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

Bandpal and Bandaid that is too funny!! I'm staying on plan today because i go to a reunion in June and i want to have lost 15 more lbs by then! Val

Frangi, Your pictures are gorgeous! I love the view and I'm jealous even though we hit 84 here yesterday it's just not the same! I am starting to wear heels again also. It's amazing how things like that make you feel better. I can't wait to be overweight!:tongue_smilie: Val

Hey all, breakfast is one of the meals that I indulged before surgery. My friends and I always met for sunday brunch and I can't imagine the caloric intake that went into our bodies!:tongue_smilie: Surprise, I don't miss it! I never thought I wold be here. Cerrin, remember that muscle weighs more than fat. You may be gaining muscle weight. Also muscles burn calories more efficiently so eventually, it will catch up. Also, are you losing inches? When the scale stalls sometimes it's time to take out the tape measure! Make sure you are making healthy food choices and hang in there. The scale will move again! I was worried about anesthesia also. I prayed. I trusted God. I knew my doctors were knowledgeable, experienced and if they thought it was too much of a risk, they would not have done it. Take care all, we can win this battle! Val

Way to Go Pizzi!:biggrin::party:Congratulations!

Congratulations Salsa! I'm glad you got a date and it is working out for you. You have certainly worked hard enough for the success you have acheived! Val

This is a rugh period but it will get easier. Another drink I found was Bolthouse Farms Perfectly Protein drinks. 10g of protein per 8 oz serving. The flavors are mocha latte, vanilla chai and another coffee flavor. They are about 150 calories. Good luck!

Angel, Don't get discouraged and don't compare yourself to anyone else. You will be fine and lose weight at a pace that is comfortable for your body. Your BMI will get lower and soon there won't be much of a difference anyway! Good luck!

I am staying on plan today because yesterday I bought a size 20 jeans and they were a little loose! I'm on my way to an 18! I haven't worn a size 18 since college (25 years ago)

Hello All, I haven't been on for awhile. Good to see everyone doing so well! I just hit the half way mark! 7 months, 60 lbs, I ain't complainin'!:huh2::thumbup: As soon as the weather breaks, I'm going to get my bike out also. I really liked biking when I was younger and smaller. I think my kids (7 and 12) will get a kick out of biking with mom! Take care! Val

Wow, I have been away for a little while and it seems many good things have happened! Congratulations Pizzi and Salsa on the all that has transpired since I was last here! Hi Jeane, I was banded by Dr. Williams also! You are the first one I have seen on here from his practice. Everyone's numbers are great. I am still dropping, slowly but surely! I am in the April Challenge. Still at the gym regularly. I am writing my last papers of the semester. I'll be back after that but know you are all in my good thoughts! Val

Pammy and Salsa, your pictures are wonderful! You look great and you look happy! I'm happy for you!

Pizzi, That's wonderful! Something is going to come through for you, I believe!