A thread for super-sized bandsters - starting BMI over 50?

[mmcbelle 0]

My name is Jessica. I was banded on 8/13/07. I have lost 64lbs. I am getting ready for my first fill next week. I am so glad I made a choice to get the band. I was having severe edema in my ankles and I believe signs of right sided heart failure. I never really knew until recently all of the health problems I was experiencing. I was 5'4 and a BMI of 59. My BMI is now around 48. I still feel inadequate around the people who have less to lose than me. My highest weight was 349. I don't know how I got that hi except I was living to eat...and that's about all. I am starting to feel better than I ever have but recently I am discouraged about how much weight I have to loose. It seems like you don't hear about people losing two hundred pounds and seriously that is around what I need to weigh. If you do hear of them they have also had tummy tucks and everything else. I am not knocking at Tummy Tuck but I just want to talk to people about weight loss results. It is the one thing that encourages me. Anybody else?

Hi Jess30,

Welcome and congratulations on your success thus far. You are amazing. Please don't feel inadequate. Think about what you have accomplished. You have stopped gaining (if you were like me each new year brought new lbs) and begun to lose excess weight. Your health is improving. You are setting a better example for those around you. Each person's battle with weight loss is very individual. You have had great success thus far. It does seem daunting sometime to think how much we have to lose to make our goals. I have set a goal of four years to lose it all. I have broken it down into thirds. The first third I hope to have finished in five months. The second third 10 months after that and the third third 20 months after that (yes that is less than four years, but I wanted some wiggle room). It certainly took me more than four years to gain it all. I had to break down the smaller goals so it does not seem so overwhelming. I also know that it will be more difficult the close I get to my goal.

You can do it, you have a great start. Keep us informed on how you are doing.

Happy banding,

Mary

[mmcbelle 0]

I had a NSV (non scale victory) this past week. During my training session, I bent over from a standing position and tied each of my shoes. I cannot tell you the last time I was able to stand and tie my shoes. I am amazed at the little things that I had lost and did not know it until I am able to do them again. Look out booths in restaurants...here I come...lol.

Lesson learned...celebrate every victory:whoo:

Happy banding all,

Mary

[insubordination 0]

I love NSV's. When they happen to you, it's so wonderful. It's cool that we have something to call them too.

I had one yesterday. I usually catch the train to work and I walk down the stairs (it's a split-level train) one at a time. (i.e. step, bring the other foot next to the first foot, step again). Yesterday, I noticed that I just walked straight down them like normal people step-step-step. When did that happen?

Also, I looked in my car mirror today and I felt that my face definitely looked different - and better. I almost thought I looked pretty for a second.

Oh, another train one. It used to be that no one sat next to me on the train but I've noticed now, people are starting to sit next to me and I'm not the last one with a spare seat next to me. Naturally, I prefer a seat to myself but it's nice all the same.

Oh and yet another train one. I used to go through the biggest turnstile (the one for people with babies) but now I go through the regular one and don't scrape the sides.

It seems that this week, I'm finally starting to notice that I have lost weight.

[losingjusme 12]

WOOOO HOOOO!!! congrats to both of you on your NSVs!!

[Suzzzie. 3]

I love NSV's. When they happen to you, it's so wonderful. It's cool that we have something to call them too.

I had one yesterday. I usually catch the train to work and I walk down the stairs (it's a split-level train) one at a time. (i.e. step, bring the other foot next to the first foot, step again). Yesterday, I noticed that I just walked straight down them like normal people step-step-step. When did that happen?

Also, I looked in my car mirror today and I felt that my face definitely looked different - and better. I almost thought I looked pretty for a second.

Oh, another train one. It used to be that no one sat next to me on the train but I've noticed now, people are starting to sit next to me and I'm not the last one with a spare seat next to me. Naturally, I prefer a seat to myself but it's nice all the same.

Oh and yet another train one. I used to go through the biggest turnstile (the one for people with babies) but now I go through the regular one and don't scrape the sides.

It seems that this week, I'm finally starting to notice that I have lost weight.

Thats Awesome!:clap2:

[Big Wave Dave 0]

Aloha McQty

I had my surgery on the Wed. and was back at the gym on Monday. I was doing some very slow walking on the treadmill and was back to 100% in about 3 wks. I'm a 50 year old male, I thought I was going to be out longer, I think your the same age as my wife and she was about the same as me. Good luck and keep up the good work.

Aloha

BWD

[McQty 0]

Thank you so much Mary (mmcbelle) for the feedback. I am loving my Water aerobics class and would love to get right back into it as soon as I am up to it and able. Definitely praying for a fast recovery !!

Thanks for the warm welcome !!

[McQty 0]

I had a NSV (non scale victory) this past week. During my training session, I bent over from a standing position and tied each of my shoes. I cannot tell you the last time I was able to stand and tie my shoes. I am amazed at the little things that I had lost and did not know it until I am able to do them again. Look out booths in restaurants...here I come...lol.

Lesson learned...celebrate every victory:whoo:

Happy banding all,

Mary

YOU GO GIRL !!! Congrats...

What you said really has me thinking about the little things, quirky things that I have a hard time doing....

I can't wait to paint my toe nails without corting myself into a dozen different positions.

whoa... what a goal that one is

Have a splended day !

[McQty 0]

Aloha McQty

I had my surgery on the Wed. and was back at the gym on Monday. I was doing some very slow walking on the treadmill and was back to 100% in about 3 wks. I'm a 50 year old male, I thought I was going to be out longer, I think your the same age as my wife and she was about the same as me. Good luck and keep up the good work.

Aloha

BWD

Thanks for the info Dave. My boyfriend says he doesn't understand where I get all my energy. I work 10 hour days, come home, clean the kitchen, do laundry and then cook dinner and he just wows at me... he says he wants to bottle my energy. I on the other hand am looking forward to having more energy. I don't see my daily routine as being that energetic... odd how other see you I guess. I myself would love some more though. I know getting back to the classes and hopefully taking on some more exercise will get me to that Energizer Bunny stage... then he won't be able to keep up for sure !!! and he's an inshape guy. GO Figure !

Oh by the way. I am 30... is that the age of your wife?

Have a great day !

[michiganer 0]

Oh and yet another train one. I used to go through the biggest turnstile (the one for people with babies) but now I go through the regular one and don't scrape the sides.

It seems that this week, I'm finally starting to notice that I have lost weight.

Ahhh, the turnstile...It will be nice to not worry about those one day Also looking forward to airplane seats, restaurant booths, plastic lawn chairs and movie seats.... *sighs*

[insubordination 0]

It's the little things, isn't it? Normal-sized people would have no idea what we go through and how crappy it can make you feel.

I always felt that I wasn't a 'standard' human with the same right to enjoy life as others. Sad that I felt that way but I'm trying to change.

[Cerrin 3]

I cant wait to be able to shave my legs in the shower with out thinking about passing out. Or from where my legs are so swollen I cant shave some spots.

Do swolen legs go down after losing weight?

[Jess30 1]

Cerrin, That is the best comment I have ever heard I believe I have shut the skinny girl up quite a few times myself.

I wish you much luck in losing all your weight!

Jessica

[Jess30 1]

Mary,

That is a good idea how you broke your weight up into thirds! I know I need to think like that as well. Patience is not my strong point. I am getting ready to start including exercise. I had to wait because I was so overwhelmed with college and my kids and all that stuff to make time for the gym. Although I walk on a daily basis I know it's just not enough for me. I am excited and I will not ever give up on this Quest no matter how many bad days I get... Thanks Mary and everyone else who gave such positive feedback. I sincerely appreciate it.

Jessica

[Cerrin 3]

Thanks Jess, I am inspired by the many of you that are accomplishing something I have wanted for a long time.

Now I will be one to inspire too. lol hopefuly.