LiveStrong41

This is going to sound really weird, but I want to wear riding breeches again. I've ridden horses since I was a little girl, and have a barn full of them, but in the past 10 years I've spent most of my time on the ground as a horse show mom, groom, truck driver, etc.... All the horses think they are retired since my daughter left for college! I also want to wear a wetsuit so I can take scuba diving lessons. My daughter is a certified diver and I told her that I didn't want to get certified because I was afraid of sharks, But I was actually much more afraid of wearing a wetsuit. As for street clothes, I'm a Plain Jane --- L.L. Bean, Lands End, Talbots. I'd like to buy clothes without a 'W' in the size. Actually...I am afraid of sharks, I just can't stop the Jaws music in my head when I get in the Water. But I'm going to do it anyways.

Sleeveless anything!!! I look forward to that clothing victory most of all! I've never stopped wearing shorts but it would be great to wear them and not feel self conscious about the size of my calves. I'm doubtful in my ability to pull off wearing a bikini, but there are plenty of cute one-piece suits that I wouldn't mind rocking. Ha. In fact, ill just be really happy when I can stop worrying and START LIVING again. Woo boo.

Sleeveless anything!!! I look forward to that clothing victory most of all! I've never stopped wearing shorts but it would be great to wear them and not feel self conscious about the size of my calves. I'm doubtful in my ability to pull off wearing a bikini, but there are plenty of cute one-piece suits that I wouldn't mind rocking. Ha. In fact, ill just be really happy when I can stop worrying and START LIVING again. Woo boo.

About two years ago I decided to change my way of eating. Eating "clean" is how it's been described. Fresh fruits and vegetables, wholegrain, complex carbs, low fat Proteins, zero refined sugar, etc., etc. Basically prepackaged foods/meals were a no go. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store, and be mindful of how your food is cooked/prepared. In addition to eating healthier I worked out for 2-3 hours 5-6 days a week. Cardio for 60-90 minutes and strength training for about a hour. In eight months I lost 25 lbs. Well, good... right? I looked better. I felt better.
Now fast forward to today... two weeks shy of two months post-op. Still "eating clean", finally up 90 minutes at the gym 4-5 days a week, eating smaller portions, but with lapband (no fill yet) I've dropped 33 lbs.! Don't tell me this is only a tool. It's my fricken LIFELINE!!!
For anyone feeling anxious, doubtful, or scared... YOU CAN DO IT!! Best wishes.

About two years ago I decided to change my way of eating. Eating "clean" is how it's been described. Fresh fruits and vegetables, wholegrain, complex carbs, low fat Proteins, zero refined sugar, etc., etc. Basically prepackaged foods/meals were a no go. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store, and be mindful of how your food is cooked/prepared. In addition to eating healthier I worked out for 2-3 hours 5-6 days a week. Cardio for 60-90 minutes and strength training for about a hour. In eight months I lost 25 lbs. Well, good... right? I looked better. I felt better.
Now fast forward to today... two weeks shy of two months post-op. Still "eating clean", finally up 90 minutes at the gym 4-5 days a week, eating smaller portions, but with lapband (no fill yet) I've dropped 33 lbs.! Don't tell me this is only a tool. It's my fricken LIFELINE!!!
For anyone feeling anxious, doubtful, or scared... YOU CAN DO IT!! Best wishes.

yes, i am losing but i am also gaining....here is some things i have gained:
realization that i need new clothes
(smaller ones) as mine are getting too big (good thing)
that i can walk farther and that means my knees/legs are getting stronger
(another good thing)
i saw a pic of me in feb and recently and my face is smaller
(def a good thing)
goodwill will love my quacker factory sweaters
(giving back to my community)
that i can control my eating (because i want to) and because
of my band and plication (i am so thankful)
that i do not miss/crave some things i thought i couldnt live without
(diet soda, coors lights, chips, cheese its.....)
gained alot of new friends on this forum
realized some people on here dont like me or what i have to say
(oh well. block me please).
but what i have gained the most is belief
i now believe in myself.
my lapband and plication journey has no expiration date.
i will get there (to the weight i have picked out) when i get there.
yes, these types of gains i like.

Yes, both can effect. If you cry you diaphram (sp?) gets a work out when we sniffle - ugly cry- that cause an up and down movement of the GI area around our stomach so that can cause so aggrivation around your band area that can cause a little swelling.
Most women complain of band tightness around or during their period. This is due to Water retention in the cells that again causes swelling.
Aren't our bodies grand?

Yes! Its been my experience.. its temperamental!! It has a mind and personality of its own! That's why we name them!! Mine's name is Towanda!!!! Sometimes she will take something NO PROBLEM.. three days later I try to eat the same thing.... NO WAY!!! (whispering... I think she's crazy)

Yes to both.

The only advice is to follow Protein first and stick to 1 cup or less of food. Don't cheat yourself by eating the same foods that got us in this shape to begin with. I read a lot of I eat what I use to just smaller portions that to me is cheating yourself out of working with your band learn to eat healthier and of course exercise as much as you can. I've only had one fill and have to wait until half way through October for my second. Don't ever give up and take it one day at a time

I don't know the answer - - I really, really wish I did. I'm going through the same thing. I was banded in May, and the past 8 weeks I've been on a plateau. Between May and August, I lost 54 lbs then it stopped. Despite the frustration from that, I'm still just plugging along.
For me personally, I have a hard time accepting any praise, even from myself, until I'm "done". Yes, I've lost over 50 lbs, but I still have another 30 to lose. I don't feel as if I've earned the credit until I meet my goal.
If I may "warn" you...being so emotionally invested in your daily weight will make you miserable in the long run. I know, I'm doing it! I still weigh myself daily even though the numbers don't change. My husband has gone as far as hiding the scale during the week. I would rather know daily where things are at versus waiting a week, thinking I'm doing great, then being let down even more by not losing.
All I can say is that this process is a journey. I'm learning so much about myself along the way. I've decided to jump in head first to my issues that are causing my negative self image and stress. Embrace the journey, and remind yourself to stop and take a deep breath every now and then.

Hello everyone, Well I strated my pre-op on Aug. 8 got banded on Aug.21. I weighted myself this morning and all in all I have lost a total of 54lbs. =) I saw my doctor 12 days ago when I had lost only 46lbs and he said I'm doing wayyy bettter than most lap-band patients so did my dietician said that. I started a 30 day challenge on Oct.2 to lose 20lbs this month and I only have 7lbs to go which oviously i'm on track. So why is it never enough for me? like i'm happy for a few hours when I lose a pound and when it flactuates to a few more ounces the next day I freak out!! iknow I should not weight myself everyday but I feel if I don't I will gain the weight back. I know i;m doing awsome I know that!! but why do I keep pushin gmy self harder and harder each day, why i'm i just not content with my awsome progress? I know i been in depression for a while but honestly I thought I was getting better when I started losing the weight but for the last three days have been awful. I don't know whats going on with me =( I try to be psitive most of the time but tday I just can't seem to be able to do it. why is it never enough?

I must be living under a rock because I had not seen your post until just now... CONGRATULATIONS!! Mis, your encouragement and words of wisdom inspire us all, but your positive outlook and raw determination are the actions that speak loudest. You are instrumental to this site. Sincere thanks to you and all you give us. Keep doing what you're doing ... it obviously works. <3

I think you are fine! I lost at about a rate of 6 pounds a month and I am now a steady size six whose weight does not fluctuate at all...others lost faster but from where I am sitting now I dont care and also I feel I adjusted really well to a lifestyle I can live with forever! Good Luck!

I had my surgery feb 2011 and I'm down 87 pounds 57 of it being in the last 6-8 months seriously stay strong it starts fast than slows down quickly! Alot if people get discouraged but I'm proof you'll get past it! Focus on the process not the outcome- contine to give your body what it needs and I promise the weight will start melting off!

I must be living under a rock because I had not seen your post until just now... CONGRATULATIONS!! Mis, your encouragement and words of wisdom inspire us all, but your positive outlook and raw determination are the actions that speak loudest. You are instrumental to this site. Sincere thanks to you and all you give us. Keep doing what you're doing ... it obviously works. <3

Congratulations Missy! You have so much to be proud of and you inspire so many of us. You are beautiful inside and out. Thanks for all you do.

This is a inspiration to me because I'm going do my band in January. Thank you and keep up the good work. I'm doing the happy dance with you

Wow what an inspiration you are, you have a very pretty smile. Love all your posts and they certainly have taught me a lot these past three months.
Amazing weightloss!!!

Missy,
So so SO many congrats on this milestone!!! We love you and are so inspired by you. Next month is my 9 month bandiversary and I won't be QUITE at 150 pounds. Maybe 120 though! But you know the issues I have been going through with the MS and damnable steroids. Anyway, enough about me and back to you! I am so proud of you!
About the pics... WOW you can really tell the difference! Your face looks so thin! Your inner light really shines through in the most recent pic. You look so happy and content. It's a good look for ya! Beautiful.... simply beautiful.

Thank you all for the kind words so much :wub:
For the pic request, this is the closest I have right now. This is my daughter and I together, the top one before surgery and the bottom this past summer.

I am so happy for you. 150 pounds, wow that is so awesome! Thanks for being such a great mentor to many of us here, we really appriciate all your words of advise and encouragement.

Today is the 9 month anniversary of my Lap Band surgery.
Since then I have lost 152 pounds.
I still have considerable weight to lose but I am SO happy with my results so far. It's definitely work and I've had to change my entire lifestyle but I am happier and healthier than I have ever been in my adult life.
I absolutely love my band! It's the best decision I've ever made for myself!

HAPPY DANCE!!!

You got great advice from everyone I just wanted to give you a hug. HUG