sallie2

sallie, you know how to do this. but when i get off track keeping a journal really helped me. the first time i did it i found where a lot of my calories were coming from and that was the Protein Drinks and what i mixed the Protein with. i just never gave the protein a thought. i was going through a 1/2 gal. of fat free milk every couple of days. lol so keep track and see where you might be picking up extra cal. and than walk walk walk. good luck

I work in a 10 story building with several different businesses on each floor. Today as I boarded the elevator to go up to the 9th floor a lady who I have never met (who works on the 2nd floor) said, "You have lost a lot of weight! Keep up the good work!" My coworker gave me a high five and I did a little victory dance the rest of the elevator ride. Great motivation going into the 10th month of this journey.

For as long as I can remember I have loved the skinny jeans and knee high boots look. This weekend I finally found a decent pair of skinny jeans and today I wore my knee high boots with them. I was so excited to be able to pull this look off!!

I am so happy I wore a dress yesterday. I have still got a long way to go but I am getting there.

It's been four years today since my surgery and I can't imagine where'd I'd be without it.
The changes, both physically and mentally, are hard to put into words. I suppose Euphoric would be the best description of how I feel...to know that I am never going back to where I was "back then".
As I was going on a short run before work this morning, I thought about so many of the fine folks on here that have helped/encouraged/motivated me. I could not possibly remember to name you all if I tried. But YOU helped me get to where I am today. The advice from this site CAN be incredibly helpful...because of the wide diversity of knowlege/experience covering many topics.
And for that, I offer my sincere Thanks.
For the newer folks starting out:
I often read on here, "I'm not losing fast enough, my weightloss has stalled, what am I doing wrong, etc". I've been through those emotions...many times. I have been frustrated, mad, upset, disappointed, ready to quit, etc...
My loss certainly hasn't set any speed records! I just did a quick math check. I've AVERAGED .65 pounds lost per week. Not much when you think about it in a week timeframe. Even less than "average". But then when you look at 1, 2, 3, 4 years...it really adds up!
These are some of my OPINIONS....maybe they will help someone.
I don't believe in the "starvation mode" for people with significant body fat...when I eat less calories, I lose more weight.
I do believe exercise (any type you choose) is critical to not only physical health, but mental well being.
I don't believe everyone wants or needs the same restriction level to be successful.
I do believe my band PREVENTS me from overeating now, and I like it that way.
I don't believe the band is a "set it and forget it" device.
I do believe regular, committed followup care, is just as important as the initial surgery.
And most importantly, I do believe YOU can be successful...Provided you NEVER, EVER give up!

Fourteen years after we took our engagement photos I was able to wear the dress again. I have been saving this size 9 dress because an ultimate goal was to be able to wear it again...it felt so amazing!!!

I got my approval today !!! I'm scheduled for surgery next Wednesday 9/25 !!! I'm beyond excited/nervous...it's time for a new and improved me :-)

144.3 final talley for August...Bring on September!

Challenge August_SummerChallenge.xls

Just got back today from our 9 night Caribbean Cruise...
This has not been our first since I was banded, but our 3rd...and all I can say is each time, including this cruise, the band has performed magnificently...!!
I do not count calories, nor do I measure portions...(have not for 2-1/2 years.....I do rely on the band, and being in the green zone to do that for me...and this vacation experience was no exception...
I ate what I wanted, when I wanted, all the time letting the band dictate the parameters....
and it was physically impossible to overeat!!! Even when I tried! Every night in the dining room, I left 1/2 the food on my plate, simply could not go on because the band sets my portion sizes....
One night, I forced the issue and went for that 2nd lobster tail even though the band said No More!....that was the first time in 2 years I came very close to getting stuck big time...started to slime, and had to excuse myself to go to the men's room, and I guess the walk there worked things out and I recovered....lesson learned....always listen to the band!!!! Don't force the issue or else.....
I was on vacation so I enjoyed myself (indulged) in my share of alcohol...a couple of Bloody Mary's a day, wine at dinner, and a few beers at the pool or when at the beach, (of course)...
The band is the band, is the band...whether I'm at home. on a cruise, at a party, whatever...,it does not change....
I still cannot eat Breakfast, so after my morning workout I had my usual Protein shake, then joined my Wife in the buffet for Breakfast where I had coffee and nibbled on a piece of toast....
There is, and always will be, certain foods I avoid no matter where I'm at...but I did snack here and there throughout the day...just not like the pig I used to be...plus I was never really hungry all day...just as it is where ever I am, 24/7....
Bottom line....I weighed myself today and I lost one pound...in other words, no difference given my normal fluctuations.......
I do know my body very well now, and I can definitely tell I am loaded with toxins and other junk from all that rich food and drink, so tomorrow I am going on a few days of strict food intake and extra time in the sauna to sweat out all these impurities.....and plenty of water!
I can only speak for myself, and not what other people experience...frankly what other people do and how they do it is none of my business...but without meaning to step on anyone's toes...I read posts everyday about people needing to "Getting back on track"
NO OFFENSE, but coming up on 3 years I still do not understand what that means with WLS....( I have my theories).... I have done everything possible to get "Off Track" and can not...the band never changes!! (short of a medical condition, knock on wood)....
I have been on many, many diets prior to WLS, and "Fell off the wagon" with all of them....so in that respect I can understand...but I find it very hard, if not impossible to beat the band, without major side effects that are not pleasant and one wants to avoid at all cost....
I was "Morbidly Obese" because I simply ate too much, and too often....the band took care of that...Simple as that! No secret formulas or hocus pocus ...
Again, what other people do is none of my business...I can only share my experiences....and everyone can share theirs....
Having this Surgery has truly changed the way I eat, and my lifestyle overall!!!

First of all I have to agree with your user name, Oregon does rock!! I was born in Portland! Is Dr. Patterson doing your surgery?? Oregon Weight Loss Surgery at Good Sam?? If so she is awesome! Good luck with your new journey!

Hello All,
I can honestly say that this forum helped me to make my decision to have Lap Band surgery in November. When I make a decision, it is always after A LOT of research. I appreciate everyone's honesty and support of others on this site. I just turned 45 and I am a happily married mother of two. I am also a 2nd grade teacher in Oregon. With the school year about to start, I have such a positive attitude. I have come to realize that it is because I have committed to surgery and I have HOPE for the first time in years. I am looking forward to this journey and sharing it with others

Well, for the last three weeks, I've been very upset because the scale hasn't been moving, but all of a sudden (this week) since Monday, I have lost 2 pounds. Finally, some results! Yippee! BTW I was banded on June 28th. Total loss now = 22 pounds.

August 15 marks 1 year since my band! 94 lbs down, hoping to hit the 100 mark by the anniversary, and 130 by my wedding in November! Best decision I've ever made!

My hands had to get my rings sized, should have it done again but I have chosen speed bumps so they don't spin on my finger. Other than that I haven't seen too much change.

Part of my post band regimine is taking actigall for 6 months...twice a day....they are HUGE pills....Doc says rapid wt loss can cause gall stones *smh* anyone else done this?

Name, real or screen~Sally
Goal weight for August 31st~222
Weight on August 1st~232
Age~54 City/State~Troutdale,OR
Dietary goal for August~protein and Water daily Exercise goal for August~Increase time at the gym by 15 minutes
Personal goal for August~celebrate all NSV.
Date banded~March 13, 2013
Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~30lbs
Favorite End of Summer Activity~make one last camping trip and another day at the beach.

Please keep updating us.
Wishing you the very best!

Had my first meeting with my surgeon today. I went in filled with research knowledge, plenty of questions and eager to continue checking all the boxes that will get me to my surgery day. When he shook my hand and said I am a good candidate ... oh the joy I felt! I guess I was afraid he was going to tell me there was something that would keep me from getting banded. Whew! I'm more excited today than I was when I received my letter of approval from the insurance. Can't wait to get on a great and successful path of losing!

Try Oregon Weight Loss Surgery in Portland, Dr Emma Patterson is said to be the best in the pacific northwest!

I agree. I can feel my port but all is well. I was banded on july 10th. I pat my port sometimes. I think we are bonding...lol

Just saw my surgery date ticker and turns out that today, July 19, happens to be 75 days since my surgery on May 6!
My highest weight ever was 357 and my weight the day of surgery was 350... today I am 296 meaning I have lost 61 lbs and broke into the 200s! (is that Twoderville, Twonderland, etc ??)
At 5'9, my goal weight for now is 200, which means I am 96 lbs away and have achieved 39% of my journey!
Now for the NSVs...
I have been Instagraming a lot (as many 21 year olds do nowadays)... I hadn't had any pics of myself on my Facebook in years.
A restaurant I hadn't been to in awhile has very tight booths - for once I wasn't touching the table at all.
I haven't been at this weight since I graduated high school in 2010.
My pants really don't fit! They actually were always too big for me (I guess my waist is just naturally smaller) so now it's kind of embarrassing pulling them up all the time so I gotta buy new ones.
Have a follow-up appointment on Monday so I am excited to share my progress there
and the biggest one coming up... tomorrow is my great-aunt's 100th birthday party where we are first having a pool party - majority of extended family hasn't seen me since Thanksgiving!
So much more left but I am so glad I did this... getting my happy back is so important. I don't want to lose focus by being too proud though.
Thanks all who have been so supportive and encouraging, especially in my "Miserable inside" thread back in May!
~Mark
P.S. Attached one of my Instagram photos so you can see haha.

LOL ok that made me literally laugh out loud!!
If it makes you feel any better, I had similar happen in the grocery store. I had my cell phone in my pocket and was wearing pants that were way too big. The phone was apparently weighing them downward. I guess I didn't feel it slipping but suddenly my sarcastic smartass daughter whispers "nice butt mom, wanna cover it now?" (yeah she's totally my daughter lol)
Congratulations!!

Here I am again... Not a pound down...but NSV went from a size 22 to 16. So something is changing. Weight should follow.

Congrats....that is wonderful. You are a great inspiration to me.

I had to come share my new NSV moment with you all because my husband doesn't get it. I have hit a bump in the road after tearing my meniscus and possible ACL in June. I am scheduled for an arthroscopy next month. My workouts have been cut WAY back to a recumbent bike only and I am only able to tolerate 20 minutes.
I have been maintaining my weight loss but have not lost anything since April. Today I went to Walmart looking for some shorts that fit and was able to fit into misses 18 shorts and get them buttoned!! Along with the shorts I was able to buy 2 sundresses in an XL which I don't think I have worn in over 12 years.
After feeling down the past couple of weeks this was a much needed pick-me-up. Thanks for letting me share. Doing the happy dance right now.