clarityseeker

I am wondering how many of us there are in the group for the cruise -- I am so looking forward to this. Also, Karla, if you know how to do a private message, would you send me one -- I thought it might be fun to at least email before Sunday. I can't wait to meet y'all -- and for those of you from outside Texas, I would like to be the first to welcome you to our wonderful, friendly state. Jessica

Pelo, I rarely feel hungry at all -- in fact, when I do feel hungry, I really notice it. That's probably the biggest change I have had with the band. Are you sure you are filled enough? Libra, 100 lbs -- Wow, that's awesome. You should be so proud of yourself. Congrats! All, I am approaching my goal weight, which I am excited about. I am wondering a bit if I want to try and lose a bit more -- I'm only 5'3" and my goal weight is now 135. I am at 142 and wearing a size 8 in most clothes. I am feeling good about myself -- I have energy, am exercising regularly which I have not done in a LONG time, and I FINALLY feel attractive (which helps a lot because I am single). So, Robin, I can relate to your post from last month. Did you come to any resolution? The lapband cruise leaves in 1 week and I am so excited -- it will be the first cruise I have been on that I am not COMPLETELY self conscious about being seen in a bathing suit. I can't wait to meet the other members and meet new friends in person! Take care, Jessica

I have both at home and they sit there never being used. I think I am going to start using them some because it's starting to get HOT in Houston and outdoor running is becoming less pleasant. I don't know about the difference in caloric burning, but I would think that it is not that much different. On my elliptical I can change the tension and make it hard and change the incline. I think this can greatly affect the work-out, depending on one's goals. Also, it's easier on the knees if that's an issue for you. I think that any exercise I will do is the best exercise for me. I've been ill this week and haven't worked out at all and I'm feeling it -- need to get back to it!!

Jessica, flying solo, 5th cruise, from Houston, TX. I am soooo looking forward to this.

Karla, I am very fair also, but I like to have a little color when I go on a cruise. But, I don't do sun or tanning booths. So, I will probably go to one of those places that spray you with tanning stuff and then bring my own to touch up. I really like the Nutragena (sp?) brand spray. They have light, medium and dark. I have less problems with streaks than other brands I've tried. As for sunscreen, I ALWAYS wear it, even with my fake tan. The tanning solution doesn't have any protection in it. I use SPF 30 or SPF 15 depending on the day's activities. I am starting to get really excited. I have been on several of the Carnival ships out of Galveston, but this is the first time on Rhapsody and I've heard lots of good things about it. If anyone going needs any info on Houston or Galveston, or a place to stay before or after the trip, let me know (or a ride to or from the airport). I'm happy to provide any information or help. See you cruisers soon! Jessica

Steph, So glad you are back and your band is back in functioning order. My thoughts are with you -- you've had a tough time. That's great that you are not PBing. Definitely a BIG step in the right direction. I am going on the lap band cruise in June, and my goal was to get to 145 lbs (10 lbs from my goal) by the time of the cruise on June 17. Well, with all of the exercise (being laid off has some advantages...) and my recent fill, I am almost there, so I am going to try to get 5 more lbs off before the cruise. It really helps me to have goals like that. Also, I have found that exercise is really helping keep my spirits up as I transition into the next phase of my career. It is truly what keeps me working out. I just don't do well when my motivation for exercise is to get in shape, get healthier, or look better. I wish it was but it's not for me. Hugs to all, Jessica

Doesn't it mean August Band Club? We started the group when we were all banded in Aug. 2006. Of course, we welcome anyone to join our discussions, but that's the origin of the name. Pelo, First of all, we all lose at different rates and as long as the scale/clothes size, etc. are going the right direction overall, I try to stay happy with my progress. I went almost 2 months only losing a couple of pounds. Maybe it is because my BMI was on the "low" side to begin with. Maybe my body liked that weight. Right now I'm starting to think that my scale is "stuck" because I have been doing a LOT of exercise and the pounds are not coming off even though I am not eating more than I used to. But again, my body is smaller, needs less calories at rest (apparently I have NO metabolism because I swear I eat less than 1000 calories per day and based on my weight, I should need about 1,400 if I didn't even get out of bed all day!!!). I know I shouldn't complain b/c I am very close to goal and really very happy with my band. But, I do understand your frustration. I'm going to start writing down everything I eat and drink to make sure I'm not "losing" calories during the day. Hang in there -- eventually it will come off. Like others have said -- re-evaluate what you are eating. Damn that self-honesty thing! I found it helpful to have a pretty standard eating plan during most of my weight loss -- a Protein shake for Breakfast, Soup for lunch, and either a small meal or even just some cheese and yogurt for dinner. It was LOW calorie!! Hope this helps some. J-

Thanks for all the support on the layoff front. It really helps to know that others can relate and care. It means a lot. I have been working out a lot because it is helping me mentally and defintely physically. I think I need to increase my caloric intake. I almost feel like my body is holding on to weight, but maybe it's just the muscle building thing. I bought a new bathing suit -- it's also a tankini, and I can't believe that I actually don't HATE the way I look in it. I won't go so far as to say that I am totally comfortable in it, but it's been a long time since I could say I am okay with it. Shopping for bathing suits is still not a fun experience, though!! I don't think it ever will be for me. Hang in there, everyone -- this is a tough month with the end of school, start of summer, etc. Maintaining seems to be a good goal. J-

My experience with exercise is different than many others. I did not exercise until I had lost 50 lbs. My previous experience had been that exercise did NOT help with my weight loss, though that was pre-band. I do have a fairly active lifestyle, but with a desk job. I am a single mom with 5 kids at home so I am rarely not going and doing. But, traditional exercise -- no way. But, I went skiing twice last winter and it reminded me that although I had lost weight, I was not in good shape. So, I started exercising, and now that I am close to goal, I am happy I did. So, if it were me, I would get a fill. Every time I get to the point where I can eat what I consider to be "too much," I get one -- the last fill I got was actually less than the previous one (I had lost .2 cc's), so I am less filled, but more restricted -- weird. My net fill was -.1 cc. So, maybe try a small fill -- don't let your dr bully you in to a big fill that brings on the PBs and yucky stuff. Good luck.

I'll kick us off for May. I have been absent again. My world was rocked when I found out I had been laid off, so I have been looking for a new job. The silver lining is that exercising has been extremely helpful in keeping my spirits up, so I have been doing it. I only started exercising about a month ago -- around the 50 lb mark. It's amazing how much easier it is to exercise without the extra weight. I don't hurt all over like I did when I exercised at my heaviest weight. I also got a fill recently. Interestingly I had lost a couple of cc's, and when she re-filled me, I actually have less than my last fill. Go figure! My band has its own personality -- sometimes it lets me eat a particular food one day, but not another. I feel tighter sometimes and looser others. I am at 2.4 in a 4 cc band. I am hoping this fill will be the one that gets me to my goal. When anyone asks if I would do it again, I say "in a New York minute!" Even with the PB's, no sodas, a very shallow port now, and the few other inconveniences, I am so happy I did this for myself. It was the best money I ever spent on myself. Robin, I have lots of time now -- I'm calling you!! Best, Jessica

I know there is a phenomenon where your body can go into starvation mode and try to hold on to weight. However, I think if we eat enough calories on a regular basis, that does not happen. Instead, my thought is that the slow-down in weight loss as I approach my goal is simply that I do not need as many calories to maintain my weight because I am smaller. So, for me, I am really trying to add SOME exercise -- not so much that I build a bunch of muscle right away, because that will also slow the scale down. I simply want to burn more calories than I am taking in. As I get close to goal and at goal, my focus will turn more to the exercise, weight training, and trying to get my body into good physical shape. I am lucky that I do not have a lot of excess skin -- firming up should take care of most of it and I'm sure I'll always have the reminder in the middle of my body that I have 4 kids. I don't expect to have a flat stomach! I am going for a fill because I can eat foods that are not helpful to my eating plan -- pastas, some bread, other starches, etc. And, I can eat too much in a sitting. I haven't had a fill in a couple of months, so I think that I will get one, go for the gusto, and see if I can shave off 10-15 pounds with some exercise. Pelo -- your PB experience is NOT a failure. It is a side effect of the band. I have had bad PB experiences when I did not really mess up too badly, and I have had no problem when I really should have. It's one of the mysteries of the band and the journey. After I have a bad one like you did, I give my tummy a break for a couple of days and stick to liquids and soft, easy foods and I am fine. But, don't beat yourself up -- it happens to (nearly) all of us! Finally, I do not weigh every day -- I do like to keep close tabs, so I will weigh if I am concerned. Otherwise, I check weight a couple of times a week -- if I am down, the same, or within a pound of my "low", I'm fine with it. So far, that's been my experience and it has worked for me. Also, I don't weigh at all during "that time of the month". I wait until just after I finish and then I usually see a downward movement. My 2 cents. Jessica

Kutia - way to go, girl ; Jamie -- you look awesome. And, Robin, you, too!! I am so happy to be part of this very inspirational group of women (do we have any guys???). The scale is not moving as much, but I am still shrinking. I have just under 20 lbs to goal, and I'm going on the Lap Band cruise in a couple of months, so I'm trying to set a realistic goal of 10 lbs before the cruise. I am a solid 12 in pants, now. Sometimes, I am a 10. I can't believe I can finally consider myself (almost) normal size. I love not being the biggest person in the room when I go somewhere -- especially to the gym. I feel like I'm an in-betweener. I went snow skiing 2 times this past season (my first time)! and I had the confidence to do it. My goal for next season is to be in good shape so that I can ski ALL day long, several days in a row. I think I am going to get a fill b/c I ate an entire plate of food for lunch -- it wasn't super-sized, but it was ravioli, which is not something I can usually eat. I've been debating getting a fill and I think I need to do it. Hopefully, along with exercise, I can make my 5 lb goal for April and my 5 lb goal for May (heck -- maybe I'll shoot for 15 by the time I leave in mid-June!!) Keep up the great work everyone. I am so impressed with you all. Best, Jessica

I have mental hunger, but not as badly as I would have expected. I notice it most when I am PMS'ing. (not surprisingly). I haven't updated my ticker yet, but I finally broke through the 50 lb mark --- I think I have only lost a pound or two this entire month! I guess I need to get moving. J-