Cheri

Mine fit my thumb now!! I'm going to wait til I get to goal to get them resized. I had to resize them because of my weight gain, so I will probably have to get the stones reset instead!!! KInda cool thought, a new band for a new me!!!! ~cheri

I was banded 12/5/05. I've lost around 50 lbs, give or take depending on the day, hour, etc!!! I've had 4 fills so far, small increments to keep from overfilling. I don't think it's painful, I get the numbing shot so it seems just a bit uncomfortable, but not painful... Lately, I have been at a brick wall...the same seven pounds off and on, off and on. You will hit plateaus like you did if you dieted before the band. The good thing is that you have this wonderful tool to help you conquer those plateaus!!! I eat a fraction of what I did before, but some days are still a battle from sun up til late into the night!! Right now, my biggest nemesis is liquid calories - milkshakes and sugary drinks (I can't turn away from homemade lemonade!!) I am trying very hard to overcome them...so it's one moment at a time for me!! Let me know how it goes! ~cheri

BOOO HOOOO HOOOOO!!! I am SOOOOOO frustrated! I have really worked hard, guzzled tons of water, goten tons more exercise than usual (albeit recreational at best)!!!! What is up with this body? I have gained back the three pounds I lost last week, along with a couple of inches!! I would love to say it's PMS stuff, but I would have to be PMSing every week in order for that to be true (Hmmmmmm????) Well, Please have a pity party for me, then figure which part of my butt needs kicked, and commence the kicking!!! BTW - I am going on a 24-hr fast to maybe rid my body (and mind) of whatever it is that is hindering me. Join me if you like!!! ~cheri (my signature might say 214, but today it's 217 AGAIN....)

Hi, hottie! First of all, CONGRATS!! Keeping a positive mindset is the best key to success, and you truly seem to have that going for you!! As for the fills, I am not sure where Albany is, but I am sure there are docs in Atlanta (I believe there are clinics in Decatur? and Marietta?) I know there are docs in Birmingham, AL if you would want to drive that far!!! Good luck, you'll find a "filler" in no time with a little research!! Congrats! ~cheri

Boy, I am sick of not losing! Got down to 212 in May, been between 214-221 ever since! I know it is my own fault because of poor food choices and lack of sufficient exercise, but I can think of a million excuses why I haven't been doing the right thing! What do I do to find that initial motivation..? I am right back to the mindset I had before surgery - I'll do good today, but then by lunch I've gone and screwed up again!!!!! Well, nothing else to do but try, try again... New measurements as of July 15th Weight - 215 (-51.5/surgery) Neck - 15.25 (-1.25/Jan.7) Upper chest - 42.75 Chest - (no bra, largest area)- 45.5 (-4.5/Feb.27) Rib cage - 39.75 Waist 1 - (big pooch #1)- 44.75 Waist 2 - (at navel) - 43 (-3.5/Jan.7) Waist 3 - (pooch #2) - 46 Hips - 44.25 (-4.75/Jan.7) Thigh - 25 (-2/Feb.27) Calf - 16.75 (-1.25/Feb.27) Upper Arm - 12.75 (-1.75/Feb.27) Wrist - 6.75 (-.75/Feb.27) Pounds lost - 51.5 Recorded inches lost - (-19.75) (forgot to measure prior to surgery!!!) 12/5/05 - Dr. Les Miles - B'Ham, AL Filled to 2.5/10cc Inamed Band Goals 1,2, & 3 - priceless!! 4th mini-goal - oh, well...win some,lose some 5th mini-goal - no weight gain this month? Labor Day Goal Life Goal: 150 (maybe)

Sometimes... I do much, much, much better when I count calories. Cheating is no fun when you have to account for it!!!! At least stay aware of what you are taking in. You weight loss will slow down (and even stop) from time to time...that's your body's way of adjusting. Not necessarily your fault - although, in my case, it has been!! ~cheri

Come toward the light(er side), Cloe!!!!!

Thank you for this...alas, I might be a touch too tight after all!! Guess I'll call the doc on Monday!!

I don't panic...I do STRESS OUT though! I get all upset (especially at restaurants), and kind of lose control, you know, maybe it is a little panicky! I know the food is in my esophagus, but it does cause your adrenaline to pump and the blood pressure skyrockets for that instant!!! Believe it or not, I have learned to take a drink when I'm stuck and then run for the bathroom - especially when I know it isn't ever going to pass!!! Something about adding liquid really causes things to happen!!hehe I've never actually thrown up in the old-fashioned sense, it all comes from my pouch and esophagus! Has anyone out there actually gotten sick (stomach virus or otherwise?) I am curious as to what happens to the band... ~cheri

Hey Kathy! I tried fitday.com and couldn't navigate around easily, so I switched to sparkpeople.com and I LOVE it!!! You can customize foods, add new ones, track everything under the sun, and they even have support groups right on site!!! Check it out and let me know what you think! ~cheri

I have a PB at almost every meal. You'd think I would have learned to slow down and chew, chew, chew by now!!!!!! I live with a pack of wolves (or so you'd think if you saw my family eat), so it is very hard to eat slow! I have to keep up with my kids, you know! The funniest thing is hearing my 4 year old tell me he's "stuck"! I will stop eating, put the napkin to my mouth, and just close my eyes. He says, "are you stuck? Me too, mommy" - like he even know what it means!!!...but it is cute!

Hey! Didn't see this thread. Please let me join!!! I am 215 today, so I need to get to at least 204 by August 5th? Well, I'll give it a try!!! ~cheri

Boy, I am sick of not losing! Got down to 212 in May, been between 214-221 ever since! I know it is my own fault because of poor food choices and lack of sufficient exercise, but I can think of a million excuses why I haven't been doing the right thing! What do I do to find that initial motivation..? I am right back to the mindset I had before surgery - I'll do good today, but then by lunch I've gone and screwed up again!!!!! Well, nothing else to do but try, try again... New measurements as of July 15th Weight - 215 (-51.5/surgery) Neck - 15.25 (-1.25/Jan.7) Upper chest - 42.75 Chest - (no bra, largest area)- 45.5 (-4.5/Feb.27) Rib cage - 39.75 Waist 1 - (big pooch #1)- 44.75 Waist 2 - (at navel) - 43 (-3.5/Jan.7) Waist 3 - (pooch #2) - 46 Hips - 44.25 (-4.75/Jan.7) Thigh - 25 (-2/Feb.27) Calf - 16.75 (-1.25/Feb.27) Upper Arm - 12.75 (-1.75/Feb.27) Wrist - 6.75 (-.75/Feb.27) Pounds lost - 51.5 Recorded inches lost - (-19.75) (forgot to measure prior to surgery!!!) 12/5/05 - Dr. Les Miles - B'Ham, AL Filled to 2.5/10cc Inamed Band Goals 1,2, & 3 - priceless!! 4th mini-goal - oh, well...win some,lose some 5th mini-goal - no weight gain this month? Labor Day Goal Life Goal: 150 (maybe)

Sounds like a good role for Sam Elliott or Tommy Chong!! I would have to say my husband would be played by Mike Myers (do I even need to explain?!) I don't know who would play me...maybe Rosie, only without the lesbian thing? hehe Actually, I have been told that I look like a FAT Jamie Lee Curtis...is that supposed to be a compliment?? Paul, your picture is way small, but you look like a movie star in it, so I guess you would play yourself!!!

I agree with the heat and ice, my doc suggested alternating them... I also had one of those vibrating pillows to hug on, and it helped (or maybe it just took my mind off of the pain!!!) hehehehe Try to take your mind off of it, and it will pass quicker (please don't read my archives after this-I was the biggest baby from day 3 on!!!) Oh, and don't try to lull yourself by going off liquids too fast, it does more harm than good, believe me, I know! (now you can read my archives-hehehe) Congrats on taking a super step toward a healthier you, Funny! You will do great! You'll be sleeping again soon...if not, I can recommend some videos or novels that will surely bore you to sleep!! Chin up! ~cheri

What about Forrest Gump? I think that movie was probably the best in every way. It deals with so many issues and so many trials, all wrapped up in a package of simpleness and sincerity!!! Now, where's that DVD? Man, I am a movie lover - I have seen sooo many and repeat the ones I like over and over...it drives my hubby MAD!!! BTW, I have a bunch of movies to add to my ever-growning Netflix Queue...thanks bunches! ~cheri

Thanks Jan!!!! I will definitely try them (I'm not big on orange, so maybe not that one - hehehe) I really wish I wouldn't have started mucking up, because it sure is hard to stop!!! I was doing great yesterday...protein shake, almonds for snack, grilled chicken and salad for lunch, then WHAM! I find my car driving itself into our local donut shop!!! Dad gum car! ~cheri

Okay, it is soooo time for me to get involved again! This summer has been a whirlwind for me...I started the summer at 212, went all the way back up to 220, and now I'm stabilized at 214. I have been living off of milkshakes (no, not the healthy, Protein kind...more like the Dairy Queen kind!) I have been travelling loads, so I have found that shakes fill me up without the fear of being stuck or PBing while on the road. That's plausible, but the problem is that now I've caught the sweets bug and can't seem to shake it! HELP HELP HELP!!! ~cheri (H-276/S-266/C-214/G-160) PLease update me when you get the chance!!

Sign me up! Same as last time, only I guess I'll be a secret stiffie this time! hehehe ~cheri

Thanks, Beautifultina! I love my gift...once again, I was out of town when it arrived (dad gum it!!) My hubby opened for me while we were on the phone - I was SOO bummed that I didn't get to use the pitcher and goodies for the holiday... I guess I'll just have to get some daquiri mix and have a post-4th bash (I've still got some fireworks left!!) By the way, the kaychain was a great idea! From now on, I am going to send something from my area with my gifts!!! Thanks again! ~cheri

Thanks! My wrap is adorable, but I'm afraid my daughtre is trying to claim it as her own!!!! I can't knit to save my life, I'm a leftie and everything seems to turn out backwards - I can't even cross-stitch!! Oh, and WELCOME to Bandland!!!! ~cheri

Josette~ Look for a message from me! ~cheri

Why, thanks!!!! You've just made my day/week/month!!! Let me know if you'd like one!!! ~cheri

Josette, I am sooo glad you like it! I'm even more glad that it arrived before the 4th!!!! You can get all of those take-it packets from your dear old walmart, they have lots more flavors, but those are my favorites! If you'd like a tote for another holiday, let me know and I'll put you one together (but I'll get it there long before the actual holiday this time!!) Happy Fourth, dear!!! :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: One Nation...Under God

Hello to my secret sam! I am sorry I haven't gotten on here to Thank You!! I have finally gotten back into town and into the swing of things, and now I'm heading out again...whoever said summer was time for lazy days really needs a reality check!!! Anyway, my kids helped me open it, and lost the note for me...I can't remember who it came from!!! I loved the homemade scarf (my gifts are homemade too), and I have used and used the pampering products!!!! Great gift and a sweet note!!!! Please let me know who you are so I can thank you properly!!!!! ~cheri PS. If any of you are waiting on your gift, I just sent mine out yesterday. I am apologizing and apologizing for the timing, but I won't bother you with my sad, sad summer tales!!! I just hope you enjoy them!!!!