JustDoIt130

also 1 tbsp of sugar free pudding mix is good- I use pistachio in my vanilla shake...

Hi there- Nicole- hang in there, divorce is hard no matter what the situation. It is the owning it, right? I know I sure didn't log my ice cream binges!! I'm so sorry to hear about your getting sick again, glad you're on the mend (again)- hang in there!!! Chrissy- there sure are slider foods, aren't there? Things so easy to eat that are what got me fat in the first place, and don't make me feel full at all, so I eat more....this band is still work, we knew that, right? Not magic, just a tool that we have to use...and I was using it in the beginning, just have to get back to it. The good thing is, it's not like it goes away... Yesterday was day 2 without ice cream. DH hasn't been eating a lot lately (part of just not feeling well) and wanted me to bring him home a frosty yesterday. Talk about a test! But I passed . I also went to zumba last night, man I love it! I brought my workout clothes today to go to the Y- it's totally raining, but we'll see. Working on getting DH"s disability reinstated- they denied it because he just didn't turn in any paperwork (talk about me being mad when I found out!) and so now it's to a second level review and could stay denied- so that's a stress. Getting the other car fixed, so there's a ton of $$. Seriously, the hits, they just keep on coming! But I know I can get through them. Where is everyone! Otaknam, Horsegirl, NJ2NC, Ladybandido, all of y'all! Post! Nicki

Hi Chrissy- I am with you- the "newness" has worn off, I can eat around the band, it's harder....but I am still worth it! I can still reach my goals! I will do it!! Yesterday was day 1 without ice cream, and I'm not going to lie, it was hard. DD took my car to get me some gas and some groceries, and I was totally going to call her to tell her to get me some ice cream- but I had left my phone in the car! Is that a sign or what?!? So I did it. And I'll do it again today. I am still sore from Saturday's muscle conditioning class. Not sure what I'm going to do exercise wise today. I had major issues with breakfast- as in, 2 spills! Duh! But lunch planned out, have some errands to run, so will get all that done! Everyone have a great day and post- we're in this for the long haul, right? Oh, and I just got an invite to my 25th!! reunion. Unfortunately I can't go- it's July 5th and 6th in Iowa, about 18 hour drive from NC, and my kids first day of school is July 8th (year round school)- and it's DS's first day of kindergarten, so we really can't miss. I just don't think I could do that drive in 1 day then get up to get kids to school. Too bad, as it would have been a motivator, but it still can be, right??? Nicki

Okay, girls, I'm off the ice cream, so call me on it, check in on me, hold me to it!!! Back in the saddle again! I did zumba and a muscle conditioning class on Saturday at the Y- I am still sore! Sue- I'll try it! I also have pudding and kettle corn that was what I ate before I need to just go back to what I was doing when I first started- hello- it worked!! Nicki

Hi there- Sue, thanks for the idea- but I truly hate cottage cheese. Do you think it'd work with fat free ricotta or something like that? Kymie- def get it taken care of! He'd better be on hand to do un-fills whenever you need them! Let us know how it goes. Ladybandido- how are you doing? So I have to find out if my surgeon's office takes my new insurance. I truly hope so. A girl in my office just had lapband surgery- I truly don't know how she's going to do, just yesterday (I'd say she's about 2-3 weeks out from surgery) she told me how she'd been craving my poppyseed bread I made at Christmas, how she could just eat and eat it. And 2 days ago she went and ate Thai food- and how she "ate too much, but it was so good." I know she's not at restriction of course, but I worry, she is one that really kind of obsesses over food- she's the one who would get mad if someone refused to eat a piece of birthday cake...oh well. No one knows I'm banded so I cant' really give advice. I brought my workout clothes today, I will get to the Y. How is everyone doing? Post post post... Nicki

Hi everyone! Sorry I didn't check in yesterday, was at the dental school with DH - another tooth pulled!! And then registered DS for kindergarten, ran errands- not a restful day off, that's for sure! While waiting for DH, DS and I went over to the hospital cafeteria to get lunch. I got a baked potato and some chicken nuggets- and got stuck. Had to kind of hurl into the tin foil the potato came in. Oh well. Exercise has NOT been on track. I've lost my mojo. I know it will come back- slowly, slowly the stresses are going, slowly slowly I'm getting back to normal... NJ2NC- I think your running is great! I would love to get into the jogging thing. Sue- I need to really find something that works other than ice cream! Which, obviously, doesn't work. Rikimom- I know writing everything down is key for me. I don't want to log all that ice cream! And exercise, for sure. It also really helps with my moods, too. Chrissy! Glad the tech problem was solved! Missed you! You've done so well. My short term goal is to be below 200- by when, I'm not sure.....have to get my head in the game. Well, have to go catch up on everything I missed being out yesterday!! Nicki

Hey Val! Do you track your food with something like myfitnesspal? That will keep track of the protein and nutrients- you might up the calories a couple days a week, with nuts or something that's full of protein...just a suggestion..

I hope you do get some sleep! I have heard that papaya enzymes can help with a stuck episode- I've tried it and it didn't help me, but for some it really helps...worth a try, anyways!!!

oh ready, I'm so sorry! Just keep track of your calories, exercise, and watch what you eat. Better to be unfilled and heal up nicely- you'll get filled again!!! Horsegirl! Hi there! Training with an Olympic level rider! That is so cool! I hope to get to the 180's, LOL Chrissy, where you at, girl??? Got no sleep last night, stressed but hanging in. Pretty tight, and my arm is sore from my tetnus shot on Monday! Not good with the exercise this week, but we'll see how the night goes.. Nicki

So I had my physical and my 1 year check up with my surgeon. I asked my primary care doc what the highest weight they had for me was- they've seen me since 2001- he said 293. I weigh the same as the lowest weight they have for me, which was in 2001, at 217. So that was good. Several years before, he had recommended going on crestor/lipitor for my cholesterol, with this blood work he said that, while not perfect, he wouldn't recommend any meds for cholesterol (which is good as I wasn't taking them anyways). So all in all that was good. Then on to the surgeon. He is happy with my progress, I've lost 40% of my excess body weight. I really love his nurse, I can tell her anything, and I told her all about my ice cream- so we made a pact, no ice cream for the month of February. I did get a fill and I"m really tight, I can tell, but maybe I need that! We'll see, I can always get an unfill, we'll see today is mushy food, regular tomorrow. I know, Ladybandito, it's so back and forth! Just so so much stress going on in my life, it's really hard to deal with and seemingly unsolvable, so I turn to my old comfort, ice cream.... Sue- I just can't seem to stop is the problem! If it's in the house, I want to eat it! It's truly a trigger food that I really just don't need around at all.... Well, so I just went through all this other car stuff, and our other old car just died- transmission. I just borrowed a ton of $ from my parents for the other car, so I think I''m going to have to see what I can dig out of my 401k, if that's even allowed....sigh....and DH is doing badly, the stress isn't helping, and I just can't do it all by myself..... Well, looks like I need a whammmbulance, LOL. Nicki

Hi there! My bandiversary was Saturday. I have my physical with my primary doc today and also my 1 year check up with my surgeon. I can't wait to see what my bloodwork shows as far as my numbers go, see what's up with that. Sarasota- as Nicole said, start walking as soon as you can! No lifting above 10 lbs for awhile, but definitely walk. Sue- congrats on your size 12's! I wish I were in them. I still can be, just have to get back on track! BUT- a small NSV- I had been wearing some Just My Size shorts I had bought before my surgery, and they are really big on me, I just tighten the drawstring. But I was cold yesterday, and I went into a dresser drawer I hadn't ventured into in years and pulled out a pair of knit pants- not tight like leggings, but knit- if you know what I mean. Anyways, they were size xl, normal xl not womens, and they fit just fine, not tight, looked okay! So that was good. I just need to freaking stop with the ice cream! We were having bad weather here, and so I justified it. So dumb. Speaking of bad weather in NC, where is NJ2NC? Did you survive the ice??? And where are our others- Otaknam, etc????? Everyone have a great day! MEREDITH!! I fell off the bandwagon hard, with my nemesis, ice cream. I mean hard. And I did it again this past weekend. I had done well for a couple weeks, then birthday cake in the office meant all my good stuff went out the window. Sigh. But it's a process, it's not like it's easy, even with the band. You will get back your mojo, let's get it back together, as I need it!! Nicole- all your suggestions are very good! My DH is absolutely against counseling of any type. Like, absolutely. So that's why I post here a lot! Y'all may not be "counselors" but you sure help me! I love your trainer post, the YMCA I go to offers it for free for 6 weeks, and I really should take advantage of that. Amica, you speak the truth- I TOTALLY know when I'm eating emotionally, it's the stopping I seem to have a problem with, LOL. My surgeon didn't require any counseling, beyond the prerequisite for insurance.

True words, thanks for them today, I needed them! I always appreciate your positive attitude!!

hi there! Snowing here in NC, more like icing- got to leave at about 12:45, got home around 2 pm. Kymie- awesome!! I can't wait- of course I've noticed that towels are bigger, LOL- hard to imagine I'm the one that's smaller... LADYBANDITO!! Congratulations on the 169!!! that is so awesome!!! As one who is fighting every pound...I totally appreciate it. Hi Sarasota, welcome!! Sounds like you've been through a lot, but finally have it fixed, thank goodness. But this time you know what you're doing and you know what to expect, so you'll do great!! We're a great group, if I do say so myself, so post a lot! Terr9952 and the other poster who was just banded, hope all went well!! I need another aha moment. I haven't done well the last few days- birthday cake at the office. It was so easy to say no before, now I'm just having a field day- and more ice cream. It truly is an addiction. I see both my primary doc and my band surgeon on Monday and I'm going to ask for advice from each. I truly don't believe I need a fill, but maybe I do- but I have trouble with solid protein, but honestly I think I"m still taking too big of bites and not chewing enough- but I certainly don't feel full on smaller amounts-----well, if I'm eating better I do. I just need to get my freaking act together, but it's easier said than done..... Thanks for letting me vent! I'm still down over 70 lbs in a year, and really want at least that much off this year. I just have to knuckle down and, as my username suggests, just do it!!!! Everyone have a great day! Nicki

checking in for yesterday, down .5 lbs!

Wow Sue, that is awesome!!! you've done so well!!! Amica- you've done great too! I wish I hadn't backslid like I did, but oh well, what's done is done, so now I have to undo it and get back to where I was. I say go for the surgery and get it done with and then, as Sue said, you start living without the constant pain! Lost another 1/2 lb- kind of bummed, it's really slowed down even though I'm doing the carb cycling and staying below calories, even on cheat days. I thought since I was turning cheat EVERYday into just one cheat day I'd lose! And I am, but obviously need to refine more. Da** ice cream, LOL! Well, a little bummed, but still hanging in there and doing it right!! Everyone have a great day! Nicki

Yay Kymie!!!! Congrats!!!

Hi everyone- yes, ladybandito, I do need to put it down- or never let it into my house!!! I'm doing the carb cycling thing- lost 5 lbs the first week, then 1 lb last week, probably about 1 this week, so it's working but slowly...but still going down! And what a happy surprise, losing more than you thought! When is your bandiversary? Nicole- good for you for logging! And exercising! It's good to be back on the bandwagon, isn't it, nice loss! As to your bill, I"ll bet it has to do with the one year mark. Are you on insurance or were you self-pay? My bandiversary is on Saturday. I'll celebrate by doing zumba, LOL. I'm losing really slowly now, need to get it back going, I know I've still had ice cream, so I'll need to ditch that. I just want to be below 200! I think I"ll see 210.5 on the scale, so lost 7.5 of the 16 I've gained....lowest I saw back in October is 202. So first goal is to get below 200, then next goal is to get to 184 for a 100 lbs lost. I'm going to shoot for below 200 by the end of February. Onederland, here I come!!! Nicki

Hi everyone! To all the newbies, I agree, walk as much as you can!! It's so helpful for the gas. And don't do sugar free jello, or sugar free anything, do the full sugar version- you're getting so few calories in at this point you really do need the calories. And don't worry, at about day 8 you'll feel so much better! I was banded on a Thursday, went back to my very sedentary job on Monday. Tired for sure, but doable. And follow doctor's orders!! Sue- glad you had fun! I'd love to go on a cruise, but dh isn't into them. Nicole- I forgot to say congratulations on your divorce...LOL. I know from what you've said it's been a long time coming. A totally new you!!! I bought our car on Friday! A 2010 Toyota Camry. I think I got a good deal, and I got $1000 for my trade in, a 1995 corolla with over 328,000 miles on it. She was a good car, and I was sad (dumb, I know). But this new car is so nice, and it's fun to drive something so new, LOL. But it was really stressful, Friday night I was almost sick. I've never spent that much money, LOL!!! We paid cash, so it was a chunk. Well, last night affirmed that I really cant' have ice cream in the house. We went grocery shopping on Saturday, and the kids picked out some ice cream, and I picked out a 1/2 gallon too. I had 1 cup of it on Saturday. Then I had the REST yesterday, my official "cheat" day. I'm pretty sure that was outside the realm of the cheat parameters, LOL. But I logged it and owned it, and was good all the rest of the time. I exercised 4 x last week and was under calories and carbs for all my days. So, oh well, I think I'll still show a loss. Today is a low carb day, my turkey roll ups are in the fridge. I see B-52's posts about how can people "fall off the wagon" and it's all about restriction- and I agree to a point, but I feel I have good restriction with "real" food- have to eat small bites, chew well, etc to get solid protein down. But ice cream? Dang, that just slides right on through. And if you eat a lot of it, restriction or not, it's going to add up to pounds gained. At least for me. So there is some willpower necessary, even at restriction. imvho. So I just have to kick that back in, and it is for the most part! Just no more ice cream in my grocery cart! Everyone have a great day! Nicki

Forgot to post last Tuesday, down 1 lb. Almost back to my pre self induced plateau!

Good for you! Those aha moments are what keeps us going. Just do what you need to do to be successful, you've done it before, you can do it again! Amazing how children change our perspective...

Hi there! Sue, I wasn't gone, I think you mean rkimom, LOL. Y'all won't get rid of me that easily! Are you back from your cruise? How did it go? NJ2NC- Congratulations on your run! RUN!!! I don't run unless I'm being chased.....LOL. You might try logging to see where you can tweak the calories, etc to jumpstart your weight loss again. I know I totally slide if I'm not keeping track. Also, if you do the carb cycling, logging is essential to keep track on low carb days- man, carbs are easy to underestimate!!! I lost another lb this past week! Yay! I'm getting my bloodwork for my year bandiversary done on Friday- I totally chickened out for my 6 months check up, but I'm doing it for this! I'm interested to see what the numbers say. I then have an appointment with my surgeon on Monday, the 28th. I tried to make it with the PA, I really like her, but she's apparently left, bummer. I do like the surgeon, though. We'll see what he has to day about my self sabotaging stall out, though. Oh well, back on track now! I can't wait to get out of the 210's and move through the last decade of the 200's into Onederland!! Workout at the Y planned for today! Everyone, have a great day! Nicki

Hi everyone!! Rkimom, you can always just stay in our thread, we're nice,LOL. Good advice about the liquids after being stuck- I did eat later that day but did have to take it really easy....I hadn't been stuck in awhile! Nicole- yes, Ben and Jerry- my nemesis! Good for you for owning it- and totally awesome about your pants!! I'm so happy for you!! What an accomplishment. Kymie- great! That's awesome, and I second rkimom- what did you do?!? I've been doing the carb cycling- or trying to, the weekend killed me! I did okay yesterday- it was a low carb day, and luckily we went out to eat to Dickey's bbq- so I could eat lots of meat! I avoided the free ice cream, even though I love it, LOL. I don't know what I'll see on the scale tomorrow, but even if it's nothing I still lost 5 lbs the week before, so it all evens out. I worked out yesterday, today I have a bunch of errands to do so I'll get something done tonight. I tried almond milk, it is really good!!!!! Everyone, have a great day! Nicki

Hi there- Wallflower- I'm not sure when you were banded, but you could still be in bandster hell-- need more fills. Like B-52 says, it's all about the restriction! Of course, there are still sliders to contend with (including my nemisis, ice cream), that we have to have willpower for, but it sounds like you're really doing what you need to do. It is frustrating when the weight loss is slower than we want, when you know you're doing what you need to do. We're all individuals and will all lose at different rate, even doing everything "right."

It's so totally normal! You will be fine, you will be so happy with your decision. Write down a list of all the things that will improve with some weight loss, and know it's totally worth it! The risks of the surgery are so minimal compared to what the risks of being obese are...

Hi there! NJ2NC- that's good info, now you know what to avoid! It's sure trial and error. How is it going with logging your food? That will help keep things in check portion wise, too. The carb cycling thing- it's a book called Choose to Lose by Chris Powell. I'm liking it so far! I don't feel deprived, and logging my food really keeps me on track with counting the carbs, which I never used to do, only counted Protein to make sure I was getting enough in. I had a great (sarcastic) stuck episode. DH wanted to go to a restaurant called Only Burgers, right by one of the car dealerships we are visiting (that's a whole nother frustrating story, LOL). As the name implies, they ONLY serve burgers. So I got a cheeseburger, and tried to eat it with half the bun. Super small bites, lots of chewing. Got stuck, threw up in some napkins, then a little in their bathroom. Thought I was okay. Then at the car dealership I could tell I was backing up, so I used ds as an excuse and went behind some cars and puked. Was ok after that, but SUPER starving. I had had a Protein Shake in the morning, then walked and did zumba, then a couple bites of hamburger! So I got some chinese food and ate a little of it when I got home, and also had a little bit of ice cream. It went down with no problem, of course, LOL. But I logged it all, still very under calories. Sigh. I should have known! Everyone have a great rest of your weekend! Post, update- Chrissy, where are you? Nicki