NJ2NC

Hi NJ2NC! It's so great that you're doing so well! I had quite the backslide since my surgery, but didn't get quite to pre-band weight. So now I'm headed back down. I'm filled again, I think good restriction, and am really logging my food and exercising 3x a week. I've lost 10 lbs in the month of January. I just need to keep going when motivation lags- that, and I truly cannot eat ice creat. It is absolutely a gateway to all things unhealthy for me. One taste and I eat the whole carton. So no tastes for me!
It would be nice to have some of us back and being supportive of eachother, I do think of you all a lot!
Shannon- welcome to the world of banding!
Nicki

To Follow-up - yep, almost a year later, I've kinda dropped so many things a year ago, but kept myself as #1 and focused on my journey and kids. Nicki, no my WLS had nothing to with the situation, he was cheating before and after the surgery. He was supportive during and after my wls tho. However, what he didn't count on or realize with the results of my WLS I gained the self-confidence to walk away and not look back once I found out how stupid he really was. We've lived apart since then, Feb will make a year. Yes 366 days you need to live apart for a divorce in NC. I'm waiting patiently. lol

Hello Everyone.. wow, it's been almost a year since I've posted.. my 3yr anniversary was the 17th and it made me think of everyone. I've been great hope everyone else has been too. Haven't had a fill in a VERY long time. I've become a runner and since surgery I've completed many 5K's, 10K's, 2 15K's, 8 Half Marathons (13.1 miles) with 3 more scheduled between now and May and my 1st full is coming up in 3 months (26.2). My weight has maintained the same over the last year, 175 & I'm happy with that! dress 10 pants 12.. I'm good. I adjusted my ultimate goal to 175 cause I'm happy here. If I ever get to 160 that'll be just a bonus. I eat to maintain energy for my active lifestyle (I'll admit it isn't always good) but when i get out of control my band remind me! it's still doing it's job and I love it.
I hope everyone is doing well and still loving there band. Happy Janu-versaries to you all!!
Take care!

Hello? hello? hellllllloooooo???? Miss you guys!

ZipLine! my goal is to buy my ticket put on my harness and not worry about stepping on that scale to prove I'm under 250lbs
Shop in any store I want and not have to look for the Plus Size department.
Run a 5k with my daughter who's a runner.

Hello Everyone, Just wanted to drop in and say hi, I've followed a lot of everyone's up and down's via email. I've had my share as well. I've not had a fill since last May (2013). I felt I didn't need it till now, I go on March 6th. I did my 1st half marathon back in October and still run on a regular basis. I don't always eat the right things and I slip here and there been bouncing between a 73-75lb loss for the last 6months. I always said I just wanted to be a solid size 12 and I'm here so I'm just maintaining best I can and I'm happy. I'm still a few pounds off my overall goal but hopefully after this next fill I'll get there as long as I keep up my fitness routine. I joined a running group last year and those ladies WILL hold me accountable I know that's where a large part of my fitness success come from. I'm also a run group leader to hold MYSELF accountable.
Now, I'm going through a separation/divorce and trying with all my might to stay on track and not get detoured and back slide too much (I still love my sweets/comfort foods) Life happens, right ladies, we fall and we get back up best we can.
I still think of this fabulous support group often and I think you for letting me share and vent a little. I pray each and everyone of you continue with your successes, get back in the saddle if you have to and be safe and healthy. I'll be back to try to catch up more with everyone's posts..

Hello Everyone, Just wanted to drop in and say hi, I've followed a lot of everyone's up and down's via email. I've had my share as well. I've not had a fill since last May (2013). I felt I didn't need it till now, I go on March 6th. I did my 1st half marathon back in October and still run on a regular basis. I don't always eat the right things and I slip here and there been bouncing between a 73-75lb loss for the last 6months. I always said I just wanted to be a solid size 12 and I'm here so I'm just maintaining best I can and I'm happy. I'm still a few pounds off my overall goal but hopefully after this next fill I'll get there as long as I keep up my fitness routine. I joined a running group last year and those ladies WILL hold me accountable I know that's where a large part of my fitness success come from. I'm also a run group leader to hold MYSELF accountable.
Now, I'm going through a separation/divorce and trying with all my might to stay on track and not get detoured and back slide too much (I still love my sweets/comfort foods) Life happens, right ladies, we fall and we get back up best we can.
I still think of this fabulous support group often and I think you for letting me share and vent a little. I pray each and everyone of you continue with your successes, get back in the saddle if you have to and be safe and healthy. I'll be back to try to catch up more with everyone's posts..

Welcome to band-hood everfeels9, I was banded on Jan 17th and still getting use to the changes in my health and body. I love my short wash 'n go style.. I swim, sweat and steam and have no worries. I want to let it grow out so I can do a twist out styles but I always say "trim it up" at the last minute. I was going to perm it straight in the fall but I'm thinking nahhh this is too convenient for exercising.. so I just add color for a little variety.

Hey there, Last year when I began my journey around March 2011 I grew out my perm and did the "Big Chop" I wore my hair short and curly a few years back and wore it very light brown almost a blonde color I really liked it. This time it is was more for exercising with no excuse! I didn't want a lot of color so I could swim and exercise, wash and go! I was banded Jan 17th and I still have it short and curly I work across the street from a gym and will really begin to use it properly after I heal up.
I would love for it to grow out and maybe do some natural twists but I'm not sure, knowing me I'll perm it back out by the end of the year and wear it short and spiky so it won't interfere too much with working out, guess I'll just see where the journey takes me.

Hello Everyone! Long time no update Just dropping in to see how everyone is doing and say hello. I have LOTS of reading to catch up on. I've been doing well. I haven't had an adjustment in several months because I think I'm in a good place. My struggle now is I exercise so much (running) I don't think I'm eating enough so I've leveled off at 185 and can't seem to get it any lower than that. Eat to Lose isn't in my favor right now I've dropped to size12-14 pants which my ultimate goal was to be a solid size 12! and not really a number weight. So I'm really close. I posted a new profile pic and a picture of my 1st 10k Race. I start training for my 1st half marathon in October. It does mentally bother me to not see the scale is not moving even tho I KNOW I'm burning lots of calories but I can't wrap my head around eating more food or high calorie food to burn for energy while running. It's really a head trip. After a 1.6 yrs post surgery I STILL eat to darn fast and get stuck, some things are so hard to change!
I know there are lots of ups and downs going on with everyone and I promise I'll take time to read and catch up. Miss you all and all the support and chat. I'm still here! and i'll try to pop in more often and keep in touch.

Hello Everyone! Long time no update Just dropping in to see how everyone is doing and say hello. I have LOTS of reading to catch up on. I've been doing well. I haven't had an adjustment in several months because I think I'm in a good place. My struggle now is I exercise so much (running) I don't think I'm eating enough so I've leveled off at 185 and can't seem to get it any lower than that. Eat to Lose isn't in my favor right now I've dropped to size12-14 pants which my ultimate goal was to be a solid size 12! and not really a number weight. So I'm really close. I posted a new profile pic and a picture of my 1st 10k Race. I start training for my 1st half marathon in October. It does mentally bother me to not see the scale is not moving even tho I KNOW I'm burning lots of calories but I can't wrap my head around eating more food or high calorie food to burn for energy while running. It's really a head trip. After a 1.6 yrs post surgery I STILL eat to darn fast and get stuck, some things are so hard to change!
I know there are lots of ups and downs going on with everyone and I promise I'll take time to read and catch up. Miss you all and all the support and chat. I'm still here! and i'll try to pop in more often and keep in touch.

Wow!! So excited to see the posts from all of you!! Just had to say that, and now I'm going back to read them! Missed all of you!

Hi everyone! I have to get back to logging all my food on MFP. That makes me successful. I'm afraid to step on the scale, but am going to have to for accountability. Grrrrr.
Ladybandido- I did see your recipe and will try it! I appreciate that!!
Sue- yes, lots happening with you! I am glad you're getting better, and hopefully the problem with your hip is now resolved!
NJ2NC! That is awesome! I wish I were a runner.
Chrissy, Hi!!! Ice cream is the worst, as it is such a slider food! And I am pretty tight, so it's easy to eat ice cream and harder (read- have to pay more attention eating so I don't get stuck) to eat other foods.
I just need to get my mojo back and justdoit, right????
Nicki
Nicki

Hello Everyone! Long time no update Just dropping in to see how everyone is doing and say hello. I have LOTS of reading to catch up on. I've been doing well. I haven't had an adjustment in several months because I think I'm in a good place. My struggle now is I exercise so much (running) I don't think I'm eating enough so I've leveled off at 185 and can't seem to get it any lower than that. Eat to Lose isn't in my favor right now I've dropped to size12-14 pants which my ultimate goal was to be a solid size 12! and not really a number weight. So I'm really close. I posted a new profile pic and a picture of my 1st 10k Race. I start training for my 1st half marathon in October. It does mentally bother me to not see the scale is not moving even tho I KNOW I'm burning lots of calories but I can't wrap my head around eating more food or high calorie food to burn for energy while running. It's really a head trip. After a 1.6 yrs post surgery I STILL eat to darn fast and get stuck, some things are so hard to change!
I know there are lots of ups and downs going on with everyone and I promise I'll take time to read and catch up. Miss you all and all the support and chat. I'm still here! and i'll try to pop in more often and keep in touch.

Wow sue you have been through so much and r still a trooper! Hang in there.
Well my house sold! We signed the final addendum yesterday! We will be out on 7/19. My new apartment will not be ready until 8/16 so I will rent a room from a good friend my gym buddy!!! All of the kids know now as of last night. It has been an awkward morning but I think the all knew it was coming but it still hurts. I hope to start loosing again starting next week. I'll be at my new job and back on a schedule and that always helps.
Ladybandito. I appreciate the kid words. It is tough but I have to think about the light at the end of the tunnel or I'll loose my mind!!
Thank you for all of the love & support!!

Hi guys, I posted a long reply to SueBee last week, but I notice it didn't post. ???
Anyway, glad surgery went well and Nicole, great that the house sold quickly!
I guess that we're all off to new starts in one way or another. For me, it's finally being in the green zone since surgery! Had a .2 fill a couple weeks ago and boy, did it change things up! Still can eat anything, but not so much, and I'm not hungry for a much longer time!!! Dropped 3 pounds, too.

Well I am back and moving right along. I have a hard time getting logged in to this sight. So here is my new life journey on May 6th I went to hospital with major right shoulder pain yes from 1 to 10 an easy 6000 plus. Well got worked over and found out my heart, liver, lungs are in excellent shape but then came the crazy news. I have full blown renal cancer of the left kidney. My kidney is 4 times the normal size. WTH well May 29th I had it removed and all is good thank goodness they got it all. Crazy I never have had any signs of it or anything. The only way it was found is that the MRI gal went down a bit lower then normal. What a great fluke. So going to have a bit of a unfill monday until all healed and all will be great. Oh and the 6000 plus pain is from a 3 inch bone spur in my spinal cord so as soon as I get the all go sign will get that taken care of. My last words in the surgery room was " DO NOT MESS UP MY BAND" I am way below my goal so things are great. In Jan 2012 275 as of today 153. Thanks for all the support this group dishes out and even the butt chewing at times. Sometimes I need it.

Happy 4th of July my January Band Buddies!
Haven't heard from anyone for a while. Hope you are all having so much fun that you don't have time to hang out online.
Have a great holiday!

Nicki! Welcome back, girl!
Did you see my ice cream replacement recipe? It's about 2 posts up from here... Try it, it's good. And very low carb.
So glad to see you back. Keep with it.
SueBee, wow you've got a plateful. You are definitely my inspiration, so happy you keep posting.

Hello All, I'm still here. I've been keeping up with most posts through my phone but for some strange reason I can't reply I just haven't had the time to sit and figure out the problem. However, I've read a lot of the ups, downs, prayers, food/dessert suggestions and victories. and everyone is always in my encouraging thoughts and prayers.
I've been just moving along at a slow pace. I went down to 185 but back to 187 since my food issue kind of resolved itself. I'm still not logging I've just never been a good logger! but I did/am having a struggle right now and I know the best place to get advice/suggestions is right here!!
Last week, I ate something stupid like 2 LARGE slices pizza and of course got stuck and most of it came back up. OK keep in mind I haven't had a fill since mid Jan and it was TINY. but after the pizza episode..for about 3-5 days NOTHING would hardly stay down I even had trouble with Water and for the 1st time ever I had nighttime reflux and nausea feelings. OK, so I decided to do liquids to give my band a chance to calm down before I call the doc. So now 8 days later I can eat again i have no more reflux but everything I eat feels like it want to come back up (but it dont) and my appetite is almost completely gone. I have to actually remember to eat. Now we all know NOT eating can be just as bad as overeating. I was really afraid something happened with the band because I've never had 5 days of nothing staying down (especially since I isn't directly behind a recent fill). like I said food goes in and stays now but I can't even eat an entire yogurt or a full meal after all this crap happened and I can go all day and think OH NO I didn't eat. Should I be worried or just be more conscious and make sure I get in enough protein/liquids/veggies and keep it moving. back in Jan my doc thought this tiny fill will put me in the green zone. Could it be that it was just delayed and the stuck episode last week just triggered something because I was NOT tight after that Jan fill I began eating food for Breakfast lol I mean seriously I thought he secretly took some OUT the band I felt wide open. But now food for breakfast is not even an option anymore..proteins shake is all that will work and that still feel thick and make me gurgle a tiny bit.. but it stays down! what is going on??
Sorry for the long post.

NJ2NC- I think you might be in the perfect sweet spot. My doctor said you're there when you can only drink your bfast and when you can feel your food hit your band. She said at that point eat a bite no bigger than your pinky nail, chew 20 times, swallow and wait until you feel it hit the band before taking your next bite. I have never gotten to that pint but I hit my 1 yr and now it is $250 for a fill so I am just going to try to work with what I have got. I think I am pretty close. I am tight in the am and feel hungry about every 2-3 hrs and eat about a cup of food. I have not had a PB but have felt stuck but it has always passes. Every time it was due to not chewing enough or waiting until I was starving and eating too fast.
Nicki- sounds like you are doing so good! Just getting in the habit if packing you gym clothe is a step in the right direction. Be careful not pack matching shoes or you will look weird like I did a few months ago!! I still worked out. I didn't use it as an excuse. If your weather sucks maybe you need to hit the tanning beds this weekend too!
My update. I tried to do liquids Sunday and ended up cheating so I did liquids Monday and Tuesday. Yah!!! I also did circuit training both days and logged my food! What really got me motivated was when the scale said 190. I kinda freaked because last time I was on it I was 180. So I am getting back on track & hitting a tanning bed this weekend!!
Oh and I am nicoleabright1. On MFP or search me by email. Same as user but add @gmail.com

I"m not sure I agree you're too tight. I am VERY tight in the AM- in fact, I almost can PB Water if I"m not slow drinking it. But I loosen up a bit during the day and regular food goes down fine if I"m slow and follow the rules. It honestly sounds good to me, isn't some of the point to not feel hunger? I WISH I didn't feel hunger!!! LOL. Just watch the hydration and Protein levels, and take your vitamins! Just my $.02. And I love how you think your posts are long after reading my novels
Nicole- I second Sue on the bath! A good soaking and painting your toes! A good read in the bath! Writing in a journal. Something.
Doing ok. A little down, the weather here is sucky, right NJ? It's totally raining and gray here. And I spilled my Protein Shake on myself getting into the car, so had to go change clothes. And we got our car back finally from getting a new engine and transmission put in- and the check engine light went on!! LOL, really??? So DH has to figure that out and call the guy. And our garbage can went missing last night. We have to call the city to find out what our number is so we can see if (what probably happened) our neighbors took in the wrong one. So just a lot of little dumb annoying stuff. Sigh. I did bring my exercise clothes but not sure I want to go, it's supposed to rain harder and harder as the day goes on. Well, at least it's not like the snow the midwest is getting!!
Everyone have a great day!
Nicki

Hello Everyone, I went to ATL for a race. I had a blast with my running group friends. I jogged and several times went into a full out run..the entire 3.11 miles!! yay. Wasn't trying to win, wasn't try to keep up with the Jones's lol just wanted to run the entire thing and I did.
JDI130 - thanks, I'm very happy I figured out how my band works. I will check out that book today or tomorrow on carb cycling..
Nicole- Nope, still not logging. I'm terrible at that. I do use MFP when I do log. That is a great little app. I never go over my calories so maybe my subconscious just allow me to forget hahaha
Kymie - wow 9lbs I haven't had a lost like that in MONTHS! way to go YAY!!
RKIMOM - Thanks, glad to hear from you! you gave great advice I too will do the liquid only after I get stuck, it doesn't happen often anymore but when it does..boy oh boy.
Hope everyone had a great weekend. My Monday weigh-in was the same ol 192..I was kind of bummed because last week I was down 2 but then I remembered OHHH it's TTOTM thats why its back up a few pounds lol - hey I'm going with that reason!!! lol

Hello All, Sorry, it's been awhile but I've been trying to read and keep up as posts come through. I hit 1yr on 1/17 I saw my nutritionist on 1/22. She said from 'our' first appointment I'm down 58 pounds. Wow, what a thrill. I went in for a fill on Friday 1/25 and oddly enough my appetite is off the charts high.. then I realized duhh stop eating and drink Water between meals.. boom! down to 188 I thought the scale was broke! lol I'm still running upto about 12-14 miles per week (Weather permitting) jogging all the way!
So, yes Ladybandito, every pound means a whole lot...
Congratulation to all the newly banded, Olympic Training, Getting off Meds and all the other NSV's ladies..the band work for us because we work for the band.
My doctor was telling how people still just think the band is a magic solution and try to live life as they did before being banded. My co-workers all call me "Skinny-Minnie" now but 1 lady said (who knows about my band) "I see you running and in your gym clothes everyday and eating healthy", you are doing well it's all you and a tiny bit 'the band'. That was a wonderful thing to say cause it proves I've changed my life and I made the band work for me! Good Job ladies, we aren't perfect and we slip often but we try and we succeed and we get up when we fall....Newbies, you may fall on your journey just remember to get back up and you'll do great!! the hardest part isn't falling it's getting back up.. this group of ladies was always here with encouragement, suggestions and advise that was a valuable part of my journey! so newbies, stick with this supportive group..you'll never regret it.

Hi there! Sue, I wasn't gone, I think you mean rkimom, LOL. Y'all won't get rid of me that easily! Are you back from your cruise? How did it go?
NJ2NC- Congratulations on your run! RUN!!! I don't run unless I'm being chased.....LOL. You might try logging to see where you can tweak the calories, etc to jumpstart your weight loss again. I know I totally slide if I'm not keeping track. Also, if you do the carb cycling, logging is essential to keep track on low carb days- man, carbs are easy to underestimate!!!
I lost another lb this past week! Yay! I'm getting my bloodwork for my year bandiversary done on Friday- I totally chickened out for my 6 months check up, but I'm doing it for this! I'm interested to see what the numbers say. I then have an appointment with my surgeon on Monday, the 28th. I tried to make it with the PA, I really like her, but she's apparently left, bummer. I do like the surgeon, though. We'll see what he has to day about my self sabotaging stall out, though. Oh well, back on track now! I can't wait to get out of the 210's and move through the last decade of the 200's into Onederland!!
Workout at the Y planned for today! Everyone, have a great day!
Nicki