luvsrocks

Boy that's good to hear. I'm doing better with slowing down & chewing, since my band has tightened up a few times & scared the daylights out of me. I need to prepare my portions a little smaller because I really have a problem leaving anything on the plate when it's already a fraction of what I used to eat. Oh, the head games. Thanks so much! Great response & I'll slow down and enjoy the learning experience. Carol

Hi Gang! I've been reading all the posts trying to catch up. Welcome to all the newbies & best wishes to those scheduled for surgery. Janet & Denise! You guys are doing great & both of you are so close to goal. I appreciate you sharing your journey & experience so much. Keep up the good work. I'm 11 weeks out & got my 2nd fill a week ago. I'm having a little bit of a problem with ME! I do feel the difference this time which makes me happy. Before this fill I had no restriction & found my old habits returning; eating too fast, big bites, not chewing well. I'd fix my portion & sometimes gobbled it. Now, I've fixing my portion, trying to chew well & slowing down but I'm eating past the satisfied place because...I want the food....I'm eating too much because I'm really full, but not stopping. My mind knows this is what I wanted....restriction & being able to eat less, but my head hasn't caught up with the "plan" yet. So I'm going to take the weekend to really work on it. Nice to be here! Carol

I was happy to see this thread. I've been curious what others were experiencing with their fills. I have a Realize 9cc band. 1st fill was 4cc & last Friday I got my 2nd fill with 2cc. I'm comfortable, I still don't have to chew bite into mush but I'm very aware I'm satisfied with less food. I'm enjoying the opportunity to learn more about myself & changing my habits. Thanks for all your sharing.

Hi Lynne! I had that same problem with mine. Janet gave great instructions. Also look at the first two options (Private Data or Public - mine is Private) and the next says "Track" pick Weight Change, then I'd recheck your weights. Hope that helps! Congratulations on your surgery date! It's a very exciting time and so many emotions. You'll do great. I was banded January 10th, don't have any restriction yet (just one fill) but I'm doing well, I'm determined, sometimes I really have to work at the head hunger, but I know that my hard work will pay off and that when I get my fills to the right place, the band will help me keep it all off. I was self pay also and that has also been an incentive at times, but I know that band is there, I'm conscious of it & it is a great feeling to feel in control. I think Janet calls her band her "interior motivator"! That is so true. Best wishes to you! Carol

Denise, you aren't whining, you're just ready to be home with your own stuff & in your own space! Bless your heart, I know you had alot to deal with while you were here and I was so grateful you took the time to meet with me. I had never met or talked with anyone in person that was banded. You sure know your stuff and I enjoyed listening to it all. Look forward to seeing you in May.....better bring your swimming suit! It will be triple digits by then. Have a safe trip home & enjoy being home! Carol

Thanks Phowell, that does sound like fun. My GDs are 8 & 10, we could have alot of fun with that. I do have bad knees, but they are already better with the weight loss. You're all doing great with your challenge! Keep up the good work.

Hi Gang! Where are ya'all at today? I got my first fill last Friday. I feel like I have a little restriction but not much. Have to wait 5 weeks for my next. Meanwhile, it is getting more apparent each day that exercise is going to have to be worked into my day. Over the weekend, I did go into the room & removed all the stuff that was on top of the workout equipment, cleaned it, got the boombox back out, removed cobwebs, hung some cool pictures & washed the windows. Closed the door & haven't gone back in there. DH also aired up my bicycle.....no excuses now! I can finally see my weightloss. Seems besides the boobs going, I now have a turkey neck. O.M.G.! Looked at the exercise thread but didn't find anything there. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open. Hope you all had a nice weekend! Have a good week. Carol

Phowell - You go girl! You're doing great. I searched internet for Dance Dance Revolution.....all that came up was video games. Could you tell us a little about it or website? I think I could start out with something like that if I take it easy on my knees. Also, anyone have ideas on turkey neck exercises? All of the sudden yesterday I saw my chin & neck. :tt2: Loose skin & wrinkles! If it was my tummy or butt, at least I could cover it up with clothes. I didn't do any exercise yet, as I commited to for Sat & Sun, but I cleaned my equipment, hung a couple incentive pics, plugged in my stereo....the room is ready:unsure:...now I have to work on me! Hope everyone has a great week! Carol

Hey! I'd love to be in on the March Challenge too! I'm like Ang, I have not been motivated, I'm five weeks out and it is time. Thanks to everyone for sharing & the "straight" talk. I'll "Just Do It" & quit whinning about it. I'll be happier with myself. Thanks!

Hi Knockouts! I got my first fill on Friday, 2/15, a little uncomfortable but ok & was glad it's over pretty fast. I still don't feel like I did the first week or 10 days, but it's definately better than no fill. I was feeling like I was eating too much. I have to wait 5 weeks for another. CHRISANN - glad to see you're doing well after the trouble you had right after surgery. Good job.

WestCoastFatGuy! You made me laugh out loud! Thanks, I needed that. On the working out with weights.......my doc insists no Eliptical or Box Flex/weights until 8 weeks post op. Walking & Bike is it for me. But I haven't been motivated at all & I know that has to happen.

Peaches - I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. It is so frustrating to feel out of control when our loved ones are having those problems. My Mom was in & out of the hospital last year with problems & there was a two week period that my Brother or I stayed with her 24 hours a day because she couldn't fend for herself & needed an advocate. Do the best you can to take care of yourself so you are strong and know our thoughts & prayers are with you & your Mom. Carol

Janet & Phyl - I've been enjoying your posts on your "Lucky #7s" thread & just had to comment. First congratulations to you both, I see Phyl lost another 4 1/2!!!!wow and Janet you are down another 3! Great job, both of you. But you have a unique group and it's inspiring to see where I can be in 6 or 7 months with hard work & determination. Thank you! I'm 4 weeks out from surgery & have lost 17 lbs! I'm thrilled, shocked and the only thing I'm not feeling is the energy I had hoped to have. But I'll be patient and take it as it comes. Janet - One of your posts I read on another thread has been on my mind since last week & I just need to respond. It was regarding your gs 's interest in school changing this year, for the better. He may not be "aware" of it, but your example has made a difference in his life; determination, loyalty to yourself & your health & he sees what hard work can accomplish. He is a lucky young man to have you so close in his life. (IMHO) Carol

Janet!!! You look so great! 70 pounds gone & you beam with happiness & pride. Your before picture looks like how all of us feel before we get started on our journey. Thanks for posting your pictures often. It helps so many of us at our different stages. Denise & Janet! You are both such great examples & we appreciate your sharing every detail. I'm ready for my first fill. I'm at the point where I feel the same as I did before, but I know that really isn't true, because I'm not allowing myself to eat more than I should. But I'm ready for a little "reminder" from my band that says "don't forget me honey....I'm still here!" 1st fill is 2/15. Thanks to everyone! Carol

Welcome Beautymaker! This is a great place for information, support, sharing and asking questions. This is a pretty new thread. Another 50's thread called "How is weight loss for those over 50?".....something like that. It is great! I went back & started from the beginning & as I had time read all the posts. So much information about everything! I was banded Jan 10th and won't get my first fill until 2/15. I was real anxious about having to wait 3 more weeks :rolleyes2: for a fill & the reality of I'm on my own until I get a fill or to a fill that works. I got some friendly advice from here....and now I'm taking it one day at a time......sometimes a moment at a time. But we'll make it, WE CAN DO THIS! There are some great people here to help! Welcome & best wishes on your journey! Carol

LOL! Dog years......I'll have to remember that one! Just realized I forgot the little Birthday guy...... Carol

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANET!!!!! YOU ARE A SPECIAL SPECIAL GAL & I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY! BIG BIRTHDAY HUGS FROM ME! CAROL

Thanks Janet! It's not too hard for any of us....I responded to my emotions like I always have. I need to get my mind set back and focus on a day or moment..whatever at a time. I ate a homemade soup of chicken broth, chicken, white beans, little onion, green chilis and jack cheese to help thicken it. All things I can have right now. No flour or carbs. I just measured the bowl .... ate 2 cups. I'm going to bed positive and I'm going to wake up & remember that for right now I have to protect my new friend....Ms. Band. Thx again, Carol

24 lbs Gone! Wow! You are doing great. What do you think is your biggest challenge so far? I miss seeing your posts too! Keep up the good work. You must feel so good. Carol

Chell, I'm with you! Don't even want to think anything about the PB & slime thing. I had 10 weeks to prepare for my surgery date and I tried small bites, chewing more, no drinking during meals, eating slowly, it is hard. Pre-op I never made it through a meal following all the rules. Now? It's easy because I know the consequences. Not to say when I'm really hungry that I don't have to really work at it, I'm only 10 days out, but it is different when you have your new band friend in there.....big difference for me. I'm amazed that I can tell when I'm satisfied...shocked that a small amount is ok & I enjoy it so much more than before. But still don't have a handle on when my stomach is full...working on that. I know there are many challenges ahead, but I'm thrilled with my decision. Best wishes in your research & decision. You've come to a great place. Lots of info and straight forward talk!

Poodlecamper! Look at you go! I see you've lost some lbs and sound like you're doing well! Bless your heart for still having to be on the liquids. When do you get to move onto soft Proteins or mushies? Everyone has such different plans. But hang in there! Carol