guysis

Dear Boo................didn't mean to sound cruel - maybe that's how I came across...............didn't mean that you should be happy with where you are..................I know that some of us would be thrilled to be where I am right now.............just meant at my age - right now I'd be thrilled to be in the 160's and if I had a couple extra inches............I always said I wasn't "too fat, just too short"! Just trying to be flip/funny......sometimes in words on paper what you mean is not how it comes out! Hope your plateau and mine is soon a thing of the past. Now that Julie and Dawn.........can you believe the nerve of those guys............they sure don't know the meaning of plateu (not a hex - DON'T LISTEN UP THERE PLATEU GOD!). Having my Mah Jongg group over today for our marathon day of practice - the 6 of us are going to Palm Springs on the 25th for a Mah Jongg tournament...........they're arriving at 9:00AM and we're playing thru the day and then we're going to Happy Hour for dinner (yes, I'll be careful) and coming back and playing more...............we usually play every week (take turns at each other's house - we normally play from 10:30 - 4ish.................we do this every year in preparation for the tournament........it's our last day we can play before we leave.............. probably will not get any exercise today (other than upper body - picking and discarding the Mah Jongg tiles).

Thanks Julie...........I will try that! Your are awsome - another lb down!!! It's like watching my child succeed - I've adopted you!

Yes, Boo...............I do know about those plataues! I sure would be happy tho with your weight and your height (penis envy - SORRY!). Well, woke up this morning and thought - 'you dummy, get a fill'! I had my last fill almost 3 months ago.............was very tight...........still am in the morning and lunch time, but eve's (when I'm careful) am "too" open. I say when I'm careful because I still have issues - should know better - with sometimes not chewing good the first few bites - this has been the hardest thing to contend with for me - I've always been such a "gulper".......and of course it happend to me tonight on some baked chicken...........................so, I'm really at a loss as to what I should do. I'm probably better off just staying where I'm at for now with my fill............wish it was not such an open question! I just have to get my act together and "act as if".................altho I've never been able to do that without the band, so if the band is not at it's optimum for me????????.............just ranting. I'm the only one who can decide if I need a fill. Dawn............we're supposed to get some snow (possibley) tomorrow.............I can't image what you go through......how do you get adjusted to -20C?????? You are all doing awsome with the exercise.............I'm going to keep up........did our 1 hour rt walk to Breakfast.

Hi All.............seems like all are doing great! Kat, can't imagine going out in that brrrrrrry stuff to chop wood...........it's only 40ish here in the NW and I'm a wus about going out and working in the yard to clean up some of the mess from our winds................we're supposed to get some real cold weather in a couple of days...........my old So. Calif. past is catching up with me and I'm shivering just thinking about it! Delta Dawn...............you inspire us all...............wow - you are so close to "onederland". Julie............you are beyond words.............you must be so excited to really "be" in the 20's. Did my NIA class this morning - just love it - who would have thought that I would ever say that about an exercise class?

Boo - I've never heard the "2 years to get to" before? I know that "most" lose best the first year.............I would think that it would depend on how one uses their band - as we all know at this point - it is "only" a tool! A wonderful tool - but just the same at this point I certainly know how to sabotage if I want to do that and I would think that if I wanted to maintain at any time, with the adjustment of my intake I could do that and that also if I want to at any time continue on with weight loss. I do agree with most that the beginning months/year is probably the time we have the most dedication. Had a great workout this morning - my normal NIA class, but wow......I have 2 friends who now join me most mornings..........all the husbands sometimes come and this morning we all stayed around and had lunch at a wonderful restaurant right in our gym.............we all shared salads.....it was really nice! Think we have a weekly Sat lunch date!

Did my hour of NIA, 1/2 hour of Core (although I did have trouble because the instructor did a lot of things where you had to been on your knees and my one knee cap still hurts to put pressure on it - from that fall on cement last month -.........but I tried) and then 45 minutes of the Group Power class (weights)..........so I'm working on getting back to my marathon days on Mon/Fri's. My weight went up .5 lb this week.................I'm back to posting my weight on Fridays again (I used to only weigh on Friday's also, but I think I need the daily check-in now)...........and I guess New Year's eve didn't help..............hope that now all that "stuff" is over I can get back to business - I have started as of NY day! I made a great veggie Soup - put in carrots, onions, calliflower, broccoli, cabbage, rutabagas, turnips, frozen corn, some canned Beans with a chicken soup base (the boxes from TJ's) and some seasoning..................cooked all this together till tender (about 1/2 hour).....got a cooked rotisserie chicken, took off the skin, cut it up in pieces and threw it in right before we ate.................delicious...............easy..............fast.

Julie, You are beautiful.................the red top with your dark hair is perfect! The difference of your before and after is spectacular..........you are as I have said many times my inspiration and I know will continue to be.....................thank you, thank you so much for starting our exercise group..............it's been such a boost for me the past few months. Did a lot of eating out today - lunch and dinner and tomorrow is my weigh in day (not a good thing). Didn't really do bad stuff - just now when I'm trying to lose some more I really need to stay home and eat more often........it's hard for me because we eat out a lot...........oh, well that old thingy, maybe this is where I need to stay because it's comfortable and easy to maintain?????? Still in the back of my head that maybe a size 14 for me is good enough?????? I'm off in the morning for my NIA class...........missed my exercise today.........felt guilty that I didn't do anything (a good thing!).

No exercise today! Had lunch with a good friend, did some shopping (but was good for a change - didn't spend anything (I have enough right now - waiting for the next size down before I hit it again!)............it's so tempting when you fit in "normal" sizes! Hope all you "sickies" are feeling better!

Roberta - yes, something is seriously wrong with me also - guess what, I've done the same thing that you did - hundreds of times in my life - and a few times since being banded..................but, I can count the times since banding on less than one hand.................I'm getting better and so are you.............don't knock yourself out...........we are not going to heal overnight (but.............it's so great........because we are healing!!!!) Kat - happy to hear you're feeling better. Went to my NIA class this morning..........so, 3 days in a row......yipee for me.

I can't believe how important this thread and all of you are to me! I get so excited when I see all the posts! You are all such an important part of my life - isn't it amazing how attached we get just via our band and words on a computer! You all keep me going with my exercise like nothing else could. Julie - by being more "band rules" compliant I mean..........3 meals (Protein, veggies first) and yes portion control - I started out in the beginning by putting my portions on my small plate and it went by the wayside lately to helping myself at the table. I also can eat more (especially if it's soft) and I'm going for one healthy snack (usually a sugar free latte with soy) and no eating after dinner. I need to get back to business! Kat - hope you get some relief from the dentist!!! And yes Kat, it's no fair that you are 5'9"........... Susan - I've had what you have on and off for years............also have had cervical disk problems - years ago had to have surgery..................since April - guess what..............nada (keeping my fingers crossed that the weight loss keeps it that way)......................but I know Susan how bad that pain can be...............hope it goes away soon! Blue - so nice to hear someone on here is close to my age.........I certainly don't act my age.........never going to do that...........and lately sure do feel better than I did at 50 (or younger). Sounds like I got a head start on you with kids/grandkids tho. Boo - We are all (I know I am) just now starting to think about the fact that I really have a chance this time to continue to be at a "normalish" weight for the rest of my life - in the back of my mind I don't think I really have believed it until now. Getting thru the holiday's without gaining weight did it for me...............that has never happened in my 67 years of life! For me it's frightening in many aspects...........stress/depression/happiness.... whatever has to be handled differently than before. I do believe this is a really important "part" of what we have to deal with in the upcoming months and for the rest of our lives! For me at least, the past month when I sort of returned a bit to my old ways (just a bit because of the bands help)........it reminded me of where I've been! Don't wanna go there any more! Enough rants for now................healthy day.........walked for Breakfast - a couple of miles +............about an hour.

Julie, We are very close in height.............I'm 5'3".......my "normal" weight with a BMI of 24.9 is 140.5lbs............yikes.......I have no plans at this time to ever reach that weight, but who knows.............we shall see. Like you, I'm really trying to take it about 5/10lbs at a time now. Happy to be starting this new year with my "resolve" to bigger/better/more exercise and also a new commitment to get back to better following "band rules".

I felt guilty - a perk of this group - and I put on workout duds, turned on on-demand TV and went to the exercise channel and guess what I found........45 minutes of dance exercise! Hey, maybe I can even go for "normal" weight by my bandiversary..................maybe asking a little much (but I can give it a shot!!!)............maybe a little lower than just reaching "overweight"????

Go Julie..........we're rootin' for you! I've set a much "easier goal".............just want to be at a BMI of 29.9/weight of 169 lbs - that will make me "overweight" instead of obsese - sounds better doesn't it? I chose to take a day off of exercise today.............have been hitting it pretty hard the past week - these old bones need a little rest. BUT, tomorrow morning bright and early - off to our usual walk to Breakfast. Happy January and a good exercise month to all!

It was a very good year........my son had his surgery and is here to celebrate the upcoming new year - the best of the best. I had my surgery and am sure it will add many healthy years to my life. All my other kids/grandkids are healthy and happy. What more can I ask for? Not a thing! Made my 20 days of exercise! Having a small group of friends over tonight to celebrate the past and ring in the new...........HAPPY HEALTHY TO YOU ALL.

Boo.........Sounds like you are on the mend!.............Hope it is not toooo painful.............ouch.............are you black and blue? Brave lady to pick up and continue with your exercise - just think, I bet last year it would have been a really good excuse to get into bed............our lives have greatly changed with this band of ours!

Julie - you rock...........26 days to date! I'll sign up to kick January with you................only going away for 3 days next month......so no excuses. On my way to the gym for my 19th..........and I promise to do tomorrow to get to 20 this month!

Roberta.............you are soooo close! You'll be in onederland in no time! It's a great place - I love it! December 1 - 1 hour NIA 2- 1 hour NIA 3 - 4 - 1 hour NIA/1 hour strength training 5 - walk back and forth to breakfast approx 1 hour 6 - off to my 1 hour NIA class - talked 2 friends into joining my gym and so have partners in my NIA class 7 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (approx) 8 - 1 hour NIA (posted in advance - meeting friends so no excuses!) 9 - 1 hour NIA (on my way over to the gym!!!) 10 - 11 - 1 hour NIA 12 - 13 - 1 hour NIA (planned - done!) 14 15 - 1 hour NIA 16 17 18 19 20 - 1 hour walk 21 22 - 1 hour NIA 23 - 1 hour NIA 24 - 1 hour walk to breakfast 25 - 26 - 27 - 1 hour NIA 28 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (planned & done!) 29 - 1 hour NIA 18 Sessions to date - want to do 20!

Dear Kat............so sorry for your friend's loss. I'm sure she appreciates your friendship now more than ever. As we get older and start to lose our grandparents and then our parents, we realize what is really important in life..............we give away all the "small stuff" or rather, try to give it away...........................sometimes we forget! Again, a happy, very healthy New Year to all.

Kat..........it is so much fun to watch the grandkids open the presents......remember when ours were little like yours...........our babies are now 8 1/2..........and the big ones are in High School.........enjoy those babies...........the time goes by so quickly. Well, with our planned walk to Breakfast tomorrow I will have met this month's challenge..............hopefully will get in a couple more NIA classes on Friday and Sat and maybe even Sunday morning.........that will make it 20.........................I'm going to do it! Yep, like the rest of you..........I want this New Year to start already.......back to the "simple" life. We're having a gang of friends over for NY eve and then I'm back to being a tee totaler...................I'm not a "drinker", but the past month has been a challenge............from going to not having anything in more than 6 months to a glass of wine with dinner out once in a couple of weeks, to party-time month of December......those empty calories are not needed - along with all the other temptations that I had not put in this mouth for so long.............go away goodies! So, those extra couple of pounds that found their way onto my butt will be leaving soon.............back to basics. Any other year without the band and it would have be 10 or 15 lbs or more. All the exercise has been such a help also................just think about any other year in December...................would you have believed it...........thru all the holidays and we've kept up our challenge! Yeah, for us! I'll update my signature line (including the NOW weight on Friday) yikes.....it's fess up time. I think I'll go back to weighing once a week again....that seems to work best for me - getting on the scale with Alan watching! December 1 - 1 hour NIA 2- 1 hour NIA 3 - 4 - 1 hour NIA/1 hour strength training 5 - walk back and forth to breakfast approx 1 hour 6 - off to my 1 hour NIA class - talked 2 friends into joining my gym and so have partners in my NIA class 7 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (approx) 8 - 1 hour NIA (posted in advance - meeting friends so no excuses!) 9 - 1 hour NIA (on my way over to the gym!!!) 10 - 11 - 1 hour NIA 12 - 13 - 1 hour NIA (planned - done!) 14 15 - 1 hour NIA 16 17 18 19 20 - 1 hour walk 21 22 - 1 hour NIA 23 - 1 hour NIA 24 - 1 hour walk to breakfast 25 - 26 - 27 - 1 hour NIA 28 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (planned)

Julie..............wow, what a family you come from................plastic surgeons, bariatric surgeons, lawyers (we have a few dentists, engineers, cpa's, physical therapists.............peons!)!!!!!!!! I can feel the pressure you are feeling! I have been watching you....................you are one away from the 6 workouts per week we "contracted" for....................I got distracted by all my trips....................you are again, my idle! Next month, we'll do it again.................hopefully, I can keep up with you????

T'was the Night before............................ Wishing a Merry Christmas to all............................ Our family is a mixture of religons - we've finished with Hanukah and will now celebrate Christmas.............we have the best of all worlds and traditions from each to pass down to our grandkids! Alan and I managed to get our walk in this morning - it was raining but we just bundled up, pulled up our hoods and went............. Boo..............we do have to count our blessings of good health.........and this band of ours is the "culpret" that makes it all possible...........without it, I surely know that I was definately on my way to a life as a diabetic or heart patient............hopefully this will help me "bypass" that possibility.......I sure know my chances for a healthy old age are sure a lot greater today than they were before April 2006. Where is SLC? Roberta..............how are you doing with the new fill? I am up 3 lbs this past month...............holiday's are not easy! Those old habits creep back in..............and all the travel has not helped.............just too many parties and too many "good cheer liquids" Gotta get thru tomorrow and a party on Tues and New Year's eve............then just like the rest of the world - hit it on the 2nd! Still trying to decide if I want to just stay around this weight or continue down a bit..............I'm comfortable here, but not quite satisfied??? I've been able to maintain (well, sort of - excluding the holiday season) and I'm 67 and I'm a size 14......................and I look very presentable.........am I talking myself into this?..............I continue to go back and forth in my mind..............it's a lot easier to just say..............ok, you're here, it's easy, I'll just stay here..................but...................I think I really do want to get a bit more off because the old bod will feel better even with 10, 15, 20 or so more pounds off the knees and ankles!:help: What do you think?........................I think - yep, Betty...........you can do it..........keep at it - go for a bit more! December 1 - 1 hour NIA 2- 1 hour NIA 3 - 4 - 1 hour NIA/1 hour strength training 5 - walk back and forth to breakfast approx 1 hour 6 - off to my 1 hour NIA class - talked 2 friends into joining my gym and so have partners in my NIA class 7 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (approx) 8 - 1 hour NIA (posted in advance - meeting friends so no excuses!) 9 - 1 hour NIA (on my way over to the gym!!!) 10 - 11 - 1 hour NIA 12 - 13 - 1 hour NIA (planned - done!) 14 15 - 1 hour NIA 16 17 18 19 20 - 1 hour walk 21 22 - 1 hour NIA 23 - 1 hour NIA 24 - 1 hour walk to breakfast

I didn't really hurt myself "that bad":faint: ...............just embarrased and have 2 big "black and blue" marks on my knees....................., but Thanks for the concern! Because I'm in such great shape!!!!!, I just picked myself up and "ran off". Sure would not have happened before April! Again, thank you band. Had a wonderful eve with the family..........I'm so blessed..........happy, healthy kids/grandkids. Have a lot of leftovers - going to pack them up and bring them to the kids today - that old "sickness" is not gone - partially gone, but not forgotten..................I guess the band is not a cure all for what is in our heads......................off to the gym this thinner, healthier grammy goes...................can you believe, I actually look forward to it. I'm back to my NIA class (4 times a week) and walking twice a week and will add some other classes again next week - I have not done my "marathon" Mondays and Fridays (I add a 1/2 hour Core class and an hour of strength training) since I started all this traveling the past month..............as everyone else in the world will do on the 1st..................I "promise" to go to the gym (?????) times a week.................only this year "I will" actually do it - with your wonderful help!

Back to the gym this morning............I hurt after not having been in a week................also, I fell on a concrete floor while shoping with my DIL in Sac.............we were in a big warehouse looking at granite counter tops and I tripped over a big metal "thing".......almost knocked my teeth out, but didn't.............just fell on both knees - both kneecaps are "black and blue".....I'm a klutz..........lucky I didn't do any more damage! Having my Portland gang over for Hanukah tonight..............too tired after the trip to make "latkies" (potatoe pancakes) and so bought some frozen ones at Trader Joe's (just pop them into the oven)..............my son is not going to be happy! Planning on the gym tomorrow morning again. Have a happy/healthy holiday. December 1 - 1 hour NIA 2- 1 hour NIA 3 - 4 - 1 hour NIA/1 hour strength training 5 - walk back and forth to breakfast approx 1 hour 6 - off to my 1 hour NIA class - talked 2 friends into joining my gym and so have partners in my NIA class 7 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (approx) 8 - 1 hour NIA (posted in advance - meeting friends so no excuses!) 9 - 1 hour NIA (on my way over to the gym!!!) 10 - 11 - 1 hour NIA 12 - 13 - 1 hour NIA (planned - done!) 14 15 - 1 hour NIA 16 17 18 19 20 - 1 hour walk 21 22 - 1 hour NIA 23 - 1 hour NIA (planned)

Julie, You are not alone! This is such a hard time - probably for us all - I know it is for me...............I've just decided that I'll go with the flow. My band and yours keeps us "sane", but not perfect..........just think of the difference from last year...........give yourself a break - calm down, take a deep breath..........keep up the movement.........this will pass soon and we can get back to our "normal". A breather week of maintaining will not in the long run hurt your longterm goal...............you are so dedicated and my inspiration. Happy, healthy to you all.

Got to San Diego safe and sound - but missed out on one of the family fun times Fri eve.......but did make it to my baby sis's 50th on Sat eve. We are still traveling............left San Diego on Sun morning - arrived in Sacramento to visit our set of kids/grandkids here. Had our first Hanukah party (no latkies) heading home on Thurs and will have our gang in Portland over on Friday with all the trimmings to celebrate the last night of Hanukah - complete with all the latkie grease! Then we'll cross over to the other holiday and celebrate Christmas with a set of kids in Portland on Sat...............another Christmas party on the 26th and New Year's at friends............this is a "hard" time! I am happy that my band is tight and that I do have to be very careful (although especially in the evening sometimes it lets me get in a bit too much). Exercise has been waylaid while I run around town with my daughter-in-law shopping...........and run around town with the grandkids to all the "things" that grandkids do! Friday, bright and early I'll head over to the gym. I've read all the posts...........you are all awsome.........Julie, 250 crunches???? I do a lot at the gym, but I have not counted. Extending the workouts to 40 minutes sounds good. December 1 - 1 hour NIA 2- 1 hour NIA 3 - Day off! 4 - 1 hour NIA/1 hour strength training 5 - walk back and forth to breakfast approx 1 hour 6 - off to my 1 hour NIA class - talked 2 friends into joining my gym and so have partners in my NIA class 7 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (approx) 8 - 1 hour NIA (posted in advance - meeting friends so no excuses!) 9 - 1 hour NIA (on my way over to the gym!!!) 10 - Day off! 11 - 1 hour NIA 12 - 13 - 1 hour NIA (planned - done!) 14 15 - 1 hour NIA 16 17 18 19