Brandy

Oh, as to fills. I've only had two and the last one was in September. I declined one in December and still don't feel that I need one. I can eat most anything I want to, but am restricted and will easily start hurting if I eat too fast or don't chew properly. Don't know that I will ever need another fill. I exercise regularly. Weight loss has slowed down, but is still progressing!

Kathy, So sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my Mom to cancer and it is very, very hard to watch the decline. Phyl, Your pics were great! Keep up the good work. It does get slow at times, but any weight loss each week is great! All, I've been out of town so hadn't checked in for awhile. Took quite a bit of time this evening to catch back up. To whomever asked the questions originally, I've been heavy since my teen years. Was 131 age 14-15, I believe. Lost some weight in high school, but don't think I got below 131 at that time. Lost down to about 121 while in college, but then regained it. Worked at Burger King for about five years through senior year of HS and college. Then, got up to 195 to 200, when I first got out on my own. Gained up to 246 when I moved to Florida and was on my own. Like someone mentioned, I would leave work and go through a drive thru restaurant to get fast food for dinner. Like an old friend, since I didn't know anyone in town, except my new co-workers. Lost 78 pounds on my own in 1987. Then regained up to 210 or so. Then went on Phen-Fen and lost down to 130ish. Don't know how, but ended up regaining up to 226 when I went off the pills. Then lost down to 195 and back up to 210 and then down to 175 and back up to 210. Over and over and over again. Then, although not morbidly obese, found a doctor who would do the surgery on me. Started pre-op diet at 209.5 and am now down to 151.5. Dr has been very impressed with my results. He thought I could get to 148.5 in a year. I hope to get to 125-130.

Yes, the shakes do make you feel full! I really, really like them! My starting weight was 209.5 and I'm down to 151.5. I'm 48! My highest weight ever was 246.

Jackie, Congrats on onederland! All, I guess I'm kind of different. I think I have always known exactly how I looked at every weight. I'm pretty realistic and see exactly what was in the mirror. Still hated seeing pictures of me, though, especially those in swim suits! Still surprising though to know that I am at a completely normal weight now. I have to admit that although I'm not normally vain, I do spend quite a bit of time admiring myself in mirrors these days! One of my favorite activities these days is to try on my older clothes! A lot of fun!

Jackie, You are so close to getting into the 100's! Congratulations! Ruby, I'm sure you are looking good! I also told only a very few people, so only my DH and about four other people know about the surgery. So no one at work knows, which is good. People magazine came out with their people who lost half their size or whatever and I'm sure it will say like usual that they did it through hard work, no surgery or other "easy" solutions. Don't know about everyone else, but I earned my success. I've worked very, very hard and although the band helped, it was my committment and exercise, etc. that did it.

Lindaa, I think I look younger and I know I feel younger. I feel very fit. I love the feel of fitting into my old clothes. All, I sometimes wonder how it will feel to actually get to goal. Will we miss the excitement of the journey? What about when the compliments stop? When we move or change jobs and no one knows us as anything but what we are now. Will we feel tempted to pull our old pics of ourselves, laughing!!! It will be interesting to see how we feel then!

Sam's only carries the chocolate, but it's very, very good. And I'm not the type person who has ever in their life liked a slim fast or anything similar to it. I've tried a regular vanilla, but not a low carb one.

I've been on a roll, lost another 1/2 pound this morning. So, 152.5 pounds....I'm so close to the 140's I can smell it.....and I'm moving into a new pair of jeans (well they were new fifteen years ago...and still look brand new) )

Well, you can get them at Sam's in a case of 15 for a good price, while at the grocery store, they come in packs of 4 and cost quite a bit. It says low carb in blue on it. They are really great! And I never liked any of those types of products before.

Have you tried the low carb slim fast shakes? They only have 6 carbs and 4 of them are fiber, but 20 grams of protein. Great! I stick them in the freezer and get them cold and serve them in a frozen glass with a straw. Yum! One for breakfast everyday, only 190 calories and replaces a meal completely.

Hi everyone! I came in and tried to post earlier this afternoon and got kicked off and then the web site wasn't responding, so that may be why it's been so quiet on here today. Hi Dini! I was the one who asked for the before pic and you have really come a long way....congrats! I have been on a plateau, after gaining three pounds at Xmas and then losing it and regaining and losing it again. Finally, it's off, plus another pound and a half today, so I'm at 153.5, headed for the 140's. Can't wait! I went shopping in my other closet last week and pulled out another eight outfits that I haven't worn in years. So much fun! Also took about 15-20 items out of my closet to give away as well. Like that too! Really I haven't had to buy too many clothes. Got a few bathing suits early on and two pairs of slacks awhile back. And my DH bought me a couple things for Xmas, but other than that, I haven't had to shop. Will wait until I hit goal!

I was self pay and get a year's worth of fills, although I have only had two so far. Didn't think I needed one in December, but may rethink it as I've been up and down 2.5 pounds for a few weeks now. Ate more than I should have over the holidays. Lost it and then went back up this week due to period.... Anyway, I think that fills are only $100 to $150 with my Doc after the first of the year, which I think is reasonable. Hope all are well!

On the McDonald's issue. I used to LOVE McD's as a kid, my favorite restaurant. I worked at Burger King for 5 and a 1/2 years in HS and college. But haven't been a big fan of McD's in a number of years, but I have eaten there. I went to Las Vegas about a month and a half after the surgery and since I couldn't eat much and didn't want to waste the money on a buffet, I would go to a McD's in a casino and get a small plain hamburger and then toss the top bun and eat the rest. I've been a few times, but haven't done so except when I'm traveling. My favorite fast food now is Wendy's. Off the 99 cent menu, I'll get a baked potato and a chicken sandwich. Toss the top bun and eat the rest. Delicious and very filling. I don't think fast food is the enemy, just something that we ate too much of, way too often. I think if you use your head and don't indulge too frequently, you can eat anything you want. I asked my Dr before Xmas if there was any medical reason that we should avoid diet soft drinks and he said no, it's just that you might find that it makes you feel uncomfortable or eat more. So, I've reintroduced diet soft drinks (with caffeine) to my diet. I just control the portions, so I'm not back on six or more cans per day.

Hi everyone! I need to report that I've been giving myself way too much of a license to eat these past two weeks, so I gained 2 and 1/2 pounds. I will work hard to get back on track and lose it quickly. If I can't get back on track, then maybe I'll call the doctor and schedule that fill I didn't want to get and turned down the week before Xmas. I think I still feel the restriction, though, but have just been eating alot and not the right stuff....oh well, I feel pretty good about getting back on course. And DH is thrilled with my current weight anyway, just not with the loose skin. Although it isn't that bad. It has been pretty forgiving all in all. Phyl, Great news about the walking. Keep it up and I agree with whoever said that the scooter will be a thing of the past. Janet, Hope you are feeling much better by now! To all, keep up the good work and let's make this the best year of our lives! Like Valerie Bertanelli keeps saying on those damn commercials for NutriSystems, let's hope that next New Year's Eve comes without any New Year's resolutions regarding weight loss. Happy New Year, everyone!

Kathy, Glad you got yourself something nice at Coldwater Creek, don't they just have the most beautiful colored sweaters there! I'm glad your husband is sparkling at you!!! Have a Merry Christmas!

Hi there! I'm not too far from Dallas. I've got several size 32 jeans, but they don't fit yet. And I've got a size 28 pair of Levi's that I've never, ever worn in my life. I think a girl friend gave them to me in College as a goal while I was dieting and never got that last ten pounds off to fit into them. Mainly, I've got 12's and 10's to wear next. Won't be losing any weight this week, however, as I've consumed more calories in the last two days than since I took a cruise in November. But, it all works out. I feel pretty good and my skin is doing pretty well, though it is sagging in a few places. I still have high hopes that it is all going to get back into shape with me! Take care and happy holidays!

Kathy, I'm so sorry that your Dad is going downhill so fast. I moved home in 2004 to take care of my Mom while she was dying of cancer. It was a very sad time, but I'm so glad I was able to be there with her. Jackie, Your pics look so good! Everyone seems to be doing so well with their weight loss!

Hi everyone! Hope all is well! No one seems to be around tonight....quiet. I'm great! I lost another half pound this morning! Can't believe it! I'm really on a roll this week. And I've been eating some Xmas stuff, cookies, etc., but I guess it is all about moderation! I've giving some of my jeans away (size 14's that are now too big). I've got one pair that fits perfectly now and then several that I can move down to next. I can't wait. Can't believe how small they look wehn I hold them up. Hope everyone has a great holiday! I've got to work all day on Xmas Eve, but my husband has the day off, wish I did too!

Hi everyone! I had my third fill appt on Thursday, but I didn't want a fill and the dr thought my weight loss, of 17.5 pounds like Janet's, also indicated none was needed. So only two fills and a total of 5 or 5.5, and my restriction is just fine. Mentioned that some of y'all say that the fill leaks out and he said if it didn't by three weeks, it wasn't going to. Lost another pound and a half since then, so I'm thrilled! Lost over 25% of my body weight when I hit 52.5 pounds.... now at 53.5! Have a great holiday everyone!

Hi gang! Just in for a quick look see tonight. I'm happy cause I lost another 1/2 pound this morning, so 52 total. Just .3 more pounds and I will have lost 25% of my starting body weight. Not bad for five months!!!! I feel so good!

Dini, Let me echo Janet I think it was in saying you are HOT!!!! Wow! I'd like to see a before picture of you, but I mean WOW! To be 24 again!!!! Anyway, I'm still losing, slowly, but surely. My 3rd fill appt keeps getting pushed back. It was supposed to be at the end of November, but it's been rescheduled a few times. Which is fine with me, I'm not going to get a fill. Don't need one. Two were enough. I've got enough restriction to do it I think. Maybe it will loosen up some next year, just don't know. So, I'm mainly going for an official weigh in. I think the Doc will be pleased. Baked a bunch of cakes for friends and co-workers as usual this year. Only had one piece myself! There are three holiday meals with friends or co-workers this week, but it will soon be over and it's going good. NSV, tried on an XS, extra small, sweater yesterday and it was too big!!!! Tried on a bunch of Small petites. Let husband buy me several things for Christmas. Finally came to the realization that just because it's pretty and fits, you don't buy it like you did in the past. You look at it more critically and say, yeah of course it fits, but does it really do something for me or is it just okay. In the past, if it was a good color and fit, you'd just buy it to have something.....NO MORE!!!!! Let Freedom Ring!

Unruhlyhd, Looking good!

Salsa, Janet, Blooeyez, Y'all are looking great! Keep up the good work!

Phyl, Great pictures! You look so happy!