Kimbo

It varies, the last few mornings its been cottage cheese, but for several days before that it was a bowl of fresh fruit. I also enjoy my protein shakes or if I tight a bowl of soup is great. Kim

Until I had my last fill, I was able to glup down the water, but now its little sips & it has made it super hard to get down the 100ozs I was doing daily, now I'm luck to get half that. Kim

5'3" My goal seems to change daily. My dream weight would be 135, but I think its going to take some major plastics to get there, so I'll be happy at 145. 3 more lbs & I will be in 0nderland, but because I'm so short I'm still a size 18.

c-202, -90lbs total, -2lbs this week

I was banded on Friday, & went back to work the following Monday (11 days). It really was more than I needed. I am a hair stylist so I was affraid to push myself to soon, but I was ready to go back after a week & driving on the 5th day. I had my gallbladder removed & a hernia repaired this past Thursday & I will be returning to work on Wednesday. This is day 5 & I feel great. With both proceedures I was off the pain meds after day 2. Good luck to you, it will be a breeze. You will be sore, so be good to yourself & only do what you feel comfortable doing. You are the only one that really knows. Kim

I just ran across this thread & I felt so connected to all of you. I was a fat child with 2 beautiful, thin younger sisters. Every time I turned around my mom was putting me on a diet, sending me to weight watchers or to the track at school to run of the meal I just ate. Since I was always over weight, guys never looked at me, my sisters always had lots of dates & boyfriends, & I would sneak off to the pantry to devior a bag of chips, I was sad & in denial, there was nothing wrong with me. As I was growing up I never thought I looked that bad, I was a lifeguard for 3 years, was a officer in the band, tried for twiller 2 times, (we all know why that didn't happen, even though I was pretty good), had a great group of friends, but when it came to boy stuff I was always left out. I got married to the most amazing man when I was 21. We have been married for 24 yrs. & we have 2 wonderful sons. He has always seen past the outer me. I have been in total deniel my whole life, even when my knees began to break down, swellingin my calves become so painful I could not stand to be touched & then 2 days before my 40th birthday I was dignoised a type 2 dibetic. I hated dieting because I love food. I felt deprived when I was a kid & I felt the same now. I tried several diets over the years, & I loved it when the weight lose was noticeable but not enough to keep going or maintain the lose. This time is different. I'm loving how I look & feel. I had not bought clothes in years. I avoid social situations when ever possible, which was not easy with my husband's job. My business was really starting to suffer, I'm a good hair stylist speciallizing in color, but I was losing clients like crazy. Now I'm 88lbs down, & at 204lbs I taking my life back. I'm wearing size 18s, wearing eye make up & ear rings again, & my husband & I went to a concert, something I have not done in 20 years. I love this new me, I enjoy the compliments & even the shocked looks from people that have not seen me in a while. I still have a long way to go but I am so excited about the future. I can now see myself growing old with my wonderfu man. LIFE IS NOW GOOD!

I'M HERE! PLEASE DON'T KICK ME OFF! I have been sitting on a major platau for weeks, but have finally got moving again. Got a fill the middle of May so I have great restriction (9cc in a 10cc band). Not able to drink fluids as easy as before the fill, so I don't seem to be getting in as much as I use to. Been dealing with some aches & pain for the last few weeks, so after a trip to the ER a couple of weeks ago, I had my gallbladder removed & a painful hernia repaired on Thurs. On Wed I was down 3 lbs for the week, but on Fri I was up 4 from the swelling from the surgery. Feeling pretty good, gave up the pain meds today, don't like them to much because they make me itch. Well ya'll I'm 12lbs from my my personal goal of 100lbs down by my knee revision surgery of the 27th. 88lbs in nothing to compain about, but it's really important to me to get as close as possible. With no excerise for the next 10 days it going to make it tough. Even though I have not been posting I have been keeping up wth everyone, I am so proud of all of you. This journey can be tough sometimes & the support we share here makes it so much easier to get over the bumps. Take care & be kind to yourselves, Kim c204, -3 for the week, 88 total

I just bought a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara in burgandy today. Had planned to go with a moderate one, but decided to go all the way, leather, sunroof, running boards & heated seats. It is beautiful & the XM radio is fantastic. I feel like a princess! Kim

P'nut, congrates on the new experiences. I to have seen the wonders of the band. -gave up the horrible cane that I have been forced to use for the last 2 & 1/2 years. -seating in a booth at a resturant -not crowding the person next to me at the movies -teaching my deep water arobics class that 7 months ago I could not do most of the moves -my surgars are down to 81 & I start tomarrow taking 1/2 a 4mg pill a day - going from a size 32 to an 18 Life is good & each day get better. Kim

If we were not expecting a bad storm any minute I would be out the door right now. Boy do I miss soda! I will for sure hit the Walmart right after work tomarrow. Thanks for the great news,Kim

O, I definately went on a food fest for the entire summer last year before I was banded in Oct. There are several things I really miss now, but I do not feel deprived because I can still enjoy a lot of things that you would not have on a standard diet, this tool teaches you how to eat in moderation, have the things you love, & be satisfied. I sure do miss pizza, great sandwiches & Diet Coke. O well, losing 80lbs is worth it. Good luck, Kim

Thanks so much Funny, I will check out the website. I would not be able to sleep either. July 7th is SO FAR! I'm such a little kid! Are they doing your belly button too? I know if I didn't have this discusting skirt I would be a size 12 instead of an 18. I am so jealous lol! Kim

Funny, I an so excited for you! I would give my eye teeth to have my skirt removed right now, but that is not possible since I just bought a new SUV today (my explorer got totaled 5 weeks ago). I would love to hear the details. Who is your surgeon, where in Mexico will it be done, cost? Will you meet with the surgeon before the big day? Where will you recover the 1st few days? Will you have your band done in Mexico also? I am so nosy! It's just so wonderful for you. Congrats, Kim

Ok, this something that I have been curious about & I have been meaning to bring it up for a while. P'nut, why can't you get the award in the challange. Yes it was your idea, but if you are working just as hard as everyone else, you should have the just as much of a chance to win as all of us. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way. This challange is a great idea, & it is helping me stay on track & be accountable. Thanks so much. Kim

Gone for Good Club Spring Challenge Score Card Points earned for Rule 1 For each day that you drink a minimum of 64oz of Water, you earn 1 point. You may earn a bonus of 5 points for a perfect month. 4-26_1_ 4-27_1_ 4-28_1_ 4-29_1_ 4-30_1_ 5-01_1_ 5-02_1_ 5-03_1 Week's Total_8_ 5-04_1_ 5-05_1_ 5-06_1_ 5-07_1_ 5-08_1_ 5-09_1_ 5-10_1_ Week's Total_7_ 5-11_1_ 5-12_1_ 5-13_1_ 5-14_0_ 5-15_1_ 5-16_1_ 5-17_1_ Week's Total_6_ 5-18_1_ 5-19_1_ 5-20_0_ 5-21_0_ 5-22_____5-23_____5-24_____Week's Total_____ 5-25_____5-26_____5-27_____5-28_____5-29_____5-30_____5-31_____Week's Total_____ Bonus earned_____Grand Total_______ Points earned for Rule 2 For each day that you exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes, you earn 2 points. You may earn a bonus of 5 points for a perfect month. 4-26_2_ 4-27_2_ 4-28_2_ 4-29_0_ 4-30_0_ 5-01_2_ 5-02_0_ 5-03_2_ Week's Total_10_ 5-04_2_ 5-05_2_ 5-06_0_ 5-07_0_ 5-08_2_ 5-09_0_ 5-10_2_ Week's Total_8_ 5-11_2_ 5-12_2_ 5-13_0_ 5-14_0_5-15_2_ 5-16_2_ 5-17_2_ Week's Total_10_ 5-18_2_ 5-19_2_ 5-20_0_ 5-21_0_ 5-22_____5-23_____5-24_____Week's Total_____ 5-25_____5-26_____5-27_____5-28_____5-29_____5-30_____5-31_____Week's Total_____ Bonus earned_____Grand Total_______ Points earned for Rule 3 For each day that you do not eat foods that contain flour or sugar, you earn 3 points. (sugar substitutes are allowed) You may earn a bonus of 5 points for a perfect month. 4-26_0_ 4-27_0_ 4-28_0_ 4-29_0_ 4-30_0_ 5-01_0_ 5-02_3_ 5-03_0_ Week's Total_3_ 5-04_0_ 5-05_0_ 5-06_0_ 5-07_0_ 5-08_0_ 5-09_0_ 5-10_3_ Week's Total_3_ 5-11_0_ 5-12_0_ 5-13_0_ 5-14_0_ 5-15_3_ 5-16_3_ 5-17_3_ Week's Total_9_ 5-18_3_ 5-19_0_ 5-20_3_5-21_3_5-22_____5-23_____5-24_____Week's Total_____ 5-25_____5-26_____5-27_____5-28_____5-29_____5-30_____5-31_____Week's Total_____ Bonus earned_____Grand Total_______ Points earned for Weight loss For each pound that you lose during the challenge, you earn 1 point Beginning weight 4-26: 212.5 Weigh-in weight 5-3: 212.5 Weigh-in weight 5-10: 212.5 Weigh-in weight 5-17: 212.5 Weigh-in weight 5-24: Ending weight 5-31: Total lost during challenge: Total points earned for Rule 1: Total points earned for Rule 2: Total points earned for Rule 3: Total points earned for weight loss: Total Challenge points earned:

c-212.5, 79.5 total loss, 5 lbs this week wahoo! Count me in on the challenge. Water & exercise I got down, but the flour & sugar my be my down fall. The breakfast bar that I have on the way to the gym in the mornings has a little sugar, so now I need to find something new to have on the run. By the way everyone looks fantastic, everyone's progress is so amazing. I usually shy away from the camera but when I start to look as good as all of ya'll, I just might have a picture taken just to post. The last picture I had taken was 3 weeks before surgery at 292 & it is really scary! Kim

c-217.5 (total loss-74.5, 1.5 this week) Went in Monday for my 6th fill. Dr decided I was losing at a great rate, 12lbs in 5 weeks, so he wants to wait a month before we fill again. I'm at 8cc in a 10cc band. I was cool with it as long as I reach my goal to be down 100lbs by the time I have my knee replacement redone on 6/27. It is really important to me to get there. I definately think the challange will really help me. Great idea Susan. Everyone is doing so wonderful. I was telling a friend that it is really fantastic to be sharing this journey with folks that understand the struggles we have experienced & that this a lifetime fight that we are all determined to win. Great job everyone. Kim

C219 (72 lbs total, -2 this week) After fighting 4 lbs fluid gain all last week, I was real excited that I lost anything this week. That 3 hours of hard work in the flower beds of Sunday paid off. Good job everyone. Have a great Easter. Kim

I wrote about this a few weeks ago. I am 20 years older than you, but have been very regular, on time, & have not missed my period since I had my boys 23 & 19 years ago. I was banded in Oct. 05 & everything was going along as usual & in Jan. my hair started falling out. In Feb I missed my period & I set on a plateu for 3 weeks. Come March my hair was coming out by the fist full & still no period. Talked to a friend who is a Dr specializing in Hormones & menopause. She ordered several test through my reg Dr. (Hormone levels, menopause & throid). Everything came back normal, so both Docs felt that the fast weight lose (70lbs in 5mos) caused the estrogen to drop & the testosterone to rise causing the lose of hair & period. They sent me to my Gyno to be on the safe side. She agreed with the other 2 Docs but give me meds. to induce my period if it does not come after 3mons. 2weeks later it did come, & it was so heavy on the 3rd day I contacted my Gyno because I thought I was bleeding to death. She wanted me to go into the ER if it didn't slow down by the 4th day. Fortunately it was normal for the next 3 days & then it just stopped. So far the hair lose is still above normal but it is better. It really freeked me out but I can handle it as long I get to where I want to be. You may want to visit with your Dr to be on the safe side everyone's body is different. Good luck to you. Sharing info & experiences really does help us get through the tough & strange times. Kim

Glad to help, remember that is what we are here for. Good luck with school. I still love doing hair after 24 years.

I am also a hairstylist, but not in a regular salon but a gallery of 75 private suites. I have been so determained to make this work for me that I have told everyone, family, friends, & yes clients. I think telling everyone has helped keep me on track. As soon as a client who has not seen me in 5 or 6 weeks, walks in they as amazed at the changes in me. They compliment me on how fantastic I look & want to know how much weight I have lost, which I proudly tell them. I'm 45 & over my lifetime have tried more diets to count & most of the time I have not share my diets, I guess because in the back of my mind I honestly felt I would fail. But not this time. I have lost more weight than I ever have. I weight less than my sons have ever seen me (they are 23 & 19). Everyone is so proud of me & I am proud of my self. To tell people is a personal decission. You have to do what works for you. This has been what works for me. People in this world can be rude & flat out mean, but I am really luck in that all those around me truely care & want me to succeed. Good luck to you on your journey, Beauty School really sucks & usually the girls you are going through it with are kids. Chin up it will be over soon. Kim Banded 10/14/05 (5 1/2 months) 71.5 lbs down

Well said Pnut! I have been a member of LBT for several months, mostly watching, throwing in my two cents every once in a while. This club is great, the 1st place I go when I sign on. It has really helped keep me on track. Thanks every on. By the way Pnut, on the tallies at the start of the thread, it shows I'm currently 2231lbs! If you could fix that I would be most greatful. Kim

Welcome Mermoore, I am in Austin & have been banded for 5 months, it hard work ,but it's the best thing I could have done. Congrates to you & best of luck. Remember we are always here. Kim

I went to the seminar on Tuesday night for folks interested in WLS. The young guy who was there as an RNY patient had had surgery 5 weeks after me ( I'm 5 months out & he is 4). I have lost 71.5 lbs & he has lost 120 lbs. He looked great, but had just gotten out of the hospital 1 week ago because scar tissue from his surgery had restricted his colon & they had to do emergency surgery to save his life. At that seminar that night, most everyone there was interested in the RNY, mostly because its quick. I will be honest that is a major apply. Your body will not let you eat sugar or fat, & the things you do eat will be leaving you body almost as fast as you put it in. BUT, the biggest thing that concerned everyone there was the mortality rate, everyone seemed to know someone who had died or had had major complications. I admit that is what made me chose the band, I am just flat out scared of the unknown. Not just what could happen now but 10 20 years down the road. I losing weight to lenthen my life, not add to the complications I already have. I work hard everyday to lose this weight, & I will have to work hard everyday for the rest of my life to keep it off. Because all of us are addicits, we will always struggle. Everyone has their own reason for the choose they have made, but neither path is easy, but success is possible in both. Kim

Hi ya'll, Sorry I'm late posting, I have run late alot lately. Had a tough week with swelling. On Sunday I was up 13 lbs, thats a lot of water! I take a water pill daily, but it took days to go away, as of yesterday I was still up 2 lbs. I was so bummed, so I desided to weight this morning & I had lost that 2 plus 1.5 more. Thank goodness, I had been really good for the most part, even with 2 parties last weekend with tons of great food, but I do admit I really have a problem with salt, it what I love & crave & I pay for it every time. Have a great weekend everyone, TGIFriday! Kim c-221.5/-1.5