LilMissDiva Irene

Not nice at all. However that could have been the little green monster on her shoulder saying that at the time too.

Princess, I'm sorry to hear of your friendship problems. You've been friends for a long time and I can imagine this has to be hurtful for you. Maybe your friend just needed to get this off her chest how she has been feeling. I doubt she 100% kept your friendship because she felt better about herself being around you. There had to be more to it than that, and maybe that part of your friendship has just been exemplified because of your recent successes in losing weight. I know this is true because she now is trying to make an effort to contact you. Give her the benefit of the doubt, and if necessary maybe you two should talk it out more. It might have seemed harsh at the time, but I think it was good for her to come forward and express how she was feeling. That also tells me that you two had something less shallow than how she comes off to be. It would be so much better than for you two to just drift off and you would always wonder "why"... That really would have been unfair to both of you. I hope it works out for you!

Hey, I really am not that happy with my arms - but I've been told they're not that bad. It's getting warm here in Sacramento, and we're even likely to have our first 100 degree day for this summer by the end of the week! I'm going to wear something that is not so hot! Besides, I need to work on my tan!!

Wow, you look like a whole other person! You must be on top of the world. You're pretty rockin' too, I mean - you were doing marathons even before being banded!! You sure you were banded only in February???

I think this is something that comes with a long time. I used to be addicted to sodas. I stopped about three years ago now, and at first it was so difficult. I don't even know how I did it, but I did stop. Even months after I would still crave them, but I did not give in. I have to say, I did really good with that addiction. As of today however, I don't even think about them. Someone could drink a 32 oz. in front of me and I don't even blink. I believe the same will be true, but just have to give it some time. Plenty of time...

Yes, Mervyn's is a great choice, as is Penney's or Kohl's. I am beginning to get into that threashold myself. Right now I'm just buying most of my clothes at Wal-Mart because I'm just going through them too fast. I bought a huge bunch of clothes in 1X and 18/20's. I'm finding I'm already almost close to donating them again. You're right about the difference in sizes, as in an 18W vs. an 18 misses. I can fit nicely now in an 18W, but the 18 misses seems to be fitting tighter in certain areas. Especially in the thigh area. I can button them on, zip them up, but they are still too tight right there and I can't see myself walking around in those! At least I know where my new target areas are right now!! :biggrin: I am a pear shape, so even though my pants are 18's I really haven't had any problems with an XL now. Celebrate!!

That is great Erink! You are doing a great job, keep up the good work!

Michelle, sorry to hear about your "mess up". That really stinks, but at least you have your little buddy there to remind you that donuts are not on the plan. I can't say for sure that you haven't done irreperable damage, but I doubt it. That memory will be all the damage you need, I think. Donuts anyone? None for me thanks! Not after hearing this... :biggrin: And to think, I was actually contemplating trying one.

Sure, there are lots of "better" Snacks. Fruit is one that I just love. Others in the salty area is the "Reduced Fat Cheez-Its". I love these, and to keep the portion under control you can create your own 100 calorie packs. They do also come in snack pack size too, but pocket book wise your better off doing your own. There are so many snacks out there now with the lower fat or lower sugar options. Always take your time while grocery shopping and compare those labels!

blessedtwice, that is so great - what an accomplishment! 8 lbs. in one week is so fantastic. I'm sure your body needed to come to the realization that it was not being starved. Weighing everyday does not work for everyone and can drive some crazy! If you were getting to the point which you mentioned, it is best not to do it as much. Once a week is sufficient.

Oh, no! Sorry you aren't feeling well -- get better soon! I'm sure you will though, because you are a real trooper. :biggrin:

...because I want to be thin!

Hey OP, let us know how you are doing. Best wishes and good health!

I wish people could understand there IS a tactful way to compliment someone who is clearly losing weight. The above is NOT one of them. :biggrin:

Great ezma!! Can already tell a difference! 2 thumbs up!

Favorites are definitely my back and cute butt. I've always had a nice round and firm butt and curvy back when I was smaller WAY back in the day. Nice tiny waist too and it's coming back as well. I missed you, where'd you go?? My face is thinning out too, it's looking really nice. My boobs were starting to deflate like two pathetic mylar balloons, but recently I started some strength training in that area, and pumping up the muscles in that area has helped to perk them back up. Who knew? My worst is my arms and legs. Getting the batwings and I'm trying to combat this with weight training and actually has been helping some. Others say its not that bad, but I hate it!

Congrats on your milestone, that is so great!! I have a ways to go, but I'll be joining all you wonderland wonderfuls - hopefully sooner rather than later!

That is such a great idea Queen. I'm sure I'm still a good few weeks away from reposting, but I just love to see everyone's progress.

peobody, that is so great!! Keep up the good fight! :thumbup:

Wow! I am on cloud nine today! My scale registered at 249.8 pounds! I am OFFICIALLY in the lower portion of the 200's, as well as now having less than 100 total pounds until I reach goal. When was the last time I'd actually seen the 240's? Hmmm... Gosh, I really don't know. I'm sure it was right after Hubby and I started our lifelong journey together. I gained weight like crazy after we got together. So then, that would be a good 14 years. OMG. To his credit, he never complained. Not until I was told I have HBP, then he let me know it was time to get healthy. Bless his heart, he is doing it all with me! :thumbup: He has lost about 10 pounds himself. He wants to lose maybe another 15-20. He did get over to about 205, but he is 195 right now. The best part of all of this is, I really don't feel like I'm struggling all that much. My portions are truly small, and I pretty much eat what I want. Mostly I try to make as healthy choice as I can, but not always. Nope, not perfect by any means, but I'm not going to bang myself in the head like I used to. I just simply get over it, move on and continue with the right thing. I don't tend to gain weight rapidly like before either, when I would go out on my "binges". I'll pretty much just hang around the same weight I am at that time, and then when I'm ready to lose, I do. I can't really binge much anymore anyway. I mean, I know of the little ways to get around the band already for being a newbie, as they were mentioned to me by my nutritionist, but for me, that was good to know. So I know what to avoid doing. I know as I reach goal the weight won't be so nice to just melt away, but that's ok. I'll deal with that demon when the time comes. Right now, I'm just going to smile and enjoy all my (not so) hard work! :thumbup: Don't get me wrong though, I do my exercises, rain or shine - NO EXCEPTIONS! I mean, I am doing a little something here...

Janelle, wow such a pretty gal! Welcome to the boards. Look around, we have so many boards here that you might find similarities to make friends. I started at 330 lbs. and a size 28/30, and lost 47 lbs. pre surgery. I have lost another 34 since. I have never been more glad to do something for myself. I wish the same for you. You just caught my attention anyway because Janel is my middle name. It would have been my first but my Mom and Dad battled between the two, which of course my Mom won!

Good for you gloucester, you are doing the right thing. I would have agreed with bergdorfblond had it really only been one day. I am totally in agreement with living your life like a normal person, and normal people do enjoy a nice meal on their birthdays. However, you have been doing this for a month or more. Time to get back on track, and that time is now. Best wishes!

80's chick, your 64 oz. per day should include other liquids you are taking in during the day too. If you are drinking other things too, that might be helpful for you. However, Water is best! Just want to add I have come up with something that works for me to ensure I am getting my fluids. I try to drink as much as 16 oz. between meals. I try to wait until I know my food is not sitting in my pouch anymore, and never any less than one hour post meal. Ideal is one hour pre-meal. I can get down 16 oz. in about 30 mins. I wasn't this good at first, it took time but with this new band life we have to retrain our brains!

I had some pizza just before my first fill and I was able to eat one slice. It had super thin crust and I had to chew it to oblivion. I have not tried it since my fills, but it has been awhile so I was thinking about having some. I like pizza, and it has never been a trigger food for me so I'm not too worried. Steak I never really even ate much before banding and tried one bite of super soft and juice filet before my fill also. Tiny bite and didn't feel good going down so I didn't try it again. I probably never will again, which I can live without, no biggie. I can eat ground beef no problems. I usually eat ground turkey instead when I cook at home, but for hamburgers its the beef. I have to remove the bun though because breads I have a hard time with.

Voted no. I carry my weight in the lower half more and I can already tell I'm going to have skin problems down there. I don't know, I agree that when you get older mini's just aren't cute anymore. I never even really wore them when I could get away with it. I just never had a taste for them, at any age really or weight. They're not very classy. Of course I am talking super mini's. Just above the knee is nice, a bit more is ok, but anything more than that and I find tasteless. But heels? Love em and can't get them high enough!