Numbrgirl

That's good because my hair is already thin!! I make sure and pop the chewable vitamins everyday!!

something about the whole re-routing of the intestines just didn't fit well with my psyche.....I know they have made drastic improvements since the 90's but I have heard too many horror stories and then there is always the "gaining it back" issue. I am comfortable with the band and see such a benefit. Slow and steady wins the race.

I don't get my first fill untill next week but I have made a point to try to train myself to chew, chew, chew which is a strange feeling and difficult habit for me to put into practice............. eventually I just get tired and move on to other things...........!!

Thanks for the invite!!! Room is great ~ Unfortunately for me.....boobs are one of the first things to go!! 8-( Do you think it is fair to have a TOM when your husband has had the snip snip?? 8-)

It is difficult to get up off the couch and get started but my husband and daughter bought me a new IPOD for Mother's Day and I have loaded some sings with great beats and just make my way to the treadmill.........I can't sit down to do something beforehand or I never make it to the exercise plan. I can fill my body slowly toning up and remembering where the muscles are..........it is a good feeling. I just hate the sweat!!! (I know, I know it's good for me!!)

Such good responses!! I agree!! We must just pick ourselves up with a resolve to do better with the next choice that we must make. No sense in wallowing in the self-pity................

Every morning and once in a while right before I hop into bed for the evening. I hear some advise to do it and others advise against it - but it is something I have done all my life and have no wish to break out of it. I think it helps to keep me on track and informed about me. When I go away and there is not a scale available it is no big deal.......but once I get home it's right back on again............ 8-)

I am staying on plan because it boost my confidence and helps me get even closer to my goal!!

So encouraging to hear from a long-term banded individual!!! I totally agree with FDILJN - Your body will tell you what is best for you. It is really difficult not to get caught up in all the acceptable norms that society sets for women. I don't want to be super model thin - I want to be healthy, strong and athletic. In the past 155 has been ideal for me and this is about 10 lbs over the insurance charts. I am working to get back there and then live to maintain it.

Muscle Milk is a great source of protein. It is what I currently drink. I was just looking for something to sprinkle in other foods that don't have such a high protein count.

Thannk You!

Where do you buy the unflavored protein powder? What brand?

Yes my fill is coming up on June 10 - I keep wondering exactly what to expect - my weight loss has been fairly decent without it - I am hoping that it only enhances it - I have done my best to follow the rules even though there is presently no fill.........

Where are you in LA?

I started at 322 but I must be taller than you!! 8-) Call it loss envy!! No, I am just trying to glean as many tips and secrets I can as I pick up the pace on my journey. Considering that you are 10 lbs out do I get a handicap? Enjoying my new outlook and I can feel myself walking a bit taller and I've lost in my saddle bag area because the chairs aren't quite as snug (though still snug...) as they used to be!! It is rough for me on the knees too because of all the weight - I just started exercising again this week. Oh the sweat! and I have to wash my hair......and it takes me a long time to dry it....... and.......and........ 8-) I keep telling myself I have to do it so I can out do the "normal statistics" of 40% of excess weight......I know that 100% is possible!!

I have started to exercise again this week. My doctor told me I could start walking and doing "whatever didn't hurt". It is so difficult to exercise when you carry so much weight - the joints, knees, etc. are sore the next morning but I know from past experience that it is going to be the one thing that brings the constant, steady weight loss. When I read through all the testimonials posted on this board - whenever there is great and highly unusual success (far surpassing the quoted statistics), exercise always seems to be at the root. I was an avid runner in my 20's and have gone through exercise spurts throughout the years but I really hope that with this new outlook - I can learn to crave it again.......now if only I could figure out how to control the sweatiness and not have to wash my hair........... !! 8-)

GDF - what are you doing for exercise? Why has your scale moved 10 lbs more than mine?????!!!!!!! 8-)

I have my first fill schedule for June 10 - I often expereince the same as GDF - I get to a certain point and then I am full. I think I even experienced a real life PB moment recently at my sister's wedding while eating some fish and veggies.....Now everyone seems to say those don't come until after you are filled.......but this was a real as it gets. I started getting hot and flushed and wondered if I should run to the restroom! I took a few deep breaths, had a sip of water and thankfully, it began to subside. I can't imagine what it will be like when I have a fill!!! 8-)

Wow Webbgirl - what success!! Congrats! What are you doing right? Please share!!

Fortunately my husband was very supportive - but was a little anxious as the surgery came closer. Now after being banded for 30 days, I am so happy that I have taken this step towards a better life. I was a self-pay and each time the scale moves down, I don't mind making a payment!! My energy level is better, my mood is better and even though it hasn't been an "incredible" amount of weight yet - I can feel my self-confidence and outlook shaping up right along with me.

The one where comments are allowed and then deleted after a few days.....sorry!!

yes!!! do you know where it is?

Does anyone know where I can find the thread that is PICS ONLY - I stumbled across it once and haven't been able to find it again! This board is soooooooooo big!!! 8-)

Heather - thanks for mentioning that......... I have also given up sodas too - being a major Pepsi addict - it is nice not to have that in my life anymore........... so much better to drink Water or other non-carbonated beverages. It is definitely a lifestyle change!

You will ultimately have to decide for yourself. I think it is a wonderful opportunity and brilliant medical tool. I was banded 4/30 and am down 20lbs - I was concerned about being able have to have a glass of wine but since I have been banded I have enjoyed a glass of wine and had a very refreshing margarita over the Memorial Day holiday. Obviously alcohol can be a hindrance to weight loss so it is wise not to abuse it and too much alcohol also brings on the munchies and an "eat-with-abandon" attitude at times - but as far as being restricted it is not something that I have experienced. I just really want this weight loss and I will not allow anyone to persuade me to think or feel otherwise!!