Brandy

Thanks! I appreciate it! Brandy

Hi there! I haven't been here since April 2009! Looks like everyone is doing great! Wow, Phyllis! You've done so well! Congratulations! I'm doing well. Have gained about 10 pounds from my all time low, but have maintained this weight for quite awhile. I guess I would like to lose back down to 137, but need to get motivated. I am very active, but find that I eat more than I should again. I never got any fills after the first three, so I've had no adjustments since Feb or Mar of 2008 and haven't seen a bariatric doctor since then. Never had a need for an adjustment and doubt that I need one now. Just need to eat smarter again. I guess most of us got obese because we are addicted to food in some way or another. I've never been a binge eater, etc., but my food choices have never been the best. It's work and you've got to work it to keep it under control. Can't count the number of people who I know who have had bypass surgery who turned around and regained all the weight they lost. I don't think I could ever do that, but I can understand how it happens. Glad everyone is doing well! Take care! Brandy

Hi everyone! It's me, Brandy! Haven't checked in here in months and months, but think of y'all often. Janet, you look great! Glad you enjoyed your cruise! And Phyllis, you've done very, very well! Congratulations! I'm doing fine, keeping busy as always, so not much time to play, even though I'm technically retired down here in Florida. The lowest I got to was 138 and I fluctuate between that and 143.5 pounds, but me and my body seem pretty happy with that. I exercise a lot and have built some good muscle. Still need to have a breast lift and I wish the skin on my inner thighs and under my arms were just a little bit tighter, but I think I look pretty good for 50, which I just turned last month, so I can't really complain too much! Hope everyone is well! Sounds like some new people either joined the July 07 site or else had to have revision surgery. Take care! Brandy

Hi everyone! Haven't stopped by in over a month as I'm just too busy these days. Hope everyone is stilling doing well with their dieting or maintenance as the case may be. I'm still good! I eat pretty healthy and get a good amount of exercise regularly. Still eating ice cream most nights, but my body must like the extra calcium, as it doesn't hurt in the least. I'm still maintaining my weight just fine! I went for my approx. 8 to 9 month visit in March or April, but didn't get a fill and since I relocated to Florida, I wasn't able to make any more visits. My surgery date was 7/16 and that included free visits and fills for one year. Dr told me to find someone here, just in case I had any problems, but unless the tubing begins leaking and I gain weight, I'm not sure what kind of problems I could have, since I don't think I'll ever need a fill again. I got too far behind here last month, so there's no way I'm going to go back and read almost two months worth of posts, so I'll just pop in and read a few current pages when I can. Question: I seem to get into trouble and PB on food only at certain times of the month. The first week of my cycle (or pack of BC pills, since I don't seem to be having periods any more) I seem to be very tight. And I can get into trouble very quickly with all types of foods and then the rest of the month, I can go a week or two without any problems unless I really eat too much or swallow without chewing stupidly. Anyone else experiencing this? Q2: I get sharp pains, like I would imagine a hernia would feel like in my lower left side, intestines height. I mentioned it to my dr on a few occasions, but he didn't think anything with the band could be causing it. I tend to get the pains when I've overeaten or just eaten a decent size meal and then walk around. It's the type of pain, where you put your hand over it and press in as if to support something. Anybody experiencing anything like that? Otherwise.....I'm in great shape, I swear it! :thumbup:)

Hi everyone, just checking in again. Sounds like everyone has been busy as usual and so much going on. Isn't it nice to see everyone's ticker showing their progress so far to the right? It's truly amazing how much we have accomplished! I look at myself in the mirror and am surprised as well that I am actually think. In fact, sometimes I look almost anorexic around the shoulders and upper chesst. My ribs are prominent as is my collar bone and shoulders. But, I like how I look and wouldn't trade it for the world. Wish I didn't have the bat wings and the extra skin on the thighs, but overall, I'm very pleased. Yesterday, the scale said 137.5 and I'm actually not really trying to lose any more weight, just eating sensibly, etc. May go upstairs and exercise on my exercise bike or ride the bike or walk over to the pool and swim some laps. Not sure which yet. Feel like I'd like to do something though, just don't want to get too much sun as my skin is in pretty good shape for my age and just because I'm back in Florida, I don't want to damage it. The only thing I hate about the sun and pool is the need for suntan lotion. I use a 30 to 45 and hate the feel of it, but it's a necessity. Take care and have a fun day!

Hi Guys! Hope this finds everyone well. I've been away for awhile, since 3/18 it says. I was very busy packing up my house, finishing up my job, moving to Florida and getting unpacked, etc. Just wasn't enough time in the day to breathe. I've been well, though. Sat at around the same weight for two months and then starting losing again for some unknown reason. I've lost several pounds this week and am now down to 138.5 pounds, which I think is a very normal weight. Just wish the skin would catch up, but don't expect it too at this point. Can't really complain too much though. I'll try to go back and read some of your posts for the time I missed so I can catch back up on everyone. Take care!

Ms. Pris, Congrats on onderland!

From Janet: Brandy - I bet you can now get a two piece - at 144 - you go girl... I haven't tried on suits yet - I have one or 2 that might fit - but after a few more tanning sessions I may venture into that section at the stores. Well, I could except that my port is extremely visible. The scarring healed and faded very well, but my port is prominent under the skin and would look odd with a bikini. So, I doubt I'll ever wear a two piece swimsuit in public. Everyone is doing well. I've been doing good as far as weight, but this last week I've been getting stuck and vomiting an awful lot. Twice yesterday in fact. The third fill was on Feb 8th, so not sure why it's tightened up now.... Hope everyone has a good week!

Phyl, You've got a great attitude on your weight loss. I feel the same way. In the old days it would have been all or nothing, needing to lose continuously, but now I'm matter of fact about. Of course I prefer when it comes off quickly, but if not today, it will be tomorrow or next week. No sweat, no worries! All, sounds llike everyone is very positive and up today. That's grea to hear! Tried on bathing suits since I'm going back to Florida next week and I'd gotten too small for a couple of them, that's a first, since they are usually form fitting. I love this feeling. Take care and good night!

Ruby, Glad you are doing okay. Hope everyone else is well So sorry, that some of you are having relationship problems. It's tough. Life is really hard sometimes, isn't it. I'm just dealing with all the stuff for the move, sale of home, etc., and getting totally burned out, but still got in 30 mins of exercise tonight. Goodnight!

Hi everyone! Just catching up on posts. I lost another 1/2 pound today, so I'm at 144.5, so pleased! I went to Coldwater Creek Saturday night and used a gift certificate and bought size 8 pants, couldn't believe it. a little form fitting, but they fit so I bought that and an extra small top to go with them. I'm in size 10 slacks in everything else and 6-10 dresses. Can't recall a size 8 pair of pants before though. Thanks for sharing the pics, Karri. I think I'd get the surgery too if I was you, will do a lot for your self esteem. I'm pretty lucky in that my skin has been very very forgiving. I've got a little saggy skin under my arms and on my thighs, but I really don't have a right to complain. Only thing I need is a breast lift, but I've needed that since I was mid-twenties. They are just looser sacks now. Oh well. Don't know if I can afford it. I went on a website of a surgeon, but they never responded to my request for info. Take care everyone and keep up the good work. Congrats Janet on the size 8's too!

Just checking in. Thanks Janet and Jackie! I'm excited too, and I hit 145 this morning. Just turned 49 on Friday too! Linda, keep up the good work, you'll be at 100 by week's end!

It was a good morning! I lost another pound today, 145.5. Just 2.5 more pounds and then I'll be at a Normal BMI!!!!

My insurance doesn't cover it! Only covers reconstruction surgery following masectomy due to cancer or accident. Congratulations, Pris! So glad things finally worked out for you, you were our only member who had severe complications and we worried about you!

Hi everyone! Looked into plastic surgery today as I've needed a breast reduction/lift since I was in early 20's. I doubt I can afford it right now, but thought I'd go for a free consultation if they have one and see exactly how much it would cost.

Ft Myers, Florida. You're worrying me. What do you mean you haven't been to the gynecologist in 8 years. You should go each and every year for a pap smear and then to the imaging center for a mammogram! Are you crazy, cancer kills! I don't care what I look like, I'm going to the beach, I'm going to the gynecologist, etc. I've never let my weight slow me down. My Mom died of cancer and I wouldn't take any chances with something that can be diagnosed so easily and then be treated! Please go to the gynecologist before you worry about plastic surgery! All, caught up with all posts and sounds like all are doing pretty well. I've got loose skin too, mainly in breasts, butt, thighs, and under arms. But, I'm still pleased that my body has been very, very forgiving of my past sins. So, I can't complain. I'm going to look into a breast lift however, but don't know if I can afford it after I self paid the surgery.

Hi everyone! Back from Florida. Had a nice time and found a house, so we bought it. Will close on or prior to 3/31 and move sometime thereafter. Gained about 4 pounds over the weekend, but lost 2.5 of that so far. Read everyone's posts, wow there was a lot that happened in the past week. Take care!

Boring day at work today. But came home and exercised like usual and that was good. One more day, then I'm off to Florida for a long weekend. Went in January too, but it got cold. I think we're looking at 84-85 days and 64 nights, but kind of cloudy. We're looking at real estate. Want to move back there soon! If I don't check in until next week, hope all have a nice President's Day weekend and continue to feel great about themselves!

Hi everyone! Thanks for your kind wishes and sharing my excitement at reaching the 140's. It means a lot! As to the questions on maintenance. I asked my doctor last Friday if when you reached your goal if you'd take any fill out and he said there wasn't any reason too. I think you just continue to eat slowly and chew well and increase your caloric intake a bit. I'm looking forward to maintenance, but think there really won't be that much of a change. Perhaps you can quit tracking calories, etc., just keep up with the exercise and only track calories if you gain more than two pounds that don't come back off shortly.... Just my thoughts! Hope everyone has a great night!

I made it! A whole pound lost yesterday bringing me to.......wait for it.....149 pounds! I can't believe it! I'm thrilled! I'm in 8-10-12 dresses and 12 slacks and jeans as I've got hips! Always have, always will! Everyone seems to be doing well and in good spirits! We all feel so much better about ourselves these days!

Hi Everyone! Karri, Sorry you didn't like the low carb slimfast shakes! I recommend them highly and think they are great and I'm not a shake or Meal Replacement person. Always thought they were yucky, but I absolutely love the chocolate low carb shake. I freeze it while I get ready in the a.m. and serve it in a frozen glass and drink with a straw. Crave it! Okay, I've got news to report. I went to the doctor on Friday for a fill. If you'll remember, I only got two and declined one in December, since I was doing so well. But things really slowed down in January. Anyway, got 1 cc, to bring me to 6cc's in a 10 cc band. Felt it. Lost 1.5 pounds that day. Now I'm down to 150 pounds, 59.5 down. I will soon be in the 140's! Asked the doctor what he thought I could achieve and he said anything I wanted as I've done so well. He thought 135 would be very doable. I had initially thought 125, but maybe that is just too too much! I look rather thin now! Phyl, Good story about the bras. I've been in 38D's and 38C's, that are too big. Starting to pucker at top of cup, so I'm moving into 36C's and B's. I still have a nice collection of sexy front closure Warner bras that they no longer make. But have been wearing Bali back closure ones for years. The same with panties, I've been wearing Jockey 8's and now they are too big, so I'm wearing 7's and 6's. Again a large collection of panties that I've bought in the past, many brand new. So, I won't need to buy any undergarments for a year or more! As someone said, we all want to feel and look sexy! And pretty things are nice. By the way, someone gave me a Victoria's Secret gift certificate for Xmas. I've been in there twice and there really isn't anything in there for me. I did try on some panties yesterday, but they didn't fit well and they are so cheaply made and so expensive. I think I'll just regift it!

Nichole, Nice pics! You are looking well! Phyl, great week's weight loss! You deserved the new pants! Hi Kari! Everyone is doing so well!

Janet, Hey your picture looks absolutely great! Congratulations! Everyone, it sounds like you all are doing very well! I called my dr's office today, decided that perhaps I do need a fill after all. Only got two small ones and the last one was mid-September and I passed up one at my last appt before Xmas. But, I think perhaps I need a small one now, so I called and he fit me in for this Friday morning. Don't won't much, but a little one couldn't hurt. I've been playing with the same two to three pounds for a month now. Take care!

Jackie and Phyl, Great pics!

Janet, I'm just 5' 3'' to 5' 3 1/2" so I was severely overweight, not morbidly.