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I enjoy this thread daily. I have trouble responding to every post, so I just jump in here and there. :tt1: I do read every post. Anne said I have wisdom! :eek: hehe.... Thanks Anne! To all who feel down sometimes. I feel it too, but try to focus on some positive stuff to get me out of a funk. I do feel much better now that I have dropped major poundage, but some days I still feel fat and it brings me down a little. I also have those "mid-life crisis moments." Focus on NSVs helps me sometimes. Here are a few of mine that have helped in the past few days: There were a few times this week I felt kinda "lanky". It has been a long time since I had that "lanky" feeling! I got some positive comments from patients this week. One young gal looked at me after I took her x-rays and said "you look so different!" I told her I have lost 80 lbs since the last time she was in. She said, "omg! that's it! you look great!" Another patient kept looking and finally said, "have you lost a bunch of weight or something?" It's really a good feeling. I went closet shopping again today! I found several more things that fit!!! I am wearing a pair of jeans right now that I could not get zipped a couple weeks ago! They fit great today! woot! I pulled the next pair of jeans to the front of the closet. They will be the next I shrink in to!

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!

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 ?!?

just checking in ........ I have been reading everything, but have not had the time and/or energy to reply to everything. I'm glad Dottie and Anne are both on the mend. I have an NSV to share. This past Friday I was with my son in a Village Inn. I got up and went to the bathroom and he was watching me when I came back to the table. He said, " You look A LOT thinner, I mean A LOT!" It was just so nice to hear it from him. He will be 28 on Aug. 3rd. Every time he has a B.day I feel so much older. (for those of you doing the math, I had him when I was 4 )

Hey Everyone!! I just have to share a NSV from this week. We had a ham on Monday. Hubby cooked it, he did a GREAT job. As I was making my plate (I took one of our larger plates, as I sometimes do, sometimes I use a smaller one to remind me to take smaller portions). I looked at my plate and it looked so sad and empty. I muttered something about how I REALLY need to keep using the smaller plates. My hubby asked if I was piling it too high, as I usually do, bigger or smaller, it doesn't matter. I said, "no, look at this thing, it is so pitiful looking, I actually put tiny portions on it, OUT OF HABIT THIS TIME!" First time in 2 years and 2 months I have not had to THINK about my portion size, I just naturally put a small bit of each dish on my plate. :thumbup: I asked the nurse at work today if she had time to take my pressure, she said yep, come on down. So I popped on down, and she had the doctor in today (I work at a large air traffic control facility--he was doing physicals for the controllers). She asked if he would check me over. So he did. He thinks it is related to my thyroid and that I need a full panel run. I don't have a thyroid as I had an overactive non-cancerous tumor several years ago. So, I already had an appt scheduled for Friday. I'll be sure to talk to him about this episode. I'd not be too upset if I had to up my metabolism a bit :mad: I also gave the doc (he is an ER doc by trade) a little band education and let him feel my port. I told him he might see someone who was overfilled some time. He decided if he did he'd call and get advice about how to exactly access the port to withdraw fluid. Bob! My goodness, HE LIVES! Glad to have you back! Dottie: That totally sucks that you got treated that way. My goodness, you were on vacation. You are allowed to relax your vigilance! Plus you had less fill than he thought you did, so he can stick it up his nose! But yes, they do keep stats and heaven forbid we skew them. You know, I heard the doctor from the show Big Medicine on Sirius Radio one morning saying that he has lost faith in the band, and his sister has one. That was kind of off-putting to me. But, I already had mine, so I am going to work it.

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:

Just had a seriously weird moment whilst grocery shopping. Some guy looked at the stuff in my trolley and asked if I was feeling hungry. I said no I have a teenage son so he replied that he was wondering how I managed to stay so slim! Yes it may have been an NSV but it also felt a bit weird and creepy.

Hi everyone!! Yoda...............Hmmmmmmmmmm, wellllll yaaaaaa your forgiven:) !! Astrotoes, our breed of sheep are called Rideau-Arcotts, they are known for having mutiple lambs and out-of-season breeding.:huggie: Green, I swear, my husband never goes near the computer. But he walked past and saw the words exotic stuff and he's like, whoa, whats that about. I'm like it says exotic, not erotic stuff!!! So now he's saying, Oooooo ask her where the REALLY GOOD shops are. You may have to PM me with that info. God, I'm so sorry!!:nervous Anyway, thank you for the info. I'm making a promise to myself to come up from underground. I say that every year, then I get to scared. I'm afraid of freaks or maybe I'll get shot, I dunno. But I'm going to make myself go walk around. Thanks again!!! :update: .......Okay, had to go to the docter today for a physical. She was totally impressed with my weight-loss. I think that is the first time ever, I didnt dread getting on their scale. But, 2 new NSV's -my blood pressure went from 147/94 to 125/73!!!! Woo Hoo!!! -my doc cut my asthma medication from 250 mg to 125 mg!!! Woo Hoo!!!

Love those NSV's!!! Dont they make it all worthwhile? Congratulations!

How is everyone doing? And NSV? Are you more excited about this summer coming up? I love the sun and I'm super happy to see it. Already got a sun burn on my chest from one day. I've been getting some great deals on smaller sizes and need to get rid of larger clothes. Post an update on how your doing.

I know what you are talking about. I lost the weight and I do see it, but I don't. So, I can't band my Brain ya no ? So I am going with the numbers I see in the size of cloths, the NSV's that happen through my journey, (LIKE TODAY WAS THE FIRST TIME I CROSSED MY LEGS IN YEARS !) Giving my cloths to someone else that needs them as I lose weight, looking forward to onderland, and every now and then, a glance in a Full Length Mirror, and I find myself saying Dam Shirley, your starting to look better. That's the critic in me, never good enough for me, So I still keep working on this for life. Someday I might look in the Mirror, and see that skinny person, but I guess I will just keep working at it, and have to wait and see. So don't let it get you down, cause your not alone at all. Shirley.

Hi Ladies and Gentlemen! Well, it's not a Monday update...but it's an update! And, in my eyes you are all doing GREAT!!! Yes, it may be a little slower then what some of you were expecting, but you are making changes. Think back to where you were before the surgery. I KNOW that you cannot tell me that you are in the same place today that you were then. Guess what...little changes still are CHANGES, and in the end - they'll all add up to something great for each one of us. Here's my perfect example...what may be one or two, 10 or 20 pounds for you equals 927.9 for this November group! Yes, NINE HUNDRED TWENTY_SEVEN AND NINE TENTHS POUNDS!!!! (Of course a few had a little jump start like Kee!) Scale victories (SV) are great. But more importantly...look to the little changes - the nonscale victories (NSV). How many of you are more aware of what you're eating (even if it's the wrong foods) then you were before? How many of you are doing more (walking, cleaning, cooking vs. carryout) then before? How many of you have noticed that maybe the scale hasn't moved, but your waist line has? And as Carol, who use to be a lurker :grouphug: has just stated, you're inspirational to those who are newly banded or still waiting there turn...such as me. Stay encouraged, because from my end - You're looking good! Now that my little sermonette is over...here's my update... If I've missed anyone, or any changes, please let me know! BANDED - 10/26 Jdru (Jessica) 218/199.4/135 Dr. Hansen (Honorary Nov Bandster) BANDED - 11/1 KristiB 237/214/150 Dr. Benavides 11/1 melany72 Dr. Hargroder BANDED - 11/1 frogger2479 Dr. Spivak BANDED - 11/2 DeniseC (Denise) 226/216/130 Dr. Carbonell BANDED - 11/2 CJay 345/296.5/??? Dr. Huacuz BANDED - 11/2 prbrooksie 252/232/150 Dr. Malley BANDED - 11/2 Kym828 (Kim) 278/262/175 Dr. Ortiz BANDED - 11/2 KYcat74 283/268/138 Dr. Rodriguez BANDED - 11/2 pebbles4388 249/236/150 BANDED - 11/3 Mikkozoe 265/252/180 Dr. Monterray BANDED - 11/3 Jess333 (Jessica ("Lil" Red)) 278/259/150 Dr. Ortiz 11/3 Mewton (Melissa) Dr. Ortiz BANDED - 11/3 Fitzgerald goal: -80, down 17 BANDED - 11/6 Lady Janey 230/206/120 Dr. Bessler BANDED - ffice:smarttags" /><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<st1:address w:st="on">11/6 Lois Lane</st1:address></st1:Street> goal: -100, down 9.5 BANDED - 11/6 Strangercat (Maureen) ???/238/???Dr. Ren BANDED - 11/7 hadituptohere (Kim) 272/249/175 Dr. Fass BANDED - 11/7 AngelaT (Angela) 225/208/150 Dr. Aceves BANDED - 11/7 slagermom (Monica) 225/217/195/??? Dr. Aceves BANDED - 11/7 Oberhasli (Tom) goal???, down 16.5lbs Dr. Makami BANDED - 11/7 Jackye 225/208/150-45 Dr. Rumbaut BANDED - 11/8 L8BloomR (Karen) goal: -105, down 27 Dr. Francis BANDED - 11/8 dpingl goal: 242/221/150 Dr. Hoehn BANDED - 11/8 niecyrenee goal: -232, down 41 Dr. Pitt BANDED - 11/8 donamarie Dr. Tishler BANDED - 11/8 Kickiegirl 302/280/160 BANDED - 11/9 Keekahari (Kee) 278/228/175 Dr. Moazzez 11/9 W8onGod Dr. Rodriguez BANDED - 11/9 mistynails (Kim) 306.4/285/171 Dr. Speigal BANDED - 11/9 Crystalstar11 goal: -165, down 52 BANDED - 11/9 wp84 BANDED - 11/10 FullofGRACE goal: -???, down 27 Dr. Curry BANDED - 11/11 Page001 Dr. Kuri BANDED - 11/13 Lea 220/206/130 Dr. Cirangle 11/13 swilborn (Sherrie) Size 22/???/140 Dr. Rodriquez BANDED - 11/13 Betsyjane 240/225/140 Dr. Spivak BANDED - 11/14 ahaizlip (Amy) goal: 277/263/148 Dr. Liu BANDED - 11/14 QTkidsmom 11/14 yyev (Yyvonne) BANDED - BettyBoo9137 288/288/??? Dr. Atkinson BANDED - 11/15 tropicaljill (jill) 238/215/160 BANDED - 11/15 Mel (Melissa) 253/231/145 BANDED - 11/15 sg_sg 11/15 TBaileyRN 11/15 Zana goal: -120 BANDED - 11/16 Asmallerchick (Kelly) goal: -200, down 11 Dr. Aceves BANDED - 11/16 Mrs.832 281/269/150Dr. Spiegel BANDED - 11/17 terrimck1 (Terri) 260/245/175 BANDED - 11/20 Diana_G 234/228/145 Dr. Huacuz BANDED - 11/20 Randi 252/244/231/150-70 Dr. Pilcher BANDED - 11/20 Veggestyle (Cassandra) 276/255/150 Dr. M BANDED - 11/20 Sunsreturn 285/262/170 Dr. Ortiz BANDED - 11/20 NewLife06 (Carol) 290/271/140 Dr. Treen BANDED - 11/20 apinksoprano 245/226/130 11/20 Jeffslove 11/20 Laurba BANDED - 11/21 Jess02 (Jess) 193/190/188/130 Dr. Rumbaut BANDED - 11/22 MistyArmenti 315/295/200 Drs. Pucci BANDED - 11/22 She Smiles 108.1kg/107.5kg/70kg BANDED - 11/23 kathyinca (Kathy) 234/223/150 Dr. Ortiz 11/24 aussie_bandit 153kg/153kg/75kg BANDED - 11/24 Vikki goal: -???, down 10<O:p></O:p> 11/27 Becka 280/280/146 BANDED - 11/27 CarMVitz (Carol) BANDED - 11/27 Marni BANDED - 11/27 Melanie goal: -100, down 18 11/27 NewStart BANDED - 11/28 MPJ (Michael) 289/278/165 Dr. Huacuz BANDED - 11/28 Yvonne goal: -???, down 10 BANDED -11/29 DaniKLargo 235/219/140 Dr. Perez BANDED - 11/29 misschrissie67 (Chrissie) 380/366.6/199 Dr. Fisher BANDED - 11/29 sandiegokj (Karen) 258/243/123 Dr. Owens 11/29 CherylB BANDED - 11/30 texas75218 (Tom) 320/310/220 Dr. Jayaseelan 11/30 Khrissy 273/267/150 Dr. Joffe BANDED - 11/30 sissybubbie Dr. White Waiting on a date, Honorary November Bandsters: Helensmith 213/205/125 (Doc says 113) Dr. Li alix_1 (Alix) 222/222/140 Dr. Cirangle (Dr. change) Aza 321/314/165 (December?) Inner_me (Chris) 350/344/200 Dr. Kane, Jr. (December?) ______________ Chris

Melody-Congrats on surviving week 1! Yay for the NSV's & for having a great husband who diverted your attention. Mine may have led me straight to ice cream . (Still love him though:wub:) HB-Not sure if you are into baseball...but one of the pitchers for the Rockies, Jason Hammel, was my husbands best friend when they were little. He is such a super sweet (and insanely tall) guy! Christie--!!!!!!YYYYYAAAAAAYYYY!!!!!!! Tell Steve he better be on his best behavior! I agree with Denise and say soup or something you know that you normally have 0 problems with. Also hopefully your table will be near the bathroom??? Shammah-hope you are feeling good

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!

HI guys! Checking in --sorry I too am one of the ones popping in to read, but haven't been able to post daily. Have major issues going on at work with a huge PITA of a client. It's been a nightmare! I think of you all often, my crew--and I miss you every day! Denise, I'm hoping the saga with your teeth has come to an end. Christie--did I see you lost a pound or two? Yeah! Elfie--nice to see you on here. Leigha-CONGRATS on the jailbreak and your NSVs. I say you deserve some wine, girly :-)! Shammah-- you're in my prayers for the 28th. I hope everything goes smoothly. My greedy butt just got back from what I thought was going to be a fill, but my doc told me I was crazy and had perfect restriction. Hmmmpfh. Okay, but now I can eat bread and have a 10 ounce lunch every day. Ugh. Pouch is unstretched and I am fine. He told me to try behavior modification to help me. LOL Yeah. Maybe it's all in my head. Need to get back to basics and start exercising again. Haven't had any time lately with work, kids, soccer games (assistant coaching my daughter's team plus my son is in a separate league), bridal shows and gigs (second job). Hell, I should weigh 2 lbs with all this crap LOL! Just wanted to check in and let you all know I'm thinking of you and wishing you continued success! I will try to be around more after this latest project from hell wraps up! --Karen xo

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!

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!)

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!

Christie: Zipline? You're more courageous than I am. Rollercoasters are about my limit. Have fun! The boots are a great NSV moment, but a bit of bummer...unless you enjoy the excuse to buy a new pair. Bobbie: Good to see you again! Sorry to hear about the 15 pounds, but glad to hear about the jobs! Melody .

NSV Alert !!!!! I've always used bath sheets, shince "regular" towels are skimpy, and stupid :-D Well, this moring, i actually wrapped a Regular towel around me - With NO peeking, gaps, or spaces !!!! TOOT !! TOOT !!! :biggrin:

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:

Michael--Welcome to the thread!!! Way to go on your loss! You should be very proud! Amy--glad your lil fill got you to a good place! Keeping my fingers crossed that it holds steady! Denise-- LOLing at the a$$ gasket, but sorry to hear you got stuck at the meeting. Awesome that no one noticed. Palm Springs? You lucky dog!!! I would have soooo loved to have seen a clip of the karaoke night. Karaoke is tons of fun--especially when you're drunk! That's the only way I do it because my sister gives me crap about 'singing for real' when we go out, so I just stopped doing it until I get so drunk that it sounds like my tongue is tied to my freaking cheek LOL HB--Wooohooo! Look at you in those lil jeans! Congrats! Bob--congrats on your NSV too! The towel thing is one of the best feelings! It's the little things LOL Leigha--love the pic of you. You look like such a runner ! You continue to look AMAZING!!! Betsy--haven't seen a recent update from you. Everything okay in your world? How's Mark doing? I see your Bugg updates on FB. You are burning some SERIOUS calories, chica! Bobbie--haven't "seen" you around either. How's the new job? Hope you're still loving it! Dottie--I'm glad the scale is moving again for you! 25 lbs to go? Woohooo!!!!!! Look at you, still working it even with being restricted with your knees. You should be very proud of yourself, girl! Please don't apologize for whining. I'm stuck at 165, 15 away from my first goal, 20-25 away from my 'secret' goal and all I can do is obsess and get pissed about the "gain 2 lose 1" cycle. It will happen, your body is just getting so close to where it needs to be it's giving you a little reality check. Believe me, your persistence and hard work will pay off. Unfortunately, the final stretch is just the longest is all. I hope you are recovering well. Take a pic of that puzzle when you're done! Christie--how was your 'boyless' weekend? Do anything fun (not that weeding in the oppressive heat isn't LOL)? I bet you miss him though and you're ready for him to come home tomorrow. Things are okay here, can't complain. I did fail my PMP exam on Friday, but it's cool. I'm actually very proud of myself. You need to be proficient in 5 out of 6 domains to pass and I was proficient in 4 out of 6, so I came really close. Oh well, planning for getting back on the horse already. No sense in dwelling on the past. Time to turn it around make some lemonade! Have a wedding this weekend in Cape May and I have gotten into a "new" old dress that has been sitting in my closet just waiting to be worn for 6 months. Fully beaded, sequins galore and a size LARGE!! Holy crap! I am so excited to wear it! Hope everyone is doing well!

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?

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!

Isa Bella, welcome!! Join in any time. Sawyer, great NSVs! When I was traveling to FL this month, it was great to sit in the airline seat and not be crammed in it. I had room to spare against the arm rests! So cool. Shad, that Phil is a P-I-T-A! He totally deserved a male name, just like Christie's Steve! So, when I scheduled my fill for Tuesday, they asked if I had gotten the CD of my Upper GI...uh, did you tell me I was supposed to get the CD of my Upper GI? I don't think so! So, then I had to call and request it, and get stuck on hold, and hope it gets done in time! Sheesh.