likeitsgolden75

Hi Everybody! This board is an inspiration for me and although I do not regualarly post, I read often. Here are my top ten reasons to loose the weight: 10. To be able to shop for clothes in places other than Lane Bryant and Avenue or the "Women's Department". 9. To be able to dress with confidence. 8. To build my self-esteem. 7. To not have to take blood pressure meds for the rest of my life. 6. To not get Type II Diabetes like my Big Mama did. 5. To not get heart disease like my grandfather did. 4. To wear a swim suit on vacation. 3. To be a better example to the students I serve. 2. To improve my quality of life. 1. To be a better steward of this temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells!

After four years of braids, weaves, and wigs I decided to get a relaxer in November. I was pleasantly surprised by the length and now want to keep my strands as healthy as possible. With working out four days a week, comes a lot of sweat. What is your excercise haircare regimen?

Last night: 30 minutes on the treadmill @ 4.7 mph; 30 minutes of weights for lower body. My last workout for the week will either be tonight or tomorrow (Saturday). I'm trying to maintain a regimen that I can stick with. Ten years ago, I worked out 6 days a week, 2 hours a day. I lost 40 pounds in 3 months, but got burned out. I gained all of that weight back PLUS a bunch. So here's my schedule: Monday - workout Tuesday - workout Wednesday - off Thursday - workout Friday or Saturday - workout, THEN hair appointment Sunday - off If I get the hair done on Saturday, then there's NO WAY I'm working out on Sunday. Speaking of which, I 'm starting a post on haircare. With a relaxer, maintaining healthy hair and sweating everyday is difficult. I wonder how other sisters out there are managing.

Get an MP3 player. Fill it up with your favorite tunes. Start walking at the track, the park, or on a treadmill. Get into the music and pretty soon you won't even notice that your excercising. You can even multitask. Since your a student, listen to a lecture or a recorded book while exercising. Then you're killing two birds with one stone - getting the exercise and study time in at once.

At 228 pounds, I'm 29 pounds to Onederland. I'm DETERMINED to reach it by May 21, my 4th wedding anniversary.

I'd be honored to join! Excercise is vital to this tool of our to work. Unfortunately, I don't particularly love it. But, I always feel better after doing it. Today, I did 30 minutes on the treadmill and 30 minutes of weight training on my upper body.

My surgery date was 08.27.08. My first fill was 09.30.08. By then, I had lost 20 pounds. My second fill wasn't until 01.02.09. By then I was down another 16 pounds. I decided to get a fill earlier this year because I felt that I was able to eat too much food in one sitting, even a cheeseburger from Whataburger. Since the fill, I have felt a tremendous difference in terms of restriction. I can only eat half the food I did with the first fill and am down 8 pounds in 25 days. I return next Monday, Feb. 2 for a monthly check up at the True Results center in Houston. I urge you to do this. I didn't see any doctor between Sept. 2008 and Jan. 2009. I strongly believe that this slowed down my weight loss.

I want to wear a bikini on a beach and not be ashamed to do so!

Is a bitch! Even though I'm not hungry, I want to put something in my mouth, something soft, sweet, and cakey. The band doesn't take this desire away. But the fact that I paid $12,900 out of my pocket for it will! Just venting.

I was banded Wed., Aug. 27 and returned to work the next Monday. Worked for me.

I too wear Spanx and was banded on Aug. 27. By the way, Sara Blakely, Spanx's creator has a more affordable line at Target called Assets. FYI

Best Wishes to you gg! I've watched all of your YouTube videos. You have a tremendous spirit. I wish you a speedy recovery and can't wait to see the next installment!

A girlfriend of mine lost 100 pounds. In the process she met a wonderful man and got married. I was ecstatic for her and was a bridesmaid. Another friend of hers (not of mine) TOTALLY ended all communication with her. That was nine years ago. They don't speak to this day. It reinforces the old adage that misery does love company. Once your not miserable anymore, those old miserable friends will drop by the wayside.

Hi There and Welcome Back! I was just banded on Aug. 27. It has been the best decision I've ever made. I'm able to satisfy my hunger with very small amounts of food and feel satisfied. No more point counting, no more nasty expensive foods (Medifast). This is a great group to join because there are so many women with valuable insights about the journey and the process. If I can answer any specific questions, please let me know. God bless.

Hello! I was banded on Aug. 27. Most of the pain is gone. I even went to the gym with my hubby this afternoon. Glad that things are going well for you! Take care.

Hi! I was banded by Dr. Hadar Spivak through True Results in Houston, Texas on August 27. I paid $12,900; that was a special which ends Sept. 1. After the 1st, the price goes back up to $15,000.

I returned this afternoon. My hubby and I went to the 24 Hour Fitness in Downtown Houston. I did 30 minutes on the treadmill at 2.5 miles/hour. I felt great. This was the first time that I felt in control of my weight loss. Normally I would leave the gym feeling that I had accomplished something, but not really believing that it would have an impact. That's why I would always up the impact of my workout and tire and strain myself to death! This time, simply walking will be fine for me. I burned exactly 375 calories. Substantial, considering that all I had to eat today was a an egg and a 1/8 cup of gritts.

Hi Everybody! My surgery was two days ago. When do you think I could return to the gym to walk on the treadmill? My husband wants me to go with him. I'd appreciate any advice on exercise.

I was banded on Wed. at the True Results Center in Houston's medical center. Dr. Spivak was my surgeon.

I'm totally with you on the pushy nurses! Yesterday, I was banded and they had me sitting straight up in the bed when I finally woke up. Within 15 minutes, I was dressed and sitting up in a chair. And I wasn't allowed to doze off at all. I slept all evening last night. I feel a litle crampy today and have little appetite at all.

I understand being nervous, but there is absolutely nothing to worry about. The nurses are soooo friendly and supportive. The surgery is quick and you'll be back on your feet in no time.

Hi Everyone! I'm getting banded on August 25 in Houston. My Doc is Dr. Spivak and I'm doing self pay. I'm excited about the prospect of being thin. I say "prospect" because I know that the band isn't a cure all. It's going to be some hard work to get where I want to be. Any advice you could give me would be helpful. Thanks.

Thanks so much. God bless you.

I'm so happy for you! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with the group. I'm so glad that we have this online network whereby we can teach eachother what to expect.:cool2:

Victoria's Secret Nordstrom Neiman Marcus - I'll save up to buy something couture! Express Black House White Market - Michelle Obama got that cute dress that she wore on The View from here.:confused_smile: