valstar

Hey Melissa, I haven't been on here in a while (like a year)! I am still pleased with my decision. I haven't lost all that i wanted to but I haven't been doing all the things i should. I am back in the gym and eating better since the beginning of this month. I am still down between 65 and 70 lbs depepnding on when I wiegh, so I am pleased. I still would like to drop 30 more pounds over the next year. Wish me luck! i hope you are still doing well! Don't know if my old measures are still posting. I will update them soon. Take care!

Hey Liquid, I'm an August 07 bandster peeking in on you youngins :thumbup:! There may be more tears down the road. Don't be surprised and don't feel bad if you feel bad. It's O.K. some of us have gained wieght because of stuffing our feelings. I have found journaling to be very helpful. My therapist once told me to write and don't read what you have written. It allows your psyche to know that it doesn't have to constantly remind you that you are hurt. It knows that if you need to you can read about it and feel the pain but that way you don't have to carry it onyour shoulder where it can be easily bruised and reinjured. Good luck to you! Someone earlier said the best revenge is success and living a healthy happy life. get busy living! Success to all you August bandsters! Val

Congratulations Ceredad! You look fantastic. :thumbup: You inspired me a few months ago to join sparkpeople. Thanks, that was very helpful I hope to post some pictures soon! Val

Happy Anniversary Vallin and Michee. You two are really doing fantastic, Congratulations! Frangi, I haven't spoken to Denzel lately! Won't he be surprised to see the new me! His wife better watch out!:biggrin: I don't have any pictures but I am going out this weekend and will be sure to take some. I know I feel great! Take care all! Val

P.S. Becky, you look fantastic! and You look like you feel fantastic also! Congratulations!

Happy anniversary Frangi! This group really has been so inspirational and supportive! Reading all of your posts and seeing your success inspite of struggles and set backs has kept me motivated even when I wasn't checking in! I hope we all stay connected in the coming year (s). Val

Hi fellow crazy ates! It is so good to see and hear how great everyone is doing! I agree this is where we need to support each other and encourage each other the most. I did not reach my 75 lb 1 year goal but I'm pretty close at 70lbs. I can't complain either because I'm still losing! I love the new me. I have been so much more active and just really living life! I went deep sea fishing this week for the first time. I got on a roller coaster for the first time in many years. I am 1 chapter into my dissertation. My husband and I are taking a cruise (without kids) at the end of the month. I wore sun dresses and strappy sandals this summer! Life is so much better and I know it will get better still as I take off another 30 lbs over the next 6 months. My bandiversary is 8/30. I'm so glad I made the decision to have this surgery! Again, congrats all! I'll be checking in with you again soon! Valerie

That is such a good way to think about things. What's a few more months compared to a lifetime! The scale moved for me again today!:smile2:

You know, I didn't know there were different size bands until after I had surdery. So when I found out I asked and it seems like the NP said it was a 4cc band. I have had 4 fills but I'm not sure how much was put in at each fill. I have an appointment at the beginning of July with my Dr. and i am going to follow up on that question. They seemed to feel that I would be extra tight after the last fill but I was not so I want them to make sure I am not losing fluid. At this piont I am able to eat 1 - 2 cups of food at a time depending on what it is. I am feeling alright now, I'm still losing(slow that it is)but I just wonder about the future. We will see! Ladybug, I'm working on a doctorate in Social Work. TTFN! Val

I'm losing slower than I thought I would but I'm losing! I just had what my doctor says is my last fill. I must say I'm a little surprised especially since I don't feel that tight. I am able to control my eating and I am making better choices. I am uping my exercise routine also. I would like to have lost 75 lbs by my anniversary but I feel good about my current progress. I agree, slow and steady - we'll win this race! By the way, I passed my exams! Just a few more classes and a dissertation from here! Take care all and congratulations on your progress. We may not be where we want to be but we sure are in better health than we were! Val

Hello All, It's been a while since I have checked in. I will update my ticker in a day or so. Just finished my first year of school, my preliminary exams and all the May work hoopla. I must admit I'm tired! Did really well with exercise this mnth probably got in about 4 days a week. Working out kept me sane. That's stilll hard for m to beleive! :thumbup:I'm down to a size 18 from the 26 I started at so I'm feeling good and looking better! I will be around for the June challenge. I just read quite a few posts and as usual, the August group is kicking booty!:thumbup: Take care all! See you in June! Val

Wow Ruby! What an inspiration you are! You look fantastic and I agree, you look lighter! Val