Search This Blog

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Hiya 188!


I was all set to do a down 90 lbs. (40.8 kg.) post today, but I'm not complaining.  I am now down 92 lbs. (41.7 kg.) with a loss of 2.4 lbs. (1.1 kg.) since last week.  My goal is 8 lbs. (3.6 kg.) away!  HOLY CRAP!!!!  As of this morning, I weigh 188 lbs. (85.3 kg.).

I know there are quite a few newbies following my blog so I thought I would roll out one of those What I'm Doing posts.  I haven't done one in a while.  I want to start by saying that GASTRIC BANDING WORKS!  I struggled with my weight and sluggish metabolism for a long time.  I feared nothing would ever work for me and that I would be fat forever.  My starting BMI was 42.6.  It is now 28.6 and I am no longer obese.  

So here it is, in no particular order:

#1 - Eat all foods in moderation:  Nothing is off-limits.  I eat and enjoy all foods without guilt in moderation.  If I want something, I have it.  You will not see me posting about how I was "bad" and ate this or that.  I do not think there are such things as "good" or "bad" foods.  Some foods are healthier than others.  

#2 - Exercise every day:  Even at 280 lbs., I incorporated regular physical activity into my routine.  I have done many things over the years, but what I do right now is walk each morning for 30 minutes.  I also ride my bike to work on Tuesday and Thursday (about 3.5 miles each way) and I often ride my bike to church on Sundays (1 mile each way).   A few nights a week, I lift free weights while watching TV. 

I know a lot of people equate exercisee with going to a gym to work out.  I have done that in the past, but right now I cannot afford a gym and I don't have the time to go even if I could.  I want people to know that you don't have to spend a lot of time and money on a gym workout if they don't want to.  It is possible to lose weight without it.

#3 - Eat at least 50 grams of protein:  I have been a lacto-ovo vegetarian since I was 19 years old and so I have to make an effort to get my protein in.  In this process, I have found that I lose weight more consistently when I eat protein. 

#4 - DON'T count calories:  I should say that the first few months post-op I did write down everything I ate and the calorie counts.  I did it sporadically through June and then it just sort of petered out.  I will sometimes count everything up in my head, but I don't usually do that anymore either.  I did it initially because it was a safety net for me, I guess.  I didn't know how the whole band-thing would work and I wanted to be successful.  But after months of steady weight-loss I came to realize that I didn't want to do it anymore.  I want to live my life and NOT be on a diet.  I've always believed that the healthiest diet was one it which all things were permitted in moderation (see #1) and my gastric band lets me eat that way without dieting.

#5 - Blog: I had my surgery in Mexico so I don't have a local surgeon for follow up care.  I do have a great fill doctor here in Eugene, but I've been at my sweet spot since June so I don't see her much.  What I do have is all of you guys to support me and be accountable to.  You are amazing and I am so glad I started this blog!

#6 - Eat when I'm hungry.  Stop when I'm full:  I generally eat only when I'm hungry and I stop when my band tells me to.  I typically have three meals a day.  I seldom have snacks.  When you have good restriction, there is a lot less hunger.  But if I am hungry, I will eat regardless of whether it is a meal time or not.  And sometimes I chose to have popcorn after dinner or a dessert in the evening, but it is a pretty infrequent thing.

So that's it!  I have said many times that there isn't anything special that I am doing that I will stop when I hit my goal.  The gastric band has been the very best choice for me and I am so happy I did it!

15 comments:

nikki said...

I am newbie and you have no idea how much I appreciate you sharing these helpful highlights that made your journey a success. I'm most nervous about protein also, as I don't like the shakes that much. But so far, I'm getting them. Congrats on your WL! What an inspiration!

DB said...

Congratulations! You are such an inspiration to so many :)

Bonnie said...

Great post for newbies and awesome reminder for others. Recipe for success obviously given your awesome weight loss. Congrats!

~Lisa~ said...

Terrific post - and I thank YOU for sharing!! I appreciate that you're sensible, and realistic in your outook toward weight loss and life. I printed your words out and have put you on my bulletin board! Thank you!!!

Theresa said...

You go girl!!! Amazing Amanda!

Gen said...

This is so awesome. Congratulations!!!!!!

Would you mind if I copied your "what I do" list onto my blog and wrote a post about it? I am so thrilled for you and your success. I would like to emphasize the no dieting part of your success on my blog. Would that be okay?

Christine said...

I love these "What I'm doing that WORKS" posts! Great overview, and I *LOVE* the part about 50g protein or more per day! That works for me too! Thank you too for visiting my blog often and for your encouragement. It means a lot to me! HUGS TO YOU!
Christine
www.phoenixrevolution.net

Perry Joyce said...

OMG!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! And great pointers, I've been following you for a while (you were one of the first blogs I followed) and I still got a lot out of your "what I'm doing" points!! A total inspiration, thank you so much!!!

Gen said...

Thanks Amanda! Of course I will link back! Love this post!

Island Bandit said...

thanks for sharing. i'm a newbie and i definitely appreciate learning about all the ways i can be a big success too. congrats, btw

Sandy said...

That is just the best post. I believe in every single point you made and try to live it every day with the band. (Although chocolate still seems to sneak in too much).

You go girl. Doing great.

Something About Kellie said...

Well done on the 92 pounds! Thats an amazing effort.

Read said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! That's totally awesome! Thanks for all your pointers they are great!

Kathy said...

Great post Amanda. It looks as though you've helped quite a few newbies and that is wonderful. I love the fact that I don't have to "diet" anymore too. That is the best part, besides the weight loss.

Libby said...

I just sent a link to this post to my mother. I think she is still struggling with the concept that my goal is to no longer "diet". With the band, I am hoping that I can finally make the lifestyle changes that will enable my weight loss and then enable me to maintain it. Perhaps this can explain it better than I have and you certainly have great results to back it up. So, thank you again for anoher wonderful post!