allykat

My hairdresser and my nurse both told me it is a combined reason. The anesthesia is the culprit, but weightloss can also have that affect. I'm getting a double whammy since I had surgery on my thumb 3 months after lapband surgery. I'm also loosing 20-30 hairs every morning. I have thick hair, so it looks okay and I can see spikey little hairs growing back in. I don't use Nioxin, but it you have thinner hair, I'd recommend it. My sister lost a bunch of weight several years ago (not from lapband surgery) and the same thing happened to her and Nioxin did the trick. My nurse said protein is the key, but it also just takes time.

I'm also a slow looser, so I totally know what you mean about your 45 lbs compared to 70-100 by other people. But the proof is in the pictures...you look great!

Thanks for all the responses, ladies. It is nice to know I'm not alone in being frustrated. I guess, for the most part, this hasn't been too difficult for me up to now. I can still pretty much eat whatever I want...I've just been eating smaller portions and making healthier choices. So now that I'm hitting a wall, it is time for me to really kick my own butt into higher gear. I got back into exercising this month, so now I'll add the aerobics class and see where that takes me. I'll try tracking my foods and making a better effort to really get in all my protein. Water usually isn't a problem for me, but getting enough sleep is always hard. So Leslie, I'm with you on starting over. I didn't pay for this myself and go through all of this to stop here. I am determined that I will see my goal. My first goal, however, is to finally get below 200, and I am bound and determine that I will not be above 200 lbs. by the time 2009 rolls around!

Okay, I think it is safe to say that I am officially in the plateau from hell. I'm so ticked off. I have really not lost anything for the last several weeks, at least a month I know. Well, other than the same pounds over and over. I thought I was finally getting somewhere when the scale was at 219.5 yesterday. Then this morning, it was back up to 222. WTH? I am exercising, I am not eating tons of crap, I think my restriction level is pretty good. I'm just frustrated. I know there are a few things I can do to help myself through this, so here is what I'm doing. Hopefully I will stick to it if it is in writing..lol. Protein - I am not positive that I am getting all the protein I need, since I stink at tracking this kind of thing. I will try to be better about that. Carbs - I'm against limiting any food group from my diet, since I've done the low carb thing before and I know I can't stick to it. I will, however, work on replacing more carbs with veggies. Exercise - I'm already walking and doing yoga, but I'm going to add an aerobics class on Fridays. Hopefully that will give me a push. Any other ideas? I know realistically, this is just my body's way of catching up to what I've lost already, but it is really frustrating when you feel like such a slow looser compared to others. And yeah, I know I shouldn't compare, but how do you not? I was banded on 2/28, and have really only lost about 30 lbs (give or take, depending on the day!) since then. I guess an average of 5 lbs a month is in with the average expected weight loss of 1 lb. per week, but it is frustrating when it doesn't go any faster. If you read this - thanks. I'm just in a pissy mood over this today.

You can definitely see the thinning of your face, Mia! Good job!

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend. I can't do too much on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays due to the activities my daughters are involved in (dance, cheerleading, band). Maybe the next one will be on a Thursday.

Well first of all, Brina, congrats on the NSV! I bet that felt awesome to not have to ask for that extender. I've been fortunate to have never needed one, but I can imagine how that must feel to ask. Good for you! As for the fill, I am glad that you got to where you needed. I know chicken is one food that can give me a little trouble, so maybe that had something to do with it, too. I'm glad it all worked out!

I agree, Mia. Did you just get .5? Maybe have .25 removed and see how that goes? You shouldn't have to live on soups, etc. You should be able to eat other foods. I can pretty much eat most foods. Every so often, particularly if I'm not paying attention and eating too fast or not chewing as well, I get the stuck feeling with chicken, some beef, and bread. But it isn't all the time and I usually just give it some time and I can resume eating as normal. Right after my last fill, bread was a big no-no...it just wouldn't go down. Now there isn't as much of a problem, which tells me I probably need a fill!

I bet that made you feel pretty good, Leslie! It is nice to see some progress, huh? Mia, your ticker is rocking along now, isn't it? Very cool! I don't know what it is but I all of a sudden, people can notice I've lost weight. I've probably had a half dozen people ask me over the last week or so how much weight I've lost and how I'm doing it. I just say I'm eating less, which is the truth. I did get back to exercising this week, so hopefully I'll really start dropping more soon.

I am updating....I briefly saw 219 this weekend, but will go with what I've seen the last two days... Leslie starting weight: 224 current weight: 219 challenge goal weight: 204 pounds to go: 15 Nip starting weight: 185 current weight: 179 challenge goal weight: 173 pounds to go: 6 Sheryl Starting weight: 225.5 Current weight: 220 Challenge goal weight: 205 pounds to go: 15 Jeannie Starting weight: 201 Current weight:198 Challenge goal weight:180 Pounds to go: 18 Pamela Starting weight: 247 Current weight: 243 Challenge goal weight: 235 Pounds to go: 8

Brina, I replied to you this morning, but I can't see my post now. I don't remember what I said now, but I'm sure it was 'good to see you' and 'please post more often'! I made a fill appt. for the 26th. I'm pretty sure I need a fill even though I haven't lost that much between fills. I can pretty much eat anything (although the quantity is definitely less than what it was prior to banding). Every so often, bread will give me trouble, or if I eat fast I'll get something stuck. For the most part, that happens with something breadlike or with chicken. But I do stay full much longer than before. I had lunch today at 12:30 and I'm still full! I may just get a small fill. You guys are inspiring with your workouts. I'm excited that next week will mark my return to the gym. My girls start dance again, so I'll have a few days each week where I won't have to rush from work to pick someone up. That'll be nice!

Another update from me... Leslie starting weight: 224 current weight: 219 challenge goal weight: 204 pounds to go: 15 Nip starting weight: 185 current weight: 182 challenge goal weight: 173 pounds to go: 9 Sheryl Starting weight: 225.5 Current weight: 221 Challenge goal weight: 205 pounds to go: 16 Jeannie Starting weight: 201 Current weight:201 Challenge goal weight:180 Pounds to go: 21 Pamela Starting weight: 247 Current weight: 244 Challenge goal weight: 235 Pounds to go: 9

Thanks for posting this, Bagweaver! I was able to snap it up!

I have a ton of clothes in size 24 (with a few 22's) if anyone needs this size! Most are nicer work clothes (dress pants, blazers) or two-piece pants suits. There are a few casual outfits (capris, short, jeans) and some casual shirts as well. If anyone would like these, PM me. I boxed them all up last night and they are in my attic until I find a good home for them. If nobody takes me up on them in the next month or so, I'll just donate them to Goodwill. There are some nice pieces in here!

Just cancelled my fill for Monday, 8/18, if anyone needs it! Call now! I wish I could say I cancelled because I'd lost too much weight...I actually just can't take off work that afternoon. They had an opening for Tuesday morning, but I couldn't take that either....my conflict is early in the week and wouldn't you know, nothing later in the week. I wasn't able to get another appointment until Oct. 1! I'm sorry, but that just seems crazy! I'm hoping there is another cancellation somewhere in there.

Very cool, Nip! BTW - I got the email newsletter from Dr. Bagnato's office with you in it...you must be thrilled! I have a few NSV's to share. I finally got around to cleaning out my closet and drawers this weekend and I was amazed at all the clothes that no longer fit me! I have 4 boxes all packed up and a very empty closet...lol. It was cool to try on all the shirts and pants that had been buried in my closet that I thought I could finally wear, only to discover they were too big. I am actually wearing a shirt today that I know I haven't worn in at least 4 years. Then today as I was putting on my jewlery, I went to add the extender to this one necklace I have that has always been way too tight without out, I put it on and noticed it was hanging much lower than I needed, so off the extender came! I don't wear the extender that often, just to move certain necklaces down to match the neckline on certain outfits, but this necklace in particular has always required one. Not anymore! So my neck is obviously smaller than it used to be. I'm getting more comments lately from people that are noticing the weight loss. Some will know right off that I'm smaller, while others can't quite figure out what is different about me. They usually think it is my hair...lol. They just know something is different!

Hi everyone, I am going for my consult tomorrow with Dr. Bagnato and if everything goes okay, I'll be having my surgery on 2/27! I'm a little scared but very excited. I've had to do this self pay and I'll admit, the idea of this much debt really bothers me, but I figured I'm 37 years old and every year I think THIS is the year I'll finally get my weight in gear and so far, it never seems to happen. I manage to loose only to gain it back and I'm so sick of the cycle. Anyway, just thought I'd say "hello!"

Updating mine... Leslie starting weight: 224 current weight: 219 challenge goal weight: 204 pounds to go: 15 Nip starting weight: 185 current weight: 180 challenge goal weight: 173 pounds to go: 7 Sheryl Starting weight: 225.5 Current weight: 223.5 Challenge goal weight: 205 pounds to go: 18.5 Jeannie Starting weight: 201 Current weight:198 Challenge goal weight:180 Pounds to go: 18 Pamela Starting weight: 247 Current weight: 243 Challenge goal weight: 235 Pounds to go: 8

Welcome Yaya! I hope you stick around and post often!

Wowzer, Nip! You are such a success story! You've come so far in such a short time...I feel like a slacker compared to you!

Leslie, I just sent you a PM. Let me know! I also have several size 24 clothes if anyone is interested. I know I have several pairs of dress pants and some blazers/jackets. Probably some shirts and a few pairs of jeans. Cleaning out my closet is on the agenda for sometime very soon, so I'll know more of what I have then, but I know it is a lot! Just a warning that I am only 5'2", so if you are tall, these wouldn't work for you unless you make them into capris! :teeth_smile:

I've popped in every so often, but mainly haven't been on because I've been sick. Nasty sinus junk that has made me feel like crap. I stayed home from work 2 days this week...very unlike me! I had the weirdest thing happen. I've posted before about how the scale moves slowly for me but I am loosing inches. That is so strange to me, but as long as something is getting smaller, I'm good. Well, I'm down to about 4 pairs of pants I rotate in my wardrobe. Two are pretty loose and the other two have started getting much looser as well. All of a sudden this week, the two loose pairs were REALLY loose...like, not wearable loose. So I had to go shopping today for new pants! Here's the cool thing...I went to Lane Bryant. Back in April, I bought a pair of 7s in a pair of capris, going by that new sizing thing they have. Well today, I had to buy a 3! Pretty cool! She said that would be about an 18 or 20, and I started out in a 24, so it is cool to see some real progress! Anyway, that is my good news. I'm planning to rejoin curves just as soon as my kids are back in school. That will get me moving again!

I haven't updated in forever since the scale hasn't budged. It finally moved a pound! I will be shocked if I actually make this labor day goal, but I guess any progress is good! Leslie starting weight: 224 current weight: 219 challenge goal weight: 204 pounds to go: 15 Nip starting weight: 185 current weight: 182 challenge goal weight: 173 pounds to go: 9 Sheryl Starting weight: 225.5 Current weight: 224.5 Challenge goal weight: 205 pounds to go: 19.5 Jeannie Starting weight: 201 Current weight:201 Challenge goal weight:180 Pounds to go: 21 Pamela Starting weight: 247 Current weight: 244 Challenge goal weight: 235 Pounds to go: 9

Hey guys, I'm around but haven't had time to post. We were out of town all last week. I'm trying to figure out what the deal is wiht me...I get a fill and I will drop 4-5 pounds immediately after. They as soon as I eat food, I end up gaining 2-3 back. So I spend the rest of the time between fills trying to loose those pounds that came back. I am finally back to where I was when I signed up for the Labor Day challenge. I didn't eat horribly while out of town, adn I did pretty good with drinking my water, so I don't know what made me gain a few pounds. The good news is the cast is off now. The bad news is that I still have a brace to wear. But I think I'll be okay to start some exercising now, and that is just what I'm going to do. I can tell I'm still loosing inches though, I have on pants today that are much looser than they were 2 weeks ago!