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...getting to know all about you! So, I was wondering where everyone was at in their Lapband journey?? then I was thinking it'd be great to get to know more about my peers who are on the same journey that I am! Sooooo... I go for my consultation with the surgeon next thursday. I already attended the information session, and will be attending my first support group next wednesday. Very excited, already got my referral from my PCP to go see the surgeon. No medically supervised diet necessary (woot!). A little about me...I'm Lizz from Philly. I am a mom to an awesome little boy, and me and his father have been together for 6 years now. I love tattoos, piercing, heavy metal, and hard rock! I work in criminal law and i love my job! i've always been a big girl but was active and athletic. My weight is at its highest since I was injured back in December and I feel now is the time to try to do something for my health and myself. ok enuff said! let's here from some of you! :thumbup: My goal NSV....fitting into my old size 12 levi silver tabs! :thumbup:

@@igotthis98 Way to go!!! Just keep that enthusiasm high, I love that your best friend is going with you just don't make it a competition or comparison contest OK? It can happen too easily and then it goes from motivating to defeating. Keep each other honest, and on task but each do what you can for YOU and don't worry that she can lift more your can run faster etc. For many many years when I was young I used to work out all the time. I was a dancer and practiced ballet nearly 4 hours a day every day with dance teachers and competition coaches. When I stopped I really stopped and there are days now when my motivation to get my butt to the gym and push myself into that familiar soreness that I remember all too well is not only lacking but it's just down right resistance!!! I feel 100 times better when I get there and I get it done, but I fight it every step of the way. I have a trainer and I have been working with him since July and I told him DON"T let me cancel on you!! Some days I have to pull the plug because I am ill or hurt, but I can all too easily get into a pattern and just stop. He's pretty good at keeping me accountable to myself and getting my there and getting it moving once I get there without shaming me or making me feel guilty when I need to take a break. This is most definitely a wonderful NSV got get 'em girl!!!

I had my first really awesome NSV today. I had ordered some new school clothes for fall (I'm a teacher) when the catalog was having a great sale, and ordered all my tops in a 3X (my usual size). They arrived today and were huge...not just a little too roomy, but HUGE. I don't think I've ever been so happy to pay return shipping costs in my life. Can't wait until I can shop in cheaper regular stores and not be stuck with ordering online.

That's so funny! I had to do CPR recert at my old job and I remember the SAME feelings....hated getting down on the floor and it was so awkward! That's a great NSV! Those are the kinds of things i'm looking forward to!

Well, according to the body composition scale at the gym, today I weighed in at 214.8 lbs, making another straight week of around 2lbs lost. Amazing to be doing that at 17 months post-op, but who's complaining? Also, since 215 was my goal (adjusted downward from 225 originally), GOAAAL! Well, except that I've now adjusted it down AGAIN to 200. And in addition to losing 2 lbs in the past week, according to the body composition numbers, in the past month (ish, since 8/26) I've lost 2% body fat (4.4 lbs) and GAINED ~2% muscle (around 4 lbs). That's just amazing; my fitness guru at the gym was astounded, he said he's NEVER seen a guy in his 40's (ok, early 40's, but still) gain muscle and lose fat so fast. It's a VERY GOOD DAY.

After 2 months and 7 days, I am only down 13 pounds. However, I went today and purchased the same pair of black pants that I love, but in a smaller size! How many pounds do people typically lose between one size and the next one down? Thanks!

These are always the BEST NSV's!!!! Congrats to you!! The sleeve is such a wonderful tool!!

On March 31, 2006 (I turned 39), I started a lifestyle change plan. I started exercising 4-5 times weekly on April 2nd along with high protein, low carb eating. I usually have: Breakfast: coffee and 1 EAS drink Snack: pork rinds or fruits/veggies Lunch: a chicken salad with cheese and dressing at lunch or South Beach Diet Wraps with salad Snack: cheese & crackers or 1 EAS drink if I get hungry before dinner Dinner with the family - just smaller portions and very limited carbs plus a salad Snack - after dinner if I get snack hungry its another EAS drink or pork rinds. 4/2 ~~ until 4/17 -- Started out at 3 min @ 1.1 ugh! Im so out of shape, then adding 2 min a day and .1 4/18 ~~ I finally worked up to where I can run YES RUN on my treadmill 2 min at 2.7mp; throughout my 25 min workout, I did 5 times of running! 4/19~~ I walked/ran on the treadmill for 27min 4/20 ~~ I walked/ran on the treadmill for 30 min - 2 min running @ 3.0, walk 5 - 7 min @ 2.5/2.7, 1.33 min running and crashed and burned :hurt from the shin splints in my left leg, walked 3-5 min then ran again 2 min walked the rest of the time. 4/21 ~~ had a major allergic reaction to Barium sulfate last night so I have been sick all night so no exercising today and no CT SCAN ugh 4/22 ~~ woke up feeling totally better from the allergic reaction. Going shopping/walking at the mall with family. Do I get an extra point for buying all things for kids new rooms 1/2 price at Disney store? :eek: walked 1 -2 hours then walked 1 hour more @ grocery store 4/23 ~~ was supposed to go to the Zoo but 40% chance of rain. We went to JCPenney's madhouse friends and family day LOL my daughter works there and I got an extra 20% off we must have walked the store 4 or 5 times - then went to Sam's club /flex weight trained while pushing 2 kids that weigh 100lbs total and 4 bags of 50lb pool salt! lol 4/24 ~~I walked/ran on the treadmill for 24 min - 2 min running @ 3.1, walk 5 - 7 min @ 2.5/2.7, 1 min running, walked 3-5 min then ran again 2 min walked the rest of the time. Shin splints in my left leg still bothering me. 4/25 ~~ 4/26 ~~ 4/27 ~~ I walked/ran on the treadmill for 27 min - walk 12 min @ 2.7; 2 min running @ 3.3, walked 3-5 min then ran again 2 min walked the rest of the time. Loading up with water before and wrapping my left leg helped some. 4/28 ~~ Had to do bookkeeping - no exercise 4/29 ~~ Walked 2 hours at the zoo, trailing behind a 3 & 5 year old running LOL 4/30 ~~ Walked in Sam's and Publix pushing 100 lbs extra in the buggy with kids - Sams added 4 bags of 50 lb salt! ugh May 1 ~~ Sick kids May 7 ~~ Pushed the kids around WD - had to go out even with them sick but getting well May 8 ~~ Started walking at 2.4 mph to warm up - hmm maybe the week off helped, I did 2.9 mph for 27 min and no pain or shin splints or maybe my legs are just getting stronger? 161 calories burned and 1.15 mi walked May 9 ~~ 0 May 10 ~~ 29 min @ 2.9 180 cals/1.20 mile May 11 ~~ 30 min @ 2.0-2.3 155 cals/1.06 mile - taking it easy today May 12 ~~ May 13 ~~ May 14 ~~

How great that you found something you really enjoy. And awesome NSV, by the way!

I know this doesn't have much to do with wardrobe advice- but I just wanted to say I am so darn proud of you @@Inner Surfer Girl!! Getting back into the workplace is a huge change and I know you will be successful. It's a NSV!!

I hope it's good. I am used to being on camera alone. This will be a new NSV for me. :-)

So tonight 5 days post op i am going to bed SATISFIED for the first time since surgery!! I finally found something that tastes GREAT pureed and makes me feel as though ive eaten a good meal.. and that is CAMPBELLS CORN AND CHICKEN chowder soup.. omg it was sooooo delicious.. i ate more of that soup than i have of anything else since April 25th.. i through 3 or 4 spoonfuls in a cup.. added a little water to smooth it out.. a pinch of salt and pepper.. threw it in the blender and the microwave and omg it was like HEAVEN to my belly.. and to top it off NOW about an 35 minutes later im enjoying a nice glass of v8 juice which is the ONLY thing i TRULY like right now.. i can only get my liquids in with v8 or Tropical smoothie.. any other liquid im not particularly interested in.. IM SO HAPPY.. i hope this is the start of many more GREAT DAYS with food

Today is my 8-month anniversary, and I can't believe it. I am down to 214 (but I DID see 213 yesterday!). I bought a size 16 this morning, and it fits! Yesterday, I had an amazing NSV. About a year ago, my family went to Foster's Freeze. They had little tables with molded chairs. I BARELY fit in the chairs. My boobs were hanging over the table. The table cut into my stomach. I almost didn't fit. Yesterday, we went again. I had that old familiar feeling of, "Will I fit in those chairs?" I wasn't even thinking of last time! I sat down...and I had a good SIX INCHES in front of me! I could sit sideways, front ways, any way I wanted! It was amazing!!! I am now hoping to get pregnant this month. I want SO bad to look pregnant, not just fat. I had originally wanted to be down to 200 before getting pregnant. And I guess it's still a possibility. I'm know it's rare to get pregnant the first month you try. I am now a size 16 or 18. Walmart's 2x clothes are too big. Their 1x clothes are a bit small (only because I have a huge chest still). I can eat 3-5 bites per meal. PER MEAL! And I'm fine with it. I get compliments all the time. And, anyone I now meet, only knows me at this size, not 290. I really don't even remember being this size. I must have been a freshman in junior in high school or so! I STILL can't believe how much has changed in 8 months. It seems impossible. Anyone who told me that I would be a size 16 or 18 in 8 months I would have called a liar. I am now looking forward to being in the 100s. Each day is another milestone. I just can't WAIT to see what happens!!!

Congrats Julie!! That is such an aweseom NSV!

I had lost about 50 lbs before co-workers started to notice and comment. Men tend to carry their fat around their organs (or so I understand) and so our weight loss doesn't always show immediately. However, with the clothes starting to get loose and my energy skyrocketing, I was still inspired to continue my journey. There are so many non-scale victories (NSVs) along the way, keep in mind that seeing the thinner you is but one great victory. Best of luck on your journey!

So today is the last day of 8 weeks out from my gastric sleeve surgery. I’ve been thinking a lot about where I am in my journey. I’ve been able to eat meat for about 1 ½ weeks. I can only eat 2-3 ounces. I have to really gnash it up with my teeth, but I can get it down, keep it down and enjoy it. I’ve noticed in the last few days that I can eat and actually feel full. I don’t feel like I’m stuffed and choking on my food. My sleeve doesn’t feel uncomfortable or hurt when I eat. In the beginning I was so frustrated that I would never be able to eat somewhat “normally” again. Coordinating my meds, food, Protein, supplements, and liquids is becoming more routine. I still have to be vigilant, but I don’t feel like I’m “obsessed with food” so much. I gained 10 pounds with my surgery. No one warned me about that. It took about 6 days for that weight to come off. I’ve lost 32 pounds since my journey began, 17 pounds since surgery. My biggest problem, my waist (I’m apple-shaped – worse for the heart), is 2 ½ inches smaller. At 1 ½ weeks out, I went through a 4 week stall. I thought the surgery was a failure and that I would always be a big, fat, unhealthy mess. I had put SOOOO much faith in the surgery, I guess expected immediate results. The stall finally broke, I lost 7 pounds in 2 weeks, and have been in another stall for 5 days. The scale is stuck at exactly 204.0. I want to hit Onederland so bad, but will have to be patient. I have not been losing weight gradually. Even when I do lose, I gain back, lose again, gain back, lose again, with an eventual net loss. My calorie intake is always about the same - no reason for the gain and loss. I started out at size 22-24. Today I put on size 16W pants. Some of my 14/16W shirts fit. I had an NSV – I had to tighten the armband for my IPOD because my arms were smaller. I’ve started hiking again. I can eat some spicy foods finally (love it!). Wow, as I read back over this, I realize that in spite of my difficulties, I’m doing good! Screw this stall! I will be triumphant! The bottom line is, IT WILL GET BETTER! I had a hard time believing this in the beginning, but this website and all of you have been a godsend, giving me faith. Thank you all for being here! ! !

Those are wonderful NSVs! And great weight loss too! 87 pounds! Keep up the great job.

LOL- That cracked me up this morning! Good for you! That is a confidence booster for sure. Nice NSV!!!

Kim, I know what you whar must be feeling, since I had the surgery in Julu 05, i have lost practically nothing, still a size 14 and I hate it. I feel that I have even failed in something that was fail proof Especially when I see people who have lost mega weight you are not a failure, and there is still time to get back on the wagon I had a fill 2 weeks ago and can hardly eat anything at all so I figure a slow weight loss is better than no weight loss plus I have not been able to excercise due to a bad heel spur SO CHIN UP, KEEP Sorry to hear about your brother:cry Louise My sweetest in the whole world brother died in September. At that time, I was really losing weight quickly and of course, it continued for a while afterward because I just was so sad I could not eat (who would have ever thought that could happen!) So, then it got cold and I got depressed and just pretty much sat around like a lump of fat until now--Prior to september, I could fit easily into a regular 14 pant. Now, I can't keep them snapped and I could just cry. I haven't seen my doc since October and when I was there, I got the impression (could be a wrong impression) that I was about half way filled and that I (me personally) needed to do more to make this band work for me--I don't know if I can do it!!! I am so bummed that my big fat butt is popping the snaps on these formerly cool looking pants--and I recently had the NSV with my necklace--but I don't want my neck to be thin, I want my butt and hips and belly to GO! Should I just call and make an appt to discuss? I hate going there--it's NOT them--they are wonderful and supportive--I am just feeling like a failure and a freak. Talk me out of this tree, please. I am eating all the wrong things. Today started drinking my usual 64 ounces of Water, so that's a help to getting on the right track again. Help! I fell off the wagon.

Awww Teresa, you're so adorable - brilliant NSV's - you're way more energetic than I am xx

Hi Ann: I think it is rotten to lose slow. I am not losing that fast at all. How well do you know your body? By that, I mean that counting calories doesn't work for me. I have tried it multiple times and it just doesn't seem to work. Counting carbs does work for me. When I sat down and thought about it, I came to this conclusion. Since then I have been counting my Protein, liquid and carb intake. I think it is making a difference. I also agree with Fenton that it is a good idea to document all that you eat and drink. There is a cool website called www.thedailyplate.com which makes all that very easy to do. I actually keep a little notebook in my purse and before I eat, I jot down what I am eating, how much, what time. But.....as I say that.... I also think it is a matter of perspective. You have lost 23 pounds. That is wonderful! I have read some stories of slow losers on the "slow losers' thread and there are some folks that haven't lost that much in a year. It sounds like you are doing everything right! I would also try to count the NSV - non-scale victories. Can you fit into clothes you couldn't before. Does your seatbelt fit better? I have started to tuck my shirt in my pants. I am sure that there is something other than the scale which is showing your success! I wish you well! I hope the scale moves for you soon!

Tabatha - I was banded on April 10, 2009 and weighed 300 lbs at my heaviest. I am now at 146.5 lbs with an "ultimate" goal of 145. The lapband has been very very good to me. I do not do low carb, but I do focus more on Protein and Fiber. My weight loss has been steady since banding with a few bumps along the way while it took my body time to adjust. What has worked for me is adjusting the band to fit my lifestyle and needs and....yes EXERCISE. I'm not hungry in the mornings and usually in a hurry so I mix myself up a Protein shake with skim milk and drink that. Mid morning a few teaspoons of high fiber/high protein granola. At lunch, I try to eat sensibly and keep my calories under 400 for the meal. Late afternoon I usually have a yogurt with granola topping and then dont' eat dinner until around 7:30 - 8:00 pm. This helps me to stave off the munchies late at night. I don't eat alot of red meat anymore...more chicken, fish and pork. I also don't drink anything with caffeine or carbonation (although I have to admit that once in awhile I just crave a Coke, but rarely have a sip). Hubby and I also do some sort of daily exercise, mostly walking and hiking. If the weather is crappy, we go to the YMCA. Strength equipment really has helped to tone my arms and I will say that I have pretty darned good shoulders. It also has helped to tone up my lower body which used to be way bigger than my top, but I'm now the same size. I can eat anything, but usually reserve treats for the weekends/special occasions. I don't eat alot of Pasta, bread, potatoes, or rice, but they are not eliminated from my diet either. I just find that pasta, pizza, rice, potatoes tend to lead to a short term weight gain for a day or two because of the carbs. I don't keep alot of Snacks in the house that are tempting to me. The best advice I can give is find what works for you. If you're not hungry in the mornings, have a shake. If you get the late night munchies, eat dinner later. If it's a long time between lunch and dinner, have a small snack to tie you over. Incorporate some activity into your daily life. Drink plenty of fluids, focus on Proteins and fiber - they help keep you fuller longer. My life has changed alot in a year and a half. I have more self esteem. More energy. My thighs don't rub together. My feel don't hurt when I wear heels all day. I look good in clothes. I have a more positive attitude and handle stress better. My joints don't hurt (very often). My bloodwork is phenomenal. One NSV I had last weekend is from my postal carrier. I went outside to get a package from her and she asked if I was visiting. I said "no, I live here". She didn't recognize me. Couldn't believe I was the same person. That's a big change in such a short time. I really wish you the best. I feel so blessed and grateful to have the life I have now. It's what I wanted my whole adult life - to feel like I fit in and am "normal". I want the same for all.

Tonight I decided to kick off my weekend with a good closet clean out (it's such an exciting life I lead :-). My closet has shrunk so much since I started losing weight, all my clothes actually fit into one closet. I decided I would try on everything in there and came to a size 10 dress I ordered on clearance last month. IT ZIPPED all the way up!!!! I couldn't believe it. I am ecstatic! SIZE 10. Full disclosure: it is tight and my bulges show, but it feels comfortable. Also, the size 10 shirt I ordered is still too tight to wear, but I know I'll get there some day. I posted a picture in my album, but I'll have my husband take some full body shots later this weekend once I'm in all my under armor gear.

Today I went back to Kohl's to get me some more of those size 14 Capris pants for my mission trip to Costa Rica coming up this Friday. If you know Kohl's, you know how you have to look in several places for what you are looking for. Well I had been all over the clothing department and couldn't find any 14s. I finally in frustration grabbed up a pair of 12s and headed for the fitting room. Well they fit...WoooHooo! So I found me 5 pair in different colors. I also bought some cute $5.00 Tshirts to take in as size Large...Not XLarge, but Large! (FYI In March I was wearing size 20 pants and 2XL T-shirts)

This morning my husband forgot his bag at home that contains all of his things for work.. So he called and asked me "How much do you love me?" He's an ER PA so he said just pull up to the ER bay and call, I can run out and meet you. You see he's worked there for going on six years and I've never stepped foot in there because of embarrassment about my weight.. He's never been embarrassed about me but I have. some the nurses and techs tease him about not really having a wife because they have never seen me (no holiday parties for me). Today at 6:15am, fresh out of bed and looking that way! I pulled up to the ER, parked and walked into my husbands work like a normal spouse delivering something to their husband He took me around to meet people and show me his office. NSV? I would say normal life, and it felt good to be "normal" doing the little things you never would of done.