DynamoMini

I am back and realize that I need this support. I am at the same weight loss that I was 6 months ago. Maybe more fit, and definitely happier (in my heart with my new man). But I realize when I read the postings that I wanted that lapband to make me NORMAL, so my approach to food has been from an obsessive perspective and not a nutritional one. I decided not to really focus on food, portions and eat whatever my body wanted, like a NORMAL person would. Which was ice cream, cake, etc. Which isn't like a NORMAL person would. I chose foods that would go down easily without much of a chew. So the result was probably less food, but more calories. I keep fighting the concept of what I consider "rigid" dieting, yet my alternative is lousy nutrition. Is there anyone else out there with this dilemma? It is really crazy thinking. Or like AA calls it Stinkin' Thinkin'. Hugs to all, Michelle

Hi Everyone! I've been away a long time and outta the loop about the band. I saw Tom today and had an unfill to see if that wouldn't kick start me. He said that I was now technically at the same fill as a year ago. I have just learned to eat around an overly tight band, which is frustrating but predicable. The amazing thing is that I haven't regained what I initially lost. So the band really works, and I've been coasting. I do need to stick with a healthy eating plan to lose more weight, so I am a little frustrated with myself, as I thought I would be "done" with this. Although on the positive, I've kept to a 5 day a week work out program. I look good and have reshaped a lot of me. I still have 50 or so pounds to take off though. I did find that liquid protein drinks help, and the protein bars are too tempting. I do feel ready to go at it again. I guess that is my way of dealing with weight loss - push and hold and the dream of slow and steady doesn't seem to be my reality. Anyone else out there with similar stuff? Michelle

Dear Everyone, No I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I am in love and busy with my new honey. I have continued to work out and had a fill last week. I am struggling with eating right. Veggies and other fiberous stuff seem to PB me. Then of course, potato chips, and other hard crunchies do that too. Today I even ate some soft chicken too fast and quit when I started to feel food backing up. Anyone else out there, lacking discipline and expecting the band to do all the work. Good news is that I haven't gained any weight and look like I've lost some (muscle weight perhaps). My honey and I are traveling to New York City for 8 days next week. We'll have a great time. He is willing to share a portion with me if we eat out, so then I can have a third and he eats 2/3s and it is about right. Happy Father's Day to all of you out there, especially to the single moms and dads. You deserve two holidays. Hugs, Michelle

Hi Everyone, Planning on a trip to Seattle for a couple of days. Introducing Ed to my brother and family. Things here are good, however, less food focused. Still on the exercise thing. I am wanting to do the group diet thing when I come back, to jump start more weight loss. I admire you all. About the toes, I love getting them and my nails done. It is a gift that I love giving myself. I am so proud of you. So many are working your programs and dropping the pounds. i still take a bite too many when I am eating something I like. Then the PB comes and I say STUPID....stupid.....stupid

What a beautiful group at RR and new faces too! What is amazing is that we bandsters have a special glow, that tells us life hasn't defeated us, but we are rising above it all. Just BEAUTIFUL! Dee - I see changes in your face. It is coming my dear. Mal - you look fabulous! Yeah! About me - well love...love....love..... Not paying as much attention to food, but thank God for the band, I can't overeat. He loves me and my body which is a great relief. I am also still working out. That has become the constant best for my diet. So all you people that are gym joining you will love it. I looked and interviewed a number of trainers before I chose mine. They are not all equal. Sarah is a cheerleader, that is what I needed. She is very aware that if I hurt, I won't want to exercise. She sets realistic goals, modifies based on my feedback and gently prods me to be the best I can be. Sarah is very encouraging. My guy is wonderful. He likes to have fun, smiles and is optimistic. Perfect for me. :thumbup: Hugs to all, Michelle

Hi Everyone, Wow, my life has taken a wonderful turn. I have a man in my life, who loves me and my body. I won't be able to get there on Wednesday because it is my monthly book club meeting. So sorry I won't see you all. I bet you are looking really svelt, just in time for the swimming pool. Hugs to all - I love the world these days! Michelle

Thanks all for the "love" support! It is wonderful to know love can happen at any age. I am floating and enjoying every second. Speaking of love, Ed is meeting the family tomorrow. What a brave man. I bet we have some funny stories to tell out there about meeting the family. John - WAY TO GO!!!! I am proud to have met you and shared a RR dinner or two with you. I am really in awe of your resolution. Your pic with Dr K is really cute. Dee - spankx alive girl! I will have to do something about the lose skin, too. Those belly ups really help, but even so, the skin is skin. When I am down to goal, I am having surgery. Dr. K said he'd do it, and I trust him. Mal - make sure you change your gym shoes every three months. Runner's Roost is pricey but they will fit you really well. I don't think your toes should hurt from walking. Take care and take it slow. Cut back by half when you haven't been at the gym and work your way back up. It sucks, but being sore is worse. Brandy - I believe that this "next lifetime" will just be us, no kids, no big big problems, so I want to keep the magic, take care of each other and ourselves, be sweet to each other without expecting payoff. I have had other lifetimes, and learned a lot. This one feels really special. Woofay - How are you doing with your bandiversary? You have done a great job losing and dealing with the food choice changes. You have stayed human throughout. Hats off to you, my dear. Hugs. Taynuh - It is funny you mention macaroons, they aren't a family favorite. I did bake some biscotti, a box carrot cake (my mom's fav for her birthday) and some box brownies. Never fear, there is gefilte fish, matzo ball soup, lamb and brisket, green beans (a concession), matzo kugel, horseradish (made from scratch), charoset (apples, nuts, cinnamon, sugar and wine). So no one will be hungry. God forbid! Happy spring weather, yeah! Michelle

Woofay and Lap - Happy Bandiversary! I had mine on April 16th. It is wonderful that my relationship with food is so changed. The evil binger lurks, but there are many more bingeless days in my life. I feel I am an almost normal eater for the first time in my life. Love is wonderful. Ed is a great guy and we talk and email several times a day and can't wait to get together as often as possible. It sucks that he is 60 miles away, but at the same time, it forces us to continue our commitments to ourselves, gives us time to breath, and time to miss each other terribly - those are a great combo for longlasting love. My eating has been up and down. It is Passover, heavy cooking, baking, and traditional eating patterns. I don't think that matzo tastes half as good as Easter chocolate eggs do, but I plunged into it all the same, coated with butter of course. I think I got my fix and now I don't seem to want any more of it. I am happy to try and attend any RR or where ever event. Hugs and smiles, Michelle

Lap...lap...lap - Come on - we switched the night for you my dear. Mal - I am soooooooo proud of you. Those walks and the belly ups will get you where you want to go. Hugs. Dee - you seem to be doing great! Yeah! Glad your vacation was fun. Woofay - have you dropped the vacation weight? I am subbing all week, and i am doing better being so busy. No time to think about hunger and what I want. Ladies and Gentleman - I am in love. I can't believe it, it is pretty fast, but sooooooo fabulous. I am not like this usually, but my goodness, it has been such a long time since I had a special someone. I believe that I had to love myself before I could attract Ed. Thank you bandsters and thank you band. My weight loss hasn't been in the record books, but I feel like there is hope here. I am eating so much less and used to it in one year, after a lifetime of either extreme food abstinence (liquid diets) to total indulgence binge eating and a roller coaster of expand and contracting body size. At RR, please plan the next event and let us know. I want pictures please. Hugs, Michelle

Dee - thanks for the support, but I will miss RR. A man doesn't replace good friends, it is just hard to be in two places at once. I hope you have a great time getting together. Woofay - 80 pounds in a year. I have lost just half of that. I am so impressed with your focus. Don't sweat the vacation. It is amazing that we don't tolerate overeating for a long time any more. That extra weight will come right off when you get back to your positive eating behaviors. Lap - sorry I won't see you. Perhaps you could call me while you are here????? Rene - welcome to our little group. It is a wonderful place to get support and the be around people who "get" you. Welcome. Brandy - welcome back to RR. I am so glad your ankle? or was it a foot? is healed. How's your little girl? Mal - are you loving the weather. i can just picture you walking Buster in the beautiful sunshine. Hugs and kisses to all, Michelle

Oh Banditos - I have a conflict on the 9th so I won't be a RR. I think this is a first. I am subbing all week and my new friend has invited me to accompany him to his opening for a book he just edited at a gallery. This is good, though missing your wonderful hugs is sad. Boo hoo. My body is changing, my insides and outsides are getting more fit - but the scale hasn't moved much. I look better though. So, oh hell, chuck the scale. Everyone sounds great! mare - I second Shelbie's note, make sure you reward yourself with something wonderful - new outfit, massage, whatever thrills you. You deserve it. hugs all. michelle

Okay - I just read the postings. Hellooooooo to all of you, friends. Now, I will tell all (or at least some) if you get to Red Robin. Things are good, he is sweet and special. I am not binging, which is earth shattering. Is it the 8th or 9th? I don't want to make an official posting and have the date wrong. Mare - thanks for letting us know you are all right, well more than all right - great! Wow! You have done really well. I don't know if I will recognize the people I haven't seen for a while, like Woofay, Mare, Bookender and Mal. Be there! Hugs, Michelle Hugs all, I wouldn't be here without you,