[JessLess]

Hi iFashionistaa,

I agree about 1,000 calories being too low and also recommend cardio. What works for me is I got a subscription to a magazine I consider trashy and fun, People. I am only "allowed" to read it if I am on a StairMaster, Elliptical or Treadmill. Interval training has been a great fat burner for me too.

I have no problem with people who get WLS, but I look at it like this. If you have a digestive tract that is functioning, operating on it will forever change it and your life. I think that kind of decision should be made after years of trying eating plans, exercise and therapy, and is not to be taken lightly.

Good luck with your goals!

[SpookyXXL]

Originally Posted by jillybean720

I can't recommend Weight Watchers because I've never done the Points thing (for a few reasons I won't go into here), but I can absolutely second the recommendation for South Beach - it's based on real, healthy foods and teaches how to eat healthfully as opposed to teaching you how to just lose weight.

Dancing (cardio) and counting calories is a great start - I really don't think you should be looking at surgery at this point. I know lots of people who do have surgery say they wish they'd done it sooner, but at 16, you're not ready for such a major lifestyle change. I've seen cases of bands and VSGs performed on teens, but they are typically MUCH more overweight than you are, and their health is already suffering due to the obesity.

I had a junior prom, not a senior prom (just how we did it at my high school), and I was about 5'5 and more than 250 pounds for my prom. I survived and even had fun!

I had Gastric by-pass but then I am 41 and weighed 463 at my top weight (See Below) I went on south beach and lost 52pounds Before Surgery (6 months) if I had not learned what I learned on South Beach I dont think I would be doing as good as I am after WLS.
Check out the book and read the first 110pages (the rest is recipes) it will change how you look at food
NOTE: I also have arthritis in my knees and was barely able to exercise, you should have no problem losing weight and KEEPING OFF cause south beach sets you up to eat well for life.

[catowned]

Have you tried an online calorie counter? I think the WW suggestion is great too. With calorie countinng or WW you can still have pizza and chicken.
I love pizza too . I use a subscription site but there are free online calorie counting journals.
Have you looked into any fitness class? If you like to dannce I bet you would really enjoy something like Zumba. I know for sure I push myself a lot harder when I'm in a class with others. Ask your mom if she would do it with you.