Great2BThin

Welcome Addy!! You were banded one day after me and on the same day as CathyChatts on here. What an awesome 6 mos it's been, I look forward to what this year and my band anniversary date will bring. I have not heard of gas pains lasting this long, but am not sure. I never had them so wouldn't know. As to what I eat. I eat about 1/2 cup portions, protein first. Breakfast is typically egg beaters and 2 slices precooked bacon. Lunch is some sort of chicken and once a week that is a 6 pc mcnugget at McD's as those are my favorite fast food. Dinner is 4 oz or so of meat and a small amount of veggie. Snacks vary but try to keep them to some type of protein for at least one of the snacks. I have not tracked calories in a few months but was averaging about 800. Some days would go up to 1000 or so. Hope that helps. I have had 7 fills, it took me lots of fills to feel consistent restriction.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! Hope everyone is feeling well this morning!! :Yawn::thumbup: No partying here. DH & I went out to Red Lobster for dinner. I was going to cook lobster or crab but it was so expensive we went out for the same price. We came home and worked on taking down Christmas decorations. We usually take them down on New Year's day but he is going goose hunting today. I just love putting the stuff up and just hate taking it down. Guess I don't want to admit that the holidays are over. It's my favorite time of year and a lot of years I would get really down afterwards, though that's not the case this year. We also played some cards and watched the ball drop at 10pm on Fox News and pretended it was our midnight and not just the east coast's and went to bed. I did some reflecting as my resolution has been to lose 100 lbs for many many years. I ended 2008 90 lbs thinner. Much happier and healthier. For 2009 I want to continue on to my goal which is 40 lbs more give or take 10 either way, not exactly sure. That sounds way less overwhelming than 100+!!! I am hoping I can reach goal by my bday in May or surgery anniversary date in June. But if I don't that's okay too, I know I will be this time next year.

That's the one I got! I swear you are my much younger twin! I got the XL too. Really wanted the L but then realized i was getting too hung up on sizes and the XL was just more comfortable and longer in the arms. I think I've worn it every day since! My party tonight just got cancelled, so now I have no plans so might go get some lobster and ring in the New Year nice and quiet at home.

WooHoo! Congrats Christine. Unless I am missing someone, you might be the first one to 100 lbs lost for the May's. Congrats! I hope to follow you real soon. I am at 90 (was 91 but gained some over Christmas). My surgery was originally May 29th but got delayed til June 5th. I seem to lose the same way. Nothing for weeks and then it's rapid losses for a few days, then I seem to rest again. Think my body wants to hang on to the fat as long as it can and then just releases some. :wink2:

And the same to you too!! Isn't it wonderful to be facing this New Year's without making that same resolution to lose 100 lbs? I mean I do still have weight to lose, but it won't be 100 lbs more like 40 or so and it won't be like 'to begin a healthy lifestyle' or 'to get serious about losing weight'. Instead it would be more on line with 'to continue what I've started'. So refreshing!

Hey Strike, I just had to post and tell you that I did find a nice sales person at Victoria's. I even got fitted. I am a 38 D now (was a 42DD) so that is cool! That's what I guessed and measured myself as so guess I knew what I was doing. Anyway I found one of those Ipex bras on the sale table in their 'semi annual sale' and I got one! Nice!! At first I wasn't so sure as I've never gotten anything with any kind of padding, thinkin I was big enough already. I may try another Victorias closer to my house and see if they have any on their sale tables as well. So thanks for mentioning it!

Hey Reporter, Welcome!! Not sure what gave you the impression that no one has posted here for over a year but this is a very active forum. This thread alone is on over 300 pages. Welcome, we look forward to getting to know you. I enjoy having this place to come to for support from others who are in the same stage of life as I am. We have some unique issues and usually no matter what can find someone here with excellent advice and support. Congrats on your loss so far!

Sorry to hear of your loss. Goodness there's been a lot on here lately. I know when my Grandma's siblings all passed away she took it really hard. She is the oldest of 4 and they are all gone but her. She will be 100 in May. She said she thinks God forgot her. Luckily she's in great health and sound mind. In fact she may be coming to Colorado for her 100th and may move here, my sisters and i are checking out an assisted living place tomorrow.

Bonnie, don't you eat lunch? I take it that the yogurt was for Breakfast or in the morning, an dthen you said you were having a cheese stick and fruit in the afternon. I think you need more for lunch, especially in the form of hard Protein. That will also help you not get so hungry before dinner, especially if dinner is that late. I like to eat about 5 or 6 too and it throws me off if we have to eat late for some reason. Welcome, by the way!!

Welcome back Katy and Elayne, good to have you posting again! I am about ready to leave for work. I work later this week, until Friday that is, as we are closed for cleaning and maintainance. Hopefully we'll finish today and are off til Friday when we start opening at 530am! YAWN. Scale dropped a couple of my pounds of gain this morning, still have 1 1/2 or 2 to go. I think I actually gained about 4 or 5. UGH!!!

Orea, just checking up on you, did you start that exercise?? Let's see my 2009 goals will be: -to continue with the healthy eating and exercise -adding either more exercise or more intensity to what I do -reach 100 lbs lost hopefully by Valentines Day -and would love to reach my goal by June 5th as that would be my band anniversary

Does that mean I get to be a double friend since I am a June 2008 and a 50??? I will post my 2009 goals soon, been thinking on this one. But I know one thing. I will not have a resolution to lose 100 lbs this year! It may be to hit 100 lost (10 more) but I can't lose 100 more!!

Is there a new challenge set up yet, since this one ends in a couple days?? I made this one by 1 pound, and want to think of my next goal. For sure it is to hit 100 lbs lost (5 more) and then Onderland (15 more).

Thankfully, my, ummm - issues in that department are much better. Now I don't know if it was the increased Water, the Miralax or trying to eat a little more Fiber. But it's such a relief (literally) to feel like a normal person in that regard. Regarding your question about posting what to eat daily, I believe there is a thread on here some place that folks do just that. I seem to remember reading it at one time. I get in a rut and eat the same things. I was measuring and recording what I ate a lot but have gotten away from it. thinking maybe I should get in the habit for a bit anyway to make sure my 'guesstimates' haven't grown. That's what I'm thinking. Plus my bday is right about the same time so should just do it up big. Especially now that we found out hubby's job is going to be okay!!! I'll even forgo the diamond studs. Just got home from some more shopping. Went clear across town to the Ann Taylor store that my daughter and her boyfriend bought my gift cards at. The $50 one came up as a zero balance when I tried to use it the day after Christmas. Luckily DBF kept the receipt and I went to the store he bought it at and even got the same clerk. They ended up recrediting the card for $50. I am so relieved. At first they way they were acting I thought they weren't. I told hubby to get ready to make stink. Then I looked around at some stuff. Saw a tank top I really liked but it was on clearance for $20 still. And I wasn't sure I liked seeing my arms. Not so much the bat wings as it is that roll between my arm pit and top of boob and bra. So I am saving the gift card to use in the spring. Hopefully no more problems using it, that is unless I find a great deal! DD and I are going shopping tomorrow afternoon.

Very wise words Orea! Sometimes I feel it is worth it, but after I've done it, it never was. So now I've allowed myself one bite. Usually that's all I want. Besides they say that you really don't taste much after the first bite or two so I savor that bite, if I do indulge. That's most of the time, I do have my lapses, like on Christmas and Christmas eve. :hurray:

Apples, sorry to hear about the arm. sorry about the font yesterday. Once in awhile I go to change it and the screen goes away and then it's stuck and I can't unchange it. I didn't mean to hit that big and every time I'd shut the window to go back and try again there it was! When you are in FL will you have internet access?? Our trip, if we go, will probably be last minute. now with working, not sure about time off. I am afraid to ask so close to just having started. Plus I need lots of time this spring, I will be going to FL in May probably so am leaning towards not going, but will let you know if I do. My grandma turns 100 on May 1st. Also, Dh & I are cruising sometime, some place in the spring. We fly standby with his job at the airlines and also get deals on cruises, generally more last minute. Speaking of cruises, hubby is a tad bit worried. About 2 or 3 yrs ago he told me if I ever lost 100 lbs. he would take me on a European cruise and he would even go to Paris (he hates the thought of Paris though he's never been there for some reason). I was always going on about needing to lose 100 lbs and being very down on myself about it when he made that deal. Well I have 9 more to go (that was before my holiday gain though). So I've been watching some deals. And it's our 30th anniversary in April so that would be a good time to go. I can lose 9 by then! It's cold here too. I did get a nice warm sweater (Columbia) at Bass Pro Shops yesterday on clearance for $14 down from $100. Not too shabby! Today I was at Kohls and they had a 90% off rack of summer stuff. I was so tempted but have no idea of sizing by then. Seems to be lots of bargains out there.

Good morning. Oh do I ache this morning. My rec center (gym) closes down each year from Christmas to New Years for cleaning and maintainance. We reopen on Jan 2nd. Well since I now work there, guess who does all that cleaning and maintainance? We do! So I still go a workout. My job yesterday was windows. Some are very high up. So my legs got a stair (ladder) stepper workout. Up the ladder, wash a window, down the ladder, move it, back up for the next window, you get the picture. So my legs really hurt as does my shoulder I guess from all the window washing motion. I never want to see another window! We get the weekend off and then clean Mon and Tues. The goal is to finish on Tues. then we can have Wed off and of course New Years, before we go back and get ready for the rush of New Year's resolution workouters. At that time we will open at 530.

I hope all the Junies had a Merry Christmas. I know I did. I had a little struggle with all the goodies. I am up a few pounds but am not counting them yet. I hope they come off as easy as they came on, I know some is water retention, but probably not all. I got spoiled as well. I got a new pair of Gap jeans in a 14, they are snug now but will fit soon, I got $75 in Ann Taylor gift cards, a $100 Visa gift card and $200 cash all for wardrobe shopping. I spent $25 at Ann Taylor today on a sweater, the other gift card which was $50 they showed as a zero balance so need to get the receipt to get that rectified, but will save it for spring (will rectify the gift card before then though). I also got a leather jacket today at Penney's. They were marked from $225 to $49.99 until 1pm only. Then at checkout she gave me a coupon for $10 more off. what a deal!! I am sortta set right now for clothes so am hanging on to the rest of the money for some springy clothes in a few months I think. I am a little disgusted with myself for falling of the wagon so hard the past couple of days. It scared me how easy it is to go back to old eating habits and to eat the junk food which all seems to slide right down no problem. I just grazed for 2 days it seems, no set meals and such small amounts at a time, i never felt full. Definitely ate around the band. But no more. alie, congrats on the 94 lbs!!

Hi there, Gosh this is big, every once in a while I have trouble with fonts and it won't let me change them, so please forgive the hugeness. I had a great Chrsitmas. Ate too much and am up about 4 lbs total. Some has to be water retention but I know from some of the foods I ate that it can't be all. I also seem to be getting quite loose again so will monitor it and see if I need a fill. Last night I took my sox off and I had a big ring around my ankle so I know they were puffy. I got Ann Taylor gift cards for a total of $75, a Visa gift card for $100 and $200 cash for clothes, from hubby, kids and others. I am set!! I plan on saving some for some spring clothes. Today I went bargain hunting. My biggest bargain was a leather jacket at Penney's. They were marked from $225 to $49.99 until 1pm today. I had to work til 1030 so was worried they wouldnt' have any left. They did, and then when I checked out she asked if I had the coupon for $10 more off, I didn't but she gave it to me anyway so got it for $39.99!!! I got to Ann Taylor and tried to use one of the gift cards and they said it had 0 value. My daughter is upset but luckily still has the receipt so once she can get it to me, I hope to be able to get that rectified. I did get a sweater there. We had Christmas eve here and Christmas day at my inlaws. I took all the left over goodies there in zip loc bags and left them, so thehouse is almost purged of all the bad slider foods that I nibble on way too much if they are around. Hope you all had a great Christmas! I was just thinking, this is going to be the first New Years in like forever, that my resolution won't be to lose 100 lbs!! WOO HOO!!

Actually I've only taken it for 2 days but am finding it to be very mild and gentle. Much better than the constipation or any other thing I have tried. Hope it continues that way. As for cravings, never in my life have I craved a salad. Wish I did! I crave all the unhealthy stuff! GRRRR Well guess hubby is on his way home, YAHOO!!! The oyster stew, chili and meatballs are all cooking. Just about ready. Who knows when folks will show up tonight. INLAWS!!! That's all I'm saying. :sad:

I second that!! Congrats!!! I can't wait to get there (15 more pounds)

BlkLab, that's what has kept me on track for the most part, is I went through major freakin' surgery which I had to pay for myself as my insurance didn't cover it. So no way do I want to mess it up. However, this past week I've discovered what an emotional eater I am. I've had issues with my son (25 yrs old) and a SIL. I had Fritos in the house for the chili tonight and well I opened them and an open bag is an empty bag. They go straight through the band and I am up 3 lbs! Probably some from the salt but still. What the $#^( am I doing?? I will get through the holidays and them BAM! be back so totally on track. not that I am going to be off track persay tonight and tomorrow but will allow myself a little leeway. My daughter is bringing the Fritos for the chili tonight so they are at her house til then. Oh and I agree, not so sure about my son moving back in but if he had a dog it could!! I have 2 black lab mixes, think I told you that. Lizalee, congrats on being in your dream home! Sounds lovely. And thanks for the memories of a Wisconsin winter! I live them through you. Yeah it gets cold and snowy in CO but not like there. But I do miss the Wisconsin falls! Lynn and Socialdot, I have been struggling with constipation too. Another poster (Charlene) told me about Miralax and I've read others mention it so am giving it a try. I was taking stool softners daily and fiber tablets morning and night. Also, I'm doubling my water intake, as I think I was getting too little, I was faithful at first on my water but lately seem to be not drinking as much. Hope you get some relief :thumbup: MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!!!

Thanks Arlene. I bought the 14 day supply to see how it works, that stuff is expensive. But if it works it will be worth it. Just got home from work, got my chili in the crockpot at 5am before work and now to work on the rest and I am going to try and take a nap this morning so I can stay up later tonight and not be so tired and enjoy it. Peeked at the scale this morning, up 2.5!! YIKES!! Dang Fritos! I had them in the house for the chili, they are a major red light food for me. And something I turn to when upset, etc. We are dealing with an issue with our son (25yrs old so he's not a kid) and I opened them and have eaten a whole bag in a couple days. That's my confession. Unfortunately they go right through my band no problem at all.

Thanks, might have to check out GNC after the first of the month. I do have flax seed, just not using it like I should. I am exercising, though skipped today and probably tomorrow. I did seem a little better today. I saw that, I thought I had my threads confused. Thanks. The bottle says not to be taken more than 7 days, but you take it daily?? I know some laxatives can become habit forming in that your body gets so used to it that it can't 'go' without it anymore. Does Miralax do that? Just took my first glass and it wasn't bad at all, virtually tasteless, I really didn't beleive that it would be.

Just got home from Walmart and getting my Miralax, it looks like it is a powder (haven't opened it yet). I will give it a try. I will also up my water and be more concious just how much I am getting. As for fat, I think I am getting that in okay. I am going to go back to daily tracking on dailyplate so I can figure out what's working and what's not. I saw some new drink mixes by Kellogs in the fiber/laxative section. You mix it in a bottle of water and it has 10g of fiber in it. Am wondering if that would be worth a try as well. Thanks for all the helps for my 'problem'. I was never so miserable as I was last night and I don't want that to happen again. Everyone must be busy with holiday preparations. I am about ready. I have the kitchen set up so hubby has to take me to dinner tonight! Having issues with DSIL that always has to get her 2cents in everything. She doesn't want to host things but wants to tell everyone else what to do. DH spoke up to his mom anyway and think he got his point across. DSIL wasn't home. Am sure he'll be speaking to her tonight. I just hope there's no bad tensions or feelings tomorrow night. I did find out DH is getting me a medical ID bracelet from Lauren's Hope. He couldn't figure out how to order it and exactly what I wanted put on it so I am supposed to help him order it. Even though I had it all written out for him. LOL If I don't get back on tomorrow (though I think I will) I don't want to miss the opportunity to thank each of you for all the support you provide and wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!