libra

I usually excuse myself to the bathroom. If it's a public restroom, I'll flush the toilet while pbing so no one can hear me. I doesn't feel like choking to me at all. Actually, the quicker I get rid of something that's stuck, the less painful and difficult it is to pb. Sometimes I open my mouth and bend over the toilet and it sort of just falls out. Other times it needs a little help. I know all bandsters are really fearful of pbing but it really isn't that bad. Just like everything else in life, you learn to adapt.

I can understand the "last resort" mentality but if you're depending on the band to do it for you, you're going to be disappointed. That just doesn't happen. You need to make the proper food choices. You need to make the decision to exercise. The band can't do that for you. I don't mean to sound harsh but unless you're willing to work it, you won't be happy with the results.

It really depends on your insurance. Many do require a medically supervised weight loss program before approving your surgery. It's good advice to check with your carrier.

Thank you for posting this. After almost a year of really working the band, I find myself trying to work around it. I need to refocus and remember my goal. Thank you for helping me realize what I have to do. Good luck to you.

I'm obsessive and end up weighing myself almost daily. I know that's wrong but I'm so nervous about gaining that I have to check every morning. I tend to get really frusterated when the scale doesn't move. I'm trying to cut down to twice a week. LOL!! Tammy and Christine...you guys rock! Excellent job! I'm struggling a bit with all the commotion of moving and all. It looks like our closing may be delayed a week or two so my frusteration will continute a little longer. Grrrr! I'd like to get it over with already. For those of you that are doing the low carb thing, can you give me some details as to what you're doing. Maybe a sample of what you eat in a day. I need to jump start a little here, I'm in an eating rut and need to bust out of it!

It could also be a circulation issue that was never diagnosed. You also have to remember that your body needs to adjust as you have less insulation keeping you warm. I still notice it. I have to wear a sweatshirt in the house when the a/c is on.

I was sooooooo bad yesterday!!! I always tend to overdo it when I'm sick and (lucky me) I have strep and a sinus infection. So, I was already dealing with the munchies. Yesterday I took my son for ice cream. I ordered the fat free sugar free yogurt and the machine wasn't working...so I decided to have a regular chocolate cone. (my first bad) Then about an hour later, I'm at my parents for Father's Day and I see that they have the tastykake peanut butter candy cakes. I ate it! (my second bad!) Then after dinner I had a rice krispies treat! (my third bad) I was obviously have a "gimme something sweet" attack. Turns out that my "monthly friend" showed up this morning. I suppose that would explain the cravings. Yesterday was a bad, bad day!!!! LOL!!

Good for you derbygirl! We'll be waiting for you in Twoterville!!! I have some good seafood recipes but I have a terrible cold and can't concentrate at the moment. I'll share them as soon as I'm feeling better. Good luck with the job Molly!

Steph, I know it's difficult to get it back together after a setback but this is when you really need to focus. You need to really jump in and start a good eating and exercise program. Come back more often for support. I find that the more I'm here, the better I do.

Molly, hang in there. I'm sure you'll get through it. I've been struggling with making the right food choices too. Life has been pretty hectic for me lately and it's easier to grab some chips than to eat something healthy. We need to refocus...I'm sure we can do it. BTW, HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS!!!!

Oh Jeez, I get those all the time!!! LOL!!! Hey, since you're in Australia, would you mind sending me some Violet Crumbles and Polly Waffles? I love them!!

Woo Hoo Congrats Christine!! You're rocking it!!!!

I'm at the point where none of my clothes fit anymore, even the ones I had grown out of on the way up! It's exciting to shop and go into a store where everything will fit and have to actually decide which looks best as opposed to what zips and buttons. And the savings from plus sized to regular sized clothes is amazing! I was able to buy the cutest dresses from Target (never shopped there before because they didn't carry my size.) and they were only $25 a piece!

Same here. We actually started marriage counseling. Turns out that he's insecure since I've gained some of my confidence back. He's afraid that I'm going to leave him. I try to convince him that I'd never leave, he's been my rock through it all and loved my at 319 pounds when other people wouldn't even look at me. I think any drastic changes can affect a relationship. As for friends, I was always the "fat one" so I think they're all happy for me. I didn't really have "eating buddies" I was more of a closet eater.

I've plateaued several times too and it is very difficult to get through. Try changing up your diet a bit or possibly adding something different to your exercise routine. There's always the possiblity that it could help. BTW, four tablespoons has never been enough food for me. I usually eat about a cup of food at a meal, and then two healthy Snacks per day.

I remember my surgeon telling me that some police officers have had their ports shift due to getting punched in the stomach. I suppose anything is possible. If you're really feeling uncomfortable about it, maybe you should get it checked. On a side note....you definitely have a more exciting sex life than I do! LOL!

Hey Tann, First, let me congratulate you on making your challenge goal early! You rock!:clap2: For some reason your ticker just registered in my head. 191 POUNDS!!!! That's absolutely incredible!!! You're success is so inspiring...it can be done!!!:smellie:

Tann's right. Just stick to what your doctor told you. You'll find there are lots of differences depending on which doctor. Mine was also similar to yours. Best of Luck!

I still think about that too. I'm feeling it less and less now that I've lost a pretty significant amount of weight. But it's always there.

I forgot to put this in the other post!!! Tann....you impress the heck out of me!!! My hope is for 10 pounds a month! You, of course, are kicking some butt!!!

Chris, This may be a terrible blow, but don't give up hope. Thank goodness we have Elisabeth here to offer good, solid medical advice. Make sure you're properly diagnosed and the professionals are doing all they can for you. Once you know where you stand, we can work on how to adjust to whatever necessary changes you may need to make. In the meantime, take the time you need to feel better and not worry about weight loss right now. Ridin', you're right! Moving and entire household is a great calorie burner! Thanks for pointing me to the bright side of this! Oh, and I have a really HUGE closet in my new house for all of my skinny clothes! LOL!! Katie, make sure you check in with us after your fill!

7 pounds in a week? That's awesome Carol! Great job!!!! Maybe a shorter challege would help to keep us motivated. This one is pretty long, although I'm kind of glad since I didn't lose for a few weeks in between. I have to get this move out of the way before I'm mentally focused again. We have to be out of our house and into the new one before June 30th...Am I packed yet? Not a chance!!! Arrrrgggghhh!

Sometimes people just have a hard time understanding. In time, as you start losing and feel good, she'll come around.

I think part of this process is not beating ourselves up when we screw up a little. I mean, you guys were on vacation! It's okay if you went a little off the wagon. But, that being said, VACATION'S OVER!!!! Time to get back on the BAND-wagon!!!! Katie, I agree with you completely! This thread has been the most supportive and I love being a part of it too!!!

Pelo, a slight fill just might be the boost you need. I can't even imagine being close to goal. That's so great guys! Jessica...a size 8? I think I skipped right over that size! LOL!! Good for you!