LapBandit2013

I like Skinny Girl vodka mixed with crystal light. There are a ton of flavor combinations you can do with that. If I were to order at a bar/restaurant, then I would probably get a vodka cranberry, margarita, or whiskey sour. You can ask the bartender for suggestions on non-carbonated mixed drinks based on your particular tastes, they love that kind of stuff.

I normally don't take baths because my hips touch both sides and the water from my hips to head gets cold unless I pull my body out of the water now & then. Anyway, I poured a bath for my little one not knowing she was already clean, so I got in instead. Guess what? There was a good 3-4 inches between each hip and the sides. I could see over half a foot of space with my body against one side. Needless to say, I stayed in the bath until we ran out of hot water. Holla!

Looking great!

I've been MIA, too afraid to weigh myself after putting on a couple pounds the first week. Checking in at 279. Starting weight 283. I'm just glad I'm getting back on track.

Chamois Butt'r

I had the Mirena >5 years ago. It was nice while it lasted, no periods, but I did gain weight over the year or so I had it, but I can't say it was the Mirena. At the time, I hadn't had kids, so insertion was extremely painful, now I would compare it to birthing contractions. Anyway, mine somehow migrated down, was lodged in my cervix and had it removed. My doc told me I needed to figure out a new birth control method soon, because I would resume fertility in about three months. I got pregnant within a week! Ackk. Now I have a 4 year old.

Parenthood (so good, I cry every episode) The Walking Dead Game of Thrones The Wire Mad Men The Biggest Loser And I totally agree with Terry about the correlation between TV watching and obesity. I didn't get here from hours of outdoor activity. Did you also know there is an inverse relationship between TV watching and smugness?

Skinny Minnie!

Great job!

Hi there! I took the first picture back in November, the second is from tonight. I am down 48 pounds, and I was so excited to see that I can finally tell a difference. I have a long way to go, but thought I would share my first small achievement on this journey. Surgery was Jan 18th, lost 24lbs pre-op and 24 post-op so far.

Thank you all!

Beautiful! You must feel great.

I had the same hangups about the gym, but for me I'm more self- conscious about walking outside (I live in a moderately large city and my neighborhood is busy). I had to beg my sister-in-law to go with me for moral support, because I was sure I would get sneered at or somebody would take a photo with their smart phone or something equally awful. All I could do in the beginning was walk slowly on the treadmill. It turns out nobody cares. I go 5 days a week now, and use the elliptical and recumbent bike, too. I even started running in short spurts on the treadmill. I haven't taken classes yet, but I will soon and I'll probably make a friend go with me the first time again, too. The worst that can happen is I sneak out the back halfway through the class. Believe me, the hardest part is just walking through the door. You won't regret it.

Checking in at 282, down 1 pound.

40 pounds in 6 weeks is amazing. I'm going to say I suspect drinking orange juice all day might be holding you back a little if you are stalled. Before I went on my pre-op diet, I cut out orange juice (which I drank all the time) and dropped several pounds. Great job so far!

Awesome! Going from a 26 down to normal sizes is a HUGE accomplishment. Way to go!!

Aww, thank you everyone! I was super nervous about sharing these photos. My fiance hasn't noticed my weight loss yet, and nobody except a lady in HR at my work has said anything, so it's so awesome to get this validation. Thank you!

Thank you so much! You made my morning!

Could be anemia - do you get enough iron?

I've been fairly open about having WLS, although not as open as everyone I've told has been, and I've had at least five comments before or after surgery about what I'm going to do about all the loose skin. I have been really insulted by this - I'm not even there yet, but I feel like they are essentially commenting on how big I am. My reply has always been, "I just want to look good WITH clothes on" and leave it at that, but I'm pissed off that people feel free to speculate about my future naked body and want to know my plan for dealing with the "shrinkles." Has anyone else had to deal with these comments?

Name, real or screen~ Tanya Goal weight for March 31st~ 273 Weight on March 1st~ 283 Age~ 32 Dietary goal for March~ 1000 cals/60+ protein, increase daily water Exercise goal for March~ start weight training 3 x week Personal goal for March~ finish sewing projects Date banded~ 1/18/13 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~ 48 lbs What is your good luck charm? Hmm... I used to have a lucky rabbit foot keychain when I was in grade school, the thought of which totally skeeves me out now.

Thanks, Patty!

Feb 1st: 298 Feb 8th: 295 Feb 20th: 291 Feb 22nd: 287 Feb 28th: 283 Original goal: 280 Total loss: 15

Do you have your surgery date yet? If not, why not slowly wean yourself off. Start with 3 a day for a week, then 2 a day for the second week, then 1 a day, etc. You are probably also experiencing withdrawal from aspartame. Also, try to make your water more appetizing and accessible. Keep a bag of lemon slices in the fridge and have a water bottle around all the time (I like my camelbak 32oz bottle with a bite valve). I find that if I put a fresh lemon slice in it daily and keep topping it off with ice, I will drink water like crazy!

I had my first fill today - 2cc's. I had 4 cc's at the time of surgery (so I learned today), bringing me to 6cc's in an 11cc band. On liquids now, so I won't know if it made a difference for a couple more days.