ajoneen

Hi all. just thought I would share a good thing (as Martha would say). There is an application for I-Phone and I-Touch called Lose It. It is a calorie tracking thing like DailyPlate. It works for me because I can take it with me and log what I eat not waiting to get to a computer and internet. It has over 5000 listed foods. But if it doesn't have my food I can enter the counts in a custom foods listing. It also has a place to log exercise and set goals. So far it is working for me. I NEED to be accountable, but in a fun and interesting way. 2 lbs down this week. Woot!! Happy Friday the 13th. Pretty good day so far.

3/13 aJoneen........................2 75 pounds LOST! Bandana....................... 0 95 lbs lost BrandNewLisa............0 80pounds LOST forever!!! evelas5000..................-3 50 pounds Lost Desdemona...................0 Fenton...........................0 100 POUNDS LOST !! HarleyGirl..................0 85 pounds LOST! Hopeinapril................. - 3.8 50 pounds lost! Kpodski........................0 Lynnt1215................. 0 NurseNiki...................0 Nycm00.......................0 Potatie.........................-3 100 POUNDS LOST!! Scrappy_Friend....+1 150 POUNDS LOST!!!! SpecialK...................0 Sugarbean..................0 100 POUNDS LOST !! Sharona......................0 stellabella...............0 HALFWAY TO GOAL! Tess415......................0 Thin2bme............... 0 100 POUNDS LOST !! WestCoastMom........0 Wishin4......................0 73 pounds gone!! Losing again- back to 75lbs lost

FGinNY- congratulations on your surgery date. Everyone's lose is different. Just do your best and follow you Drs guidelines. My Dr has everyone do a week of liquids. It is a good show of faith that you are ready to make the correct choices. Good luck on your journey!!

I sorry you're struggling so much. When things are working well we take it for granted it will continue. When things suck it's hard to see a way out. Try to acknowledge all the good you have done. You're a better person for all the choices you have made. Even the putzy ones for eating the ice cream. Try to figure out what you are good at; Walking the dog? Motivating new bandsters? Setting small term goals (for a day) not long term ones? Expand on the positive. Let go of the negative self talk. We are all struggling. We have to be kinder to ourselves. [[HUGS]] Amanda

HI all. Im hearing alot of self bashing going on. Believe me I'm just as hard on myself. I think there is something happening that needs to be looked into. It is a vicious cycle. Scale stops moving, "I must be a failure". Didn't exercise for a few days "I must be a failure". Shouldn't have eaten that cookie "I'm a failure". Im not at goal "I failed" I'm a failure so I might as well; -eat all the other cookies - just lay in bed - sit and watch another mind numbing TV show -look back and beat myself up for all my short comings. Yep the motivation isn't as strong as when we first started this journey. Im not sure I will ever be that motivated again. But to say I'm a failure is just not correct. These last few weeks I've been trying to find my MoJo again. When I have a particularity good day I try to see what made it so good. Why did I bounce out of bed, work so hard with my trainer, take the dog for a walk and go to yoga class? Plus I made good food choices. So what gives? Is there a way to bottle this and reproduce it on the days Im just not getting it in gear? Because when Im at that place where I don't want to move my body or the peanut butter is looking really good willpower is out the door. It is really easy to say F it I'm just not meant to lose another 10lbs (or 1lb). So Im left to try to acknowledge what works. Really mindfully acknowledge that something is going right. Maybe even write myself notes of encouragement to the sorry self I might be the next day. Focus on the good. We all know what we are bad at. What is hard. Directing your energy to trying to figure out a negative will just keep you in that negative place. So why not find what you're good at and build on that. Do you work out more consistently with another person? Well make it your business to get a buddy or join a group. Do you need to make a commitment to something? Do a charity walk where they have training help. Like the Avon 3 Day Walk. Does telling your story about the band and your decision to get it remind you why you did this in the first place? Than offer to talk at your Drs support group or informational meeting. Be a mentor here on LBT. Do you do well with a list or goals? Than write a few and support them with an action plan of how you will succeed. Do you struggle with food choices? Start using The Daily Plate/Calorie King or whatever. Set yourself up with a menu for the next day or the whole week. Make a list before you go shopping, and stick to it. You get the idea. Find what works. Baby steps. Stop beating yourself up about what you haven't done. Be kind to yourself. -Since I choose not to have another cookie I feel empowered. -That walk yesterday really energized me, how can I fit in another one tomorrow? -I have come so far on my journey and Im still committed to a more healthy lifestyle. We all slip up. Sometimes for a day sometimes for a few weeks. Main thing is you have it within yourself to make the change. For Gods sake at some point you were motivated enough to get the band. Pat yourself on the back and shout "WooHoo!" Move forward. Tomorrow is a new day. I think you're doing a great job!!

HI all. Im hearing alot of self bashing going on. Believe me I'm just as hard on myself. I think there is something happening that needs to be looked into. It is a vicious cycle. scale stops moving, "I must be a failure". Didn't exercise for a few days "I must be a failure". Shouldn't have eaten that cookie "I'm a failure". Im not at goal "I failed" I'm a failure so I might as well; -eat all the other Cookies - just lay in bed - sit and watch another mind numbing TV show -look back and beat myself up for all my short comings. Yep the motivation isn't as strong as when we first started this journey. Im not sure I will ever be that motivated again. But to say I'm a failure is just not correct. These last few weeks I've been trying to find my MoJo again. When I have a particularity good day I try to see what made it so good. Why did I bounce out of bed, work so hard with my trainer, take the dog for a walk and go to yoga class? Plus I made good food choices. So what gives? Is there a way to bottle this and reproduce it on the days Im just not getting it in gear? Because when Im at that place where I don't want to move my body or the Peanut Butter is looking really good willpower is out the door. It is really easy to say F it I'm just not meant to lose another 10lbs (or 1lb). So Im left to try to acknowledge what works. Really mindfully acknowledge that something is going right. Maybe even write myself notes of encouragement to the sorry self I might be the next day. Focus on the good. We all know what we are bad at. What is hard. Directing your energy to trying to figure out a negative will just keep you in that negative place. So why not find what you're good at and build on that. Do you work out more consistently with another person? Well make it your business to get a buddy or join a group. Do you need to make a commitment to something? Do a charity walk where they have training help. Like the Avon 3 Day Walk. Does telling your story about the band and your decision to get it remind you why you did this in the first place? Than offer to talk at your Drs support group or informational meeting. Be a mentor here on LBT. Do you do well with a list or goals? Than write a few and support them with an action plan of how you will succeed. Do you struggle with food choices? Start using The Daily Plate/Calorie King or whatever. Set yourself up with a menu for the next day or the whole week. Make a list before you go shopping, and stick to it. You get the idea. Find what works. Baby steps. Stop beating yourself up about what you haven't done. Be kind to yourself. -Since I choose not to have another cookie I feel empowered. -That walk yesterday really energized me, how can I fit in another one tomorrow? -I have come so far on my journey and Im still committed to a more healthy lifestyle. We all slip up. Sometimes for a day sometimes for a few weeks. Main thing is you have it within yourself to make the change. For Gods sake at some point you were motivated enough to get the band. Pat yourself on the back and shout "WooHoo!" Move forward. Tomorrow is a new day. I think you're doing a great job!! End of sermon.

Jonathan I sorry you are struggling with so much right now. Been there buddy. Try to enjoy some of Hawaii while you're there. You know stop and smell the flowers. All our efforts will payoff. We all are in such a better place then a year ago. Who knows what this year will bring? Love and accept yourself.

Setting up for tomorrow March 6th aJoneen........................0 75 pounds LOST! Bandana....................... 0 95 lbs lost BrandNewLisa............0 80pounds LOST forever!!! evelas5000..................0 Desdemona...................0 Fenton...........................0 100 POUNDS LOST !! HarleyGirl..................0 85 pounds LOST! Hopeinapril.................0 Kpodski........................0 Lynnt1215................. 0 NurseNiki...................0 Nycm00.......................0 Potatie.........................0 100 POUNDS LOST!! Scrappy_Friend..... 0 150 POUNDS LOST!!!! SpecialK...................0 Sugarbean..................0 100 POUNDS LOST !! Sharona......................0 stellabella...............0 HALFWAY TO GOAL! Tess415......................0 Thin2bme............... 0 100 POUNDS LOST !! WestCoastMom........0 Wishin4......................0 73 pounds gone!!

Hello all. Today is the anniversary of getting my band. One year ago this very moment I was full of piss and vinegar, ready to take on the world. Lately I've been getting down on myself because I'm nowhere near where I thought I would be a year later. Im Ok with that. Because I am tons improved from the person I was letting myself become. Baby steps. What has happened? *Im more conscience of what I put in my mouth-less mindless eating. *Im not afraid to try new activities- like rock climbing, yoga classes and triathlons. *Im fitting in those clothes I had in the attic which were too small. My "remember when" clothes. I have just one more dress I want to wear again. *I've given away all of my too big clothes so I don't have a safety net "if I gain a few pounds" like I've done in the past. *I'm not worried about which seat I get on a plane, because now I can fit comfortably in my space. *I'm being a good role model for my overweight family members. *Im getting better at setting weight goals. What will this next year bring? *More weight loss. It might be slower then what I dreamed, but it will NOT be mindless gaining. *More consistent exercise. *Finding the joy. Not being so hard on myself. I want to thank each and everyone of my Shrinking Shamrock friends. You where there with humor and honesty. Sharing your trials and triumphs. You were there for me when I didn't believe I could do it. Thank you all.

Maria, It's good to hear you're feeling better. About the amount of fill in your band. Some Doc's put a little in at the time of surgery. Most don't. When you go for your post surgery visit ask if anything is in there. Also you won't get your first official fill until you need it. That means if you are losing just fine (1-2 lbs a week) you won't get filled. I know a guy who lost with just the band in place, never had a fill. For some folks just the restriction of the band in place does the trick.

Hi Heather, welcome. Glad to hear you are on the mend. Where do you live? What kinds of exercise are you interested in? Indoors, outdoors, weights, or just someone to be accountable to? Im in Syosset. I know the weather is not up to getting out on a regular basis but I enjoy hiking, biking and swimming. I do a bit of weight training also.

I don't know if I'm getting a cold or it's just Monday.

Welcome back Annie! We miss hearing from you too. Hope you're getting the most from your band. I was thinking about you with all the wild fires. Pray you and your loved ones came through that OK.

Great for you!!! Don't go by a scale that you don't use on a regular basis. Gym scales are notorious for being out of balance.

2/20/09 aJoneen.......................+4 75 pounds LOST! Bandana......................-2 92 lbs lost BrandNewLisa..........-1 80pounds LOST forever!!! evelas5000................-2 Desdemona.................0 Fenton.........................0 100 POUNDS LOST !! HarleyGirl..................-2 80 pounds LOST! Hopeinapril................0 Lynnt1215...................+ 2 UGH!!! NurseNiki...................0 Nycm00.......................0 Potatie.........................0 100 POUNDS LOST!! Scrappy_Friend..... 0 150 POUNDS LOST!!!! SpecialK......................-1 Sugarbean..................0 100 POUNDS LOST !! Sharona......................0 stellabella............... 0 HALFWAY TO GOAL! Tess415......................0 Thin2bme............... - 2.8 100 POUNDS LOST !! WestCoastMom........0 Wishin4......................4 73 pounds gone!! Kpodski............-1 Im up 4. Not sure what happened.

A question to the folks who workout on a regular basis. In what order do you exercise? Cardio (run, bike, eliptical) Weight training. I like to get in some cardio on the days I weight train. Nothing like the run or bike I do on an off day. My trainer says I will have more energy to work with him if I don't hit the treadmill before seeing him. But I like that my body is warmed up to train so I do at least 30 mins at a good clip on the treadmill. Trainer says to hit the treadmill after him. But since we do a streatching thing when we are done I feel to relaxed to do the cardio. Anyone have any thoughts?

Harley are we going to have the pleasure of seeing the pics too? Im sure Jonathan would love seeing pretty babes on big bikes.

I was just checking in and reading your post Harley(very good points!) when Margaritaville came on. Now there's a sign if I ever got hit by one. Number one Buffet fan (yes?) passing on great info and Jimmy singing "It's my own damn fault". Yep so true.

Hi all. Im a bit depressed today thinking I will not make my goal of being in onerland by my bandiversary. Hell I wanted to be there for the new year. I only have myself to blame. I make the poor food choices and I am the one not doing the cardio on a regular basis. Im thinking of hiring a goal coach. But then I just think why do I have to pay folks to keep me in line? I can't keep doing that. My wallet is pretty empty as of late. Fenton knows what a good trainer costs. Not cheap. Im nervous with the economy. I should be saving not spending. But then again this is an investment in me. Is this just another excuse for me? I need to find the thing deep within me that is sabotaging my good work. I need to rekindle the embers of the hope that I will be a healthy weight. That I can do this. Can't I?

Yay for going some place warm!!!

I think if you can see a pattern it is a problem. PS getting to the gym on your own (without trainer) is great!!

Sorry it took so long to get back to you on this. My trainer just mentioned it that one day. I brought it up again on Friday asking about how it will benefit me and how best to use it. He really did not answer my questions(thanks to you and your inquiry of what % of body weight to use) in a way that made me feel comfortable strapping 40 extra pounds on and "doing the regular routine". So Im taking a pass on using it while working out with him. I might however use it for cardio. He had two different vests; one for use while weight training and one for use running(cardio). The one for cardio had little pouches that held 1lb weights in the area of the mid stomach and back, up to 20lbs. The other had 10lb panel weights that fit into pockets at the chest, stomach and back. One thing to note is that both vests need to be fit to the wearer so they don't shift/slip around, both at the shoulder and the waist. Sorry I (or my trainer)could not be more helpful.

Wednesday sounds good for me. Where?

Hi Maria I didn't want to sound flip but gum works for me. The nutritionist at one of the support group meetings said not to use gum as an appetite suppressant because (she said) gum makes you more hungry. It's not that way for me. You can also try ice chips. I had carrots or pickles. I didn't overload (pickles too salty). Just one and savored it. The pre op diet is to shrink the liver so fatty foods are out. No fat in pickles or carrots. Do do the Clear liquids for the last day- that's for real medical/surgical reasons. I did go to the nutritionist and I still have all the stuff. Send me a private message with your email address and I will scan it and send it out to you.

Feb 13th aJoneen.......................-2 75 pounds LOST! Bandana......................0 BrandNewLisa............0 75 pounds LOST forever!!! evelas5000.................0 Desdemona..................0 Fenton........................0 100 POUNDS LOST !! HarleyGirl.................. -6 80 pounds LOST! Hopeinapril................0 Lynn1215.....................0 NurseNiki...................0 Nycm00.......................0 Potatie.........................0 100 POUNDS LOST!! Scrappy_Friend......0 150 POUNDS LOST!!!! SpecialK......................0 Sugarbean..................0 100 POUNDS LOST !! Sharona......................0 stellabella...............-.4 HALFWAY TO GOAL! Tess415......................0 Thin2bme...............+ .2 WestCoastMom........0 Wishin4......................0 Kpodski............0 BRATZ98363.......0 Ok Im down 2. VERY happy. I reset the list to 0 (except for the ones who checked in today). Way to go Paige!!