1019Joanne

I have come to realize that in order to get the most out of this journey, I need to get moving - really moving. So, I joined a gym. Seriously, I JOINED A GYM! It's really is funny! Who knew! Me in a gym, and the best part is - I LIKE IT! I walked in the first day and I am sure I looked like someone who did not belong there. After a tour of the center, and some careful instructions from the trainer who made me feel so welcome, I started on a machine. Little did I know then that this machine was going to change the way I look at exercise. This machine - the elliptical - is truly my new BFF. Don't get me wrong, I use other equipment in the gym, but the elliptical...it calls my name. It makes me stronger, it makes me believe again that this change in me is possible and is real. After struggling the first several times and managing to get through 8 minutes on level 1, I am now chugging away for 30 minutes daily at level 7, and that is after I ride the bike for 30 minutes, or before I do the 30 minute circuit workout....and sometimes, I do all three in the same visit. One of the other good things about the gym, is that I bring a friend with me...and not only does it make the workout go that much faster, it's even more fun. I have a list of people who want to go with me - seriously, AND four of my friends have also joined the gym since going with me! Here I am...me...the woman who has lost 55lbs since surgery, and now, I go to the gym...5 days a week. and I like it! I never ever EVER thought I would be talking about my new best friend and having it be an elliptical machine - however, this life I am leading has changed more than just how much food I can eat and what I can eat - it has literally changed ME, and changed for the better.

having just come home from my first flight after being banded, I can tell you that I so understand how you feel! I was so happy to have the seatbelt buckle and not cut into my thighs....and to have some room to pull the belt tighter and to not overhang into the seats next to me....it was an amazing flight. well, flights. to and from, and a couple of change overs just for good measure. keep up the good work!

look at you! WOW - congratulations! Keep up the awesome job!

I have come to realize that in order to get the most out of this journey, I need to get moving - really moving. So, I joined a gym. Seriously, I JOINED A GYM! It's really is funny! Who knew! Me in a gym, and the best part is - I LIKE IT! I walked in the first day and I am sure I looked like someone who did not belong there. After a tour of the center, and some careful instructions from the trainer who made me feel so welcome, I started on a machine. Little did I know then that this machine was going to change the way I look at exercise. This machine - the elliptical - is truly my new BFF. Don't get me wrong, I use other equipment in the gym, but the elliptical...it calls my name. It makes me stronger, it makes me believe again that this change in me is possible and is real. After struggling the first several times and managing to get through 8 minutes on level 1, I am now chugging away for 30 minutes daily at level 7, and that is after I ride the bike for 30 minutes, or before I do the 30 minute circuit workout....and sometimes, I do all three in the same visit. One of the other good things about the gym, is that I bring a friend with me...and not only does it make the workout go that much faster, it's even more fun. I have a list of people who want to go with me - seriously, AND four of my friends have also joined the gym since going with me! Here I am...me...the woman who has lost 55lbs since surgery, and now, I go to the gym...5 days a week. and I like it! I never ever EVER thought I would be talking about my new best friend and having it be an elliptical machine - however, this life I am leading has changed more than just how much food I can eat and what I can eat - it has literally changed ME, and changed for the better.

I love to fly...I really do. I did not like having to put my seatbelt on while flying, though, since it barely fit and when I managed to get the belt buckled, it was so uncomfortable. I was ashamed to ask for a belt extender - I would rather be uncomfortable than call attention to my largeness. However - last Thursday, I boarded a plane to Dallas, and as I buckled the belt, and tightened it in, and had about four inches of slack. I literally sat in my seat with tears of joy rolling down my face. My daughter managed to snap a photo of the seatbelt for me, and every time I look at it, I am in awe of this transformation of me.(I attached the photo below) I still look like me, at least I think so when I see myself in the mirror, but the me I see on the scale is most certainly a lighter me. I think my brain forgot how well the belt fit on the way down to Dallas, since on the way home, I stretched it out to the point where it is all folded over (right at the very end) and then had to pull it tighter....ahhhh. I cannot even put into words the joy in my heart. My flight was four months after my surgery - 52 pounds lighter, and so much happier.

I think we just get to a point where we just want to be banded! We have all been through so much already, and this pre-op stuff is just the last hurdle to jump before the proceedure. I remember walking into my pre-op appointment with a list of questions that I had - all from this site - and getting more answers (and then comparing to what was said on here! LOL) I am wishing you all good things! this is the best gift your can give yourself!

Hang in there! Tea is a great healer, and helps with the tightness, too, I have come to find out! Feel better soon!

I love to fly...I really do. I did not like having to put my seatbelt on while flying, though, since it barely fit and when I managed to get the belt buckled, it was so uncomfortable. I was ashamed to ask for a belt extender - I would rather be uncomfortable than call attention to my largeness. However - last Thursday, I boarded a plane to Dallas, and as I buckled the belt, and tightened it in, and had about four inches of slack. I literally sat in my seat with tears of joy rolling down my face. My daughter managed to snap a photo of the seatbelt for me, and every time I look at it, I am in awe of this transformation of me.(I attached the photo below) I still look like me, at least I think so when I see myself in the mirror, but the me I see on the scale is most certainly a lighter me. I think my brain forgot how well the belt fit on the way down to Dallas, since on the way home, I stretched it out to the point where it is all folded over (right at the very end) and then had to pull it tighter....ahhhh. I cannot even put into words the joy in my heart. My flight was four months after my surgery - 52 pounds lighter, and so much happier.

Happy Birthday - you look amazing! I wish you much happiness this year! Keep up the good work!

I am also hitting the gym 4-5 days a week, and I have found that if I mix up my routine, it helps me. My gym offers a 30 minutes workout area in addition to the treadmills, step machines, and eliptical machines. Today, I did 10 minutes on the eliptical, then to 30 minute work out and back on the eliptical for another 10 minutes. Tomorrow I will just walk the treadmill for an hour, and then Thursday back to eliptical and the 30 minute workout. Many local gyms will also offer a free session with a personal trainer - which might also give you a work out plan. Best wishes!

Starting at size 26/28 pants 3x/4x shirts Current size 18 pants, xl shirts I feel like a new person! I walk by mirrors and double take,because I cannot believe that the person I am seeing is really me! Need to work making it to the gym 4 days or more a week. I knew going into this, that getting banded was going to be a marathon, not a 50 yard dash, and the this journey reminds me daily of how much work this is! Congratulations to everyone - you inspire me!

I have the Realize band also - I had pain for about two months in my port area - however it lessened as the weeks went on. I dont know if you had one incision surgery, or multiple incisions, but also remember that just nine days out, you have so much healing going on in there. Hang in there - it does get better!

Every single person loses weight at a different rate....use this forum to refocus, and get back on track. This is a journey, not a quick trip, and we have ALL had this surgery for a reason - because we needed to take back control of our bodies! Keep a food diary (and be honest in it!) make take to exercise (even if you go up and down your stairs 20 times every day) and take back the control. You can do this - and we are all here to help you!

I have a scale, and I seem to go through cycles where I weigh myself several times a day, and then forgetting for a few days. I think if you have a scale, it just gives you more insight into how the band/diet is working for you. Best wishes to you all!

Welcome back - you have been through so much, and you STILL have lost weight! That is amazing! Hang in there!

that is amazing! Congratulations!

I have had 2 fills since I was banded on 10/19, and I certainly have found what restriction means to me! I started this journey at 277lbs and the scale this morning said 237, so I know the numbers are headed in the right direction. I have so say that although I have a hard time seeing the difference, my friends, family and co-workers tell me every time they see me how great I look. That makes me know this decision was the right one for me. Good Luck, October Bandsters! We are all on our way to our new and improved selves! :wink:

Best Wishes in your new "home"....I cannot wait to keep up on your adventures!

Hi Joanne, I am Joanne, too! I was banded just about a month before you, and had my first fill 6 weeks after surgery, and a second fill 4 weeks after that. I think you are doing great - losing weight is what we are all here for! Hang in there! I wish you the best!

I had my second fill in my band last Wednesday, and I have to say I am now the noisiest girl on the block! No matter what I eat or drink, it seems to bring loud gas bubbles up from my stomach that rivals any beer drinker! I have again started taking Gas-X after lunch, since I cannot imagine what my co-workers are thinking....but I cannot help but wonder....where is the mute button on this band! On the other hand....I am down 45 lbs since I began this journey - down two pant sizes, and two shirt sizes. I cannot tell you how nice it is to try on clothes TWO full sizes down from where I was.....I really look forward to shopping!

I had my second fill in my band last Wednesday, and I have to say I am now the noisiest girl on the block! No matter what I eat or drink, it seems to bring loud gas bubbles up from my stomach that rivals any beer drinker! I have again started taking Gas-X after lunch, since I cannot imagine what my co-workers are thinking....but I cannot help but wonder....where is the mute button on this band! On the other hand....I am down 45 lbs since I began this journey - down two pant sizes, and two shirt sizes. I cannot tell you how nice it is to try on clothes TWO full sizes down from where I was.....I really look forward to shopping!