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Great story, Julie! It can be your "lucky suit" for about three weeks until it is TOO SMALL!! I have experienced exactly the same thing. I fit into some old "skinny" clothes that I wore at 140, twenty-five pounds less than I am now. My shape is different now, but can't figure out the difference in weight. Also, on the way up, I loathed myself at this weight. Right now, even though I weigh the same as I did just before delivering ALL of my babies, I feel fit and confident. Why is that?? Bluehill, I love to read your posts! You are a very eloquent, expressive writer. Roberta, a HUGE thank you for inviting me to join this group back in September. I will always appreciate your help! Susan, keep taking care of yourself and we will still be here when you can come back.

Julie, thanks for the photo! You are GORGEOUS! WOW! Betty, the "two years" idea is from my doctor and also Dr. C. who posts on this site. I've also read in literature that the majority of the weight is gone the first year, but that there is continued weight-loss at a slower pace through year two. Supposedly, this is different from gastric bypass who lose it all very quickly. Kat, thanks for the encouragement. Don't know if I'll do anything about it. (scared)

Hey Julie, don't feel too bad about the Oreos. We all need to do that sometime. You are doing great!! Two days before my surgery I was in the H & M store on Fifth just DREAMING of the possiblity of ever trying something on. I knew I couldn't so I walked over to Saks and bought a gorgeous scarf. Maybe next time I go I can find something there to wear with my scarf! Bluehill, is "perceived stupidity" in others your ticket to intolerance? Mine is perceived laziness. Not sure how to work on that, though. Betty, it is way too soon for you to wonder about your ultimate best size. It takes two years to get to where you should be with the band. Couldn't workout for two days because of my nose injury. Wierd complications forced me to see two different surgeons and have tests that took too much time. The good news is that one of the surgeons actually specializes in facial plastic surgery, so if the bump doesn't improve I can have it "refined." Cool! Gotta run Saturday to catch up with y'all! DELTA DAWN, where are you?? Did a blizzard hit?

You need to go on liquids-only for a few days until your swelling goes down. Everytime I have had a PB, the 24-hour liquid routine has really helped. Also, aloe vera juice is healing. It is not easy to slow down and avoid the foods that get stuck.

Audree, Take a soft pillow with you to the Lucerna. The beds there are hard as rocks! (It's not really a 5 star hotel) Also, order the chicken broth and jello post-surgery...it is yummy! Good luck!

Kat, you are hilarious! Are you sending your MIL enchiladas in retribution for the fudge?? Funny. PLEASE go to the dentist! If you have an abcess, it can be dangerous. Susan, I was worried about you so I'm glad you checked in. There's just nothing that helps that kind of pain. So sorry! Julie, I definitely need that book. I've always been described as "so sweet" but underneath it is just a driving necessity to please, and never make a mistake. Overeating for me has been a type of punishment for any inferred rejection or failure. Oh, and in case anyone wonders, I'm in my 40's, (but proudly am accused of being 30-something)! So Blue, I remember the hippies! Gotta go workout.

Yeah! I confess, I did that a few times post-op during the liquid phase. I also sucked on steak post-op when I was about to chew off my leg from hunger and cravings.

Kat, sorry about your jaw! I hope you don't have an infection. One of my teenage daughters is 5"4" and 135 pounds and she is tiny! The other is 5"4" and 115 lbs. and is tiny (size 0-2). They share the same clothes. Go figure! Betty, I agree that the guilt and accountability is a PERK!

Oh Julie, I definitely want one of those mini-tucks!! Can't wait to celebrate yours! You can lead the way for me to have the courage to go for it.

GREAT TOPIC!! Isn't everyone different? There is NO way that I could fit into a size 5 bottom at 136. The only benchmark that I have to try to set a goal is from my past weight. My entire teenage and adult life, my body naturally wanted to weigh 125. I'm scared to admit this, but I actually worked as a swimsuit and fitness model for several years in ads and television. Even after having my babies, my weight was down within 6 months or so. It was just part of my life, and I never knew how much positive feedback I received because of my looks. Like Julie, I had some devastating circumstances and ate myself into oblivion. (I can relate!) Every diet I tried was followed by a rapid, uncontrollable weight gain that led to self-doubt and loathing. The band is not only a tool for me to lose weight, but is also forcing me to live again. I'm starting to believe in myself again socially, instead of letting others walk over me. So my goals are a bit unsure. I definitely don't want to EVER forget where I have been. There is a compassion for this illness that I could never have realized without this experience. A year ago, I would have given anything to drop 42 pounds. Now, I want it all, great physical condition, positive attitude, outgoing and caring personality, AND ideal weight. My ultimate goal is to be in the thirties, but I may be happier in the forties or twenties...? So for now, My goal is 156 by April and 142 by the end of July. After that, I'll take it as it comes! The BIGGER goal is to continue to exercise and be active, and to confront the emotions that eat me up inside.

Go Roberta!! And Carlene, you are GORGEOUS!! I'm not 50, yet, but have hope that the fifties will be good to me if I prepare now. Your attitudes definitely inspire me!

Okay, I'll get out of bed now! :notagree Thanks for the motivation to start the year out right! NO looking back for me, yet! I am grateful, but have so much work to do. Gaining three pounds over Christmas leaves me scratching my head. The charity truck came and took ALL clothes that are big. There is no parachute for me and no turning back. It IS exciting to think of an April goal!! Hopefully, I'll have more confidence after a couple of good days. Julie, your goal is awesome, as usual. If anyone can do it, YOU can!!! What is a "mini-???" You are going to look gorgeous in St. Barts at 209! Shopping for a suit, wrap, and hat will be totally fun! Your parties sounded lovely, Bluehill! Great workout, also. Lastly, I am so proud of our group! We are supportive, yet challenge each other. Everyone is succeeding! Please keep posting now that it is the new year. Don't go away. Even if there is a down day, this is the place to share that. You are ALL to be thanked for keeping me "on track." GO 2007!!! Okay, I'm REALLY getting out of bed now...:heh:

I did exactly the same thing...hit a plateau! Getting filled to the point of feeling strangulated in the stomach is not a viable solution for me. Long-term, eating healthy of real food is what I want (instead of just Soup or Protein drinks.) Instead, I started exercising! Consistent cardio work is the only solution for me now. It cuts my appetite, drops pounds and has completely changed my body. The weight-loss is slower than I would like, but it is working! In less than four months, I have lost an additional 14 pounds and have trained to run 4-5 miles! Try walking the mall or with a friend, biking, swimming, dancing (even in private)...anything that appeals to you! I prefer to workout alone, but others like classes, trainers, friends to exercise with, DVD's. Whatever you choose, just make it consistent. Just START! The April Bandsters have an exercise challenge each month. Having to report and be accountable is great motivation. Also, there is a great support system. We are all losing!! Check it out! Good luck!!

Here's to ONEDERLAND IN 2007!!!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Yes, I am bruised. Big knob on the bridge and two black eyes. When it happened, I thought I was going to pass out, then started crying. No one was near me, (so no witness.) The swelling has gone down a lot, but the nose is crooked. The doctor has to look at it next week, after swelling is gone to see what needs to be done. I can't imagine how I would feel if it were NOT an accident! So, in that regard, I feel blessed. I saw "Dreamgirls" last night, too! I thought Jennifer Hudson ruled the show.

Thanks for the condolences! A heavy gust of wind just outside of Target was to blame. There is no way I would go after them for my nose. Oh well...maybe a tummy tuck AND a new nose for me! Gosh Julie, 26??? That is awesome and inspiring. Kat, I LOVE your poem. It is great! I still can't believe what you have been through. Good thing you had the self-esteem and strength to get out of a nightmare! Your g-babies don't have to see the jerk, do they? I am READY for January. My workouts are usually 50-90 minutes, but I'll have to be diligent to get in the 20. It is amazing that working out makes every day so much brighter. I know all about endorphins, but feeling the difference in mood alone is motivation for keeping the exercise mandatory.

I broke my nose! It hurt too bad to run the last three days, but I refuse to ask Julie for another pardon. Two more days to get in two workouts. The swelling is down so running tonight was fine. Gotta learn to stay out of those barroom brawls! :boxing: (actually, a box hit me in the nose at Target)

Hiatal hernia surgery has the same incisions. That is the best excuse. Maybe no one will ask! Don't offer an explanation unless you are forced to. Maybe wear a tank shirt.

I hit my lowest weight on Christmas Eve and then have let ALL guards down since! Eggnog and chocolate...just like Kat. I have gained three pounds in four days. I am NOT changing my signature, though! It is unbelieveable how I could go from feeling all-powerful and excited, to feeling out-of-control and depressed. The only quick fix I can come up with is to slip in a super-run tonight! But don't feel like it. This is where willpower comes in to play. (I'll let you know tomorrow who won)

Life is precious! In our worst times, we can find our best friends. You are a good friend, Kat.

SLC is the airport code for Salt Lake City in Utah. Might be in Florida in two weeks, but the trip I am dreading is Indianapolis in February. (I thought Utah was cold!) With the weight-loss I have noticed I get cold more easily. Betty: I think you will keep losing anyway. None of us are going to quit exercising. And with a healthy level of restriction, our bodies should just melt to the size that they are meant to be. Roberta: I don't think we get notices for every post. Amourette: Yeah! Julie: Families! They give us the greatest joy, but can also bring us the most stress! Congrats on passing the inquiry AND on working out through it all!! Bluehill: Happy EVERYDAY!!! Oh, SUSAN...Eficka, how are you? Keep it up, Kat! NEW YEAR COMING!!! Let's all push to the finish line of this month. DOn't wait until January.

Roberta: That is a relief to find out you were EMPTY! (Explains a lot, huh?) NOW the fun begins!! I spent two days in SLC. It was gorgeous, but way too cold for me. The only exercise I did was a brisk walk in 15 degrees to see all the lights in the downtown area. The bits of ice and snow on the ground made me too nervous to run (I know you are laughing, Dawn). BUT, last night logged 4.5 miles in a t-shirt, scarf, and mittens back here at home. I'm halfway through this decade, headed to the 50's!!! (WANT IT SOOO BAD!!!) Yesterday I saw a woman at the market who was in a wheelchair. She recently had a foot amputated from diabetes complications. My heart just broke for her. I felt guilty that I had the band and she did not; I also realized that could be me in 20 or 30 years if the gaining trend continued. Instead, I can run! I feel very blessed. Happy holidays everyone! Even if it is not a holiday, we can celebrate and be grateful for this tremendous gift we share.

Betty, that is not cool! :faint: You take it easy and heal. I am so sorry.

Roberta: Sometimes it takes a little while for the restriction to sneak up on you. I have no idea why, but it has happened to me every time. The tough part is that when we have no restriction, the appetite goes crazy and we doubt all the success we have had. Hang in there! Julie and Dawn: It is just uncanny that you both started at the exact weight and now you have both lost about the same weight!! Really inspirational! I wish we could have a "biggest loser" competition with another group (except that my losses average 1 pound/week). Dawn: Your snowshoeing sounds glorious. I love cross-country skiing, but have never snowshoed (sp). Now imagine my workout. I ran 4 miles tonight under the stars, through palm trees while I delivered Christmas cards to various friends mailboxes. I ran by coyotes, deer, raccoons, and I live in L.A.!! It was really fun because the addresses gave me a route and I saved a lot of money on stamps (hehe). Julie: Okay, I'll add the crunches, obliques included...we'll see how many and I'll report on my next post. Thanks, I need some prodding. Kat: I am still coughing, too. It is the cold air hitting the lungs. That bronchitis is hard to get rid of! Actually, I have made my Christmas goal, also! The original goal that I set in April was to be at 167 by Christmas and I am 166!! Wierd! I won't be posting for a few days because I'm hopping on a plane tomorrow to fly to the Rockies (SLC) to see the snow! It is a short trip, but a fun one!

I was thinking about getting Spanx(?) or something like that. So I will definitely check yours out. No more muffin top! And yes, my skin is ALWAYS covered! Adding crunches to the challenge is a good idea. 250 to start? Can I start with 100? yikes Bluehill, Susan, we are all hit with temptation! I went to a holiday party in my size 10 jeans, heels and dressy jacket tonight. I walked right past the food for the first hour, not even thinking about it. Then the thought came into my head, "Wow, I'm doing great! I care more about socializing than food!" About ten minutes later I started to nibble on every appetizer and then even came home and ate more! Go figure...? But, tomorrow is another day to meet the challenge.

YEAH, JULIE!!!! That is tremendous news! Do you ever pinch yourself to see if it is true? Every time I use a cardio machine at the gym and have to input my weight, I have to stop and think, "Is it 186, no, 176...? Oh, yeah, it's 166!!!!" I'm in denial and am surprised to look in the mirror. NSV: I bought size 10 jeans yesterday! The 12's that I bought in September are getting too loose. :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: On the way down, my thighs and rear are smaller because of the running. Julie, I need you to get on my case over crunches. I HATE them, but my gut needs work. Anyone else have suggestions how to help the roll above the jeans? (low-waisted kind) Bluehill: How are you doing??