TracyC

Hopeful, The story of Corey getting the lap band was the 'sign' I needed to go through with my initial appointment. I was so scared, the non refundable deposit was taking a large chunk out of the family coffers and I was scared. I sat at my desk and asked myself for the hundredth time if I was doing the right thing and up pops the article about Corey. It was just coincidence but for me it was the last push I needed to go through with the whole process. So glad that I saw the article when I did.

Congrats, I love reading NSV's they matter so much more than the numbers on the scale.

Name, real or screen~Tracy C Goal weight for June 30th~165 Weight on June 1st~172 Age~39 Dietary goal for April~chew, chew and oh did I say chew Exercise goal for April~stay active, no excuses Personal goal for April~learn to be happy with what has been accomplished so far and enjoy each day to the fullest Date banded~11/18/11 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~44 What is your favorite summer activity~this is easy, camping out with family. Relaxing at the lake and not looking at a clock/watch the entire day. Ahh, so nice. To Larry, thanks for handling the monthly challenges. My best to all who are participating this month.

Final weigh in and sadly I'm up 2. 175 for May. I sure hope the tiny fill I received on Thursday does something. I am getting so tired of this constant yo yo with the scale. Enough already. I've participated in three monthly challenges and so far have managed to gain 3 pounds. So here's to June, may it bring better decisions and a greater end result for all participants.

172, Why can't I get this stupid scale to move?

Congrats. This is a huge accomplishment.

That is great. If you are looking for some local support my email address is tracyfishcarp@yahoo.com. Tomorrow is my six month anniversary so I can help with some questions but have to admit that I do come into this chat site to get more in depth information. And the support here is wonderful.

I love NSV's. This is awesome. Time for sexy new panties.

What area of New York are you from? I'm from Central New York. Had surgery 11/18/11.

Checking in this week at 172.

I love food, used it in all the situations you mentioned and did go through a sort of withdrawal at first. Weeks 2-4 post surgery for me were very eye opening. I realized just how often I relied on food for, well, everything. Once I figured out that I didn't need to be eating all the time, I'm much more selective in what I cook. I still eat with family, my father in-law and I cook together at least once a week. We start with a recipe and change it to our tastes and what is in the house. It is a lot of fun and there isn't a lot I can't enjoy with him. I just have to stick to the right portion size. Once I make it past week four post op, I didn't crave fast food at all. In fact, I've been able to steer my son and family away from it as well. We enjoy what we put together as a family. It means more.

Larry, When you have a moment, my goal and current weight are switched on the May challenge spreadsheet. Unfortunately I am still at 173, for the 3rd month and my goal is still to break into the 160's. Thank you for correcting this and thank you more for taking the time to do the challenges in general. It is greatly appreciated. Thanks again. Tracy

This time frame was the hardest for me as well. Seemed to be hungry all the time. Very frustrating. My nutritionist has me doing 60-70 grams of protein. I have been on a plateau for about 9 weeks (waiting for another fill) and have increased my protein to 100 grams. I saw the scale move yesterday. I was so excited. I'm going to continue with the increased protein, because it helps me get from one 'meal' to another. The higher protein helps me get almost 4 hours before I start to feel hungry again. When I was doing less, I couldn't make it more than 2 1/2 hours and felt like I was grazing all day long. During this time, you have to rely on yourself to "follow the rules". But remember to be patient with yourself. Your habits didn't develop overnight nor will they change that quickly.

She and I have been friends since elementary school. Back then weight wasn't the issue it is now. Because we live so far apart, it is much easier to avoid the problem conversations. We are there for each other in every other aspect. It is just one of those things you either accept or don't. I chose to accept it.

Sadly, this isn't uncommon. People feel very threatened when things change. I have a friend I won't even tell. She has always been competitive about her weight and has spent considerable money trying to lose weight. She has a very shortsighted view of WLS and instead of getting into it with her, I avoided telling her altogether. Thing is she has spent a ton of money and yo yo'd the last ten years all to be the same weight with the same health issues she started with. In that situation, one would think she would be open to other options. But she isn't and gets on a soap box whenever she can to speak out about it.

Thank you for posting your NSV's. I've been on a 9 week plateau and it is so easy to get discouraged and down. Seeing the NSV's make me stop and think about how far I've come already and it gives me the kick in the pants to continue to perservere. I will conquer this plateau. My NSV's to date: -I have energy to play with my 5 year old son, instead of sitting and watching him play I get involved. -I no longer have sleep apnea -I no longer take my diabetes meds -latest blood test showed my cholesterol was perfect as opposed to dangerously high -I went from a size 22 to a 14 and some of those are loose. -I don't view clothes shopping as a punishment anymore. I now have too many options to choose from, which I have to admit is a bit intimidating for me. I was so used to hating the styles for "big" people and having to pick the least offensive of them. Choices were limited no decisions necessary. Now that isn't the case. I have to pick and choose since I can't take them all home. I like it. Thanks again for sharing your NSV's, it reminds me to take stock in what I've accomplished instead of focusing on the scale which shows me that I've accomplished nothing in 9 weeks.

I have been on a plateau for 9 weeks now. I've had to small fills in that time (doctor is very conservative and only does .5 cc at a time). I have been careful with what I eat and have added more exercise into my daily routine. I believe I am due for another fill but have to wait my doctors required 4 weeks before the next. In the meantime, I'm trying to follow the rules and not get down on myself. If you figure out something that works please share. Being on a plateau stinks.

That is awesome. Story gave me goose bumps.

I don't mind educating people but sometimes it would be nice not to have to. Even my primary care physician had a ton of questions because he didn't have all the information.

Name, real or screen~ Tracy C Goal weight for May 31st~ 168 Weight on May 1st~ 173 (I have been this weight for 9 weeks, can't seem to break into the 160's) Age~39 and holding Dietary goal for May~Increase my protein intake Exercise goal for May~add in planks to the routine and try to confuse my body a bit Personal goal for May~Simply enjoy the things around me Date banded~11/18/11 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~44 lbs What is your favorite flower~ Chrysanthemum

173 again going in the wrong direction. So frustrated. Monday starts a whole new regimen. New Mantra : I am in control.

172 and holding. I hate this part. Staying the same after two fills. WTH

Are you getting enough fluids. My doctor and his assistant were very adamant that I track my fluid intake because most people don't get enough and don't realize it.

April 15th and I'm at 171.2. It has been an up and down month. Going in for a fill tomorrow and hope that helps. My food choices have been better (most days) but portion control is still a huge issue.

Congrats!! Keep up the good work.