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Hi guys! So much going on! Hey, Patty! I'm just glad to see your face, and hear what's going on with you! No permission ever needed to rejoin us here in the chat thread...so glad you stopped in. And, so sorry to hear of the troubles you are having. I will continue prayer for you and your surgery, and the well-being of your family. Don't feel like you have to do personals all the time if it's too much; just post what's going on, and let us know. Beanie, I'm sith Darcy on this one...check on your DH's cognitive state...that high fever plus lack of sleep plus meds could be trouble. It would freak me out too. I guess you are still going to put some thought to your career path, which is good. You'll know when you have the answer that is best for you. Kat, what in the world...your poor DH, and YOU! How is he doing tonight? He's going to need to read a copy of the bandster rules...small bites and time between bites; and we know how hard they are to follow. So sorry you are going through all this again, but hope he is doing well now. Take care of yourself, too...that's important! Mary, how fun to plan a surprise trip! Let us know what you have cookin' for that! Deb - seriously, check out that fill, and see if you need to back off on that. Sometimes slower really IS faster...sounds weird, but it is sometimes true. Darcy - hope your FIL gets a grip on his issues...I know it is such a struggle for the family. What is the situation on your sister's business? Sounds interesting. You're still treading heads and tails above all of us in the exercise dept., you know. I just wear the pedometer, and tally all of that up. Mandy, did you change your ticker? On my screen, it is showing up with a little red x. 159! Yahoo! I only dream of that...but some of my dreams have come true already, so maybe that one will too, who knows? I hope your meeting went well this afternoon, and I think we all agree that you have made a great decision in intervening early. You are very wise. I think you are blessed with clear vision, and the ability to take action, and that is indeed rare in this world. Let us know how it went, okay? I have an NSV to report...strangely enough, even though I am stuck like chuck at 202 lbs, my body is definitely shrinking/changing...today, I pulled out a t-shirt I bought a few months ago, and couldn't wear, because it was skin tight. Today, slipped it right on, and it fits perfectly! Get this, it's a Junior size 17. It makes me laugh, just thinking about it. You may ask, why is this older lady buying junior clothes...well, it has Tinkerbell on it, and it's for the trip this summer...LOL! For Deb, who's a little "newer" than the rest of us...even when the scales don't move, your body still changes. I swear it is true! Betty, how's it going, lady? Are you working and working? Are the roses blooming? We don't have roses blooming yet, but irises and tulips are out! Eileen, nice to see a long post from you! ((hugs)) Love all of you...Sherry, Chrispy, and Dianne...and anyone else I missed! Cindy

This is a cool idea for a thread. Thank you, Boo! What is your "Bandiversary" goal? To be recovered from my tummy tuck and breast lift (March 28th) enough to schedule my flight home (to actually be home is a stretch). What have you learned this past year? I've learned that it's better to head off a binge than to fight it. It's like turning a boat. You might not be able to turn on a dime, but if you plan, you can still get the boat turned. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Flying without a seatbelt extender. Walking anywhere in the City just because and not worrying about breaking out in a sweat even in the cold. What is your biggest challenge? Learning how to not act like an adolescent in my new body. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Measure your food, at least some of the time. It keeps you accountable. Also, if you're not losing as quickly as you'd like, consider counting calories at least for a few days. It'll let you see where you can make adjustments to meet your goals. What is your greatest fear? Regaining the weight. I know it's not likely, but I still fear it. What goals do you have for the future? To figure out what goal weight is and reach it. To run a 10K. To run an average mile in under 10 minutes. How has your life changed? Oh my gosh, what a question! I fit into life again. I don't worry about finding the "right" seat on the bus or whether a folding chair will break under my weight. I can shop anywhere. I care about my appearance. People treat me with more respect, even just walking down the street -- it shouldn't be that way but it is. I got a new job making triple salary. Triple! Men hit on me. I'm excited about tomorrow. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? It's far exceeded my expectations. I expected to be about 250 or 275 now. Instead, I'm in the 190s. All I expected from the band was to get back to Twoterville. Actual day-to-day life, the band exceeds my expectations as well. I thought I'd have way more limitations on the types of food I'd be able to eat. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? I'd say be kind to yourself. You're a pretty cool person and even though you don't like yourself a lot right now, you've got the potential to love yourself. I'd also say, self, since you've got this ability to talk to yourself a year ago, try to see if you can talk to yourself 5 years ago and get a band then. Don't waste time trying to find another option. You're going to exhaust them all and still wind up 350+ and banded. Save yourself the emotional and physical trauma.

The clothes thing is a great NSV!!! I bet you look a lot different in those smaller sizes! Way to go!!!!!!!! I'm ready for the new Bootcamp to begin. I've given up the scale for a month but I will report in on everything else. My goal is to be in my 18 jeans by May. When I started I was wearing 26-28 and I'm in some 20's now but mostly 22's. I'm still shopping in my closet until I get down under an 18. As usual, I'm losing inches and keeping the pounds. Bring it on - Spring Boot camp here we come.

Libra -- too funny -- I love the bathroom story. I can so relate. So, I'll tell me most embarassing PB story. I was on a date with a guy -- 2nd date, so I hadn't told him about the band yet. He was supposed to call me when he was leaving his house (about 45 min. away) and I was to meet him -- well, he called when he was 15 minutes away and I was eating at the time. So, I ate fast and got nervous at the same time -- for me, a double recipe for a PB incident. I finished my meal and then drove to the bar where we were meeting. By that time I was in full PB mode, and I had to bolt from the table 2-3 times within the first 15 minutes I was there -- once I was afraid I wouldn't make it to the bathroom in time -- to hell with whether or not there were other women in there!! Anyway, he was really concerned about me and I eventually told him about the band (kind of) b/c I was then interrupted with another need to go throw up. It was soooo awful, but I finally felt ok and we finished the evening. The next day I came down with the worst flu I've had in 10 years, so now I think the incident was not all PB, but may have been flu-related. So, to answer the question about the flu -- yes, I have had it with the band and it sucked big time. I finally called Spivak's office and asked if I could take motrin or advil b/c tylenol was doing NOTHING and I was so miserable and sick I could barely move!! They said I could take liquid or chewables as long as it wasn't on an empty stomache, and after that, things were more tolerable. As for NSV's, my dress size is down from an 18/20 to a 10/12 (they are certainly making sizes bigger now!! (I would never have fit into a 10 at my current weight "back in the day"). I am short, so I LOVE that I can wear high heels comfortably now. I never realized how much the weight mattered on the heel thing. I'm down from a size 7 shoe to a size 6 1/2 (still bigger than the 5 1/2 I was before kids), bra went from 44DD to 38D. I can walk for as long as I want without getting too tired or my feet hurting. My 10-year old can hug me and touch her hands together. I can get down and up from the floor without looking and feeling like an idiot!

What is your "Bandiversary" goal? I would love to be at my goal weight of 135. It is looming so close. What have you learned this past year? That I can succeed at weight loss...all I needed was some help. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? There are so many. I have found the self confidence that I thought I lost, no more cholesterol medication, the restless leg syndrome is gone, bye bye sleep apnea, hugs from my son because he can get his arms around me, shopping in normal sized stores, enjoying shopping because I can find things that fit, mowing the yard without getting winded in the first five minutes.....the list goes on and on and on. What is your biggest challenge? Trying to keep eating the "bandster" way. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Make good food choices, but don't deprive yourself of a small treat once in while (this is for your sanity). Drink lots of Water (dehydration is a bad thing.....kidney stones are not your friend). Don't be afraid to ask questions. The best people to get banded information from is from another bandster. What is your greatest fear? Slipping up, eating too much, and falling into the same bad habits that got me to where I was in the first place. What goals do you have for the future? My biggest short term goal is to participate in the Danskin triathlon in Seattle in August of this year. How has your life changed? I am definately more active and outgoing. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? I didn't really have major expectations to begin with. I read so much about only losing a portion of the weight will be lost. But I truly believe the weight you lose will depend on you. I am so happy I did this and I would do it again in a second. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? To not be so afraid about doing something for myself. Be a hero to yourself as this will be a life changing experience.

Well, I'm glad to report a loss this week of 6 whopping pounds since the fill (last Mon). Now, why didn't she do that sooner? Myra ~ Thank U so much for posting the letter from Diane. It was great to here some news about her. If you get the chance, please tell her there are many on here that care a great deal for her and would love to see her post when she is up to it. Now on to you......HOLY COW.....you have some AWESOME NSV's!! You are on you way....you little elliptical "sprinter". :biggrin1: BTW, my entire family is going to be in your neck of the woods next week. We are going to be looking for homes, schools, & such. Can't wait to hook up with you. Maybe sometime late summer?? Kim ~ You poor thing. :cry I just hate to hear about you going through that. I hope my DW stays a PB virgin :nervous, but I do understand the concept of eating too fast & not paying close enough attention. It's so easy to do. Did you drink some aloe vera juice afterward? Are you doing alright now? Any lasting effects? Take care my friend. Drews ~ Maybe you do need some more Protein since you have intense workouts at derby practice. Try a Protein shake b4 your practice or an Isopure. Not that familiar with sparkpeople, but have your tried listing your food intake at fitday.com? It will give you a break down of the Proteins & such so you'll know exactly what your taking in. Another thought is that you have had a tremendous success with your band and perhaps your body is just leveling off for awhile. Let us know how things go. :phanvan Regarding your side note.....I have felt the same way for a long time now. It's been the same stuff for months. Unfortunately, a good bit of the time, it's lopsided. Even kept me from posting. I guess the R & R serves it's purpose and keeps the fingers flying on keyboards. :tired

Congratulations Becky, Look for the size to be even lower as you continue to lose weight. I went from a 42DD to a 36B. Great NSV!!!

Awesome! Love NSV's!!

hahaha! I am just weening my 18 month year old from breast feeding anyhow my mom decided it was time for me to throw away the nursing bras and get me some with a bit more support! He He He...anyhow I went into the Bra shop and was looking around at size 22 (18usd) around the torsoe with a DD cup...hmmm the sales person asked if I had been fitted recently...to which I explained ahhh No! so the bustled me off to the dressing room and started fitting me...OK so my cup size was G australian sizing (lots for an eventual new man to play with) but the size around the torsoe was actually a size 18 ( equiv...14USD) I was stoked...Yay! :eek: becky

What is your "Bandiversary" goal? Originally it was to lose 100lbs in my first year, but that isn't gonna happen. Now my goal is to get as close to that as I can! What have you learned this past year? I have learned that without the support of fellow bandsters this is a difficult road. Lifting up and encouraging others is what makes us all stronger together. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Most rewarding is that my back and knees are in so much less pain, in fact most days I don't even notice them anymore. When I started I couldn't push a vacuum without crumbling to the floor in tears from pain. What is your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge has been to try to learn to deal with life's ups and downs without turning to food. I never could have known how hard that would be. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? 1 - Stick together and take care of each other. 2 - Get fills when you need them and when in doubt ask your fill professional their opinion on whether or not you need one! 3 - Participate in a support group with other banded people like this one! What is your greatest fear? That I won't know who I am without my padding :eek: What goals do you have for the future? To live, to run, to laugh How has your life changed? I am healthier, I can now see me reaching my goal. I always could picture myself thin but not how I got there, now I can see the way to get there. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? Yes and no. I really thought that because I started at a higher BMI that I would lose faster in the beginning. On the other hand, I am totally moving steadily towards my goal weight now that I have good restriction and the band is now helping me, finally. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? Don't feel like other peoples numbers affect you personally. You are an individual and your adjustments are individual to you! You are not like anyboy else, no one is. Some people lose 10lbs in there first year and others lose 150lbs, the good news is that it's ok to be an individual, we all are losing (barring any medical conditions that prevent it) and that is what matters. We can all reach our goal if we are willing to put forth the effort to work with our band and not around it.

Oh MY Gosh!!! Did you guys know that smaller sizes are cheaper?!?!?! Going from a 30 to a 24 in size, ordering from Roaman's catalog and I get all excited! My entire adult life I've scanned the listings in catalogs to the absolute bottom, crossing my fingers (and toes) that the size would go large enough. Was trying to order some smaller clothes (yah!) and 12 - 24 is $5.00 cheaper than 26 - 36! Another NSV that I didn't see coming!

Great idea, BOO! What is your "Bandiversary" goal? To get into Onderland! 21 pounds to go til Onderland...wish me luck! What have you learned this past year? Food should remain a source of fuel, not a source of entertainment. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Shopping for clothes in the regular section...I have NEVER done this, honestly. Even as a kid I had to wear "Pretty Plus" size from Sears! What is your biggest challenge? Social eating-DEFINATELY! I still haven't mastered this yet. I still get carried away when I'm at parties/social functions. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Eat, just eat good, healthy foods. What is your greatest fear? Never affording the plastic surgery I need to get rid of this excess skin. What goals do you have for the future? To hit my goal weight, of course! How has your life changed? In every possible way. Mainly, I've learned to take care of myself and set priorities to make my health a no-compromise concept! Has living with the band met up to your expectations? Yes and no. I'm proud of my success but this idea of "restriction" still hasn't set in and I have never experienced it for any extended period of time. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? I'd say "You're doing the right thing...stick with the band and not the bypass." And, I'd throw in..."You need to excerise even more because it'll pay off!" HAPPY BANDIVERSARY CLASS OF '06!!

Calling all April Bandits of 2006: Let's come together and share our successes! What is your "Bandiversary" goal? What have you learned this past year? Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? What is your biggest challenge? What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? What is your greatest fear? What goals do you have for the future? How has your life changed? Has living with the band met up to your expectations? If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? Thank you, my friends for all of your posts and for your successes. I have paid particular attention to our April '06 group. I feel a kinship with you. Good luck and happy bandiversary!!! :happybday2:

Sunshine2 Now THAT's what I call a great NSV! (Non scale victory for our new friends!) Don't we all have a few people we want to run into when we get to goal?! Old boyfriends... old boses... unkind people! Victory is living well! Congrats! Kim :kiss2: 223ps/217s/202t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/09/07

OMG OMG OMG...I got an NSV...I got an NSV...its funny how these things just sneak up on you and seem normal until you think about it later...OMG...After almost 8 months and 60 something pounds I got a real NSV...I soaked in a regular size bathtub and got in and out without any problems...OMG, that thing felt so good!! I wanna do it again and for it to last for hours...Its been years since I just soaked in a bathtub...Im just so excited On another note, I tried the jumprope again today...Did half my workout which was 606 jumps and decided to give it up...This thing hurts clear down to my bones...My knees and ankles will never be the same again...I here by give up the rope and will probably sell it to someone at work...I am going to stick with my running and walking for now...Thats all I can take and it seems to be doing me right

we all inspire each other here, thats the wonderful thing about this site, lets keep the NSVs coming!!

Hi everyone, I have not posted in awhile, I have had many things going on. I was suppose to have my first fill today however the dr nor his nurse could find my port. So I have toschedule for teh flouroscopy. He wanted me to schedule next week or 2 weeks, however I leave for vacation on 3/22 -4/1 so I will not be able to get until after I return. My Dr's comment to was you don't want this before vacation anyways. I had gone back and forth but the nurse convinced me to have it (it did not take much convincing). I guess a higher power had other plans. I did not loose nor have a gained. I was the same. I have been having some other medical issues since surgery that have been getting worse. I started with right after surgery the outside of my left thigh was/is numb. The Dr had order an EMG/NSV to check nerve responses. While I was waiting for this test, a couple of weeks ago I began not being able to feel when I go to the bathroom (sorry for being graphic). So the Dr order and MRI. it should that I have a central disc protrusion, the Dr. still wanted me to have the MRI to find out how bad the nerves are. The results of the EMG/NSV is that there is no muscle response in the left foot and that there is abnormalities in pertty much up through a portion of my back. The worse in the foot. Since I resently had a few surgeries on teh left foot I need to have another MRI of the left foot and ankle to make sure that a nerve was not servered during the surgeries. Also the protrusion in back is not what's causing the numbness in my leg. My primary care asked that I also see a neurologist for a 2nd opinion. So I have my MRI tomorrow morning, then next Wed I have my appointment with the Neurologist and then when I come back from vacation I will have to have my fill and I also have another appointment with a urogynecologist who preformed surgery 12/26, from which I have not been allowed to do any aerobic excercise, weights excetera. The only thing I can do it walk on the treadmill. On a positive note when I actually am able to get my fill he told me that he make sure that the band tightens so that I do not have to keep going back and will have go restriction with the first fill. He ususlly does 4 cc then 2 then 1 in the 10 cc band which is what I have.

Hi everyone, I have not posted in awhile, I have had many things going on. I was suppose to have my first fill today however the dr nor his nurse could find my port. So I have toschedule for teh flouroscopy. He wanted me to schedule next week or 2 weeks, however I leave for vacation on 3/22 -4/1 so I will not be able to get until after I return. My Dr's comment to was you don't want this before vacation anyways. I had gone back and forth but the nurse convinced me to have it (it did not take much convincing). I guess a higher power had other plans. I did not loose nor have a gained. I was the same. I have been having some other medical issues since surgery that have been getting worse. I started with right after surgery the outside of my left thigh was/is numb. The Dr had order an EMG/NSV to check nerve responses. While I was waiting for this test, a couple of weeks ago I began not being able to feel when I go to the bathroom (sorry for being graphic). So the Dr order and MRI. it should that I have a central disc protrusion, the Dr. still wanted me to have the MRI to find out how bad the nerves are. The results of the EMG/NSV is that there is no muscle response in the left foot and that there is abnormalities in pertty much up through a portion of my back. The worse in the foot. Since I resently had a few surgeries on teh left foot I need to have another MRI of the left foot and ankle to make sure that a nerve was not servered during the surgeries. Also the protrusion in back is not what's causing the numbness in my leg. My primary care asked that I also see a neurologist for a 2nd opinion. So I have my MRI tomorrow morning, then next Wed I have my appointment with the Neurologist and then when I come back from vacation I will have to have my fill and I also have another appointment with a urogynecologist who preformed surgery 12/26, from which I have not been allowed to do any aerobic excercise, weights excetera. The only thing I can do it walk on the treadmill. On a positive note when I actually am able to get my fill he told me that he make sure that the band tightens so that I do not have to keep going back and will have go restriction with the first fill. He ususlly does 4 cc then 2 then 1 in the 10 cc band which is what I have.

Hi everyone, I have not posted in awhile, I have had many things going on. I was suppose to have my first fill today however the dr nor his nurse could find my port. So I have toschedule for teh flouroscopy. He wanted me to schedule next week or 2 weeks, however I leave for vacation on 3/22 -4/1 so I will not be able to get until after I return. My Dr's comment to was you don't want this before vacation anyways. I had gone back and forth but the nurse convinced me to have it (it did not take much convincing). I guess a higher power had other plans. I did not loose nor have a gained. I was the same. I have been having some other medical issues since surgery that have been getting worse. I started with right after surgery the outside of my left thigh was/is numb. The Dr had order an EMG/NSV to check nerve responses. While I was waiting for this test, a couple of weeks ago I began not being able to feel when I go to the bathroom (sorry for being graphic). So the Dr order and MRI. it should that I have a central disc protrusion, the Dr. still wanted me to have the MRI to find out how bad the nerves are. The results of the EMG/NSV is that there is no muscle response in the left foot and that there is abnormalities in pertty much up through a portion of my back. The worse in the foot. Since I resently had a few surgeries on teh left foot I need to have another MRI of the left foot and ankle to make sure that a nerve was not servered during the surgeries. Also the protrusion in back is not what's causing the numbness in my leg. My primary care asked that I also see a neurologist for a 2nd opinion. So I have my MRI tomorrow morning, then next Wed I have my appointment with the Neurologist and then when I come back from vacation I will have to have my fill and I also have another appointment with a urogynecologist who preformed surgery 12/26, from which I have not been allowed to do any aerobic excercise, weights excetera. The only thing I can do it walk on the treadmill. In the last few days I have definitely had the attack of the emotional eating monster.:hungry: Sorry to spill this all out to guys just needed to vent a little today. On a positive note when I actually am able to get my fill he told me that he make sure that the band tightens so that I do not have to keep going back and will have go restriction with the first fill. He ususlly does 4 cc then 2 then 1 in the 10 cc band which is what I have. Keep up the great work everyone!

Libra that is so cool that you bought a size 20! I don't blame you for dancing in the fitting room--you deserve to bust a move over that accomplishment...size 30 sucked big time. I could never find anything cute to wear so shopping for something like a shower was pure torture! Great NSV for you! Tax Day Challenge! (April 15th) Week Four of Eight Name..........................Starting…...…..Current….…..Goal…....To Go Juliegeraci......................238.................... 238.................228.............10 Lapbandit.......................231.....................220………….199.............21 Waterlily........................300.....................288..................264.............24 Roiansmom....................299.....................299.................270..............29 Libra..............................248.....................241.................228..............13 JulieNYC.......................212.....................203.................185.............18 Elisabethsew...................282.....................276.................264.............12 PeaCeJ...........................338....................338..................318.............20 RidinMyHDDream..........297.....................290 ................281...............9 Babygirl1234..................260.....................253.................240.............13 Leecelove70....................228....................228.................200.............28 Josette.............................351....................351.................335.............16

Annie- I echo what the others said u are doing awesome steph _ I feel the same about my dh he always is saying don't get too skinny and everytime we sit down to eat he is like I am a pig look how much I am eating compared to you I am like no you are not a pig just not banded I feel sorry for him sometimes claudia congrats on the nsv I am skipping the gym today I hurt my wrist at work I am upset

Congrats Julie, that is a great NSV! Is it time to do some cleaning out of the closet? I know I had a ton of fun doing that!

I went clothes shopping today and I started in a size 24 top and bottom. I can now wear an 18/20 bottom and a 14/16 top. I ended up buying 18/20 tops to just have a little extra room but I can't believe I can now fit into a large. I was able to buy a top from the Junior Section! Yes, it is true. Large was in Juniors. I'm down 46 lbs. My goal right now is to lose an addtitional 4 lbs for a total of 50 lbs.

Good job Seren! You inspire me!! Here's my latest "tootin' of the horn". I've lost 40lbs -- gone from a size 20 to a 16, bra from a 40C to a 38C. I can wear so many things that had been banished to the closet. For the first time, in a LONG time, I grab the "L" instead of the 2XL when I try clothes on. My panties seem huge, haha! Something I really didn't think about needing to buy more of. Everything is more comfortable, from fastening my seat belt, to walking the dog, to well, "Everything Else". I look forward to even more NSVs!

B-man yeah my doc when he done the fill did it under fluroscope and said the band looked fine I honestly as much as I hate to admit it I think it is my fault because I have a prob chewing my food I have gotton better and being doing fine but I think the steak meat irrated my band because not chewed well I will try to chew better I have another appt the 27th and of course I want fills but I am scared of the slip from pbing you know honestly the court day when I was throwing up it was nerves and a little left over stomach bug I will speak with the doc hopefully i will get the hang of the band like all of yall seem too I never dreamed I would be the girl who pb'd I always thought I would magically chew better when banded va thanks for the well wishes and congrats on the nsv and aren't u lovin this nice weather