Okay...where do I start. I know if has been a while since I have posted and I am ready to share some great stuff that has been going on directly related to my band.

First a BIG NSV (non-scale victory) I went shopping today for a new pair of jeans. I have been wearing a size 18 (I know I can't believe I've been in a size 18!!!) A couple of people have commented that they are getting baggy. Not falling off or anything, but baggy in the but, so I decided to find some that fit me ok. I tried on a size 16 only to find they were too big too!!! OMG!!! So I went out to get a smaller size thinking that they would be too small and THEY FIT!!!!

(I am shouting for joy now) I FIT INTO AND BOUGHT A SIZE 14 JEANS!!!!!!! I haven't fit into that size since somewhere around my sophmore year in high school!!! I still can't believe it!!! I know all jeans are different and I tried on several brands and styles and I could button all of them. I just didn't like most of them and some were too tight, but that's okay.

I've also been thinking about getting a body shaper. I am really noticing how much I will be needing a tummy tuck and breast lift. My body is beginning to look like a deflated ballon. Anyway while I was in Walmart I tried on a size 2xl cami body shaper and it was too big so I got an XL. I can't believe the difference! It only cost $16 and it is amazing and comforatble so I will be wearing that most days to work now. I also got lucky and found some amazing deals on clothes that fit me. $5 for a skirt and the same for pants. I kept grabbing the size 18 and kept going back tot he rack to get a size 16. (These can not be even a little snug...they are for work)

Okay...next victory. I went out of town last week. I was gone from Tuesday to Friday and I STILL LOST WEIGHT!!! I had to eat out for every meal and was "wined and dined" for two of those (for work not pleasure) and I still lost weight and worked out! VICTORY!!!!

YAY! This is the trip every year that usually gets me off track. I have another one next month, but I am more confident that I can make it!.

I did find myself starting to feel sad that I couldn't eat more of the stuff I liked, but then I was so grateful because I realized that the band was dong just what I wanted it to do. It was giving me a reason to not over eat. I could have kept gong but I would have felt horrible and I don't want to stretch my pouch. I love my band. I had to say no to fresh hot pretzels and pastries all week, but that is ok. I could have eaten it, but chose not to. The band has helped me make those tough desicions. I know I could have eaten around the band and drank a TON of expensive alcholic drinks and incredible soft deserts, but I have learned a new lifestyle and since I have worked so hard for 5 months I was ready to hit the road and still make good desicions.

I have lost 80 lbs and I am 5 lbs from ONEderland. I can't wait to get there.

Have I mentioned I love my band? His name is Band Jovi:drum:

Phfft! Scale? What Scale?!!! Awesome job JA! What great NSV's! I hoping your dancing to your band, he sure is playing his best for you! -BG

It is wonderful to hear your victory stories. You make me want to get banded rught away. Great job

That is great and I am so happy for you. I was just banded Monday of this week and you give me great hope. Keep the stories coming!!!!

GOOD JOB!!!

Question about your trip. I travel quite a bit for my work, hoping it will decrease soon, but what and where did you eat? I'm not telling many folks and I don't want my co-workers to catch on that i'm banded by what i'm eating. what did you order, where did you eat. I normally stay at marriotts and have a 'free' breakfast and i try to make do now with a bowl of cereal. after the band, that isn't going to work, tell me what you did! Thanks. Kathi

Well for breakfast they had a breakfast buffet. I had ham or bacon or sausage and eggs or omlette and fruit. It wasn't too bad. Ham and poached eggs was one morning and it worked great for me. I am not tighter in the morning like so many others. I am usually tighter at night.

For meals I had a angus cheese burger, hold the bun and fries. It was expensive, but enough to fill me up. When I was taken out by the company I ate steak and veggies. It was great. When I am buying I do a chicken plate. You can usually find a "diet plate" with cottage cheese, tomato, chicken or beef and fruit. It works perfect for me. Lunch buffets are a little tougher. I have to see what it on them. So many times they have potatoes and pasta and breads, but very little protein and veggies. I don't do bread, pasta, rice or potatoes so I might skip a buffet and order from the menu.

I was really worried about eating out,but it is just a way of thinking about it. What can I eat? ...then out of my choices what do I want? Everyone just thinks I am eating healthy and with my weight loss they give me a pat on the back for it.

Usually breakfast for me is 1/2c. Southwestern Egg Beatters and a Morning Star breakfast sausage. It is just the right amount and gives me a great amount of protein with about 120-140 calories.

You can do it too!

I am looking for things to eat a plan to go by so I can do as well as you have is there something you can recommend

People say that I follow South Beach. I don't know about that. I've never read about South Beach. Follow the bandster guidelines. They are posted towards the beginning of my blog. I also have a blog entry that lists some of my favorite foods.

Here are the basics.

No bread, pasta, rice or potatoes.

No water 30 min before or after meals.

Eat Lean protein first to fill you up.

I eat lots of protein every day. 70-120 gms per day. (turkey breast, chicken, I am addicted to cottage cheese..I know it is soft food, but I mix it with my meat and it helps things go down easier.)

I work to keep carbs low. usually 30-50 daily...more towards 30.

WORK OUT! I started to commit to 3 times a week for 30 minutes a day. Now I go about 5-6 days a week.

If you log onto www.sparkpeople.com and look me up (nursemom5) you can find my food diary and see what I eat.

Good luck. If I can do it anyone can!

Wow! What an inspiration you are. I am so happy for you and I hope I find the success that you have in my journey. I was banded 6/17/09 and I am in my 2nd week of post op liquids. I am soooooooo looking forward to cottage cheese next Wed. that I am on count down. Great Job and thanks for the inspiration...it really helps.