JulieNYC

I wouldn't recommend NS foods 3 meals a day, longterm, but I do think it can provide good portion control and protein for the occasional meal or short-term diet plan. NS will let you buy things "a la carte" too, which is nice. I did their program a long time ago and fell in love with their veggie sloppy joe. Now I just call them up and order like 20 of them and keep them in my desk drawer when I need a quick, unplanned meal or snack. 100 cals, 10 g protein, yummy taste, works for me in a pinch!

Well, I broke down and ordered a Garmin wrist GPS for running. I'd been looking into them for a couple of months. It's a heart rate monitor and GPS built into one, so it tracks exactly (within 10 feet!) how far you run and how fast. I keep running on a treadmill even when it's nice out because I want to make sure I keep the speed up to my training pace. I'm hoping this gadget will help me take to the streets (and parks). I'll let yall know if it's something you can't live without once I've used it a few times.... Other than that, I had a good food day. I've got to say, I could still eat. I'm choosing not to, but I really could. I think my unfill had more of an effect than I realized. Anyway, I made good choices today and stayed to right at 1000 calories (I was able to track since I was home most of the day). Happy Memorial Day.

You're totally right Mazie, I'm way overdue for an update! OK, here goes. I'm 8 weeks post-op and I almost never thing about the surgery anymore. It's as if I never had a pannus and I feel 100% recovered. I have a little bit of numbness below my belly button, but I'm told that's probably permanent. It doesn't bother me at all, it's just a little bit of a different feeling from what was before. At 6 weeks I was released to exercise and I slowly started running again. That was a weird experience. The weirdest thing was running and not being conscious of my stomach flapping. The downside is now I'm extremely aware of my things and butt being loose and I can't WAIT to have them taken care of this winter (probably over Christmas). My breasts have settled into a 36C. As I get to goal, if they get any smaller, I'll probably have implants. For the moment, they're just right, but I wouldn't want them to be even a hair smaller. The scarring is healing much better than I'd thought. As you'll see in the pictures, the chaffing marks from where my binder hit (well above the belly button) is much darker than the actual suture line. Those chaffing marks will go away completely -- they're just taking their own sweet time. I've always marked easily. For example, a regular bloodpressure cuff leaves a mark on me for about 3 months. Anyway, Dad is coming to NYC to visit weekend after next and he said if it hasn't started to flake off by then, he'll prescribe a bleaching cream to help it along. OK, now the pictures. The first one is just a normal shot with the side of my underwear pulled down a little so you can see the scar. For the second one, I wanted you to be able to see the scar on the breast lift, so I just blurred out the nipple with Photoshop. I think the breast lift is just great. For the third shot, I wanted you to see that you can completely hide the scar with even the tiniest of underwear, so don't worry about that. Lastly, you asked for a side shot, so here you go. To me, it looks a little distorted. It's hard to take a self portrait from the side, so I'm kind of in "crunch" position, which makes it look like the stomach isn't perfectly flat, though it really is pretty darn flat. The awkward position also makes my breasts look proportionately larger than they are, since my arm is kind of acting like a push-up bra. Anyway, you can see in all of them that as good as a result is, stretch marks and overall skin quality aren't improved by this procedure, so most of us will never be swimsuit models. Anyway, I'm happy and looking forward to my legs matching my torso! Of course, I have 35 lbs to lose before then, so I'd better get busy on my part too.... Take care, Julie

I like it, Boo -- GOAL BY CHRISTMAS. I'm in. I ran 3 miles today in -- get ready for it -- 29:55. I can officially run 10 minute miles. Now it's about building the distance. I've got 3 more weeks of building stamina, then the official 1/2 marathon training begins. So exciting! Today so far I've been very good with the food. I had one of my old standby lunches and I'm planning fish and veggies for dinner. Should be good! I've even good on my water, so all is well with the world.... Tomorrow I'm meeting a friend in Central Park to do a long run, then we're doing a Memorial Day cookout brunch at her house. She's diet conscious, so no worries there. We're having crabmeat omelets -- high protein, low fat. Perfect!

Woohoo! Way to go!

I've been coasting for about 2 months. I've not been putting any effort into my diet whatsoever, with the exception of about 5 days during our calorie counting challenge. I don't regret this coasting -- I has PS, changed jobs, started dating -- basically had a lot going on that needed my attention maybe more than my diet did. And, when I think about it, it's been pretty nice in some ways to focus on something other than food. The best part? I haven't gained weight! Here I sit at exactly the same weight I was when I turned my attention away from dieting. All that said, I'd really like to get my focus back and lose about 15 lbs (then I can take another break if I need it). So, I'm going back to basics. Protein first, paying attention to when I'm no longer hungry (as opposed to full), and never ever drinking with meals. I can't say that I'll count calories (I eat out a lot) at this juncture, but I'll make really good choices and eat appropriate quantities, starting now. OK, so here's my goal: I'm going to be at 165 by July 4th. WOOHOO, here we go!

I took a pilates lesson today -- there was a free intro lesson with my gym. I could definitely benefit from it. Great strength training. Anyway, we'll see if I can walk tomorrow!

Betty, you deserved a day off. Thee cheers for Alan being on the mend! I'm so happy for you both. Your unfill is the right call too. Don't worry a bit about it. They won't take much out and you'll be back to solid foods, which is where you need to be. It's going to be perfect. Ivonea and April21, welcome! My date was ok, but not super. The problem with internet dating is that even if you have interests in common, your worlds have nothing in common. Unlike, for example, if you meed through friends or work, where your worlds necessarily already have commonality. Anyway, it's a struggle.

I'm glad you're doing a little better Fiona. Tracy, YOU ROCK on the exercise -- woohoo! As for me, I have a date tonight. I'm actually excited about this one. He's a bit older than me, divorced, 2 kids, really funny and relaxed. I hope there's chemistry in person because on paper he looks pretty darn good! I walked the 3 miles to work this morning, through Central Park in glorious 70 degree weather, since I can't get to the gym tonight. It was LOVELY. Have a good day, all.

IMO, you MUST have two weeks off and it's best if you have 3. I'm a quick recoverer and I could have gone back at 2, but I was really glad to have the extra week. It was a full 6 weeks before my energy level was 100% back. I took SHORT walks (less than 1/2 mile and SLOW just to get out of the house) at about 10 days. You still have to walk a little crunched at that point. By 4 weeks, I could walk any distance comfortably. At week 5, I was released to walk for exercise. At week 6, I was released to run. Hope that helps! PS: for anyone who was worried, my scale has rebounded after 3 days of in control eating. I'm back to 178 and looking forward to getting even lower....

Got in a 4 mile run today. No time to talk. Too tired from the first day of work -- but to say that things went well overall. Nite,

My favorite thing about exercising is feeling in control. Even if I've eaten the wrong things, which I can't always control for myself, if I exercise, I'm still in control of what's going on with my body. I'll never weight 358 again if I run 20+ miles a week.

Amourette, I don't know you at all and I probably don't know the situation either, but I want to throw something out to you, which you can totally take or leave as you see fit -- no response is even necessary. Here goes -- do you think you might benefit from antidepressant medication (or a change in it, if you're on some already)? All I can tell you is that twice in my life I've taken them for short periods and it made ALL the difference in me being able to come out of the depression haze. I see you as being in that haze, though, I admit, I could be completely wrong as I only know you on the internet. All, Well, I'm back on track. I think this job change just has me really freaked out and I was trying to use food as my source of comfort again, when, as we all know, it doesn't really work anymore. I've not only seen the light, but come out of the food tunnel and am SO EXCITED to get it together and lose these last 40 lbs. Training for my 1/2 marathon is the perfect motivator and my official training starts in a week. This week, I'm speed training low miles (trying to run 3 ten minute miles). My goal is to consistently run 10 minute miles, so I'm trying to get the speed there before I add on the extra miles. I'm pretty close. I ran 10.5 minute miles very comfortably tonight with the last 1/3 mile at the 10 minute flat pace. While I was running, I couldn't help but think about where I was this time last year and how far I've come. This minor setback over the last week is NOTHING and I'm feeling good and strong going into my first day of work at the new job tomorrow. And, I WILL meet the challenge this month. I'm looking forward to June. It's going to be a good weight loss month for me, I just know it, with all the training. Hope yall had as nice of a weekend as I did. I was in the country with friends from my old job, which was cathartic and relaxing. Have a good week, Julie

Wow, OK, so I got on the scale this morning and it says I gained NINE pounds on my 4 day vacation. Now, logically I know that can't be right. I did eat Mexican food at nearly every meal and I did drink a margarita or two (which isn't usually one of my vices), so it wouldn't shock me to gain maybe 2 lbs, but after all, it was only a 4 day vacation! Anyway, I'm going to drink a ton of Water, go to the gym and get back on my regular eating routine TODAY. I don't know how much of the 9 is real and how much is water retention, etc., but it's not staying on me long in either event. I came here to post about it for accountability. I ran 3 miles at an 11 minute pace last night. My half marathon training officially starts in 2 weeks. Take care, Julie

Boo, your day is coming (the plateau break). Never you worry -- it's coming. Dawn, you're very welcome and I'm glad you liked it. Kat, no one in the history of time deserved some time away like you and Rick. I'm so glad you got out on the open road. I'm home from Texas. Too much good food, too little exercise, but great times with friends and no weight gain. Tomorrow it's back to the WL grind. Emotionally, it's very hard for me to not be at work right now. I know I'll get attached to the new job once I'm there, but for the moment, I just miss my friends and the connection I felt working there. I feel unplugged. I'm trying not to eat my way through it.

Eficka, Take care and feel better soon. Exercise can wait. For me, I'm off to Texas for the weekend. I've gotten my calories back under reasonable control and have gotten to the gym 2 days in a row for good, long cardio sessions and a couple of lbs have dropped off. WOOHOO. I had a few really scary days there where I was eating junk (like chocolate and candy) from the drugstore like the old days. Of course, thanks to my band, I couldn't go home and chase it with an entire pizza, but it wasn't fun to feel out of control with the food again. I think I've adjusted to my unfill and am genuinely doing better. I'm also staying positive about my job change -- had dinner with the new group last night and it's going to be great. So, off to Texas I go. I haven't been to see my school friends since law school graduation, which was in 2002! I'm excited. Talk soon, Julie

Betty, I'm in the same boat -- other than walking to and from work, I haven't made my exercise goals (i.e. gotten to the gym) all week. It's a busy last week at work for me. I'm off next week, then I start the new job. It's very emotionally draining. Anyway, it's 2.5 miles to work, so as long as I get that in, I figure it counts toward the challenge, even if I'm not in workout gear, right?

Molly, How is your gallstone diet going? Are you feeling any better?

Kat, I'm with all the rest -- you're doing GREAT maintaining your weight under such stressful conditions and don't even think about worrying about this until Rick is safely recovered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you -- this is so stressful and exhausting and I wish we could take on just a little bit of that for you. I have to believe everything is going to work out for you and your family. Warmest thoughts, Julie

Wow Dawn -- you reached your goal. That's so amazing that even the bananas aren't dancing, they're so in awe. Congratulations. The rest is gravy. Betty, let's make plans! Can we see each other on Sunday? With my new job starting in 2 weeks, I'm not sure what my weekday nights will be like, and I'd love to see you on Sunday. We can do that walk around the park for sure, if you like!

Awesome about your walk, Molly. I definitely think you should go for it. I did an 8 mile walk today around the perimeter of Central Park (6 miles + 1 mile to and from). Can't wait to "officially" be released to run on Wed. Nite, Julie

Of course we noticed you weren't here, Amourette. Glad you're back.

Betty, How did I miss that you're under the weather? Take care of that Grammy nose and get well soon. Well, I bought a pint of icecream today. Basically, I was pissed. I told myself after my run (yeah, yeah, I'm running against doctor's orders but I promise I'm totally healed and it's only 4 days until I'd be release to run anyway) I could have a tasti-d-lite (60 calorie fake icecream, but I love it). I got to the store and they were CLOSED! I was so mad, I stomped to the corner store and bought a pint of Haagen Daaz. So I ate one serving of it and came to my senses and poured salt over it so I wouldn't eat the other 3 servings before I throw it out in the morning! I waste so much food, but at least it's not going in me, right? My doc was so right. I feel a ton better with my little unfill. The hunger is SLIGHTLY more, but I was in denial about not having symptoms of being too tight -- I was having bad burping spells and upset stomachs after almost every meal. Now I feel normal again -- as if I don't have a band, but for the fact that I get full on just a little food. La vita e bella!

Oh my gosh, Molly -- you're about to hit the 60s. Remember just last week when we were looking for you to hit the 90s? And yesterday when you were bound and determined to get to the 70s? The 70s flew by for you! WOOHOO! My doc wasn't saying I was extraordinary -- he was saying I'm compulsive. Wink. Hey guys, guess what. I have TWO dates on Saturday! One I met a long time ago (he's a lawyer too) but then met again by accident last weekend. We're going to the movies on Saturday. The other I met on match.com and we're going to a street fair and having lunch, also on Saturday. More dates than I've had in a year, all in a day.

I'm sorry the band wasn't the right tool for you, Mary, but I'm glad you're doing what's right for you. You're not failing at your last resort -- you are just still on the journey of seeking optimal health (as are we all). Best of luck to you for all that the future holds.