Slower losers - unite! What keeps you losing?

Hi all:

Since 1month after surgery I've lost only about 8 lbs, or 1.3 lbs per week rate. 

I KNOW why I am losing more slowly...
1. Not yet at full restriction, although some is helping.
2. Not a regular exerciser.
3. Not a stickler for the tiny meal size (golfball) my surgeon suggests, I'm closer to 1 or 1-1/2 C at dinner.  And nighttime eating is my weakness - it is essentially a 4th meal.

HOWEVER - I am very grateful to continue losing at the slow steady pace!!!  This never would have happened without the band.

QUESTION - What keeps you losing and motivated?
I find the vitamins and the "protein first" rule are my bests friends.  The vitamins have totally strengthened my nails - unexpected bonus. 

I go back to the refeeding schedule I used after surgery and stay 2 or 3 days on each level.  Also, increase my exercise some if I can.  Do everything you know you could be doing to maximize your weight loss - know that you forfiet "grumbling rights" unless you do.   Know you are in control of your losses.

Some have found that chewing gum helps - maybe that would work for you at night - can't put food in and chew gum without have a MESS.

Good luck in finding what works for you

Hi happylapbander:
Yep - I try not to grumble - I appreciate the truly wonderful gift of the weight loss thus far. 
Thanks for the ideas!

What keeps me motivated is the visual I get when I think of what how I will look in a small fitted dress, the thought of tight toned arms and legs, and the thought of being able to throw on a skirt and t-shirt or a summer dress with flip flops and think "NOT BAD"!!!  These are the things that keep me motivated and working out when I would rather stay in bed another hour in the morning!   <----NO    <----YES

Good luck to you!!!

Lisa

Yep - the "look good in anything" dream is a good one.  I am also happy having loose jeans.

Lisa,
Your post was speaking directly to me!  I have had no motivation to exercise for the last four months...don't really know why, stress from work, busy schedule, I can make all kinds of excuses.     But I told myself last night that today that was all going to change!  I am on spring break (I am a HS asst. principal) so I have eight days to get into a routine and no excuses!

So the skirt and t-shirt visual is going to be my push....thanks for the visual!!  I have 25 pounds to get to my goal and May 19th is my bandiversary.....I can do this!!!

Thanks for the help !

Cindy

Hi Joan,

I'm not qualified to answer this but I have some comments anyway.  I know I will be a slow loser for a couple of reasons: 1 I have PCOS.  2.  I plan on taking it slow because I think it will be healthier for me and hopefully get a little less loose skin (age and length of time obese are not working in my favor on this one). 

I am hoping that having small goals to work towards may help with keeping motivated.

In terms of exercise, I struggle with this too but have noticed a couple of things that keep me moving.
1. I actually have less pain when I exercise even if more pain while exercising.
2. I like numbers and tracking , so using a pedometer that gives me constant feedback works for me.
3. Having someone to exercise with and be accountable to for exercise really helps!

Here's to slow losers!

Katie

Hi Katie:
I think losing slow is great - as long as I keep losing!  Thanks for your thoughts on motivation for exercise.  I think all your ideas are great

Go slow losers!

things will get better as you get more restriction.  When I have good restriction i lose pretty fast.  When i dont my weight lost stops or at least moves to a snails pace.  I have lost 46 pounds in 7 months. That is just under 7 pounds a month...wow that looks much better when you view it that way :)

Anyway-I also hate exercise but I am trying in little ways to move more.  such as:  dont ask someone to get you semething.  Get it yourself, park far away from stores and walk all the aisles in the store.  Next week I am going on a business trip to a town with a nature reserve right outside my hotel room.  I will walk around it every day.

My next strategy is:  when you think you need a fill dont put it off go get one!  I went two months gaining and losing the same 5 pounds and that was just stupid.  If i cold control myself i would have been successfull at weigh****chers years ago.  when im hungry  I eat and I do not always make the best choices so keeping my fills where they should be is important.

Keep the crap out of the house-if I am not going to make the best choice and eat something because i am not at a good fill level at the very least I am going to have to work for it by driving to the store, parking far away, and walking around the store to get it.

Protein bars-my favorite protein bars (twisted bars) were pulled from the shelves because of the stupid peanut butter company.  I cannot buy them anymore and it is killing me.  I ate one of those bars everyday for breakfast and all of the store ones taste like yucky protein dusted rice krispie treats.  the twisted bars are like chewy candy bars.  they provided me with the reward of candy but the on program protein (15 grams per bar), not too may calories, and a good breakfast to keep me from ripping down the kitchen at lunch.  I am going to have to order some form the company i guess.

well that is all the wisdom i can offer :)  I need a fill!!

Tina

Hi Tina:
I am like you, I try not to buy the junk, and if I need it I have to make a special trip.  I also try to trick myself into exercising just a little bit more (go on errands etc.).  Head games head games - but I need the right head games.

I think your weight loss is awesome.  I just had a fill 2 days ago, and am definitely more restricted - hoping not too restricted because I'm not sure I don't need a small unfill.  But there's nothing like it to kick start losing more weight.
Thanks!