♕ajtexas♕

Welcome, cloud. After reading your story I would recommend you work on the band rules before getting a fill. Small bits, chewing to mush and waiting a minute between bits. It sounds like you might be eating too big a bit too fast and not chewing enough. This would cause food to get stuck. Good luck on your journey.

Don't have the loader attachment, big mistake not getting it when we bought the tractor (that's a whole other story, lol). Used the three point in the back to pull the posts. It worked great.

I live on a good size piece of land in central Texas. Most of the land is zoned agricultural and therefore we have to make sure that land is used accordingly. I have always loved gardening and since Texas has two growing seasons we have fresh veggies growing almost year round. We have an orchard with fruit trees (pears, plums, peaches, nectarines & pomegranates) and two years ago we got a flock of chickens. This next year we plan to expand into livestock with rabbits and goats. Having all these agricultural items require a lot of maintains (chores). I have chores to do everyday whether it’s tending to the chickens, picking or planting veggies and let’s not forget the never ending task of pulling weeds. This is my exercise. When I get home from work I spend the first hour tending to these chores and the weekends are always filled with projects. Just this last weekend my husband and I removed an old barbwire fence that ran along the front of the property. It was a full eight hour job. First we had to clear all the dead weeds from the fence, pull the barbwire down and then roll it up and finally pull up all the posts. I walked over 6 miles that day and found muscles in my shoulder and arms that I didn’t know I had. Me rolling up the barbwire. Me using our tractor to pull up the posts. This is my exercise plan and it works for me!

Checking in: 1/1 – 1/4 = 10.96 1/5 – 1/11 = 28.64 1/12 – 1/18 = 21.62 1/19 – 1/25 = 32.14 Total for month = 93.36

A place just for us?!!! Thanks Alex!

You look so beautiful! That sparkle in your eyes is crystal clear.

You are rocking this, girlfriend! Congrats!

Today my team at work went out for lunch. There was seven of us and one Minivan (that seated seven). Pre band I would have to ride shotgun. Today, I climbed all the way to the very back seat. Yep I was one of the three in the back. I fit! I was so pleased that I rode back there both ways. I love a good NSV!

Thanks, Alex! You're awesome!

Stay busy! Time to clean out closets, write in a journal, read a book. Do anything to take your mind off food. You want this and you can do this! We'll be with you every step of the way.

Right now you are still swollen from the surgery and tbat causes the lack of appetite. As the swelling goes down your appetite will return and you might feel like you don't even have a band. Restriction is a simular feeling. I can go about 4 hours without feeling physically hungry. Keep in mind there is a difference between physical hunger & head hunger. The band will not help with head hunger. Hope this helps.

Great article. Thanks for posting this.

You look fabulous! Congratulations on your up coming wedding. You will be a breath taking bride.

WW is a great program. One of the things that makes it successful is it's support meetings. In my opinion having support makes success much easier. Support can come from family, friends, doctors, support groups and diet programs. As Patty said do what works for you. Everyone has to fine their own way in this journey.

You look fabulous, both of you. My hubby says he is loosing weight by association. Lol.

Way to go. Love reading stories like this. Mt Everst will be an ant hill when you get done with it. Good luck on your upcoming surgery. You are going to do great!

You are a star. Can't wait for an autograph!

We control food, food no longer controls us.

My doctor has no restrictions regarding coffee/caffeine. I have coffee every morning.

Yes you can. It is a medical procedure. Just get an itemized receipt for it. Good luck to you.

Do you mean 0% fat greek yogurt? I've never heard of a greek yogurt that doesn't have calories.

Only you can make that decision. I can tell you that the band was the best decision I made. It has been a wonderful tool that has helped me reach my goal. It's been a lot of hard work on my part, I completely changed my eating habits, I now eat fresh foods and I've learned to incorporate some sort of exercise into my daily life. I truly love my band. Good luck on your decision.

You have a beautiful chin! congratulations on your success so far.