Several patients were in the office today who have done very well with their weight loss using the gastric band.Losing the last 15-20lbs is usually more about food choices, exercise and avoiding high calorie snacks than it is about finding a perfect band “adjustment.”Most patients learn this by having their bands adjusted too tight and needing a little bit taken out.When I see patients undergo a series of tiny fluid adjustments and complaining of stagnant weight loss, usually they are depending too much on the band and need to depend more on their food choices.Our support groups and Mindful Eating classes, taught by our nutritionist Prudence Ticknor, are a great way to refocus for those last few pounds.To sign up for the Mindful Eating series or to find out more about our support groups, give us a call at 702-313-8446.
After several months and many, many short run/walks, group run/walks and strength training sessions, Team GBI crossed the Half Marathon finish line December 6, 2009. Excitement, accomplishment and even a little relief were felt as each GBI patient finished the 13.1 mile Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon course. Below are some photos from race day.
On Friday, December 11, 2009, Dr. Atkinson, Dr. Soong, Marathon Coach Prudence Ticknor and Team GBI gathered to celebrate and share stories about their marathon training and race experience. Food, support and friendship were shared at this congratulatory event! Below are some photos and a video from the dinner.
Congratulations team and good luck in your future trainings and races!
Congratulations on completing your half-marathon training for this year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on the Las Vegas Strip! We are very proud of you, your weight loss success and your dedication to healthy lifestyle changes. That’s what Gastric Band Institute’s philosophy is all about.
Remember to have fun on race day and keep your friends and family close by for extra support. Also, be sure to share your training and marathon success stories with others.Your journey is an inspiration to us all.
It’s finally almost here: the big race day! Many of our minds have already started racing with doubts of not being able to finish or walk/run the race fast enough and we are a bundle of nerves. On race day, instead of focusing on running/walking the total 13.1 miles, focus on doing a mile at a time. Your goal is to get to the next drink station, then the next and the next. We all can do one mile. Before you know it, you will be at the finish line. Remind yourself that words and thoughts create feelings and feelings do not always tell the truth. Here are a few techniques you can do to keep yourself strong now and throughout the race.
The night before or the morning of the race take a few minutes to visualize yourself walking/running 13.1 miles. See yourself crossing the finish line with all of your friends and family and the crowds cheering you on. Visualize yourself waking up full of energy, feeling vibrant and energetic throughout the marathon. Visualize yourself finishing without any injuries and a smooth easy journey. Remember whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.
Take some time to come up with positive mantras to counteract the negative internal dialogue creating the fear, nerves and doubt. Saying these mantras the night before will allow you to get a bit more sleep and will assist you during the race to the finish line. Remind yourself you have done the training, you are physically ready, fear is just a false expectation appearing real and that pain is temporary while this accomplishment is for a lifetime. Find a few mantras that will work for you and when you notice you are focusing on anything negative, switch focus to the mantras you have picked for yourself.
You should all be proud of yourselves for getting to this point. You all have the mental toughness, focus and determination it takes to finish. See you at the finish line!
