valstar

Becky, I hope your mom is feeling better. Remember to take care of you while you take care of everybodyelse. I had a fill on Wednesday and I am feeling tight! Not able to get all the water in that I need but hopefully this won't last long. Iwas able to get in a couple of workouts this week. It is very busy at work this week and next but I have 4 workouts to meet my goal so that means I will work out everyday this week. I won't weigh myself until Wednesday of next week so I hope to see a drop on the scale. Wish me well! Have a good week all! Val

Hi big Harley Guy, I truly understand. I started a doctoral program in Sept and the worklosd is kicking my butt! School was so much more fun when I didn't have a job and a family! I got my 3rd fill on Wednesday. God I needed it! Here's to hoping my plateau will end soon! Val

You look Mahvalous dahling!

I have never had a reflux problem but my doctor puts all his patients on prilosec for 3 -6 months after surgery. Maybe you should give your doc a call. val

Kathy, My losing has slowed down tremendously. I go in for a fill tomorrow so I hope that helps but don't get discouraged. Make sure you are eating right and exercising. Different bodies, different loss cycles. I have to beleive that the weight will go even if it takes longer than I thought, I'm still moving in the right direction. I can't speak to the hair but maybe talk to your dietician. make sure you are getting enough protein. Pizzicato, Wow, It sounds like things are really going well for you! Claim that job if that's the one you want! I am sending good thoughts your way! Val

Hi Joyce, Relax. Trust your surgeon and know that he will do what is in your best interest. Everything will probably be fine with your surgery on Friday. Do everything right between now and then. Now you must prepare yourself for what is to follow. It is natural to be nervous before any kind of procedure. Think good positive thoughts and we will think them for you also. Try a cup of decafinated chamomile, green or mint tea to help relax and relieve your headache. Val

Hello All, I am 47, live in PA where it is cold right now(but not -20). I am a wife and mother of 4 2 I gave birth to and 2 I acquired by marriage. My grandson recently moved in with me so I feel like I am starting over. I like crafts. I quilt. I am loving the assistance I am getting from this band. Although I haven't lost anything recently, I am due for a fill next week. I joined a gym in July and have discovered that I like working out! Who'd of thunk it? Take care all!

Don't let the plateau get you down! It's just your body adjusting and they are usually followed by some losing if you keep on doing what you are supposed to do. At least that's what I keep telling myself! Another pilates and aerobics session down! I feel great, don't you?!

Hi January bandsters, I've been peeking in on your site for inspiration fromthose who are 1 year out. You guys are doing really well. I thought I would respond to the question about Pilates. I have been doing Pilates for about a month. It is great strength training and my abs are looking good. The good thing about that is if yourabs are strong, your back also feels better. I have tried a video but it is not the same as taking a class with an instructor who can correct the positioning of your body. This is really important for the Pilates to be effective. Good luck! Val

Candle, You look great! I think on another thread you talked about the difference in your energy level on this trip and I know just what you mean. We took the kids to Disney World and I had the same experience. I walked and walked and ran with my kids the whole time and did not get tired. Last time we went, I had to stay at the hotel to rest after a day at the park. I can't wait to get to goal to see what my energy level is!:biggrin: Val

If you are wanting to do something for your abs, I recommend pilates. It doesn't seem as stressful as crunches but it is very effective. I am enjoying the class and maybe its me but it seems my stomach is getting more tone and definition as a result. I didn't change my ticker, but 2 more workouts down. Val

Thank you!, I wrote posted the pictures backwards. The first picture was taken this Thanksgiving and the second one was in April. Val

If this works, I wil feel like it is a major accomplishment! The first picture was taken in April of this year. Yes ladies, that is Denzel Washington. The second picture was taken around Thanksgiving. I have lost about 15 more pounds since then but I haven't taken any more pictures. I couldn't see the loss until I saw the pictures. I'm glad I did this. I hope it works!:cool:

Hello all, Hey Pizzicato, I was thinking of a belly peircing, too! My legs and butt are really hurting today! I have been hitting the gym pretty hard. I have been really stressed at home. My grandson (19 mos) just moved in with us for at least 5 mos. I am trying to adjust to that and work and another semester in school. Please keep me and my family in your good thoughts and prayers. Anyway, the work outs help me to let go of the stress. I have been hitting the gym almost every weekday morning and take classes on Sunday. If I can get my fill levels right, I should really drop some pounds and inches. Anyway, everyone is really doing well with the January challenge! keep up the good work! Val

Hello All! Ceradad, welcome, I'm glad you found us, Your weight loss is amazing! Salsa, I don't like protin drinks either. I just tried Bolthouse Farms, Perfectly Protein Mocha Cappuccino. 42g of protein in a 1 liter bottle - 10 g/8oz. It's great! I used to drink iced coffe drinks from Dunkin or the kind you buy in the bottle - this is just as good and it gives you the protein. I go in for my 3rd fill on the 23rd. I have lost the 4 lbs I gained during the holidays but I have felt like I had no restriction for the past 3 weeks. Looking forward to that tight feeling! Val

Addd me to this list! :wink: Valstar 12/8 My birthday was great, even though, despite what I asked, my family bought me a cake!

DAVE, YOU ARE AWESOME! 102lbs - cost - a lot of sacrifice and determination, 8 miles - cost of sneakers and a pedometer, the scene from the bridge and the feeling of accomplishment - priceless! Val

It is a beautiful day for those who are working outside! I took two classes today 1 pilates and 1 aerobics. 2 more sesions down! If you are in the NE enjoy the next few days of nice weather!

I was just on your sparkpeople page. I am impressed with your workout schedule. I also like that site. I may join. Thanks for sharing.

Wow, 100lbs in 5months! :clap2::clap2: That's incredible! Congratulations, get on the January challenge thread and join us!

Well, I'm in once again! Going for 18 this month. I start in Pilates classes on Sunday which gives me 4 additonal sessions! I finally figured out how to update my ticker and to put the exercie challenge in without typing every time. (Although I couldn't get the cute graphics in) Good luck all! Val

I didn't update my ticker but I made my Dec. exercise challenge!!:whoo:

Happy New Year All! I hope the December people read other threads to get some info and support. This is a personal journey so I wish them the best. I for one wouldn't want to take this step and not make it work for me. Well, I didn't make my end of the year goal. I guess I allowed myself too many treats. I am trying to schedule a fill soon. My goal for this year is to stay properly filled and conscientious about what I put in my mouth. I am proud of my accomplishments but I feel like I could be further along. I am not adjusting my goals. I just have to work that much harder between now and valentines day. My next goal for Vday is 15 lbs more down. It would have been 10 if I was where I planned on being. So, I am doing a fruit and veggie cleanse for two days and increasing the Water and the exercise. If I do 2.5 lbs a week, I'll make it! Wish me luck and wish me wisdom in my choices! Val

Hi Illene, I know the feeling. The good news is, it will pass as will this holiday season of gluttony. Focus on the fact that you are moving towards better health and probably a longer life. The food that you are missing would be gone in a minute. Which would you rather have? The other thing to try to do is to separate head hunger from physical hunger and respond with food only to the physical hunger. I know, it's easier said than done but it can be done and we are here to support you and encourage you! Good luck with your journey. I am 4 months out fro surgery and I still feel like this was the best decision I have made! Happy New Year! Valerie

Hi Susan24, welcome. I have found this to be a great place for information and support. Join the conversation, the exercise challenges and the goals discussions and let us know how you are doing. We get encouragement from each others successes and learn from each others slip ups. Good luck!