formidable Baconator.41 g fat (17 g saturated)
3,490 mg sodium
Grilled shrimp on its own makes for one of the healthiest sources of protein on the planet, but when corrupted by the imaginations of the corporate cooks at Olive Garden, the result is considerably bleaker. The melted mozzarella and the garlic butter sauce are to blame for the high sodium numbers (there’s as much salt in this dish as in 20 individual canisters of Pringles Originals).58 g fat (12.5 g saturated, 0.5 g trans)
1,890 mg sodium
61 g carbohydrates
Cobb salads are popular because they’re so tasty. And it’s no wonder—they’re packed with bacon, egg, and tomatoes. Together they bring protein and other important nutrients to the table, but in the case of Quiznos’ Cobb, they team up with the pile of flatbread to bring a reckless flood of calories. When 4 Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnuts have fewer calories than a pile of greens, you know something is wrong.50 g fat (11 g saturated)
25 g protein
1,120 mg sodium
Avocado is supposed to bring a bit of healthy fat to your sandwich, not an unsavory deluge of calories.68 g fat (10 g saturated)
2,225 mg sodium
The ginger dressing gives this salad a tangy Asian-style kick; it also packs in a whole day’s worth of sodium. Order this salad as a starter and you’ll be consuming the caloric equivalent of 3½ Snickers bars before your main meal even hits the table.19.5 g fat (4 g saturated)
3,000 mg sodium
The shrimp and salmon by themselves have 790 calories and more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium—hardly the type of healthy eating you expect from 2 of the finest sources of protein out there. Worst Rollup
The name conjures up the same healthy images that “wrap” does, yet this one tortilla-swaddled chicken dish contains as many calories as 7 Taco Bell Fresco Beef Tacos. And that's before the fries94 g fat (27 g saturated)
2,680 mg sodium
Macaroni Grill manages to take two normally healthy foods—salad and seafood—and turn them into the caloric equivalent of 26 Chicken McNuggets. Not to mention more than 1 day’s worth of sodium, fat, and saturated fat.60 g fat (19 g saturated)
3,532 mg sodium
131 g carbohydrates
“Vegetarian” doesn’t automatically translate to “healthy.” Sure, this sandwich has vegetables, but it also has 3 different kinds of cheese and a deluge of oil tucked into a hulking 12" roll. No wonder it contains more than half a day’s worth of calories and a cascade of carbs.86 g fat
75 g carbohydrates
Diminutive dishes are one of the hottest trends in the restaurant world right now (probably since most are looking for ways to stretch a buck), and you’d think that would serve health-conscious eaters well. But not under the reckless watch of the burger barons at Ruby Tuesday, who manage to turn 4 “mini” burgers into the caloric equivalent of 7 Dunkin’ Donuts Sugar Donuts.
94 g fat (37 g saturated)
2,480 mg sodium
133 g fat (25 g saturated, 1.5 g trans)
2,120 mg sodium
In almost all other forms, tuna is a nutritional superstar, so how did it end up as the headliner for America’s Worst Sandwich? Blame an absurdly heavy hand with the mayo the tuna is mixed with, along with Quiznos’ larger-than-life portion sizes.This CPK Thai Crunch Salad is the worst we've ever seen, with more calories than you'd absorb from 4 Big Macs. Speaking of crunches, you’d need to do nearly 5,000 of them to work off this one plate of greens.141 g fat (58 g saturated)
2,980 mg sodium
145 g carbohydrates
Lean sole served with capers and spinach-strewn orzo sounds like the safest bet on the Mac Grill menu, but it turns out to be not just one of the worst dishes in this restaurant, but one of the worst entrées we’ve found in any restaurant in America. From a nutritional standpoint, “Parmesan crusting” is akin to coating one of the healthiest proteins in the world with a blanket of fried cheese.Protein Shakes (for pre-ops & newbies)
Feb 05, 2010
A little History first: I lost 22 lbs on a pre-op liver shrinking diet beforesurgery which consisted of keeping a lower calorie, < 50g carb, high protein diet.
Considering I've lived my entire Fat life on carbs (bread, pasta, rice, potato, etc etc etc) I thought the task would be impossible. I managed to do it by adding protein shakes which I made at home. I initially knew that some form of protein drink would be necessary after surgery and I started out just trying to find one I could tolerate. Well I found my favorite early and just kept using it because it allowed me to eat something for breakfast (pre band I never did) and kept me out of restaurants and fast food joints at lunch. It was a lifesaver post - op during the liquid stages and even now I still have one for breakfast on workday mornings and an occasional one when I'm wishing for milkshake.
Here how I make 'em
You got to get a quality protein powder that is whey isolate not concentrate. The isolate is better, typically contains the amino acids you need and has less junk mixed in with it. It also seems to taste better with less of a medical taste.
I prefer Unjury brand (www.unjury.com) comesin samples and the delivery is pretty quick. It may be a bit more expensive than others but it works for me and that's half the battle.
You can blend this with water, but I prefer a thicker consistency and taste so I elected to go with light soy milk. I use either the plain or the vanilla flavored soy milk and one of the lowest in cal & carbs I 've found is 8th contenent light (Wallmart 2.73 / 1/2 gal)
I mix two scoops of Unjury Vanilla protein powder / 24 oz of soy milk, and blend in my blender. While its blending, I add about 2 T of SF Pudding powder ( I use a variety of flavors to keep things interesting, Bannana Cream, Caramel, Butterscotch, Chocolate, Pistachio, Cheescake, Lemon, Pumpkin Spice, etc).
Once all the Dry & Liquid is blended thouroughly I add some crushed or cubed Ice and reblend on the grind speed. for about 30 - 45 seconds.
The outcome is a creamy delicious flavorful beverage ,which rivals many milkshakes I have drank in my lifetime. The above makes a pretty hefty portion, some times I drink it all in one sitting, sometimes I drink about half and put the remainder in the fridge for later.
Tip: If you are making your own, no matter what brand / flavor of protein powder you use, do not add the ice untill the dry and liquid has been well mixed. If not, the powder sticks to the ice and never really disolves, thus you get the gritty taste so many hate.
FatGuy(shrinking)inNC
2nd Fill today...... what I learned
Feb 04, 2010
Had my second fill today, I am at 10 weeks post op. According to Dr 's scale I had lost 6lbs in the last 4 weeks since my first fill. He was very pleased
and said that I am building a good foundation for steady weight loss once I reach the elusive sweet spot. His estimation and experience indicates that on average, his patients typically get to or near their sweet spots between fills 4 - 6.He reminded me that until you get to the sweet spot, the weight loss is a bit slower than we may like but to be patient, because the success rate of keeping it off is much better.
As for the actual fill, he put some in and then asked me to drink about 6oz of water in ten seconds. A couple of swallows and "ouch, whooly shit, so this is TIGHT !! I get it and it's not fun!! He took a bit out, and things were much better.
So this led to a conversation about restriction, I told him that I thought I was eating too much per meal (between a cup & a cup and half, that I was having no trouble with foods and that I could easily eat my portion steadily with good chewing in about 5-10 minutes.) (I have always been a fast eater).
The Dr. stated that with sweet spot restriction, I should not be able nor want to eat more than a cup of food, and it will take a minimum of 20-30 minutes to eat solid / soft non liquid foods.
He also emphasised that most people who struggle with the band do so because they are drinking calories. He specifically pointed to cappachino, juices, soups, yogurts etc. He is a firm beliver in the "chew" approach regarding food choices. If you can't chew it, you probably don't need it. (Obviously this applies once you reach the solid food stage post - op)
We also talked about my frustration issues about the weight loss slowing down ( My surgeon said: slowdowns at about the 2 to 3 month period are very common and many patients give in and derail their efforts, often times never really getting back into the swing of things and never really having given the band a chance to work.)
I mentioned that I blog here at OH and there are many who have lost around 100 lbs in approx 10 -14 months. He stated that if you are going to compare (something that is inevitable although not recommended) , that you should take into consideration that a greater percentage of those losses probably occurred once the patient had reached good restriction.
So for those of us that are just starting out the recommendation is to stay the course and practice making the good food choices. Higher monthly weight loss totals are easier to achieve with proper restriction. (DUH).
Therefore I take from todays fill and consult with my Dr the following:
- I should be pleased with my progress, it will only get better as I move closer to
the sweet spot.
- Patience and realistic loss goals in the first few months post-op are the key to
staying on track.
- My calories and food choices are accceptable and I am building a foundation
that will serve my weight loss and long term goals best.
Have a great day,
FatGuy(shrinking)inNC
Jan '10 has been a mental challenge
Feb 02, 2010
On the 7th, I went for my first fill, 5.8CC's in an APL Band. I was excited to get some restriction and start shedding the pounds. Alas, not much restriction to speak of, and a continued weight loss stall. Since I was cleared by the Dr to start exercising, the time had come to face the one part of this surgery that I dreaded.
I started out with my Wii and the EA Active program and can report that I have been diligent in doing about 30-40 minutes per day of vigorous cardio, (boxing, tennis, running, volleyball, baseball batting). I have actually gotten into the habit of doing these exercises as soon as I get home from work each weekday evening. I'm not at the (looking forward to them point yet), but I'm making my best effort in years to stay the course. Despite the exercise and continuing my low carb, high protein food choices, the scale wasn't moving much (up a lb down a lb).
So last week it time for some real investigation, especially since I was starting to head towards that (this isn't working, so let's have one of these foods) frustration moments.
What I discovered: 1. my lunchtime protein shake was starting to keep me lees full, and by the time I was done with the exercises at night I was eating more than necessary for dinner. My solution was to start bringing leftovers from the previous nights dinner to work for lunch.
2. I analyzed my fluid intake and discovered that I was not getting in the necessary 60-70 oz of water per day. I actual was shocked at this because I love water and never expected to have it be a problem. Upon further reflection I attributed my sudden loss of interest in water and it's taste (yes good water has a taste), only to discover that since I had cleansed my system from all the simple carbs and sugars, and lowered my salt intake, I was craving far less water. My solution was to fill up the water bottle and keep it in plain sight wherever I was, whatever I was doing. This was especially important at home, I found out of sight in the refrigerator was not a good place, so now it goes where I go (within reason).
I am happy to report that the last week of January showed me with a 3 lb weight loss. I hope this continues into Feb and beyond. My second fill is on February 4th. I plan to get some additional added but am going to try not to get too aggressive because I have been reading an awful lot about many people being way too tight.
I would like to get to the point where I could limit meals to about a cup and currently I'm more like at the two cup point despite my calories to be around 1100-1200 which is a good target for a guy my size and bone structure.
I am predicting that I will fall short of my ten lb weight loss goal for the V-Day challenge, but do think I can get to my St. Pat's day target.
In closing out this particular entry in my blog, let me say that despite the frustrations of January and the much slower weight loss, I have stayed on course with exercise, healthy food choices, and positive mental attitude. For that I am most proud. I have lost a total of 42lbs and I am just 9 lbs away from the half way point of my journey.
Not bad for a FatGuy(shrinking)inNC
One consideration why I chose the Lap Band
Jan 26, 2010
I asked myself what was the real advantage of either the RNY or the DS and what it came down to was they were supposedly the easiest and required the least amount of effort on my part with the fastest weight losss............should've been an easy choice then right?
Well I looked over my life and you know what? Everytime I've taken the easy way out, whether related to health or finances or whatever, trying to do as little as possible has always come back to bite me in the ass one way or another.
For me it was time to " grow - up" (I know I'm in my fifties) but this was one of those defining moments where I decided I was going to tough it out, put the work in, survive the inevitable lapses but finally deal with food and my weight in a responsible long-term manner by learning and incorporating what I learned into my daily lifestyle.
I'm confident that I have made the right choice and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
FatGuy(shrinking)inNC
PS: I have noticed that the RNY patients that I have met or know personally have this sort of ashen, drawn, unhealth look about them, I suspect it is the effect of malabsorbption and there could be a number of explanations, but hell I want to look and feel healthy at the same time.
Answer to a newbie, How much can I expect to lose?
Jan 12, 2010
The only things that the actual amounts of other's weight losses are good for (IMO) is to demonstrate :
1. that those who follow the band rules,
2. learn what is nutritious and what is not,
3. develop a new understanding of what food is supposed to be,
4. and how to incorporate all the necessary changes into their lifestyle
HAVE LOST SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT AND KEPT IT OFF !
The actual amounts will vary for individuals as they should. Ask your surgeon for a realistic expectation of weight loss for you based upon your unique circumstances.
At some point, most of us were afraid of the commitment necessary to achieve the 4 points (above) because the truth is that the band can only help you achieve them.
It will not do it for you and we must plan to be successful and work the plan with the band.
FatGuy(shrinking)inNC
PS: Want to check your commitment, ask yourself these questions.......what behavior modifications have you made since coming to the OH website and learning about the lap-band surgery? Have you started eliminating drinking with and immediately following meals? Have you made sure each and every meal / snack is high in protein and low in fat & cal? Are you chewing your food more thoroughly or just inhaling and swallowing?
If you are afraid of incorporating these simple changes while waiting for approval, or dreading the day you have to begin these lifestyle changes then I think it's time to assess your commitment. Some one once posted: There's hoping WLS works or there's making WLS work. " All the hope in the world won't make the "band" work but do your part and it works beyond your wildest hopes & dreams !!! "
Good luck, we'll be waitin' for you on the "bench".
Most informative posts.....
Jan 03, 2010
What can I expect to happen at the psychiatric appointment? Why is it 3 hours long?
I am of the opinion that the mindset of a Band patient before and after surgery is the single most important reason why some have wonderful success's and why others don't.
The psychological evaluation in my opinion is the single most important pre-op test you will undergo. I feel so strongly about it, that I would chose a different WLS physician if he/she did not require it as part of the process !!
If you go back and analyze most every post where someone is complaining about their lack of success or their meager weight loss you will see that they do not have the proper outlook, lack the true commitment necessary to do what is required, fool themselves into thinking that at some miraculous point in time they will be able to return to old habits and food choices, etc etc etc.
I know for a fact, because I was one of those persons before I got on OH and really faced the realities of what a banded lifestyle would be like.
You should embrace you psychologists evaluation, they are not there to to derail you from having the surgery. Actually it's just the opposite, if they determine you are not emotionally ready, then you're probably not ready!
There is a huge gap between wanting the Lap Band surgery to work, and saying you are ready to make changes and actually committing and implementing the necessary changes to do it!!!
An OH friend recently commented that I have ultimate willpower. (HaHaHA) Not a chance, but what I do have that has carried me thus far is a determination and understanding that I will learn what I have to change and work my ass off to get it done. I am fully prepared for and expect obstacles, they will be just as discouraging for me as for anyone else, but I will overcome them with perseverance and help from my OH friends.
I need a swift kick in the a$$ to get my act together.
1. Focus on the fact that you are starting over and that this is not about a diet in any way shape or form. In a dieter's mindset, the idea is to reach a goal, usually through sacrifice and or abstinence We all have experienced the reality of not being able to keep the weight we lose off because we reward ourselves in little increments with the same old bad habits and food choices. You have to view this as if you suddenly moved to some foreign land where food as you know it doesent exsist. You have to learn to develop new food items that provide nutrition and energy within an acceptable taste pallet.
2. I would focus less on how much and more on quality. Proper restriction will take care of portions all be itself. Go to a food journal and log everything you ate yesterday. Hw did your calorie intake compare to 1000 calories. Then start to develop tomorrows menu beginning with your protein, if you chose 4 oz, calculate the calories and subtract from 1000, that's all that's left, then your veggies, etc etc etc.
You'll see pretty quickly that there won't be much room for those capaccino's or all day grazing.
3. Make yourself at least one protein shake per day, it will fill you up far more than other beverages.
4. Learn to snack on Nut's, not sweets.
5. Start you day off with a breakfast of protein items only, no carbs at all. The protein will last longer with you than the carbs will.
At the end of the day this journey is all about developing food items that are protein rich, tasty and practical for your lifestyle. Remember this, once upon a time you learned to love the taste of Cappaccino, well now it's time to learn to love the taste of something else that is better for you than that.
How long till your staples were removed?
Mine came out at the first post - op visit 1 week after surgery. It was painless and took less than a minute.
Pre-Op Diet (A big deal)
Shrinking the liver pre surgery is very important and one of the reasons why some people have less discomfort following surgery. My nutritionists plan was to limit my carbs to under 50 grams per day and eat a very high protein foods, and try to limit calories to 1000-1200. I did it for 4 weeks pre surgery and with the help of unjury protein shakes and an online food journal site like fit day or daily plate I was able to lose 22 lbs before surgery. The sooner you get used to less calories and less carbs the easier the first month to 6 weeks post - op will be as you will be hungry andthe band will not be providing any restriction. (Imagine that your pre op caloric intake will go from 2000-3000 cals to like 800 for the first 6 weeks) Why do you think it's called Bandsters Hell.
Another thing that is very necessary post op is not drinking any liquid with or immediately following your meals. I started to learn to do this in advance of the surgery and now it's almost second nature.
Changing your OH username (How to)
Here's how it's done:
Go to the very top of the OH page and click on the "my account"
on the page, you will see boxes for your First name & Last name. Erase the contents and enter the new username that you want to show up in your posts (put it in the first name box and leave the last name box empty)
Scroll down and click save
On same page look for the settings tab, click then select the message board tab. Scroll down to "Display Name preferences and select the First and last name option.
Scroll down and then click save.
That's it, your username is changed.
Protein..... It's a big deal !!
Everyone knows that a high metabolism helps to burn off and keep off unwanted pounds, as well as building strong muscles. Consuming protein has been shown to be a great step towards raising your metabolism. However, this does not mean starting a bacon and fried chicken diet, but rather adding more low-fat, nutrient rich, lean meats and legumes to your diet.
WHAT PROTEINS DO
Proteins control nearly all of the molecular processes of the body. Enzymes that are found in proteins are the catalysts of metabolism. Proteins are important in promoting repair, growth and maintenance of cells throughout the body, and they provide the amino acids human bodies cannot make naturally. All but a small percentage of the protein you take in is digested. Excess protein that is not used in cell repair or converted into amino acids is converted into sugars or fatty acids and can be burned as fuel.
HIGH PROTEIN = HIGH METABOLISM
For protein to be converted into amino acids or for it to repair and build cells requires a complex conversion,this conversion uses calories, up to 30% of the calories the protein contains, in fact.
Example: one cup of white boneless chicken breast, without the skin, contains about 230 calories 175 of those from protein. Your body will use about 30% of the calories from protein to break it down just for use. That equates to about 50 calories burned just by taking in this high-protein food. The same is true for legumes and grains that are high in protein.
Besides burning calories as the proteins are converted, they raise your metabolism by rebuilding muscle fibers faster. Muscles require more energy, or calories, to maintain themselves, even when you are not using them. The more calories your body burns, the higher your metabolism.
FISH PULLS DOUBLE DUTY
High protein often conjures images of red meat and bacon. Legumes, nuts, milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, chicken, beans and fish are all great sources of protein. Fish, especially, packs a double punch in raising metabolic rates. Besides the high protein content, most fish contains omega-3 fat, which has been shown to help humans burn more calories. The more calories you burn, the higher your metabolism gets.
TIMING IS IMPORTANT
Eating protein in the morning is essential because it creates energy that outlasts carbohydrates. A boost of protein in the morning will help prevent your body from burning muscle fiber for energy. Breaking down muscle for energy actually slows the metabolism, so it is crucial that you prevent this from happening. Don't skip lunch or dinner, either, and make sure there's protein in both. Fish twice a week is recommended and it is a quick, easy dish for either your midday or evening meal. A steady supply of protein throughout the day is very important to increase your metabolism.
If you are a late night snacker, try reaching for a high-protein nibble at night, like cheese or sliced, cooked turkey breast. You might find you sleep better and feel more satisfied with fewer night-time calories.
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH
There is a wide range of opinions regarding the ideal amount of protein to take in to increase your metabolism. Some recommend 10% of your daily caloric intake come from protein, others recommend as much as 60% of your caloric intake come from protein. The more you exercise, especially if you practice significant weight lifting, the higher your protein intake should be, since your body tears and repairs more muscle. You are also more at risk for catabolism, or the process of burning muscle mass for energy.
A deficiency can lead to fatigue, insulin resistance, loss of muscle mass, hormone irregularities and loss of skin tone and elasticity. Vegetarians should pay close attention to their diet and make sure to include high protein grains, legumes and nuts.
Too much protein may also cause problems. You may lose calcium leading to long term bone loss. If you rely on red meats and other high-fat foods as your main source of protein, you are also at risk of high cholesterol and heart conditions related to high saturated fat levels.
A word about protein powders/premades
In my research, I came across the following which you may find helpful when chosing a protein drink or powder:
" Most lower quality protein shakes use whey protein concentrate;
High quality protein shakes use only whey protein isolate.
(Not only do you get more protein and less lactose (milk sugar) -- you get
an amazingly great taste. ) "
At One month
Dec 28, 2009
My one month bandiversary was 12/23/09 and Christmas will be here in a couple of days.
My wife and I decided to have a very low key celebration with no holiday foods to tempt me .
As a matter of fact, she went to a nice Christmas Eve dinner at one of our neighbors home. my plan to stay home was just fine because I came down with a doozie of a head cold which lasted throughout the holiday until Monday (back to work YUK!!)
Despite my best efforts, weight loss has reached a disappointing plateau, I knew it would happen but it's still a bit discouraging after my early pre & post op losses. My stall seems to be in conjunction with my food stage moving into soft stage. I have been making excellent choices and calories are around 1000-1200/ day but I do find that I am able to eat much more than a cup of soft / mushies and I am. Funny thing is it's more of a habit than it is that I am hungry. Something I know I have to work at . My first fill will come next Thursday and I imagine that will but a quick stop to the over sized portions.
I have begun to see slight improvements in my overall appearance and clothes seem a bit looser, of course I was previously in denial and I'm sure many that now fit comfortably were way past a bit snug before WLS.
I have loved the fact that my Dr. said no exercise except for walking until I reach the six week mark. Great with me, I absolutely hate exercise!!!!! Of course come next Thursday it will be a whole new ballgame and I am dreading that far more than anything else. I just can't seem to motivate myself when it comes to exercise.
My next short term goal is to be 245 lbs or less by Jan 31, 2010. Wish me luck
