iteachurkid

I haven't dated any one in a LONG time...always had this self-conscious feeling that I wasn't pretty enough, now I'm working to get over that. I've done eharmony and match. Definitely like eharmony better. They are both just so expensive. I don't go out much though, so I guess if I'm gonna meet someone that may be the way. I may end up giving eharmony another shot. If I do, I'll let ya know Congrats again...I'm so happy for you!!

So I got on the scale this morning and it said 179.8...woo hoo for the 170's. Now, I've been doing this long enough to know it's going to flunctuate back up, but at least I've seen it :cursing: The weight is coming off soooo much slower now, but I'm honestly happy where I am. Do I want to continue to lose, of course, if I didn't lose another pound, would I be okay, yep. We'll just have to see where things go! Allie, this guy sounds awesome and this price is sooo much better! I have so much I'd like to get done, but my arms are what bothers me the most. I'm working on learning to love them (extra skin and all). I could use a tummy tuck, but don't want to do anything in that region until I have kids. (Being that I'm not even dating anyone right now, don't see that happening in the near future :confused:) Legs and butt could also be done, but who knows. I won't have the money anytime soon, so nothing to worry about now. I can't wait to hear all about your experience and see pics. I'm super, super excited for you! Have a great evening everyone!! Jennifer

I do this ALL the time!! April and August, January and July :)Allie, I'm so happy for you! This truly sounds like it ia great thing!! Enjoy your last few weeks at work knowing that you don't have to deal with them anymore in 2 weeks!! Have a great day!

Allie, I'm so sorry to hear things are so bad at work. It has got to be hard to work in that kind of environment. I truly believe things happen for a reason. Maybe you need to get away. I'll keep you in my prayers!! Good luck! hugs

Hey everyone! I've been so busy and I've missed this board and catching up with everyone! Sounds like everyone has had a great summer. I've been to the beach and am going back again the beginning of August. I can't believe I've already been out of school a month. Oh, how time flies! Long, I know it's a late congrats, but congrats on climbing to the top of the mountain! That had to be such an amazing feeling! Allie, congrats on your weight loss on vacation! While it's not good that you aren't able to eat, it's awesome that you are losing the way you are! My weight loss has really slowed. I want to hit 179 so bad and I keep flunctuating between 180 and 181. I feel like I need to fast or something to jump start things. I was walking a lot, but have slacked off. I need to get back to it. I bought Wii Active last night and am looking forward to trying it. Hope everyone has a great day!! Talk to you soon!! :thumbdown: Jennifer

I had the Psych eval, the nutrition class and then pre-op tests (they did several things, I was at the hospital for about 2 hours). My whole process from the seminar to surgery was less than 2 months and that was only because I was waiting for school to be out for summer. Good luck to you! If you have any other questions, let me know!

Hi Tori! Congrats on taking this step in your life! I was banded June 17th of last year and have lost 131 pounds. It's been the best thing I've ever done for myself. I was self pay, so I can't tell you how long it may take as my process was pretty quick. I have the AP band and haven't had any issues. Good luck!!

Hi Karen! I had surgery last June and also used Richmond Surgical Group (Dr. Elliott was my surgeon). I love him and the staff. They are great! The band has truly changed my life. I do everything I'm supposed to and have made many life changes, but I can't imagine life without it. Good luck to you!

Happy Father's Day to any dad's who may be lurking on this board!! I hit 130 gone today...only 3 more pounds until the 170's :) My weight didn't move at all in May and it's started moving again. I got a fill last Monday and I think I'm exactly where I need to be. Woo hoo!! Have a great day everyone! Jennifer

Allie, congrats on a date! That is awesome!! The only thing I really want to have done one day are my arms. I'd love to think I could do them around the same time as you, but just don't think I'll be able to swing it. We'll see :tongue: Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!! Jennifer

YAY!!! Long, I'm so excited for you. I know how hard not seeing the scale move has been, but you've kept pushing! You go girl!!! I'm about 3 pounds behind you...maybe I'll join you in the 170's sometime soon. Congrats again!!!!

Hey everyone! Sorry I've been MIA the last couple of weeks. The end of the school year is always CRAZY! The best part is, it's over and the summer is here :blushing: We'll like Apples it was a year ago today that my life changed forever. This time last year I was in recovery in a whole lot of pain, but I'd do it over again in a heart beat. I'm so amazed with how this single tool has changed my life. This time a year ago I was in a size 28 pants and a size 22/24 top. Now I'm in a 12 pants and a S top. It's a great feeling! I'm down 128 pounds and hoping to lose another 35 or so. I turn 30 September 23rd, so I'm going to set that as my goal. I know things are going to slow up though and it might not happen. Guess we'll just have to see :w00t: So I've been very diligent about taking pictures each month...here are my before and after. Looking at it honestly brings tears to my eyes. I had no idea how big I was then and I'm so proud of where I am now. Thank you so much to everyone on here for all of your support. There is no one else who gets it like you do, and your support over the last year has been amazing! I love you guys :w00t:

Allie, your pics are AMAZING! Girl, you look awesome!!! Isn't it amazing the difference a year makes??? I find myself thinking that so much lately. Where I was this time last year and where I am now...WOW!

Wow, so I talked to my doctor's office today and my surgery is scheduled for June 17th. (I'm a teacher and finish June 13th.) I'm scared, excited, nervous, anxious. I'm a self pay patient and hadn't even considered this surgery until the middle of April, so this has all been REALLY fast. I have nutrition class on Monday and my physical on Tuesday...then it will be on the high Protein diet. I'm at the point where I just really don't know what to feel...it's too many emotions at one time. I've enjoyed reading all of your stories, they are very inspiring. Does anyone know where I can find a good list of foods to have in the house for after surgery (or do you think they will give me one). Thanks so much! :scared2: Jennifer

Vinnie, congrats on your surgery date. June 17th will be my one year bandiversary. It's been one of the best years of my life. A definite journey...one I'd take over again in a heart beat! I wish you all the success in the world! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!! :thumbup: Jennifer

Long, you look AMAZING!!! Happy belated bandiversary!! It's been a great weekend! I went to see New Kids on the Block on Friday night. I LOVE those boys!! It made me feel like I was 10 again. It's amazing how they still have it 15-20 years later!! The scale finally moved after a long time sitting in the same spot. I'm down 125 now. I have a fill on Thursday. It's my last fill before I have to start paying for them, so while I want a good one, I want to make sure it's not too much. I know I need one. I'm definitely more hungry than I have been. I spent three hours at the pool today...it's so wonderful not to feel so self conscious in a bathing suit! Only 5 more days of school until summer!! I'm super excited. I've set up a day at the spa for my 1 year celebration. I'll be getting a manicure, pedicure and a one-hour massage. I'm so excited!! Have a great afternoon everyone!! :thumbup: Jennifer

I live about 40 minutes from Williamsburg...much closer than Bedford :welldone2: We'll have to plan something...maybe go to the outlets!! My mom's b-day is the 3rd and then the 4th I have a party to go to, but depending on what you have going on, I'm pretty sure I have the other days open. Just let me know!!

Hey everyone! Long I feel just like you. I hit May and the losing just stopped. You, Allie and I all hit 100 pounds at the same time and I'm sitting at 124 now. I'm having a small fill next week just because my coverage runs out on the 17th. I'm thinking it's probably a good thing as I am able to eat a little more than I should. Glad you had a blast on your cruise and that your son is ok! Allie, where are you coming in VA? If you are close we should get together!! I spoke at my surgeons seminar last night and WOW what an amazing experience. Last night I was able to truly see where I was and how far I've come. It was just a little over a year ago when I was sitting where they were and now, well, it all kind of clicked. I can't wait to do it again! Only 8 more days of school until SUMMER!! I'm so excited to spend this summer at the pool and beach :frown: It's gonna be great!

Thanks so much

Yep, I'd pretty much done the same thing...decided I'd worked so hard the last year to only end up with breast cancer at 29. What a relief. I feel a little better that you had a similar experience. I felt a tad bit like an idiot when I left, but as he said, always better to be safe than sorry

Could we go back to the list Snuggie made? That may be a start...just an idea

Ok, so since we are talking about bones, thought I'd send you guys what has become a good laugh. I was being a good girl doing my monthly self breast exam and freaked out because I felt a huge lump at the top of my right breast. Did the other side, and while I felt something similar didn't feel like it was as big. I know the whole, if it's symetrical than it's normally nothing, but for the next few days I kept checking, it was still there and I kept freaking myself out, so I made an appointment with my GYN to be on the safe side. Now keep in mind, this is the doctor who told me I needed to have this surgery to save my life. He came in, asked me where I felt the lump, etc, checked him self and I saw him start smiling. Yep, it was my breast bone. I'd had so much extra fat/skin, I'd never felt it before. He was kind enough to give me my copay back (I love this guy) and just continued to tell me how proud he was of me (for doing my monthly checks as well as losing the weight). A little scary for a little while...a little funny now

Hey everyone! This board sure has been quiet recently. Guess everyone is out enjoying the beautiful weather. I had a pretty darn good week. I met with my surgeon on Thursday for my "oh my gosh, I'm a month away from my self pay period being over with" appointment :rolleyes2: We set up a fill for the 11th of June. He's not sure I'll really need any, but is thinking that they will be able to check under xray to see what things are looking like. I feel like my weight has REALLY slowed up, but I'd lost 5 pounds in 4 weeks so he was happy about that. He told me as I get closer to my goal weight (40ish or so more pounds) that the weight isn't going to come off as fast. I've also been exercising harder (now that it's nice out I'm jogging/walking vs. just doing Wii Fit) and that at first can cause the weight to slow up to. Oh well, 122 pounds in 11 months ain't to shabby :thumbup:. Then, the best part of my appointment...he asked me to start speaking at his seminars!!! I'm so excited, but also so nervous. I know a few of you have also been asked to do this. Have you done it yet? What did people ask you? My first seminar is June 1st. I went shopping yesterday with my mom and we had so much fun! I bought size 12 clothes that fit!!! It's crazy. I'm a small in shirts (much smaller upper half). I bought a dress a couple of weeks ago for a wedding that I have in July that I absolutely fell in love with. I just felt pretty in it (which really doesn't happen too often). I bought it in a 10 and got it the other day (they had to ship it to me as they didn't have the size in the store) and it zips and fits now! I mean, I'll be able to breathe a little better once I lose 10 or so more pounds, but if I needed to wear it today, I could. When my mom and I were out yesterday we were looking at the sale racks and I found a pair of PJ bottoms I thought were super cute. They only had them in a 3X. Less than a year ago, those would have been too small. That was a complere WOW moment. Now I need a medium. I LOVE my band! So with June 1st quickly approaching, anyone thought about what they may do fun to celebrate their one year bandiversary?!?! Mine is June 17th and it will be my first full day out of school for the summer. I'm thinking I may go get a mani/pedi or a massage (I've never had one :smile:). Something for me, to celebrate all the exciting changes of the last year. Ok, if you're still reading, thanks. This got way too long! Have a great Sunday everyone!! Jennifer Oh, I'm going to post my newest pic. I've had such body image issues...still feeling like the "fat girl" and this pic really was one where I was like...wow, I don't look half bad :mad:

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Junies out there!!! Hope you all had a great day! I spent the weekend in Philly with my sister and friend. Such a great time! Hope everyone is doing well!!

Hey everyone! It's been a crazy week (as it looks like it's been for all of us ). Allie, congrats on playing softball and for just going! That is awesome!!! I'd love to play a team sport. I have been overweight my whole like (since I was born ), so I never played anything. Maybe I'll see what's going on around here and try to get involved. We'll have to see if I can take the plunge. Long and Apples, I too am so looking forward to summer! It will be the first summer that I'm not completely embarassed in a bathing suit. I'm planning several trips with friends to the beach and can't wait!! Hunzi, sounds like things are going well. Don't get discouraged!! Once you get your fill, it will help! I've got a fun weekend planned, dinner and shopping tomorrow night with my best friend (her husband is keeping their kids ), outlet shopping on Saturday and then a Pampered Chef show on Sunday. Only 6 more weeks of school...I can make it :)