kkccmom

Hello All! I am still plugging away. I am finally rid of the 2 lbs I had gained. And now I am ready to be in the 180 lbs. That's just one pound away now! I had my high school girlfriends come visit me to see the Madonna concert in Seattle. We had a blast breaking out our look from 1985! And it was great to be a couple sizes smaller than last time they saw me.
All is well. I feel motivated this week and ready for the next part of this journey. Hope you are all well.
Melissa

Kim,
Glad to know you are feeling better. I hope the fill is putting you on a road to success. I feel kind of stalled. Remember I put on about 2 lbs a week or so ago and I am just right about at the same place. But I haven't really been trying too hard. I am struggling to find the motivation.
I love chips, too and have no problem eating them! Ok. Keep up the good work. Keep me posted.
Melissa

Linda...YES, you must ignore that scale!!! Put it in the BACK of your closet or something - out of sight, out of mind! It is also tempting for me to hop on it daily...but I just don't. It is THE ONE THING that can set me back (mentally!) so easily...that number IS important, YES, but it cannot rule the day (or week!).
So, let's make a pact that we WILL NOT weigh ourselves more than ONCE EACH WEEK!! C'mon...you CAN do that! Obviously that doesn't mean it'll tell you what you want to hear, but at least you won't be obsessing about it all day long.
Those social settings CAN be trecherous. The worst! But I guess we have to have a RESOLVE that we'll do what we know is right for this new 'thing' and then stick to it.
I'm getting a fill today!! Really ready for this. Feeling little-to-no restriction. And as I've said before, evening is my worst time of day. I do pretty good all day long - maybe just a Protein Bar in between, but supper time...oh my. And yesterday was not a great day, either.
I had lunch out with a couple friends. We had chinese (one of my faves)...I did eat only 1/2 of my lunch portion (and really, I could have eaten it all!)...but brought it home.
Then last night I took my boys out for a "Groupon" deal that included playtime in an arcade and pizza...I had one slice of the pizza...but could have eaten two.
That seems to be the problem...room for MORE. And if I am not careful, MORE goes down the hatch. Certainly I feel icky later, but the "now" seems to drown out the "you'll pay for this later" later. Make sense??
In that regard, as I said in a previous post, most of the time this just feels like a diet. I'm ready to feel the BRICKWALL when it comes to portion. I NEED to feel that brickwall...or I just keep going.
We ate out on Friday last week...I had ribs and some fries. The fries got stuck and boy did that hurt. I didn't eat many...and did leave 3 ribs (my son had one and I brought 2 home and ate them the next day).
Needless-to-say, the scale has gone NO WHERE. I kinda dread getting on it at the clinic today b/c I know it hasn't moved much...and its like this guilt trip that I'm not doing my part...which I'm not....so I feel like a child who's gonna get in trouble. Know what I mean? (KWIM?)
But I need this fill so I'm ready. 1:45 today (eastern time).
I will shout out, tho, that I bought a new pk of undies yesterday - A SIZE SMALLER than last time!! Took a chance that they would be fine, and they are! LOL Funny, I know, but I know you all KWIM! haha And today, I'm wearing a shirt that I have not worn for a couple years - too snug. Today, it fits nicely. Not baggy (which I don't want), but "nicely" = comfortable. Its one of my favorite shirts, so that's a plus.
I'm still walking 2m/day...but think its time to take it a little farther. So tonight I might aim for 2.5 or so, keeping the same pace. Time to ratchet-it-up a bit.
Anyway, LINDA, hide the scale!
LUCY - did you cut your hair??
MELISSA - How is your week going? Any more big social events to prepare for!?
MARIE - How's it going out your way??
ANYONE I'VE FORGOTTEN (please forgive me!) - WHAT CAN YOU SHARE THAT'LL HELP YOU, HELP US, or just need to VENT???
Have a good Thursday, girls. Here's hoping for better progress for all of us. MAKE GOOD CHOICES. It'll pay off, and that's what we want, RIGHT???
--K.

Has anyone else noticed how we all sound like "Weight Watchers" members? I am worst of all...worrying about my "weigh-in" - and here at home, I strip down to the skin to weigh. No sense adding insult to injury! ha...
If I let myself think about it, it can seem a bit depressing. This whole "diet" thing was really what I was trying to get away from...but its still a stone around my neck (or my waistline). I wanted to NOT be hungry (like I often was on WW, or any other diet)...I wanted to FEEL FULL after eating only a LITTLE bit...
NOW, I DO understand that this is not JUST about food itself. It IS about the whole thing - food, emotions, timing, social settings/situations, etc...I get all that. But right now, its more about the FOOD (for me) than anything else. I don't want to feel hungry. I don't want to feel unsatisfied w/ a smoothie, or 1c of food. I want to be comfortable and relaxed...something I NEVER was on any diet.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Where is your BRAIN in all this??
I wanted to find THE TOOL that would help me rely less on what I "felt" and more on the "truth" about my eating habits - both in food choices and the timing of making those choices.
Certainly, EVERYONE is going to eat more than their body needs, at times when they shouldn't eat, THINGS that are "bad" for them...it is never going to be a perfect, low-fat, low-carb, high-protein, plenty-of-water, no-sweets, kind of world...at least where I live. BUT I am learning what this all means. SLOWLY, I'm learning.
I just am already weary of worrying about it all all the time. Know what I mean? I mean, there's Melissa...who hosted a grand gathering and was worried about over-enjoying the wonderful food...I just think there's got to be more to all this than that worry. I'd love for you, Melissa, to have been able to enjoy exactly what you wanted, in a portion that was satisfying and to be able to NOT WORRY about what the scale will say this morning. That's what "I" signed up for...
So, sorry to be Debbie Downer today, girls....I'm just reflecting on this today thinking about what I expected and what I am feeling (both physically and emotionally/mentally).
I hope each of you are finding your rhythm with your band...please share your thoughts on this. It would really help me to know how you are processing the expectations with the realities...the joys and the disappointments...I KNOW that my walking every day is good - no doubt...but I just wonder how this band is REALLY helping me do more than just "DIET" - considering that's exactly what it feels like. That just means this has been THE MOST EXPENSIVE diet I've ever been on!! Ugh.
Here's hoping you find JOY in your Friday...enjoy what you eat today...naturally, be mindful of what your body SHOULD be saying and what your mind knows is right! I promise to do the same...oh, and DRINK YOUR WATER! (Linda! lol)
--Kim

Good Morning!!!
The scale was generous with me this weekend, and moved 5lbs. I noticed on Friday but I wanted to keep it off at least 3 days to call it a victory. And I fit in my old jeans size XL regular non plus size, yesterday I wore a pair of capris that still had the labels on, so I’m starting really positive this week.

Kim you just said exactly what I've been feeling since the start of the month!!!
I don’t want to think that this is a waste of money and the most expensive diet ever!!! But at times this is what I feel, this feeling of “I did not signed up for this”, I eat small portions my house is full of healthy and expensive foods, here in Mexico nothing is organic or light so the few things that I can find are way too expensive, I’m running around like crazy everyday, I’m going to zumba classes starting next week, but the friking scale does NOT MOVE!!!! I just want to throw it out of the window but I know I will go outside and pick it up lol
I was so excited with my progress but this month has been really hard, all the pressure, the stress, the non-eating, uuuuggg it’s driving me crazy, not because I’m hungry or I’m craving foods that I can not longer tolerate, but because of the f&%$ing scale!!!
Sorry I sound like a crazy person but I’m just exhausted and not losing weight is not helping yeah yeah I know it’s not only about the weight loss it’s more about being healthy yeah I KNOW THAT but I don’t wanna hear it today, I’m having one of those days and no I’m not PMSing LOL
OK enough with my frustration… Linda I carry mi 1Lt bottle of Water everywhere I go, it’s always with me and it help me drink from 3 to 4 Lts. a day, or you can buy those crystal light on the go packs.
Yesterday was a good day for Breakfast I have a 4oz. yogurt, for lunch “caldo de pollo” and for dinner a spinach salad w/cherry tomatoes and onions, I think my choices were good, what do you guys think? Today I started my day with a smoothie let’s see how it ends
Do you guys have FB pages this is mine if you want to Friend Me, just don’t mention my band LOL
http://www.facebook.com/lucia.a.alfaro
Lucía A. Juárez

Oh my goodness!!! I have had a rough couple of days. I am in the middle of my busy season at work and I have such little tolerance for everone! And I usually eat to manage the emotion of it all. I really need to focus and get back to the task of eating healthy. But it is a struggle. I hosted a big fundraiser at my house tonight and the food looked just fabulous!! But I stayed away. I am hoping the scale is good to me tomorrow. wish me well.
Melissa

I had a day like that Sunday. Our Country club (and it is a COUNTRY club) makes amazing cheeseburgers and I was craving one so my sweet hubby said he would go get it. When he got home I was like a kid in a candy store as I took a big bite I realized I couldn't eat it so off came the bun, ended up just eating the meat and cheese with ketchup but man was it good and I'm over it now.
I can't get enough Water down, any suggestions?

now all I'm thinking is going to McD's lol the worse thing is I don't even like it

New Dawn, you are right about the kids burger. Being we cant eat a lot at one time it is better than some choices I have made.

You know, not to encourage anyone to go to McDonalds but if you find yourself there a hamburger kids' meal is 365 calories. I am not encouraging it, but it would be the lesser of many evils there.

I am right there with you, Kim. I'm up 2lbs. Not sure what the deal is but I am just moving forward and making sure I drink lots of Water today. One bright point for me is that I have to wear a suit to work today because I have a legislative committee hearing (boring) but I am more than one size smaller so I have cute options of what to wear (exciting!).
I have been blending a chocolate Protein Shake with a half of a banana and tablespoon of powdered Peanut Butter. It is YUMMY. Lots of Protein and under 300 calories. And it fills me up!!!
Other than that- life is good.

Hi everyone!
I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one having problems with my "diet" this week, I'm still at 25 the scale hasn't move in 2 1/2 weeks but I know it's my fault, well at least for this week, I've been eating like there's no tomorrow lol in small portions but foods that I know I'm not allowed to eat.
I want to call my Dr. and ask for a fill, but some days I feel very restricted in what i can eat, maybe I just need to stick to my diet.
About the popcorn, I tried it and nope not an option for me, it gets stuck
I'm thinking of doing a liquid diet of 2 or 3 days to get back on the diet, maybe this will help and I don't have to get another fill, I have a 4 cc band and already have 2 cc in it, so I'm afraid that it will fill up and don't lose weight.
This past two weeks have been really chaotic, my husband found a job (thank God) so I had to send my daughter to preschool, she’s doing really well, but I’m running around like crazy all the time with all the new things that I have to do now, so I haven’t been able to go on my walks and I think that’s another reason why the scale is not moving.
Well I hope everyone have a great day and “just keep swimming” lol
Besos!!
Lucía

Kim - YES! I want to eat more from afternoon until I go to bed. Sometimes I do feel like I need a fill then other days like today I have restriction. Go figure!
About asking for a fill sooner, my dr. told me not to wait if I feel the need for one before appt. I get my 2nd one Oct. 31.

All is pretty good here in Washington. I am trying desperately hard to keep my calories under 1200. But that is just so hard. I did well at Breakfast and lunch but am famished tonight. I am hoping the scale is good to me tomorrow. Will let you know-

A so-so start day, girls.
As I was making my DS12's lunch this morning, I helped myself to a banana bar my DH made last weekend...along w/ a few little swipes of cream cheese frosting. Honestly, it went down like a lump. So, I think I'm done for the day!
I also had one of my Protein Shakes w/ milk, so I'm up about 38g of Protein (of my min 50!) already this morning!! Determined I will not eat chips from the bag today!
Going to do a little shopping w/ my DH...have a great day, everyone!
--Kim

POPCORN?????? I can have popcorn? Oh happy day!!

Kim - I love my popcorn, but last night I air-popped some, about 2 cups, I sure enjoyed it! I will be careful not to eat it everyday & not more than that.

Marie...I eat 'some' popcorn...only a few bites. Doesn't seem to give me any trouble...my youngest son is 8 - he is a popcorn HOUND (just like my dad!!)...I will have a couple handfuls from his bowl, but that's it. My philosophy: have SOME, just don't over do it. Works for me.
Lucy...girl, getting stressed will NOT be a good thing here. While I am NOT a doctor (don't play one on TV and didn't stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night!)...it seems like an awful lot of pressure for your Dr to be putting on you. Unless your band is REALLY restrictive, then this is akin to starving yourself.
Focus on eating RIGHT...STOPPING when you feel the hunger go away...that's what I've been doing. Then just GET AWAY from the table/kitchen. OF COURSE I could eat more - that's why I am where I am today - but you have to learn to HEAR what your tummy is telling you. Sounds kid'ish I know, but its what I have to tell myself. "You ARE full enough..." and remind me that I will eat again, something I like, and this is enough.
Do whatever it takes to get yourself talked into making those good decisions...I say DO THE RIGHT THINGS and the RIGHT THINGS WILL FOLLOW!! Of course its not easy - but none of us expected it would be.
If it were me, I'd be eating myself silly w/ that kind of pressure. We eat because we're stressed and we're stressed because we're eating. Foodies can't seem to get out of that cycle - until something SNAPS and we just do it.
NOW IS YOUR TIME. Do what you know to do...and if the scale doesn't move 15 more lbs in 3 week (that's a ton)...then Celebrate where it does move...because odds are, IT WILL MOVE DOWNWARD...and THAT, my dear, is worth celebrating - I don't care who ya'are!
Enough lecture for one morning!! We're behind you and hate to think any of us are worrying ourselves sick over this weight loss...IT WILL COME. Faster for some than for others...I'm trying to focus on the BIG PICTURE...that yes, this TOOL will work WITH ME, and the weight WILL come off. Its just not going to be overnight - nor should it be...I'm trying to be kind to me and my body. The faster it comes off, the less likely my skin will re-bound. And frankly, I'm pretty sure plastic surgery is NOT in my near future. I don't want to have to fold up 5 yards of sagging belly-droop...ugh. So, the slower and more gradual - the better!!
Hugs, Lucy!!
K.

Hi, I am new to this group. I had my surgery July 11, 2012. I have lost 34 lbs. I feel good. The real problem after surgery was weak & sick at my stomach. Other then that it wasnt bad at all. I had a hard time getting in enough Protein & Water. I am doing better with both. I was glad to read that other people have those days that they want to eat more then other days. I thought it was just me. I am really glad I found this group. Please keep me in your prayers & I will do the same.
Marie

Thank you so much!! Melissa & Kim-great job!!!

Melissa!! THAT IS AWESOME! What a great feeling, eh?? Oh my goodness. I'm right there with you...I "allowed" myself to step on the scale, fully prepared to see the same "207" and 1/10s... but it was 204.8!! YIPPEE!! So, if we round DOWN, I'm at 20, too!!
Wearing a pr of capris today that were off limits all summer long!! Now, they're not "loose" by any means (YET!), but comfortable. Its so great to SEE it, isn't it??
Linda, I'm praying for you, too...so now you've got two more "pray-ers" on your side! And I just know the Lord is at work!!
I echo Melissa...HAVE A GREAT DAY!
--Kim

Morning! I am so happy to report I an another pound down! That makes a solid 20. I had such a difficult first several weeks but the last two have gotten a little bit easier. The second fill seemed to be the ticket for me. I feel restriction and it is helpful as I try to stay around 1200 calories. I know sometimes I am going over but seems to be working for now. January 4th is our big family trip so I am hoping to get another 20 off before that time. Have a good day everyone. And Linda- I lifted you and your girls up in prayer this morning. Hope today is a good one for you all.
Best,
Melissa

Linda...HALLELUJAH, indeed!! This is great news! I'm sure you're right about the stress headache...it would affect me like that, too!!
So here's lookin' at you, kid!! :-)
You're on your way!!
--Kim

Had my flouroscopic xray today they found my port and were able to get the fill in. HALLALUAH!!! I have a major headache but that's probably from stress of the last few days. I have lost a couple more pounds so I feel like I'm on my way now