hollyberries

May 5, 2008

As most of you are aware, I own my own retail store and this weekend I threw a Breast Cancer Awareness weekend. Over the weekend, if you shopped in my store I was donating 10% of my overall sales for the weekend to sponsor one of my customers for the 3 Day Walk. Well, we raised $500.00 and sponsored her team. I am so proud of my customers in supporting this worthy cause and I was able to meet so many people that either know someone or themselves that have been afflicted with breast cancer.

Great weekend overall.

Cindy

May 5, 2008

You know I have been banded 6 months and since being banded I have not had a day like this. I have been hungry all day some of it physical and some head. However, I have not won the battle over my head. I have picked and grazed all day and nothing seems to satisfy me. I have tried to make good choices and gave up awhile ago.

Has anyone had days like this where nothing seems to fill you up and you just eat and eat. I hate that the head wins over the body. Let me tell you I have tried today to avoid it but gave up.

Well, enough of my vent. Oh by the way, my stomach hurts now and I won't be able to do dinner later because of it. I guess even when the head doesn't want to cooperate the band is still there to remind you that you are doing a no no.

Cindy

May 5, 2008

I didn't make my goal either but hey 10lbs. is great. Was hoping to lose 3lbs by tomorrow to make 100 but I am pleased. When is the new challenge? Are we going to July 4th. Getting a little closer to our Independence from Fat.

Seriously, Nymphs you have done great.

Cindy

May 5, 2008

I lost approx. 104lb by my 1 year anniversary.. and I did not start really exercising until about 1 week before my 1 year anniversary.

Laura-

I am with you! I was banded on 11/06/07 and have lost 97lbs. in 6 months. I have about 82lbs. more to lose but I have not really started to exercise consistently yet. I am really wanting to try Water aerobics because I hate to walk/run but want to find something to do so that I can firm up.

By the way, great job with your weightloss.

Cindy

May 4, 2008

JGunter, sounds like you are doing great! Don't sell yourself short cos' you've made incredible progress in your journey so far! I'm in a similar situation as you, I started at 366 pre-op (12/25/07) and am down to 293 and am feeling Great!!! My surgeon requires us to do an extremely low low carb diet for maximum results, which believe it or not, really helps cut out most of your physical cravings for sugars and carbs (once your body gets used to not having them it forgets about them all together) but then there is still the head cravings to deal with, which I don't think ever truly go away, but I've found the best way to deal with them is to stop and look at my progress and success so far and really think about whether I want to jepordize the momentum I've got going right now...sometimes I do give in and tell myself that it is a treat for doing so well, but then I get right back on track and contiunue moving forward on this journey's path we are all on. I think that every once in a while you need to give yourself a reward, not necessarily food, but something that you really really want and treat yourself to it. I hope this helps some...keep on keeping on! And remember to remember that you are doing fabulous already! Much love, KKG

Kelly-

Could you tell me what your typical day of eating entails. I have been really wanting to give up carbs but am not sure what to eat. I am stalling a bit and want to kick start the metabolism again. I am going to do the 5 Day Pouch Test to get things started but would be interested in your diet/menu.

Thanks,

Cindy

May 2, 2008

Name..............Start...........Current..............Goal........ To Go
Lizzie_07.........233...............228.....................220 .........8

Osangriared.....252...............245.5.....................232 .....13.5

Skinny_Jill.......180...............175.....................168....... ....7

Sades.............197...............197.....................185....... ..12

kandiceb..........187...............176.....................175....... ...1

shortgal............183..............175....................175....... ....1

TxArcher..........328..............315......................308....... ...7

Peaches11........217..............208.....................199......... 10

Momto1plus1.....223..............212.6..................210......... 2.6

zippykat...........173..............167.....................160....... ...7

Trixie...............219.5...........209.....................199...... ..10

wnt2lose..........219..............213.6.....................209...... ..4.6

plump_princess....215.............208.....................199.......9

Mariegabrieleee....250............250......................239...... 11

Foofy..............239.5............236.....................230....... ...6

Shalee04..........196..............187......................185....... ..2

Hollyberries......267...............257......................254...... ...3

CindyG............215...............211......................199...... .12

MollyBrown......258...............251.......................245....... .8

lindata............189?.............185.......................180..... ...5

OK I am down 2 this week, so hopefully I am over my little slump.

Cindy, you are doing an awsome job, I am keeping my fingers crossed for your 100 goal mark!! you can do it!!!

Shalee, you have done great. Keep up the great job!

By the way, I was doing a search recently for my store and was looking up primitive country curtains and happened on a site that had a screen name like yours. This particular person was posing a question about curtains. Funny part is I could have sworn it was you. I might be way off but thought that your screen name is rather unique but what are the odds.

Cindy

May 2, 2008

Hey 220 was my wedding weight, too (in 1990). It's a big milestone in my mind also. I bet you beat me to it, you speedy loser you! Congrats.:wub:

Foofy...if you tell me that you were married in October 1990 I will then have to think that we are soul sisters. I was married in 1990 on October 20th. This year Frank and I are celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary. Where has the time gone.

I was chuckling just this week over the jeans. I was thinking about that movie the (forget the exact name) "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants". It made me think of you.

See ya Soul Sister.

Cindy

May 1, 2008

Molly it sounds like you're going through a really bad time. It could be worse, you could be down by only 31 lbs and I was banded a week before you. If you base your loss at 1-2 lbs a week then you are doing fine. Deal with the emotional issues and keep seeing your dr for the right restriction and you'll get there.

Sades-

Have I told you lately what an inspiration you are. You are always positive even if you feel like you haven't lost a lot. You are a super star and the greatest cheerleader we Nymph's have. We luv ya!

Cindy

May 1, 2008

Well, I had my first PB today. I decided to get a salad today for lunch. I have been having GREAT luck with salads. I chose one that had plenty of Protein. Ham, turkey, boiled egg, and cheese. All was going great, just like always untill I decided to eat the egg. I had only eaten about 7 bites of my salad. (yes, I ate some Protein first) The egg hit my gut like a TON of bricks.
Mind you this is at lunch and today was only my 3rd day of work at my new job! I was sitting in my truck in the parking lot. I did not have a drink with me because We are not supposed to be drinking right??

I knew things were bad when I started sliming. I packed up my lunch and started heading back to the office. I had to walk by the pick nick table (with occupants) and started to heave just passed them. Thank goodness I was behind a bank of trees. Made it up the stairs and up to my office bathroom. I was sliming all the way. A mouth full of slime is no fun and makes things worse! I felt "the" feeling and stepped into a stall. One good heave and it was all over as quick as it began.

I was worried about prolapse. (of coarse) I had some sunflower seeds and a cup of coffee to make sure I could get something down. I had no problem.

I hope I never do that again!

Welcome to the Club! You are now part of the "In-Crowd". Seriously, it happens to the best of us.

Keep up the great work not the sliming though. LOL!

Cindy

May 1, 2008

Hollyberries,
You are doing an amazing job with the band!

What is your exercise routine and frequency?

What do you eat?

How are you doing this?

Pardon me if you have answered these questions elsewhere. But you are doing so well, I want to know your method....

Amazing Girl, keep on going....:thumbup:

Molly,

First off! You need to cut yourself some slack. The band is nearly impossible to work if you stressed out way to much. Deal with your work issue and then concentrate on weightloss. One good thing about the band is that it won't let you overeat like you did in the past. If it does, than something is wrong with it. You are worth every bit of success this band has to offer you and in due time it will. Also, Molly support is key and that is why we are here...for each other. I could not have been as successful without my Nymphs. They keep me motivated and are truly inspirations every single one them whether they know it or not. I love you guys!

Now, how have I been so successful. Well, I started off needing to lose 179lbs. That is a lot of weight. So I started off with a great amount to lose so that is part of the large weightloss to date. I also lost about 24lbs during my pre-op diet. So I started off really good.

What is your exercise routine and frequency? Well, I must admit that I have not done much in the way of exercise up until recently and even at that I have only walked. Although, I bought a bathing suit tonight because I want to do Water aerobics and they have it at the Y. Monday is the day I start.

What do you eat? I am not as strict as some with my diet but I don't eat as much as I did. Today's menu was:

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1 slice American cheese, 2 Turkey Sausage and 1/4 cup of Jimmy Dean Country Gravy. I like bisquits and gravy but I can't do the bisquits.

Lunch: 1/2 cup of taco meat, 1/4 cup of cheddar a dollop of sour cream and 1/4 cup of salsa.

Snack: Nutrisystem soy chips and Ice coffee with cream and equal from Dunkin Donuts.

Snack: Nutrisystem Caramel popcorn at about 7:30 because I was grocery shopping on the way home from work and was starving.

Dinner: 1 cup of Beef Hamburger Helper and 1/2 cup of Green Giants Nibblett corn

Now the Nutrisystem stuff was left over from my previous attempts at losing weight. What I like about the Snacks is that they contain high amounts of Protein and help if I am hungry.

How are you doing this? I do this by getting support from here and OH, going to my doctors every month to 6 weeks whether I need a fill or not. We discuss how things are going and we determine whether I need a fill or not. I have not hit the preverbial sweet spot yet but definately feel more restriction since my last fill. I have learned as it is getting more difficult to eat that I must take smaller bites and chew chew chew and chew some more. I now realize that to get the remainder of my weight off I must exercise. I weigh myself everyday to ensure that I can stay on top of a gain and rejoice on a loss. I think the scale keeps my accountable. I don't stress over what I eat or don't eat but I do try to make good choices more often. I also do not deprive myself of anything.

If I go out to eat, I get what I want and eat only what I can. Normally I take home the leftovers and if my son doesn't get to them first I can get 1 or 2 more meals from it. I think if you deprive yourself to much you will keep wanting and then give and overeat. I try not to get myself overstuffed because I can't stand how I feel when I am super stuffed. I like you try not to eat after 8pm unless like tonight I must. I know I need a fill if I get hungry within 4 hours of my previous meal.

Recently, I have been noticing a slow down in my weightloss. I will lose 1 or 2lbs and then plateau for a few weeks. This has been happening for the last month or so. However, this week I lost 3lbs. in two days so go figure.

Lastly...don't try to figure out this band because it is finnicky and the minute you think you have it figured out it will throw you a curve ball. I love my band and would do this again in a heartbeat.

You can do this...there is no secret potion to this but hard work and tenacity. You deserve the best and the band is.

Best wishes and make sure that you stay active here because we are truly a family.

Cindy

May 1, 2008

Name..............Start...........Current..............Goal........ To Go

Lizzie_07.........233...............228.....................220 .........8

Osangriared.....252...............247.3.....................232 .....15.3

Skinny_Jill.......180...............175.....................168....... ....7

Sades.............197...............197.....................185....... ..12

kandiceb..........187...............176.....................175....... ...1

shortgal............183..............175....................175....... ....1

TxArcher..........328..............315......................308....... ...7

Peaches11........217..............208.....................199......... 10

Momto1plus1.....223..............212.6..................210......... 2.6

zippykat...........173..............167.....................160....... ...7

Trixie...............219.5...........209.....................199...... ..10

wnt2lose..........219..............213.6.....................209...... ..4.6

plump_princess....215.............208.....................199.......9

Mariegabrieleee....250............250......................239...... 11

Foofy..............239.5............236.....................230....... ...6

Shalee04..........196..............189......................185....... ..4

Hollyberries......267...............257......................254...... ...3

CindyG............215...............211......................199...... .12

MollyBrown......258...............251.......................245....... .8

lindata............189?.............185.......................180..... ...5

I am only 3lbs away from hitting 100lbs. If I can do this by 5/6 than I will have lost 100lbs in 6 months. This was my first goal. After obtaining this goal. I want to weight my wedding weight which was 220lbs. So only 37lbs. until that goal. After that goal, I am looking to being under 200lbs. Which I never remember being ever. God, this is reality isn't it. 6 months ago I was looking at a mountain with having to lose 179lbs. now I only have 82 to go. It is mind boggling.

Did I happen to mention that I love my Band....today!

Cindy

April 30, 2008

Hi Everyone!!
Some info about me:

I live in Sharon and moved here 1.5 years ago from Oklahoma (yep, it was for a guy). I work at a hospital in Boston and plan to have surgery hopefully this summer at Brigham and Women's with Dr. Lautz. I see him on the 8th of May and am praying things go smoothly. I have BCBS of MA and from what people are saying they are pretty on the ball to get you approved. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on regarding the in's and out's of this surgery including investigating the surgeon that will perform the procedure. I just want to say hello, introduce myself and would love to eventually attend the MA support groups that everyone is involved in....hope to see you around.

kimberly

Kim-

I have Dr. Lautz and had my surgery done at Brigham & Women's and it was the best thing that I have ever done for myself. This time last year I was just getting my first appt with Dr. Lautz for which I had to wait 3 months to see him. I saw him in Aug 07 and had surgery in Nov 07. I also had BC/BS of MA and had no problem with them. I also did not have the co-morbidities that most have. I was really healthy just friggin fat. LOL

Dr. Lautz asked why I wanted to have the surgery and I was blunt enough to say "Look at me...I am friggin fat". He chuckled. He is a quiet man but very good at what he does.

Best wishes for your surgery and keep coming here for support it has been key to success.

Cindy

April 30, 2008

My name is Sherri from Mass. Had the Lap Band March of 07. I'm confused, annoyed and frustrated! I can't seem to get on the Lap Band wagon! In the beginning, I lost about 20-25 lbs but since then, I have gained most of it if not all of it back. I don't know how to restart and get back on track. I forget how to eat like a lapbander! I don't really get that full feeling but if I get a fill, I'm afraid I won't be able to get anything down. UGH

Sherri

First, don't beat yourself up. Sounds like you have not had much support and that is necessary to being successful with the Band. I can't go to Boston for my support but I am on Lapbandtalk.com everyday for support. If I did not have this I would be a complete failure because the people here genuinely care about your success.

You can do this. You have a wonderful tool inside you just needs to be worked. Now, you cannot expect the tool work if you do not get the fills that are needed for the band to work properly. I am not going to sugar coat that it will be difficult at times to eat but if you follow the rules of eating Protein first, then veggies/fruits and carbs if still hungry. You must chew, chew, chew and chew some more. Always take small bites. This will ensure that you will be able to eat without discomfort but the band is finnicky sometimes and you will have times where doing that just won't help.

You are not a failure just get that band working for you. And for goodness sake keep coming here for support. We will help you.

Cindy

April 30, 2008

The restriction has let up a little bit. I have this awkward thing happening. The first 3-4 bites of a meal are EXCRUCIATING I can sip some Water to help things out and then after the pain wains, I can eat to full. I still have to be careful and chew and go SLOW...
SC is SO BEAUTIFULL!!!! We still have boxes all over the apt. but oh well... we have not even been here a week and my wife has a 3yr old "spider man" and a 4 month old at home! She is doing great, given her situation.

A couple of things that may help with the tightness at first are:

1. Drink something warm to open the band a bit.

2. My least favorite when hungry is to talk tiny bites and chew the heck out of it.

I think the hardest part with this band is remembering the simple rules we have been told especially when we are hungry and want to eat a cow. I do like the fact that the band won't let you do that even if you wanted to.

I like that you aren't worried about things with the apt. right now because it is tough with the little ones. Just tell her to take it one day at a time and it will get done eventually. I remember those days. I had my first two boys 10 1/2 months apart. It was like having twins. I then had my last boy Brandon exactly 3 years later. What was I thinking? I wouldn't trade it for the world because now they are 14, 13 & 10 and so self sufficient.

What kind of hunting do you plan to do in SC? If you are ever in Mass. come my way because I border a state forest and they stock the forest with fowl and turkey's.

Take Care-

Cindy

April 29, 2008

Ah! What I would give to have your restriction. Here's hoping 5/14 will be the sweet spot.

Seriously, be very careful...you don't want to remain super tight. Hopefully, it will ease on you a bit.

Have you settled in South Carolina yet? Hope all is going well.

Cindy

April 29, 2008

Name............Lbs Lost........% of wgt lost.......BMI

Foofy..............37.5..................14%.................38

Sades.............31.5..................14%.................36

Shalee04.........61.....................24...................31.1

Bandpal...........66.8..................24%................36

Skinny_Jill....48.....................22%..................32.7

Stephanie.......60...................58%..................27.1

Hollyberries.....95....................27%.................38

April 28, 2008

I slid into some size 12 shorts today. Yes...SHORTS. I have not worn shorts in dang near 5 years. The running is helping to tone my legs...they actually don't look half bad in shorts! Now I just need to lose more weight so that my knees don't look so fat. LOL

Dang Girl! You're wearing a size 12...I don't think I will ever get there. I am so happy with my size 24's since I started by wearing a size 34.

You know something. I don't think I ever wore a size 12. I almost got into a size 16 about 18 years ago but never have I ever seen size 12. I think because I am 5' 9" and large framed that size 16 might be a good goal.

Right now the goal is to lose 100lbs. by May 6th. I don't think that it will happen but I can shoot for it.

Keep up the great work...14lbs. is so close.

Cindy

April 28, 2008

Cindy,
You hit the nail on the head. I am eating things that will go down easier. I have no choice or just not eat. I do tend to add fat to my Proteins in the form of gravies, sauces, or mayo. Whatever it takes to get the food down. If I unfill, I'll be hungrier and eat too much. Feels like a vicious cycle. Also when I am very stressed, nothing goes down. I was upset about a family situation today and couldn't even get eggdrop Soup to go down. I have sliming episodes on a daily basis. Tonight it was all through dinner. Ughh! Good thing I was home. Where does that stuff come from? So gross! I can't see getting another fill just to get the weight loss going again if I get stuck so often now. This is a tough way to live but I know it would be tougher to live the rest of my life with this weight on.

Cindy-

I know it is hard to eat right now but you shouldn't be uncomfortable eating. May I make a suggestion that you really eat slowly and chew the heck out of the food. The gravies, sauces & mayo are not a problem as long as it is not to much. I find if I have roast beef for dinner I need about a 1/4 cup of gravy to make it not so dry. I also find that my fill is worst in the beginning and eases out over a few weeks later. I am learning that I can't eat when I am super hungry because I eat way to fast and big bites. Then I am miserable and can't eat until the next day.

Let's make a pact to eat slowly and chew chew chew put the fork down in between bites and become aware of the food as it is swallowed. I like Bandpals idea of eating with a toothpick and making certain that the food is cut up like what we do for our children when they are toddlers trying solid food for the first time. We can do this...together we will conquer.

Cindy

April 26, 2008

I'm It!! Go shopping, Cindy. You deserve it! That's funny about the bathing suit. Better get a tighter one!:tongue2:
Lindata, that's amazing that you can run so much.:w00t: I couldn't run anywhere! You couldn't drag me to the gym at this weight. Wish we had an only ladies gym around here.

Ok, got an issue worth bringing up. I had gained 5 lbs during the week of Easter cause chocolate melts before it hits the band and doesn't get stuck. So I go for a fill almost 3 weeks ago and lose 7 lbs that first week! Of course I was so tight I could barely eat but I'm happy. Band loosens up the following week and I could eat more and gradually get back on solids. I'm still not eating nearly as much as before the fill, probably around 1000 calories/day but the weight loss stalls! Just stops. I haven't lost an ounce in 2 weeks. The week after the fill I probably only ate 600-800 calories/day. Is my body in starvation mode and hording the calories? I thought about getting another fill to kick start the weight loss again but I am pretty tight. I get stuck too often as it is. I have around 7cc in a 10cc band. What do you think? Should I just ride out the plateau or get another fill anyway?

Hi Cindy-

I have slowed down on the weightloss too! But this is my observation. I will lose 1 or 2lbs and then stall for 2 or 3 weeks and then lose 1 or 2lbs and stall etc. This has been the cycle I have been on in the last 2 months. However, I still seem to manage to lose about 8-10lbs a month. I like you find that I am most successful after my fills. Although, I still have yet to find the sweet spot that so many talk about. The earth will shake when that happens.

I don't know all the technical jargon but I think that when we have lost at the clip that we have been our bodies need time to adjust. It sounds like you are eating enough calories but what are they. Are you eating enough Protein. Have you had any stuck/PB/Slime episodes and find that you are trying to eat things that will go down smoother. Since my last fill I have had to be very careful with chewing as I am in pain more often if I don't. The normal human reaction is to eat something that will go down easier. Case in point, I made homemade chili two weeks in a row for lunches because it was the only thing that I was comfortable eating. However, at dinner I still went for solid Protein and veggies. Funny thing is I can't seem to eat a dang salad without getting stuck and not matter how I try to chew.

I would relax about the stall...trust me your body will catch up to you with a great big surprise when you least expect it. Keep weighing everyday to hold yourself accountable to the scale and just don't allow yourself to gain and if you do don't stress because it will probably go away within a few days.

Plateaus are normal. Do they suck...Yes but it is our body trying to adapt to losing our fat.

Have a great day.

Cindy

April 26, 2008