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Happy Day, Everyone! TracyKS -- Great pic! Looks & sounds like you had a blast! Laura -- OMG girlfriend... you are one busy lady! But it's all fun (most of, anyway, right??)... I'm so happy for you! What a fun time of life! Teach -- NSVs are the BEST! You are doing so great!!! What a role model!!! Adorable -- yep, pix tonight, post tomorrow! Good news: Scale is going back down, yay... down to 289.4 from the "eating food again" bounce after liquids of 294... 2.4 lbs more & I'll be back at -30 & then on to losing some NEW FAT! Yay! Not so good news: No first fill for me 'til the week of 7/8... which will be my 6 week point... could've done it next week @ 4 weeks out... but doc is double booked all week already & then he's out of town the week of the 4th (isn't everybody?). So I'll keep on doing my best. Walking. 1/2 portions. Good news: I go to my first "aqua pilates" class tomorrow morning! Good news: My dd is going to the beach on Sunday for a week w/my mom & sister... which is nice for her... but the sneaky good news for me & ds is that WE are going down Mon - Tues as a surprise! Yay, surprises... yay, the beach! So more good news than bad. Yay! Have a great day, everyone!

TracyK-- That is so awesome. You must be so proud of yourself. Thanks for being an inspiration to me. I have a goal to reach for and that is to be as deligent as you. I have an NSV, Today we left Helena and stopped in Billings at the Harley Davidson store. Told hubby we could get him a t-shirt form there. I found a grey hooded sweat jacket and tried it on. Very snug but fit. It's a 3X. I haven't worn a 3X in about 20 years. My husband was more excited than I was. I had the lady cut the tags off and I wore it out of the store and all the way to our next hotel. Stopping in at Sturgis tomorrow, wonder what I will find there. This is so cool to be able to go into stores and wear stuff off the rack. I'll miss ordering from the catalog. Hubby's waiting for spring so he can get the Harley back out to ride. Driving to Sioux Falls tomorrow and will spend the night there and than the next day it should take us about 7 hours to get home. I'll be glad. I miss the comforts of home. But I have to admit that we are having an excellent time. Didn't know what to expect with traveling with my sister-in-law and her husband. We have just clicked and we've laughed and told stories an have really enjoy each other. Oh, forgot to mention that we had our first up closs snow for the year. Although I couldn't get hubby to stop so I could throw a snowball at him. It was really beautiful seeing everything cover. The trees were so pretty. Everyone have a great day, :clap2:

:car::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20: Denise...these are for you!!!! Congrats! I can't seem to break the -30 pounds, but it WILL happen soon! Here's to seeing our cho cho's ladies!!! NSV ALL AROUND! Ok, gotta go. I am at work. Yes ladies, this is your tax dollars at work...lol...believe me, I earn my $. HAVE A GREAT ONE LADIES! XOXOXOXOXOX

That's our Tracy... out and about spreadin' the gospel of the band to all those who will come near and listen! Good job! And great NSV's... I really think that's what it's all about... the scale be d'mned!... it's new habits/behaviors/living! (ha ha... I typed "new hobbits" ha ha!) I am off 'til Sunday... am lugging a "carload of sh*t" (as dh puts it) down to my Mom's house for her neighborhood's annual yard sale all day tomorrow. I am *not* a yard-saler at all... don't shop them & have never held one... so what to take & how to price it all is a bit foreign to me... but I've just got to get rid of some of this stuff... and some of it is nice... kids' clothes & outgrown toys, etc... so we'll see how it goes. And dd is going to have a lemonade/cookie stand, too. We've decided that any/all $$ raised will go into our "Walt Disney World" vacation can (yes, literally it is a WDW Holiday Coffee can!) (empty, duh) for a future trip... maybe I should start a "Shrinkin' Violets Cruise" can??? Have a super weekend everyone!!

Wow, Tracy that's one helluva NSV you got there!! Way to go, baby!!! :cheer2: re: isopure water - you can do like I do and just dilute it...it's not so bad. Besides, GNC is really good about taking things back so even if you ordered it online you might be able to return it to your local store. I had kind of a neat realization a little while ago. Before surgery my biggest concern is "what will I eat???"....now I'm like "Well, I need to eat something". I'm just not hungry! Last real food was Tues night. You'd think I'd be absolutely ravenous. I'm sure it's coming though! So it sounds like those of you who have yet to be banded are really getting excited in spite of our reports of discomfort, etc. That's good!! I have to admit that I have been going thru a little bit of the "what have I done?" thing, so be prepared for that. I'm sure that will pass, too. Wonder how Pat is doing?

Hope your nausea is better Tracy. This is going to sound really wierd, but was your stomach rolling, or was the gagging more from the throat? I once ate something that I thought must have been bad, because I got sick at my stomach from it, and it only eased if I slowly sipped or snacked. In the end, I think I was actually over full, and it was from the esophagus area, and I was feeling the nausea from that. When I caught the stomach virus from Kinsey the feeling was totally different, it was low in the stomach itself, and I was on the verge of vomiting before I even knew what hit me! Hope you feel much better!!! I too like Househuntress really try to get my meals is with mostly protein, followed with veggies, and only a few nibbles of the carbs, mostly for flavor enhancement! Breakfast has almost always hit me that way! I often will snack for breakfast on a leftover piece of sausage or something of that nature. My DH loves sausage, he likes it hot with breakfast, and cold for snacking, so I keep some cooked up, and it is one of the stand bys I use for breakfast or a quick snack. I don't overdo it, because I know there are tons of nitrates, and it is not the best for me! But my cholesterol is down again! Each time I donate blood now they do a cholesterol test, and I can check it online. My Dr. is going to be so happy!!! I had popped over 200 pre banding...now it is down 70 points with no drugs! My usual for breakfast is yogurt---with some granola stirred in. My days have been kinda crazy with all the work we have been doing we have been eating out a lot!!! Yesterday lets see.... BREAKFAST--yogurt--black cherry with granola I ate about 2/3 of the container with about 1/4 cup if that much granola---DH finished it for me! SNACK--a couple of bites of a nectarine while we loaded wood, it didn't feel like it wanted to go down, so I didn't push it. LUNCH--2 taquitas with salsa SNACK--handful of roasted smoked almonds. I know the sodium is out of this world---but they were good!!!! SUPPER--we went to Chilis---I had the childrens chicken crispers and loaded mashed potatoes. I ate 1 1/2 strips of chicken with ranch dressing, and about 3 bites of the potatoes. I heated the leftovers for lunch today and Kinsey and I shared them! For breakfast this morning I had a scrambled egg with green chile, and cheese. The leftovers for lunch, I snacked on half a banana, and some cubed cheddar cheese. I have a couple of rib eyes we are grilling tonight. I will cook some new potatoes, and will likely have some mushrooms to go over the steaks. I can usually avoid the potatoes, but these little new ones from my inlaws garden, may be hard to say no to!!! I also drink tons---lots of tea. I brew my own using decaffeinated tea bags, and sweeten it with sweet & low. I know it isn't the best for me either---but since it is my biggest vice at this point, I am not ready to change!!! When I don't drink enough, I don't lose a thing! I need to weigh---I have not done so in several days---will check it in the morning. I have sore muscles, in my case, that usually means, I will be up a pound or 2, from fluid retention in the muscles, and believe me I have used muscles lately I never knew I had!!! I know I told Rick next vacation we leave town!!! It sounds weird because it was tons of work, but I really enjoy working with him that way, it keeps us close. Well my laundry needs changed out, I have enough dirty clothes to cloth a small nation. But I had a NSV this morning sorting clothes, I picked up a shirt and wondered when my DD left it there, and as I turned it right side out, I realized it was my shirt---I just wore it 2 days ago! It looked so small, I never thought for a second it was mine!!! woohooo it is! And I just wore it so I know it fits me!!! LOVE it!!! TTYL Kat I usually do better, but this week is not a good example!!!

Welcome WarpedPegasus!!!!!!!!! Pamela: CONGRATS on all your NSV's and your liberation!!!! Kat: What can I say woman!!!!!!! You are my LapBand Hero, and after looking at those skinny legs....... IT'S NO FREAKEN WONDER WHY I CAN'T FIT INTO YOUR OLD JEANS!!!!!!!! LOL Laura: You might want to start trying on those sexy jeans once a week.... you might be suprised at how much they go up every week!!!! someone just walked in....

Darn... my boys didn't win. they lost by 5 points. They had a fantastic first quarter, but couldn't sustain it through all 4 quarters. sighhhhhhh Oh well, at least it's not the playoffs. I had a NSV tonight. I found one of my daughter's bathing suits she had left here a couple of years ago when she used our pool. I thought I'd try it on just for kicks. Well.. it's not real attractive, but it fits!!! I can't tell her though cause she is not able to fit in it anymore. I know I weigh less than she does and that's the first time in my life that has happened, but I'd never tell her that either. All in all, it's been a good day in spite of no fish and no win! Everyone sleep well!!

Almost forgot... a lady that was at church today for the first time in about a month said... "hey, skinny!" as I was leaving after church. Love those NSV's!!! I know I'm not skinny yet, but I know I'm so different than what I was 8 months ago, and different than what I'll be 4 months from now!! It keeps getting better and better!!!

Hi Violets, Just wanted to check in with this chatty group! Congrats to so many of you for proposals, weight loss, exercise triumphs and whatever else needs to be celebrated! I had a NSV this weekend I was able to wear a ring, that I love, but haven't been able to wear in years! I am loving my band. I took a Zumba class yesterday and I am meeting with a personal trainer at 12 noon! Wish me luck. Theresa

TracyinKS, Good job on the NSV!!! Yippee. Even though I keep whining and complaining about not losing I guess I too have a NSV to share. I am wearing a pair of capris today that fit and did not fit just six weeks ago. I could not even lay on the bed and get these suckers to button! So today I am wearing them. I think they would fit a heck of a lot better -10lbs but they are on and I did not lay on the bed to button them! Have a great time on your trip, where are you going? We will be thinking of you.

Thank GOD Kat is OK!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jane: I LOVE the pic and the story!......... email them to me and I will reduce them for you Jennifer F: Don't sweat it I for one like to get the travel emails... Michelle: GOOD FOR YOU on the Kohls trip! Did you buy anything for MOM? Terry: Big hugs go out to TX! Haydee: Hang tough chica! Your next fill is around the corner.. and that salad sounded DELISH! Good luck on finding a new job... maybe you can find one that incites your passion! JenNY: How did the adult night out go???? Judy: I swear, you and the bobster are the BUSIEST retired people I know! also......... I love your new avatar! NSV: My last pair of size 12's that I had in my closet that I couldn't button............... I'm wearing them RIGHT NOW!!!! and I saw 205 this morning........ not holding my breath too hard as it was 2 hours later than I normally weigh, but I'm claiming it! 3 more pounds til I hit -70.......... OK.. gotta get back to the mountain of laundry on my bed that needs folded and put up....... Have a great day!

Good Morning, Violets.. Ethan is in his "cage" as we call it.. just the crib we have downstairs to contain him when it's naptime. He's amusing himself right now fighting off the inevitable. lol Cindy... have a wonderful cruise!!!! Jennifer... loads of purple power vibes being sent your way. Hope today is a better day for you. Terry... the same purple power vibes are on their way to you too. TracyK.. my alltime favorite NSV is being able to cross my legs at will withouth having to lift one over the other. And when I cross my legs sitting in a church pew, my top leg doesn't push up against the back of the pew. Now that's a "heavenly" feeling!! Also being able to wear pants that don't have an elastic waist is a great feeling. Also being out of plus size clothes. Oh, the list goes on an on!! Pamela.. TGIF today for you!! Plus Suzanne will be there. Doesn't get much better!! Tomorrow is fudge making day. Got to get all of it done so I can hand it out to the dog groomer, hair dresser, nail tech and church staff. Lots o' fudge for them.. zippo for me and the bobster..... I HOPE! Going in for a little fill Monday so have to be good. I want the scale there to be kind to me. Time to get some things done while Ethan snoozes. Catch ya later!!

Morning violets Kat - you are an amazing woman. I am so happy for you on your NSV. I was smiling away thinking that we are going to keep having NSV's, even when we think we are can't have anymore. Have fun seeing your friend. TracyK- whooooo hoooooooooo you are getting closer. My 199 goal is Halloween. I am getting my 2nd fill on the 16th and can't wait. I am starting to get out of control and really need it. I did take my measurements today since I've been an exercise queen again and it moved 1/4" I know not enough to matter but at least it is moving. If I can lose a total of 1" by working out by my fill without loosing anything I will be extremely happy Panda - you look so great and I am sure you had a great time on the roller coaster. I went to six flags and went on some rides and fit about 25lbs ago and that felt great so I'm sure you were very comfortable! Well I am going to drink some coffee and try to wake up - I need to shower and be to work by 11. It is only a mile there but along my new walking route. So.... I am going to walk to work. I would do it more if I didn't have to walk home at midnight.

Good evening, Violets.. Whew.. it was a hot one here in Northern Michigan. It got up to 92 today and will hit 95 tomorrow. And tomorrow I'm stuck in a NON air conditioned building at the fair passing out Democratic Party literature. I'll be there from 9-5. DD is coming to keep me company in the morning while DH has a meeting out of town, but he'll be back at noonish to either relieve us or sit with me while DD goes back home. I've got some Crystal Light in the freezer and will take that with me to get me through the heat. I did two workouts in the pool today. The water temp was 84 so it was a nice relief from the high heat. Tracy... congrats on the NSV!! I can't even get a 14W over my belly, let alone even THINK about zipping it up. I bought a 16W skort today and hope to wear it in Florida n three weeks. I can get it on and zipped up, but I have that infamous "muffin" top. My mini-goal is to be able to wear them comfortably in Florida. We'll see how that goes. Pamela... I agree with Terry 100%!! You shouldn't even have that junk in your house!!! What were you thinkin'??? Certainly not WWJD!!! Get rid of it and start tomorrow fresh. New day, new resolve, new attitude.. K?? Mdrai...sorry to hear about the ticket. That would put me in a bad mood too!! How expensive is it???? Laura.. again Terry is right about setting reasonable goals. Just like our weight.. if we set goals too high, we can't possibly reach them and we give up. We are all taking baby steps in here. And each step gets us closer and closer to our goal. Time for me to head to bed. I'm not feeling a whole lot of restriction with the second fill. Maybe it will show up later. I was nervous that everything would get stuck, but so far, no problems. Everyone have a great night. Sleep well and remember....WWJD???!! Got that Pam???

Yea I got card #1 today Judy---I loved it, I now look forward to #2! You sound like you assemble things like we do. Rick does the old look at the box and begin. Me I find the instructions and begin with step one....only after getting plastic bowl for all the nuts & bolts, and assembling the tools it says we need. I am a bit of an organization freak when it comes to things that way!!! On the good side though, we got our elliptical as well as many, many other things through the years---and we haven't killed one another yet! Weather here today was cold, but clear. I had to go to Lowes, and then picked up some things in Walmart for my brother, he never knows what to get my kids, so I helped! I tell him nothing, but forget that! TracyK that is a good thing, it will make moving soooo much easier, not having to secure things, and cover them for a long trip. And everything will be familiar. I have so many NSV's that I would have serious problems figuring out which was #1....think it depends on the mood or the day or something! I loved running into my old boyfriend, and he told me I had not changed a bit! He was just gone for many years, and did not see the 100 pound climb, or the 100 pound loss!! I felt so awesome that he thought I had not changed---which I know we had both aged, but I was not ashamed to be facing him! I mean he had a bit of a belly beginning on him too!! But 100 pounds ago, I would have been very self concious of how much I had changed from when he knew me....which is about 130 pounds ago. It is the feeling--the one where I no longer worry about standing out in a crowd simply due to my weight. Whether it is with the old bf, or walking into a restaurant, or across a parking lot---I am not a young thing garnering lots of attention for looking good, nor am I worried about them seeing me as HUGE---I just feel normal. In all reality, I almost always felt within a reasonably normal range. I never worried that people were going to go home and discuss the huge, fat woman they saw in the store today....but when being looked at----I felt ashamed of myself, and I don't feel that way anymore. Painting my toenails myself, fitting in the shower with DH, buying in the Misses, and even the Juniors dept., chasing my grandkids--really running and chasing them, and giving them horsey back rides, knowing seat belts will fit, and I will fit in seats, and that almost all weight limits are now below me, knowing one size fits most---I'm a most now! The list goes on and on and on!!! Laura--was everyone with this organization (church did you say?) rude like this or was it limited to the one woman who gave you such grief all along---this is the same one you spoke of before with the meeting etc? I think if it were just her, I would speak to someone else about the situation...surely you and your company are not the only ones she is making the church look bad with! ---Now on the other hand with the $$$ side of it, I would imagine they are like most business--and would only pay the invoice when it was sent and likely once a month, she may have taken the continued emails as harrassing. I see why you were doing it, but...having heard her history, I imagine that set her off again! I do not mean to be playing Devils Advocate here, but I know from running my own small business, I never paid a bill without a written invoice of some sort, leaving me a paper trail. And when you are dealing with a church, they answer up several levels, while only certain ones have actual money access. She must be one of them though to be making the original agreement. Kill her with kindness, send her a card again! Don't let her drag you down, you did right by her---don't let her pull you to her level! Yep Suzanne--I have to agree with the article too!! I did low fat for over a year. I bought into the whole thing that I could eat like 14 baked potatoes and have less fat than one single slice of cheese! I worked hard at it, exercise and all, and in that year, I dropped my cholesterol 7 points, and lost 24 pounds. It was hard! Then I did Atkins, which is low carb. Holy smoke! I lost weight almost as fast as with the band! Now the second I added carbs back into the diet, the weight soared!!!!!!!!! I was starving all the time--where as when I was doing the no carb thing, I was not craving them, but give me one and I want them all! My cholesterol did not go back up---it remained steady, until I lost this time, and it dropped some more. But low carbing it, will drop weight on me FAST!! Even with the band, if I want to jump start losing again, the first thing I get rid of is anything white! Potatoes, bread, rice....Get plenty of protein, and I feel good, and the weight drops. The thing with me is I hate feeling deprived! I hate not being able to have something! It nags at my brain non stop! So I always thought I could just have a little bit, and that was always my down fall. With the band, I truly can have just a little bit and I am fine! Give it a try--I bet you are shocked! Well speaking of food! Kinsey wanted fish and corn on the cob for lunch, so we went to Captain D's--like Long John Silvers---I managed almost a full fish fillet. Got over full, thought I was going to lose it all right then there--but it passed!!! Gotta go-- Kat

Hi August 2005 bandsters!! I was just thinking about starting a thread for us when I happened upon this one..... I love my band.....my life has changed in so many wonderful ways I can barely keep track of my NSVs. I plan on changing my pic and showing my before and "still working on it 'after'" pics on my band anniversary...August 17!!! Keep up the great work August 2005 Bandsters!!!!

I on the other hand am kicking myslef for getting rid ofold clothes that I never hoped to wear again.... But I have a couple of NSV's!!! 1. I used to hang dry a lot of my clothes, because I could not allow ANY shrinkage. I now dry EVERYTHING I own!!! And some of it I dry actually trying to shrink it!!! 2. I am going to have to buy new boots...mine from the last 2 years, are just plain old too big. I used to have to be very careful not to zip my calf in the zipper. This year I can slide my hand down inside the boot with my leg, and even the foot part is just sloppy on me. Yea new boots!!! Merry Christmas to me!!! Look forward to hearing everyone elses NSV's!!! Kat

Way to goralheit and kat! Losingjusme, you'll be surprised how quickly time will fly and you'll be asking for booths in no time. My new NSV's are that I can sit on the inside seat on the bus without being uncomfortable or inconveniencing the person who sits on the outside. Also, yesterday marked the 6th flight in a row that I haven't needed a seatbelt extender, so I think I'll turn mine in soon! Lastly, for the first time in YEARS, I don't hate the pictures of myself that were taken on my mini vacation this weekend. My face is starting to look like the old me!

Well right now I am wearning a size 20 pair of jeans. They are snug on me, but as loose as the 22s were getting, I decided it was better to go with snug for the moment. They aren't as tight as they were even a few days ago! I can sit in the comfortabley and so forth, so really not bad. Just snug. I think a few more pounds will help them get to that not snug spot. So I figure this is a good NSV! I can fit in smaller jeans!

Good morning everybody! We decided very last minute to hop in the car a day early and drive 3 hours to my sister's place in Cadillac, MI. It's my nephew's birthday tomorrow so the whole family will be here. Of course, that means that I forgot to pack half of our stuff (including the birthday boys' present - oops!). My sister is having one of those McDonalds Playland parties and she invited everyone in Noah's kindergarden class. So far, 15 kids have RSVP'd, plus there are 7 cousins. Should be lots of fun (she said sarcastically). The good thing is, with all those kids no one will notice that I forgot to bring a present. Cindy, make sure that your laptop has a wireless card installed. Usually they're bundled with the computer, but not always. It's surprisingly easy to get onto a wireless network. Meaning, even I can do it so you can too. DH always travels with his laptop. You can pay to use the wireless network at the airport, so if his flight gets delayed he can camp out and work. I'm a little tired today... We stayed up late playing poker last night. After I paid off my hubbies losses I was up $55! Time for me to go professional I think, ROFL. I love gambling, which is why I only do it rarely. The last thing I need is a new addiction now that I've (hopefully) given the food addiction the boot. This weekend is going to be a challenge food wise. There are yummy things to eat everywhere I turn. DS is on her way home with doughnuts right now. Fortunately, I think I'd yak on a doughnut when I'm so tight in the morning, so I'm probably safe. I actually got in 3 workouts this past week! I've lost the 3 lbs that I gained back at the beginning of January. Woo hoo!! Sherry, isn't that the truth with the underwear? My DD (who is 2) was walking around with a pair of my undies on. Needless to say, it looked like she was wearing a dress, lol. I'm not sure how to size underwear, but I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with shoe size. Otherwise, I'd have some mighty big feet. Wearing cute underwear is an NSV that I'm really looking forward to. Patty, congrats on beating out that 21 year old! On the blood pressure thing, my sister tells the tech before they begin that they will have to take her BP twice. It's always high the first time and fine the second. I've done that too. I really hate the pain of having my arm squeezed (I'm really sensitive there and it leaves bruising), so I tense up. Try some deep breathing for a few minutes beforehand too. I had my annual stir-up exam yesterday. She said that my left breast feels strange and wants me to follow up with a boob doctor to have an exam. I'm assuming they're going to do a mammogram. I'm only 32, so I'm not overly worried (well, okay, I'm a little worried). I talked to my brother-in-law (who is a doc) and he agrees that it's probably just a consistency change due to weight loss. Of course, I wouldn't let him check it himself because that would just be weird, lol. Beanie, I hope your trip to NY is going well! I wish I could be there tomorrow to have coffee... If you're ever passing through MI for some reason, don't forget about me! Real estate is the one industry that hasn't suffered too badly here (though they say that's about to change for the worse). Pat, that's too bad about the office worker. I used to interview for my job too, and I hated it. I can see where you would worry about finding someone who would keep quiet about your financials. Privacy is important, and money brings up sooo many issues. Good luck finding your replacement so that you can go back to sewing your buttless chaps for Sturgis! ROFLMAO! Paula, good to see you - that pic is great! Spacey Chick, how are things? Sounds like you're looking forward to the weekend! How is everybody else doing? Happy Friday everyone!

Feeling pretty please with myself today... since my last post on the 4th when I hit my 70lb mark, I've flown past that and hit 82lbs lost this morning :tongue2: And I wore a new outfit to work today-something I never would have worn before- and besides everyone saying I looked good, someone told me I looked hot. That's a definite NSV for me I hope everyone is doing well, and no plataues are kicking your butts!

NSV i was able to put on work pants , tuck my shirt in and where a belt.. no stomach hang over

I am the same, need more self control. I had my first fill a week ago. I feel fuller, though it's not enough. I know I need at least another fill. I am surprised what I can eat. It's still much less than what I used to, but I am not having issues as other people have. I think it's that I really chew my food now. Which is a big NSV for me. I used to inhale my food before. Gregnlr thanks for the props! :thumbup:You are doing well with your own weight loss :thumbup:

OK … entering into 'Onderland' would not be a NSV … so my new #1 is when I can say my size 16s are easy to just slip on and off without unbuttoning them … from there that'll change to 14s … then to 12s … and then … hmmmm … I don't know! I have never been under a 12 in my adult life!