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Our normal monthly lap band support group meeting in New Haven was a good one this month...two new people who were looking for information, one lady who was newly post-op (about 2 weeks out from her surgery), one lady who is scheduled for surgery within the next 2 weeks, plus our session leader and myself. We stayed past the regular 8 pm stop time, we were having so much fun talking. :cool2: It's really cool to meet new people who haven't yet been banded and help them through their journey. The band is so individual and everyone's experience is a bit different, but having that support is so valuable. I really like sharing the ups and downs (mostly ups) with others...I learn something every time I go to the support group. I've told everyone who I meet there about LBT - hoping that they too will find their way here and get additional information that will help them on their banded journey. Some wonderful NSV's have been happening for me lately...I'm a fan of Lane Bryant's clothing, and my sizes keep dropping. I'm sitting here right now wearing a pair of Right Fit Jeans (taking advantage of Casual Friday) in a size Red 2. When I started my weight loss journey, I was wearing size Yellow 5's. That means not only am I down three clothing sizes, my body is reshaping and my waistline is gaining definition. Beyond the obvious aesthetic benefit, it also means that one of the determining factors in heart disease - carrying excess weight in the midsection - is going away for me. I've read articles that say the "apple" shaped body is one that has a higher potential for heart disease because the excess fat surrounds your vital organs and can affect your heart and lungs more than when you carry your weight in your hips and thighs. It is mostly men who carry their weight in the "apple" shape - more women are shaped like "pears" - at least that's the theory. I have noticed over the years that I am seeing more and more women with apple-shaped bodies rather than pear-shaped bodies and it scares me. I did not want to become a statistic, hence my becoming banded. Losing weight in my waist also means that I can experiment with belts more...I just bought a dress at Lane Bryant (on sale - I try never to pay retail!) that has an elastic belt that goes along with it. In the past (my pre-banded life) I would have just snipped off the belt loops and worn the dress without a belt - they never looked good on me.:crying: Now that I've lost 37 pounds, however, and because I am active and working out, I can wear that dress with the belt and it looks good -at least that's what my hubby has said! I'm thrilled that I think I look good in the dress as well - we are always harder on ourselves than anyone else in our lives. I'm just finishing up my lunch - one half of a turkey sandwich on wheat, with lettuce, tomatoes and provolone cheese. In my pre-banded life, I would have scarfed down that sandwich and been looking for seconds. It was an exercise in patience to finish half of the sandwich. I'm so happy I could just scream! :w00t: I am looking forward to summer for the first time in a LOT of years - because I know I'll be in better physical shape and be able to enjoy it more. I'm looking forward to traveling and having fun this summer without food being the major emphasis. It's funny in a way - I referred to my relationship with food in the past as an obsessive (and abusive) love affair. No matter how badly the food I ate treated me, I kept going back for more - I couldn't stand for someone else to get more of it than I did. I equated food with love - that started in my early teens, and funnily enough, so did my weight gain. Now that I must truly make choices with food that allow me to "eat to live, not live to eat", I am making better choices. I do sometimes mourn the comfort I used to be able to find in food - now I have to find it within myself. I am looking forward to finding out more about ME - all the things I wouldn't allow myself to experience because I was afraid I might stand out too much because of my weight and size...how much life have I missed? I can't get that lost time back, but I can commit to never hiding from life again! For those of you on this banded journey, take time to reflect on who you are becoming...your interactions with others, the "inner voice" you use to talk to yourself, and what you truly see when you look in the mirror. If you're not yet banded, I encourage you to keep up your search for information, but realize there will never be a perfect time to be banded - LIFE will always get in the way. Don't wait so long that your options are limited - do something for YOU, for your health NOW. As always, email me if you have questions, or just want to talk...I'm here for ya! :biggrin:

Had a great week, down 2#'s the most I've had in a single week in a long time! Yeah! NSV - For the first time in 25 years of being together, I weigh less than my husband! (OK, so it is only a 1/2 pound, but it is less.)

Good Morning Gang Didn't get on the computer last night since DS & Family are here - they swam - we had pizza (1.5 Pieces) - watched slum dog millionaire (EXCELLENT MOVIE) Kath - Mushies Refired Beans are the best with a little low fat cheese on top - and even mashed potatoes - I use instant w/skim milk and no Water to boost the protein.. I did still have restriction at that point so 1/2 cup even 3/4 c isn't bad Meredith - Glad you enjoyed your semeniar - yep after being on lbt you are more informed that most.. I know I impressed my doc w/my knowledge.. Phyl - I really think that you should be able to get the leg plastic sugery covered by insurance if your doc submits it the right way... It is for medical reasons and not cosmetic.. Linda - Even if the scales don't move one week I think our bodies redistribute the fat and we lose inchs even though we don't lose poundage. Isn't it great to say my clothes are to big - greatest nsv !!! Julie - you sound like you are getting stronger everyday... My Mother's day menu - BBQ chicken - Mac salad - Aspauragus - this is for my for the girls - and the boys will have steak and baked potaotes.. Ok I should be on the computer to nite as dil going to meet friends - DS will be watching basketball - if not for sure on Saturday - the kid are going to see the other mom and I will have the house to myself.. Will ck back later...

Welcome all newly banded, soon to be banded, or bandsters new to the site. I was thinking this morning, now that I am a little over 3 months out, I could share some information with those of you just beginning your journey. Some of this is kinda common sense, and some of it is info I wish I had understood better before the band. 1. before get very far into your journey, take some measurements. I forgot to do this and now I wish I had my beginning measurements. This is good, bc sometimes when the scale is not moving...you are still losing inches! SO MEASURE YOURSELF! 2. Take some before pictures. I take pictures all the time, but I know some people hate the way they look presurg. But you will wish you had some before pictures after you start losing :thumbsup: It's only going to get better afterall! 3. This is really important. And I didnt have a clear grasp on it before surgery. After surgery, and after you heal...you will still be hungry. AND most likely, you will still be able to eat whatever whenever you want. The period after banding and before you first fill is referred to as BANDSTER HELL. It's hell because you have to rely on willpower. What's that you say? I know I know...if we were good at "dieting" then we wouldnt need the band. But for a few weeks at least, prepare yourself to practice restraint. Just bc you can eat it...don't. 4. Know that after surgery, and when you start to eat mushies and real food. Your weight loss will probably stop for a week or so. Your body is going from a really low calorie liquid diet to actual food. It needs time to adjust. So dont get discouraged or give up. Hold on, watch what you eat...and more importantly...start moving. 5. Which brings me to this one. Exercise. It doesnt have to be anything huge! I started walking and I HATE walking. But I set a goal for myself. I wanted to do a 5k. I started walking 1 mile. The next week I added 1/2 a mile and so on. In March, 2 months after my surgery I did my first 5k. Is was a nonscale victory (NSV). Exercising will help your scale start moving again, and even when it appears you arent dropping pounds, you are changing the shape of your body. 6. Start a blog. It's pretty easy. Blogger is one great one. The link to my blog is in my signature. If you go check it out, you will see all of the other ladies that blog. Blogging or reading blogs lets you get to know fellow bandsters on a more personal level and see progress and share experiences. 7. When you go to your doctor ASK QUESTIONS! That's what they are there for...and that's what we (or our insurance) is paying them for. 8. Realize that all doctors are different. You will learn that really quickly on this site. We all have different instructions. 9. Dont be afraid to call and ask your doc if you can change something, move to the next phase sooner..etc. All they can do is tell you know. 10. FILLS! Most of us dont feel any restriction after our first fill. I didnt feel anything until my 3rd fill. My doc is pretty aggressive with fills, if that's what his patients want. I had 4ccs my first fill. I called back bc it didnt do anything for me and went in 2 weeks later for my second fill. He gave me 1.5cc's. Still didnt feel much so I called and went back in one week later and got .5cc's. That has held me for over a month now. And finally. 11. Love yourself! Dont be ashamed of the band. It is a TOOL. You DO have to work at it. You CAN cheat it. IT IS NOT THE EASY WAY OUT! Be proud of who you are and who you are becoming! Hope some of this helps! --Amy

UGH - what a week!! and it's only Wednesday. Diva - no worries-- barium swallow and an x-ray; it's a cake walk. K - thanks for the cat story. Too cute. I have two rat terrier puppies that keep me in stitches. Christine - looks like your stomach issues are at least treatable and they know what is going on now. Better to know I think. Sux that you can't have a fill. Hope it all goes away as quickly as it showed up. As for me - another great NSV - My 5 year-old said to me "mommy you look really pretty." I replied "Why thank you honey". To which she said, "No I mean it - your tummy isn't all big and poofy like it used to be, and your wrists have bones in them." At which point I gave her a huge hug and thanked her profusely. OK - now I'm going to vent for a minute! Stupid, idiotic, troublesome, damn automated voice answering services!!!! Just this week alone I have had to deal with two insurance companies, a car rental place, the cable company, and immigration!!! I won't go into the details becuase that would be the longest post ever -- but suffice to say... I have spent countless hours on the phone pressing 1 or any number of other countless options only to be directed by some stupid machine to "LEAVE A MESSAGE" :thumbup:- I can't think of anything in the world that is more frustrating. (btw most of this came about because DH wrecked his car (he's fine) and the cable box went bad). OK, I feel better. The rest of my week will be "automated phone" free.

Alright well I don't get banded until July 20 but here are some of the NSV that I look forward to... Being able to fit in knee-high boots Being able to fit in all those clothes that I saved that were just a tad bit too small Seeing my collarbone Getting out of the plus size section

Hello all Sisters of Surgery! (SOS) Glad to see you all like the picture, it is a pretty good one, just to think how much WE have lost 321+ lbs...and sisterships/friendships we have gained! I still can't wait to meet Reggie, and Candra, also InsideOut (great name)! Our group is growing, but WE are the biggest losers yet winners! Pam, so sorry you are not feeling well today, pls take good care of yourself, with so much going around out there! Which is a good warning to the pre-oppers, stay well, and take care of yourself well BEFORE surgery, so no x-cels do to illness! Riley woman, we must set a date as a group to meet the real woman before we can't even see YOU! LOL! Candra, glad to see you are moving along so well, take your time in learning the food meals, try not to indulge as much, due to not wanting to make liver unhealthy before surgery, the pre-op is to help get it ready...also, not to scare anyone, but some patients HAVE gone in for surgery and found no band was implanted due to liver was to large. You will be able to eat most things after surgery, AFTER losing the weight, but that is WHY I chose this surgery, to truly have a tool to help me learn the proper ways of taking care of my body, with exercise, eating well, and yet enjoy life in moderation! I too have sleep apnea, and have already gone down in pressure amount in machine! Also, I just can't BELIEVE the energy AND stamina I have already, just from the weight lost and look forward to more NSVs! Sure I will take a nap now and then, but learning to listen to the soft signs of our body helps me to bring the balance! ANY questions you have we are glad to help, this wonderful group of RICHmond ladies are incredible! By the way...yes u lose some hair, but it will grow back, and there are vitamins, shampoos and others things to help! Candi woman! Thank JT for not leaving us in the lurch, what a wonderful support he is...and now we wanna hear from U, wonderful pretty momma! :thumbdown:

Congrats to you Shelly on your weight loss. I do hope your careful next time though, that could've been really bad. I'm glad your ok though! And Congrats to you Babe on your NSV!!!! I'm like you have been going between 214-219 lately. No losses, and I was scheduled for my 3rd fill on the 19th but it got pushed back a week because of the EGD if have to get for my shoulder pain. I'm kinda bummed that the weight was coming off so fast in the beginning and now its just stalling. I failed my Shrinko De Mayo challenge but I did lose 6 lbs total from it. I don't want it to get to me too bad, maybe I'll measure myself later. I hope you all are doing well and we must keep in touch. Later!

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

I ran and completed my first 5 k in over 7 years! I ran the Revlon Run/Walk and completed the 5 k in 38 minutes! It was a great experience and I did a bit of reflection while crossing the finish line!

Hi Folks, In my job, I put on a number of tradeshows and events. I have been thinking about holding a new event called…LAPCON. Is there a LapBand Convention or National Meeting? I am kind of surprised, but I not heard of one yet in reading all the boards. My car clubs do it all the time, we can get some vendors to sponsor the event, provide some prizes and have some fun at the same time. So I was thinking… • Friday night - Welcome Reception, Bizarre/SwapMeet and Vendor Fair • Saturday – Seminars, Group Exercise Classes, Bizarre/SwapMeet, Vendor Fair and a Gala dinner with an awards ceremony • Sunday – Breakfast, Classes and a Group Exercise session, Close at noon. For key events I was thinking: • Pre-op and Post-op Seminars (Get the WLS vendors to present) • Best WLS Doctor Award (voted on by members of LBT.com) • Good Cooking Seminars (invite some of the authors of books) • Exercise Equipment demos, trainers and classes (Vendor Sponsors) • Success stories • Video (YouTube) and Photography courses • Online Posting and Blogging Classes • Clothes Exchange Bizarre/Swap Meet • Contests for the “Best” Stories • NSV seminars • Some Dinner and Dancing Evenings Who would be up for such an event (or think I am nuts...) or maybe 3 spread across the states (East, Central and West) maybe DC, Chicago, Vegas ? Shaun

Oh gosh, I forgot she was going to update on FB as she went...I'lll go there now. Yeppers, Awesome NSV you go girl!!! So inspiring:wub:

HA, I havent had an NSV in a long long time...well who am I kidding I have had a SV in an even longer time..anyhow I started this journey wearing a 24 or so...I have been stuck at an 18-20 well today I went shopping with one of my gal pals and put on a 16-TOO BIG!!! YAY!!! I was so excited...unfortunately the next size lower that they had was a 12...I knew that wouldnt fit but I was totally excited that for once I wasnt able to buy an article of clothing bc IT WAS TOO BIG :thumbdown:

tlambright, i can't believe that this has happened to me too! i've ran into a few people that i havent seen in almost a year lately, and when they dont really talk much to me or say my name i think at first that they are just being rude, or something else is on their mind. but i finally figured it out when i saw an old friend a second time a few day later, and she was suddenly like JANE! im sorry if you thought i was rude before-- i didnt even recognize you! more little nsvs lately are just basically that more guys are noticing me and hitting on me in the bars, at restaurants, etc. soooo that's a nice change! instead of me just being the fat friend, i am now fitting in more. the only un-NSV i've had is the blowup with one of my roommates... but im not entirely sure if its related to my weightloss. i knew before i had surgery that she wasnt one of my closest friends and isnt very trustworthy-- which is why i decided to not tell her about the surgery in the first place. (this was much easier to keep from her than i thought bc she is really actually very unobservant of others-- and kind of proves how self-centered she is!) but in the past few months she has slowly stopped talking to me, and refuses to talk about it or explain why. she is very image-driven and one of those girls that talks shit about other girls just because it makes her feel better. back in high school she was anorexic for a few months and a size 3/4, but now she is at the opposite end of the spectrum 3 years later and is a size 16, eating fast food everyday (we've all been on that side at least). so it's a sad situation to watch her go in the direction i was headed a few years ago. but i was explaining eeeeverything to a few friends and they were like-- "uhh jane, don't you think she is maybe just the slight bit jealous that you are now smaller than she is?" i had never thought of it that way, and i really hope that isnt the reason behind her wanting to end our friendship... because if that were the case, it would be really petty. but when your pants size quadruples in three years, your weight is definitely on your mind somewhere and you are noticing other people's weight a lot more. i just think its crazy that sooo many people in my life have commented on my weightloss, but my roommate has never said a SINGLE word about it. she sees how much less i eat now and when i work out and sees me giving away old clothes, she even used to borrow my clothes when we were friends and knows the sizes i wear, and she hasn't noticed? yeah, right. oh well.... only two more weeks of living with her... and then a few months from now i am graduating and moving far, far away! and making new friends who have never had the opportunity to think of me as their fat friend!

I have a NSV this week, however - I'm not banded yet. Two months ago i started going to the gym everyday. When i started I could barely do the weight machines and I could only walk on the treadmill because i had no muscle in my leg. Well, this past week, i got on the precor machine and figured it's been a while and wanted to see if i could use that machine and to my suprise i could! i did it for a half hour! OMG i was so sore the next day, but i feel great that i am slowly seeing changes! yeah me!

Good Morning Gang Back from the gym - I had an AH HA moment - I was taking the advice that I give all of you - I pumped up my exercise. I did 30 minutes on the stair machine and was sweating like a pig by the time I got off - it said 2 miles and 228 calories 97 flights of stairs - did level 6 on something then I went and got on the treadmill and did another 2.53 miles burned another 220 calories - incline 6 to 8 and speed 3.5 to 3.7 I'm pooped - but feel good at the same time.. Ya he's right in away - I have always said they banded our tummies not our brains !!!! I am going to have to ck out the brain surgery - just think if they can do that and the band sleeve or what ever - we would have it made in the shade... Linda great nsv on the drivers license pic !!!! Ok it's windy and I need to go clean my room do some wash get dressed - I need new tennis shoes... So CBL -

Hey Oregon - Check your area and see if there is a bra store. I watched an epsiode of What Not to Wear and it was mentioned that 1 out of 3 women wear the wrong size bra -- so I went to this store that sells only bras -- these 2 elderly women work there - they are hysterical -- anyway, she measured me and, sure enough, wrong bra size. I was wearing a 48B and she said "You're a 44D" I said "HA D NO WAY" ... well she brought several bras, had me put them on and showed me the proper way to arrange the girls .. VOILA -- filled a D cup, no back-bacon and the girls were perky ... and trust me, 44D is a lot easier to find that 48B ... hopefully soon, I'll be to the point where I can actually buy matching bra and panties -- one of my NSV. My DBF says he will pay for a "perk" job when I am ready ... I don't think there will be much to "perk" when I get to goal. He may have to pay for a boob job instead.

Finally! After the last month floating right at 380 I have broke it! Today's weigh in was 378!!! It feels great to finally break into the 370's and continue working my way down that ladder. Another week of continuous walks at night and some additional exercise. One thing I have started new this week is getting up at 5am and heading out for a power walk. I am doing the same walk we normally do but by myself I am able to power walk it and it feels great too! It's a great way to start my day actually. I can still feel a decent amount of restriction. I eat less then what I used too. Breakfast is still the toughest to get down but I do make sure to have a high protein breakfast as directed by my doctor. Pretty much every day I make breakfast for Karen and I and I think it's really helped us both think more about our eating and making better food choices. Still a lot more work but we're getting there. A big NSV I have experienced this last week has been fitting into some old size 50 jeans that I had. I honestly can't remember when I bought them. They have got to be at least 6 years old. It's amazing to think it's been 6 years since I was this size. I am still very large and a big guy and that's what amazes me is that I am this size after loosing over a 100 pounds! Well I am working to get the next 100 off now! Ok so the totals for this week.... This week 2 pound lost Current Weight - 378 lbs Loss Since Surgery - 64 lbs (21 weeks) Total Weight Loss - 107 lbs

Finally! After the last month floating right at 380 I have broke it! Today's weigh in was 378!!! It feels great to finally break into the 370's and continue working my way down that ladder. Another week of continuous walks at night and some additional exercise. One thing I have started new this week is getting up at 5am and heading out for a power walk. I am doing the same walk we normally do but by myself I am able to power walk it and it feels great too! It's a great way to start my day actually. I can still feel a decent amount of restriction. I eat less then what I used too. Breakfast is still the toughest to get down but I do make sure to have a high protein breakfast as directed by my doctor. Pretty much every day I make breakfast for Karen and I and I think it's really helped us both think more about our eating and making better food choices. Still a lot more work but we're getting there. A big NSV I have experienced this last week has been fitting into some old size 50 jeans that I had. I honestly can't remember when I bought them. They have got to be at least 6 years old. It's amazing to think it's been 6 years since I was this size. I am still very large and a big guy and that's what amazes me is that I am this size after loosing over a 100 pounds! Well I am working to get the next 100 off now! Ok so the totals for this week.... This week 2 pound lost Current Weight - 378 lbs Loss Since Surgery - 64 lbs (21 weeks) Total Weight Loss - 107 lbs

ConGrats All, Debbie Gail, i, too hesitated for the same reasons. After pulling the too big clothes out of the closet to make room for the older- smaller stuff- something had to give. It took a few weeks of staring at this pile i was afraid to get rid of before I changed my mind. It will come. To be safe, i save the last size I left and donated the clothing to the YMCA who need clothing for women starting over and needing work clothes. and Good Will. I can sabotage myself really easily but the on-line groups, the local support group, and the exercise help. Keep the Too Big Clothes in a place you will see every day You will get fed up, too. It's just more baggage. My NSV is fitting into slacks 2 sizes smaller than i could April 1st (Don't know when it happened - the scale says I'm the same but..) .

It was such a blast! I wish you girls could've been there. We were there for 2 hours I think, but our waitress was awesome and didn't make us feel rushed to get out of there. I'm just home for a second changing my underwear, lol. They are SO FREAKING big and keep bunching up on me so I came home, threw them away, and changed into a smaller pair. NSV for me...yay! Also, this afternoon the glue came off of my last 2 incisions (port and the one next to it!) I'm so glad, I don't feel like I have "wounds" anymore, just nice skinny fresh little scars. Nicole, I'm also wearing the long brown dockers SIZE 18 thankyouverymuch! I can't believe they fit and they look so cute! I love that we're the same height cuz they're the perfect length. My bff is here to pick me up to go shopping before girls night so I gotta jam, but it was great seeing you all today! Someone should post the pics...I think me and Nicole have them, mine are a bit blurry so Nicole if yours are better maybe you can post them. I'll check in tonight. Bye y'all!

OK I have one! I went to my cousin's house with a bunch of other ladies in my family. and first they called me "Miss Skinny" which made me laugh. and then i had to take a call - so i walked away from the table- and they were laughing saying that my pants were going to fall at any second! it's soo nice to hear that! especially bc i've been feeling discouraged.....thank goodness for these nsv's

Hi Junies! I'm popping in for a quick catch up session. Allie - I'm so proud of you! A team sport! How cool is that? I'm not a softball fan, but I swam on a team in grade school, and I'd love to get back into the pool one day. (Pool access and time issues.) Apples - Wouldn't it be a hoot to have a Junie Mary Kay Party? Everyone meet at Apple's house! Actually, I already have one Junie (who shall remain nameless unless she chimes in, I won't out her) who is my customer! Oh, and I want to see the photos! jfloyd at Marykay dot com. You and the rest of the Junies are my inspiration! I can't wait to get fit and slim like my Junie sisters! Teach - I love my job! I've been a work at home mom/MK consultant for 20+yrs now. I'm setting a goal to earn my car this summer, and I just found out we're going to do another MK girlfriends' trip to the Caribbean (or someplace fabulous!), so I'm working on earning my way to that! (Fun, fun, fun!) In band news, I had my 1 month check up and my surgeon is happy! So am I because I got her to clip off the stitch that popped out and was driving me crazy. I'm due for a fill in a few weeks and not a moment too soon! I think I'm eating wayyyy too much! I haven't lost any weight since I went off liquids. (I know, it's not about losing at this point, but everyone want to!) I can eat around 2 cups at a meal. I just had dinner and it was 8 pieces of veggie sushi and 4 inari, I ate half then the other half about 1.5 hrs later. I have lose about 11-12lbs since surgery. I'm up and down about 1lb for the past 2 weeks. Bah, humbug. I'll probably take a couple of progress photos this weekend. I do have a NSV already. I bought some belts last summer after the surgery, and I put one on this week and it's almost too big! I'll have to get it altered before long. That's it for now! Always Hunzi

I had a NSV I don't care to repeat. I have a beautiful gold bangle bracelet that hubby bought me his 1st tour in Iraq. I wore it to work yesterday and when I got home and started taking off my jewelry, it wasn't on my arm. I panicked. I quickly ran back to work and there it was, laying on the floor by the desk where I had been sitting. I think it came off when I pulled my sweater off and I never felt it come over my hand. Whew! I am so glad I found it.

here is one NSV I've had. About a month ago I went over to my friends house. I hadn't seen her boyfriend since right before my surgery. well the next day when I saw my friend she said that after I left she over heard her boyfriend calling his friends and saying "oh my god sarah was over and she looks completely different! she looks really good!". It's always nice to hear what people say about your weight loss when you're not around! hahaha