vlynnfogg

Hello everyone...just taking a few minutes out of class time to check in with you... Although I may not make many responses, I do read everything, so I am still keeping up with you guys... Love seeing all of you doing so well... Billy and I went for a checkup on Monday...we are at a point now that EXERCISE is our only hope to keep losing...DRATS!!! Was hoping I could be one of those rare occasions that exercise wouldn't matter...guess not...so I guess I am going to have to step up the ol' routine a bit and get out and do more walking...I don't mind the walking...love to walk...but it's the strength training I don't do well with...hate lifting weights...you'd think as long as I carried WEIGHT, it wouldn't be hard...hahahah Anyway...so that is my challenge...MORE EXERCISE!!! Billy, of course, is still doing good...enough to make you want to strangle him...it seems he doesn't have to try very hard... My sister is a 2-week bandster...doing great...has lost about 25 lbs already...I am so proud that she is going to get thin... Well, better get back to my kiddos' and make sure they are working...having a track meet today, so I am actually babysitting the non-tracksters...not hard Something I am dealing with right now is the idea that if I let any of my band out, I might gain my weight back...I had to get a little taken out my last visit because I was too tight, couldn't eat even soup without it getting stuck...I have gained 3 lbs back and it really worries me that maybe I should get another fill...I struggled last week on deciding whether to get one or not...I didn't, going to try the more exercise route...even though, I know that 3 lbs is not a lot, it still makes me nervous the thought of gaining, just because I don't want to lose control...hope that makes sense...I guess I think of being tighter as my security blanket, no matter how miserable it may make me...Dr. H. says that people who have lost their weight in short periods usually find themselves still struggling with this as much as two years after banding...He says it may take that long for your mind to get in that frame that this is lifestyle rather than thinking of it as dieting...hope this makes sense and I'm not just rambling...Any suggestions... Take care, and until I post again, God Bless...

Hello ladies, Just checking in with all of you...I am now at every 8 weeks going back for a fill...I didn't know you could go when you need to, thought it had to be by appointment, I may try to get in sooner...I had them take out some this last time and I can definitely tell they took out too much...I seem to have the urge to eat all the time and can eat more at a setting than I before...I have gained about 5 lbs...I guess I'm not staying inside the box...so getting a little discouraged...will probably get a refill this time...May 5th...Of course, Billy is still losing a little, so that doesn't help either... the rain just about washed us all away here in Broken Bow...they have been saying they will be letting out water at the lake which will flood anybody that lives along the river, they are evacuating everyone within 1 mile radius of down stream... you guys take care and keep working, you are all doing great...

Hello everyone, hope all of you are doing well.... Lisa...I did what you are doing not too long ago and found that I could eat better later in the day than I could in the mornings to mid afternoon...Don't know why that is, but that is what I noticed... When I was TOO TIGHT, chips and crackers became my friends because I could get those down easier...NOT GOOD, I know, but I was hungry...If you find yourself relying on those things, you are TOO tight...From experience, don't think that being tighter will help you lose...I tried to tough it out and it made me miserable...now I find it hard to stay in the box, because I went too long not eating anything...it's nice to be able to eat something, so now I find myself not worrying about what I am eating...not gaining, but just enjoying my food for a change...Hope this doesn't sound redundant...just don't want any of you to get TOO tight...it's not fun!! I kept mine for 8weeks thinking I could work through it...I know now what starving children in Africa go through...

Billy is doing great...(funny how you remember the turtle thing, Lisa)...He REALLY looks like a turtle now...He has lost about 85 lbs...He has only 3 fills and he is staying there...He is staying around 209, but he is tall and broad, so that is a good place for him... We found pictures from summer before last when we went to Reno with some friends and they took one of us together...TOTAL SHOCK!!!!! I am to a point where exercise is what I need to do most...but I HATE to exercise...(strengthening exercises, mostly)...love to walk, though, so maybe that will help me more... Softball season is starting too, so that will help... I would love to get together again with you guys...that was a joy to sit and visit...

Hello, everyone...hopefully some of you haven't forgotten about me completely...It has been quite some time since I posted last...probably 7-8 months or more...So some of you may remember me, others probably won't know me... I was banded in Dec. 2006...so it has been about 15 months ago...the Band is the best thing that I have ever done for myself and I am proud to say that it has worked for me...As I read some of your posts, I'll tell you my journey has had some downs as well...I recently had to get some fill taken out because of being too tight...I lost 13 lbs in one month, but it was the worst time of my whole band...Everything I tried to eat made me sick...I was at a point of only being able to eat soups, mushies, and liquids and even those caused problems sometimes...I learned that I was hungry...GENUINELY hungry, not just wanting to munch or nibble on something...it made me frustrated because I couldn't eat and feel satisfied...THAT is when you are too tight...when you get so frustrated because you can't eat and feel like you are being deprived...I am much better now, and having to be careful not to eat too much, but it is worth being able to eat something...My husband will be 1 year in April with the Band...he is doing well, also...Now, in about 2 1/2 weeks, my sister will get banded...I will be so proud to know that she is doing something that is going to save her life...she is 302 lbs and I worry about her all of the time, so needless to say I am glad that she is going to get healthier... I have read back several posts and have enjoyed getting to hear all of your successes...and learning about all of the things you have all been experiencing... Those of you whom I knew from posting before...You are all doing Great...Sugarbear, Lisa, and lo2us...and others as well...maybe I can join in the conversations again and learn new tricks of our trade... You guys take care and keep up the good work!!!:ohmy:

Hello guys...Long time no posting...hope you haven't forgotten me... Billy and I are doing well...Billy is down 75 lbs and I am down 87lbs. I am hoping to have lost 100 by my anniversary date (Dec. 28th) Hope I can make it... Had a rough past couple of months...my grandmother has passed away and her funeral will be tomorrow. She had been very sick for a long time and my mother has lived with her for the past couple of months just waiting for the day to come...My dad had surgery yesterday, so dealing with that...and, I have to have minor knee surgery next week to repair some torn cartilage that is keeping me from doing my walking right now...ouch!!! SO...hopefully, by next week, I can get back to some normallity and work on that last 13 lbs I want to lose... Miss getting to visit with you guys on here...school is getting easier so maybe I can take a little time each day to post more...I am enjoying seeing how well all of you have done while I have been away...Keep up the good work!!! Talk at you later...Hang in there and have a good week! Lynn:whoo:

Lisa...I live in Broken Bow...Maybe Ill see you

Hello guys...love seeing how well all of you are doing... Haven't forgotten about any of you...still just so busy...Teaching these older kids takes a lot out of you...but I am really enjoying it...hopefully I am doing them some good...we'll see at test time... Billy and I are doing great...Billy is down about as far as he wants to go...everyone says he needs to stop...but he feels great and I am proud of him, too...I still have a ways...(about 30 more pounds)...getting discouraged a little because I am teeter-tottering back and forth with my loss...haven't lost in a few weeks...debating on getting another fill...I can't remember when my next appointment is, but I think I may try to go with #4 and see if it helps...Are any of you planning to have "skin reduction" when the time is right?...I am contemplating, but not sure how long they want you to wait before doing that...does anyone know?...Take care to all of you and wishing you all luck on your losses...I will check in ASAP...

Hello, all...just wanted to let you all know I am still alive and kicking... Just been way too busy to get on in a while...I see there are lots of new faces on board...Glad to have you all...I am not new, just an old acquaintance from way back... School is going good, I suppose, lots of grading, planning, etc...a lot different with these big guys than with the little ones...but I am surviving (I think!!) Billy and I are doing well...He likes about 10 lbs being to his goal...I think he is at enough NOW...we'll see...I am doing fine...tightness is much better, sometimes I find that I think I may need another fill, but not sure...Not hungry, but I seem to be able to eat a little more than I could before...HUMMMM? Anyway, you guys take care...I try and at least read often, even though I may not have time to reply...so I am keeping up with you all...Love seeing all your losses...Keep up the GREAT work!!!:whoo:

Hello guys...still here, just "busy"...Beth (my daughter is playing school softball) so staying pretty busy with that...she is a sixth grader but gets to play 2nd base for the 7th-8th grade team...just to brag a bit... Billy and I went to DR on Monday...everything good, no fills for either of us...Billy is about where he wants to stay for now, so probably won't be getting any fills...I am still a bit tight, but didn't want to take any out...I am afraid to...Dr. H said if I am still reacting the same at my next visit he wants to try taking a bit out...we'll see... School is going great...just wish I had something to work with...this year's class is sooooo behind and really don't care either...very discouraging when you are like me and think you can "fix em all"...looking forward to a class with interest...sorry I haven't been posting...just haven't had the time with grading, softball, home, school, church,...I am keeping up with all of you, though... Talk at you later...Lynn:rain:(It's raining right now)

Hey, again, ladies!!!! Just check'n in...glad to see so many new people added on... Glo'...hang in there...I promise it gets better...just gotta get over the first few days of everything and it's down hill from there... Been keeping up with everybody's losses...good to see those tickers moving... Billy and I are doing fine...Billy is down about 70 lbs, so I am still ahead of him a bit...Not having as much trouble as I was...have learned to slow down even more and chew even more and things have gotten a lot better...Really trying to pack in the protien...for those of you who aren't losing, this is what is working RIGHT NOW for me...I drink one of those Myoplex Protien shakes in the mornings, get in at least a yogurt or cottage cheese during the day or a cheese stick, and then a piece of chicken either for lunch or supper...I am trying to take in more protien than carbs...it's working, but like I say "FOR NOW"... I am having problems with being really tired and run down, though...I am taking my vitamins everyday and my other medicines, but I just want to sleep most of the time...what could that be? I thought I would have more energy with getting the weight off, but seems like I am still really tired all the time and don't really do anything that I should be. HELP?:bored Post again later...take care all...

Hello ladies...just a quick note while I am at school and my internet runs faster here than it does at home... Loving my job so far...these big kids are little kids in disguise...they are older but still soooo elementary... Doing okay with my loss...still working and trying to work hard on doing better about eating at school...Everyone is amazed at how much I have lost...One colleague told me today I was a shadow of my former self...Feels good for people to brag on you...but I am not very good at taking compliments...I usually don't quite know how to take them...I guess I will learn... Talk to you again soon...

Well, first day of school behind me...still a chaotic mess... I am now scheduled to teach 7th Language Arts, 8th Language Arts, and 6th Language Arts...then in Oct., I will switch the 6th grade Language Arts classes to a 5th grade Reading class...go figure? And, it may change again tomorrow, who knows? Not like I am not already nervous enough about all this, they have to make it so complicated... THIS TOO SHALL PASS...(I hope)!!!

Betty...girl, you are doing great...TRY THIS: go to the grocery store and pick up a 25 lb sack of potatoes...that's how much you have lost...you are going to pick up and start losing more...it may just take you a couple of fills to do it...remember everyone is different...Billy has lost 67 lbs on 2 fills...I have had 3 fills...Lisa has had 4 fills...it just takes time...Be patient and more importantly, don't get depressed...It is pretty common that the first fill doesn't do a whole lot, especially for those of us who are heavier...so don't fret too much about this one...wait till you at least get #2 or #3...you started at the same size I was...#2 fill I could tell a difference, but felt I need another...#3 could tell a big difference, actually think I am a bit too tight...so it won't be long I bet before you will tell a HUGE difference... I am doing SOOOO much better since I have really been trying to pack in the protien...I am trying really hard to eat lots of things with protien...still having problems getting things down, but tolerable...depends too on what time of day it is...usually evenings are easier...(next appt. is Aug. 27...we'll see how it goes til then) School starts tomorrow...looking forward to the challenge of TEENS...just hope I can adjust to the mentality differences (...if there is a difference...LOL) You guys take care...

Hi ladies...just wanted to check in with everyone... Love seeing all of you doing so well... Have been in OKC all week for a conference, so haven't been able to post in a while...still having trouble eating much...ate two tator tots today from Sonic and it made me sick...liquids and soups do fine, but solids are murder...hoping to get that fixed soon... Billy is still doing fine...down about 63 lbs...likes about 15 more lbs... School starts Monday for me and Thurs. for the kids...not ready for the Summer Break to be over...oh well... You guys take care and I will post when I can... GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!!

Hi, Ladies... It's late and Billy is working late, so thought I would see how you guys are doing... Lisa, hope all goes well with your Mother-in-law...My prayers are with you and your family... Betty, I am really proud of you...don't worry, like I told you before, don't be surprised if you don't feel a whole lot after this first fill...it may take another before you actually start feeling much...it's only 6 weeks...you can do it!!! Sugarbear, I have gotten me some of the Myoplex and started it...it's not too bad (not great, but not TOO bad)...I am trying to get in more yogurt and cottage cheese too (for more protien)...everythings a little easier the past few days, so we'll see what happens... Lo2us...you may be my newest best friend...I may need to get advice from you on teaching these teenagers...I am kinda nervous about what I am going to do with them and how they are going to do with me...I can be tough on 5 year olds, but not so sure about 13-14 year olds... Twicetwins (hope I got that right)...is there a reason for the name?...My daughter's best friends are a set of twins...she has two sets in her class (one set of girls and one set of boys)...interesting!!! Also...have you talked with PS about your fills and things...I know Betty mentioned that they do for people who have had their surgery somewhere else...you might check on it... Take care...Billy is home!!!

Hello to all... Betty, please don't get discouraged...I certainly understand about the bills (medical) piling up...I have been where you are at...God does help you, just give Him the worry and you concentrate on losing the weight...and, don't forget that is what WE are here for, too.... Billy and I are doing fine...I am still having a little trouble being able to eat much, but hanging in there...I'm on another stand still, so beginning to get a little frustrated...If I were eating a lot, I could understand it, but not being able to eat much, you would think I would be dropping the weight...talked to Betty @ our support meeting and she suggested I needed an un-fill, too... Billy and I are working on keeping a diary this month too...I was wanting to lose about 8lbs before school starts so that I could say I have lost 80...but, doesn't look like I am going to make it...still have two weeks though... By the way, speaking of school, I am not going to be teaching Kindergarten this year...my superintendent has moved me up to the upper grades and I will be teaching 7th & 8th grade Language Arts, Reading and 5th grade Reading...Go Figure!!! Please Pray for me!!!

Shannon...do you have trouble with things that are crunchy?...(i.e. cheetohs, crackers, etc...)... Dr. H. told me this last time that a person who is "too tight" will find themselves relying on crunchy because it will go down easier...I am finding that I don't have any problems with stuff like that and will tend to get a cracker rather than trying to eat something else because I know I can eat it and have no problems...He said I may need to take some out...I am going to see if it gets better, but I am doing the same thing you are doing...only, this is after 3 fills... It is not good to just let it go and try to deal with it...it won't help you lose the weight quicker, it will only make you miserable and keep you hungry... Let us know how you are doing...take care Sharon and Betty...had a great time visiting with you ladies today...hope we can do it again sometime and the rest of you can join us...I feel like I have really made new friends...since now I have a face to go with the name...LOL

Hi, girls... Been a long time since I posted...lots of new people signed on... Well, didn't get a fill today...Dr. H. sort of recommended me to stay where I am and possibly may need to have a little taken out...been having lots of trouble being able to eat...just about everything gets stuck or won't go down good... Billy got his 2nd fill...has lost 61 lbs...LOOKIN GOOD!!!! I will be at the "Get Together" on Thursday...Billy has to work nights though and he will have to rest, so he won't be able to come with me...I will have my two youngins with me, is that okay?...we plan to do some Back to School clothes shopping... Can't wait to meet some of you...hope I will know how to find you all since you are all withering away...I may not be able to see you... By the way...I don't know some of your first names...I just know your logon names...I go by LYNN... Lo2Us...I have had problems that you are having and it gets better after a while...I found that a lot of times, I am still trying to eat to quickly...not that that is what you are doing, but I saw myself doing that...I have to sit and look at my food for a minute before I start to eat so that I don't just start scarfing it down...(I know that sounds funny, but it makes me stop and relax and slow down before I start taking a bite)...make sense???? Sorry...had a long day...

Sugarbear...now how did you get to leave off your age?...was that intentional, or have you not noticed it was gone?...(under your name where it says # of posts)...

Priss...Our appointment is @ 2:15 pm...we always make it for later in the afternoon, so that we don't have to rush around so early, since it takes us a while to get there... I will try to make it to the "Get Together" on Thursday, the 19th...My dad is having surgery on the 13th in TXKNA, then our band appt is on Monday, the 16th...so, 3 trips to TXKNA in a week may be a little hard to do, but I will try my best to make it (may have to bring my kiddos with me, but they are good...won't even know they are there)...Billy won't be able to make it that day because he will be working, but I will bring a picture...IF he will let me take one of him. HAHAHA

Hello all...hope your holiday was a good one... As usual, we went to my mother-in-laws and ate lunch...always find myself wanting to try EVERY thing, but only able to eat a little...so tempting...she is an excellent cook and always fixes things that I don't normally fix at home for my own family... Billy and I have stepped up on our walking...we have walked 4 miles a day all week...I think I feel better than I have in a long time...not going to weigh til the end of the week to see if it has done any good...we'll see. Billy is at a stand still, but he doesn't stress over it like I do, so it is really no big deal to him...wish I had that kind of easy-goingness...(is that a word?) Lisa, BEEN THERE DONE THAT...(on not getting a fill, then wishing I had)...hang in there...Billy and I go in the 16th...this will be #4 for me, #2 for him... Sunlight...careful with the meat...not sure that it's really considered a mushie even when you chew really well... Well, gonna go try and swim out to my raspberry vines and see if I can salvage them...they have fallen over, the ground is so wet, that they are getting up-rooted... You ladies take care and KEEP LOSING!!!!

Thanks guys for all the encouragement... I am working on losing about 10-15 lbs before school starts (Aug. 1st)...don't know if I can or not, but going to try... I haven't been walking like I need to...rain and being so busy has kept me from getting in much walking... I am going to start tomorrow (VBS all day today) trying to get in about 4-5 miles a day...(only been doing about 1 mile a day) I think if I boost my exercise, my weight will come off more...certainly not eating too much, that is for sure...sometimes I think I may either have something lodged or just simply too tight...about 1/4 cup is all I can get down and sometimes that doesn't go down easy... oh well...

Hey guys... Hogwild...I, too, went through my pre-op during Christmas holidays...In fact...I had a slimfast for breakfast, a salad for lunch, and a slimfast for dinner on Christmas day...hows that for temptation???...and my mother-in-law is a great cook (she caters for people around here)...but I did it and survived...you will too...just keep working on it... Lisa is right...leave it to us here...we'll get you through the hard parts... I almost forgot about Hopefulchurch...haven't heard from her in a while...where are you?...and who was it that got pregnant?...Does anyone know how she is?...There are beginning to be so many on here that I forget who is who...so if I leave anyone out, I'm truly sorry...I am proud of EVERYONE!!!:clap2:

Hello all...hope you are all doing good today (and staying dry)....:rain: Glad to hear you are feeling much better Sunlight...had us worried for a while...Fever is a serious thing, so keep a check on it... So good to know you are still with us Lisa...what would we do without you...you are truly an inspiration to us all...and look at YOUR ticker go...almost 40 lbs...YOO HOO!!!! I really enjoy getting on and reading everyones posts, even if I don't post, because I learn from all of you each time I do...Thanks Sugarbear, you are our #1 helper here...we are proud to have you aboard... Lo2us...you are doing awesome...I can't believe how well you are doing in such a short time...keep up the good work.... Hi Priss, understand the staying busy....we have Softball awards tonight, so thought I would "quickly" post before we have to be there...My daughters team tied for 1st in the season and got 2nd in the tournament (remember, played til 4am in the morning??) Also, having to work on getting things ready for VBS at my church...that's the joy of my husband being the deacon over the education classes...I am his personal secretary... You ladies take care and keep moving those tickers...I will be moving mine pretty soon...I have a personal goal to reach, so trying to not move it til then...I will let you know when I do...Thanks guys for your support!!! (Billy is down bout 60 lbs...) I keep saying I am gonna tie him up cuz some pretty girl might want him now...LOL:heh: Take Care, Lynn