Sula

I was wondering who in the January group had a good exercise routine. I mean, like working out consistently a certain amount of days. I'm failing in that area and need to read some motivational typing from someone. For some reason...I am very active but it isn't quite enough. Today I unloaded about 3000+ pounds of cement pavers for a patio...I suppose that works for strength exercises...but nothing cardio. I just get going on something and the get some reason to stop and then takes me forever to get going again.

I have been missing my outdoor walks. I used to get up at 5:30 in the morning but now it is dark and I can't see to take my trek. I live out in the country so no street lights. I have gotten up to work out in the basement on my elipital once in the past week and need to get going on a routine. Today I unloaded 3000 + pounds of cement pavers...for my new patio. I'm getting a hot tub. I think that will curb with winter dulldrums and keep me from eating too much at night. At least that is the plan. And speaking of cold...I live on the Rocky Mountain front where we have big huge winds and lots of cold. But, we get periodic chinooks and so we don't have much accumulation of snow for long. It was 37 today or so...brrr for me. Especially since the surgery...I get cold easily. Wasa...I know you've been posting for a while, but this is the first time I've read a bit of your routine. You rock. It is quite impressive of a weight loss as well as your calorie intake and exercise. I need you to come be my drill sargeant.

Wow Joe, that is remarkable. Congrats to you on all your hard work. Care to share any of your tips with us?' Revolution...70 pounds!! Way to Goooooo!! Share some details with us!

Geez, the week is almost done!! How are you all doing this week? What have been your successess? Challenges? I've been eating good and bad. I've been more physically active and I do feel better because of it. I'm looking forward to this weekend as my DH and I will be doing a patio in expectation of getting a hot tub!! Wooo Hooo!! I think that having one might help me with eating so late. I know that probably sounds weird...but instead of a late dinner, how about a late soak and to bed!! I could possibly do a Protein drink on my way home from work most nights... I dunno...just a thought.

For the past about 8 weeks, it seems, I've been bouncing from 215-218. I wanted to be 212 on Sept 4 as that was my anniversary but it didn't work out. Fifteen pounds....that isn't too much to lost to get to wonderland--onederland!! It has been 10-11 years since I was at this weight.

Terry-- no idea how you bunged up your knee? That is so strange? Gang, I totally agree with the frumpy thing with baggy clothes...but I have a problem (mental I think!) I can't get myself to buy much in the way of new clothes. I can't figure out why I'm not champing at the bit and usually at this time of year I'm doing some fall shopping for some new outfits. I was wondering if I'm, deep down inside, thinking it won't last, or being frugal, or resistant because I'm only down one size? I just can't figure it out. I think, since I've been banded, I've only bought one pair of capris and two pair of pants. I do have pants that I couldn't even keep up on my hips..they are so baggy, and I don't wear them, but I can't decide if I should have them taken in or pass them on. I'm missing Tonya/Sunshine. I do hope that you are healing from your surgery and will be able to join us soon!! I did get up and worked out this morning to Dancing!! That elipical is killer!

Hmmm, surprise, the scale went down. I"m at my lowest...again, so far. I'm down 47. So, I was spending time thinking....how much saline do you think the tube going to the band holds? Say you have a 10cc VG band, and you have 7 cc's in...do you think the tube holds a couple of cc's so that you can actually hold more than the 10 cc's? Maria, great news on the weight loss and congrats on meeting your mini goal. I had hoped to hit the 50 pound loss mark on my anniversary (9/4) but didn't make it. So, I promptly was punishing/rewarding myself with food. I mistakenly think that because I'm eating less, it is just going to come off...even if I eat the wrong things. I got my video set up to tape my show so I'll hit the elipital tomorrow....so far so good!

Hi all, Back from my dog and pony show in Idaho. I haven't been on the scale yet this morning and I know I'm avoiding it. It has been inching upward instead of downward so this is how I tend to handle it. Ignore it and it will go away...actually, ignore it and it will go up should be my addage. I'm working on my self-talk to get back on track. I know I'm not too far off with my eating but apparently what i"m doing isn't quite enough. I have been, if you'll recall, super stressed and I wonder how much havok anxiety plays on weight loss. I do, however feel really good and I feel good in my clothes. I was able to step up in the saddle numerous times (a first) without the aid of a rock or whatever. I ride better and we put on some serious miles. I was glorious country!! So, I need to get with my exercise, which I'll start tomorrow, I have to empty out the camper and do some work for work. Dancing with the Stars starts tonight and I have to work late, so I record it and work out to that...I'm soo excited. I did clean up my exercise room on Thursday morning and tested the elipitical...hey, still works!! We had some Water problem in the basement because of the condensation from the AC...and I was walking outside, so I haven't ventured into the dungeon, other than to pull up rugs. Catherine-Mo..welcome to our group and congrats with your weightloss. I think that is wonderful!

My scale is not moving at all, but I'm not exercising at all either and probably not eating the best. Tulip, are you eating enough Protein? I wonder if that is why you're feeling hungry. I had a time this past week where I actually felt hungry..isn't that strange when it comes and we actually marvel over the feeling. I'll be off the compter till sunday as we are headed to southern Idaho for a bird dog championship. My pup is running tomorrow and the on Sat or Sun, my DH has a dog running. We do this from horseback...lots of fun. Keep up the motivation for all of us and I'll enjoy catching up on the posts when I get back Shawn

Enterprise, so sorry about your cat. I do know how that loss feels. And truffles probably are not the worst if you don't make a habit of it. I keep yogert in my office, but not sure what the protein levels are...I can't remember, I'm sure I looked at one time. I also keep the small cans of water packed tuna..albacore in my office, string cheese, I take protein powder and have soy milk in the fridge. Just a variety, but I don't usually do the in-between meal snack unless I'm having a long time between meals. What I need to do is quit eating dinner so late at night and then going to bed.

I have been on a PB run lately...not the funnest thing I've done. I attribute it to too much stress and my band having a sick sense of humor. I eat things that I normally have eaten and I get stuck. Never know when, or why, but the pattern seems to be chicken, which is my primary meat. I will have to make adjustments.

I agree with you Jen and do try to eat breakfast every day. I generally have a protein drink, but occasionally will do some scrambled eggs. Usually once a week, on the weekend, it is a spectacular breakfast..omlette with the works. Still don't eat bread as a general rule, but do like hashbrowns. I try to eat in moderation. I have PB's on mushrooms so I am very careful about adding those to my omlettes. I did have some on a bbq'd steak the other night and just chewed them to mush. I love my band, because moderation is easier. I read a threat on here that someone "gorged" on mexican food..she had one and a half tacos!! Has anyone here had pizza since banding? I have not, actually since the first of the year. I do like it but I'm afraid. And it is one food that I would truly gorge on in the days of old. I worry that the dough will be too doughy. Any thoughts here?

Is this the same group as Belighter? If it was/is, I'm not impressed. Belighter missed my surgery date by four days. I flew to Monterray MX and had no one there to meet me. I was thinking about following the John Deere group home because they seemed familiar to this country girl from MT. I was able to get ahold of my liason from Belighter, who didn't want to talk to me then (she was in the hospital) but I was panic-ed and she finally got ahold of someone who came to the hospital, after I figured out how to get a cab there (out of my pocket). They were expecting me on a friday and I was there monday night..surgery on Tuesday, they were able to work it out. I have to say, the people in Mexico were wonderful. Just the liason...not so good. S

Hi all, We've dropped to the third page...we better get talking and support each other. So, how are all of you doing? Successes? Disappointments? I had a two pound gain over the weekend, which is odd since I didn't eat anything on Friday but a bowl of soup. But I'm just sticking with eating properly and hoping it will all balance out. I know I'm behind on my water consumption. What do you guys eat for breakfast? I'm in search of some new ideas.

Egg roll is what got me the second time today. And I bet it was about 40 minutes before it passed. Holy moly is right...no reguritation on that tho...just the morning episode. It isn't as bad as you fear, but it is bad enough. Soup for dinner for me tonight.

Okay, I'm dying here...second PB event (one currently ongoing as I spit my way through this post. Too tight with nerves I'm guess...soft liquids as soon as I can function again. My hearing...sat there for 1 hour 15 minutes (phone hearing) before they called. I am a therapist...a social worker..I used the word psychological (as in I do psychological evaluations) and got reported to my licensing board..that is a no-no, as of July1, 2005. So, I'm being reprimanded, or at least they are trying. I posed today that I used that term in my advertising before the law was enacted...they (the "prosecutor") said, I don't want to just roll over on this issue, we need more proof So, the whole thing, after my 15 minute "hearing" was postponed while I try to track down when the phone book people sent me the "copy" to approve or disapprove. Sheesh! Some people don't have enough to do I guess.... My bad, I know, but come on!! Anyway, I was rushing today. I had a 2 a.m. horse crisis that I was up in the middle of the night to resolve (nothing major but who knew) a 8:30 am crisis session, 9:30 hair and pedicure (ahhh, my moment to relax) then rush to eat (cuz I haven't all day so far) and had a few bites of chow mein and a bit of chicken and got stuck. Cripe!! Finally threw up...really as I was driving. After slobbering all over myself in the car... Then I'm fine but feel crappy. Get home at 3:00 and unload groceries and have a few bites of the egg roll and voila'...I'm sliming all over again. I just don't learn!! Alright, I'm venting and I appreciate you reading this...somehow typing frantically is helping!! This too shall pass..altho I will have another date with the licensing board, I think! I'm done eating today..the good news Thanks I feel better. S

Wow guys, We're on the first page. I have been AWOL myself with chores, work and a class I took. Sounds like we all need each other here and the support. I'm pulling for you all. I gotta go back and read the band slipping issue...I can't believe I missed that one. Hope all is going better Jen. I am totally an animal lover. They are my kids and I absolutely can relate to being in the crisis of the final time period and fighting so hard to make it one more day. I have found that when I talk to myself and ask me if I'm doing this for me and my interests or for my beloved pet...and what is in his/her best interests, I am able to make the right decisions. I also have the mindset that this is my final gift for all that they have given me, to make sure the last days are with as much dignity and minimal suffering. I will survive the loss. And you will too. It is part of our responsibility. I lost two beloved dogs last year, in the same month. Whew..that was a tough one. March is a shitty month for me and my pets. Okay, enough of that...I am eating too much, too bad, etc. I am not motivated to exercise...do you suppose it is the seasonal change? Going into fall, the days shorter, cooler? I am tired and can't get myself going. I do all the talking in my head, but I still go get that cookie. I feel restriction, but am eating around the band. I don't feel it is time for another fill at all. It is me! I do have a court issue coming up this friday (no I'm not going to jail!! But that is inducing a lot of stress and anxiety. Maybe when the matter is put to rest, I can get on track again. I'll have to ponder this..it just came to me. So, I'm going to work hard on my mental frame of mind and try to get it right by MONDAY. I always start on monday.

Hi Dee, I hear you about getting back on the bandwagon. I'm stalled out as well. Not eating terribly but need to make a change (changes) to get the scale moving! I bounced back up a couple of pounds so I need to get after it. I am packing my lunch this week instead of buying salads out. I think I can do better calorie wise that way. I was just looking at your numbers and I do think those of you who have less to lose have a more difficult time right off the bat. I think for myself, I've hit an old set-point that I used to be at for a few years and I wonder if my body is holding on tight. I should write down calories..maybe that will be my goal this week. I hate doing it, but from what I've read here, it really works. I agree with what you say...we need more January support, maybe everyone can do some posting..give us ALL some inspiration. Shawn

Welcome to you both. ANW...I did the Monterray trip as well. Who will be your Dr?

Wow Lisa, 81 pounds...congrats to you. I think 6 pounds a month are doable. I think you can do it!! Have you ever tried those stretchy bands for your upper arms? I think that would be a way to get there. I also, which I hate, do a kind of pushup from a chair. You lower your butt off the front of the chair to the floor/ground, when your hands are on the seat of the chair. They are hard but very good for the triceps.

OH HEY!!! I ALMOST FORGOT THE GOOD NEWS!! I was able, for the first time in years, to step up in the stirrup and get on my horse without the use of some form of a mounting block, bumper, hub, rock, etc!!! YIPPEE WAAAHOOO Geez, I forget the good things too often!! Now I feel mo-betta. S

Hi Tonya, Wow, it is soooo good to hear from you. Maria, great news about your port. What a worry. I still sometimes feel some of that abdominal gas pain in my left shoulder...don't you think that is strange, this far out? I'm being a slug this week. Have hardly walked at all. Feeling more tired that usual and hard to get a-goin! My clothes feel tight and I'm feeling "fat". Haven't felt this way for a while. Maybe I'm just in a funk. I didn't make my goal of 50 pounds lost for my anniversary on the 4ths. Started my period a few days prior and it just wasn't in the cards (or on the scale). But on the good side, the tape measure was looking good! I'm going to give myself permission to not get after myself this week for no exercise and commit to getting after it on Monday. You know, as I write this, I think it was the three day weekend...I worked hard outside doing stuff...and missed my mental workout to get prepped for walking. Hmmmm, have to ponder that little bit of insite.

Hi Audree, A few months back I went to a local support group and there was a guy facilitating the group that had the band for a year or more. He said that when his weight loss slowed down or he plateaued...he would go back through the liquid, mushies, soft and then solid food stages again. Seems to me like that would be easy to overeat, but maybe it works. He has lost a bunch. I'm glad so many of you are checking in and it makes me feel better to know you stop in, even if you don't post!! I'm pretty sure I'm not going to make my goal of a 50 pound loss tomorrow, my 9th anniversary. My TOM joined me yesterday and I have actually seen the scale increase. But I'm not too worried..I know the loss is there, I'll just have to count it later. Maria, Been thinking about you off and on all weekend, wondering what is going on? Glad the pain is lessening. Did you say you were seeing the Dr. tomorrow? Keep us posted!

People say, on here, that hiccups are a sign of being full. Like a warning shot to go no further. I don't get them, just the tightness of the band and minor pain. Yep, gas pain in the shoulder. For me, the gas pains were the worst. I suffered for about two weeks and then it wasn't so bad. Walking and a heating pad helped the most. I still, occasionally get a pain in my left shoulder, near my collar bone. Just some residue, I suppose, but not uncomfortable. Congrats on the band...enjoy the journey. Sula

Hi Joy, I have several horses..quarter horses and walkers. My primary riding mare is a QH and she is 15 hands. I ride a shorter walker, but just bought a new walker mare who is 15.3. TODAY, I got on the shorter walker without the hub of the trailer, three times. )))) whoohoo!! I have been walking up a storm and doing squats, lunges and stepping up on a chair in repetition. Must be helping. food for me. ON a typical day, I have a Protein drink for Breakfast. Or some oatmeal with a scoop of Protein powder. A treat is scrambled eggs and sausage. lunch varies, but is typically salad with chicken or a taco salad. In cold months I do the campbells select (boxed) Soup and a small container of tuna. dinner is some meat of some sort, salad or veggies and maybe corn on the cob or something. I don't snack a lot between meals most of the time but there are times!! I think my biggest problem is portion control but this last fill helps a bunch. Probably my downfall is my gin and tonics!! My bad!! But its summer!!! I have the 10 cc VG band and now have 7 ccs in it. Four fills total @ 200 a pop with Rohrer. I wonder if you might look across the border for some band support as well? Not canada but ND? Well, a ton of things to do and haven't got much done. Talk to you soon Joy!! Shawn