jfran

I got my hair highlighted with a new cut at 50lbs. I got my makeup professionally done at 75lbs. At 100lbs I am getting my teeth whitened. Buying new clothes is always a great reward. Buying a new piece of exercise equipment or clothing is great too.

Good going girl! It feels great to pick something up off the rack and try it on only for it to fit like a glove. Pretty soon you will be in 14's even better.

So, I should be thankful and feel fabulous over the 77lb weight loss I have had these past 7 months, but I can only think and worry over the last 40lbs I have to lose. It is like I have to fight for every ounce that comes off my body these days and I am tired. I am physically and emotionally beat down. I am tired of spending 2-3 hours of my life everyday working out at the gym. And, it sucks that my friends can all go out for pizza and mexican and I can't "afford" the calories. I am very goal oriented and very driven to lose this weight which I guess is a good thing, but I think I am becoming obessive about it. I want to lose 100% of my excess weight by my one year band anniversary in May. That is 5 months to lose 40lbs and I am scared that I won't make it. I feel like I am on a deadline because I guess I have lived so long without really living that I am anxious to start my life as a thin person. Some of you may say to relax, give it time, and get a fill, but I don't want to get a fill. For me, the band itself has been my motivator and the fills have only been the last result. I have only had 2 fills in 7 months and I like knowing that the weight I am losing is because of my hard work and my healthy choices and not just because I am so tight I can't eat. I like being normal and being able to eat a normal portion of a variety of foods (there hasn't been anything I can't eat---I just don't because of calories). I have told very few people about my surgery and those that don't know don't suspect a thing and are so proud of me for losing the weight. I guess I just needed a place to vent and some words of encouragement. If anyone has any plateau buster tips I would love to hear about them. It just seem that I am doing everything right and the weight is just not coming off. Instead I just fluctuate up and down 4-5lbs. Thanks for listening and congratulations on everyones weight loss successes (I guess I should include myself in this compliment, but it is hard to accept). jfran

UPDATE!! I am feeling better. I did a 3 day liver detox and have lost 5lbs. I went to my doctor today and got a fill so this should help aid the weight loss. Also I got the results of my blood work and EVERYTHING was within NORMAL ranges. Feeling less frustrated and more proud of myself. Thanks for everyones kind words, compliments, and advice.

UPDATE! I only have 4lbs to go!!! I may have to reevaluate my goal. name ........ starting# .... current#......goal#.....togo# Rainer..........264............264..........248.......16 wombat712.......154.8..........154.8........140.......14.8 LessnLess.......172............172..........164.......8 metawnny........252............252..........240.......12 Skinny_Jill.....195............195..........180.......15 Candle .........218............218..........207.......11 KarenG..........207............207..........199.......8 Hoppingto.......350............314..........294.......20 SWEETY..........180............180..........170.......10 juliegeraci.....220............220..........210.......8 Trystelle.......219............219..........205.......14 Susan4794.......240............240..........225.......15 rharriet........367............256..........248.......8 nip50...........250............250..........238.......12 keekahari.......220............220..........205.......15 Hollyberries....298............298..........285.......13 Stacy73.........230............230..........222.......8 Irishmae11......233............233..........219.......14 jfran...........187............181..........177.......4 liz_hager.......202............202..........190.......12 SueMagoo........230............229..........220.......9 MJRouse84.......274............233..........218.......15 Cagstorm........360............360..........345.......15 Jsrico..........255............178..........165.......13 kjl315..........237.5..........237.5........220.......17.5 chickatee.......188............188..........175.......13 want2lose.......236............236..........225.......11 Cerrin..........350............350..........325.......25 Twilight........206............206..........185.......21 RenewedHope.....228............228..........210.......18 georgia girl....275............275..........260.......15 Anitak33........245............218..........199.......19 Redtulips3......248............248..........235.......13 cQQlgirl........220............220..........210.......10 Manatee.........188............188..........175.......13 Jennie1976.......290..........251...........235.......16 Cookielover.......202..........202...........192.......10 uxbus5.............240..........240...........230.......10 Jillrn.................176..........176..........166........10 Sunny112..........145..........145..........140........5 __________________

I have held off from having fills for the past 4 months because I was able to lose 2lbs a week on my own with exercise and diet. Now the loss is slowing and halting so i am going in for a fill this afternoon. I am hoping this is what will get me going again. My doctor has been fine with it because I was still losing and thinks it is a smart idea.

Just curious how many of you have lost a bunch of weight and kept it off for a good bit of time. What is your maintenance plan like?? Congrats to everyone who has lost and kept it off. I expect the maintenance to go fairly well and I have about 35lbs more till I will be on maintenance. I can't wait.

bump.......surely there are some seasoned bandsters out there that can comment.

Taking pictures is the only way I can see a difference. I am still not happy with what I see in the mirror or on the photo, but I am getting there.

Try upping your calories. (Until Now) My body would only lose when I was taking in 1500 calories. Now I have lost so much that I am having to cut calories to continue losing. Also eat more frequently- every 3 hours to increase your metabolism. Also, eat the majority of your Protein from solid foods not just shakes. Try changing your exercise routine or maybe up the time a couple of days a week. Hope these suggestions help.

<p>For most of the 7 months I have been banded I have had no restriction so I can eat "normal" amounts. I have only had 2 fills and this is probably why I can eat. I have enjoyed being "normal" and no one suspects surgery or even diet. Most just think I am trying to eat healthy. Well it worked for 7 months and now my weight loss is stalling and I am going to have to get a fill. I am scared that with this fill I won't be able to eat the "normal" amounts and my friends and fam will start to suspect/notice. </p> <p> </p> <p>i am going to just have to get over it because I still have 35-40lbs to lose and without help it is going to take me FOREVER.</p>

Try making small changes. Get rid of the soda first and keep up the exercise. Then gradually replace the carbs and sugar with healthy foods. Its best not to go cold turkey and give up everything at once. A allowing yourself treats in moderation can be okay. The key is moderation. Good luck getting back on track!

I have always been able to feel mine, but now that I have lost a lot of weight in this area I can even see it sticking out. Some people feel it some don't. a lot of it depends on where it is located and how deep it is placed. I wouldn't worry.

Still have 35-40lbs to go!

I am still on my metformin even 77+lbs lighter. I am at a lower dosage, but I am convinced that the metformin is what is allowing my body to lose this weight quickly and consistently. I figure when I go on maintenance in a few months I will be able to go off of it. My PCP says to stay on the med as long as possible and milk it for all its worth.

Try changing up your exercise and your caloric intake. Maybe you aren't eating enough??? Try varying it from day to day and also try uping your exercise a few days a week. Maybe some variation will make you lose faster. Also how often are you eating. I eat 5-6 small meals a day to keep my metabolism running high. There is a lot of research to support this and its working for me for the most part (although I have hit a plateau this past few weeks, but after 77lbs lost its to be expected UNFORTUNATELY) Good luck you can do this!!!

If you are taking in a lot of Calcium this can stop you up so try these suggestions: -Magnesium supplement -Flax seed -hot Water with cinnamon and honey -more fiber

<p><p>My face is where it makes the biggest difference butt tI have lost a ton in the but, legs, hips and waist. My belly is smaller but it does not show any signs of going anywhere and I was really hoping to get away with not having a tummy tuck. Sigh...we'll see.</p></p>

milton5a: Thought you might want to hear from someone your own age. I am 23 years old and was banded May 31st 2007. Its been 7 months and I have lost 77lbs. I still have a ways to go but it has been life changing and in a good way. I consider myself an athlete. I exercise all the time and I love it. I am physically able to keep up with my friends and I am on my way towards really enjoying life and my 20s. The idea of a social life before was a laugh and now it is a something I am enjoying. As far as the anesthesia and surgery, it all went great. Our age is really an advantage in a surgery situation. Now that I have lost so much weight I really feel like a 23 year old and not 40+ and invisible. I am not invisible any longer and my confidence and self esteem gets better with every pound I drop. I still have some emotional issues with my weight but I am working hard to leave the "fat girl" behind and embrace my new skinny "beautiful" self. This is your decision and you should do what ever is best for you and what ever will make you happy. Your family will come around. This was the "best" decision I ever made and I would do it a million times over. Good Luck!

I do a modified version of south beach. Breakfast- 2 scrambled eggs with green peppers, onions, tomatoes and a sprinkle of 2%cheddar cheese; 4-6 strawberries Snack- Yogurt parfait with frozen berries and Kashi GO LEAN crunch on top. Lunch- salad with chicken Snack- String cheese and Whole wheat crackers, Fruit Dinner- Chicken and brocolli, frozen berries w/ splenda and Kashi sprinkled on top Green Tea in between along with tons of Water.

Linda: I eat 5-6 small meals a day (usually 200-300 calories each)consisting of lean meat (chicken/fish), veggies (brocolli,green peppers, onions, zuchini, spinach,tomatoes,etc.), fruit (red grapes,strawberries, blueberries, peaches, etc.), and whole grains (rice,wheat crackers, whole wheat pasta) I steer clear of potatoes and bread, nothing but Water and skim milk to drink also do green tea. I take Vitamins and Calcium everyday. I exercise 6-7 times a week usually 2-3 hours at a time. I do the arc trainer, treadmill, and elliptical and I also weight train 3 times a week. Make sure you are eating Breakfast. it jump starts the metabolism and also it is best to eat every 3 hours to fuel your furnace of a metabolism. Exercise is essential. Also drink tons of water (I drink about a gallon a day). How many calories are you eating? It may not be enough and your body may be trying to go into starvation mode. Good luck with your weight loss.

I hated to exercise before banding, but now I love it and I feel wierd when I skip a day. I exercise 6-7 days a week for 2 hours. I do cardio and weight training and I can really see a huge difference in my body.

For me it is 95% me and 5% the band. I work everyday to make healthy choices and exercise my body.

Thanks georgia girl! I have decided to get a small fill and cut out some of my carbs as well as varying my workouts more. Hopefully that will do the trick!

thanks juli