Sula

Hi all, How was the weekend for everyone? I had company so I was off the computer for a bit. AND I missed getting here to get motivated. I haven't gotten on the scales yet today...I'm sort of dreading it, but I will. I need to get going on my walking again. I slacked off last week. I did go for hike yesterday and some minor walking at our State fair this weekend, but certainly not enough. So, I am committing to tomorrow back up to my 4 miles....and every day this week!

What a terrific boost. You must be so pleased and proud of your hard work and new look. Way to go!

My DH gave me the go-ahead to do this as well. I had a hard time thinking I could spend that much of "our" money for just me. I'm a self-pay. He has been very supportive. If I were you...I would find a time when there are no distractions in the room, and sit down with your hubby and ask him in a gentle way..."I've noticed that since I've decided to do this, we are having a lot more disagreements, I'm not seeing as much of you, ...., I feel like you are upset about this decision..can you tell me what is going on? Or, you could schedule a couples session with a therapist (probably more than one!!) and work on it. He may need some assurances that you're still there and that losing weight won't make the difference....and eventually, explain to him that his current treatment, if it continues, might be the straw that damaged the marriage.

My Dr and others have said to stay to liquids 24/48 hours after fill. I wonder if you "ate" too soon?

Bugfather, Welcome to our little group and congrats on your wonderful success! It is in inspiration. Stick with us, we are a good support group! I stepped on the scale on monday...was up 6 pounds...stepped on today (after minding my P's and Q's almost 100%) and am down those 6 plus 2...I hate my scale sometime. But I can't stay off the d*@m thing! No walk this morning..being lazy, and have been struggling with some stress related insomnia. Like a lack of sleep and stewing about crap is going to magically resolve the issues! Are we weird or what? Anyway, all is well for the most part and I'm feeling a bit more pleased with my progress. My total, today, is 46. Yippee. I can hardly wait for the 50# mark. Hope you all are doing wonderful! Shawn

I have periodic shoulder pain on my left shoulder by my collar bone. It comes and goes and is uncomfortable but not unbearable. When I first had my surgery..well, maybe a week out...that is where the gas pain would settle, as well as along my sternum. I don't know what it is but figure it is a by product of the band somehow. I don't think it is gas, but maybe a nerve or something connected to something else?

Sherilynn, Am I reading your ticker right..your first fill was 7cc's? And now you are at 9cc/s in the VG band? I have the VG and started off with 2 cc's post surgery. I have had three fills for a total of 6 cc's. I'm going in next tuesday and hope to get one more cc. And the good news...my fills cost 200 a pop and so far the insurance hasn't paid. In fact, I have to pay up front. I think my Dr. is a little money grubbing, but he's the only game in town. I would have had a fill sooner, but I had to save up for this one. I did a power walk this morning...on my 4 mile hike. I jammed the last mile or so and really feel great. I suspect as I sit through the day I'll stiffen up and it will be another story! HA Age, ain't it great Shawn

Talk to the Dr. and work out a payment plan on the fill. Start documenting what you eat and count calories. Yuck...I know, but it works. Find some support, professional or otherwise. And start moving. You can do this. I have had a trying weekend with my "diet" and I come here to get re-motivated. Works for me!!

ARGGGG...up three pounds this weekend. How can that happen? I work so hard for two freeking pounds and it disappears. I need to stay off the scales but I was so busy yesterday I thought I'd have good news. NOT! I have a fill planned for a week from Tuesday. I have 6 ccs in the 10 cc band. Guess I got a ways to go yet.

Sunshine/Tonya, You are absolutely a walk on the beach now!! You can definately see your success and look wonderful. Not to mention you must be terribly brave to post shots in a bikini. I don't even own one!! Thank you so much for sharing. Now I have something to strive toward. Shawn

<p>I walk outside. I live out in the country and have a dirt road to travel. I have my bestest yellow lab, Mazie, to join me every morning. I go about 1.25 and then drop down a hill. When I get to the 2 mile mark, I do a bunch of squats and lunges (just started that a couple of weeks ago...ouch!) and then walk back up the hill which kicks up the cardio pretty good. And along the way there are birds, irrigated fields and a few horses to talk to! So, I do four miles a day and I think, at least my plan is, to do a five mile (further down the hill and back) power walk day once a week. My DH joins me occasionally but he informed me we have to leave earlier so he can make it to work on time. I usually go about 5:45 or so. I think we need to be on the road by 5:30 so that is okay.</p> <p> </p> <p>I'm stressing already about inclement weather. I do have an elipital in the basement and I'll just have to MAKE myself get after it. I did have a treadmill once..made a lovely plant and clothes rack!!</p> <p> </p> My walk usually takes me about 65 minutes. I've stepped up the pace quite a bit..used to do 20 minute miles. But I had to work up to faster because I have shinspints that flare up if I walk too fast. So this has worked and no pain from those. Everything else hurts!!! HA <p>Shawn</p>

Hey girls, Sounds like some great victories here!! Tonya, great on getting that darn scale to mind!! And I hear you about the tucking! I am doing it as well and it feel great. I do think I weigh less than my DH now, but I never ask his weight and don't tell him mine. BUT, he grabbed me last night and was pushing me to sit on his lap...I never do that, and he just insisted saying you're fine now!! It still feels sooo awkward! Sherilynn, way to go. Isn't that terrific. Room in the seat, imagine that. HA Hey, my own brag...I did 20 miles walking this week, in five days. I made my exercise goals for the VERY FIRST TIME! And I feel, mentally great about it, but my feet and legs are sore and stiff. Oh well...if I keep active today that will be a minimal effect. I did try a jog, but my boobs are too big and it is too uncomfy. I'm going to work on that!!

I agree with Tonya...just start somewhere. I was doing some self talk today, before I got out of bed..thinking..oh I'll skip my 4 mile walk today and just do the stairs at work..yeah right..I know I won't. So, I got up and did my walk and felt terrific. I think this will be the first time that I've will have met my exercise goal of five days a week. So, it only took six months. :eek: Babysteps, babysteps.

Jack, LMAO!!

Audree, Great news on the five pound loss...makes me think I need to get another fill. I have such a hard time deciding if it is just me not doing the proper eating or if I'm just not filled enough. I should probably count calories but it wasn't very much fun last time. :car:))

I didn't know there was a name for it, but since my last fill a month or so ago...I can feel that tightness almost right away. Never had that before. And I assumed it was because I'm usually not paying attention and eating too fast so it grabs it and squeezes in my throat. Hurts, too. Then I just set back for a minute or two and it relaxes and I proceed on at a more aware pace. This stuff is sooo wierd, huh? Gotta get to work....full day. TTYL

Protein first? Increase water, increase exercise...track calories. Watch empty calories...alcohol, sugars, carbs. I usually know exactly why I am stuck without losing and it is usually one of the above.

How about directly, and appropriately confronting her with...you know I'm on a liquid diet in prep for my lap band. Please don't ask me now or later, to eat the excess food for you. I cannot and will not do it. And to make sure it was nice..I'd put my hand on her arm, if that is appropriate for your relationship, look her squarely in the eyes and say it. You could also add that you would really appreciate her support for your change...that greater success comes from having a "good" support system.

Way to gooooo.,...Tonya. Setting goals is sooo goood for us.

Congratulations!! I think you've had a victory for all of us. Funny how we automatically look for those little things, can I sit here, can I fit here, etc. Way to go.

Hi Sunshine, Sounds like you're going to go in being assertive and well you should. Sometimes I think the fill folks just do their own things. As much as I've read on here, I see that few do the process the same way and there must be some reason for such disparity. My fill doc just stick solution in. Never does floroscope...(it costs more) and so far, that is okay, cuz insurance isn't helping out at all. Last time I was in, he asked if he could put 2 cc's in (I have the big VG band) so I said lets go for it. It seems that many don't get restriction until 8 cc's or so. I'm at 6. I'm envious of your cruise. It will be so fun!! Hey everyone, Lets get going on our exercise!! WE CAN DO IT!

Okay Audree, I'm going to check back later to day and see if you've kept your word! Accountability indeed. I did my walk this morning. I'm going to have a protein drink for breakfast, do some billing for my buisness and then get to work for my first client at 11. Ahhh, that's the life! HA Get after it all!

Audree, I think because you have so little to lose, in comparision, that those last few pounds will take a bunch of work. But your goals sound very do-able. You look like you have reached your goal!! Lisa, You have done amazing...way to go. You inspire me. I finally lost two pounds this week, yippee. I thought I was pigging out for the weekend but maybe it melted off in this tremendous heat! Yikes!! I hit the road this morning for my walk. I must always have something to worry about tho...what am I gonna do when it gets yucky out. I mean, super windy, super cold. I worry about keeping my motivation. I don't do as well with my indoor exercise. I'm stressing about it already! I can go out in the rain and if it isn't blizzarding, I think I can do that...but I live on the East slope of the Rocky Mountain Front so we get some pretty horrific winds...and weather. However, all we have now is heat and smoke from the numerous wildfires that are "right next door" so to speak. Ahhh, summer!!

Okay, For the past two weeks I've managed to walk four days a week for four miles at a time. I feel really good. The last day I walked with 2 pound hand weights, but I didn't enjoy the walk as much. Not feeling like I walked as fast or hard. I've also added squats to my routine...four sets of 20 as I walk. I stop periodically and get after em. I wonder what the folks in the country think of that sight!! HA I should be able to do the five days this week...no early appointments. I really enjoy it. I am active on the weekends...lots of chores and dog training to do. How are you ALL doing? shawn

Sunshine, How has the fill gone for you? Feeling any restriction? I think I'm due for another fill. I'm eating way to much and drinking water in gulps....bad me!! It is so freeking hot, I can't help it! Okay, I've done venting...I'll get back to some sips. But it is the third week of 100...wheew. BTW...there is this guy, AZPete...has lost 109 (I think it was that number) in four months. Remember I talked about him before, when he had lost 80 pounds in two months. He runs four miles ever other day. It seems incredible to me. Shawn