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:biggrin:Well what a week! Things are going well work wise but I am still not feeling like working out not in the least bit! I didn't join that other gym yet b/c of the money but I just got a raise and entire grade :thumbup::crying: over 13k more a year God is good:biggrin: So I can afford it. A few things food is not enjoyable anymore like food has been my friend it brngs m joy its how I relax but its a hassle to eat now. I dont ever feel full like after my surgery but I dont get hungry either. Which is good I need to up my exercise and my protien like yesterday. I been slacking on my vitamins so I just need to move ahead. I am debating step class and I shouldnt be debating it but alas the stuggle continues thinking good thoughts and looking forward to a great weekend the weather is going to be wonderful!

Ohh ebay great idea thanks Eb !!!! Sounds like its going well I am still not 100% with my exercise its all mental!!! Keep checkin in

Well I can feel the effects of the 2nd fill. I don't fee hungry and I have to chew a lot and even then I get stuck. I had scrammbled eggs and that felt like it was stuck I may be eating too fast I dunno. I had a good salad yesterday the chicken went down fine but the mixed greens and strawberries felt like it was stuck. It was annoying but not very painful. I was able to eat 1/4 in the cafe and I had te rest for dinner and it went down better at home for some reason. I did step aerobics yeterday and I will use the treadmill at home today.

I am SO glad you checked in!!!!! I was up 2 pounds too and I was doing the same thing drinking and eating out too much and not making wise choices and not exercising! You goals so great and I will check in daily too. Maybe we can post menus/journals to help with accountability!:thumbup:

Hi All! I have my 2 week follow up appt. today and I am thinking of asking my Dr. for a fill. I have been reading 4 weeks is typical though. At how many weeks did you get your first fill?>

Its been a busy sorority weekend! Looks of food and cake! :crying: I woke up and rejoined Weight watchers today. I forgot to add I had my first fill on Weds. it was quick and easy and I could tell right away it wasnt good I was able to drink the cup of water fairy quickly and without a problem. The Dr. warned me that it will take a few fills to get it right so be patient. I am thinking WW will help me with some structure and weekly accountability. No gym this weekend too busy with events but I plan to se the treadmill tonight at 7pm and 2 more workouts this week. Weds spin and Thursday dance class. Hope everyone else is well!:laugh:

6277.1 http://www.peertrainer.com/how_to_change_anything.aspx The 7-Steps to Changing Anything in Your Life By Joshua Wayne, MA Print | Email | Feeds {Note: This is a rather long article, but I think you will find significant value in it. You may want to consider bookmarking this page and returning to it every few weeks to reinforce how you integrate the ideas into your life. Feel free to send me your feedback: joshua at peertrainer dot com. Enjoy!} Is there anything in your life that you would like to be different than it is right now? Perhaps to lose weight? Meet a mate? Make more money? This is the big fundamental issue we all face, because most of us would like to change or improve certain aspects of our lives. If you find yourself in this camp (and who isn’t there at least some of the time), then you will find the following six steps very handy and useful. It is a 6-step process you can follow to "change anything in your life". 1. Know What You Want Rather Than What You Don’t Want No matter what, you have to decide what you do want so that you have something specific to move towards. The reality is that most of us focus on what we don't want in our lives or don't want to experience. For example: ➢ I don’t want to be alone anymore. ➢ I don’t want to be overweight. ➢ I don’t want to be broke anymore. The reason this is so important is that we gradually create what we focus on in our lives. Understand this key concept: where you put your attention is where you get your results. Think about it: if most of your attention is invested in pushing away the things you do not want, you inadvertently remain focused on exactly those things. Following the examples outlined above, you remain focused on being alone, being overweight, and being broke. Doesn’t sound too pleasant, does it? Of course not, but many people do it their entire lives. Conversely, we are suggesting you focus on what you do in fact want to be true in your life. Instead of the above consider thinking: ➢ I look forward to having a beautiful man/woman in my life who is a great fit and match for me. ➢ I look forward to living happily at 125 pounds (or whatever your desired weight is). ➢ I look forward to making $250,000 next year. Understand that this doesn’t mean that you necessarily now know exactly how you are going to make it happen. That would not be realistic. However, the creative process necessary to get you there will never be sparked if you’re endlessly focused on what you don’t want. Therefore focusing on what you do want is a crucial first step to catalyze yourself into positive, forward-moving action. 2. Cultivate the Belief That It’s Possible In order to achieve what you desire, you must first truly believe it is possible. This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how often people want an outcome in their life they don’t really believe is possible. Consider the example of losing weight: many people want to enjoy the benefits of permanent weight loss, but when questioned they realize they don’t really believe it’s possible. Here is a great question to ask yourself: On a scale of 1-10, where 1 means you don’t believe permanent weight loss (or whatever your goal is) is truly possible in your life, and 10 means you couldn’t possible believe it any more, where would you put yourself right now? This is a great question to ask yourself frequently to chart your progress. The rest of the steps outlined in this article are essentially designed to increase your level of belief that your goals are possible in your life. 3. Cultivate the Overwhelming Motivation To Succeed Some people are naturally motivated to make their goals and aspirations happen. For these people, it’s relatively effortless. While it would be nice if we were all like that all the time, not everybody necessarily has the urgency to bring their vision to light. They may have the capability, but not the urgency. For those to whom this urgency does not come easily or naturally, they must at times “manufacture” the urgency, or else they run the risk of stagnation. One “trick” if you will, for doing this is to become very clear on the pain that inaction will ultimately bring. If you don’t take action to lose weight, meet a mate or increase your income, where will you be in a year? In 5 years? How about 10 or 20? Realizing the pain that will result from inaction is powerful motivator for many people. It can often then be enhanced by contrasting this pain/misery with the enormous pleasure that is going to result from taking action. 4. Change Your Patterns, Change Your Life As a quick experiment, I want you to cross your arms. Notice which arm is on top and which is on bottom. Now reverse the order. If your left arm was on top, make sure it is now on the bottom. Feels strange, doesn’t it? Now try the same experiment by interlocking your hands so your palms are touching and your fingers are interlaced. Which thumb is on top- your right or your left? Now switch everything around so your fingers are still interlaced, but the other thumb is on top. Weird, eh? These are patterns in your life. They are physical patterns, but they are also metaphors for the emotional and psychological patterns in your life. These patterns show up in how we think about ourselves (“I am good” vs. “I am bad”), how we think of others (“I like people like him” vs. “I don’t like people like him”) and what we expect to be true in our lives (“I can be thin and happy” vs. “I will be overweight my whole life”). Of course these are simple examples, but they communicate the basic point. They also show up in our behaviors. For example, turning to food when we are stressed; acting with rage towards others when we are upset or scared (or bottling it up completely, by contrast); looking towards others for reassurance that we are “okay”. Here is the important thing to understand: our current patterns have gotten us to EXACTLY where we are in our lives right now. They have gotten us no more and no less. Therefore, if we stick to the same patterns, we are not going to change, and the circumstances of our lives are not very likely to change either. In order to get the changes we want, we have to change our patterns; we have to change our approach. When it comes to weight loss, for example, maybe this means following the “Eat To Live” approach for a month and mixing it up. Maybe it means being open to getting outside feedback and coaching to help you uncover and correct your negative patterns. Maybe it is as simple as saying “no” to somebody you generally say “yes” to or vice versa. One great thing we find again and again at PEERtrainer is that an interruption in negative behaviors or emotions can lead to powerful results. We get lots of amazing fan mail at PEERtrainer and have for years. One of the key reasons for this is that we provide tools and services that help people interrupt their negative patterns. What is interesting is that PEERtrainer is growing faster than it ever has. The reason is that we keep taking action and introducing new ways for people to interrupt their old patterns by creating new products and services. We have new email programs, new blogs, and a new “go at your own pace” coaching program that people are loving. All these new tools increase the odds that we will provide what people need to help them make the change towards the life they desire. We know this because you tell us. We listen to you and bring new things to the table to create the most helpful offerings we can. This is the same thing that you can do in your own life: keep creating new patterns and behaviors that replace the old ones you are letting go of. 5. Create New Patterns to Replace the Old After you have learned to interrupt your old habits, begin the search for positive alternative behaviors. Options are all around you that you can start developing immediately. Ask yourself, “what is the experience I really want to be having in my life?” Ask yourself that question and “listen” to the answer that comes back from within. Where does it guide you? Where does it want to lead you? What new behavioral options does it incline you towards? This is a very important step. If you neglect to do this, you will likely return to your old habits. The more you do this, the more you create positive neural pathways in your brain that increase your sense of pleasure and reduce your frustration or pain. For example, there are an infinite number of things you can do at night instead of mindlessly snacking, or binge or emotionally eating. Make a list of all the positive things you can do at night that don’t involve food (other than a basic, healthy dinner). Here are a few ideas to get you started: ➢ Become a night “exerciser” ➢ Join a volleyball league ➢ Join a bowling league ➢ Go to the theater ➢ Take an art class ➢ If you are in our coaching program get in the habit of listening to the coaching calls in the evening. ➢ Hang out with friends. Regardless, stay laser focused and persistent. Find the positive alternatives. 6. Reinforce, Reinforce, Reinforce (then Reinforce some more) The sixth step is to reinforce this behavior over and over again. Repetition is the mother of skill. This is why we send out a tip of the day email each and every day- it helps to reinforce positive patterns over and over again each day. There is a reason why our coaching program is 12 weeks- it gives us time to not just teach, but also to reinforce the material. Throughout the week, you are sent activities, articles and assignments to help “condition those new muscles”. Similarly, the online peer group you become part of in the coaching program provides you with a group of people who are also laser focused on developing new mental patterns. This total “reinforcement from all angles” is why people are having such great results, or are gradually developing an unshakeable belief that they will get where they want to be. 7. Embody the “Gratitude Attitude” While this may sound rather cliché, it’s actually quite an important part of the process. Very often we are intensely results driven in our lives. This is a normal part of making a living and dealing with the daily concerns of life. That said, we are too often so busy getting from point A to point B (literally and figuratively) that we lose our ability to slow down and truly appreciate the mystery and wonder that is so much a part of life. I recognize this may sound “corny”, but I am still going to challenge you to really consider what I am saying. I am talking about the kinds of things mystics and poets have written about for eons: the innocence of your child when she brings you a picture she has just colored in, a flower garden in spring, the sun setting- even things as simple as eating a meal with a friend. We are all guilty of losing sight of the beauty and wonder around us much of the time, and yet there is real value in being able to “get back to it”. For me, the best way to “remember” these things is to be grateful, meaning to commit to find moments in my day to deeply appreciate my life; to be grateful for all that I have in spite of the normal ups and downs that come. I think this is such an important part of the process because it brings our attention back to what we do have, rather than endlessly focusing on what don’t have yet. Shifting out attention to this positive place of gratitude is a great (and in my opinion necessary) “balancer” to the intense and avid pursuit to make changes in our lives and achieve our goals. Gratitude reminds us that while it’s great to pursue our goals in life, having happiness and wholeness ultimately results from a choice that comes from within.

Thanx Eb! How do you like the body bug? I had a polar f11 and debated upgrading to the body bug but then I heard there was a monthly fee!

Girlfriends!!!!:laugh: Let's get inspired!!!!:thumbup:It seems we are all kinda in a funk or withdrawing for various reasons but this board is such a great resource and support system so let's share our Top 10 Reasons Why We Want To Lose Weight! I'll start:smile: 10. To look better 9. To feel better-less aches and pains 8. Increase confidence 7. Increase self esteem 6. Achieve another life long goal 5. To be fit & look fit 4. Be a role model 3. Be happier 2. Be healthier-less or no meds 1. Because I deserve to live my BEST LIFE!:tt2: Who is next?! Let's get a jump start on Spring and moving forward!!!

Well everyone is soooooo quiet what's going on???!!! I hope everyone is well! Eb I am glad you love that rowing machine I know its a great workout!!! I went back to the gym last week when I was away on travel. M, W- Treadmill 60 minutes Sat-Step and Kickboxing 120 mins Sun- Spin and weight lifting class Monday-rest/teach Tuesday[ I finally went back to then gym during the week!!:w00t: I did Step aerobics and the weight lifting class! I feel like I am on a roll! Hope eeryone else is doing well! Its so hard for us a women of color to take time for ourselves but please try start with just 10 minutes its better than nothing! :thumbup:

Hey Ladies! I am away on travel and its a 2 hour time difference so its only 7:30 here I was up at 5am so I went to the gym! I did 60 mins on the treadmill.:cool2: I am using this time to get back into my workout groove. I know I am up and I just want to get back to where I was on my last Dr's visit my goal was to lose 4-6 pounds but without restriction its really hard!:tt2: But then again dont we all know that that's why we opted fo lap band to provide us with a tool. I havent made good choices I have had fast food b/c I am so busy and havent really cooked like I use to. But its a new day and a new month and my first fill will be next week and I am really hoping for that post surgery feeling it was sooooo sweet!:laugh: Well I am moving forward and looking forward to good things. I have been in a funk between the breakup and I had a falling out with 2 friends and I was minimizing the affect that was having on me and my mood so I am working on that and moving forward in that way too. More updates on that later! Have a good day!

Heyyyy Ebon!!! Glad to *see* you! Glad your second fill is going well and the clothing is getting baggy that a good feeling!! Keep checking in!!

Sxevan when is your next fill? I think that "sweet spot" is so tricky I am just ready for anything at this moment! In terms of your ankle try and visit a store like fleet feet they have good sneakers and it will make big difference. I wear Brooks and they feel like clouds on me feet its worth it! I am getting back on track with my workouts I am away on travel so I am using this time to get back in a groove! Keep up the good work!

Ohhhh please don't shy away when you are struggling we need to lean on each other ad encourage one another!:laugh::thumbup: My tip would be to write down your goals for say the week or the month. Keep them handy and reflect on them. I bought a great food and execise journal that I carry with me. Keep working out and keep checking in!

Hey All!!! Thanks for the messages! :cursing: All is well for the most part I am up about 4 pounds after my TOM but I have been eating way more. I am not starving just pacing out meals and Snacks but I can eat more before I feel satisfied. Everything is going down well I've had turkey sandwiches on multigrain bread from work for the most part and Breakfast is usually Cereal or a protien shake. I have had a few "stuck" :bored:episodes and a few "slime" incidents:scared2: nothing horrible but I am glad for lapbandtalk it helped to prep me:thumbup: I have such a busy life I have eaten out more than a few times and really my goal was to just lose a few pounds (6) between now and the fill which now my goal is to at least get back to 281 at least at best 275 which could work if I focus and really workout the next week my body tends to drop weight after my TOM so we will see. I am going away for the J-O-B and it will be a nice get-away the hotel has a gym I hope that helps me get back in the groove. I have used my home treadmill more but I am still really tired after I get home from work and just not that into hitting the gym or the treadmill. Not the model patient but I am not stressing myself until my first fill which is the 13th. Aside from that I am observing Lent and it has really been an eye-opening experience. I am learning (or relearning) that God needs to be my source and I need to lean on Him when I am feeling weak, lonely, tired, unsure. That's so important in all that we do. Church is great I am loving my new Pastor and it really feels like "home" and I havent felt that way in a church in a long time. What else... I am really feeling so many changes around me friendships some have faded away maybe never to return as they were and finally I am taking time to connect with people who value me and I am putting into those realtionships more and learning true friend will support you and look out for you and most of all make you feel cared for. Ahhh well I went to bed at 8:45 so now I am wide awake I tried to fight it but lost. I have a busy weekend but will make time for the gym:thumbup: Hope you all are well!!

WEIRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD I felt my port today!!! :thumbup: I was sitting a chair leaning over and I kinda felt a dull pain nothing bad just made me shift a bit so as I was driving home the area felt a lil weird so when I came home I started pushing and feeling around and I FELT IT!!! I feel a lil Frankenstien-ish lol Aside from that I ordered some new Multivitamins gel caps I am sooo :smile: sick of the chewables! I have to take them 3 times a day I'll take it! Aside fromt that I used the treadmill for 30 mins yesterday and today!:cursing:

That is good that the fill was painless I am still nervous I have until March though. I am still not hungry like that but I am craving more food and can eat more. You are right about the workouts I am getting back on track too! Please check in on that thread!!! The 2 pounds will urn of before you know it! Do you weigh in at home too?

. Well I am feeling well. I am not being a 100% on the rules this week was tough b/c I am PMSing and cravings are hitting me hard and I went out and its hard when you go out!!! Friday I went out with friends from my old job and had a good time. I had a mojito nursed it all night and I had crab dip with 5 or so thin slices of toasted bread. I also had a quesadilla 1/4 of one we all shared. I ordered a crab cake it wasn't that great though so I had 1/2 of it and some sweet potato fries. I was stuffffeddd like it was all sitting in the upper part of my belly. I guess it was a lot of stuff but it was over like 2.5 hours but still when I came home I had to take an anti nausea pill b/c I felt like I was going to vomit!!! Not good. On Saturday I woke up at like 4:45am my normal time for getting ready for work and I was UP UP! I skipped the gym and the scale was up like 5 pounds I was upset but I said you know what its been a week of foolishness so time to stop playing. I am PMSing so I usually gain/ retain Water so I said let go back to counting points so I know what I am taking in! I am still journaling but I been lax on writing the calories for everything. A/w I stayed in bed until after 1pm went to the mall to pick something up and I did park far away and walked around a bit went to LB I bought two sweaters. The 22/24s were loose so I tried the 18/20 in one and it fit well so I got it. I also tried on my 22 Ashley Stewart jeans and they fit the belly was a little tight though but in Dec. they wouldn’t close so I am happy about that. A/w I am so not feeling exercise but I am making a plan to use the treadmill tonight. PMS makes me tired but its mind over matter I could still do it if I committed to it so this week will be a fresh start. Chruch was great the message was "Not Without A Struggle" and the highlight was God never said life would be easy but He promised to always be there. She also spoke about the importance of giving to others when you feel at your lowest I've been trying to do that. So that was great confirmation. I forgot to add I weighed in this morning and was back down to 282.6 I guess it was the salt or whatever I sighed with relief but that was a good eye opener! Hope everyone is well!

Awe man :wink: but I guess he is thinking better safe than sorry some of the overfill stories I seen on vblogs and read on here are not pretty :scared2:but I know that feeling of restriction is addictive I had about 10 wonderful days of it post op but I am trying to drink more Water we'll see!!!

Hey Ebony!!! Yeahhh my Dr said the same thing 6 weeks for proper healing. I told her I was able to have a whole can of Soup (didnt mention the pizza:redface:) an she said I should still try and restrict myself to 1/2 a cup per sitting :thumbup: yeah right! I am going in March 18th for the fill now I am counting points again b/c I feel like nothing has changed I miss the swelling induced restriction :wink: and I want that back. Hope your second goes well:thumbup: you are doing great!

So glad today is a holiday :thumbup: but you know how I do so I made Drs appointment and I have to teach tonight:rolleyes: This is my 2 week follow up its been a lil over 2 weeks but making it for today was better than taking a day off. My commute is bad but I found another bus that is faster took off maybe 20 minutes.:cursing: A/w I am meeting with my wls Dr and my primary care want her to know I am doing well last time my blood presure was high and she wanted me to follow up. Ohhh these slider foods! :crying: So yesterday I bought a pound of chicken salad and 2 croissants and had the wholeee thing! Granted I that for the day (after church) but I want that 1 cup action back! I am going to see if my Dr will give me a fill or some diet pills like others get during bandster hell. Two weeks is a longgg time:blushing: I really didnt want to be one of those people who falls into the trap of eating out etc after surgery but I am being more forgiving of myself this time around. I have heard this period whatever you lose is gravy b/c there is no fill so I am going to keep the workout going and count calories better. I actually went back to the gym and did 30 mins on the eliptical:thumbup: I'll check in after my appts.

HUMMMMM yesterday's post is missing AGAIN maybe it the computer cookies or something??? A/w forgot to add the seminar talked about hormones and how after surgery they go a lil haywire so that explains the breakouts and facial hair growth:eek: also she talked about taste buds changing hence the reason I been gagging on the shakes and hating the multiv. I oredered some small multv pills hope the come soon! A/w headed to the gym!:thumbup:

WOW Wonderful progress!!!:thumbup:

I think I read your blog a few weeks ago congrats on doing so well and lowering your goal!! :thumbup::thumbup: