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Haven't been able to sleep much... Heading to the hospital in about an hour.... Gonna join the bandsters today!!! I can't wait to start really seeing & some NSVs & being a healthier person!!!!

You know it still amazes me how much my thinking still has to change about what my capacity is post sleeve. I never realised how much I felt I couldn't do- and that I had gotten to the point where I was so unhealthy I really couldn't accomplish basic things. For example, I went to work for four hours this morning, came home and reorganised my study, the linen press and my wardrobe. Then I went and swept the patios, cleaned the rest of the house and vacuumed and mopped. And I still have plenty of energy! Before I could never have even considered doing this let along without breaking a sweat - literally Love, love LOVE my sleeve...& a recent (sort of NSV) I now no longer weigh the most in my family my dad now wears that title (as he should) lol. Can't believe it was only 9 months ago that I had the surgery - so many changes, so many things happening!! It's bloody amazing!

Janine - Yes little one is almost 5 (Oct 8th) and a 15 year old. Wasn't planned that way, we started trying a lot sooner, but we lost 2 and I had fertility issues of course with PCOS and obesity. My wonderful OB/GYN gave me Glucaphage. It worked to straighten me out, so I had a regular period, but it wasn't until I went off of everything for a couple months after giving up that I got pregnant. I think I had 5 or 6 sonograms in the 1st trimester just to make sure she was growing. CONGRATS on the weight loss! Man I hate my band! Not really but why is it so frustrating NOT to be able to eat as much as you want! I know that is the point of the band and I am very happy about my restriction. But it still PI**es me off some days! NSV - I keep trying to scoot my car seat up. It won't go any farther, but I feel like I am far away from the wheel! LOL I am and that is a good thing, since it used to rub every time I turned the wheel.

I AM HERE !!!! It has been slow, but life gets busy for all of us at different times! insub GREAT NSV!! I know it must have been a comfort to sit in the plane this time. Just think, this is the beginning! Now you are going to make it even smaller next time! dawng I never heard about the insurance making you wait. I would ask they give you a big fill! If you have a 5cc band, I would ask for 3cc and if you have a 10cc band, 5-6cc. Or like Stef said if you have to wait long, a 1 or 2cc will be nothing! I am sorry you are struggling. I had to wait due to the NP schedule 7 weeks, which was frustrating to me, so I know you are dealing with a lot of stress over it. Hang in there. You are almost there. suzzzie I plan to make your meatballs tonight for dinner. I will let you know how it goes!

Well I ate 3 tacos last night for supper, and I was able to eat a whole breakfast burrito from McD's this morning, so I think I'll go for that 3rd fill next week, what'd'ya think?? I've heard if you can eat breakfast that you are not tight enough. I had a NSV?? Is that what ya'll call it? I put on a T-shirt this morning and I didn't even have to stretch the Hell out of it like I usually do! It just hung nicely, not snug, whoo hoo!

missy GREAT NSV!! Don't focus on how big you are but that you are losing every day!! We are all at a different spot, but all working at the same goal!! Keep up the great work!! portion control I agree with all your posts. this week I have been eating over the 1 cup or 1/2 cup. I am worried that I am stretching my pouch. In most cases I don't feel full, but there are times I do feel restriction. Sometimes I stop eating others I don't. Now, I am still eating less than before and do stop, but I feel that I should feel full sooner. I have a doc appointment on Monday. I am on the fence for a fill, the reason being is I do feel restriction, should I just feel that and stop eating, regardless if I feel full! But that is so hard. the band is to tell me I am full. I am confused about it. I read so many that get a fill and can't eat anything and PB. I dont' want that either. sorry for rambling!!! stef I wish I had a suggestion for you! I have not been on the scale since I reached 199. I am afraid I gained:paranoid. I will wait until Monday!!

No you are not a thread killer. I totally can relate. I have done well, but I am hunger most of the day depending on what time of the month it is. Today I was starving - is was 2:30 and I hadn't had lunch. I was out so I pulled in to McDonalds - I ordered a chicken nugget kids meal and forgot to ask for apples instead of fries. So of course instead of not eating them, I shoved 2 in my mouth immediately. I got through about 1/2 a nugget and thought I was going to have to pull over and PB. I managed to hold it down, was in pain and STILL hungry. I had a NSV today, but also a very sad realization. I needed new pants because I am walking around holding mine up all the time like those kids that walk around with their pants hanging and their hands on their crotch! I went to Dress Barn and picked up a 20W - but was surprised to find I really needed an 18W (I started at a tight 32W). That of course is wonderful, until I looked at my legs in the full length mirror - YUCK! Unless I can afford a thigh lift, I will never be able to wear a swimsuit or shorts above the knee again. Maybe if I could get my butt in gear and exercise, I could make some improvement, but that is so hard for me! I hope everyone can get back on track in the new year. It is a daily battle for me to make good choices and I often don't, Thank goodness I can't overeat anything! Well I can eat chocolate pudding with brownies I found out - but I am not a sweets eater and only want chocolate about once a month.

The whole staff at Dr. Washington's office is great. I started my journey with him last March and was going to do the lap band but after weighing all of my options I am going with the sleeve. The endoscopy is no problem just take the whole day off of work when you do it. I was a bit loopy that afternoon. Hopefully this time next week I will be in the recovery room of Conway Hospital. My surgery is scheduled for the 18th I have to be at the hospital at 5:45 am I am the first to go which is good to do it and get it over with. You can do the pre-op diet I am on for 3 weeks instead of 2 because he wants me to lose as much weight as possible before my surgery. All of my excess weight is in my stomach and he wants my liver to be as lean as possible and he wants as much room as possible to work with. Dr Washington will show you the tools that he uses when you meet him and yes he uses staples. Well I am trying to get everything done here at work this week. He recommends taking 3 weeks off after surgery. I am taking 2 full weeks and then working half days for the 3rd week. It is not so bad since I work from home. Also the Vitamin shoppe has good prices on protien shakes I bought the powder to make them at home and if you spend over 50.00 there is no shipping fee. The premade shakes I bought at Sams Club for 25.00 for 18 or 20 shakes. I also just ordered the unjury chicken Soup and protien powder to mx into crystal light or Jello. I am getting anxious to have the surgery over. Looking forward to the next adventure. I wish us all success in our new journey. Anyone know what NSV means I wish they had a glossary of terms on here.

This is such a great thread! I'm so glad you started it, Leigha. Your episode yesterday sounds miserable. I'm so glad Dr. Kim's nurse is meeting you today for a little unfill. I love hearing about good doctors---there are few enough of them that kudos are warranted. Everyone deserves a good doctor; I wish everyone had them. Awesome job with the weightlifting--and lost weight and inches! Ada, exercise is key for me, too. I hope the next fill's the charm for you. I'm one step behind you, just about to get my 2nd fill on Wednesday--with my 3rd already scheduled. It feels good to be moving toward it Heather, 48 pounds! Phenomenal! My doctor is a 4 oz. protein/3x day kind of guy, too. (Well, he works UP to 3-5 ounces; I'm still at 2.5.) It can leave a little extra room, no? :laugh: Still, it does the trick, weight-wise--and with restriction, it will be wonderful. Speaking of restriction, sorry you had to unfill a bit, but hopefully you are now in a better place. Illuminationlady, I'm SO glad you've reached the not-hungries! Your progress really gives me hope. Hummingbird, I hope your tight fill modifies itself to sweet spot fast. TJ--salt + no BP meds will add up to a gain every time. (Hm. Maybe soon, those meds will be a thing of the past; I'm pretty sure mine are on the way out...) That gain will be gone in no time. In the meantime, you're experiencing AWESOME NSVs! BT--How many hours now? I'm much like you; I can lose weight just fine (though being old and female makes it a bit slower going than you've experienced). It's keeping it off that I really suck at. The band is going to be an amazing tool for you. Have people really said that your opinions and advice don't matter because you're not yet banded? Dumbasses. Your advice has always been really solid, IMO. I am procrastinating--I really need to be working. I have a publisher's deadline on Wednesday, and I'm being bratty about it. I hate working through weekends, and this assignment was timed in a way that ensured I'd have to work straight through this one. (Got it on Thursday.) Of course, my protest is only going to shoot ME in the foot...but I still seem to be having a petulant temper tantrum. (I will buckle down and get it done in a few minutes...) I just wanted to add my NSV du jour: I teach Sunday school to first and second graders. I alternate with another teacher, and because of my surgery, have not seen the kids since before our very long winter recess. The first little girl who came in this looked at me really funny. I asked her if she remembered me---and after looking at me for a few minutes, I reminded her that my name is Betsy. She looked at me a minute more, and said, "I know. But you look completely different!" THAT felt mighty good! Have a great Sunday! Off to work. :biggrin:

Denise-Congrats on the NSV! Bobbie-How did today go??? Dottie-Sorry your doc was a turd! Bob-Welcome Back! FB is evil and very addicting and where you will find me most of the time...although I do not farm anymore...mostly Treasure Madness Me-I am always on Facebook--Stacie Kudlac Pfender..I am sure I am the one and only :thumbup:. I read somewhere on here (maybe this board) how you have alot of problems with finger foods. Call me crazy, but I am soooo much better with finger foods! I am a very visual person and I can take a teeny tiny bite if I don't look at it (aka the finger foods), but if I have to cut it up with a knife and fork it looks so lonely and I take too big of bites. When I am home, as caveman as it sounds, I don't cut my meat I pick it up with my hands and eat it if I can :sad:. I know I know---weirdo :mad:

OK, not sure if this counts as an NSV, but I went to run today about 8:30 its probably 90 degrees. So I mapped out a 5K and I do the C25K and walk the rest of the way. I had finished running and was walking past the bank when I noticed that there was a water spigot in the grass by the sidewalk with the cover off. So I stopped, got on my knees. and proceeded to wash my face and neck and have a drink. Then my neighbor from across the street pulls up next to the sidewalk, sees me and asks if I need a ride home! (Smartass!)

Good morning everyone! Its going to be another beautiful day! I am going to work in the yard again today, when Rob and I got married in 2008 we moved into his house and I rented mine to a "good friend" that I had known for 10 years. Well, to make a long story short, when she moved 10 months later, we moved back into my house and my yard was ruined but it was fall so now that it is spring I have a lot of work to do, but it is recovering nicely. NSV ALERT! Yesterday I was trying to dig up 2 plants that were here when I bought the house, they are ugly so I thought I might as well replace them. So I am outside, and I have the shovel balanced and I am jumping up and down on it and it wont go into the root ball. So Rob sees me and comes outside and says "Your butts not heavy enough to push the shovel down!" Plus I get up this morning and have a scale victory as well! I have lost 3 pounds this week. I am giving credit to riding my bike to work and gardening. Which leads me to wonder, do y'all think that gym workouts could be less effective than actually doing stuff outside? Well I guess I better get outside and get busy! I will take some pictures when I am through and post them tomorrow. Have a great day everyone!

Nsv- non scale victory such as fitting on a roller coaster or crossing your legs!! Good luck we will all be thinking of you!!

Karen--what Leigha said, but I'd like to add that if you can't live with it, get a tiny unfill. Even if solids are going down, but not very easily, be cautious. When I got an unfill the last straw was when I could not get yogurt down without pain. I stuck it out for a week, but the pain was too much for me. The band isn't about pain. It's a fine line! My surgeon said pre-op that he prefers his band patients keep them loose and exercise more self-control. That's when my DH popped off with, "if she had any self-control, she wouldn't need a band!" Thank-you-for-your-support. :smile: NSV for me...I made my confession of non-exercise last week. Also, my blood sugar has been over 100 in the mornings on random checks :ohmy: Well, I walked with Butters on Thursday and Friday for about 20 minutes each day. Today...98!!! YIPPEE!!!! :smile2: Hoping that this will keep up and help me with motivation to keep my feet moving.

If HB is Droopy then I get to be Saggy! Leigha is a perfect Snow White! Maybe Saggy goes better with Scooby Do? Hubby can be Grumpy, or is that a Smurf? :wink2: Anway, C. Diff. symptom was just an anomaly, thanks all for the prayers! Whew. I was sceered!!! I really don't want to go through that again. I was running low on probiotics. That nudged me to order more. My recent fill has provided me just THAT much more restriction, which is exactly what I wanted. I am not so hungry between meals now and my meals are smaller. But I am not getting stuck more often (once I adjusted to it, that is ). Pants are a little bit looser. Haven't done a morning, naked weigh-in. It's funny, I really DON'T care! I step on at night in PJs. Which is subject to all sorts of variables. But I can't get to the scale in the mornings due to its location. The weekend if DH is up first is my only chance. I could have yesterday and today, but I found it was too much effort and I don't care what it says. It has no power over me. WOW! WOW! WOW! Talk about an NSV! So, I am thinking I am pretty much at my goal weight. My ticker says 140. But I have been hanging here at 145-147 since around March or so. Maybe I should change the ticker and be done with it! Anyone heard from Anne or Bobbie? Where they been hiding?

HB-I love the NSV! Totally rocks, in a mean spirited way. (I never said I was nice!) I am so glad it's Friday. This week has just sucked. Work is, well, work. My older brother came back to Arkansas for 2 weeks before his official deployment started, so today they had the big send off as the entire unit headed off to Wisconsin before heading to Afghanistan. It's the last time we'll see him until next April. I had to work but my parents and son went up to say goodbye and random people kept calling to tell me to tell him thanks for his service...and every time someone says anything I cry....It just sucks. I found myself yesterday craving, well, everything. I haven't done that in a LONG time. However today is much better on the fat front. I'm not starving, but have not exercised at all this week and am willing to bet the scales aren't nice to me on Monday morning. (but that's okay, 1 week of no weight loss isn't really a big deal in the long run, we'll get back on track this weekend) Okay, enough whining, given what Bobbie has been handling I need to shut up and suck it up (btw, Bobbie you rock, it amazes me how you are handling all of this). So, just glad it's Friday! Have a good one!

Wow Leigha! Leave it to you to burn that many calories when you're not exercising LOL! I can't wait for my BB to get here! It looks like it will arrive on Tuesday, so not much longer now! So, to burn the extra 300+ calories as Betsy mentioned should be easy with the 'regular' activites you maintain (especially the gardening)! The more I think about it, the more I really think the calorie deficiency is the reason for our plateaus for as much as we're burning. I am going to follow the BB recommendations for a couple of weeks and see what happens. I have nothing to lose at this point, since I'm going on 9 weeks of this blasted plateau LOL! So, I'm guessing you like your BB? I cannot WAIT to get mine! AF - welcome! I was actually walking right away. You have to take it easy with exercise the first 4 to 6 weeks, but honestly, I was doing about 1 mile per day and I was fine. I wasn't given any timing with drinking (other than no liquids 15 before and an hour after eating). Denise--CONGRATS on your NSV! Woohoo! Betsy--thanks for your kind words. I honestly don't know what I'd do without you guys and the support you constantly give. My husband, not being able to handle the thought of anything potentially bad, reacted in the man way and I just felt so alone. I knew though that between my awesome mother (who lives next door thank God) and you guys, I'd be okay though :-) Happy Mother's Day to all my banded mommies and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!! xo

Denise----Oooooh, you bad girl!!!!!!!:thumbup: The only thing I have to say about the whole not exercising thing is "you lucky little witch" LOL! Lovin'--welcome--cute profile pic! Ajay--welcome to you as well! So nice to have some new blood :-)! Bobbie---I agree with Christie about you being a dork, like you need to ASK to come over here. And you don't visit, you live here!!!!! Stacie--how is the heartburn today? Any better? Bob--where the h*ll are you?!? Things are pretty good here. As I mentioned earlier in the week, I had my 5th fill last Thursday. For some reason, everything (including water) is slow going, I am able to eat, no throwing up or anything, but I start getting hungry in about 2 hours. Ugh. There is NO way I can get any more of a fill because I know I won't be able to get anything down, but what the heck gives??? I guess I need to just give in and have a freaking cheese stick in between my meals. Kind of miffs me that my meals aren't lasting longer, but what can I do? NSV NSV--My hubby and I had to perform at a Mall Bridal Show the other night. After we were done, he grabbed me and took me shopping at Victoria's Secret! He bought me the most gorgeous bras, a teddy and some perfume. I can't tell you how good it felt for me not to be able to shop in there, but to have my husband go in there and treat me to stuff I CAN wear! Did I mention I LOVE my band ?!?

Sorry I've been gone so long, guys. I have really been having a tough week this week. Of course, I am getting tons of freaking cardio and stuff in, but the scale isn't moving! I do find it interesting that I am now miraculously able to eat bread and am hungry every 1.5 to 2 hours after eating. THANK GOD I have an appointment for a fill next week (one week from today to be exact). How frustrating! I haven't felt hopeless like this in awhile, and I should be freaking happy as hell--I'm 20 lbs away from goal! I'm such a freaking whiner, I know. I think I've caught up, but apologizing in advance if I forgot anyone. Leigha--my girl. You just continue to amaze me. You are just an inspiration with your weight loss, nsvs and general outlook altogether. I always enjoy reading your posts. Congrats on your additional loss and not being able to get that shovel down all the way, Miss Skinny Butt Amy--25 lbs post op? Awesome! So sorry you had a sliming issue. I must say those aren't fun. I haven't had one in almost 2 weeks, which to me is just another indicator that I need a fill LOL HB--Congrats on getting to a M. HUGE nsv! Doing the happy dance in your honor! Bobbie- #@$!% What a jerk! I am glad you're able to get some assistance. I'm praying that you find something soon WITH benefits and a decent boss!!!! ((HUGS)) Cocoa-- How are you feeling? Glad you were able to get a workout in by taking a shower. You poor thing. I hope you're okay. Betsy--I've seen you around on the board, but wanted to check in and see how Mark is doing? My prayers have been with you this whole time, sister! Anne--1 pound! Nothing to sneeze at, since we're working hard at each one. Throw a 1 lb loss my way, chica ! Stacie--I completely understand how you feel about work-induced anxiety. It's all around me too (and some days even my Zoloft isn't even enough LOL) Hang in there! Hoping time flies so you can get in to see your PCP. Christie-- Yeah! Under 250! Woooohoooo! That's so awesome!! I bet you're so psyched! You will be in onederland before you know it. Congrats! Bob- I'm convinced that farmville has literally sucked you into the vortex and you're happily living there with your animals and plants (or whatever the heck else you're farming LOL--can you tell I don't play?) Hope everyone is doing well. I'll take whatever hope you guys can give me that after my fill next week, I'll be on track because, even though I'm going home to do my cardio and fat burning stuff, I am going to have me a big fat slice of pizza tomorrow night with the kids! Sad thing is, I'll be able to get it down and still be hungry :-(! Me, miss poster child for cheese sticks and protein pudding :-( I am going with tomorrow is a new weekbecause each day this week has been horrible. Thanks for letting me vent, guys and for letting me be a part of this thread. I am so happy to read everything you share on here. Blessings and continued success to all of you!

Stacie, love the pics! You look great! Leigha, you are one hot mama! So proud of you! Christie, you are snarky and I like it! Melody, I'm so very sorry for your great loss. Thinking of you. Karen, I feel like we're on the South Jersey Frustration Express. I relate to so much of what you're saying. You are doing so well, and little road bumps present themselves just to keep us from getting complacent. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it! I'm at 50% today! My fifth fill (two weeks ago) feels like it's kicking in (yay!), and now I have to really battle the demons of liquid calories. Trying to stick to my diet decaf 4C iced tea powder in Water and that's it! Dunkin' Donuts Coolatas and tasty custard stand milkshakes be damned! I'm trying to balance the stress of my summer (seems like life never stands still, never a break from a new happening to deal with) and my food choices. Seeing 157 on the scale today sure did help to motivate me to keep up the good fight! And some NSVs -- the bathing suit I got in June is reaching the end of its usefulness! The bottoms try to fall off when I'm in the ocean waves (!!), and the whole suit is just otherwise too stretchy! Also, I went to Clementon Park (amusement park) last weekend. This was the site of my "Holy Crap, I'm fat!" realization last summer. It was nice to go on the rides this summer, forty pounds lighter. :thumbup:

Hi, y'all! Whew! I have a lot of catching up to do. I've been reading when I can, but was so, so overwhelmed with work and life last week. I'm sorry! I think about you all all the time. Things are okay here--just busy. I just finished doctoring a manuscript, and now am back with just my usual workload....whee! I feel free! Weight-wise, I juggled the same 1.8 pounds from my last fill (3 weeks ago) until this past weekend, when it finally started going DOWN. I'm not at the sweet spot yet, but getting close enough that I have to listen to my band much more carefully. Talk about a learning curve! I have not yet fully mastered it! Now I'll go back, read, and re-read so I can properly post ETA: Okay, here goes: Amy--Congratulations on your excellent loss so far! You are doing so, so well! Regarding fills, every time I’ve had a fill, the doctor has used fluoroscopy to assess restriction. For safety purposes, he won’t go beyond a certain level---but that level does provide restriction. The caveat is that it provides restriction right then and there; that means that, two days hence, I may not have it. Chances are, even being taken to the brink of sweet spot at Filling #1 will be ephemeral---you may enjoy restriction for a while, though. Especially since you still have enough to slime (congratulations! LOL) I think it’s kind of a misconception, though, that we have a great deal of input for the first fill. Certainly, we give feedback to the doctor about what we are feeling. But we can’t specify, “I’d like you to fill ‘er up,” or “Take it easy today, doc.” I would wager you’ll go in, and see a line of 100 syringes, all filled with exactly the same amount of saline. For my doctor, that’s 4 ccs. For the first fill, all patients get around that much---or a little less, depending on what fluoro shows. Denise-- I’m so impressed that your diabetes is being nipped in the bud! In terms of future health predictors, this is the biggest big deal I can think of! Congratulations! Your most recent illness sounds horrendous. I’m glad you’re finally on the road to recovery. What a lousy way to lose weight! You mentioned a baby sweater. Are you a knitter? (ETA: Okay, I just saw the frog hat, so I have the answer to that question---TOO CUTE!) I am aching to learn how to knit; I can do the very basics (cast on, knit, purl, cast off), but have never acquired the skills to actually make something. Would you say that the best way to learn is to take classes at a knitting shop? I wonder if there are any in this area---my aunt had one with marvelous, gorgeous, sumptuous wools. Hm. Maybe that will be my career in my dotage. Re: potassium and blood pressure--there’s a complicated cell action-potential explanation I’ll skip (unless you want it!). But potassium is critical to maintaining heart function and blood pressure. Christie--congrats on your great loss! Under 250---awesome!! I’m so sorry you’re sad about your brother’s impending deployment. It must be so hard for you. What is your brother’s name---I’d like to keep him in my prayers. Also, I am an excellent care-package maker---if you ever get the sense he needs a boost, let me know and I will send him goodies. My daughter’s lobster is deploying to Afghanistan soon, too. Abby is crushed and so, so scared. When he enlisted, his mother was beside herself. She’s very, very proud of him, but there is such ambivalence. Those men and women sacrifice so, so much for us. Bob--Are you tired of Farmville yet? Leigha-- Yes, I do think so. I think that the real, hard, using-your-whole-body physical labor can be a better workout than many gym regimens. My body agrees with me, this morning, too! Take your vitamins! They are not like processed food (whatever that means lol)! If they are good-quality bariatric vitamins, they are made to be readily used by the body. Green smoothies are fine, but they address only a portion of the micronutrients we need. (Track on Fitday.com for a while---you’ll be surprised to see what you’re missing out on, even with a good multi! I take my bariatric multi, cal-mag, biotin, selenium, pantothenic acid, CoQ-10, and vitamin D. Why? Because over time, I noticed that even with my multi, and upping veggies, etc, I was missing out on those nutrients. When you reorder protein, consider Bariatric Eating’s PURE unflavored protein. IMO, it “disappears” better than Unjury, and it’s less expensive, too J It’s a bit of both, myth and fact. In most people, the body does an exquisite job of maintaining blood sugar within very tight parameters. If you eat sugar--or foods easily broken down into sugars---the pancreas responds by producing insulin. Insulin “ushers” sugar molecules from the bloodstream into cells, where it is used for energy. In most people this is seamless, and blood sugar is brought back to within normal limits very rapidly. Some people experience reactive hypoglycemia, though. Instead of going back to “normal,” they crash. And that does, indeed set up cravings. For MOST of us, the craving that follows sugar or simple carb consumption is NOT physical---it’s just in our minds. We like the stuff. We miss it when we’re not eating it. Simple as that. Re: your fill decision. I’d hold off, if you think it might make you too tight. It may be a “free” fill, but I bet the Unfill won’t be free! I just moved out of the free-fill zone, too--thank goodness I only have a $30 copay--my doctor charges $250 with fluoro. Bobbie--I’m so sorry you’re on the rollercoaster. Job loss is so stressful; we’ve been there more than once, and it can be so hard to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I hope you get GOOD news very soon! In the meantime, I am so glad you’re making use of resources available to you. Re: calories. I do think their source matters, particularly when stomach space is finite. Right now, I concentrate on protein--because I’m still figuring out how much real estate I have in there, and it’s the most important for cell maintenance and repair. But when I reach goal, I plan to eat a balance of lean protein, veggies, heart-healthy fat, legumes, whole grains, and fruits (the latter two in more moderation than many people, based on my own peculiarities of metabolism). While there are as many opinions about the proper mix of macronutrients as there are people with opinions, I do think the general consensus is that the foods going in should be nutrient-dense rather than junky. (At least most of the time.) Anne--I’ll trade you beautiful New England for Illinois pollen and farm dust. (I live in an area that was, until recently, exurban. Out my front window is a farm; behind me (though not visible) is the usual Generica: Home Depots, Applebees, WalMart, etc. No wonder I have an identity crisis. Congratulations on your losses! You are going to be in SUCH a good place when you have surgery! Hummingbird--I am laughing so hard at your NSV. Hammered shit! That’s the best expression I’ve heard in a long, long time. I totally understand getting the warm fuzzies from other people’s deterioration in appearance. Count me in with the mean-spirited bunch, but there have been times when about all I’ve had going for me is the good genetics that keep me looking younger than many of my peers. (Of course, there IS the fear that it’s just that the fat is plumping out the wrinkles, and I, too, will look like hammered shit when all is said and done LOL! This is why I am already researching plastic surgeons.) Dottie--I think we’re in much the same place, fill-wise. I have days when I think I’m (almost) there, and days when I’m sure I’m not! I hope your fill tomorrow gets you where you need to go. Stacie--I’m so sorry you’re experiencing so much stress. It’s good you’re seeing your doctor on Thursday. I bet you’ll find that as your anxiety diminishes, so does your need to scale-hop as much. Compulsive stuff like that tends to be tied to anxiety… It will get better (((Hugs)))) Karen--it definitely sounds like you need a fill! And TWENTY pounds from goal--you must be ecstatic. Or frustrated, depending on the day! I wonder: I see that you’re very focused on restriction (as we all are!), but also referring to foods you “can” eat. Is it possible that you could substitute others, and reach your goal in a less-frustrating (and maybe more comfortable) manner? I mean, just ‘cause you can eat bread and pizza doesn’t mean you should. Don’t get me wrong--I think all of our lives have room for those foods. But if you’re really pushing to reach goal, maybe they should be reserved for further down the road? Just a thought---worth the paper it (wasn’t) written on! Jacki! OMG--LOOK at you! Awesome. Congratulations on your running! You must be SO proud of yourself! I am in the market for a new bike, too. Lee Anne--welcome! I’m glad you’re joining us! Whew! We're a prolific bunch! Have a great Monday, everyone!

Gosh, it really stinks that the one place we all go to for support has to be tarnished with some negative nellies. So kind of NSV, I went to support group last night and of course did a weigh in since it's been awhile. Ahh, how I missed that beloved Tanita scale...NOT!! Anyway, my fat percentage is in NORMAL range! That little item "fat to lose" that once was 90 lbs was 6!!!! 6 lbs of fat to lose! I thought there was a number missing! I guess I may not be losing the weight as fast as I used to, but it's reconfiguring the right way! 6 lbs of fat left to lose?!? Doesn't seem possible when I have 20 left until goal, but I'll take it LOL! (I am sure 10 of it is extra freaking skin though LOL) Just wanted to share!

Jennie! That was a nice little Valtines NSV! Thanks! CereDAd !!! Way to go !!!! I just throw out some suits this weekend that were way too big. Well took them to GoodWill.

I actually had a new nsv yesterday. My husband had surgery yesterday and while he was in surgery, I ran down to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat. I took my food to go and was sitting in the waiting room eating. About half-way through my meal I realized that I had the styrofoam container sitting in my lap while I was eating. Ummm...OMG!! I have a lap...an actual lap that I can sit stuff on now and use. It didn't hit me until that point. I have never been able to hold something on my lap b/c my belly has always been too big. I must have looked like a dork b/c I sat there staring at my styrofoam box in my lap like it was an alien. Someone walked by and asked me if I was okay...I just smile and said yes. Crazy!! I also went to Old Navy the other day and bought a new pair of pants...in the normal size section...size 14!!! Coming from a 22/24 size pants, I was thrilled. It has been 9 years since I could wear a 14. LOVE my band!

1. Being able to cross my legs without leaning way to the side. 2. Going from a size 22/24 to size 16. 3. Shoes fitting better (yes...I am losing weight in my feet). 4. My daughter can put her arms all the way around me and touch her hands when she hugs me...I cried when she did this b/c she was so happy too! She thinks it's fun to show this to everyone now too! 5. I can run and play with my daughter. 6. People at work are noticing my weightloss. 7. Putting on a size 14 pair of shorts that I wore when I was pregnant with my daughter...little tight but I got 'em on. First time in 9 years! 8. I got into my PROM DRESS!!! OMG!! This happened last week...just on a whim I put it on and it fit! I thought I was going to die. 9. Taking a picture of myself where I actually think I am sorta pretty. This is a great thread and until now, I hadn't actually written down my nsv's. Very motivating!!