Sula

I would love to hear from those whose anniversary is this week. Please let us know how you are doing. Sunshine, got the web page..thanks so much. Sounds like those of you going on cruise's have a good game plan and some fun in order. I've done a few smaller cruises but we don't have vacation plans for this year. Actually, not those kind of vacation plans. We have some events that we are putting on for our dog club that will take vacation days. It will be fun,....but work. Shawn

I flew to Mexico and had my surgery. The return trip was 12 hours and I was tapped out. I drove the next day about 40 miles..this would be three days post-surgery...and then on that Saturday/Sunday, went with my DH on a 1000 mile trip and shared the driving. About three hours into the first leg I slept and then I felt great. I don't think I'd do it on my own...Maybe you could just drive part way and get a cheaper flight from another local? Sula

Hey Guys, How about a check in? How is everyone doing this summer? How is the WL and or NSV? Are people noticing your loss? Compliments? All's well here. I've had another fill last month for a total of 5 cc's in my VG10 band. I can feel the restriction and that is a good thing. I'm down 44 since surgery in January. My exercise is intermittent...but I do keep re-motivating myself..and tomorrow it is back walking my 3 miles. How are you guys motivating yourselves for exercise? What types of exercise do you do? Lets hear all about it. Shawn

Ditto here...bought some nice made white cotton pants that were fairly expensive. I don't like the thinner ones that you can see flesh through...well, I put them on last week to wear to work...I knew they'd be a little baggie, but they looked awful there were sooo baggie. I bet I've only wore them about 4 times in the past year... I opted to wash them to see if they'd shrink a bit just so I could get one or two more wearing out of them. I'm considering taking all my pants that are too big to have them altered. I don't know if it is cost effective. Shawn

I got honked at yesterday as well. That is so weird and I'm not sure what to make of it. No one mouths..."you're hot" so don't know if they were joking or what. I did decide, however...that they honked because I was looking mo-betta. Shawn

Juno...wow,you can see a difference! I don't have any current pics but I did see a top of the body shot from November and was thinking what a pudge I was then!! Maybe I'll get DH to take a shot and use that as a comparison. I started out with 2 cc's. I've been in for three fills and I'm at 5 cc's. I do feel restriction. Sometimes just feel tight, even when I'm not eating. No PB's but some pain occasionally when I take too big of a bite or don't chew enough to wet it down more. Chicken is usually the culprit there. Shawn

Good Morning Bandsters, I'm finally feeling on top of things...got a good night sleep. Didn't workout because I have to get to town earlier than usual...and I was sleeping soooo good. Tonya, I didn't get the info on leptospirosis..could you resend it to me. I have plans for a busy weekend, doing work outside..yeah! I'm hoping to fit in a trail ride in the mountains but we will have to see. Our haycrop is just about out of the field so irrigation will start tomorrow. I love it all. For the first time in my life, I have a place where my horses are at my home and we grow our own hay to feem em! (Ok, ok,...I have no kids, so I have a bunch of 4 legged ones!) You guys stick with it this weekend...I'll be checking in. Shawn

Hey you guys, 40 pounds is great. When did you last lose 40 pounds at one time? Me? Never... I stalled out for about 7 weeks and didn't lose a pound...I started walking and counting calories...I finally got to moving on the scale. (Neither of which I'm doing at the moment but I'm going to get back on track as soon as I'm feeling stronger...monday at the latest!!) We all must know (except for Tonya who already works out like a mad-woman) that we will reach a point where we MUST work out AND increase the intensity/length etc. We have to begin to mentally prepare for that..don't you think? Keep telling yourself that you have made progress, you have success....and you will keep going. And losing! Shawn

Hi all, Thanks for the well wishes...I'm mostlly okay..a bit of a relapse today and I don't feel as well as yesterday but it isn't slowing me down. Lisa, that is so terrific. I really don't hear much from people about any changes but I can feel them. I get stuck on the idea that since I've lost 44 pounds I should be down in clothing sizes more, but that just isn't happening. I am wearing some smaller clothing and some of my 20's are huge and I don't wear them anymore cuz I look dumpy...HA. You know what I really love...44DDD to 42DD...my boobs are not getting to the room minutes before the rest of me!! Shawn

I used to know how to do PM's on here but I can't seem to make it work or I can't recall how to do that..but I would like the info. We are on the mend....I think the DH had it worse and he is better today. I didn't feel all that bad other than achy and the aerobic runs to the bathroom. Really, fellow bandsters...I think it qualifies as exercise... I'm going to count it..since I didn't do much else. :confused: Shawn

Most people who have had WL success do so with the help of a support group. If you are like many of us...this is easier than going to a meeting. I check in a couple times a day and it does help me. I read good posts and ones that are not very motivating..I try to inspire others and hope that in my times of need, others will be there for me. So, stick around and let others support you. This is a jouney not a quick ticket. It is okay to get discouraged as long as you don't give up. You can start anew at any time. Give yourself some positive talk about why you chose the band and what you hope to accomplish with it. You are the pilot...you have to make the decisions...and you can do it, Shawn

Hey no kicking self for a brownie..not allowed!! Remember the days of eating the plate of brownies? I DO!! I'm happy when I can limit myself to a "normal" portion. I consider that success! My standard of success will get more ridgid as I lose more weight..it will have too. I'll have to be way more consistent in my exercise and track my calories better. It will become more difficult as I reach my goal weight so I will have to be even more dilligent...but I don't think I'll give up brownies...or any food group. Altho I rarely eat bread anymore, once in a while I have a bite. My DH just informed me (after a weekend being sick with diarreah and very achy) that he "brought home leptospirios". However and whatever that is...public health is going to be checking out where he got it and how he gave it to me. I feel fine today physically...and had a milder case than him. In any case, I maintained my eating and stepped up my drinking to compensate for any dehydration. I think I did eat a bit less that typcial as I didn't feel good and I certainly wasn't as active as usual...I did some sprinting to the bathroom!! But I'm down 4 pounds for the past two weeks..after my TOM so I'm feeling pretty good. Lets keep us on the first page, huh? Where are all you January Bandsters...we wanna update. Shawn

When I flew to Mexico for my surgery in January, I was 262#. And I flew from MT to UT to Guadalahara and back up to Monterray. I always had window seats...they seem to be a bit more roomie... But at each new plane, the seat belts got shorter. After my surgery, I got on the plane form Monterray back to Guadlahara and I needed a pry bar to fasten the belt. I was tapped out emotionally from the surgery and all. It was almost too much. I finally wrenched on the belt (didn't know about the entensions...did you know everyone in mexico is tiny?) and just sat still. They also didn't have any blankets and I was freezing. If its in your budget I'd go first class AND borrow the seat belt extension. The good news and that after the band and you do your work.. it will be a different story when you travel!! Good luck, Shawn

I wonder if you're having some normal pre-surgery jitters? I saw a posting here about a month ago of a guy who lost 80 pounds in two months....I'm getting close to my 6 month date and have lost 40-41 to date. I couldn't do this any other way and I've tried most all the other ways. It shouldn't matter if people don't notice our weight loss...but I have to admit...very few people have commented. I wonder if they are trying be polite and not offend. I keep thinking someone will notice, but I regroup when adulations are not coming my way. I'm losing it for me. I"m more active, I feel better, my close fit better...my horse doesn't groan as much when I ride. My goal is to be able to step up on her without mounting block (hub of the horsetrailer or a hill..whatever). Do it for yourself, set your own goals, regroup when you need to and don't worry so much about others. Come here for support...it REALLY helps. Shawn

Here is the posting that I thought was good. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/my-year-two-bandiversary-36807/ It reminds us that we have to work this band....no work around the band. Shawn

Hi Gang, I'm still plugging along altho I didn't do any exercise this week. Just felt really tired and then yesterday, sick. I'm still doing basics and eating properly and the scale is moving in the right direction. I'm giving myself the talk to get motivated to start walking again. There was an interesting thread on this General discusion group of a lady who was recounting her second bandiversary. You should read it. She lost 90 the first and then slipped into some old patterns...and lost 22 or sometime the second year. She is talking about how you need to make some lifelong changes. It was good to read! She has sometime like 30 more to lose and was feeling like she'd never make it. Thanks to all of you who keep writing and keep me motivated. I really do appreciate it. I think this support is soooo important! Have a good one. Shawn

I've been cold and now that it is somewhat summer in MT, I'm doing better. I still use the comforter at night while my DH is lying nekked next to me. I invested in lots of lap robes. It has been an adjustment as I've been one to wear t-shirts and bare feet in the winter. Now when I go somewhere, I have to remember layers. I used to never worry abou that. Shawn

Ha, Just cruising through and noticed a new thread on the main page...Monthly Support groups... click on that and there is...January 07...no posts!! I thought THIS WAS our support group. LOL Okay, finding things funny today! Spending the weekend with my parents and having some retail therapy. Ahhh, life is good. Shawn

I think it is natural to want to lose the weight quickly and don't get me wrong..I've never lost 40 pounds in a row before!! So I'm not complaining. And your loss really does serve as a motivation that this works and can happen. I don't ever want to take that away from you and certainly don't wish to make you feel bad at all. I stayed stuck at 30-35 pounds for about 8 weeks. I'm happy the scale is moving again. And I can feel the restriction. Happy birthday Lisa. It is cool that you share it with your son. And yes, Sue, you are stil in our thoughts. The days must be a real struggle. But you're not alone! Shawn

Somedays I just pop onto the site and read other threads. I was just reading one from a lady who was upset and having serious reconsiderations about having gone thru with the LB because in 2 months she's only lost 35#. Another was someone who wanted a band but was afraid of all the changes, self-image, eating, obsessing about food, hiding behind weight.... My point, I guess, is that it brings back to when I first started this journey and my thoughts and expectations. I remember the panic-y feeling when I was actually considering the band..and some of the hopelessness that I'd been dealing with regarding my unending weight issues. I've not had ANY regrets at all. But do get frustrated when the weight leaves at it own sweet time. I just tell myself to get over it and get on with the journey. I want to be like Sunshine and 5jacks...but I know, too, that I don't work out as hard as they do...and I could. I'm envious at times, but wouldn't diminish your success in any way and actually turn it into inspiration. Just some passing thoughts to share. It is interesting to read about others journey. Shawn

Hi all, Just checking in. Had a tough week and battled, sometimes not too successfully the feel-good eating..no oreos, but some brownies. I'm back on track but and still craving some sweets. Funny how stress affects us? I bought some new tennis shoes and went for my 3 mile walk on Monday...ended up with blisters and haven't walked since then. I think I will be able to tomorrow morning. I haven't had time to go to the store to get some better bandages or moleskin, but I will take care of it. I need my walk. Going to my parents for the weekend and fathers day. Really looking forward to it and have no concerns about eating the wrong things. I'm actually doing very well when I am away from home. Hope all are doing well. OH..the good news. I stepped on my erratic scale on Monday and it registered 40 pounds lost. So I'm feeling pretty good. Shawn

Hey Sue, Just got to read the news and I wanted to offer you my sympathies and support. I cannot imagine. Hang in there and know that we are here for you. I'm sure that you will have plenty to do in the days coming. Keep in mind that you are important too and you need to take care of yourself as well. Shawn

Tonya, What type of scale do you have? I'm thinking about upgrading and you're able to get pretty precise in your weight. Shawn

It just doesn't seem like you can "pass gas" from your completely airproof stomach cavity. I think it has to be absorbed. So, I'm guessing that while you may pass some gas and find relieve, it is just that maybe the passing of gas provides more room in the abdominal cavity. Anyone have thoughts on this? Not that this is much help to Kimmon but if it is true, only time will take care of the absorption.

Gigi, Great job on your exercise. I think that you and Sunshine are examples for the rest of us and I am certainly inspired by your successes. And I am glad you talked about the PB incident. I had a fill last week of 2 cc's, so I'm up to 4 in my 10 cc band. And I am constantly reminding myself to take small bites, eat slow and chew a bunch. No PB's yet, but I'm sure that will come! Keep up the Good WORK! Shawn