jfran

So, I should be thankful and feel fabulous over the 77lb weight loss I have had these past 7 months, but I can only think and worry over the last 40lbs I have to lose. It is like I have to fight for every ounce that comes off my body these days and I am tired. I am physically and emotionally beat down. I am tired of spending 2-3 hours of my life everyday working out at the gym. And, it sucks that my friends can all go out for pizza and mexican and I can't "afford" the calories. I am very goal oriented and very driven to lose this weight which I guess is a good thing, but I think I am becoming obessive about it. I want to lose 100% of my excess weight by my one year band anniversary in May. That is 5 months to lose 40lbs and I am scared that I won't make it. I feel like I am on a deadline because I guess I have lived so long without really living that I am anxious to start my life as a thin person. Some of you may say to relax, give it time, and get a fill, but I don't want to get a fill. For me, the band itself has been my motivator and the fills have only been the last result. I have only had 2 fills in 7 months and I like knowing that the weight I am losing is because of my hard work and my healthy choices and not just because I am so tight I can't eat. I like being normal and being able to eat a normal portion of a variety of foods (there hasn't been anything I can't eat---I just don't because of calories). I have told very few people about my surgery and those that don't know don't suspect a thing and are so proud of me for losing the weight. I guess I just needed a place to vent and some words of encouragement. If anyone has any plateau buster tips I would love to hear about them. It just seem that I am doing everything right and the weight is just not coming off. Instead I just fluctuate up and down 4-5lbs. Thanks for listening and congratulations on everyones weight loss successes (I guess I should include myself in this compliment, but it is hard to accept). jfran

I have had the same problem off and on this past month. I moved home for the christmas break and it never fails when I am at home with the parents I do bad. I don't know if it is my parents or the environment, but last night at the family christmas I ate quite a bit of dessert. I am keeping up with the exercise, but I think that just helps to not put weight on. However, this past couple of weeks I have been playing with 4 lbs. 4lbs up and 4 lbs down all week. I am SO FRUSTRATED!!!!!!!!! I don't know if it is the TOM or if my body is trying to plateau. Mathematically I am eating and exercising the right amount to see a REAL loss, but for some reason (Water???) I am up and down and it really hurts my motivation. Don't get me wrong I am thrilled with my success and I know I am looking good, but I want to look GREAT!! and I want to wear a much smaller size and no longer be OBESE. It helps a lot to come here and vent frustrations. I know you guys understand, probably a lot more than my fam and friends. I hope everyone has a happy,healthy and safe holiday.

You may not be eating ENOUGH! believe it or not. My body doesn't lose unless I eat 1500-1600 calories. Also try eating a heartier Breakfast to jump start the metabolism and eat small Snacks in between meals to keep the fuel going throughout the day. Bump up the exercise as you can and surely you will start losing.

try dividing your meals into 5-6 small meals a day and make sure to eat protein at each meal. This will get you over the hump until you can get another fill and it will also speed up your metabolism.

UPDATE!!!!! jfran............195....................188 .............183..................5

Here is a better comparison.

The first swim suit pics are from a few days prior to surgery. The next set of swimsuit pics are from Oct. and the last set of "Little" black dress pics are from Dec. 13th <FIELDSET class=fieldset><LEGEND>Attached Images</LEGEND> </FIELDSET>

Old Navy Cato Ross Dress for Less TJ Maxx Target Walmart Torrid Goody's I can find stuff at all of these stores.

Here are the pics. I ended up wearing the black dress size 14 b/c it was more appropriate for the occasion and I felt sexy in it.

I went on a cruise 8 weeks after banding and had no problems. I was able to eat at the fine dining about half an entree, the appetizer and the dessert. I tried not to eat between meals and avoided bread. I didn't gain a pound and I didn't have any motion sickness. I had a great time and used the workout facilities on the boat as well. Have a great time and don't stress about the eating, look forward to fun!!!

Thanks for all your kind remarks. It really helps encourage me to continue full force with the healthy eating and exercise. I think I probably will go with the 8 (just b/c its an 8 and b/c it is more appropriate for the event). My WLS program is having its 5th year anniversary and to Celebrate, the patients are putting on a fashion show for the doctors and prospective patients. We are a small program in East TN and everyone is having great success. The show is this coming Thursday and I will be sure to take photos and post them. I am so excited and I haven't been excited about things like this in forever. Thanks again and stay tuned for photos late this week.

Great poem!

i had severe GERD and I could not go a day without my nexium. Since banding the GERD has gotten a lot better, but I am sad to say it is not gone, but it is not affecting my band or my results and is easily controlled with Nexium so I am a happy camper.

I asked my doc flat out which surgery should I have and he said "If you were my wife you would be having the band." That was the end of that. I have had my band for 6+months now and I LOVE IT. For the first time in my life I look good, feel good, and have control. It is a great feeling.

I am going to be apart of a WLS fashion show this coming thursday and of course I have nothing to wear, so my friends at the gym offered to let me borrow a dress from them. The first dress- black cocktail size 14- fit like a glove. This material was not stretchy either. The second dress- is a black and white dress (not as formal)- size 8 (made from stretchy material) it fit like a glove too!!!!!!!OMG!!!!!!!!!! I am not a size 8 by any stretch, but the fact that it fit stretchy or not was an amazing feeling. Now I don't know which dress to choose.

I want to feel comfortable in my skin. I want to look good in my clothes. I want to play kickball with my friends. I want to walk up 5 flights of stairs and not be out of breath. I want to be more confident. I want to be comfortable in an airline seat.

I go to a monthly support group and generally it does turn into an informational meeting for those researching the procedure but I still enjoy going and seeing peoples results. This month, we are celebrating the 5th year anniversary of our WL program. We are having a fashion show with the patients both LB and GB. I am going to model and I am so excited to show off my progress. After the show we are going to have our support meeting.

I am watching it now and it is interesting, but I think it really puts WLS in a negative light. These transfer addictions don't always happen. I would say that I have transfered to exercise because I exercise all the time. But hey this is a good transfer, right? It is a repeat show, I saw it about 6 months ago right before I got my LB surgery.

<p>My back fat as gotten ALOT better. The rolls I once had are almost completely gone. However, I, like so many here have the dreaded side boob fat. A good bra with a wide band holds it all in, but man I wish it would go away. I don't know if there are any exercises that would help this area, anybody else know?</p> <p> </p> <p>Also for the backfat, walking and the arc trainer with a twisting motion has helped the waist and back fat for me.</p>

I don't have restriction so I can eat a large quantity of food; however, I restrict my calories to 1500 a day and I eat it over 5-6 small meals. And, I exercise A LOT! CRAZY A LOT! So, for tonights dinner I had a healthy choice cafe steamer meal - (Chicken with Roasted red pepper alfredo,brocoli and noodles) with some extra brocolli and a 1/2 cup peaches with a couple of wheat crackers. This is a typical meal for me. I also love the South Beach Meal Replacement bars in choc. Peanut Butter. They pack a lot of Protein and Vitamins. They are great to eat right before a workout and give lots of energy.

congrats on the new baby and the one on the way!

the tabloids are saying she has gained 50lbs. I don't know, but a thyroid problem can definitely pack on the pounds. She'll get back on track.

try citracal creamy bites in chocolate fudge. They taste great and you will be getting in your calcium. Maybe this would satisfy your daily craving for chocolate and not affect your weight loss

I just had my six month band anniversary the other day and I feel great. I am down 70+lbs and 5-6 sizes. I am constantly getting compliments on how great I look. This was the best decision I have ever made and I would do it a million times over. I still have 40-50 more lbs to go and it is getting harder to lose, but I know that I will get there and I can't wait. Congrats on everyones successes!

I never had any problems swallowing pills.