JudiM

Heck.....I'm just going to dance!!! Congrats to you!! That is great! California---here you come!!!

LOL!!! Hey....I never thought of doing that! My "flap" admission.....it's where I tuck my napkin at dinner so it doesn't fall off my lap. Do I really want to lose that????????

Hi all.... I've had excellent restriction since my early March appt. And, since we are going on our cruise in May, the dr did not want to do a fill until we get back. At the moment, I am munching on a Panera small ceasar salad.....probably ate 3 forkfuls so far and I am full! I may let it sit there for a few minutes. I've become so wasteful lately. It is terribly embarrassing. Last night when I mentioned that to my DD, she said "better wasteful than waistful....get it?" Yes, I know...bright girl!!! LOL!!! Anyway....even with good restriction, my weightloss is slow. I've picked up the walking and moved it to the morning....doing it 5:30-6:30 am. Still doing the curcuit training at the gym 2 nights a week and trading off and on with the bike & walking machine one night a week. So, hope that helps. Can anyone help me with what I could possibly do with my food intake to move things along quicker.....here's my food diary from Wed & Thurs: Wednesday April 9, 2008 (drink Special K Protein powder--5 grams--added to my Water all day) 7 am--Chai Latte--Fat Free 9:30 am--1 slice Activa cheese 12:30 pm--1 rice cake, 2 spoonfuls lemon pepper tuna, 1 slice FF cheddar cheese 1 small container Y+ yogurt 3:30 pm--3 orange sections, handful almonds 5:30--Chai latte--Fat Free 7:30--Pot Roast Nacho (small amount of pulverized potroast, cheddar cheese & pinapple salsa on 4 multi-grain tortilla chips--under broiler) 9:00--Child's size portion of DQ vanilla soft serve Thursday April 10, 2008 (drink Special K protein powder--5 grams--added to my water all day) 7 am--Chai Latte--Fat Free 9:30 am--1 slice Activa Cheese 12:30--1/2 Salmon pattie (~3oz), small container Y+ yogurt 3:00--3 orange sections, handful of almonds 6:00--Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup, 1/2 bag Panera potatoe chips 9:30--Fat Free Chai latte Boy....after I pasted that in there, I realized how boring my days sound!!! Anyway.....any help would be so appreciated. Thanks for keeping this thread alive!! Judi

Wow! Everyone is having some wonderful changes in their life! Makes me wonder if there's a tie between these changes and our lapbands. I mean.....look at me.....I'm going on a cruise (if I can work out the kinks with my passport!). Yeah, I know....my cruise pales in comparision to a big location and job change. But...it's BIG for me! Anyway, this idea about big weight losses and making life changes would be a wonderful PhD research project.....if, of course, I was going to get a PhD. LOL!!! My head has been sooo in the PhD mode lately.....going through the whole process with my son....he has to get his final decision in by April 15.....oooooh...we're soooo close...the stress is incredible right now...for all of us!!! But, he won't be taking on any research like that (he's in Human-Computer Interaction) !!! So, it's up for grabs if anyone needs a PhD research topic.......LOL!!! Good Luck Pizzica!!!

Wow....congrats! I didn't know you were getting married! Did you elope? How wild! Great wedding attire! The best part of the whole look.....your beaming smiles! You both look soooo happy. That's the best wedding attire of all! Be forever happy, Judi

Not an impossible situation but definitely a tough one. We've all developed and perfected the "codependency skills", eating habits and certain lifestyles over a period of many years!!!! :wink_smile: So, they are not going to go away quietly---so to speak. I've found myself in similiar situations so many times. Certain people and triggers do it to me. No matter how much I know it and see it and understand it.....I find myself crippled by the "learned behavior" that is as much a part of me as my left arm!!! And, even when we are confronted with evidence, ....such as you seeing your sister's struggle to do simple tasks due to her weight....we fall into old behaviors. Clearly, your sister is close to you....a part of your life forever and as far back as you can remember. So, you compartmentalize when it comes to her. Same as the rest of us.....we separate the behavior from the person in many instances....especially with family. We may learn and grow from it but many times we are held hostage by it. Geez.....I make it sound so hopeless...don't I? Well, have no fear.....I'm just giving you my $1 analysis of WHY we do what we do!!! Now...for the optimism...... ! First of all....you really didn't do so bad with your eating in that situation. What's done is done....and it wasn't so bad. And, you exercised. Right? Well, there you go! A whole new way of behaving that you probably never did before. Think back......did you exercise? And, if you did....did you increase it when you knew you may have taken in a few extra calories? Therein lies a bonus behavior! In each aspect of my life--personal and professional---I subscribe to the belief that once you've made a mistake, it's history. You can't fix it. So, no bother wasting the time trying. What the most important thing is what you do AFTER that mistake. My children, my staff, my family and my friends are probably soooo tired of hearing me say that. But, I found out the hard way.....like MOST pieces of wisdom. So many times I made mistakes that I then spent hours or days or even years trying to run away from or undo. And, it got me nowhere. If, at the time of the mistake, I would have acknowledged it and then moved on from there in a positive and healing way....it would have been behind me much, much sooner. But, I didn't. It's really the same way with food. All those years of eating and eating and saying "well, I am already overweight...what's the use?" and then move on to the next eating fest! Did I ever stop and really acknowledge that it was my attitude my way of handling just one moment that got me into the mess? No, I just said.....I was bad so I will continue to be bad. So, anyway....that's my long way of saying.....don't beat yourself up. Learn new behaviors and try them out.....whether it's exercising or channeling your sister's attentions elsewhere...not to food. Maybe spending time with her that you purposefully make food-free. And, perhaps doing her a favor in the long run. Or, maybe inviting her to walk around the block with you.....now there's a thought!!!! Good luck!!! I'm off my soapbox now!!!! LOL!!!!

Just got caught up! Wow....what a dazzling group we have all become! Not that we weren't sparkling before. But.......whoa! There's a radiance and brilliance that is emerging that can't be denied!! Okay....I am going to have to get my camera out.....! Please....take a bow everyone! Gosh, and I think back to our first days........! OMG!!!! We have to have a party!!! Judi

Good Luck Tracey! My cousin is having his Lapband done by Dr. Marley. I hear great things about him!!! Good Luck!! This is the best thing you've ever done for yourself!!! Judi

Welcome to another Pennsylvanian! Don't listen to anyone but yourself and your doctor. The Lapband is the best thing that I ever did for myself. I refused to listen to naysayers. It was tough but I was determined!!! You are young and you have a long life ahead of you.....make the most of it!!!!! Judi

Wow....thanks all for visiting my blog! You have me red faced here!!! This REALLLLY is a beautiful, caring, supportive and talented group!! My welcome mat is always out!!!

How did I miss this one? Okay..... JudiM---62 lbs from surgery date!

Thank You Becky! And, thank you so much for staying up with my blog!! And, I do appreciate it when people tell me they read it. When I see the # of people who do, I often wonder who they are and if something I said may have touched them or helped them at all. I really love doing my blog. Every once in awhile, I get a little braver and share deeper things....such as that particular piece. And, it seems like when I do that, people do respond---which should not surprise me since writing from the heart is really the best writing!!! Thanks again!!! Judi

Hi....I like the idea of choosing a size instead of a weight. I'm a real clothes/fashion person so that really "fits" me! HA!HA! I'm completely comfortable with size 12 at this stage of my life. Funny thing.....I remember when size 14 was a death sentence! These days size 14 is cause for major celebration!!! But, sizes are just so off anymore---IMHO. Regardless, the idea of picking a size instead of a weight is what I am going to focus on!!!! I can't believe I didn't really think of that.....LOL!! Thanks for the idea! Since I've been every size from 8-24 in the past 10 years, I do know what sizes look/feel like....more than I know what a certain weight looks like. I've been poking around doing a little shopping lately and find that some designers really have increased the sizes over the years and there's alot of inconsistency in sizes. For instance....today I have a pair of black Avenue size 16 dress pants on. I am swimming in them....don't even need to unzip them to get them off!!! But, over the weekend, I tried on size 16 cropped pants at Coldwater Creek that did not even come close to buttoning or zipping up!!! But....to answer the question of how I chose a goal weight of 135......I just picked a weight that was 100 lbs from the weight I started at. Coincidentally, I weighed in at 138 on my 40th birthday.....I had lost about 80 lbs at that point under a dr's care taking meds and a high Protein diet. So, I knew that I liked that weight and looked pretty good at that weight. But, as time moves on, I may adjust my weight goal.....not sure. This is an interesting discussion......as they all are with my Crazy Ate bandmates!!! Judi

Thanks Bandmates! Yes, that's what I needed......a kick in the butt, a shot in the arm, a rally cap and a that-a-girl! Everything you are all saying is what I already know but need to hear it again and again and again!!! I had a sneaky suspicion that the secret to most people's success is EXERCISE!!!! You see, I hate it. Now, don't get me wrong.....I do it. I go to the gym 3 times a week and go through the circuit training program that my trainer put together for me. Due to my distaste for it, I never really upped the workout like I should have. It's still challenging. Although any type of workout would be challenging for me since #1--I hate it and #2--I spent 8 solid years as a champion couch potato!!! Now that the weather is inching towards getting nicer, I want to add walking to my regimen. I just need to figure out how to wedge it into my day. Age old problem---too much to do and too little time to do it. Yes, excuses, excuses!!! As for my food intake---I'm actually pretty good about that. My diet consists of a good balance of foods and reasonable portions. I'm proud of how food has almost become a non-issue with me. I eat to live not LIVE to eat....what a turn around that is!!!! Don't get me wrong....I really do enjoy food and I have some favorites for sure. But, eating is not the major obsession that it had become! Of course---I have the standard excuse----I'm pretty sure that my metabolism is sluggish.....always has been. I probably need to up my thyroid meds at some point. Thanks all for reminding me what I need to be thinking and doing. That's exactly why I posted!!!! All of your successes are so inspirational. Believe me, I am sooooo grateful for my own weightloss. It's a huge thing in my life. And, I'm really do not worship the scale. But.....sometimes, when I need a little reminder of how far I've come and far I have to go.....that scale is the barometer that I turn to. And, I will admit, going on this cruise is really a huge thing for me. It's not just the bathing suit thing....although that goes along with it. It's so much more. It's the first time in a very long time that I agreed to actually go away on this type of trip with my husband. It has been an ongoing source of problems for us for several years. It's been the "elephant in the room" so to speak. Even though I had every excuse in the book, I always knew it was my weight that kept me from the trips, the dinners, the events, etc. Please forgive me and tolerate me if I'm getting completely unglued over things that I normally wouldn't----this is very, very emotional for me. So, I am not surprised I'm getting a little crazed by it all!!! I'll be writing more about it in my blog. Anyway.....you all gave me wonderful stuff!!! Please forgive me and try to tolerate me if I act a little wacked out about things I normally wouldn't.....Thanks!!!! Onward bandmates!!!!!

Hi all Crazy Ates Bandmates!!!! Congrats to all of us! Not only for coming this far but for staying with this group and being such wonderful supporters to each other. Everyone here is just wonderful!!! Thanks!!!! It's hard to imagine that I have lived as a banded person for going on 8 months!!!! I really could not have done this without this group!! Sooooo.... Yesterday I had a dr appt and "we" decided not to get a fill. And, since I am going on a cruise in May, she said she would not fill me until after that.....June 3. She said that would be the safest course. I currently have 2 cc's in a 4 cc band. I just hope that's enough to get me through until then!!! Right now, I'm not overly hungry, I am not eating a ton of food and I'm pretty sure my fill is okay. I do not feel deprived and I'm living my life without constant thoughts of food, eating, needing to loose weight, etc. That is what we want! Right? My weight loss has been 62 lbs since my surgery date.....averaging out to 7.75 lbs per month. I wish it were more! Now that I'm heading into bathing suit season (going to Bermuda in 2 months!!!), I really want more weight OFF!!! LOL!!! Trust me, I am not complaining......I'm positive I could have gained at least 1/2 of that 62 lbs if I didn't have the band!!! I was headed in THAT direction. But, I'm getting anxious now that I know I'm heading into warmer weather, vacations and lighter clothes. And, I have finally figured out that on the path I am on, I will not loose 100 lbs by my bandiversary. Is that okay? It will have to be, I guess!!! So....am I a slow looser? I voiced this concern to my dr and she said that I am exactly where I should be. Hmmmm. And, then I come here and see such higher losses. I'm doing exactly what I would advise people NOT to do....judging my sucess by the success of others!!! Shame on me!!! But, honestly, for those of you who have really LOST at a much higher rate.....what did/are you do/doing that you believe is/was the secret to your success???? All I want is to loose 10 lbs a month instead of 7.75!!!! Thanks for hearing me out! I'm just crazed with the idea that I have to go out and buy a few bathing suits!!!!! Judi

Hi all...... I'm having a debate with myself....... I have an appt this afternoon and I'm not sure if I should get a fill or not. I was banded in August and have had a slow steady, loss. My last fill was in mid-February. At this point....I feel like I could go either way. What would be the hard questions I should ask myself to help me decide? Thanks! Judi

Texas Becky...... Thanks for the info on Lands' End. I'll have to check them out! As for any bathing suits with sleeves? I don't think so. How about a knock-out cover-up????????

No, I'm not going to a topless beach! We're headed to Bermuda in May. Yikes. And, I thought I had until our annual beach vacation before I had to start the whole bathing suit try on misery. During my time off being sick, I pulled out a ton of my old bathing suits. Considering that I only wore them one season (before I grew out of them!), they aren't "old" in terms of wear. They are practically all brand new. So, here's the thing.....the last time I wore the size I am in now was about 8 years ago. Since that time.....yep.....my body not only gained and lost and gained and lost about 500 lbs, it's also aged. So, put that all together and it's not a pretty sight. All of my available bathings suits are the 2 piece type....not bikini's. The tops look fine but the bottoms.....oh no! No more hi-cut legs for me. So, what I need is at least one black skirted bathing suit bottom with major suction. MAJOR suction. Then, I can just alternate bathing suit tops for different looks. It would be wonderful if Spanx made one because that's what I need. Anyway.....does anyone have any suggestions on where to find just the bathing suit bottoms like I am looking for? I don't mind spending a little extra on them but I'm not having any luck. Also.....has anyone ever worn their Spanx under a bathing suit? I just thought of that......! Thanks all!!!! Judi

Actually, I haven't been here because I've been sick! Went to the dr's today and no wonder I feel so lousy.....2 ear infections, sinus infection and bronchial infection. Back to the couch.....

Hi all...... Everyday I include the following throughout the day: -Chai Latte (Non Fat)--if I have it in the morning, I include vanilla Protein powder. But, I too have a Starbuck's habit.....I have at least 4 Vente Non-fat Chai Latte's a week from there -2 Kellogg's Special K Iced Tea Protein Water Mix (mix it in my water)--sip throughout the day (adds 10 grams of protein) -2 Yoplait Plus Yogurts Here's todays menu Breakfast: 2 Oz of 50% Reduced Fat Cabot cheese Fuze Slenderize fruit juice Snack: Yoplait Yogurt 10 almonds Lunch: Scoop of tuna salad FF Jello chocolate pudding Snack: South Beach High Protein Cereal bar Dinner: Tossed Salad with Salmon & Feta Snack: Yoplait yogurt I do try to vary my menus so I can't give an exact day-to-day menu. But, I try to get in "normal" foods that my family is eating. Judi

Texas Becky.....OMG!!! Gorgeous!!!! Congrats to you! You look fantastic. But, I have to tell you.....even in your "before" pix...you are strikingly beautiful! Your smile....before and after....has not changed one bit!!!! Fantastic job!!!

Speaking of this "it's not a magic bullet, it's a tool" line......I just wanted to note that sometimes I don't think we GET that right away. I mean, we HEAR it, we think we know what that means but I don't think we really GET it. My cousin's husband (who lives in another part of the state) is considering getting the surgery. So, she called me the other night to get some info on it. She mentioned that same line to me.....she said the doctor told her husband that. It must be the standard LapBand one-liner....lol!!! Afterwards, it occurred to me that I am just NOW getting it. It goes along with eating normal food---just less of it. Even after reading this forum religiously for months and hearing it all and listening to people's stories and having everyone say it to me--this part of it really did not sink in to the point that I practiced it. I thought I understood it. I would repeat it to other people. But, I wasn't living it. I guess I thought I was living it. Anyway.....now I am like WOWWWWEEEEE.....I need to spread the word and save every Lapbander by telling my story. I'm filled with the message.....!!! But, then I think about my experience....I didn't get it!!!! Perhaps I'm just thick headed!!! The truth of the matter is.....it's a tool, not a magic bullet. There, I said it and now I know what I'm talking about!!! Like I said....I am a slow learner!!!

You are welcome Pizzicato66! Yes, it is sooo wonderful that we REALLY can eat anything.....just LESS OF IT. Whoever invented this Lapband was a genius!!! You know, I feel sooo silly that I am so ga-ga over this revelation when it shouldn't be a revelation at all! I should have just KNOWN this! And, it's so wild how I have conditioned everyone.....and I mean everyone....into thinking that I can't eat "regular" food. Yesterday, our Admin in the office was planning a luncheon for this coming Friday. She came into my office and said that our boss asked her to check with me to see what I can eat these days! When I told her that I was fine with anything, she figured I was just being my agreeble self so she said "okay, I'll be sure there's soup there!" When I told her that she didn't need to do that , she laughed "what, did you get rid of that band of yours?" Too funny!!! Judi

Wow Jody....Thanks so much for reading my blog and for telling me that you enjoy it! Honestly, I just love doing it. Today (I took the day off) and this weekend, I'm on a bit of a hiatus from writing it. We're doing a dining room re-do that has had our entire house in a pig-pen state since after the holidays. I'm loosing my mind over it. And, because I love doing my blog so much, I can spend hours on it. And I do!!! So, in order to focus myself on all of this house stuff, I have to forgo blogging for a few days. I promised myself that I would! I am one of those people who can become consumed with things!!!! So, I'm "trying" to get consumed with housework (I've been taking multiple internet breaks but I haven't touched my blog....). It's not going all that quickly, though!!!! Oh well...at least I haven't been eating like a crazy woman!!! Again, thanks for reading my blog and for letting me know you enjoy it. Even though I write it for me.....who am I kidding? I love it when people read it and tell me they enjoy it!!!! Keep up your good work!!! Judi

Thanks Becky for reading my blog! I always love to know who reads it! As for my neighbor.....well...it's winter....so I don't see her as much. Come summer...she'll be sunning herself, gardening, mowing the lawn and just hanging out in that darn bikini or hers!!! My only revenge these past 5 years (that I've lived here) is that my garden definitely beats hers any day!!! But.....this year....I might just have to wear some shorts......!!!! Thanks for sharing your experiences about living and eating with your band. Yes, it's taken me awhile to get to this point. Better late than never!!! Judi