Sophie248

Looking good TammyJ! Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration you offer to this board!

Janine - I'm glad you got that unfill, I was worried about you. Great to see you back, TammyJ! We missed you! To The Bitch: Awesome NSV story! LMAO....soon you'll be "Skinny Bitch". Jeni, Feeling pretty good about my progress, and am happy with my band for sure. No regrets at all. I have to weigh myself daily. I actually read something that people who do weigh frequently manage their weight better. As long as we don't freak out over the normal fluctuations, I think it's ok. Jmcambra - Happy 6 month bandiversary today! Me too! You have really done well with your commitment to exercise. I was going to post my 6 month pics today, but something is wrong with my before picture. It's not the right type of file or something, and I don't know why. It's because I had rotated it, I think. I'm not very good at this. Any suggestions?

My stomach and rear are actually sore from a new exercise I've discovered. I was doing work travel for a total of 10 hours Thurs and Fri, and was SO tired of sitting on my a**. I was enjoying some funky music and started car seat dancing. It was great! I just channeled my inner exotic/belly dancer and moved around for much of the trip. Might have looked a little weird to people passing, but....oh well. I don't know what music you all like, but has anyone listened closely to the words of Linkin Park's song "What I've Done"? This song is so inspiring to me right now. It's all about forgiving yourself......"so let mercy come and wash away.......what I've done......I face myself.......to cross out what I've become.......erase myself.....and let go of what I've done." For 18 years I've felt so much guilt and pain for gaining weight and failing at weight loss, but I feel that pain lifting as I erase those lbs away......letting go....forgiving myself.....it's truly an amazing feeling!

Catching up on all the comedy. You guys are LOL funny! Was away for DH's brother's wedding. I did finally find a dress. People I hadn't seen in a while had to do a double take - along with the weight loss, I had flat ironed my usually curly hair and tanned, so looked a little different. No one was really asking how I did it, which I was grateful for. I was cake server - but avoided sampling any - the thought of eating any kind of made me feel sick. I did have a "stuck" incident at the reception - on some beef - took way too big of a bite so spent some time in the bathroom spitting and sliming. I managed to lose two more lbs this week even with all the celebrating! Seems the old plateau is finally breaking. Nikki, I did go back on liquids for about 3 days when I felt I was eating too much. My theory was that it might shrink my pouch - if it were possibly stretched. It really helped and I'm satisfied on less again. Hazel, Thanks for sharing your pics. You are doing wonderful!

Janine - I wonder if you need a slight unfill? I thought that if we slime and PB too much we could cause damage such as slip or pouch dialation. Plus, you might not be getting propper nutrition, which is bound to catch up with you later. I'm in Montana, and I don't like winter either.....the Fall is lovely though, so will enjoy that while I can. Carol - I totally agree! I have so much more time and emotional energy to devote to things other than food/diet related issues. It is very freeing! Use that time to do something special for you.....exercise, a bubble bath, a good book, relationship building, etc. We deserve it! Hey guys, we are almost at 6 months! We sould post before/during pictures in September! I think that would be a cool motivation for us. Want to?

This is true. At least our slip ups will only mean a couple of pounds gained, then we will lose again when we are back on track. I'm trying to keep reminding myself of what I signed up for here. Not a fast weight loss, but a slow, healthy, gradual weight loss. It will take us a couple of years, guys. We'll get there though! Didn't want to do it, but I'm moving my ticker back up 3 lbs. I saw 189 for about a day, but I'm fluctuating between 191 and 193 again. I've exercised every day for about two weeks though, so hope this will help. I've realized that to truly commit to exercise, I have to plan it in daily, otherwise I make too many excuses. My eating is not so great. It'll get better though!

Thanks for the shopping tips. I've determined that I just can't wear a one piece dress. I have one last hope - a silk charmeuse godet skirt with a cap-sleeve, v-neck blouse. This HAS to work, or I don't know what else to do. I've tried about every style. My shape is hard to fit right now. The inches aren't coming off my waist like I hoped. My hips and legs are shrinking though. It's hard to get excited about buying clothes because things are too tight in the waist but loose in the hips. I've made a major committment to exercise this month. I really failed last month - at exercise and weightloss both. I have my chart up and will do DAILY exercise. I'm concentrating on yoga, eliptical, circuit, & walking. TammyJ, you are doing awesome!! Congratulations on breaking that plateau Momlambert!

You guys, I was just counting how many boxes of crackers I have in my house right now ------ that would be 7!! I've GOT to get them out of my house before I OD! I've been a bit upset because I've been trying to find a semi-formal dress for a wedding Aug 24. I can't find a dress that fits me right - out of the 50+ I've tried in stores/ordered online. I hate shopping! I don't know what I'm going to do! My weight is just going up and down 4 lbs. This is all making me crazy!

Happy Independence Day everyone! Here's to the new freedoms we are experiencing with each NSV and pound lost! Yeah Marchies!! :usa:

Great job on the exercise TammyJ! I was at first disapointed that I didn't totally reach my goal of 10 each of 20, 30, and 40 min sessions......but then I realized......I exercised 25 times this month! This is WAY more than I did pre-surgery. I'm going to keep the same goal for this month. I will reach it. I did increase my 40 min cardio in June, now I just need to increase my 30 min circuit sessions with that. I'm ready to kick ass this month too! I've loaded up on frozen turkey burgers, talapia, fruit, and veggies. Let's do this!!

Hey Denise, I had about a 5 week plateau, and now suddenly the weight is melting away again. It's just your body trying to catch up to all the changes. Of course you know that, but it really sucks when it's happening. You probably built some killer muscles with all that exercise you did in Napa, and soon they will be obliterating the fat cells, and the scale will move again! I ended up getting a conservative fill (.5) when I was able to eat 2 cups most of the time. I was a little affraid, because there were also times when I could only do liquids. I have a stash of Protein drinks for those days. I had one of those rabid dog episodes after my 2nd fill. I swallowed a bite of dry salmon (probably didn't chew enough too), and foamed for 20 min. It hurt! I will only eat moist food from now on and chew like crazy!

I can't believe it! As of today's weigh in, I'm official "overweight" rather than "obese" (according to BMI charts). Plus I'm at the 1/2 way point in my journey. I actually cried this morning when I got on the scale and it said 191. Had my 2nd fill yesterday. My Dr. thought 5cc's would work, and he was happy with my loss. Goal #2 is to reach 180. This will be the lightest I've been in my adult life. I wonder what that will feel like? Everyone is doing so well! We definately made the right decision to be banded! Lovin' life and Lovin' my band!

Thanks guys! You spared me from making some major fashion fouls. I was so excited when those things fit again - but then I got to thinking - I was in my late 20's when I wore those things!! I appreciate the advice. Now I need to think about those "mom jeans". How will I know??

Now that I'm thinking about it, maybe I shouldn't wear some of these clothes. I'm a little out of touch with fashion, I've just been wearing what I have or get from someone else. Please be honest. Are the following still appropriate/fashionable? 1) Skorts - shorts in back/skirt in front-kaki 2) Capri overalls - denim and kaki 3) Denim mini skirts - above the knee I'm not trying to be a fashion icon or anything, but I don't want to be totally out of it. I need to look at some magazines!

Wow, I just tried on all my clothes that I stored away in my too small section, and most of them fit! YEEEEEAAAAAHHHH! I'm truly amazed. Only a couple of button up shirts wouldn't work....because of the "gap". Good to know the ole' cleavage is staying in tact. My DH is greatful for that as well. Guess I should get rid of some of the old baggies now. TCT - You handled that sooo well! Good things are coming your way, girl!

Ok, you guys are freaking me out with you PBing and overfill issues. I'm going for a fill on Wednesday and I only want a little fill. My Dr. is aggressive with fills and will probably try to give a major injection, but I will be insisting on a more conservative approach. I have some restriction now already, I'm just not losing. I can't get to the 30 lb mark. I've been -29 for 5 weeks. When you guys "PB" does stuff always come up? I've had episodes of swallowing too quickly or taking one bite too many, and get pain waves in my stomach that last a minute or so, and I wish I could vomit.......but nothing comes up but a little saliva. Would that be a "PB"? OH Juli - You are Amazing! Be proud of all you are accomplishing! Your weight loss is doing just as it should. Thanks for all the wonderful support you offer this group!

Hey Marchies! Well, June has sure started out a crazy month! Lots of crisis stuff happening. My hubby and boys decided to go on little trip for the weekend, and I'm relieved to have some peace and quite at home. TOM this past week, so I've been really restricted. Had my first slime last night on a piece of hamburger. Lots of pain with it - kind of in waves though, and it didn't last very long. I scheduled my second fill again for the 20th, but the restriction I feel for one week out of the month makes me scared to have it. The rest of the month I can eat though. I've lost 3 lbs in 5 weeks, so maybe I should try a small fill and just do liquids during the TOM week. That should kick in the loss again. Not doing so great on the exercise for the month yet, due to the hectic schedule. Will work on that. Girls night out tonight! I'm ecxited!!

How is everyone? Brenda, How is your fill going? Are you still having problems? I've been sort of stalled and I know it's time for a fill. I'm not sure how much to get. I have the smallest band and 1 cc already. I'm thinking .5??? What do you guys think? I've been wanting to read the book you recommended (Why French Women Don't Get Fat). Right now I'm working on "The Taming of the Chew", and I also have the book "Body Clutter". Are you still doing foster care? I used to be an FRS and licensed foster/adopt homes for the state. Did that for about 6 yrs and really miss it. I may do foster care after my boys graduate - that is if DH warms up to the idea more. Sharon, How has your recovery from your surgery going? Shawn, I had a little filly born on Mother's Day. She got into wire on Sat, and got some chest wounds, and had to have part of her tongue amputated. I've been doctoring her twice a day, and it looks like she might be ok. The vet gave a pretty poor prognosis, and I was thinking I might have to put her down. She's young enough, so I think she will adapt. How have you been?

Mary, Sorry you are hurting. I would definately call your Doc and get his advice. Maybe the seeds in the strawberries agrivated something. Let us know what you find out!

Hi everyone! Haven't checked in for a while. I've taken the week off from work, and am enjoying some "me time." I think vacations at home are the best! Just wish the weather were a bit nicer. Can't get outside much because of the rain. I've come to realize that I definately need a fill. I know you guys have been telling this, but I'm pretty stubborn. I'm really not gaining (other than 2 lb fluctuations), which is amazing, but I know I'm eating too much. I did fairly well with exercise, though I needed more 40 min sessions. I think I'll keep my exercise goals the same for next month, and will schedule a fill within the next couple of weeks. I'm 37 today! Crazy! I'm so glad I decided to take care of my weight issue when I did. My mother was visiting this past weekend, and has been gaining steadily all her life. It's so hard for me watching her struggle with walking, going up stairs, and being in constant pain. She has major food issues and eats constantly - but denies she does. She is almost 57. She didn't support my surgery at first, but I think she has seen that it has been a positive thing. Maybe she will decide to do something for her health...... It's wonderful to hear of all the NSV's, and I love the positivity of this group!

TammyJ, I have 2 teen boys and a thin hubby who eat large quantities of food. I normally cook them things like spaghetti (I put the sauce on spaghetti squash), tacos (i make a taco salad), steak (i have seafood instead), grilled or baked chicken. I alway make a veggie and have some of whatever meat I make for them. I've been making lots of casseroles lately for some reason. They seem to go down a little too good - thus the overeating. I notice there are a lot more leftovers now (since I'm not cleaning them up), so I'm only cooking about 3-4 dinners/week. I'm down a pound again, so maybe I'm not doing as bad as I think I am. The excercise is helping. I decided to wait for the fill, until my loss completely stops for a couple of weeks. TCT - You should be very proud of your accomplishment! There are lots of emotional aspects that go along with weight loss. I've been exploring those with a book called "Taming of the Chew." We're going through a major life transition and it does take things out of us emotionally and physically. Lori - You're shrinking! I noticed my hips are shrinking fast too, but my waist - not so fast. What's the deal with that I wonder? Glad you are feeling better Kyethra! Hazel & Medge - I too am enjoying amazing "relations" with hubby :biggrin1: ....Now if our boys would get out of the house once in a while and stop hanging around with their friends all the time - maybe we could enjoy quantity with quality! Oh well - at least they're not out getting in trouble. Have a lovely weekend everyone!

I don't know what to do:help: I was worried 2 weeks ago because my weight was going up and down a couple of pounds and I seemed to be eating more, so I scheduled a fill appt. Over the weekend I seemed to feel quite a bit of restriction and went down another pound, so canceled my appt. Now the last 2 nights I've been really hungry in the evening and ate way too much. My band has 1 cc now & it's the 4cc/smallest band. I'm close to 1/2 way to my goal. I do not want to be too restricted where I can't eat healthy foods. I'm worried that more fills = more possiblity of complications with the band. I really want to lose 13 lbs by mid August. I don't like that I'm doing that thing with my eating again....overeating - then feeling bad and strict dieting again. I'm just concerned it's getting out of control again. Maybe a fill IS what I need. What do you guys think? Congrats on the "40" TammyJ and Denise!

I've been doing circuit usually on Tuesday and Thursday - 30 min. The other days I walk/hike, golf, or do eliptical - 30-45 min. I love yoga, but can't get my butt out of bed early enough to do it in the mornings! I want to try to get in that habbit again. I'm not on any strict schedule, I just exercise when I can find a moment, and do what I feel like doing. When I get in better shape I'm going to start kickboxing and running again. Also will start riding my horse again soon. She just had a baby colt, so we will both need the workout! I tried doing some crunches, but I'm worried about my port. It moves around in there a lot and I wonder if it's disconnected on one end or something??? I agree, TammyJ, the old exercise routine can get boring, but keep reminding yourself of that wonderful adreneline rush after. I like to make workout CDs to listen to to keep it more exciting. I use my teen boys' music they download, so they think I'm cool when I know all the words to their songs.....plus it really gets me moving. I just have to ignore the questionable lyrics at times. :rolleyes

Hey everyone, Thanks for sharring pics! Great progress girls! I plan to take progress pics after 30 lbs gone, and will share. I've been hungry at night again.....and am definately eating too much. Have a fill appt 5/29. Exercise is going ok, though. How are you all doing with the exercise challenge?

Hey Bobbi, I have 1cc right now. I've scheduled an appt for the end of May for another fill, and was thinking about getting .5 added. I too am affraid to PB/slime and I really don't want to get to where I can't eat healthy foods I want. I am able to eat about 1.5 cups at a time right now. Let me know how you do. What size is your band?