enjoythetime

CG, I'm a shorty too, 5'1.5" (gotta include that 1/2" when you're this close to the ground:-)) Fun size is the best size especially in 6" heels, now that I can walk in them without the heel breaking!!!:-) Have a gret day! dont compare......i am 5'1 and i am different from anyone else so comparing to me for example is worthless........i dont think my height makes a bit of difference..its on my profile already....helps people see my starting bmi of 62 or my beginning weight I think it would be nice to see a person't height in the profile section that shows up any time a person makes a post. It really makes a difference when you are comparing yourself to someone else. .....i prefer people notice that than if i am short sh*it or not put my in my 6 inch wedges and we gots us a party

I know you're wondering, what in the world is she talking about now. Let's admit it we've all been there, those moments when we just don't think we can make it, we start doubting our abilities and strengths, we make a "mistake" and beat ourselves up over and over again and then feed ourselves to "make us feel better", then we start blaming the band, it isn't working for me, I don't understand why. Really, what ever happened to self-accountability? It's all about how we CHOOSE to deal with our feelings, so dry your eyes, dust youself off, hold your head up high and get back to what you KNOW you should be doing, and we ALL KNOW what we should be doing, it's never too late to start fresh. Some people are saying it's easier said then done but really it's not, if you allow yourself to waller in self pitty then yeah expect to be down and out with no positive results, but if you look in the mirror and say I'm worth it, I've had enough , I'm done, I've got the tool I need to succeed and I'm going to use it then you will succeed. It's all about perspective. Negativity never blooms positivity, so move over spring showers May is budding new flowers.:-)

Nah, don't let yourself get caught up in comparing yourself with anyone else. Everyone's journey is different you can be the exact same age, height and weight etc and the end result and how each person gets there will be completely different because we're all individuals:)

Oh yes, the chips and dip weakness, I can totally identify! This is one of my biggest weaknesses along with ice cream. I agree with TMF, I just simply won't buy them because I know if I do I will eat them. If I do think I need something, because we all have those times when we just can't fight it any longer, I will try to find a healthy alternative, so for me I found the Special K Cracker Chips, bag is 110 cal and 22g of carbs for the WHOLE bag and I find I can only eat 1/2 how sweet is that or I will make zuccini chips and dip them in Okios Greek Yogurt dip, which is very good and good for you. For my ice cream fix, I will either drive to Yogurtini, 110 cal for 4oz and it has Protein, I will add a few toppings but try to be conservative, or I will run to the store and buy some Skinny Cow cones (devine:-)) Don't get me wrong I'm not saying I don't have chips and salsa when I go for mexican or that I won't have a small slice of cake at a party etc., but I know the way it makes me feel afterwards which is terrible and guilty so I would just rather pass:-)

Chasingadream, You're so on point with everything you said! Everyone finds theirselves in a "rut" at some time or another but it's how we dig ourselves out that counts and with an attitude like yours. you WILL BEAT IT, you already have sporting your new skinny clothes and shoes (I found it odd that my feet shrank too:-)) I guess it's not so odd afterall and 92lbs GONE NEVER TO RETURN! You should be very proud of your accomplishments, you're doing great. This is going to sound strange but one of the things I find helps with that REALLY BAD head hunger is about 2Tlb of apple cidar vinegar followed by 8oz of Water. It helps you release water weight and for whatever reason makes you feel full and trust me nothing taste worse after some apple cider vinegar than chocolate;)

Yay Cindi!! Welcome to banded life girl! It DOES get better trust me. I used Gas-X Strips and even though it isn't from abdominal gas it still seemed to help me. It 's worth a try. Yes, the heating pad was my best friend and walk walk walk. Everyone is different but i started to noice it subside by day 4. Hang in there!!!

People just don't understand!! I was one of those people who said I would NEVER have WLS because it was the "easy way out" boy oh boy was that one of the biggest misconceptions I've ever had. This is by no way shape or form the easy way out!!! You put her in her place real quick, good for you for standing up for what you've done, believe in and what obviously works! I'm sure this will make her think twice next time before going there:-) Great job!

Thank you!! You go girl! I LOVE this, this is the kind of NSV that makes it ALL worth it!!! You're rocking it!!!

Not sure about Cali but it's close to what you need in MO:-) I think it was right around that area, but can't remember if that includes anethisia....but who needs that any way, it's soooo over-rated...haha. Good luck to you, I hope you find what you're looking for!

This is a topic that has been discussed a lot lately. I'm also weighing my options and spoke with my surgeon regarding referrals etc. He told me once I was within 20lbs of my goal weight I should start setting up consultations. I went to a couple but honestly I want to wait it out for a while and just enjoy what I've worked hard for before making a decision. I would encourage you to wait until you're within that 20lbs of your goal weight. If not then excess skin will reoccur and your results won't be optimal! Good luck to you!

Yes ma'am you WILL!!! Look at you already down 17lbs! This is phenominal!! Work it girl:-) HAHA!!!

I'm terribly sorry to hear of your loss, I just can't imagine what you've been through but you're one tough lady!!! All I can say is that fear either drives you or it rules you and for you sweetie it's driving you right back to where you want and need to be. Good for you!!! You should be very proud of yourself!!

So I'm totally pumped, the sun is shining, it's 86 degrees here today and just absolutely beautiful (too bad I'm at work;)). While I was getting ready this morning it almost felt like a special day you know a day that you've been waiting for, anticipating for some time because something good is planned or special is going on, so I was thinking humm what is so special about today? It's not my Birthday, it's not Mother's Day, there's no work parties, it's not the weekend........ IT'S LIFE AND LIFE IS GREAAAT!! I hope it's ok but I want to share some NSV's with everyone that really didn't occur to me until this morning. I got in the car today and for the first time realized how much room there was between me and the steering wheel. Yep before I had this surgery when I was driving the steering wheel would actually rub against my stomach when I turned now there's a good 18-24 inches between my stomach and the steering wheel. I spent hours, and I mean hours doing hard manual yard work on Saturday and Sunday, fully expecting to be completely imobile come Monday, with much to my suprise I woke up and nothing, no pain, no stifness, no feeling like I'd been runover by an 18-wheeler. It felt awesome, my yard doesn't look half bad either:-)!!!! Summer. Yes, I said it summer, swimsuits, pools, lakes, tubing you name it anything to do with Water activities I'm in and I can't wait. Even when I was large I still participated, not gracefully or unembarrased but I still did them. This year I'm so excited because there is NO hestitaton NO feeling self concious; looking around before I do something to make sure no one is watching in case I make a fool out of myself ( I will still make a fool of myself because I'll never be graceful:)) but now I won't give two SH****!!! I've already purchased 2 swimsuits and I'm all ready to gooooo!! I was telling my husband I can't remember the last time I was a normal weight during the summer time. It's such a stress lifted and I feel like now I can finally FULLY enjoy every ounce of summer fun, my favorite time of the year and I just can't wait! Everyday I wake up and I'm just so thankful for the decision I made to have this band! Life has always been good, I've been blessed with many things in my life, a wonderful husband and two beautiful children, first and foremost but now I just have this whole new perception of life. I wake up and everyday is almost like a new adventure. I 'm still finding things out about myself and my surroundings that I never noticed before, so exciting! So yes, this is all for my sunshine and roses speech for today but I would like for everyone who reads this to post something(s) that maybe you just noticed about yourself that has changed or you're looking forward to now that you have a new leash on life:-) I can't wait to hear everyone's!!!!!

Yes! Protein is a huge part of our new way of life as banders! My Dr. recommends 60-80g of protien per day and 1200 cal per day. Of course consult your Dr. about this first before changing anything, he/she may have a different opinion based on your personal needs. As far as the protein shakes go, I haven't had one since the post-op stage. I get my protein by consuming lean meat, cheeses, yougurt, etc. Great job on the 4lbs, this is awesome!

LMAO...yep balance coming from someone who can't walk and chew gum at the same time;) Have fun!!

Great job on doing something for YOU! You will be successful no doubt about it. Keep up the great work!

This looks cool! A mini eliptical for a mini you:-) How in the heck do those ladies stay on there with nothing to hang on to???? I'm so cluptsy I would fall and break my neck if I tried that:-) Have fun with this!

Oops sorry Betty!!! Kale chips dooo dish I've not heard of these!!!

Lmao!!! Yes of course!!! Yummy crunchy dippy goodness that's actually good for you. Whoda thunk it;) LOVE IT!!

This is completely normal, not pleasant but normal. The swelling is going down or gone at this point and therefore the band is just setting there; so until you are able to start getting some Fluid in it and find the right restriction this phase is known as Bandster Hell. Follow your Dr's instructions to the T and eat the recommended amount given to you. You will get through it but you need to keep your mind and body busy with something to distract you from eating. Eat your Protein first, then your veggies, then your starch serving; in that order. When an hour passes and you can have something to drink this tends to help fill you up a little. Unfortunately this phase sucks but you will get through it just remember why you chose to have this surgery in the first place, find your motivation and stay positive. You can totally do this!!!!

Oven Baked Zuccini chips yummo:-) Thinly Slice zuccini with a mandalin or if you're good like that with a knife:-) Lay betwee two paper towels and press the moisture out. Brush weach with EVOO and season with salt, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne or whatever seasoning you like. Bake at 225 degrees. The recipie I used said for 2 hours BUT that was waaay too long so keep an eye on them I would say 30-45 min. or until crispy and golden brown. OR if you really feel ambitious you can do the same but dip them in 2 egg whites, 1/4 c fresh parm cheese season to taste and bake at 450 for 14 min. flipping 1/2 way. I haven't tried this one yet but it sounds good and adds some Protein while eliminating the need for EVOO.

Huh....never heard of this before. I've heard of ketosis while I was doing Atkins years ago. Very Interesting.

Thanks for the heads up so I can program the DVR!!!!!!

I'm right there with you......you know what I'm thinking about???? POOLS, SUN, LAKE, BOATS, SWIMSUITS!!! Yeah baby bring it on, I'm ready:-)