Pinkylee

Unbelievable. A really high exercise/activity/low calorie day and I was back up to 188.5 this am. Barbara, I always have trouble with ground beef dishes that aren't "crumbled". Roast beef and brisket chewed well pulverize so much easier. I'm proud that you are recovering. I simply say nothing when DH gives me his 2 cents. That's often about what he's said is worth, so .....

This has been an incredible journey. Being in a size 14 with an "acceptable" level of flab has put me on a major plateau. My vision of this plateau is not a bad one. High and lifted up. A large lush green surface that is "safe". Lots of time constraints and pressure but me in a major pb episode and now I'm extremely sore fromt the stress. I'm not a fan of liquids, but have resigned myself to it's necessity. Liquids will definitely transport me to a new place. I'm hoping lower, but right now my focus is healing and to protect my body. My naked body looked better at 207 than it does at 187, but the health benefits of losing almost 2 more bowling balls have helped me accept my "fluffiness". I know what the next 10 pounds will bring. All I have to do is suck in my gut and the visual is there. Much like a glob of melted candle wax or raw canned buscuit dough. I don't think I deliberately put myself in this position, but here I am. I can choose to lose by staying away from high calorie liquids, or I can choose to gain with pudding and creamed Soups. The very thought of gaining sickens me. A new adventure awaits. Will I leave this safe place or will I create some new way to stay here?

It's been a rough 2 days. Yesterday I had several pb episodes. All due to stress and increased tree pollen. One lasting well over 30 minutes. Today I was quite sore from the wretching. I'm trying to be careful and staying with soft/liquids. Socalgal, I weigh almost every morning, sans clothing. I seem to weigh less around 7:30 a.m. (if I sleep in) I notice you are at that 180 something to 190. I've been there a really long time. When I see 186 pop up you guys may literally hear me shout!

Ellgee, I love a lo-cal soup with l can refried beans l can chicken broth l can Rotel Tomatoes (or plain dice tomatoes if you aren't in to spicy) Heat and eat. Not glamorous, but good and filling. A little velveeta cheese added until it's melted is also really good! I love baked sweet potatoes. I also bought a small portable food grinder I bought online at Target in their baby section. There are lots of portable blenders as well. I'm preaching to myself. Lots of Pb's this week, I know I need to do liquids for a few days. I just don't like them! I love hot tea (and iced tea) and find that soothing and sometimes it gets me to the next meal. Another vice are my red wine cooler (wine and crystal lite lemonade mixed together) Both should help the tummy. Take care all who are treading water out there.

Let's don't forget first bite syndrome. It's what's happening to me now. Finally recognized it last night. ONe bite and I'm golf balling. Have to drink hot tea and wait 15 minutes before I can eat and then it's ok.

Having a great week visiting with DS's in town. I've had lots of pb's lately too. I'm thinking allergies. I'm also thinking liquids as much as possible. Regina, Thanks for that update. I get stuck on applesauce and other softies. Maybe we should rename some mushies "stickies".

Randi We are here for you any time. I am so sorry for what has happened to you.

Poodles, As long as you aren't pbing, I'd say you have success. Remember with any fill there is some swelling that will eventually go down. When it does, perhaps you will be at that sweet spot that 4 ounces of protein and a few bites of veggies satisfy. I'm excited for you. Please take it easy. Praying hard for you! You guys inspire me. Barbara12, I'm with you. My thoughts need to focus on the good things. This band has been so good for me. Today has been productive and healthy. Regina, So how does it feel to be in a size you might not have seen in a long time? You made some exercise changes and I'm going to ride my bike tomorrow! Right now we are waiting on DS to take us to dinner. Kids (25 yr old) are never in a hurry. I had some canteloupe and I'm nursing a lo-cal wine cooler (my own invention). A cab/merlot mix with wyler's pink lemonade and a splash of oj. It's kinda like sangria. I've never been much of a drinker, but I'm choosing to stay as healthy as I can. This is 70 calories well spent as far as I can tell. I'm still standing on 3.0 in a 4.0 band. It's a great feeling at this spot. Somewhat restricted, but so manageable. I'm not ruling out another fill, just waiting for the right time (if that ever comes). Met a few new friends through Barbara 465 and friendship is definitely not overrated! One gal clued me in on Jergen's tanning body lotion. Just smooth it on (no need to get to worried about precise) and it slowly gives you a warmer color. Just a hint of tint, I guess. I've seen it at the store and been scepticle, but for all you mayonaise legs out there, it really does work. It's not a hard-core tanning lotion. Very little odor, very subtle change. Have a good weekend everyone and stay positive. It doesn't cost a thing!

Yoo Hoooooo! Anyone home? Company just left and a new batch is coming late this weekend. I'm so glad I have the band. I would have gained 5 pounds. Instead, I'm still on the plateau, but the scenery isn't so bad. Updates please. How is everyone?

Congrats to Aimee an CutieRN. You inspire me. Barbara4 and I were discussing some "positives" of plateauing and struggles we all seem to be going thru. We are learning how to cope with our new life. I want to "fast forward" to goal, but my body is not cooperating. It's time to learn how to continue a healthy bandster lifestyle without the "high" of big weight loss numbers. I am aware of the ho-hum attitude I have towards food. I am disappointed that I have to concentrate more on chewing than tasting, but I'd still choose the band and my current loss over any taste sensation I've lost. Mommatrammell mind me asking you to share how that makes you feel? I used to almost cry. Frustrated and glimmers of acceptance are how I feel now.

I get really hungry after I exercise especially if I increase intensity. B4 band exercise really did curb my appetite for a few hours. I can hardly get to the shower before my tummy is growling. A cold v8 will usually do the trick. If only I'd remember it (I'm not kidding) Congrats Cindy on the breakthrough. Good luck on those fills ladies. The thought occurred to me that I keep slipping off the horse. If I weren't trying to get back on and on some days actually riding, no telling what that scale might say. Speaking of scales. For the record, I'm still bouncing between 187 and 190. I'm no longer frustrated with my plateau. I'm not consistent enough with calories to complain.

I'm doing well except on the food! I've gone way over 1200 calories 2 days this week. I have to stop this little habit in a hurry! I've been tight (allergies?) and when I get stuck I turn to higher calorie mushies. Bumber. I keep thinking about the next four months being phase 3. Phase one - losing quickly, sticking to the rules to a "t" Phase two - plateau, frustration, slower loss, lumpier, fluffier body and finally some bad habits Phase three - reality. Getting back to the hard work of losing with the band It's actually like a puzzle and we've each gotta put one together!

What a great bit of info Aimee! Gives me hope that this slow down isn't permanent. I'm doing better "cheating" on fruit. Allergies bring me to my limit on intake quicker than I like. Even mushies if not eaten slow are getting stuck for a moment. Barbara12 - Thanks for encouragement. So happy your stepkids are ok! I quit worrying about how long something will fit and finally got a few spring things to wear. I'm pretty good at shrinking stuff and the alterations lady at the cleaners has taken in several things (even jeans). I have some size 18 capris that I love that are now a 14. DS is home from his new job and looking for a place of his own. Yeah! Gotta go!

Thanks Aimee, A "can do" attitude is what got me here and I've gotten turned around. Let's go back to the early days. What are some of your positive early memories? I remember.... Welcoming an empty growling tummy - especially when I went to bed. I slept through the night for the first time in years. Feeling a newfound power over food. Enjoying smaller portions without feeling deprived. Losing my fear of the blood pressure cuff at the doctor's office Thanks Aimee for being a cheerleader. The band was a gift to me. I think I forgot how to use it. I've let the pits of the band overshadow it's benefits.

Good morning early bird. I should be cleaning out my closets too. So much of my stuff "kinda" fits. I'm stressing because I want the "losing" part of this journey to be done. At this rate I'll be another year to get to goal. There's also that 170 mark suggested by gyn b4 surgery. For the record, I am grateful for my loss and a relatively uncomplicated fill process. I don't have any physical reasons for the "coasting" I'm doing. You, Poodles, Socalgal3, Lisa to name a few have been dealt a more difficult hand.

I love Southwest Chipolte sprinkles on anything. (Tones or Mrs. Dash). Adds crunch and zip. Add a little balsamic vinegar and chipolte seasoning to a salad and very little olive oil, (or none). ONe scrambled egg and one egg white with canned diced tomatoes and chipolte seasoning are my favorite breakfast when I'm open enough to get them down. I love garlic and onion powder cooked with canned veggies (green beans or chopped spinach). Simmer for 30 minutes or longer.

Journaling is easy for about 2 days. I know why. When I'm having a tough day I like to "pick". When I'm journaling I "pick" an olive or share a 50 calorie slice of lofat cheese with the dogs. When I'm not journaling it's not olives and I don't share anything. It was ugly, but I journaled yesterday. Calories aren't so bad, but the food value! No wonder I can't lose weight. I've been thinking about family....There isn't one member of my family that I don't have a "knee jerk" reaction to right now regarding my weight. I guess that's why I joined WW's. Junebies, THANKS!!!

Way to go Melissa!!!! Your new milestone is motivating. Barbara4 you are turning in to a jock. CindyCam. I know what you mean about family. I feel like I'm being inspected. What will you choose to work on this week? I've actually been working on all of it, but journaling is my toughy and probably the best weapon I have. Lisa. Good luck with WW's. Their journal rocks! I haven't been journaling:faint: these past few days. I'll get back on it today. My new goal is to journal each day for the next seven. Next will be no sugar. I did eat 2 fruit cups in a row in order to get past a junk food craving. Peaches - they don't get stuck (I get stuck on applesauce but never peaches). The only sweets I had were some unfrosted cupcakes in the freezer. I'm glad the candy is gone. I did reach for a bag of chips and a large can of tomatoe sauce (24 ouncer) fell and almost hit my foot. Someone's watching out for me. Needless to say, the chips lost their pull. Is it my imagination or does Ozarka Water taste better than most brands? I bought some cheaper Sam's Club and it's not appealing. I've had several PB's lately. I think it's allergies, but I need to take it easy the next few days. I'm not quite so hungry either. No new numbers yet, but I know they're coming. Have a great weekend everyone. Enjoy a bike ride for me Socalgal. Beautiful Michigan bike trails minutes away from my home have me spoiled. It's a 20 mile car ride to a decent trail here in Texas.

You guys are amazing. So much good information or just a memory jog, gives me the will to keep trying. As for the ticker, whatever helps. If you prefer your lowest weight, leave it! If I changed my ticker every time my weight changed, I would be changing it each day. That's how claimng the lowest number came to be. Yesterday I was at my lowest, today I'm up two. When I have 3 - 4 days of crummy numbers, it gives me incentive. Emotional eating is my downfall. I don't ever enjoy the stuff I eat to soothe myself. It simply gives me something else to concentrate on Almonds and grapes, I like it! Laughing Cow has some 50 calorie individual cheese wedges that are good. (I shy away from the lite versions of most snacks - they leave me mentally wanting "more".)

I'm in Aimee. Journaling is a definite goal for me. Food, water, exercise and life "happenings". I'll start with the food and then add from there. I've never been successful with journaling. Maybe chunks will help.

Absolutely NO MORE SWEETS IN THIS HOUSE. I caved in and made a lite cake dessert and ate way too much. In fact, it was dinner. DRAT!!! I'm going to love pitching it in the trash tomorrow. It wasn't nearly as good as a nice simple meal. I was stressed over having a meeting in our home, and leaving way too much stuff to do till the last minute. I do so well with treats as long as I enjoy them away from home. Do I think the sweets might get offended if they go stale in my cubbard? Am I worried I'll never get another chance at a piece of chocolate? Brother! What's that Scarlett line anyway??????

Who's up for a new challenge? Replace unhealthy sugars and carbs with fruit. I can't always eat raw fruit, so I eat fruit cups that I drain the juice from. AS for those salty carbs--how about a thin slice of lunch meat or lo-fat cheese. Try drinking a fresh bottle of H20 b4 the snack and maybe avoid the snack all together. Any other ideas out there?

Thank you Regina. Finally it's sinking in--emotional eating. Why was I able to avoid emotional eating in the first 6 months of this? Priorities. I'm slipping back in to old habits. I'm throwing away all candy in this house! Back to the old rules. Lisa, I didn't answer you Sunday. Sometimes we just don't want to be reminded of something that hurt us so badly. I'm sorry you felt alone, but you weren't. I have no advice, but to be yourself and let the chips fall where they may. I officially quit Weight Watcher's today. I told the leader I was banded and that was probably a mistake. I've gotten nothing but the cold shoulder from the weigh in staff. I've been dreading the weigh-in all week. I understand the jealousy and the feeling that this is the "easy way out". Funny, WWatcher's was my plan for lifelong health and weight maintenance. Silly really, WW's never was the answer before I was banded. Thanks for asking about the tests. I have enlarged uterus, a few small fibroids and a severe tilt towards my back. My gyn has asked me to consider waiting until I've lost another 20 before having surgery. Wow! I think of myself as really healthy now, but my bmi is still over 30. Poodles, I would stomp on that bad boy band for you if I could. Please hang with us. Maybe your turn is coming this summer. Barbara4. I would think if you had an infection or a hernia, you would experience difficulty all the time. Not just day 6 after a fill. Yikes!!!!! Makes my head spin just to think about it! Lisa, regarding honesty and our tickers. I claim new low numbers as soon as I see them, but you are correct. If I've had a few cheat days and the number runs and hides, then it's not really hiding. It's no longer real!

CindyCam, I share your frustration. I'm back to yo-yoing with these 2 pounds and it's getting old. I'm eating healthier with Weight Watchers, but probably not a significant decrease in calories. Maybe an increase with their point plan. I'm on my way to buy a Pilates ball. Physical Therapist says just sitting on the ball straight while watching TV at night strengthens core. I defintely have less physical hunger doing the ab work. Increase in carbs may be the culprit for me. Regina, I've enjoyed several of Beth Moore's Bible studies. I'm glad you got to go. Today is consultation day with gyn to review some test results. I've been avoiding surgery for a number of years and I had hoped losing a significant amount of weight would end my troubles. I'd like to do a combo surgery if I need surgery at all. I sound like I'm at a drive-thru. "Can you add a tummy tuck to that hysterectomy for me please?"

DH and I are off on a new adventure. We have a common goal. Buy a Harley or Victory motorcycle in the next few years. He wants the bike to turn heads when he rides down the road. I'd like a few admiring glances my way as a spiffy looking granny. How's that for a new visualization? (Barbara12 thanks for the reminder. Without hope, I wouldn't be where I am today)