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Wow, they got you in quick for the appointments! Yay! I am so happy for you that things are no longer at a stand still! All the waiting is finally paying off:) Jogging 4 miles?! How the heck do you manage that?? I soooo wish I could jog! Just walking the dogs a mile still kills me:( You will do great with the band! I am hating this rainy weather right now, I am so unmotivated! I am going to take a nap, then hopefully wake up recharged, ready to do some cleaning.. YAH! lol.. Hope you had a good weekend:) ~Kerri

Jennifer, I am sorry that things aren't working out for you:( Can you get back in to talk with a doctor? Are feeling adequate restriction? It seems like you may be ready for another fill, but at the same time the reflux sounds like you're too full? I hope things start looking up for you. Keep your head up girl, you can get through this! :)Kerri

YAYYYYYYYY SARAH!!!! :party:I am sooo freaking happy for you!!!!!! You must be so relieved! It's about time:) I bet you are psyched! Congratulations, and thanks for the update:) Yay!!!! :thumbup:

Had to share this, I found it fairly humorous.

Haha... Couldn't resist sharing this.. It humors me... *I'm easily amused*

yay, my scale moved! I am so relieved, it's been a long 2+ weeks! -3lbs:).. I am so excited! It's late, and I'm off to bed, just wanted to share.. I've been anxiously awaiting a change in numbers. 16lbs to go by June 4.. I can do this! Night all, Kerri:)

I hope the insurance thing works for you! I wasn't sure if you had tried it yet or not? Ahhh relationships! lol.. I'm sure it sucks to have to be in limbo for so long.. Putting your life on hold is never any fun, but it seems you are adjusting well! lol.. Hurry up and wait really does seem to be your motto. I really hope that things get moving for you! Man, you say you don't have patience, but I think you're fooling yourself ! Congrats on another 5lbs! From a size 22/24 to a 16?! That is freaking amazing! I tried on a 16 yesterday, but they were just too tight. grr.. I'm waiting for that day though- To officially be out of plus size:) Keep up the good work. Have you thought of doing any before pics? I almost didn't, but I am so glad I did! It helps keep me motivated. I was so happy to see a change after I hit the first 20lb mark! I can't wait to see more, I just want to be out a year already! lol.. I guess that's my lack of patience speaking:) If you can't click on your ticker and change it from there, you may need to make a new one. They can be such a pain in the butt! :)Kerri

Sarah, I was just thinking.. Somewhere on here I have seen that people have a login on their insurance page. In some instances they were able to see what their status was of their claim. Someone even wrote that her status was approved, and she found out before her dr's office did? Do you know if this is an option for you? Just an idea so you could keep track of where everyone is at on your own! I am sorry the office is being so difficult. I hope they come through for you.. SOON! As for my plateau.. I guess I'm just rolling with it for now.. I am frustrated, and hoping it will be over soon! My clothes are still loose, but I don't really notice anymore difference. My scale has been broken for a while now, and I've just let it go. I figured it was for the best lol.. I have scale OCD! Today I am going to buy a new one. I'm hoping it will give me the numbers I want to see?? Well, I'm off to get ready for the week- laundry, groceries, tidying up the house, and maybe some more yard work.. Yah! I am just so thrilled. ha! Hope you are doing better with all the frustrations..I can't wait to come on here and see that you've been approved! :)Kerri

Love the tat Harley! What a great reward for yourself! The meaning is neat, as well as the placement.. A constant reminder of where you are going and how far you've come.. You go girl! JDUB- Congrats to you and your husband! What an accomplishment to make your home healthy and be on the right track! I think it's safe to say that he is one lucky fella to have you around:) Keep up the good work! Erika- Just curious if you've had a fill yet? What is the deciding factor for not needing a fill? I still haven't had one yet, but it's coming up. I'm wondering how to figure it out?? I can eat a little more than 4oz now, and on occasion am hungry. BUT, I have been plateaued for over 2 weeks now. Just curious where you were at, if you don't mind me asking? I'm kind of confused with the whole fill thing! Christine- I hope everything turns out in your favor today! If it happens to not work out, I would rid of that cake ASAP! What a nasty thing to have around in a time of frustration:( As I have said before , my sister says that she dumps ketchup on anything tempting.. That way she won't be found ravaging through the garbage for a taste lol.. I'd cover that frosting with a nice thick layer of ketchup.. mmmmm.. Not so tempting anymore, eh? Best of luck to you:) I hope everyone has had a fabulous weekend. I can't believe it is already Sunday! Time to get ready for the week..:huh2:

Once again, the Shamrocks have come through for me! I can't tell you how much you guys have helped me:) I wish I could have read all of your encouragement and support yesterday before I went to class and work.. It was a bad day for me, and I'm so glad it's over! I don't have bad days often, but when I do, the sh*t hits the fan:( On a better note, I decided to let the whole thing go.. It's a petty situation that IS NOT going to bring me down. To each is own, and if my sister is bothered by my having WLS, I hope she can talk to me about it like an adult, or just plain old get over it.. I am an easy person to talk with, and she knows that- She's always calling for my support, and I will continue to give it. Maybe sometime she can find it in herself to return the favor. Anyhoooo.. Enough with that and on to my second NSV!! My wedding rings almost fell off last night while folding laundry. I literally caught them as they were coming off the tip of my finger! They have been loose for some time, but I didn't think I was in any danger of them coming off?! I brought them to the jeweler this morning, was sized, and my rings went from a size 8.5, to a size7! yay! What a strange NSV lol.. Also I wanted to share that I am super excited to have my bike permit now! It is something I have wanted to do it for a long time, and finally got the courage to do it. I was raised around motorcycles my whole life, and can't wait to be riding on my own. Thanks to my Dad, I'll be riding on a 95 Sportster, until he sells it from under me. Literally. lol Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend~ Kerri

p.s. I could swear that I posted a reply to your last post, but there isn't one showing... Ughh! I'm sorry! Is your weight loss speeding up any without the extra protein and calories?? My weight is at a standstill again:( I just don't know what to do. It is so hard to work your butt off and not see results. It's been like 2- 2 1/2 weeks?! GRRRR! This too shall pass.. I guess;) lol Anyhoo, hope you are doing better today:)

AAWW!! I am so sorry Sarah- This has got to be seriously frustrating! Hopefully the dietitian will get her butt in gear, and get the paperwork in.. How unfair to you! I too have had many frustrations with the office, and hoped that it was just me and my bad luck. Maybe it's just the office in general:( At first things were great with them, but closer to surgery through now they have seemed really slack. I don't blame you for feeling frustrated! It's one bump after another. I guess all that I can say, is keep your eye on the prize, and know that YOU ARE GOING TO BE BANDED!! This is the end of the road, and soon it will all be behind you! I'm sorry this is happening, and hope that things move along before the time line they gave you. Keep your head up girl! :)Kerri

Ughh! I am frustrated beyond belief. This should probably be in the "Rants and Raves" section- Soooo, my Dad stopped by today to visit.. Asked me how I was doing, and said I looked great. He said that he just got back from having coffee with my older sister, had a good time visiting, yadda yadda. Then he added "So how was cake and ice cream with chips and dip?" I was floored! 2 weeks ago I went to my nephews birthday, and I admit, I shouldn't have eaten what I did. HOWEVER, I planned for the junk food being there, and told my husband that if he saw me grazing to kindly remind me what I'm working towards.. I also told him I was going to have a sliver of cake- my favorite! I had a plan. I got there and disregarded the delicious food sprawled on the table. Later on in the day I started to get hungry and decided to grab a few chips. 7- to be exact- because I logged it. I dunked 3 or so of them in the dip, and was satisfied. Then came the cake and ice cream.. I had- to be exact- 2oz of cake, and 3 tablespoons of ice cream. Because I weighed it, AND logged it. I left my sisters house feeling good about the situation, and my husband told me he was proud of me for planning ahead, and sticking to my guns. So after explaining this to my Dad, rather upset like, he apologized for mentioning it, and told me to not worry about it- I was doing great, and reminded me of the whole being human thing. This still didn't help. So on to my older sister- we have both struggled with our weight for the last 10 or so years. After having my nephews, my sisters weight sky rocketed, and there has been a comparable difference between us for the last 4 years. She started weight watchers again, (which we have done several times together) and has lost 40lbs since February. I have been so supportive of her, and I am so proud of her for doing so well. Never have I considered this a contest! She and her husband have made snide remarks since I got my surgery date.. Everyone has told me- don't worry she's just jealous that she doesn't have the option, and is probably afraid that you'll succeed and she won't. Ughh! Maybe it's true? I am so frustrated! I knew that this could become an issue, but hoped it wouldn't. I feel like she's sabotaging me. I also just learned that she told my younger sister about the chips and dip as well.. I was just venting about this whole situation to her, and she said, "well when I called to wish *our nephew* a happy birthday, she told me the same thing, I was just going to keep it to myself" GAAHHHH!! Is my older sister telling on me to make herself feel better?! I didn't call the Pope and tell him that this weekend while in Philly she had 3lb Canoli's, 2 Philly cheese steaks, and flushed it all down with beer and Merlot?! lol Sorry this is so long.. I am so frustrated right now, and have no one to talk to:( Thanks for letting me vent :)Kerri

I'm soo thrilled to get all of the responses on the bands/ stability ball! It is a requirement through my Bariatric Center to work with "Nate" twice before surgery.. He has great enthusiasm, and is wonderful at what he does! It is so helpful to me to have him "in my computer" showing all of the exercises and correct movements step by step. Surprisingly (to me) I get a great workout from the ball and bands, what a great tool!! I'm glad I was able to share this info:) Frances- don't fret, I'm willing to bet that it's an icky plateau that a lot of us have dealt with- and are dealing with. My scale hasn't moved in 2 weeks, and I've been working my tail off! How frustrating to not see results when you're working harder than you ever have before, with a newly banded stomach to boot! Victory is sure to come for both of us.. Patience is key. Keep up your hard work, and know that success will soon be knocking at your door! You are in no way a failure.. Keep your head up girl! You can get through this:) The Diva- I am totally with you on the arm department! Your description was a trip! lol I am really hoping that the bands will help.. I guess only time will tell:) ~Kerri

Harley- I am sooo with you on the arms.. My sister grabbed my "wings" this weekend, and said, "you gonna do something about this?" AGGHHH! I could've smacked her, but really it was a wake up call.. I had no idea what they looked like under there.. I pulled out the resistance bands today, and plan on do them 2x a day.. On the hospital website where I got my surgery the personal trainer has pics of how he teaches to use the bands (that they gave us).. They are super cheap, and he said that the exercises do they same thing as a Bowflex?! It's only 2-3 set of 10-15 reps, and he told me to pic 3 different exercises to do daily, and it will tone up my arms in no time:) Here is the link if you or anyone else is interested.. Personal Fitness Component The sets are easy, and fun! I swear:) There is also a link on the right for the stability ball exercises.. Carrie- Put the candy down and step away slowly.. lol One trick my sister taught me: If something looks delish, and is getting the best of you- smother it in ketchup.. It probably wouldn't work for french fries, but I bet it would for candy bars!:glare: Fenton- a late congrats on your book! I heart reading:) I am a huge Janet Evanovich fan, her books are addicting! As well as Mitch Albom, Stephen King, and John Grisham, amongst many others.. Best of luck to you, and I'll be sure to check out the bookstore to get it ordered! Hope everyone is doing well!! :)Kerri ps- MY scale IS BROKEN?! Could this be a sign?? lol I should really let well enough alone, but it is killing me.. I'll have to buy a good one on pay day! GRRRRR!! Here's to hoping the new one shows better numbers;)

wow! You are looking fab! Have you lost 52lbs since surgery? Keep up the good work!

More snow?! NO FUN! I would be devastated if we got more snow now! We have had temps in the upper 50's and 60's for the last week or so, and I have been loving it! We did get a big storm last year mid- April, but it's not looking as though it'll happen this year *crossing my fingers*. The Long Islands were delish:) I debated back and forth whether or not to have few, and finally decided that if I count it in for calories and carbs for the day, I could do it. And I'm glad I did! I'm so sick of being everyone's DD! I was able to let loose and have a good time myself, and my sister was DD this time.. God love little sisters:) I had a good night, but I'm surely not going to make a habit of it.. The calories and carbs are horrifying:biggrin: :)Kerri

Thanks everyone for the responses! I was sure that my port was going to jump through my skin and say "SURPRISE!" last night lol.. I wasn't sure what I had done to myself. My husband also pointed out that I did lots of shoveling snow yesterday too. A good hour, and only a few short breaks, it was hard work! I was so out of breath, the stuff is just sooo heavy to move. I've been trying to get the pesky snowbanks cut down, and throwing it into areas where it will melt on the grass (yay grass!!:thumbup: I typically love snow, but I am sooo over it this year, we got way over the norm. I'm tempted to go out with my blow dryer:) :)Kerri

Hi all:) I hope everyone is doing well! I just got home from a long night of dancing and *eek*.. a few Long Island iced teas:) All went down well.. I planned for the extra calories.. still under 1100 for the day according to the mixed drink charts I found online. I'm having an issue though- my side is really sore.. I haven't had this problem yet? I put my hand on my abdomen because it was aching, and noticed I could feel my port?! I have no restrictions as of 2 weeks ago, and am officially one month out from surgery (yay!:tongue_smilie:. I don't know if it is normal to still be sore?.. The aching/sore pain is definitely coming from my port area. Maybe I just over-did it? I haven't worked on my abs at all yet for fear of hurting something. I'm hoping that I didn't mess anything up! Can anyone else feel their port? It is truly a bizarre feeling! :)Kerri

Soooo... little miss lead foot! haha.. Doesn't it seem that when one thing goes wrong, everything else hits the fan as well! A true test of strength and sanity! That is so awesome that they submitted you to insurance already! YAY! I bet it will be sooner than the 3 weeks... They better get you in before vaca's!! I'd strangle them! lol Well I am of to my *wonderful* job.. It has been hell lately, lets hope the clients have gotten out, and enjoyed the sun- Maybe they had cabin fever?! Best of luck with waiting, it's right around the corner:) ~Kerri

eek! what an experience! I hope you get some restriction from the 3cc's, you sure deserve it! :)Kerri

hi Teri, I have been doing the low carb bit.. I keep my carbs under 30 at all costs.. I aim for 20 though.. I have done well with low carb in the past so I think this will be my way to go as well:) It helps a lot too that the "forbidden" carbs such as white Pasta, and bread don't work with the band.. Just one of the many ways the band proves itself as a tool for me:) Also congrats on your 2.8 loss! Isn't it great to see the scale move?! Fenton- thanks for posting some of the "I can make you thin" info.. I haven't been following the show because it comes on too late for me, but have heard lots about it. The basic principles make sense.. I'll have to see if they have a website and check it out! Mindovermatter- welcome to the March boards! It sounds like it's been a tough road for you so far:( You have come to the right place for support and strength to get through this! Best of luck to you tomorrow, and be sure to let us know how everything goes! So fellow shrinkers!... I am so psyched to say that my scale moved this morning.. After fighting with the same 2 pounds, I am thinking that the plateau is over? *knocking on wood* This morning marks the beginning of 4 weeks since surgery.I am down another 2.5 for a total of 22.5 since surgery and 30lbs from pre-op:) I hope I'm not in the honeymoon phase.. but boy am I loving my new pal, the band! My goal to be under 200 for my birthday, June 4, is beginning to seem realistic:) *I think I can, I think I can* lol.. It seems like everyone is doing great so far, keep up the good work! We can do this! ~Until the next time....:rolleyes2:

I had my surgery at Maine General in Augusta on March 19. 4 weeks ago today:) and 22.5lbs gone so far:) Yay.. As for your first post asking about exercise, I am in the same boat.. It is so hard to get motivated! I have been walking my dogs on these beautiful days, but find it sooo hard to get motivated! I just started an award system... I don't usually go tanning, but this year I have decided to because I am soooo pale, and want to feel good for Summer in my new clothes:) I allow myself to go tanning 3x a week as long as I walk 1/2 an hour, and work with the bands for at least 15 minutes on those days.. It's worked so far.. The tanning package I bought is freaking expensive and helps to motivate me too, I really want my monies worth! Hope that helps? :)Kerri

Hey Sarah! How was the last nutrition appt? Now it's just waiting for insurance, right? You must be so excited to have the last of the requirements done! Were they able to give you a round about when you should hear back? Ahhh... The waiting game is almost over!:confused: Hang in there- It will be here before you know it! Congrats on another 8lbs! I am so glad I was able to lose some before surgery, am I am sure you will be too! So finally I *think* the plateau is OVER!!! This morning I was 219.5.. That is 30lbs since pre-op, and 22.5 since surgery- 4 weeks ago today:) I am sooo hoping to be under 200 for my birthday, June 4th.. I really think I can do it! I am so freaking excited that the scale finally moved, it's been like a week and a half of struggling to keep up my good habits, and not letting the numbers get to me. I really need to run over my scale, I think I would feel better lol.. I can't keep it in the house- It's killing me?!?! Anyhoo, I hope all is going well! I def agree that we should meet up sometime.. over Isopure and chicken broth?? lol.. Just kiddinggggg:) Hope to hear from you soon! :)Kerri

Welcome EJMDIVA! I was banded on March 19 as well:) I *think* this is how to get the "Shrinking Shamrock" logo: right click the one you want, save it in your computer, then upload it on a site like tinypic.com or photobucket.com, then save the code you get from that site in your signature.. Be sure to et the code that says "message boards". Have I lost you yet?? lol.. I'm not great with instructions:biggrin:. As for the home page?? Just scroll up to the top of the screen, and on the left you'll see "home". Hope that helps! :)Kerri