PuraVida37

WOW!!! I am SO impressed!!! You're doing awesome!!! 31 is an AWESOME time for regular runners, but considering your story, that's like a gold medal!!! I'm so happy for you!!! Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!

I regret waiting on asking help for weight loss. I regret not putting me first on my list of priorities over work. I do regret not following the 1/4c rule more in the beginning. It's taken me longer to realize that the band shouldn't be your "stop" it should be your "let's see how little we can eat and get away with it!". I regret not doing this sooner. My mom passed away 2 years ago--I would have liked to see her see me so happy.

Could be anything, but better safe than sorry. Go see your doc.

@@NewMeDebbie @@intelirish @@5.0junkie @@arch002 @@princesstuiaki @@chasingadream @@Amy Carter @@GeorgiaRN @@jamilyne 102668 and anyone I may have missed. Hi guys!! We are approaching our "Surgiversary" soon!! How are we doing?!!! I am at or *so close* to many goals!! My primary goal was running a 5K without stopping. I did it last weekend!!! It was awesome! Next, I'm shopping in non-plus size stores now. I'm a 14W/16/XL down from a 26-28. And as of this morning, I'm 9 lbs away from Onederland!!!! Other goals were getting off Metformin (that happened long ago), getting my periods normalized (check!), and becoming active (check, check!). So many awesome things. I can't wait to check in with my doc for my 1 year appt. I hope he's gonna be proud of me! Although I haven't had a fill recently, things feel different and I feel like I might be in the green zone--or at least close. I'm losing pretty well now that school started again, and I'm not hungry all the time. I have been relying on shakes a lot because they're handy and I'm kind of lazy to cook a lot. LOL I'm definitely learning what 1/4 to 1/2 cup feels like to eat. There were times that i really over did it. I hope I didn't stretch my stomach, but i'm actively trying to shrink it again in case I did. CHECK IN!!! I hope you're all doing well and feeling good!!!

Thanks everyone! @Bandista I got to kayak on a lake this summer. It was great! I was a little scared too, but I did it! In the past, I would have been too scared and never even thought of it. I'm sick of feeling scared. The band is helping me be braver. This summer I jet skied, kayaked, jumped off the diving board at the public pool (almost chickened out, but people cheered me on!), and did a bunch of 5Ks. I even broke up a fight while I was out jogging!! If you only live once, well then I'm gonna make the most of it and go out with a bang!! #YOLO

@@Sparklingbeauty53 How are you doing with your goal? I did several 5Ks this summer, starting with walking and running, and finally today I completed my first all run 5K! It was tough, and I have been training for over a year. I loved the couch to 5K program after I struggled through the first few weeks. I'm glad you like your Old Navy bra. It's so hard to find a good one! I like Enell bras because they really suck in the girls and keep them from moving. Please report to us how you're doing and once your 5K is done, too! Keep up the good work!!

The only times I regret getting this surgery is when I can't binge anymore... that tells me I did the right thing, because it's the whole reason I got it in the first place. If I had that constant accountability on my own, I'd be ok. But I don't. Only you can decide if it's right for you. Congratulations on your weight loss--you're doing awesome! I'm sure you'll be great no matter what you decide!! PS I think you're asking a biased audience. We've all had surgery already. You need to balance out your questioning to those who decided not to get it ultimately.

Yeah, part of me just finds it so bizarre to say I run...after so many years of being a lump on my couch! Look what we can do!!

When I was banded just under a year ago, I didn't really pick a weight goal. That didn't hold any interest for me. Instead I picked a physical challenge goal: running a 5k. I did it today!!! I RAN THE WHOLE THING WITHOUT STOPPING!!! I had my best time too!!! It's only going to get better from here!! My next goals are: --making it to 100lbs loss (soon, I think!! Only 10 lbs to go) --finishing a 5k in less than 40min (today's was 42) --doing a headstand (IDK why, it just seems cool?) --getting to size L (I'm XL now) A friend invited me to do a mini-triathalon with her next April. I think I just might do it!!!!

I got this one for my 5k next weekend. In pink!

Could you describe the pain in detail so we can educate ourselves? thx! Glad everyone is feeling better now.

In a perfect world, I would win the lotto and be able to quit my job as a teacher. Then I would split my time between volunteering, traveling, and learning to make art. I would also speak up for myself more--be a little less PC all the time. I'm learning that though, through increased confidence.

You carry protein bars and blender bottles in your purse.

My husband was NOT supportive at first, but I didn't care. It's MY body, and it was time to do something about my weight. As I lost the first 30 lbs before surgery, he really started to understand that this was important. He also started cutting carbs and lost along with me. During surgery we was supportive and now that I've lost almost 90 lbs, he really appreciates my new body. We exercise together sometimes and in the bedroom dept he's happier than ever. Me too! In the beginning he mourned the loss of us eating out all the time. It was something we did as a couple. But now we have other things. In the end, I think WLS will either break you apart or bring you closer together. I was scared of the first, but we made it through!

@CarmenLeAn Time to go see your doctor. Better safe than sorry. @@planningband07 I am shocked that your doctor is allowing you any kind of bread or carbs at one week in. It was 6 months til I even attempted bread! I fear that you are going to damage your body by eating those foods, even in tiny quantities. Please be careful. I'm sure you will.

I got a Nutri Ninja blender at Bed, Bath & Beyond (yes, use that 20% off coupon!) and now I add ice to all of them. It's like a milkshake!!! Occasionally I'll add natural Peanut Butter too, which makes it heartier. Try lots of different brands (google search, then ask the companies for samples), and you'l find your favorite. I always go back to my doc prescribed Bariatric Advantage chocolate. Ooh, and I use skim milk every time, not Water.

You wake up early and all you can think of to do with your extra times is go running. (I still can't believe I'm doing that!!)

My NSV!! for the first time ever, today when I went shopping at Kohl's, I didn't have to set foot in the plus size section!! WOOO HOOO XL things actually fit. Happy dance! One step closer to my goal of medium!

@@pink dahlia One meal at a time...you can improve when you get home!

I have always hated shopping for clothes. I always tend to grab the same kind of outfit and colors, because they make me happy, but my hubby doesn't like it. Too f bad. LOL To the original poster: you sound like you're doing fine, so keep on track and soon you will be shopping wherever you want. I'm just getting there. I'm stuck in between at the moment. But slow and steady wins the race!!

OK folks, what's your plan for food today? Breakfast - Cinnamon Bun Protein shake (Bariatric fusion brand, I give it a B+. Good taste, no texture) lunch will probably be 1/2 cup chili with a sprinkle of cheese. dinner will be homemade hamburgers (actually turkey, and no bun) with veggies on the side. Snacks will be cherry tomatoes and peas from our garden with some deli chicken. What do you plan to eat today?

Use this time to focus on YOU!! How cool would it be for your girls to come back from college to see a healthier you in a little while?! When you feel the urge to cheat, go out and walk or take a nice warm bath. Do things for YOU. Find some kind of group to keep up your social life, too, so you won't feel lonely. GL!!!

My go-to is Gas X strips. Discreet and works fast. Also they have them in peppermint so it freshens your breath too! GL!!!

I doubt it. My doc said it usually takes a lot for a band to slip--like heavy vomiting for a long time.

I don't loathe the Protein shakes like you do, but ever since I got a nutra ninja blender I have been having so much fun making really yummy shakes. I think it's because it blends them so much better. And I use ice and sometimes put other things (peanut butter!) in them. Do you mix your shakes with Water or skim milk? My doc says it doesn't matter, but the milk is 100x better.