StartingOver

This morning I'm 253. Yep, that is a 2 lb GAIN for me. Wish I could say it was all muscle, but I'm nearly positive it has something to do with ice cream, chocolate, oh yeah..and Mexican food!!! Thankfully I'm headed to the doc's office today for a fill which should help with my restriction, and always gives me a psychological boost as well. I was scheduled for one Aug. 19th, but rescheduled because I had good restriction and had lost about 13lbs in the 3 wks since my last fill. I am a bit nervous that I have a leak, as my fills seem to last only 3-4 weeks, then nothing! Of all 6 cc's I should have in my band, my doc was only able to get 2.5 cc's out at my last visit. Great job Keri, Kim, Loulou, Porclndoll, and Parvathi! Keep up the good work!

You all look absolutely fabulous!!!! Wish I could be there. Keep the pics coming!

Alex, I am so very happy for you. Congratulations on the good news. Best wishes to you for continued success with your band.

Way to go! You are doing an amazing job, and are such an inspiration to me. Just imagine all of the wonderful NSVs to come!

Hey Nana- I wanna play too! I don't think it matters that we have two challenges going on, I only wish that I thought of offering a prize, what motivation that is! I'll post a new pic and measurements on the 12th.

This is my after Summer Weightloss Challenge pic, taken 9/6/05. The shirt is new, size 2X (I can't believe it), and the pants are 22. Here's my info: Height 5'8" Weight 251lbs Size 22/24 tops 20 or 22 pants Current BMI 38.2 (down from 46.4 pre-op) Arms: 16" Bust: 51" Bra band: 44 1/2" Waist: 48 1/2" Abs: 49" Hips: 50" Thighs: 28" Calves: 18"

Here's my husband and our son at the Tillamook cheese factory last February.

We have two Chows: Rachel is the oldest at 18 months, and her little sister Ginger is almost 1 year. Here's a picture of Ginger taken this past Spring.

Here's a pic of my 18 month old chow Princess Rachel.

Here's a pic of my son Aron, he's 4 (5 in November). This was at the park last Spring.

Here is my before pic for the challenge, taken today.

Here are my before and now photos. I cannot even tell that I've lost over 50lbs! It's very depressing for me to see these photos, not to mention that it is a HUGE step to post these on the internet. I can see my weight loss in my face and in the clothing sizes that I'm able to wear now, nontheless, I don't like looking at these photos.

Here is my before and after for the Summer Weight Loss Challenge. I don't have the jeans that I wore in the before pic, so I opted for a whole new outfit. I have new hair too. I asked my son which picture I was bigger in, and he chose the after photo. I guess that's what I get for asking a 4 year old. I'm posting some before and now pics on the before and after thread too.

I just have to tell you all how absolutely excited and inspired I am right now by all of your responses to join in this challenge. It never ceases to amaze me what impact support has on our successes in life (weight loss and non weight loss goals). Thanks again to all of you who are joining in this challenge. Here's to 10 weeks of weight loss and life successes!

My starting weight this morning for the challenge is 251. My goal is to lose 20lbs in the next 10 weeks. I will post a before picture (which is my Summer Weight Loss Challenge after photo) later today or tomorrow morning sometime. I love these challenges! They help keep me motivated, and help to keep the scale moving!

This morning I weighed in at 251. I have met my goal of losing 20lbs during the Summer Weight Loss Challenge. Since June 26th I have lost a total of 27lbs, and a grand total of 54lbs since banding March 30! I'll post before and after pics tonight or in the morning tomorrow. Also, I've started a new thread for the Fall Weight Loss Challenge for those who would like to participate. Great job everyone on your weight loss these past 10 weeks. You are all a great motivation to me, and I know to so many others as well.

I like the small (like 2") pepperoni sticks. I think that 6 of them have only 2 carbs, 8 or 10gm protein and 160 calories. I just took a quick visit to the Oberto website www.oberto.com and they have alot of high protein, low carb options, I want to try the new Beef Jerky Crisps. This is of course, if your band will tolerate jerky and pepperoni. Thankfully, mine will. Hope this helps.

I definately vote for a fall 2005 challenge. How about from Labor day until Monday of Thanksgiving week. That is 10 weeks. I too like the accountability knowing that I'll weigh in every week. And seeing others in the challenge succeed definately motivates me. I've already met my goal of 20lbs for this challenge, and can't wait until next Monday's weight in to see what the final numbers are. I'll have the camera ready bright and early Monday morning for the after pic.

Jodie, Congratulations on getting banded! You are in store for a great journey of weight loss and NSVs. Welcome to the other side.

Bad new for me, I'm up 2lbs. :cry I knew this was coming, as I lost all restriction about 10 days ago, and I've really been making bad food choices, not to mention that I've hardly exercised. I'm off to see my doc today, and hopefully get another fill, and some motivation to go back to the bandster basics. -50lbs since banding 3/30, and -22lbs since the challenge began

I live just south of Seattle, and I'm looking for an exercise buddy. I live in Des Moines, and belong to a gym in Burien. I am looking for someone who would like to get together at least once a week to exercise, maybe take an aerobics class together or meet at a local park and walk. I'm willing to drive in order to meet a fellow bandster, up to 20 minutes away. Does anyone want an exercise buddy?

Great job Loulou & Vines! Loulou - make sure you take it slow. I didn't realize that you are 4 weeks post op, but you are doing awesome, so - GOOD JOB! Vines - Congrats on school starting again. Walking around campus with a full book bag is awesome exercise. In fact, I was at my smallest (200lbs) when I was in college. Keep it up you guys, and thanks for checking in, it definately helps me to stay motivated knowing that I am not alone in this.

How is everyone doing with the challenge? It's been tough for me to get motivated, but I went to the gym tonight, and I think that it is a much better and more motivational environment for me, so I'm going to cut back on walking at the local school track. At least at the gym I can climb on the treadmill or eliptical machine and read a magazine or catch up on some motivational books for work. Is everyone getting their 30 minutes in each day???

Okay everyone, here is my exercise update. I feel like I really accomplished something today, both in getting stuff done around the house, and also doing the exercise that I had planned and making wise food choices. All around it was just a good day. Monday: * mowed the lawn * walked 3 miles at the track (1/2 mile was jogging) * did about 2hrs house work- Monday's are my weekly cleaning day, you know-mopping floors, cleaning the bathroom, etc. Tuesday: * 30 minutes walking Wednesday: * Nothing Thursday: * 1 hr on treadmill - 3.5 miles

Well, I just made it into the March category, I was banded March 30th. Since the date of surgery I have lost 52lbs, and am wearing size 20's and 22's.