JulieNYC

Kat, look at that, you're at 203.5!!!! I can't wait for you to hit Onederland! So exciting. Speaking of Onederland, I can't wait for Dawn's post. I know she's traveling this week, but I bet she's hit it.

Oh, Betty. I wish I were there to hold your hand. I know Alan's going to be fine, but it's scary and I'm sorry you're going through it. Hang in there until you get the test results. Maybe they'll decide it's been that degree for a longer time than they thought and surgery won't be necessary. I know I speak for all when I tell you we're thinking about you. I got to the gym today for an hour on the elliptical. That's all my news....

Molly, I KNOW that you will meet your Valentine's goal. I'm so proud of you for getting back into the swing of things so quickly, with all that you've been through these past few months. You are an inspiration to all who face such tragedy. Please let us know what we can do to help you along the way. I drink soda -- not much, but maybe 12 oz/week. I'll give it up, in solidarity with you. Take care, Julie

Life threw me another curve ball today. I think you all know from prior threads that I took a job at another firm (a lot more money and really cool travel) but that they let me have until May to start so that I could lose some more weight and have a TT before starting. Today, I found out that the entire practice group up and left the firm I committed to and joined a much larger and more prestigious firm. The larger firm has now extended me an offer. I'm not sure of the terms yet, but the money is sure to be insane. Unfortunately, there's no way I'll be guaranteed the balance of lifestyle and work that I was hoping for when I originally researched this practice group -- now that they're at the larger firm they'll have less control over that. I can definitely still stay at my current firm where I'm warm and happy (and can have the flexibility to take time off whenever I need it for PS in the future and could wait a little longer than May to truly get to goal before PS, which would be ideal). I'm not really asking for advice (though I'll certainly take it) because I don't even really know my options yet -- just wanted to vent. Overall, it's probably a good development -- just a stressful one. The caloric intake has held steady today, even during the stress and I'm looking forward to my time at the gym to have a release in a few hours.

I want to play! I guess it means "heated kiss" -- well Amourette?? Educate the Americans as to your playful banter! What does it mean? I fell down a flight of concrete stairs today. (Darn 3 inch knee high boots!) I'm going to live, but I'm a little fearful for how I'm going to feel in the morning -- I'm afraid I might feel a little like I've been in a car wreck. I'm not too bad off, but I've been bruising so much lately. I'm a little worried that I might have a Vitamin deficiency from the weight loss. Or, hopefully, it's just the effects of having less padding. Is anyone else having this problem? (I'm going to the doc next week, so no worries). I did make it to the gym. Couldn't run on the ankle after the fall, but the elliptical felt just fine. Hope your day was better than mine!

A slipped band usually causes other problems. I've read about serious reflux issues and serious vomiting issues. These symptoms often lead to the tests that render the diagnosis of a slip. Whether there are people out there with slips but no symptoms (and thus no diagnosed slips), I have no idea. I do not believe you can live with an erosion and not have the band removed. An erosion means the band has actually eroded through the wall of your stomach. As I understand it, this has to be surgically corrected in order to salvage the integrety of your stomach. Some non-severe erosions can be immediately re-banded, usually by using a different size band (often the VG when a small Inamed band had been used before) and placing it slightly differently (often slightly higher). Slips are more common than erosions, but neither are common. When I decided to be banded, I accepted the fact that there was a small chance I'd need a revision surgery at some point. Believe me, the chance of having ONE bad day (i.e. a follow up surgery) versus living every day at 300+ -- it's a no brainer which I'd choose. Hope this helps!

I gain 3-4 lbs overnight twice a month, related to my cycle. Keep in mind, to gain 4 lbs in FAT overnight, you'd have to eat approximately 17,000 calories (and your body probably wouldn't absorb all the cals from that severe of a binge anyway, so it's really more anecdotal). At 255 lbs, you probably burn about 2800 cals/day just existing. To gain one lb, you have to take in 3600 extra calories (whether in one day or slowly over time). So (3600 X 4) + 3800 = 17,000. Now you KNOW you didn't eat 17,000 calories. So believe us all when we tell you it's Water and it will come off. The hard part to accept is that this might be part of your pattern. Log your weight and in a few months you'll know whether to expect it. For me, it's part of the deal, but so is losing 5 lbs overnight at a later point in my cycle and that's always fun too! Hang in there.

For what it's worth (probably not a lot!), I've never heard of someone being denied a fill for gaining. That wouldn't make sense. People have been denied for losing too much (on the thought that if you can lose as you are, you shouldn't risk the potential complications of a tighter fill), but not as "punishment" for gaining. If you PA denies you a fill for gaining, find another fill doctor. I firmly believe success with the band is in large part about having access to fills. Your gain isn't your fault. With proper restriction that little voice in your head telling you to eat the "bad stuff" (i.e. nutritionally poor choices) is VASTLY deminished. I have a feeling you haven't experienced this yet. Fight for yourself until you know, first hand, what I'm talking about. You're worth it and you're not to blame. Hang in there!

Aww, shucks. Thanks guys!:embarassed::embarassed::embarassed:

I'm with all the others on going to amusement park after amusement park. I love a good roller coaster! Other than that, I'm going to go vintage clothing shopping in the East Village in NYC. And snow skiing!

jgandg, This is not your fault. You just don't have enough restriction yet. Until you get enough, you can't be expected to follow the bandster rules. None of us could before we got banded and restricted. Be aggressive with your doctor. Explain that you want to do this but that you need more fill and less lecture.1.5 cc's is not a lot of restriction for most people, even in the smallest band. If this fill doesn't do it for you, go back and back until you're sure you've got it right. Then the weight will just come off with far less effort than it's taking you now. Hang in there.

Well, I had an "easy" workout of 60 min on the elliptical and 15 min walking on the treadmill this evening. I'm going to take a couple of more days off before I run again. The elliptical is fine for now. One month, I'm going to challenge myself to some swimming lessons, but not for the moment. I'm going to sleep like a rock tonight, so off I go to it. Yall take care & stay warm.

Betty, I'm so excited about your 5K! You and Alan are going to have a blast. Roberta, How are you feeling? I hope you're not too bruised up from your fall. You've had a rough spell... Amourette, My warm-up sounds just like yours. I just do about 5 min, then go for it. If I'm in the gym, I do weights for about 15 min first because I read somewhere (whether it's true or not) that you don't burn as many calories in the first 20 minutes of exercise, so I save my running/elliptical for at least 20 minutes into my routine so that I get the most "bang for my buck." I'm not sure it really makes much of a difference. Eficka and Amourette, I'm so proud of you for dating. I'm so confident in most areas of my life, but I've not "put myself out there" for dating yet. I think mentally I'm waiting to get under the 200 lb mark. I might even be waiting for my plastic surgery to be behind me -- I'm not sure. Dating is scary. Thanks to everyone for your support with my race. It was a great experience. There were 5,000 runners. I ran the 4 miles in 49 minutes, which exceeded my goal, even though I was definitely among those finishing in the last third or so. Luckily, I was in an early heat, so it didn't feel like I was finishing late, even though in reality I was. The first mile was hard, the second mile was easy, the third mile was IMPOSSIBLE (my Ipod died from the cold!!) and the fourth mile was glorious (and slightly downhill). I'm so glad I did it and I'm already looking forward to the next one (March 11th). Take care,

I met my Valentine's Day goal today. Woohoo! Name....................Current Weight......Valentine's Goal......To Go Juliegeraci................237.................... ..10................Done! 5lbs Bonus Lapbandit.................235..................... .20..........................8 Libra....................... 253......................20....................... ...8 Indianlight................ 268......................20....................... .9 JulieNYC.................. 215......................215.........................0 Elisabethsew............ 283 (-11)...............282........................1

Just a quick post to let you all know I finished the race (4M) -- in 48 minutes -- way better than my goal of 60 min! My stomach is a little queasy but I'll check back in in a few hours when I've warmed up and gotten settled. Thanks a MILLION for all your support. I thought of each of you during the race. Hugs,

Welcome to January, April Bandits! It's a New Year, can you believe it? Let's think back to April and compare it to how we feel now. WOW, dieting and exercise really pays off. Then just think about how we'll all feel in April 2007. Woohoo! This is OUR YEAR to make goal! We've made it through the holidays and it's time to bust a move. We can do it! We're upping our challenge for the month in duration. I think we've decided to hold steady on the number of sessions. Our ultimate goal is 20 sessions a month for 45 minutes each session, and we'll get there by April. For now, here's January's challenge: (1) Complete 17 or more exercise sessions (counting only one session per day, if you're the type to do more!); (2) To count, each session must be at least 40 minutes in duration (two 20 min sessions in one day still counts); and (3) Set a goal (whether in lbs/kilos or NSV) for your upcoming bandiversary and share with the group, if you wish. We can do it! Speaking of, I'm off to the gym....

I had the same thought Bluehill. I think that may be a great solution. Let's think about what the exact title of the thread should be so that when we start it in a couple of weeks, it'll attract the widest range possible. Maybe: April Bandster Thread (where April Bandsters from 2006 AND 2007 come to chat) I'd like something shorter but catchier if yall can think of anything.... I picked up my race number and souvenir t-shirt (I got a medium - thinking ahead, ha!) for tomorrow. Now I'm off to paint my kitchen and bath. Can't wait until Friday -- the big move. I'm ALMOST prepared for it (but my Mom's coming in on Thursday and will, as usual, save the day)....

Happy birthday Elisabethsew! Name....................Current Weight......Valentine's Goal......To Go Juliegeraci................237.................... ..10................Done! 5lbs Bonus Lapbandit.................235..................... .20..........................8 Libra....................... 253......................20..........................8 Indianlight................ 268......................20........................9 JulieNYC.................. 216......................215.........................1 Elisabethsew............ 283 (-11)...............282........................1

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/223/150 - 40 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: DeltaDawn - 358/202/179 - 156 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/165/132 - 43 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/117/110 - 63 total--NO MORE BAND :-( 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/174.5/134 - 59.5 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/216/180 - 142 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/143.5/140 - 96.5total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/206/140 - 42 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/187/145 - 30 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/192/140 - 50 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: KAYBEE-284/198/180 -86 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-20: TrustUfirst - 210/205/177/135 - 32 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/179/130 - 41 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/228/156 - 60 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/207/150 - 66 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/237/150 - 73 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/98/69 - 27 kgs/59.4 lbs total 4-24: Ceparano- 255/270.5/205/170 - 65.5 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/210.5/165 - 78.5 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/206/160 - 56 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/184/150 - 80 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/229/150 - 54 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/228/150 - 105 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/150/135 - 75 total 4-29: Momofsixkids - 238/188/140 - 50 total

Amourette, My thoughts on this line up with everyone else's responses -- i.e. that this is an exercise challenge thread at core, not a general April thread, but that any April bandster (or other invitee) is welcome here, whether they're participating in the challenge or not. Maybe we can find a way to express that better for anyone else who would like to contribute. Thinking back to the origin of this thread, as you know, there used to be just one April thread -- a general chat. Then, about 6 months in, some of us decided to start an exercise challenge thread to work up to meeting a specific goal (i.e. getting enough exercise in our lives, which we believe to be a vital component to long-term success -- we're still working on getting there by increasing the challenge slightly each month). The general April thread was still around for a few months, simultaneous with the exercise challenge thread. That's the way I, at least, hoped things stayed (i.e. a general thread and a challenge thread). That's not to say that I don't want to share challenges other than exercise on this thread -- I do! It's just that I didn't invision those not doing the challenge not having an April thread for support. Of course there are limitless places for support on this and other forums, so I don't worry too, too much. Everyone who looks can find a support home. I think there are several options: (1) Anyone who feels like they're not getting support on this thread should start a general April chat thread. I would participate because my chosen form of long-term support is about supporting April bandsters (though I do think the challenge thread is now my main "home.") I don't think everyone from the challenge thread would frequent a general thread, but I think many would. (2) We could modify the intro thread to the challenge that clearly gives the option of any April bandster participating on their own challenge terms. I think it was Boo (or maybe Bluehill? Sorry guys!) who recommended an "elite" level for our exercise challenge to accommodate those with more intense exercise goals without alienating the core group. An open-ended challenge option would accommodate those wanting an "elite" challenge for the month OR those wanting to accomplish other lifestyle goals for the month. The point would be there's an option for you to set your own goal for the month (or to stick with the group challenge). There are not so many of us that we can't keep what everyone is doing straight. I actually like this option because most of us will do the prescribed challenge, but it gives everyone flexibility to whatever they commit to for the month. (3) Lastly, we can leave things the same. My belief is that what we are doing on this thread is really important -- maybe just as important as being banded itself. My vote is that I don't want to change the core of that, not because I don't care about other April bandsters, but because I personally go to the gym many days just because of this thread. I wouldn't go if I wasn't checking in with you guys and I need that motivation. Plus, I believe if meeting a monthly challenge isn't someone's thing, there are other places for more general band support, on LBT and elsewhere. Amourette, your post reads to me (though I read things between the lines all the time that aren't there) as if you know someone specific who has expressed to you that they feel left out. If so, would you ask them if option #2 would make them feel more welcome, or whether it's the fact that it's an exercise challenge, period, that makes them look elsewhere for support. On another note, the scale moved today for the first time in 20 days. Woohoo!

Admittedly, there are a lot of factors in getting proper versus poor nutrition. I, personally, can do it on 900 calories, most days (when chocolate doesn't get in the way). I'm 5'1, vegetarian, and an avid food logger. I always get 5 servings of fruit & veggies on that amount, as well as enough protein. I can't say what's right for anyone but me. But what I can say is that if your surgeon and/or your nutritionist (like mine) are telling you that 800 or so calories is where they see the most success during the weight loss phase, there are indeed people out there who are examples of this. It seems incomprehensible to the pre-bandster that that amount of food is nourishing and satisfying, but it is -- for many. Laurend, my advice to you is to not worry about it. You'll find what range is right for you, whether it's 800, 1200 or 1500 calories. It'll come together for you with what feels right once you're in the middle of it. There's a lot of flexibility with the band.

Bluehill, I'm so glad you're ok. I know you'll get it all done before you leave on your trip. My first day of the challenge started off well too. I got in 60 min on the elliptical and 15 min on the treadmill. No running, just walking, in prep for Sunday....

Go Eficka go!!! :purplebananna:

You generally have control over what you can and can't eat by the amount of restriction you choose have with your band. If you prefer a slower loss but with complete variety, you'll keep a looser band and you'll be able to eat everything, or almost everything. If you're in a rush to lose more efficiently, you'll keep a tighter band and you may lose some flexibility in textures, at least beyond a few bites of the offending texture. For most people, it's really quite in your control.

I wrote a thorough post last night, then hit some key by accident (I blame the new fingernails) and lost the whole thing -- not even "undo" would work. Don't you hate that? Boo and Dawn, my race starts at 8 a.m. on Sunday but you can't track it online. They only do that for 10Ks or greater (so maybe in a few races). I will definitely think of all of you cheering me on though. It's going to be great. I got in a great run last night -- my last training run, and I felt really good about it -- even though it's going to be 18 degrees. Betty, I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. My prayers are with you and I promise to truly appreciate the fact that I have today -- and all the good things about today (even though I'm not at goal) -- in her memory. Please let us know if there's anything we can do. Bluehill, I have no doubt that you'll get your Feb/March exercise in. You'll walk, you'll find a gym where you can pay by the workout (many will let you if you talk them into it, even if they don't technically have a day plan -- I found this out when I was down South over Christmas). Just don't fall into the trap of "gee, since I can't do my normal full workout, it's not worth going for a walk" -- it is worth going for the walk. It preserves the habit and burns good calories. I fall into that trap too easily ("gee, I can't run today, so I won't even bother going to the gym" -- no Julie, wrong attitude). BTW, your weightloss this month was STELLAR. Woohoo! Eficka, I'm glad you're ok with not getting the fill. That would make me angry (because I'm a control freak), but I do understand there are different approaches to band fills. You're doing great. Roberta, I'm soooo happy you completed the challenge despite your health ups and downs. You are an inspiration! Boo, do you think your body has changed this month and the scale just hasn't caught up? That happens to me a lot. February is going to be your month! Speaking of February....