allykat

I swear I must be the slowest looser on the planet. I've lost about 25 lbs. in about 4 months, so that averages to about 6 pounds per month. It gets frustrating when I see others drop it more quickly, but I know that any loss is a good loss! Anyway, today I finally have officially less than 100 lbs. to loose! It isn't a huge goal to meet or anything but it makes me feel better. My next big personal goal is to be less than 200. Can't wait for that. I know I could do things to loose faster, but I don't really want to cut any foods completely out (unless the band doesn't tolerate it, that is). I know me and I won't stick to something like that long term. So I've been following the "everything in moderation" approach and making good choices over "bad" where possible. I'm happy with what I'm getting out of it, mainly because I seem to be dropping more inches than pounds. I've already gone down several sizes, so that is nice. I know my weight loss will jump start when I am out of this stinking cast and can exercise again! Only 2 more weeks!

Very cool, Nip! I bet you had a blast. We are actually planning a trip there later this month. I haven't been in years. Good for you!

Pamela, first of all - I'm so sorry! I hope it turns out to be something minor that doesn't require a surgery. And if it does, I hope it is covered by someone else. I'd be freaking too if I were you since I was selfpay. Now, having said all of that - I was there Monday, too! And I heard them talking about someone they were checking for a possible leak. I was there from about 3:30 until about 4:45 - yes, that long. They were really swamped and pretty far behind.

Great photos, Mia! Looks like it was a beautiful wedding. Now back to the real world, huh? Hope Jamica was great!

Great idea, I'm in! I feel like I have got to be the slowest looser on the planet sometimes. My cast comes off in two weeks, and then I can really work out and I know that is what I need. So I'm going to shoot for 2 lbs. per week, too. Leslie starting weight: 224 current weight: 224 challenge goal weight: 204 pounds to go: 20 Nip starting weight: 185 current weight: 185 challenge goal weight: 173 pounds to go: 12 Sheryl Starting weight: 225.5 Current weight: 225.5 Challenge goal weight: 205 pounds to go: 20.5

Country girl, I can't add anymore to what you've been told other than if you don't have one, get a heating pad. That thing was my best friend after surgery. The only pain I had was horrible back pain from the gas they pump into you for the surgery. The heating pad definitely helped! Good luck!

Yay, Nip! I know you must be floating on air. FAbulous success story!

Thanks. I was able to get the appointment. I cancelled one for July 14 at 2 pm if anyone is interested in that one. It was too close to the new appt on the 30th.

I would love to come, but I just don't know yet if it will work out. My daughter's have dance rehearsals that day, and because it is one week before their compeition, it may last long. We just found out our national competition in Jax was cancelled, so we are now rescheduled to compete in a different national one, but this one is in Charleston, SC! I'm excited - it is my former hometown! Anyway, my schedule is very up in the air over the next week but if I am able, I will try to come. Just keep this thread updated so I have the details. It is probably one of those things I won't know for sure until the day of.

Have fun at the beach, Pamela! I just told DH this morning that I want a beach trip! Unfortunately, it isn't in the cards. We leave in a few weeks for Jacksonville for our daughters' national dance competition, and then we are going to Disney World for our youngest daughters BDay in August. So no beach trip for me! Sigh....the diet gods giveth and taketh away. I woke up to a loss (finally!) Sunday morning, only to have it gone again this morning. That dang TOM! I need a fill badly, but there aren't any openings! I'm trying to hang in there until my next scheduled on on July 14, but I know it would be easier with an adjustment!

Hi guys, I have been out of commission for awhile and unable to post. I had surgery on the torn ligament on my thumb finally, but ended up in a huge splint thing with a sling for a week. This week, them removed all of that mess and now I'm sporting a nice hot pink cast. BTW - how much does a cast weigh? LOL! The bad news is that I had a fill appointment set for the day I had to go in to see the ortho doctor, so I had to cancel my fill. I am probably going to call to see if I can get in sooner than my next scheduled appointment (July 14), althought I know it is doubtful. I'm not feeling very much restriction right now, although I do notice some foods giving me a bit of trouble every now and then. At least I know the band is there doing what it should. With all my hand stuff going on, exercise has fallen by the wayside, and I can really tell. It is time to get my butt back in gear. Nip, just curious...what insurance do you have that is paying for a tummy tuck? Are you a teacher? I thought all state policies had exclusions for WLS and cosmetic procedures. I need to find out what you have and make the switch during our next open enrollment!

Brina, I hate that you are having a tough time and PBing. If you are still doing it, maybe you are too tight still? Or maybe you are taking too big of a bite or not chewing well? Those are my problems although I have never PBed. I'll get that golf ball feeling in my chest, but it is usually because I am eating too fast or not chewing well or taking too big of a bite. The foods that do that to me are usually meats like beef and chicken. It doesn't happen often though. I'm also interested in seeing everyone's menus. I definitely eat less than I did before the surgery, but I always wonder if I am doing something wrong since everyone seems to loose faster than me. I know you shouldn't compare, but I do. I do notice I'm loosing inches though, so that is something. I wore capris last week I haven't worn in 3 years. Here is my normal menu: Breakfast: yogurt and a Kashi bar. I don't eat them at the same time...usually one at 8 am and the other maybe at 10 or 11. Lunch: Depends...lately it is one of those South Beach prepackaged salad things like the chicken/cranberry/walnut salad with pita chips. Love those things. I'll eat this or a lean cuisine or sometimes a salad or something if I am meeting someone for lunch. Dinner: I usually eat with the family, just a smaller portion. Last night it was about 1/4 of a large chicken breast with some mushrooms and a very small portion of pasta. I've done the low carb thing in the past and I'm not giving up certain foods ever again. That sets me up for failure because I can't do it long term. So I don't want any food to be off limits, although some I do definitely eat in moderation - a concept I never truly got until now. It is funny....since I'm not saying carbs are all bad, I definitely find myself eating less of them anyway. Weird!

You look wonderful! You've made some great progress in 8 months!

I can see it in your face, Brina! Looking good!

Oh Leslie, that sucks! I'm so sorry and I don't blame you for being bummed. Mia had port revision surgery, too, so she has been where you are. If I'm not mistaken, I believe she said Dr. B gave her a fill during the surgery, so maybe he'll do the same for you. Hang in there!

I wish I could, Holly, but I'm in Thomasville. Ya'll have fun though! I've been doing pretty well with walking 2 miles most days, but I really want to add in some weights. Just can't figure out how to do it with this cast thingy on my arm! Question - I had 2 ccs yesterday. After my first fill, I felt some restriction immediately and I don't really remember being hungry much after the fill. I'm freaking starving right now. Maybe some of it is head hunger, I don't know. But I'm definitely hungrier now than I was after my first fill. Is this normal?

Jeannie and Leslie - you both look GREAT! I know you must feel great, too!

Updates from me! I have been without a computer at home (darn virus!) and was out of the office all day yesterday. Nip - congrats on Onderland and good luck with the PS! Jonathan - sorry to hear about your accident. Tiger and others - great news about your surgery! Welcome to all the others that recently posted that I haven't seen here before! I had a fill today and they added 2 more cc's for a total of 5. Is that a normal amount? They decided they could be 'aggressive' since I'm out of town, and kept me around to make sure the water stayed down okay. So I'm up to 5 cc's in my band and hoping I see some big differences after this fill. I've 'only' lost 4.5 since my last fill, but the inches are sure coming off. I went shopping in my closet this weekend, and today am wearing a pair of pants I haven't worn in at least 2 years! It feels GREAT! Bad news - I am scheduled for surgery on my thumb (torn ligament) June 9. My entire summer is shot between the removable cast I'm in now (and have been in for 2 months) and the brace/cast/splints I'll be in after surgery. It stinks but at least it isn't my right hand~! On exercise - I've been walking 2 miles a day 3 days a week. Some weeks are better than others, but I'm doing okay with it.

Unless I somehow drop about 4 lbs. between now and next Tuesday, I'm keeping mine for 5/20. I'd really hoped to cancel, but the scale keeps wobbling between the same two pounds!

Onder woman, try not to worry and just go slowly. I can tell you that I was moved to mushies about 4 days out and then on to soft foods a week from that. I progressed really quickly and never had any trouble. Of course, I didn't try eggs either...lol. I hate eggs and cannot get them down period. I would stick to fish and softer foods like pasta, soups, potatoes and the like. I know it isn't exactly lower carb, but you are still healing. I'd stay away from anything fried or spicy. Not sure how the crab cake was prepared, but that could give you some trouble. Anyway, take care!

I wish I could, but my daughters have dance most Saturdays from now until their recital in June and national competition in July. Feel free to meet anyway...maybe one day I'll make a get-together.

Brina - Definitely check out your YMCA. I know ours offers Water aerobics! Leslie - Do you think your DH might be having some issues with the surgery? I know my DH had some trouble wrapping his head around things in the beginning, and it created lots of tension between us. We talked it through and all is okay now, but he may be having some issues with that. Or is this normal behavior for him? Either way I hope you are feeling better soon. I am like you and am so used to turning to food when I'm having those days, and it is a transition for us. We need to train ourselves to turn to exercise or something! I had a great NSV today. I tried on a dress, a skirt and sweater and a pair of capris I couldn't wear at all last summer and they both fit! The capris I have been steadily trying on since Mark and I can finally wear them. That felt awesome because the scale just isn't moving much for me lately. But evidently, I am having some progress!

Leslie - check online, I bet your tech college has a schedule listed online. I know we do! Mia - I am no help since I'm only just now filled, but I would think if you are eating okay today, then you are probably okay. I do remember Elizabeth telling me you can be tighter in the morning and that it can fluctuate. While I don't feel the tightness that you do, there are times when I'm tighter than others. Pam - hope you and your uncle are both better soon. OnderWoman - Glad you are doing better. I remember those feelings of hunger and they are horrible!

Mia, I'm sorry you are having a rough time of it. It definitely sounds like you need an unfill. I'm not experienced by any means, but it sounds what Elizabeth told me was the zone you don't want to be in. Go see them...it isn't worth being miserable! Brina, as much as I hate doing it, I think exercise might be a good thing for you. You might meet some new people there and that could give you something more to do in your life. Also, you could check to see if any of the colleges offer any personal enrichment classes. I work at a tech college and we offer some really cool ones - ballroom dancing, sewing, gardening, piano for beginners, photography - all kinds of things I'd love to take if I had the time. Good luck! Okay, now for my issue. I was filled 4/16 and immediately felt restriction and lost about 4 lbs that first week and a half. Then I immediately began the cycle of loosing and gaining the same 2 lbs. What is up? I have very slight restriction and know I could use another fill, but my appointment isn't until 5/20. I'm going to step up my exercise plan this week and try to do more than only walking, but I still have a removable cast on my left hand, so I can't really lift or grasp weights with that hand. I'm looking at this being the case until I have surgery at the end of the month. Another question - I look at some people who have lost 50-60 lbs. or even 100 lbs in a short period of time and I'm wondering how you loose at that level and still get fills? I consider my weight loss to be at a snails pace, but according to Elizabeth, if I loose at least 4 more pounts by 5/20, then I don't get a fill. So how do you loose but still get filled? I'm confused!

Nice to meet you Bagweaver! Glad you found us! Nip, again, congrats on your huge accomplishment. That is just amazing what you have accomplished in 6 months. I feel like a slacker!