JulieNYC

I have no idea on cost, but I do know that the support group is open to the public, so you'd be welcome there. There's a group for those in the first year and a group for those further out. The only thing I caution you about is that the groups are extremely large -- often 40+, which doesn't leave much time for individual support. But, you're right. Ren and Fielding are the best thing going, in terms of overall practice! You might contact Tammy at their office for more info on becoming a patient if banded in MX. Good luck.

We're all so proud of you!! Way to go! Now run across that finish line.... Wink, Julie

Terri, sometimes the head doesn't catch up to us as quickly as we'd like. I still feel selfconscious walking down the street. I still strongly feel that I take up too much room in a crowded elevator (I work on the 40th floor of a building). Logically this is ridiculous, but it's still true and part of the process of recovering from MO. Time in front of the mirror doesn't help -- or at least it doesn't help quickly. Unfortunately, it's a long road, mentally and emotionally. Rain, If it's possible, try meeting with your trainer once a week for 6 weeks (or longer if you can). You'll probably go to the gym if you're actually working out with a trainer, and once it's not new to you, you'll feel more comfortable -- you'll start to see the same people, know which machines are most out of the line of sight of the mirrors, etc. Do whatever you have to do, but just GO.

Kellie, I had a pretty long plateau -- about 3 months -- that was similar to what you describe. Basically, I was just tired of making the effort and I started being ok with little bits of chocolate or candy here and there, more nights out at restaurants, not tracking my calories, etc. And you know, it was fine for me. I maintained my weight during that period and I adjusted a little mentally. Then, when I was ready, I went back to the "rules" and lost another 20. Now I'm kind of in the same cycle again. But that's ok. I know when I really want to lose the final 20, I know how to do it. Until then, as long as I make the basic effort (reasonably haelthy choices most of the time + exercise), I know I'll at least maintain.

I got in 4 miles this morning (but only at a 10:11 pace, so Dawn wins) then met with a new running trainer that my friend told me about. It was very good. I've been having bad food cravings though. These are the 4 days before my period, where I am always hungrier than normal and always think I need a fill, then things get back to normal once it passes. However, I think I might be aiming too low with my calories now that I'm in full blown training mode and getting so much exercise. I've been thinking about aiming no lower than 1200, which is about a 300 calorie bump. I've been wondering if that might not help me lose faster, not because of the so called "starvation mode" but because maybe if I have a little more in me, I won't be craving sugar so much. I guess I can give it a try.

I thought so, but I overdid it because I binge-ate Skittles yesterday. I think it was, in part, due to overdoing it with both the running and the boxing the day before. I need to learn moderation, no matter what end it's on....Ugh.

For what it's worth, my Dad is a plastic surgeon and he says it's a complete myth that losing weight slowly will make any difference in the end. He said it might be less bothersome if you lose slowly because you're giving it time to contract with you, but that if you lost quickly (and healthily -- I don't mean combined with the effects of malnutrition), 2 years later, you'd look exactly the same as if you lost slowly, in terms of excess skin. I have a lot of excess skin on my legs. A LOT. I wear a compression garment under my clothes every day. It makes it tolerable and makes me look normal in clothes, but I still want it removed surgically....

I'm still trying for goal. I lost the bulk of my weight in a year and have been dribbling down a pound or two since then.

Skittles binge this morning. Trying to get back on track so I don't screw up the whole day....

Well, I got in a deficit of 2400 today. I ran 8 miles this morning and went to a kickboxing class this evening. Ate 1200 cals to be able to do all that, but it was worth it. So much fun!

Congratulations! I'm running the NYC marathon on November 4th and am about half way through the training schedule (15 miles is my longest run to date -- my 1/2 marathon is in 2 weeks). Be prepared -- when you up the miles, the calories necessarily come up with it, or you can't get through the runs. I need to eat about 1500 the day before a long run or else I just don't feel good. It's all worth it though! Keep us posted on your training. As you probably know, 2 1/2 months isn't a long time to train (my schedule was 5 months, assuming you could already run 3 consistent miles), but I'm sure you'll make it!

Absolutely. 20 days out of the month, I'm slightly loose, but perfect for the way I want to keep my band. 6 days out of the month, I'm too loose and looking to graze, then 4 days out of the month (PMS) I'm too tight. During that time, I can still eat, so it's not crazy-too-tight, but it's what you describe -- having to be careful and getting full on really what it too little food (like 1/4 to 1/2 cup where usually I eat a cup). It all comes out in the end, but yes, it's definitely not your imagination.

Karey, Do you know if the extra device works with the older model, or do you have to upgrade the whole unit? For $100, it might be worth it for me because I can't check the cals burned from work, which is annoying. But it's probably not worth replacing the whole unit.... Thanks for the info!

Got in my 8 this morning. I think a long run on Monday morning might be my new routine. The endorphin rush is making Monday more palatable and since my week hasn't officially started yet, if I'm a little later to work than normal, it's not the end of the world. Yea! How's everyone this week? (evening update -- I edited the post because I'd posted so many in a row!) Took a boxing class tonight. It kicked my tail! I'm going to start going to more classes at my gym. I need an alternate to running on some days. It was so good to go into a class feeling fit and like I could keep up and not dread it....

The TT scars are substantial. I don't mind them at all because it's a reminder of what was, and it's so nothing compared to the pannus, but they're substantial. They are pretty flat though, so once they turn white (I hear that takes about a year) they won't be all that noticeable. They'll open them again when I have my thigh lift in November though, so I've got a while until they fade....

I had my consult with the bugg folk on Friday. I did learn things about the program that I didn't know, so that's cool. I asked for studies about the science behind the bugg and was given some contact info, but no actual information, though I was assured it was tested "for years." I was amazed that food labels can be off by as much as 300% -- do we think that's a true stat? If so, CRAZY! I'm buckling down as of today until I get to the 40s. I've had my fun over the last couple of weeks and it's time to get serious again. My BB's staying on my arm until I hit 149!

I had a tummy tuck and my old port scar is several inches below my belly button now, from where the skin was pulled down. I asked -- it would have to be a new scar -- I just think I've got to accept that. Glad to hear Dr. C. says the low profile really makes a difference. I wondered about that, when looking at the two side by side....

Get the fill and that should do the trick. I don't think there's any medical reason why you won't lose just as quickly as you would have if you'd gotten filled when you first lost restriction. I think it's more of a motivation thing, meaning that docs say to be super diligent about fills in the first year so that you take advantage of your motivation to lose weight. My guess is you're going to lose again once you get that fill.

I did my 9 miles yesterday in 1:39, which is a good time for me. I usually aim for 12 minute miles when I'm on a long run, so an 11 min set is faster than norm. I'm hoping to do my marathon in 13 minute miles -- we'll see. Really I just care about finishing. Dawn, I was a sloth and didn't get started until 9:30, so we missed each other, though I did think of you! I got in 4 miles today. I wasn't supposed to run, per my training schedule, but I just couldn't help myself. It was unseasonably cool out (in the 60s) and just such perfect running weather. I was going to k-mart and just decided to run there instead of taking a cab or the subway. It's so cool to run for transportation! This is a big training week for me. I've got an 8 miler in the middle of the week, then 16 on Saturday. Next week is slow, then the next week is my half marathon in Chicago! Other than that, I've been sewing all weekend -- one of my favorite things to do. I did have a dinner party last night and though the company was good, I was miserable with the food. I ate too much and far too late and was up part of the night with that "I've over eaten" feeling. Not sick, just sore and unhappy. I'm wearing my body bugg today and I'm going to bust a move and ride it hard to the 40s. If I get my act together, this is one of my two good losing weeks, by my body's preferences. It's not the biggest week, but it's one where, at least, the scale is prone to moving a little (knock wood). We'll see. I'm going to give it my all for the next 2 weeks and see if I can't make some more progress. Nite all!

I guess I feel differently from most of the community. I am ANGRY for you. I am ANGRY at your doctor for what seems to be to be him chastizing you for gaining weight. I agree that gaining weight isn't healthy right before surgery, but it seems to me that your surgeon isn't just commenting on the health aspects -- he's judging you for it by saying you aren't serious about the band. We've all gained weight over far less stressful things that being the sole caregiver to two ill immediate family members. This is precisely why you need a band and I'm mad at him for denying you (with the understanding that the delay may be medically necessary -- my issue is with the judgment). None of us needs to prove to a surgeon that we deserve a band.

I'm running 9 miles at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning (EST). I bet we'll be running at the same time!

Officially back to my ticker weight this morning. Pshew!

Well, I ran this morning and I PBd my lunch, so I'm going to have a great deficit day, healthy or not! It's so rare for me to PB -- odd. I usually have one or two tight days a month. Guess I'm in it....

Jodie, My zoloft side effects are the normal ones -- i.e. complete desecration of my libido! It works wonders for my depression -- I respond to it super quickly, so in the past, I've waited until I'm entering a depressive cycle, then take it for a few months, then when I'm feeling better, go off it. But, this isn't really the recommended approach. Plus, it's no fun to go through the cycle of depression that leads to wanting the meds (I usually don't realize I want them until I start having suicidal thoughts). So, my psych really wanted me to try something different to see if we could find something I'd stay on long term. So far, the Wellbutrin is a strong candidate. I don't feel the same as I do on zoloft. It's hard to describe. It's like, if zoloft kept me (think vertically) from falling in a hole by making sure I couldn't fall down emotionaly, wellbutrin knocks me sideways, away from the hole, instead of up. I know that doesn't make a lot of sense. I feel more "me" on the wellbutrin, except that I have a ton of energy, require less sleep and just feel like I'm on a slight caffeine buzz all the time.

I have almost nothing helpful to contribute here, except to tell you you're not alone. I don't see a 350 lb person anymore when I look in the mirror, but I still see a 220-ish lb person. My clothes say 6P and 8P but my head doesn't. I had a similar experience with your store window. Someone sent around pics from a birthday party I attended and I saw a "girl" and thought, "wow's she's thin -- I'd like to get to that size" and, as you can see it coming, it was me in the pic. Now in my head I just say, yeah, but that pic was taken from a really flattering angle -- you can't see my arm flab or my thigh flab or this or that. Whatever. I'm so sick of myself. It's time for my head to catch up.