JulieNYC

Welcome NJ Girl! Exercise is definitely the answer, or at least part of the answer. Come on in and join us -- there's still plenty of time left in March to meet the challenge. This is unsolicited and it's the only time I'll say it, then I'll let it go -- It scares me that you keep your band so tight that there are times (daily, even!) that you can't drink. Too tight doesn't equal more weight loss and I want you to have a long and healthy experience with your band. That said, I don't know you or your situation, so I'll let it go. Welcome to the exercise challenge and I look forward to seeing how you challenge yourself. You'll do great! All, I had to go to the GYN for my annual today, which is never fun, but oddly (for a doctor's office) I actually weighed LESS than I do at home! Woohoo! I'm sticking with my home numbers for my ticker, but I sure do love seeing a lower number wherever I can take it.... Take care,

Mary, I eat around a cup at a time -- 1/2 cup solid Protein and 1/2 cup veggies. Sometimes I don't eat all the veggies, but I try to. The first rule I follow is never eat until I'm too full, even if it means I can't eat the whole cup. The second rule I follow is eat all the protein, even if I have to sacrifice some of the veggies. I do eat off a salad plate, or, depending on the food, even out of the measuring cup itself (why wash a second dish)? I remember when it didn't look like much food. Now it looks totally normal and what doesn't look normal is the huge serving sizes that come out of restaurants, etc. A lot of people are anti-measuring and think that it's too much of a diet mentality. For me, I really like measuring because it's a mathematical constant. Measuring gives me a baseline. It's not that I can't eat more if I eat the cup and am still hungry -- I can make that choice. Or, I don't have to eat the whole cup just because it's on my plate. It's that starting with a cup forces one more connection between my stomach and my brain and that lack of natural connection is how I got to needing the band in the first place. Good luck!

Eficka, I think it's hard for your friend to be around you right now because you're on a good path and she's not. Your successes are probably holding up a big mirror for her and she doesn't like what she sees. So, she's chosen to not be around the mirror, even though it's not the mirror's fault. It's one of the side effects of weight loss, I fear. You're going to be fine though -- you're the one on the healthy path. Betty, So glad you got to NIA. I got my run in last night and I felt all vibrant and healthy. Boo, I love your post. When you said -- "We have to look at the "big picture" of where we have BEEN, where we WERE headed, and where we are NOW headed." -- that struck a chord with me. It's easy for me to remember where I was and where I am now, but I almost never think about where I was headed without the band. I was headed to a lonely life of immobility. I was headed to the 400 lb mark, and now I'm headed to a number that starts with a one. I have to stop and think about that more often when I'm kicking myself for succombing to the chocolate bin or whatever it is that got me on the day in question. OK, but let's talk about Boo. Boo is one of our "lightweights" yet over the last 11 months, Boo has lost FORTY-ONE pounds! That's amazing and incredible! Boo, you must feel so great. Forty-one pounds is such a difference in a body your size. You have the perfect attitude about dealing with long-term success and I'm going to try to emulate it (but I reserve the right to be neurotic until I reach Onederland). Take care all,

I think if you get the fill, you'll be fine, but that you could wait and be fine as well. If you get the fill, you'll have a steeper learning curve of how slowly you need to eat and what a bandster portion size truly is (it took me a long time to really understand that). If you don't get it just yet, that's ok too. You're still adjusting to your band. The real question I'd ask myself if I were in your shoes is -- am I losing what I (realistically) want to lose? If I still was losing, I wouldn't get the fill. If I wasn't, I'd get the fill to help me eat 1 slice of pizza instead of 3 (or, in my case, 8). I really don't think you can go wrong. Don't worry about the fill if you decide to go for it -- fills are a snap. Take care,

Breakfast: Option 1: a packet of lipton cup-a-Soup and 1/2 cup cottage cheese. Yummy and always easy to eat because it fits in a coffee cup so I can sip it in meetings when I first get to work. Option 2: 1/2 of a low fat yogurt and 1/4 cup Kashi Go Lean Cereal. So satisfying. Lunch: Option 1: Morningstar "chicken" (soy) patty with 1/2 cup veggies (often frozen broccoli or cauliflower if I haven't got leftover stirfry from the night before). Option 2: salad from the deli with mushrooms, chick peas, feta cheese and balsamic vinegar. Dinner: Option 1: stirfry (Trader Joe's has fabulous ones and they're so inexpensive and nutritionally balanced). Option 2: 1/2 fillet of broiled fish or 1/2 crabcake with 1/2 cup veggies (usually with some fat on them, like lightly cooked in oil or sprinkled with cheese). Snack: Option 1: 2 green olives stuffed with a clove of garlic are only 15 calories and surprisingly filling. Option 2: a wedge of laughing cow cheese on a wasa cracker is also surprisingly filling (65 cals). Option 3: a babybel gouda cheese (50 cals). I definitely find that planning meals and a fair amount of repetition in those meals helps me keep the food cravings in control. Cool topic.

Oh, Kat, you sweet thing -- don't you know you're my inspiration, not the other way around?? I guess it's true -- neither of us can claim to be a couch potato anymore (although I am on the couch at the moment). Without our exercise routine, I wouldn't be eligible for the extended tummy tuck because I'd be needing the muscle repair, which would mean we'd have to do the thighs at another time. So exciting. I can't say I LOVE exercise -- maybe one day -- but I do love the stress relief, how well I sleep, and how well it keeps the scale moving, even when pastries get in the way (as they did today).

Thanks for your sweet words, Elisabethsew! I'm looking forward to Onederland, though I don't think it'll be as great as getting to Twoterville was. I was so, so happy to be back in Twoterville when I got there. I understand Twoterville. I have no idea what Onederland is like (though I do hope to get to know it soon). Take care all,

Name..........................Starting…...…..Current….…..Goal…....To Go Juliegeraci......................238............. ...... 238.................228.............10 Lapbandit.......................231............... .....226………….199.............27 Waterlily........................300............. .......287.................264.............23 Roiansmom....................299................. ...299.................270.............29 Libra...............................248........... .........242.................228.............14 JulieNYC........................212............... .....205.................185.............20 Elisabethsew...................282................ .....278.................264.............14 PeaCeJ............................338............. ......338.................318..............20 RidinMyHDDream.........297.....................289 .................281...............8 Babygirl1234..................260................. ....253.................240..............13 Leecelove70...................228................. ....228.................200..............28 Josette.............................351........... .........351..................335..............16

It took me about 60 lbs to go from a 26 yo a 24 but the smaller I get the fewer lbs it takes. It took me 15 to go from an 18 to a 16.

Betty, Your sweetness and kindness always impress me. Thank you for your thoughful post. Judy, Dr. F. won't kill you. It sounds like maybe you need a fill. Maybe? Yes, I eat real food -- not liquids. I eat about 1000 (or more) cals a day of good, high Protein, food (except when I have weeks like last week when I eat 1500 cals/day because I'm in chocolate/jelly bean hell). I can't see your ticker, but the speed of my weight loss has more to do with the fact that I started with a BMI of 68 (I'm only 5'2 and I was 358) than anything else. I didn't lose a single pound until my third fill, then it was as if my hunger had just been taken away. Love my band. Other positive factors for my weight loss are that I work out most days for at least 40 minutes, and I'm single, so I don't have to keep anything tempting in the house and I don't have to prepare meals for others. That keeps the calories in check, though I'd probably trade a few hundred more calories for a husband if anyone's offering (wink). I had a little freakout this morning. Dad emailed me and said "what day did you want your surgery again? I've got a meeting on Thursday the 28th." Now, I've already booked plane tickets and scheduled my whole life around the 28th. I checked the calendar and "Thursday" is the "29th" -- so I call him and ask -- is your meeting on the 28th (Wed) or is it on the 29th (Thurs)? It's on the 29th. He had it wrong in his head. So, we're all on track. Funny. This is such a huge deal to me. To him, it's just what he does every day.

Awesome, Dawn, that's just awesome. You have the stats of an athlete! Woohoo! Eficka, the guy isn't worth your time if he went after your friend like that -- seriously, you can do better. I know that doesn't take the sting out.

You're not an old poop. You're a young, thriving, NIA-attending grammie. GOOOO Betty! And happy birthday -- I always thought the Mom should celebrate the birthday, not the baby. After all, you did all the work 41 years ago (and beyond).....

Thank you all for your supportive comments. I can't wait to have an update for you. For them moment, I'm making a list of my last minute questions that I didn't think to get answers to. Since my Dad's my surgeon, I didn't really prepare for our "consult" like I would have if I'd had been with a doc's whose attention I couldn't get anytime I wanted. I know there is much more I should have asked. For example, I don't know if patients with a breast lift can breast feed later in life if they have a child. My guess is that they can't, but I don't know for sure and I should know. I also don't know how many drains he expects I'll have and how long I'll have them. I should know these things.... Boo, thank you for your message, my friend. You're such a constant support for me. Thank you, thank yu. Come on in July and we'll do a race together. It'll be great. I can't wait.

Go Lisah, go Lisah, GO, GO, GO Lisah! You're doing fabulously! Woohoo for the SV!

Wheetsin, you look AWESOME! Keep up the fabulous work. Wow, I wish I could see my collar bones clearly like you can! WOOHOO!

Susan, Wow, what a saga you went through with your band. I'm so, so glad you're ok and that your slip resolved itself with an unfill. I think it's a HUGE accomplishment that you didn't gain any weight back while unfilled. I can't even imagine. I know I'd gain 10 lbs/week without my band. I'm so proud of you. Of course you're welcome in the challenge (or any version of it you set for yourself). We're so glad you're checking in with us this month. And, wahoo! It's almost our bandiversaries! Kat, I think you're stronger and more self-confident now that you're "normal" sized and that's part of why you said no to doing Atkins with your friend. What do you think? You know what you're doing is working and that it's the right thing for your body. I'm so happy for you I could just jump up and down! And, you're exercising and, as you said, getting smaller, so that means the lbs are going to come off when they want to, but they WILL come off. You rock. Boo said: "There is NO contest going on here! Please don't anyone feel that there is pressure to be in an elite group of marathon runners. We are all improving our lives on several levels. The exercise endows us with vitality, strength, and an upbeat attitude...." I am SO ON BOARD with that. Please, please, everyone feel that way. This group means so much to me. Without it, I would not have gone to the gym the last 3 days of February just to do the best I could, even though I couldn't technically meet the challenge that month. There are so many days where I don't want to go out -- whether it's for a walk or a run or whatever -- and I GO because of this group. I think of checking in on this thread and it really gives me something motivationally that I wouldn't otherwise have. It doesn't always get me to push myself to the "max" I've ever done -- it gets me through the door to do SOMETHING, which is the most important thing of all. Heck, one day I might even try another NIA class, just to see what Betty does, or I might chop wood like Kat. It shouldn't be everyone's goal to be a marathon runner --heaven knows it's not my goal-- (or a runner at all). It should be our goal to do something, more days than not. That's all. It's part of our new lives and I'm so glad you're all here with me making that part of my new life work. Betty - I'm all moved in, thanks for asking. I've got little things to do -- one piece of furniture to buy and drapes to hem, but nothing drastic. I've already had houseguests and it all went well, so I'm officially moved in. I'm so sorry you're cancelling your trip to France, but Alan's health is, of course, the priority. Maybe you can reschedule for September, which is my favorite time in Paris. Did I ever tell you I lived there for nearly 4 years? If you need recommendations for anything, please let me know. Somehow I think we've already had this discussion and that you're a Paris veteran too. I think I'm going over in May, myself, if I'm all healed from my PS (which is March 28th, since you asked). Lastly, YES, I will be in NYC the first week of June. I so hope you make it to the city while you're in NJ for Alan's reunion. I would love, love, love to meet you in person (before I come see you sometime next fall, of course). As for me generally , I'm with the rest of you -- my weight is STUCK STUCK STUCK at the same thing it has been for nearly 3 weeks. I guess we're at the hard part now. I'd been having a hard time with food, which was partly coming off of vacation and partly due to the place in my cycle (I have about 3-4 consecutive ravenous days in the month that I just have to suffer through to be "just right" the rest of the month and they fell last week). I've kept my exercise up, including running 4 miles today (in 45 min!), so when in times gone by I would have gained, I'm holding tight. Plus, the crazy head hunger is hopefully past me and I'm feeling good, so maybe the scale will reward me soon. I hope so because I'm dreaming of Onederland....I made a special (out of the way) trip to Trader Joe's today to get some really good groceries to help in my Quest. I'd been relying on deli food and other medium-quality items for too long, but now I'm stocked with fresh veggies, soy and fish. Onederland, here I come!

Bluehill, We're so glad to hear from you! Thrilled that you're better, even though your accommodations are less than ideal. I know your daughter is doing everything she can for you and you'll be back home in no time. Happy TV watching.

Thanks, Enterprise! I'm looking forward to sharing my updates. For the moment, I need to lose 10 more lbs before the surgery, so I'm going to TRY and get focused. I was on vacation last week and I've had a hard time getting back into the swing of things.

Soniacan, I'm so stoked about the prep bowls you mentioned. I'd been looking for something just like that and there they are in a set of 6! Thanks for mentioning them....

Mary, Your words are so kind. Thank you. Even though it's a much bigger procedure, I'm so glad to be facing this journey (PS) instead of the journey last year (banding). I'm looking forward to it!

Welcome to February, April Bandits! We've rounded the corner of the New Year and our Bandiversaries are just a couple of months away. Woohoo!This is OUR YEAR to make goal! Let's let exercise in February help! We're upping our challenge for the month in number of sessions (by one). Our ultimate goal is 20 sessions a month for 45 minutes each session, and we'll get there by April. For now, here's February's challenge: (1) Complete 18 or more exercise sessions (counting only one session per day, if you're the type to do more!); and (2) To count, each session must be at least 40 minutes in duration (two 20 min sessions in one day still counts). We can do it!

If you were banded in the US, there is only one company whose bands are currently FDA approved (Inamed -- though several other companies have bands in trials and may very well be approved soon), thus you have one of three sizes, as Inamed only has 3 bands actively on the market (there are at least 2 others in development). The "standard" band would probably be the 9.75 cm band that holds 4 cc's. There is also a 10.0 cm band that holds 4 cc's. Then, generally for a patient with larger anatomy (whether because it's a bigger person or because the person has a higher BMI and, thus, a bigger stomach due to surrounding tissue), there is an 11 cm band tht holds 11+ cc's. The 11 cm band is called the "VG" or "Vanguard" band. If you're not in the US, there are numerous other companies apart from Inamed (owned by Allergan) that provide options and different sizes of bands.

Eficka, I would apply for the job if I were you. Applying doesn't mean you have to take it, if you find out the money doesn't justify the move, or that you don't really like the people. Just continue to check it out for now and pretend (to them) like it's the best job you could ever dream of. Then, once you have the offer, you can figure out if you really want it. Good luck deciding.

I had a great run last night. 4 miles in an hour seems to be my new "comfy" speed -- plenty of time in there for walk breaks, including a 15 minute warmup. I'm starting a new running program -- 2 days running, one day something else, 3 days running, one day something else (or off). I'm going to do that for March, until my surgery, then I'll be in the best possible cardio shape I can be in. Time for lunch. I'm HUNGRY after my run last night! Take care,

Try slicing new potatoes, squash and zucchini very thinly, spritzing with "I can't believe it's not butter", salt and pepper then broiling for about 5 minutes, turn them over and broil for about 2 more minutes. They come out like a "chip" consistency and are so yummy. The same prep for red bell peppers is divine and can be eaten alone or added to salads.