GoingforGoal

Fabulous, what a tremendous accomplishment!

I like 100 cal bags of cookies for when I need a sweet fix that is more than just a bite. Pudding is also a great option.

::sniff sniff:: Do I smell jealousy or is that a competition roar I hear? Listen, you gf hasn't achieved her goal. Thus, it's easy to tell you it's not possible. Makes her feel good about her 'attempt' and excuse her 'failure'. I am a firm believer, you can make excuses or you can obtain results. Choose now! Friends like that WILL sabotage your efforts. Time to shut if off now so you don't accept it as your own truth (aka excuse)

Daily, multiple times, every hour...just kidding. I do weigh daily in the a.m. for numerous reasons: 1) to reap an easy positive reward when I do lose (even 0.2 lbs) 2) to directly correlate my previous days diet/habits with a potential gain/loss and know to continue or modify those practices 3) to intervene as early as possible if I see an upward trend 4) to keep me accountable on a daily basis opposed to weekly or monthly

Big decisions are always accompanied by anxiety. But let us reassure you, this is going to be the best decision. Trust the band!

Let's not forget the sheer exhaustion mentally and physically. With all the pre-op anxiety, post-op transition, the obsessive focus on what to get/what to do etc it's fatiguing. Take some time each day to focus on non band related things...

So many of us have been in this situation where we were overfilled. Same effect: can't get anything down, you become dehyrated/weak, increased pain & swelling at the stoma site etc. But don't worry about the next fill. You already know you need small increments and should expect that from here on out. As a patient, you are entitled to know how much is in your band. I was fortunate that my dr. would freely tell me how much he put in/out and I kept record just for my own personal info. But this makes you a more informed and involved patient because if you see your next doc draw up 2cc you know to put a stop to it. Medical care should always be participatory and your input counts!

Hi Jlk. There are many factors that play into this answer. However, my assumption is that most bandsters were excessively overweight. So #1 how much you were overweight coupled with #2 how long you have been overweight plus other factors like #3 age, where you gained your weight (body type) etc along with #4 how fast you lose weight, how you lost weight (excercise, calorie restriction) also have their share of input. However, I think most of us are left with residual skin sag. That cannot be corrected through diet, exercise etc only through surgery. I was 250, now 165 (not quite at goal) and a TT is very apparent for me

Hello Bandsters, I'm getting closer and closer to goal and unfortunately see the residual effects of all my weight loss staring at me in the mirror. A TT and BI are in the near future, however, I am resistant to arm surgery. I wanted to know if anyone has used either the Skin Tight Body Firming Lotion or Olay's Quench Plus Firming Body Lotion and how they feel about them. Or perhaps you know of any other products that yield some noticeable results. I am targeting arms, so I'd appreciate some feedback on arms specifically. Thanks and Good Luck on your WL

Hello! Thanks for the informative article. Wouldn't it be interesting to have a similar article addressing the unique condition of having a lapband (ie severe calorie restriction) etc. I really focused on the psychological component of the article and how that influences our 'set point'. When I made the decision to restart my diet, 175 was my first goal. This was always the number I wanted to reach pre-op. It seemed and I began to believe it was unattainable due to all the previous failed attempts. So I slowly dropped weight 195, than 185, 180, 179...8...7...6 I just knew it was all going to come to a halt now. talk about obsessing. But from 176 I dropped down to 174.6. It was as if my body was sparing me from the 175 altogether lol. I was in disbelief..but ironically, 175 is no longer the obstacle. I'm currently 165 and I find myself doing the same thing..can I really get to 155? I think there should be more focus on how our minds play the largest obstacle. Many of us have spent all our lives overweight and have always strived to be thin. Attempt after attempt with temporary results has preconditioned us to believe it's not possible. Back to the 'set point' so is there really a set point we are preconditioned to. I think yes, temporarily. As we lose weight and maintain that loss I believe the body resets (hormonally, metabolically etc) and a new set point can be created. However, maintenance and consistency is paramount. But back to the mindset, the body is nothing more than a chemical puzzle. Understand that you cannot be defeated unless you have truly been diagnosed with a medical issue (like the incapability to breakdown adipose). It's easy to say "you can do it" "just keep going" but sometimes inserting the logic or science behind your accomplishments and setbacks allow you to keep a healthy and positive mindset and not succumb to defeat and stop your efforts altogether. Last point, there is nothing more rewarding than achieving those impossible milestones. The more you achieve you the more you become aware that there is no obstacle, just yourself. Just believe and you will achieve (wow, that was lame I know)

Oh honey, I can only be frank on this topic. There's no such thing as shielding the ugly from our loved ones. I have been through so many surgeries and my husband has been apart of all of it (the decision process, the preop nerves, the postop pains and recovery). Many times it was his support that made it all manageable. I couldn't bare to think I'd have to hid any part of that process from him. I understand your boyfriends concern about the surgery. Struggling with weight issues is difficult and unless you yourself struggle with it, it doesn't seem difficult to lose weight. But if you do and you know that this will just be a cyclic life endeavor, you need to do what is best for you. I struggle with your boyfriend's lack of apathy and desire to care for you. This is not the time to be dealing with any added stressors. Makes me very concerned about how you two would deal with any future life issues you disagree on. I also struggle with your decision to push him away. I'm not sure how involved you are with your boyfriend, but your bf, your husband is your partner in life. They should never be pushed away nor shielded from your life or the life you share.

I know they won't solve the problem. But if there was a product that is effective is tightening the skin (even slightly) I'd try it because I'm pretty much resolved to not getting an arm tuck. Results vary too much and the scars are pretty unsightly. But I wanted some personal experience to let me know if they saw any changes.

Take a look at my pics. I have one for 195, 175, 165...even 10 lbs can make a difference.

Also keep in mind that not everyone is good at their jobs. I'm an RN and I encounter everything from admins to clinicians who have zero people skills. Don't take it personal.

Is it no wonder why so many nurses are overweight. I use to work nightshift...that's the WORSE! I feel your pain hon... Nevermind when patients bring in thank you bagels, chocolates etc etc. ACCCCHHHHKKKK

Welcome to the world of Spanx...love love love Spanx. However, it isn't uncommon for bandsters to get cosmetic surgery for this very reason. I know it's on my list of 'to dos' once I get to goal. We can't expect to lose 50, 80, 100+ pounds and have our severely stretched skin to regain it's tightness/tone.

Oh I love this thread..thank you for reminding us to all take a moment to reflect on ALL our accomplishments, not just the number on the scale. Following your lead... I started at 250 lbs (BMI 40) and am currently 166.4 (BMI 27). I started with a 44DD, now a 36-38D size bra. I lost avg of 10" from my chest, and 10" from waist, and an avg of 3" from my legs and arms I was a size 20, now a size 10 I can not only touch my toes, I can see them I'm much more active and have more energy I suffer from disc degeneration and the WL has helped tremendously with the symptoms ( stenosis, sciatica) I feel happy, sexy and healthy My ultimate goal is to feel comfortable in my own skin and to never be restricted again. Thanks again

Congrats on your willpower. I know the feeling. Naturally it's ok to take a nibble here and there, but the power to say no all together shows your dedication to your WL. The great thing about this exercise, is that the more you do it the easier it becomes and the less fulfilling/rewarding those treats become. High Five and Congrats again

Hi there! I love Frederic's suggestion..take pics LOTS of them. I was banded 3.5 yrs ago and I'm still on my journey to reach goal. A pregnancy, two moves and a whole lotta stress delayed the progress but I am in no way unhappy about it. But when I did finally restart my loss this year, first thing I did was find old measurements and pics I took. It was 3 yrs since I took measurements. When I saw the pics the difference was obvious, but also seeing that I lost over 19" in my waist, 19" in my hips, 8" in my chest and 1.5-3" in my legs and arms..the results were not to be denied. It has motivated me to lose another 20 lbs since that start and I will be taking more pics and measurements, almost as if to set a new baseline for myself. Keep up the great work. This journey is not all about feeling positive and being rewarded, sometimes we struggle and feel defeated..but the victories are so much sweeter because of it. Keep on!!!