Barbara12375

Regina.........if you get answers to your quandries, please let me know. I too have been having weird things going on with the band. Some on here have thought that it might be related to spring allergies. I don't know but I know each day is a new adventure. I feel like I am getting tighter everyday but still nothing stops the junk food. I just attempted a soft egg and I am sitting here trying to ignore the fact that I am about to pb. I can eat a bag of chips or popcorn or cashews without even giving it a thought. I am not losing but for now since I'm eating nothing but junk I guess I should be thankful.

Randi............Oh my gosh! I hope you do come back and continue to post. Sounds like you will need support now more than ever. I am so sorry to hear about what has happened to you. Can you tell us more? Were you overfilled? Do they know what caused the hernia? How much had you lost when this happened? How are you feeling now? Are you able to eat again? Please keep us updated on your progress. We want to help you if there's anyway we can. This site is for people who understand the good and bad of the band and you sure do understand more than most of us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I'd love to hear from you.

Barbara465, I'm doing great. My weight is stable and not moving. I probably need to think about another fill soon. I really have been enjoying "The Secret" and related readings, etc. Part of the reason I don't post too often here is that I am trying to focus on positive things. We attract what we think about and I spend way too much time thinking about my weight. Sounds like you are really getting it together with your exercising. Thinking about good health is the answer. I truly think the weight will drop if we all just focus on getting healthy by eating good foods, drinking good ole H2O and getting our exercise. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Get out and enjoy life!

Hey Melissa, Things will settle down soon. Where is "corporate"? Hope you can have a little fun too. Keep us updated when you can.

Cutiern! You go girl!!! Wonderful! Fantastic! Congratulations! Are any of Dr. Spivak's patients going to the support group at his office?

Hi Everyone! I just spent time catching up on all the posts of the past several days. I've been out of town and out of touch. First, my step daughter and grandson live in Enterprise, AL. He is in middle school and was about two miles from the tornado. They are still without power but no other problems. I am so thankful for their safety. My husband could never have dealt with anything bad happening to them. Everyone on here seems to be getting back on track, at least mentally. The weight losses can't be far behind. Melissa, I am so happy for your step into onederland. Congratulations! So many exciting things happening for you right now. I am keeping your Dad in my thoughts and prayers. Pinkylee, have you looked in the mirror lately? I know we adjust to our new bodies quickly but don't forget how awesome you look and how far you have come. Quit beating yourself up, you rock girl! Glad to see some old "faces" back on here. It's good to hear from everyone every once in awhile. Sure wish more of you were coming to the bandaversary celebration in Vegas. It's not too late to make your reservations. We are going to have an awesome time. I have been at this same weight since Christmas. I've been bouncing from 194-196. I really, really want to see the 180's. That would be so motivating. I am really going to get back on track this coming week. I wish one of you lived close by me. I'd love to have someone to workout with. I really like Curves but I need motivation to get my butt out of the house to go. When I went to work everyday it was easier to stop on my way home but to get dressed and go out seems like such a challenge for me. I have been doing better on the treadmill. I'm enjoying my new iPod and have lots of motivational self help recordings..........and some rockin tunes too. Looking forward to a new week and new goals.

Good morning Bandsters, Seems that many people are stuck. Strange how so many of us are hitting this wall at the same time. What is it? Eight month-itis? I was remembering the day I met with Dr. Spivak during my consultation prior to surgery. He asked me how much I wanted to lose and I said, "100 pounds". His question to me was, "what will you do if you only lose 60#?" I said I would be delighted. Well, guess what! I've lost the sixty and stopped. Is this some of this self sabotage stuff? Did he plant in my brain that I will only lose 60 pounds? Well, Folks, that ain't enough!! I'm not delighted and it's time to get movin' again. If that 60 pounds was my subconcious goal then it's time to set a new goal. I fianally got an iPod and it has really helped with my exercise. I put my treadmill where I can look outside instead of trying to look at mindless t.v. I tread most mornings as the sun is coming up and again at night. Of course a couple nights ago all I saw outside was the pizza delivery guys going by and got off the treadmill and ordered a pizza.........oh the tricks our mind plays on us! I think about getting another fill but the reality is, I have restriction. I, like others I've been reading on here, bypass the restiction with sweets and that is what has stalled my progress. Melissa, I am sending positive vibes and prayers to you and your father. I know you need to be focusing on your new job and your move so I pray for outside help for your father and for his speedy recovery. Please keep us updated on his progress as well as your new job. Good Tuesday to all!

Pinky...........have a wonderful day. I am off to a seminar by Mike Dooley one of the teachers of "The Secret". If any of you Junbies out there are feeling down and doubtful about your lapband journey, checkout www.thesecret.tv What a beautiful day this is going to be. The impending thunderstorms will bring such beautiful wildflowers in a few short weeks.

Pinkylee, Haven't you heard of the Law of Attraction? Your thoughts become things. You are on the right tract. Keep up the great work and keep feeding us your King Kong attitude!

Is anyone out there NOT struggling? It seems to me that everyone has hit some kinda wall. If you're out there and things are going good please let us know. Please!

Socalgal, I tried Xenical a few years back and it does work but just like the band you quickly learn what you shouldn't even try to eat. If you eat foods high in fats they do pass through you very quickly. I always felt that the reason I lost weight while taking it was because I learned to just not eat foods with fat.

Aimee, I like your idea. Instead of focusing on this temporary setback I am going to stop and reflect on how far I have come. Since my surgery, just seven short months ago, I have lost 63 pounds. That is an average six year old kid. (I'm guessing there!) 63 pounds! That is so amazing. And even more amazing is that I'm not done. I know I will continue to lose more and I am excited about that. I talked with some friends yesterday about swimsuit season. I have decided that this is the year that I get back out there in the Water. I have always loved beaches, etc. I have avoided them way too many times because of my appearance. Why are we so vain? Why do we care what others think of us based on our appearance? It's time we remember to love ourselves first and others will follow. I too like Pinkylee's "claiming it" phrase. I haven't claimed a new lower number on the scale lately but today I am "re-claiming" my 63 pound loss. Thanks Aimee! I needed that.

As I begin my new journey with "The Secret" I will find all of this so much easier. A peaceful journey to good health and happiness. There doesn't seem to be enough time to listen and read and learn all that I want to learn these days. What is the rush? If peace is my goal I should slow the process and enjoy the journey

As I begin my new journey with "The Secret" I will find all of this so much easier. A peaceful journey to good health and happiness. There doesn't seem to be enough time to listen and read and learn all that I want to learn these days. What is the rush? If peace is my goal I should slow the process and enjoy the journey

No, I didn't make my Valentine goal either. When I set that goal of 185 I was overfilled and losing weight daily. Since then I have gained four pounds. I'm not stressing about the gain, I needed to stabilize. I'll go along with Melissa and re-set an Easter goal! I will attract what I want in life and I want good health and peace.

I agree Pinky. I've never stayed on a diet for seven months in my life. I had lunch today with a couple girls I used to work with. They had not seen me nor did they know about the band. They were blown away by my appearance. Sure does encourage you to go on when you get that kind of validation. I know we have a bunch of Oprah fans on here. Did everyone see the segment on "The Secret"? Has anyone seen it? My daughter sent me a copy and I think it's awesome. The secret is nothing new but they have a great website and blog. Just wondered what everyone thought. Oprah is taping another segment regarding "The Secret" on Wednesday. I don't know when it will air. If you missed it or are interested the website is thesecret.tv.

Melissa, if you're going to get a fill I would do it soon. It will be a stressful time when it's time for the actual move and the new job. Get the fill now and let it settle for awhile. I haven't seen the movie.........your adaptation makes me want to see it! Too funny. Pinkylee, I sure hope you are ok. You've had enough aches and pains lately. Isn't it amazing how unexpectedly things can happen. Guess that's why they call them accidents. I'm having a really bad time. I'm thinking I may need to get another fill. I hate to go back to where I was when I was overfilled but I'm wondering if I was really overfilled or was it just all the stress going on in my life at that time???????????? What to do, what to do? I am amazed that I am not gaining weight the way I have been eating. I am very thankful but it's time to start losing again.

Pinkylee, your message box is full. Barbara465, thanks for the link. Great reminder information and good clarification. I know there have been questions on here recently regarding some of these issues. I'm so not in tune with my band or my health. Grazing has become my way of life. Since my fill I do have better restriction so I am again limited on what and how much I can eat. Unfortuneately I've fallen into the habit of eating while watching t.v. or sitting here with the computer on my lap. I seem to always have something at hand to munch on. It has to stop! I am hoping with the better weather here in Houston that I will get out more often. Even if I don't get motivated to exercise at least getting out of the house more will stop the constant eating. Boy! I need a hobby. Any suggestions out there? I'm even tired of going to the casinos and I never thought that would happen.

Everyone, Please don't decide not to make this trip because of discussion of specific shows or events. Some people may not want to spend that kind of money for a show or may have no interest in Celine Dion or no interest in spa treatments. Everyone should come for the fun of meeting other Junbies and for all the fun of Vegas (expensive or free fun). A couple years ago I went with a bunch of girls and ended up going to a show that I had no interest in and I resented the money that I spent. Don't let that happen to you. It's your money and your enjoyment, everyone should do there own thing. I personally am very thankful that Barbara465 is trying to plan all this for us. It's not an easy job and it's probably impossible to please everyone. My only request is that everyone let her know what you prefer and if you aren't happy with the majority vote then make your own arrangements and meet up with the group whenever you can. JUST COME! It will be a hoot.

Barbara4, I love your plan. I am so far outta whack my plan may sound lame but: 64 oz of H2O per day ANY form of exercise each day No popcorn, only one small scoop of ice cream less than five times per week and daily focus on protein Again, this may not sound like much of a challenge but trust me it will be very challenging for me. I have really gotten way off track these last few weeks. I need a total overhaul. So far today I've not tested my fill. I've had coffee and protein drink but then I'm not a breakfast person. Lunch will be interesting. Since it's another lovely rainy day in Houston I guess I'll do some inside exercise, even if it's just walking in place. Hope everyone has a great day beginning our February challenge. Good luck!

I need something to challenge me. I went for my fill today. I had gained four pounds since December 28th. They put back .3. I had .5 taken out last time. Dr. Spivak orders soft foods for two days following a fill. What did I do? Came home, totally forgot about my fill, went straight for the chips and salsa. I remembered after about 6 or so bites. Obviously I am not too restricted this time! I like your challenge ideas Pinkylee. Is the exercise challenge our own exercise goal? For me right now any exercise would be a win as I am not moving at all. I don't really count calories but I will only award myself if I don't overeat or eat junk food (which has become my downfall of late). I'm all in.............let's do it!

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is fill day for me. I'm planning to not allow anymore than .3 cc be added. They took out .5 last month and I sure don't want to go back there again. I'll let you know how it goes. I've been back in hibernation mode. DH is not doing too well and....................blah, blah, blah. All the more motivation to get healthy! His almost daily comment, "If I'd known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself". Well, it may be late in the game but this game ain't over and I intend to make this the year I truly get in shape..........and no, I don't mean bikini shape. Gotta love 'em!

I've never been good at keeping up with a journal..........nothing has changed. My highest weight was 265. On surgery day I was 261. My lowest now has been 194. 70 pounds. Wow! The beauty of it is that it won't come back. I will never go over 200 again. I always said that when on previous diets and in the blink of an eye I would be back up there and beyone. Unless, God forbid, something goes wrong with my band I will not gain again. I had an unfill a couple days after Christmas and I've gained a couple pounds. I feel almost wide open and have been eating all kinds of crap. I am going back tomorrow for another fill. I want just a small one. The last one was bad and all the stress of David being in the hospital was a nightmare. I lost lots of weight but I also nearly lost my sanity. The lack of vitamins, protein, etc caused nasty things. My nails are a mess, my hair is dull, dry and lifeless. My skin is dull and has no elasticity. That may just be an age thing and I will live with it if I have to. I am wearing size 14 jeans and while I am not exercising, I still feel better than I've felt in years. I can breathe so much better. I don't wet my pants with the least exertion. It's all good. I want to go on to 150 if I can. I'm not desparate to lose now. I am not yet happy with my looks but I am so much improved. I can't imagine myself at 150. It would be cool just to see how I look. Later.........

I've never been good at keeping up with a journal..........nothing has changed. My highest weight was 265. On surgery day I was 261. My lowest now has been 194. 70 pounds. Wow! The beauty of it is that it won't come back. I will never go over 200 again. I always said that when on previous diets and in the blink of an eye I would be back up there and beyone. Unless, God forbid, something goes wrong with my band I will not gain again. I had an unfill a couple days after Christmas and I've gained a couple pounds. I feel almost wide open and have been eating all kinds of crap. I am going back tomorrow for another fill. I want just a small one. The last one was bad and all the stress of David being in the hospital was a nightmare. I lost lots of weight but I also nearly lost my sanity. The lack of vitamins, protein, etc caused nasty things. My nails are a mess, my hair is dull, dry and lifeless. My skin is dull and has no elasticity. That may just be an age thing and I will live with it if I have to. I am wearing size 14 jeans and while I am not exercising, I still feel better than I've felt in years. I can breathe so much better. I don't wet my pants with the least exertion. It's all good. I want to go on to 150 if I can. I'm not desparate to lose now. I am not yet happy with my looks but I am so much improved. I can't imagine myself at 150. It would be cool just to see how I look. Later.........

Pinky.......thanks for the kind words. I was amazed at how great everyone looks. I haven't seen Melissa since surgery day and she looks like a different person. You and Barbara4 have changed significantly since I met you a couple months ago. I guess we are all at the point that it really is showing! I am still at least 40 pounds from my goal and I would love to be at goal by Vegas time..........but I'm sure gonna have to get busy. My weight has not gone down since my unfill two days after Christmas. I am scheduled for a fill next Wednesday. I am going to just get a couple tenths and see how that works for me.