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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.

Kat-I am so sorry that you are hurting!! Surely one of the antibiotics will knock it!! Congrats on the NSV!! Pamela-I loved the show the other night! I am sad that it is almost over too but on the upside, I am a survivor freak too so I will have that to take up my BB space in my heart! :car: Congrats on the -6. That is great and I think you are doing fantastic. Slow & steady is right! Jenn-Keep the faith sister...all will be well soon! The storm went to the east of us. Galveston (where I work) got 5 more inches of rain, but it is all good this morning for me to go back to work. The turn made it go straight to my moms house...I have not spoke with her yet but I will call her as soon as I think she is awake. She probably already is, but I don't wanna take the chance of waking her because she was probably up all night worried. I watched the news and they said that alot of people are out of power this morning and trees are in the streets, but so far they do not see any major structural damage...thank GOD. Well, I need to run. Take care everyone and have a great day!!

NSV...they're my favorite I went to a class at my church tonight and saw and old friend that I hadn't seen in 14 years. I have to admit, I had gotten into the habit of dodging old friends, not wanting them to see me. I went to say "Hi" and she responded with "You look great...haven't changed". If she only knew how much I had changed. Made me think about how it took me 15 years to get where I was...helps me be a little more patient (sometimes) on getting back down. Another NSV...I crossed my legs to take notes on my lap. I haven't done that in 14 years (my last baby), sure felt "normal". I can truely say I'm starting to feel "normal", instead of always looking around to see if I'm the fattest person in the room. :car: Is everybody else running out of clothes too? It's really fun to shop the "normal" sizes. Xl are fitting great, and last night I wore my son's L hoodie, put it on just for fun to see how tight it would be. It wasn't tight at all...plenty of room!!!

I had a couple NSV tonight. I want to a class at my church and ran into an old friend (hadn't seen in 15 years). I got a "you look great...haven't changed" if she only knew. I love the idea that I'm back where I was 15 years ago! Oh, and I sat in the meeting and crossed my legs...1st time in 14 years (before my last baby).

Thanks Faith, and Peaches, that was what I was trying to ask...I wish it had worked for you Faith!!! I too had a complete hysterectomy several years prior to banding, and I do not take any HRT. My hysterectomy was done due to cancer, and at that time with the chemo, I lost ALL my hair, soI have also wondered if that predisposed me to lose more again. Mine has stopped falling out, several months ago now, and is regrowing in quit quickly. I would say I have been growing vs. losing for 5 months now, and the back has gotten to the point it now goes into my ponytail---just noticed that NSV this morning!!! Now the top and sides are still fuzzy. When I lost my hair to chemo, I lost lighter blonde straight hair, when it grew back it was darker and curly!!!! Seems the new hair growing in is still curly!!! Frizz is a pain, but with product, it is worth every strand!!! It is interesting to hear what the age span that the biggest hair loss occurred in.... Kat

Kat~ That NSV is great. I know, I am losing hair. I thought is was stopping, but I've noticed it is not. I always wear a hair thingy of some sort...it was 110 today...I can't stand my hair on my neck when it is hot. Congrats on your hair!!

Evening Violets- Well my dentist made all kinds of sympathetic faces, and said all kinds of nice things, but he had no idea what was up in my mouth! So he sent me off to an Urgent Care Center. Where I saw not one but two Dr.'s neither of which had any idea what it might be! I do not have a lot of faith in these characters though, one of them had never heard of thrush!! So they did their best to cover the bases, and their butts I would imagine!!! I come out with prescriptions up the wazoo!!! One for a drug that they use to treat herpes simplex in the mouth, although that is not what I have, it causes sores, and I have no sores....but it might be of the same type of virus, so the same med may work. Then I got a Z-pack of antibiotics, just in case it might be bacterial, also to prevent a secondary bacterial infection from forming, just in case I DO get an open sore!!!! And also a benadryl/lidocaine mix to swish my mouth with to ease the pain. My mouth throbs, but the glands that run around the base of my jaw, up towards my chin---they hurt soooooo bad. I googled my symptoms, one of my possible Dx.....cat scratch fever!!! So $150.00 later.....30 at the Urgent care, and another 120 for Rx....and I KNOW nothing, except that these pills are going to be an issue to swallow! I come out sat down in the van, called Rick and cried! I am so frustrated, and tired of it hurting and getting no answers.....hoping something in this mix helps. They said viral infections in the mouth usually last 10-14 days....another 9 days of this??? I might make goal weight.....it sucks big time! I got our stuff packed, going to plan on going and stick to the original plan....we can always cancel and come straight back after the Dr. if need be. Hopefully we will be able to stay...keeping my fingers crossed. TracyK---sure do hope you don't end up with any storm damage. Who else is in the path? It is supposed to be high 80's in Albq. tomorrow, a nice sunny day for the fair....hope I feel like going. I am irritated at my DD, she borrowed a couple of new books, and I keep telling her I need them, so I have something to read....I finished my current read yesterday, and so far she has not brought them. I called her and told her DO it in the morning!!! She has my new Janet Evanovich books...which would be nice light reading while I wait for them to do all of Ricks tests tomorrow. I had a nice NSV today---one some of you will appreciate knowing about! I was being lazy this morning, and put my hair up into a ponytail---and for months now I have been looping the ponytail holder 3 times---and it was loose. Today I used one I always do, and at 3 times it was TIGHT!!!! My new hair is now out to the length it is going into the ponytail holder in the back! Now I still have fine fuzzies all over the top and sides, but it is getting there!!! Just about time to probably fall out again if I do my TT this winter!!!! LOL Anyway, my scalp is not visible anymore, anywhere but the usual thin part---it is SOOOOOO much better!!!! If you are one of the ones losing hair, hang on, it ends!! Well I am going to go cruise the site for awhile, try to let this gargantuan pill work its way through.....and then maybe sleep awhile!! Y'all take care, I'll be back Friday night. Kat

NSV - NSV - Major NSV........ Lastnight, my DH was watching TV. I was in the other room cleaing out my closet, because that morning I was have a real hard time finding something to wear to work. I have been inbetween sizes and some thing too big and some things just a little bit tight. I was trying on clothes, and walking the the living room and asking what did he think. The first few time he said "That looks nice" the next few times "Wow, you look great" well this went on for awile, I then I came in the room with this SIZE 12 sun dress, (it was cut down kinda low in the front), he said "Honey, you look fine........................." No more TV watching for him or trying on clothes for me..... LOL. I just love my band (and my DH) Laura

Rhonda, Wow what a day, I guess the bright side is all you learned through the process! I agree with you on so many points. I am glad they were able to get someone in to complete the unfill, it is harder when they can't find it and they are poking around! Keep us posted on your eating. GREAT NSV!! those mean so much... Missy and Amy, I agree so much about the band for teens or young adults, I know I would have been thankful to have this then. I have yoyo so many times, I lost count. And when I finally decided to do this at age 48, I am at my all time highest weight! I only exceeded 200 after babies and then two years ago and oculd not change habits or get the scale to move! I don 't judge those who have a low bmi, because the band is there for you NOT to GAIN it BACK. To me that is so important! Stef sorry about your fill appt. that is how my doc office is. you can't get an appointment, even if you call and beg! Now if there is a medical problem, I am sure they will see you. Hang in there! when is your appt? Mine is not until Oct 8.

Well I got back to my fill clinic today, and once again they made hamburger out of my stomach--couldn't access the port. She got me in at the hospital in less than 10 minutes, and an MD came in and got me under fluoro. It was very cool to see a needle sticking in my port on the monitor for the first time. Didn't see my band. It took some time---guess the port is deep and I'm "fleshy" ::::gasp:::: but finally he got in and took out 1cc. I tell you I have never been so grateful in my life! I spent last night with soup broth coming up through my nose at 3am waking me up out of a sound sleep---soup I had eaten at 11pm. Water, fuhgedaboudit...I pb'd it. After the fill came out, I finally could swallow and feel the water trickle down. I went to eat and had a small turkey dinner. As long as I could eat very slow, tiny bites, and chew, I could get it down with no pain. It was amazing. I learned something, I believe this to be true, the pouch doesn't hold the food for 2-3 hours as I've read, the reduced stoma size only slows the food down. This may be true in my case, some say their pouch is full. My skull, neck, shoulders, temples, gut, ribs, intestines...you name it...are completely wracked out. I feel like I got run over by a truck. I felt sorry for myself but I'm getting over it. LOL I finally peed about 7:00 pm and it was dark orange. Sorry for the gorey details, but I know some of you will appreciate it. I must be the kind of person that has to whacked up the side of the head to finally get it. Big duh moment. I wanted lockdown, I got it....never again. My 3 new resolutions....I had some time today on the road to think about this, and I had my friend with me so I said this outloud. Paying pennance. LOL #1 get on my eliptical trainer every morning, no excuses #2 no more night time eating/testing...after dinner, nothing but herb tea #3 no more buying candy...I won't even go into the aisle My weight drop in the last few days...got into the 30's yay...is due to dehydration and not eating for 4 day, but someone said you never post gains, right, so I'm keeping it. Oh, I haven't been this weight in 18 years. I got my first real comment today.....that I was starting to look good. Not just losing. Looking GOOD. I got out a tub of summer clothes that I forgot about and all but about 3 tanks and 2 shirts (stretchy) are too big. That's my NSV. Another one I have is it's so much easier to turn over in bed. I love that! WTG Safari! You can do it. Think of me blurry eyed on my ET every morning....I'm with ya! Amy, kudos to you on your personal choice. One thing you can almost guarantee yourself is if you follow the rules, you won't put the 44# back on. Big, I'm so sorry about your aunt. Everyone else, keep going for it!

Great NSV. I'm an 18 and can't wait until I hit 16 which is my goal. Good job!

good for you Tracy - I really can't wait for appt on friday, I really need to go over my choices. or good choices for when I'm running like a crazy person. I am going to read my journal at work tonight or when I get home while I relax. today - 2 cups coffee 2 chicken tenders i know... no good. about 250 cals for the day. I have good food at work - I have not been able to eat with dd being sick, stress does bad things to the band. so here is my NSV for the day... I was at the Dr. office with Melissa - we obviously have same dr - so since we know each others weight, and bad habits, she said I could go in. Nancy our np (who I love and is leaving) asked if we met, i looked familiar, I told her my name and she was amazed. Dr. Singh was looking at me like he knew me but couldn't put his finger on it either... that was the motivation I needed. my own dr didn't know me. LOL Melissa - you are doing great girlfriend! keep up the great work.

:whoo:Awesome NSV...and 3.5lbs is great. Better than nothing at all, or gaining.

Just go back from the doctor. I lost 3 lbs this past month, for a total of 35.8 lbs. At this rate it will take me years to lose all I need to lose. That said they added another.5 cc fill and I'm up to 3.5 cc in my 4cc band. Of course I'm on liquids for the next 48 hours or there about, and I may take some time for it to kick in so hoping this one will do the trick. I hope I'm not over filled now. I really want to change sizes, I'm still wearing my same size. I want new clothes and smaller new clothes. It really got cold here yesterday and I have no jeans. Guess its time to think of cold weather clothes. Saw my PCP last week and he cut my diabetes med in half, that is a great NSV. So I'm staying postive and motivated by seeing everyones sucesses Stay strong everyone.

Missy: Way to go on the walk! Keep it up and I'm sure you'll enjoy it more. These temps this week are amazing. If I get home at a decent time, busy-busy work week, I'm thinking about taking the kids for a walk in their wagon for the perimeter of our 10 acres...or as close to that as I dare go. Rhonda: Definitely check with your doctor if it's been a few days. Are you still having troubles? How long? I had some problem this weekend, 3 weeks after 2nd fill (2cc in 4cc band)...and had to throw up Skim Chocolate Milk with Splenda (Anderson Erickson). I took it easy the next day, mostly protein shakes and water and by yesterday was back to being able to tolerate. I go in Friday for my 3rd fill. My home scale is looking nice to me...hopefully the office scale will to. My big NSV this week: went shopping at Kohl's on Sunday...bought 1X blouses instead of 3X and they fit wonderfully! : ) At the end of this month a friend of mine, who had LB back in Feb., are celebrating our birthdays with a shopping trip...$1 for every pound we've lost so far on clothes. I can't wait!

Just peeking in to say hi....HI!!! Great NSV's everyone! RESTRICTION AT LAST!!!! Good for you Karen! I feel your pain Mary. It's getting cool in Chicago as well and I have nothing to wear. I'm going to try and find a few things at the thrift store. Enjoy your day!

Good Morning, Violets. I really slept in today.. must be all the traveling catching up with me. I have a PMS luncheon today.. that would be Pastor's Main Squeeze group of clergy spouses that get together once a month for lunch. Just like in here, we share the same experiences and have a great time just being us. Then we take the dogs in for their grooming and I will go with DD to Curves again today. Tonight i have my singing group rehearsal. We are having our publicity pictures taken tonight and for the first time I will NOT be the heaviest in the group!! NSV!!!! Pamela... you luuk maaaahvelus!!!! And certainly not at all like your old avatar picture!!! I was thinking last week that on the first day of school, I was not in the classroom again, but on a ship on it's way to Alaska. Life is good!!! Kat...sorry to hear about all the medical issues. Hope they are resolved quickly. Jennifur....you made the right decision about the sleepover!! Weather has been rainy here the last few days, but we sure needed it. My lawn has finally gone from brown to green and needs to be cut again. DH will get his exercise mowing this week. Tracyinks...loved the pics of you in the jeans.. it's amazing the difference in the two!!! Keep up the great work, you loser.. hehehe Who would ever have thought that would be a compliment!! lol I'm off to get dressed for the luncheon. Everyone have a great day. Patience, trust and WWJD??!!

Morning! Maureen, how kind of your neighboor to say something about your weight loss! That must have been such a big encouragement! Hi Michelle, Don't get discouraged, just think, 30lb! That is wonderful. It is nice to wake up each morning and not have to squeeze into your cloths! I love the fact that I am getting to wear cloths that I havn't worn in so long. I slipped on a tank top this morning and needed something to wear over it for work...usually I would grab like a button down blouse to wear over it. This morning I grabbed one of my old real thin suit jackets and it slipped right on. It's even back in style after like ten years! These little NSV's really make my day. I just can't believe it. I am really going to be skinny. I am sure that we are all going to have to learn how to deal with the attention. I have noticed that men are actually greeting me now..yesterday..a sheriff that was sitting in the hall gaurding a patient winked at me and smiled real big. I am not used to that. So it will take some getting used to. One day soon there will be no fat to dissapear behind. Well, yesterday I had breakfast and lunch with no problem. I barfed my guts up trying to eat dinner. I tried three different things. I really did PB about 6 times. I am still feeling shakey and afraid to eat breakfast. It has been 2 wks since my fill and it does seem to really kick in after 2 wks for me. I am going to stick to soup today. I really was miserable last night. Well, blessings all! Weazer

I know we love all these NSV's! I discovered I had lost one of my rings. My DH had got it for me last Christmas, it has the kids names engraved on it with their birthstones.....very special to me. I did find it after a few hours on my hands and knees in the yard. Time to take my rings in and get them resized. I'm sure my wedding ring can go down at least 1 size. I have nothing to wear! I shopped at goodwill for my summer clothes, today it's 60 degrees in MI and I have no fall/winter clothes at all. My boss told me yesterday that my pants were too big. (So I snooped and found a pair of pants in my older son's dresser...they are 32x32 and fit, rolled up of course)...Yee Haw! Have a great day everyone! Keep up the good work

I think about it daily, as much as I want the scale to move. I am comfortably in a size 16 right now and healthier than I have been in years. I have lost 66lbs in 5 months. That would have never happened. So - when I get frustrated, I remember this. 5 months, even 2 months ago, I was looking at these clothes in my closet wishing I could fit in them. I am at the last layer of what I had and then it is time to shop. Which means, I am at my lowest in many many years. Go Me. Any everyone is doing just as well - so many NSV's - just so proud of all of us - you guys are a part of my life, and such a wonderful part - and have given me the courage to stand up for myself! and get me back THANK YOU

Lisa H wow that is amazing, the fill process! You are at your top almost. I wonder if anyone has ever had their band full and still did not feel restriction? stef I too think another fill is needed. Your doc is very conservative, but my NP said everyone is different, not being wrong, just a different approach. I only drank the bariam at my first fill. The second fill and others will be in the office with out flouro unless there is a problem. Last week, she had me lay down, for the first time I stood and became light headed..long story! but actually this time she was able to get the port easier. After the fill, she handed me a glass of water, and asked me to drink it slow and to see if there was a problem. End of visit. Rhonda today I had restriction in eating deli meat and grilled chicken. I have on and off again problems with chicken. but after the steak sliding down last night, I was surprised with today!! I guess the Band exists:clap2: huntersmom:whoo:Great NSV!!! You must feel great!!! waters you sound in better spirits today. How is it going? thanks for the info, what book are you reading? I am fighting the craving of wanting food tonight, like a snack!! I hate that.

Yes, Janine, the possibilities ARE endless! Good for you--what a great NSV. Everyone is doing awesome--keep it up! It's just so inspiring to me to see your victories. I'm actually feeling restriction for basically the first time. I had my 8th fill a week ago tomorrow and am now at 3.3 in my 4 band. The downside is that I had 2 slime/pb episodes in the last 4 days but I'm learning. The upside is that I HAVE RESTRICTION! Woohoo. Now I just need to learn to chew chew chew and take m & m-sized bites. The band is really doing it's behavior modification job for me on those two counts. I'm doing Curves and just joined their diet class so we'll see how that goes. I'm ready to start losing (I have been ready for six months, of course, but now I'm ready to start with some help via restriction). Good luck to everyone--keep up the great work. Karen

Good afternoon, Violets.. It's been quite a day here. I've done unpacking, laundry, Curves and uploading all the pics. Here is the link to them. I am soooooooo proud of the way I look in MOST of them. There are a couple of doozies in there, but for the most part, I am pleased I kept saying... Take my picture here... take my picture here. And I did NOT say... make sure you take the picture from the neck up. Woooo hoooooo NSVs!!! I'm off to a Democratic party meeting and then will check in when I get back. Had some turkey for supper and it got stuck, but good. Still haven't ever PB'd, but darn close tonight!! Alaska cruise 2007

Hutersmom, way to go on your NSV! I am in a size 18 too and am thrilled. Good job!

I had my first NSV. I went shopping today and bought size 18 pants. I was a 22/24 when I started. I was really afraid to try them on in fear that they wouldn't fit and I would have been really depressed. I put them on and they fit. I almost did the happy dance in the dressing room. I feel like I do not look any smaller but it did feel good to fit in a smaller size.