kkccmom

me, again... I just ate some lunch...leftover Pasta from Tuesday evening, with small shrimp. It has literally taken me probably 4 tries to eat that one meal...and today, it took OVER AN HOUR to get it down. Its as if I get MAJOR air trapped in my chest. I can feel and SEE my heart pumping in my chest...anyone else ever had that reaction? Its kinda scary, actually. I'm trying to figure out if part of my problem is POSTURE - am I slouching over my plate? I know I tend to "fold forward" when it feels like its not going well. almost a "protection" mode...does that make sense? My hubby pointed that out to me, that I tend to slouch when I feel food-stress. So, I'm trying to keep that in mind and sit up straighter and, FOR SURE, to sit up after each bite, even leaning back a bit. Right now, there's a lot of pressure in my middle...right about between my "girls" - know where I mean?? anyway, thought I'd share those feelings while they are active to see if anyone else is experiencing any of that....? Thanks! Kim

Hi girls... sorry I've been MIA lately. Its been a busy time. I'm gearing up for my BIGGEST event ever, coming up next weekend. I'm a paper-crafter and I'm working on things for my booth. I do party/shower invitations, favors, etc...plus, magnets, framed art, and about 100 other things. Its lots of fun, but lots of stress getting ready for a show. This is my first time to do this one: its our town's MAJOR summer event, drawing 50,000+ each year! YIKES!!! I'm one of about 150 vendors...exciting, but again, stressful. "What do I make? How many? What will sell? What do I need LOTS of??????" you get the idea. Anyway, its been a REALLY tough week w/ food. Can't seem to get much down of anything...even my shakes seem a little hard to swallow (literally). Its been kinda concerning. Like I'm wondering if my band has slipped..but then I CAN get some things down, so its probably okay. But I've REALLY missed eating. And enjoying it. I do see the surgeon tomorrow and I'll ask about all this. Its been 6 weeks since I saw him last; and I haven't had a fill since March. Can't imagine being any tighter than I am now. Problem is, I can still eat ice cream! And I've had some every day!! Only once, but sometimes its all I can seem to manage. Not exercising like I should be...now its getting pretty hot here in IN so mornings aren't ideal. I think I'm down about 44...so that's progress. I'd love to get off about 20-25 more...one year will be July 31, and I was hoping for 52 by then...probably won't see that. But like Melissa said, I'm soooooooooooooo much better off than I was a year ago. I'd do it all again! Linda, congrats on your daughter's engagement. What a happy time for you all!! Have fun planning!!! Enjoy your day, ladies! Kim

....and after I wrote that, I went and made myself a MALT!! LOL -- oh my word. I didn't/couldn't eat my lunch today, so I figured this was "that"... pretty sure it was WAY more calories than my lunch would've been. Linda....Lucy posted the pics. I've not tried it. But of course I have FEW pictures of myself along this journey. I'm sure someday I'll regret that....???

Linda...THANK YOU so much!! Trying to get to 300 LIKES by my b'day!! Thank you! I'm sort of 'there' too. Terrible food day - meaning nothing really is going down well. Well, except for OREOs... YIKES. Seems I really really put away the sweets...guess b/c they just MELT in the mouth, eh?? Ugh. I 'think' I'm down about 42, and Lucy...it'll be one year on July 31. I was REALLY hoping to see a total of 60 by the one-year mark. Not gonna happen. But I do appreciate your photo-reminder of where YOU have come from. I'm still VERY camera shy, so its hard for me to 'allow' myself to be photo'ed. I DID do one or two w/ my hubby in Hawaii...but only ONE is on Facebook. Most days are a struggle to get solids down...and I've had a severe issue lately w/ constipation. Oh dear. Horrible. Not enough Water, I know. I'm back to drinking too much Diet Coke....and virtually NO water at all some days. Other thing, with the weight loss, I'm struggling to "allow" myself to even look for clothes in the MISSES section of the store. I head right to the PLUS/WOMEN's dept. And its all too big!! YAY!! But, just cannot seem to get it thru my head that I don't live there anymore. I'm no where near where I really want to be - in fact, I still see my flabby gut and saggy boobs (getting worse as I lose). I also am not exercising at all. I did well during the winter, with Zumba, but now I can't seem to get my lard butt out the door and just WALK. No excuses. I just don't do it. Starting is hard, you know?? Anyway, we ALL need to make better choices, don't we?? I think we HAVE come a long way, and if you're like me, you only see how far you have to GO...not really where you came from....glass half-empty. If I have lost even another couple pounds by the next surgeon visit (mid June, I think), I won't get a fill. Haven't had one since March. Can't imagine being tighter than I am now. I just need to avoid the sweets. Have been on a "Sugar Wafer" binge lately...you know the ones - they are think wafer'y things with a SUGARY SUGARY SUGARY cream filling...OH.MY.GOSH. I can eat a whole package of them before I know it. I'VE DONE IT. MORE THAN ONCE. Bad Bad Bad. LOL So, yesterday, I was in Walmart, and I had them IN MY HAND, and I turned right around and put them back on the shelf and walked out without them!! Small victory, I think! But then today, I've eaten about 6 oreos. The rest of what was left of a package I've kept hidden in my office. But once they are gone, I'm good. anyway, hang in there, friends. We ARE making progress...even if its SLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW. It does add up. Lucy -- you are an inspiration!! Best, kim So, lets go, girls.

Marie... the last adjustment I had, in March, really took me to the next 'level' with my capacity. I have to eat SO SLOWLY...by the time I get even 1/2 of it down, its cold. That pretty much does it with most things. I'm down an even 40...slow loss, but then, like you, I do find that certain things ARE way too easy...esp sweets!! I can let a bite of cake just "simmer" in my mouth before swallowing...then another and another....or ice cream. This week I have had TWO episodes of full-out vomiting. Don't know if I just ate too fast or what, but it was not pretty. I know this should be avoided at all costs b/c of the stress it puts on the band, but there was just no stopping it. Once I got it all out, I felt fine. Actually, the one evening I did finish my meal ( 1 slice of pizza)...tho it took me a good 30+ minutes to do so. I need to also focus on the Protein first...hard to do esp when it gets stuck...still, after my visit w/ my surgeon this week, he said it WOULD come off faster if I'd keep myself clear of the carbs and sweets. Well....yeah. Ha... Feeling pretty good....still haven't pushed myself to get walking again. I know that'll make some difference, too. Have a good day and a good weekend, everyone! Kim

Hi girls....Lucy, I do feel your "pain" in this. Thankfully, I've not gained, but it sure is easy to eat the crap and not focus on either avoiding it altogether or just making better choices. One of the LIBERTIES of this, FOR ME, has been not having to weigh, measure or count every bite. I AM, however, learning to LISTEN to my body...and if I'm not hungry, I DO NOT EAT. NOW, having said that....do I NEVER eat when I'm not hungry, or do I NEVER eat crap? NO. Of course not! I'm not dead!!! LOL But, I will say that I am getting better and better about just saying NO, I DON'T REALLY WANT THAT. Like walking out of the grocery store, when I'm alone (because we all know we'll eat all kinds of things when no one is watching!!), and not buying a candy bar....I've done it several times now...and it feels really REALLY good to be able to KNOW that I don't want it or certainly don't need it. I'm losing SO slowly...but I was visiting my parents this past weekend, in my hometown, and saw lots of friends I hadn't seen in several months. They all RAVED about how good I look, how proud of me they are -- including my uncle, whom I'm very close to. He said, "You're lookin' good, Kimmie!!" That's just to name a few....so it was VERY rewarding to be recognized for HARD WORK -- even tho I am not counting stuff....it's working! So, just QUIT BUYING THE JUNK, stay out of the kitchen...have some PERSONAL integrity...you know what they say, "Your true character is revealed when you will do the right thing when no one is watching!" -- I'm speaking to me, too, here...so don't think I'm preaching and not listening to my own words. I'm a sugar-holic...I love LOVE sweets, but I love my thinner me more! I have about 25-30 more to go, and a package of Cookies just isn't going to get me there! (Lately I've been addicted to the 'sugar wafer' cookies...they are slim, narrow, flat flaky wafers, with a sugary creamy filling....store brand, name-brand -- doesn't matter...LOVE.LOVE.LOVE them! haha....and if I don't pay attention, I can have an ENTIRE package GONE in no time!!! YIKES!) I do think we often get comfortable at a certain stage/weight/size. Honestly, I think I 'could' be happy'ish right where I am....but I'm really trying to listen to what my body is saying, and I think it will get me to where IT wants/needs to be...might be another 6 months, but that's okay. Some experts call that a "set point" - your body will settle into a certain weight and stay there. Of course that's providing one doesn't just start eating the house....so that's what I'm counting on...that "set point" that my body will cruise into and I will stay there for the rest of my life. I am hoping to get myself out the door this evening to start walking again. Its finally warming up here in IN, and I'm ready to get outside. If I could get in 2 miles tonight, I'll be very happy. I have a busy day, but maybe by evening I can take an hour and hit the street. I still have days when I can barely get anything down, Linda. The next day, it seems all right. Not sure why that is, but again, I just have to listen and OBEY or I'm in big trouble. I'm meeting a friend for lunch today...praying today is a GOOD food day, and that I can enjoy it and her w/o having to run to the bathroom to try and take care of it. Yesterday was NOT a good day for solids, so maybe today will be! I also had a bad day on Saturday, eating out w/ my folks and my brother/family...had to excuse myself from the table, go to the bathroom, then outside. NOT GOOD. I hated missing out on the good food, but most of all, just being with them. But I got in too big a hurry and it was not working. I don't plan on another adjustment this month...found out that our insurance doesn't pay for them!! So, my choice to be conservative about it is even smarter....can't just run in there willy-nilly and get a fill. $$$ So, we'll go w/o again this month (last fill was Feb I think), and then see, in June, where I've gotten to. If I can average 1lb a week, I'm pretty happy w/ that. So far, I think that's where I am. Anyway, sermon done!! LOL Hang in there, ladies. Its SLOW, learning new ways and means, setting boundaries for ourselves and finding new ways to reward our accomplishments. My mom gave me some clothes when I was there....they are REALLY cute and the smallest size I've seen in a LONG LONG time. Feels great. And I feel like look stylish and confident. I don't want to look 25 (I'm 51 in June), but I don't want to settle into wearing Alfred Dunner yet either. (I HAVE worn Alfred Dunner...the styles were pretty, but made me look WAY older than I was) Enjoy today...give yourself the BEST for yourself today!! Kim

To 2012 This has not been a "movtiation" issue for me at all! I eat what I can and let the rest go...I'm not tempted to over-eat because when the pipe is full, there ain't room for anything else! And I do have to give you KUDOS for 92 lbs lost!! WOW! I know the rest of us will be so happy to see our goals get closer. I figure I'm more than 1/2 way there...you are doing AWESOME! Do whatever it takes to get to your goal. Just keep reminding yourself how much has changed for you since 92 lbs ago, and how much better it will be when you are where you want to be! NOW, I will say that I can really put away the ice cream!! So what I cannot eat in VOLUME, I can make up for in CALORIES!! Suffice it to say, THAT is where any "motivation" comes from -- staying away from the freezer! I do really love sherbet, tho, so I eat that w/ little remorse. Its FF, and one cone will do the trick. Marie...I think my Dr told me I was at about 1.5cc!! I have trouble enough with that...I can't imagine trying to eat w/ a tighter band. Linda...that's exactly where I was before this last adjustment. I "think" I might be in the Green Zone I've heard about. I am losing - which is what we want, right??? -- and there are things I simply avoid altogether. The risk of it getting stuck is just not worth it, esp if I am in a group setting. I did have a couple episodes of that last week when the Hub and I were in Maui...Had to excuse myself and almost RUN to the restroom to try and get it taken care of. Once I do - either get it down or out - I am fine, and can eat a bit more. I am pretty sure I did lose another 2 lbs, so it is working. The weather is FINALLY warming up here in Indy, so I am closer to getting outside to walk. I know that'll help things, too. I am motivated - but this "brick wall boundary" has done that for me. I am rarely hungry, and I find that very little will do the trick. One thing I have noticed is the reality of having to let go of certain things - or at least how I ate them in the past. For instance, I can no longer take a big bite of a hamburger, and savor the taste of it. The risk is that too much will want to slide down the hatch and it will NOT go all the way down. Most foods I love can no longer really be "enjoyed" - I do miss that. And by the time I do get it all down, (IF I get it all down = rarely), its stone-cold. That's been a kill-joy in the pleasure of eating. Eating has just lost its "fun" - does that make sense? Oh well...its worth it. Hang in there everyone. Best wishes for continued success and feeling better than ever! K.

re-read that, and I meant to state I am at 1 and 1/2 cc on my band!! Not sure why it came out 1/5!!?? Sorry!

Not sure why, but I'm not getting notifications for everyone's posts!!! I did get Linda's today, but that's all...so please understand that my "no reply" was because I didn't know anyone had posted!! ? Lets see...Linda, so happy to hear you are on the mend. I know its been quite a journey, but it seems your near a good spot! Yay! I am still learning this new "place" with that last fill. Its still so so hard for me...I will say I was down another bit (4lbs, accd'ing to their records; a little more accd'ing to my scale)...so that's about a pound a week. Guess that's good, right? I'm never satisfied w/ my progress....BUT I've exercised NOT AT ALL, so I'm sure it'll be more dramatic as I am motivated to pick up the pace and move my tail....FINALLY warm here in Indy, but its been so hectic the past few days I've not been out to enjoy it. YET. Hub and I are taking our sneakers and plan to do some walking while we're in Maui...so that's a start. Needless to say, I did NOT get another fill yesterday. I' think I'm good for a while. I did ask my Dr about my volume...he said I'm at about 1/5cc!!! I have noticed some of you are up toward 4!!! I think I'd be dead at that rate! I can barely choke down a shake most days...any tighter and really, well....I just cannot imagine it. LOL I believe I, too, have found that GREEN ZONE...now if I can just add movement, I think I'd see faster results. So that's a goal, right?? Well, I'd better keep this short...much to do to get ready to leave early tomorrow morning...easy for me to spin my wheels... Blessings, everyone, for continued success and mental improvement. We all know this is WAY more than physical! I'm still working on the "real me" -- the inside, to know I'm worth every step of this little journey! I know you are, too!! Hugs, Kim

Anyone there??? Its been a while since any of us posted...wondering how you all are doing?? I had a feeling this last adjustment would be THE one to take me to the next level in my journey...I was not wrong. DOWNSIDE...I have terrible trouble eating ANYTHING and it not getting stuck. Some days seems worse than others, but generally speaking, its REALLY REALLY tough most of the time. I am still trying to get into the swing of taking TEENY TINY bites...which, for me, negates the pleasure of eating altogether...you just don't get the flavor/taste of what you're eating. I'm at the place now where eating is utilitarian - for fuel only, and not for pleasure. Which is probably not bad in itself, but it sure does make for some difficult mid- and post-meal sliming and regurgitation. AS IN RIGHT NOW. I ate some Chinese...rice and chicken. Spicy. Used a TEASPOON and chewed thoroughly before swallowing, but I'm still dying here....its just STUCK in the middle of my chest like a huge, unmovable glob of cement. Ugh. IF I COULD JUST GET A DECENT BELCH OUT OF HERE... Anyone else having any of these issues? I don't want to have Fluid removed...this is why I did this...but boy... I have given up getting on the scale, tho...it seems to defy me every single time. I am just watching my clothes....and I got a new bra, from a 44 around to a 38. Its pretty snug, to be sure, and I'm on the first row of hooks, but it does look MUCH better. Lots of changes... HOW ARE YOU ALL?? Linda, are you back to your old self???? Hoping all is well! Heading to FL on Saturday for our spring break. Back on the 6th, then the Hub and I are going to Maui for a week, 10-17. Fun stuff....esp when I feel much better in a bathing suit!! Enjoy the sunshine, Ladies! Its shining (but cold!) here in Indiana...hope it is where you are, too! Kim

Linda...glad to hear you are feeling stronger! Good for you...I know the exercise will come - maybe later than you want, but it will come! Yes, I know all about the flabby belly! I've had 4 babies - my boys (my last two), were each almost 11 lbs, and then c-sections to boot! I'm stretched all over kingdom-come! Its just so awful looking...good thing the hub is the only one who sees it...he's got his own issues, so he is VERY kind to me...and it just works! Still, "I" would love to have this "drape" sucked and tucked! LOL...probably won't happen, so like I said, I'll just keep everything tucked up w/ a Spanx or something and keep it covered!! I purged my closet last week, probably getting rid of 2/3 of the big stuff! That felt really liberating! Everything is going to the AmVets today...hopefully all the nice things will do someone else some good. All my rings are too big, so eventually I'll need to get them sized. I have some very nice 'fine' jewelry so it'll all be worth the $ to get them fitted properly so they don't just fall off somewhere. I'd be sick!! Feeling REALLY draggy today. Need to get out and run a couple errands but just don't know if I have the gumption. Its been over-cast and rainy here in IN for DAYS....starts getting to me, I think...and there is little sun in the forecast for the next 10 days!! Anyway, Linda, glad you are on the mend. Take it as slow as you need to...listen to your body. It rarely lies!! K.

Marie...you are a great cheerleader! I had a fill last Monday and have been REALLY tight....have eaten very little. Probably not enough, really, but I know it's is absolutely working. I am tighter in the mornings than I've ever felt before, having trouble even getting a Protein Shake down...takes me a LONG time to drink it. I feel like I am learning how to eat for the first time - SLOW and chewing to liquid. Sounds so basic but really it feels brand new... SO, I know this will take me to the next level. Last week I lost 2lbs! I was hoping to get off 10 before my hubby and I go to Hawaii, but at this rate I will get close! Thing is, I do feel hungry but can't get much down before it feels stuck...so, I quit eating and let that be it. Ultimately, it's all good, but I am in another adjustment phase. 30 more to go to get to that 70% place my surgeon says is a good place to land...that'll put me at a 60+ loss, and about 160. Realistic for 51 and four kids, I think. Worst thing is going to be the saggy belly...and I don't see the hub springing for a tummy tuck....oh well, will have to rely on Spanx to keep it all tucked in! Lol I have not been exercising....I know I would feel better...like you, Marie, I am so ready for the weather to warm up so I can walk outside! In the meantime, I really need to get back to Zumba. Anyway, let's do what we gotta do to make this work - once and for all! It's time, don't you think? Blessings, Kim Btw...Linda, how are you feeling???

OH.MY.WORD, Linda!! SIZE 12!!! THAT IS TRULY AWESOME! You SHOULD be stoked, girl! I'd be doing the happy dance, too!! wow....so proud of you. And jealous! LOL I cannot seem to get past 32....but I did get a small fill yesterday and really feel like this is just the extra push I need to take it to the next level. Doc says "45" is a good next-goal, so that's where I'm headed. DH and I are going to Hawaii April 11-18...really would love to see 5lbs down by then. Is that possible, do you think?? Anyway, we all Celebrate w/ you Linda...so so so awesome! Keep going...54 more isn't that far!! Blessings on your day, everyone! Kim

Oh, Linda, you poor thing!! You're right...def NOT what you want to happen...hope you are making progress otherwise!!?? I've had an odd food week...most days this week food has been stuck...good thing is that it stops me before I get too much in! But then, when its NOT stuck, I can eat and eat and eat.... I see my Surgeon on Monday...feels like I'm gearing up for a WW weigh-in! Feeling nervous, that if I haven't lost ample weight since last visit (Jan 21), I'm going to get a scolding! I HATE THAT...and really, they aren't like that at all, but "I" feel it, ya know? Sure was hoping to get 10 lbs off by April 11, when the Hub and I get to go to Hawaii...but I am not very hopeful at this rate. Ugh. Just am so stuck at 30'ish and cannot seem to move past. Wish me well!!?? Hope everyone is holding on, and still losing. Obviously our bands are doing what they are supposed to be, but we just gotta stay the course and do our part, right??? Hugs, Kim

Linda...sorry for not responding to your initial post...crazy week here! So happy to hear you came thru it all right, and are on the road to recovery! Bet your mom is glad to be able to help! My mom would be, too!! Rough food days the past few - nothing seems to want to go down. Its okay, tho...makes me go SLOW and eat less, so I can definitely live w/ that. I am afraid I won't get that add'l 10 lbs off before we leave for Hawaii April 11...anything, tho, will be good, so I'm going to try harder! Marie...have you ever tried the "Clif Builder" Protein Bars? THEY ARE DELICIOUS!! I buy them at Sam's Club, about $19 for 18 bars. That's quite a bit less than in our local grocery store ($1.50 each!) They are pretty filling, 25g protein...and REALLY really tasty! There are 3 flavors in the 18-box...I like them all but esp love the chocolate MINT. Better than a candy bar!! They're 270 calories, so really need to count for a meal and not just an in-between snack...Might try those! I've got to get back to exercising THIS WEEK. Dread it, so I'm trying to get my head back in the game. Be sure to share your successes and your struggles...we've all had both so its good to know where we each are!! Blessings, Kim

Linda....so hope you get through this surgery w/o incident!! Sounds like there is no choice, and that you will feel MUCH better. We'll be praying for successful procedure and quicker-then-expected healing!! Marie...I will be SO happy to be at a -56lb loss!! WOW, that is just fantastic. I am hovering at the -30 thing and cannot seem to get a grip and move on DOWN. I know what my problem is...I am a snacker. I can eat chips from the bag, ice cream from the container...what I can't eat in "bulk" I can sure make up for in calories...YIKES. I'm "guessing" you are just in a plateau - something all we "dieters" go through. Are you exercising? Can you ramp that up a bit? Maybe add 10 mins each time, or add another day?? Or try something new? Maybe drink a little more Water? THESE ARE ALL THINGS I NEED TO BE DOING, too...I sure don't have all the answers. I too feel that I am hungry a lot...I know I just need to drink more water. Plus, I'm MAKING myself stay out of the kitchen and my paws out of the pantry when I'm passing through to the laundry room. Its been tough, but TODAY has been its own success. Anyway, just a couple suggestions. Just don't give in to the temptation to snack - like "I" do...I'd be farther down the road if I'd just stop that. My hub and I are going to Hawaii April 11-18....my goal is to get off 10 lbs by then! CAN IT BE DONE??? That's, what, 8 weeks?? Almost 9 weeks. IF I can keep my mind away from the kitchen, if I will LISTEN to my band, I think I can do it. Oh, and if I will make sure I'm getting in ample movement each week. I went back to ZUMBA this week...two times. Need to go 3-4 each week...maybe next week I can do better and then get into my rhythm... I can sure feel it. So, Marie, maybe give us a snapshot of your typical day? Activities? Food/times/occasions eaten? Water? We'll get our brains together here and come up w/ a plan for BOTH of us!!! Kudos on that 56 lbs. WOW...I'm just so happy for you -- and a little jealous! :-) I know its all up to me, tho...so YOU GO, LADY!! --Kim

Aw, Linda....so sorry, friend...I'm praying for you RIGHT NOW - for PEACE and strength and courage!! Will write more later, but be assured you are in my prayers....keep your chin up!! Hugs! Kim

Oh yeah, I've got more energy, too...and abounding confidence! I still have 30+ to go, but I, too, feel like a new person! I'm "accessorizing" my outfits -- for the record, I'm generally a very conservative dress'er, tending toward the "classic" over the "trendy" -- HOWEVER, I'm becoming more and more convinced that some of that is because I've always wanted to stay invisible. If you dress trendy, people notice you. I didn't want to be noticed...black all the time, baggy so as not to show my drooping belly...and grouchy about it all, all the time. SO, now I'm wearing brighter things, wearning more bling'y jewelry (bought a $50 Bracelet from "Premier Designs" and look for things to wear it with!! -- would have NEVER done that 30lbs ago!) So, I'm with you, Linda..."a new person that has been awakened" - INDEED! I'm looking forward to a trip to Hawaii in April, with the DH (work-related)...this year I'll be friendlier and more willing to engage w/ others. Not that I've ever been completely introverted, but I know I've tended toward "reserved" more than my natural outgoing self....NOT ANYMORE...lol!!! Kim

I have "issues" now and then...I tend toward the "bound-up" problem, but it comes and goes. I don't usually do anything specific...it does seem to right itself in time. I'm sure they'll tell you to drink more Water, eat more Fiber and yes, try the supplements (I used the Sam's Club brand of Miralax -- works just as good for less $$)... Its a troubling problem, for sure...and yep, a natural part of our transformations!! I'm REALLY having trouble w/ solids this week...feel so hungry by the time its mealtime, but I cannot really eat anything. I'm eating Soup w/ no prob, and then last night we had company, the hub fixed a FABULOUS pork loin, roasted....I fixed cheesy hashbrown casserole, and green Beans. I ate SO SLOW, and still it was a struggle. I ate a SKINNY piece of meat, about 1/4c potatoes and about that much green beans. Then had a dish of vanilla ice cream w/ sliced strawberries. THAT went down easy! LOL OF COURSE IT DID....it was sugary! So, I am down a bit this morning. So, I have no regrets. Still, I'm feeling hungry and will try a Protein Bar here soon. Company again tonight, and we're doing an encore of what we had last night! I hope I can really enjoy it! Oh well...we're on a roll, girls! NO REGRETS AT ALL!! Have a blessed Thursday! K.

Linda...oddly, I notice MAJOR tightness about a WEEK after a fill!! What's up w/ that??? Not really so much right after, but it seems to gradually feel tighter as the days go along. Yesterday almost nothing went down! I ate soooooooooooooooooo slow at dinner last night (blackened Mahi w/ dirty rice --- so good!), by the time I got it all down it was down-right cold!! But it was the most I'd eaten all day. Then this morning, I tried eating a bowl of cereal...I rarely do any solids first-thing but rather a soy-protein shake...anyway, it did NOT work at all. What few bites I did get down were the ONLY ones that were going down. I poured the entire bowl-full down the drain. Then I drank my shake like a good girl!! But it just tells me ITS WORKING, and its what I wanted and what I need to make this work, once and for all! I am lamenting my sweet WW friends who are on it AGAIN...probably for the 4th+ time since I met them on the WW community board about 3-4 years ago. On/off, on/off....we all know that drill. I'm so thankful I chose this route. Tough as it is some days. I'm slowly losing, tho, and that's what counts. I'm excited that I'm starting to feel comfortable about looking for tops in the MISSES section (still an XL)...that's really fun. Boy, there's so much more selection in that dept - and the styles are actually FUN!! So, stay the course...its working. We gotta do the right things, take it slow as necessary, and keep moving. Have a great Wednesday

Do any of you have days when NOTHING will go down?? Even something that you might have eaten before, w/ no trouble?? On the way to church this morning, I ate a "Clif Builder" Protein Bar. No problems. Several hours later, I thought I'd try a bit of a bagel (which we supply in our church's cafe)...well, it did NOT work. After gagging on it for a while, I eventually ended up actually throwing it up. Once I got it out, I was fine. Came home and warmed up some chinese take-out...it is NOT working, either. I am still choking on it. Its hurting and its coming back and back and back...mostly "slime" -- anyone ever have that issue? Its not really the food, but just slime....???? I know its a nasty subject, but I just want to know what your experiences have been (or IF you have any) with re-gergitation?? What's crazy is that I've eaten chinese before - this actual dish was leftover from Friday (no problems, tho I couldn't eat very much)..."generally" I can eat it w/ no issues at all!!!?? What in the world....??? Just wondering, girls!? Kim

FYI, ladies... Learned today that LESLIE SANSONE's "Walk At Home" DVDs are on sale at Target, for $9!! If you are looking for an easy-start exercise program, this is the thing for you!! I have several of Leslie's DVDs...they are all great, and will give you a good workout! You can increase your intensity to up the ante!! Amy....76 lbs!! WOW....that's fantastic! We're so happy for you....will be so happy to see the number loom closer for me! As for fills, mine have been miniscule! I had to have Fluid removed about 10 days out from surgery, so I've been REALLY conservative about it. ... My surgeon agrees! Still, he's confident I should see 30 more by summer!! I just MUST get control of this sweet-tooth....its REALLY been a problem lately. Ugh. Sabotage. Good luck, everyone!

Re-reading my post, it sounds like I was telling YOU to quit eating those sweets...NO!!! I was telling MYSELF to quit eating those sweets and carbs!! Sorry about that....it didn't come out at all like I was thinking it!! Duh!!...

Its funny that it usually takes a couple days for my fill to actually "feel" like its working!! But I know just what you mean about eating too fast...that's the culprit for me, too! I'll be so tickled to be down 37 lbs!! Keep thinking, I CAN DO THIS I CAN DO THIS! Just quit eating all those carbs and sweets and it'll happen! I have a friend who is likely going this route, too, in the spring. She's battled it like the rest of us...I told her its the best thing I've ever done! So, lets take it SLOW, right??? And chew chew chew!!

I've been thinking about all of you...wondering how its going?? Thanks, Keke, for nudging us! Its a slow process for me...no gains, thankfully, but SLOW losses...I am at the 30lb mark and its a place I've been before, with WW, and can't seem to get past it. Got a fill on Monday, so hopefully that'll push me down the road. My goal is 30 more by summer and I will be in a happy place! We were on a cruise 12-17, didn't gain. food was just so-so, so not too many big issues there. Did have some trouble with food getting stuck, and that kept me from getting carried away, too. However, I have a TERRIBLE sweet-tooth...what I don't take in in volume I can sure make up for with calories!! Still, its the best decision I've ever made for ME....would love to hear updates on everyone!! Kim