Frangipani

Hi Guys, I'm back! I did get two cardio workouts in while I was away, but fell short of my monthly goal for the very first time because my gynecologist discovered something going on in my uterus that he has "questions" about and sent me running all over Miami on the last few days of my trip having several tests done. Thus far, things are looking good, and I'm waiting for a few more results so that I can get the Dr. off my back. However, if these last few results are not what the wants them to be, then he apparently plans to send me running around the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico having more tests :smile:. This Dr. is definitely starting to get on my last nerve! I'm telling you I just don't have time for this nonsense, and the worst part is that he cut into my shopping time with all these dumb tests :wink2::mad::eek: Anyhow, everyone did a fabulous job in April -- I am so very proud of us all :thumbup:! Now onto our May challenge!!!!

Hi Shirley, Thanks :tt2:! And you're right! What else could I be but a Michigander?! Have a great night!

Where is everyone??? I got another hour of cardio in today. I'll be be traveling up to the States tomorrow and will check back in a day or two. Have a great night everyone! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 24/30 Exercise Sessions (15 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 3 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Everyone, This thread jumped out at me on the forum home page, and I just wanted to pop in and say Hi! Michiganders and Michibanders Rock!!!! I don't live in Michigan anymore, but I was born at St. John hospital, and graduated from Northville High, and the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) -- so, I guess this makes me a dyed-in-the-wool Michigander....just not a Michibander :blushing:. Can I be an honorary member? Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 23/30 Exercise Sessions (14 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 3 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi, it's me again :blushing:. Still plugging away -- one hour of cardio and one hour of weight training (legs/lower body). Have a great night! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 23/30 Exercise Sessions (14 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 3 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

LOL! I know how Becky misread this -- we have both been pricing out plastic surgery, and every number we've been seeing lately has three zeros behind it......... $300 is a steal! You can't even get Botox for that :glare::tongue::Dancing_biggrin:! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 21/30 Exercise Sessions (13 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 2 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Kendra, I'm from the August 2007 bandster group and I cannot believe I did not discover this thread earlier. I'm glad to hear that all is going well so far. I live in the Virgin Islands -- and I just want you to know that when that dumb tumor passes through the Caribbean, I'm going to kick it all the way to the South Pole!!!! Lots of big hugs to you :smile::thumbup:! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 21/30 Exercise Sessions (13 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 2 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Sue, Thanks for the info and the pic -- Trikking looks like a lot of fun! I did one hour of cardio and one hour of weight training (arms upper body) tonight. Have a great night everyone! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 21/30 Exercise Sessions (13 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 2 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Rubyjade, you look adorable -- Congratulations :thumbup::thumbup:!

Nikki, Congratulations on losing 102 pounds. That is simply amazing!!! I'm looking forward to joining you, Texas Becky, Candle, Ceradad and Whosyaddady, soon in the 100 pound club. My goal is to be there by the end of May. Keep your fingers crossed for me! I reposted the stats because it looks like we lost some names off of our list. Name: Frangipani Weight loss from day of surgery: 91 lbs Total weight loss: 97 lbs Name: Candle Weight loss from day of surgery: 93 lbs Total weight loss: 107 lbs Name: Salsa Weight loss from day of surgery: 93.5 lbs Total weight loss: 93.5 lbs Name: Pammycakes Weight loss from day of surgery: 88 lbs Total weight loss: 90 lbs Name: Ceradad Weight loss from day of surgery: 85 Total weight loss: 105 Name: KarenG. Weight loss from day of surgery: 79 Total weight loss: 79 Name: NanaRenan Weight loss from day of surgery: 52 Total weight loss: 72 Name: TexasBecky Weight loss from day of surgery: 98 Total weight loss: 108 Name: SPEBSQSAlady Weight loss from day of surgery: 57.8 Total weight loss: 57.8 Name: Brandottie01 Weight loss from day of surgery: 23 lbs Total weight loss: Name: Bergdorfblonde Weight loss from day of surgery: 32 lbs Total weight loss: 32 lbs Name: Gometros Weight loss from day of surgery: 52.9 lbs Total weight loss: 74.9 Name: Pizzicato66 Weight loss from day of surgery: 66 Total weight loss: 78 Name: Valstar Weight loss from day of surgery: 52 lbs Total weight loss: 57 lbs Name:Gweniper weight loss from day of surgery: 50 total weight loss: 84 Name: purplegirl1818 weightloss from day of surgery: 73.5lbs total weight loss: 90.5lbs Name: LessNLess weightloss from day of surgery: 56lbs total weight loss: 62lbs Name: JudiM weightloss from day of surgery: 62lbs total weight loss: ?? Name: hf2havefun Weight loss from day of surgery: 35 lbs Total weight loss: 50 lbs Name: Nikki S Weight loss from day of surgery: 102 Total weight loss: 102 Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 19/30 Exercise Sessions (12 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Wow, lots going on here in the past 24 hours! Hi Renewedhope and welcome :thumbup::smile::eek:! Becky said it best when she explained how we do things around here. Glad you're joining us! Jody, glad you had a great weekend! I thought maybe something like this happened because it's not like you to be gone so long.That's some husband you have there girlfriend -- jewelry, surprise trips, telling you you're hot.... Whatta man :thumbup::thumbup:! Salsa, congrats on signing up for a half marathon! You make my head spin -- you are a real fireball! You guys are inspiring me to start running -- so I will. I need to head up to Miami again later this week, and when I'm up there, I will buy myself a good pair of running shoes and get started on the "Couch to 5K program." I have been getting good cardio workouts with all the hills and hikes around here, but it's time to kick this up a notch. I did a 1.5 hour hike tonight. I saw a group of four deer while I was out -- it was a lovely surprise. I have seen individual deer on a few occasions, but never a group. Yes, we do have deer here on the island -- they are not seen very often, but they're here and it's always a delight to see them. Have a great night everyone! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 19/30 Exercise Sessions (12 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Coach Cher, Great post and as a "first year bandster" you have given me a good reminder that I will always need to keep my focus. I must say that I am at a point to where, when I tell people my goal, (28 more pounds to go) they try to tell me that I should cut my goal in half to make it more "realistic." I know these people have the very best intentions, but I'm here to reach the finish line, have a normal BMI, and reach my ideal weight, not just make an "improvement." I mean, do you sign up for a Marathon thinking, "Oh, I'll run 18 miles, see how feel, and then decide if I want to finish the race?" NO! You start a Marathon thinking "I'm going to run the entire 26 miles and in good time too!" Thanks for the reminder that it is important not to get complacent, and congratulations on your weight loss and on becoming a Certified Life and Wellness Coach! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 18/30 Exercise Sessions (11 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Thank you so much Val and Jody :thumbup::smile:! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 18/30 Exercise Sessions (11 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Becky thank you so much for the wonderful compliment :tongue_smilie::smile:! I know what you're saying about heels. I love heels and quit wearing them because I thought it looked ridiculous and disproportionate to have a huge body teetering on little heels. It feels great to feel comfortable wearing them again. Salsa LOL :lol:! You crack me up! That said, I had no idea that it was still cold and snowing in your part of the world. Since I try not to travel much farther north than about Latitude 25 during the winter (Christmas being the only exception), I am really starting to lose touch with the weather (except during hurricane season when we all follow the weather obsessively around here). I hope it warms up soon for you!!! Wow! You're a whiz with these photos -- I could not figure out how to do that and just assumed it wasn't possible. Thanks a lot!!! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 18/30 Exercise Sessions (11 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training)

Thanks for the lovely comments Salsa -- very sweet of you to say! Thanks for resizing the photos, I was hoping to keep the background in the "after" photo, but I guess there's no real way to do and place the photos side by side unless the entire photo is downsized, and then it loses something. Oh well, maybe I'll have mastered this when I take my "goal" photo..... As I said before, this putting photos up was a fun little project that forced me to learn a few things, so it was good! Thanks again for your help :tongue_smilie::smile:

One hour hike today -- straight uphill without stopping and I wasn't even breathless!!! I think it's because I'm carrying a lighter load these days. Jody, where are you???? This is one heck of a long "special evening" you're having! :biggrin::smile::tongue: And where have all the guys gone -- Dave, Daddy, Sandy??? We miss you! Have a great night everyone! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 18/30 Exercise Sessions (11 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Thanks Angelsma! I live in the Virgin Islands. I'm still fiddling around with the photo trying to get it so that the two photos are side-by-side, but it's not working, and it's not worth spending all the extra time, so I am just going to leave it as is for now. Thanks again for all the nice comments, I'm still feeling like I look pretty chubby, despite the progress (which I'm very happy with), so you guys are giving me a great boost!!!!:biggrin::smile::tongue: Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 17/30 Exercise Sessions (10 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training)

Thanks Salsa :biggrin::smile::tongue:! I'm trying to edit the photos so that they would be side-by-side and easier to view, but it doesn't seem to be working -- oh well........... This putting photos up is giving me really good practice though! I'm sure I'll figure it out sooner or later. Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 17/30 Exercise Sessions (10 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training)

Hi, just a quick update: Name: Frangipani Weight loss from day of surgery: 91 lbs Total weight loss: 97 lbs Name: Candle Weight loss from day of surgery: 87 lbs Total weight loss: 101 lbs Name: Salsa Weight loss from day of surgery: 91 lbs Total weight loss: 91 lbs Name: Pammycakes Weight loss from day of surgery: 88 lbs Total weight loss: 90 lbs Name: Ceradad Weight loss from day of surgery: 85 Total weight loss: 105 Name: KarenG. Weight loss from day of surgery: 79 Total weight loss: 79 Name: NanaRenan Weight loss from day of surgery: 52 Total weight loss: 72 Name: TexasBecky Weight loss from day of surgery: 96 Total weight loss: 106 Name: SPEBSQSAlady Weight loss from day of surgery: 57.8 Total weight loss: 57.8 Name: Brandottie01 Weight loss from day of surgery: 23 lbs Total weight loss: Name: Bergdorfblonde Weight loss from day of surgery: 32 lbs Total weight loss: 32 lbs Name: Gometros Weight loss from day of surgery: 52.9 lbs Total weight loss: 74.9 Name: Pizzicato66 Weight loss from day of surgery: 66 Total weight loss: 78 Name: Valstar Weight loss from day of surgery: 52 lbs Total weight loss: 57 lbs Name:Gweniper weight loss from day of surgery: 48 total weight loss: 82 Name: purplegirl1818 weightloss from day of surgery: 73.5lbs total weight loss: 90.5lbs Name: LessNLess weightloss from day of surgery: 51lbs total weight loss: 57lbs Name: JudiM weightloss from day of surgery: 62lbs total weight loss: ?? Name: hf2havefun Weight loss from day of surgery: 35 lbs Total weight loss: 50 lbs Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 17/30 Exercise Sessions (10 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Oops! I just realized that I misread your post. You just got a fill NOT surgery. Well, good luck getting through the liquid phase. As you probably know by now, the hunger is totally worth it. LOL at your post, which is why I responded to it :smile::thumbup:

Hi Minipinmom, Congrats on being banded! LOL, I know exactly what cat food commercial you were watching -- Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys, and my two cats (aged 19 and 2) are here to tell you that your mouth should be watering! In fact they both recommend that you eat this wonderful food exclusively during your mushy phase. The herbs help a lot with hairballs too! :smile::thumbup: I was also starving right after my surgery -- so I feel your pain. Unfortunately there's really not a lot that can be done about it, that I know of. I considered it to be a good sign that my body tolerated the new band and the surgery well. I wish I had some suggestions for you during the liquid phase, but I really don't. I just ate lots of sugar-free Jello, and tried to make my broths as tasty as possible. The good news is that this hunger will all be worth it. I can just about guarantee that you will be thrilled with your rapid weight loss during this phase. Good luck! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 17/30 Exercise Sessions (10 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Rebecca, don't despair. Luscious is right, your "blues" could very well be due to the anesthesia. I have had a few surgeries for various things through the years and I have a reaction like this every single time to general anesthesia. The first time it happened it worried me and everyone around me because it caused an abrupt change in my personality, but I was back to normal within a week. Drink as much Water as you can to help flush those powerful drugs out of your system, and if it at all possible, do some light exercise, like walking. Congrats on being banded!!! This Band is an amazing thing and trust me, it won't be long before you too will be a success story! :cry_smile::smile::crying: Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 17/30 Exercise Sessions (10 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Thanks Globally Yours -- you're such a sweetie! And guess what? I just weighed in and I have officially moved out of the "Obese" category and am now officially "Overweight" . Whoo Hoo! I have never been so happy to be "Overweight" in my life:Banane57: Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 17/30 Exercise Sessions (10 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Okay guys, this is a huge step for me because I have NEVER posted photos of myself online, but since I seem to be the only "faceless" Crazy Ate at this point, I will share. I am still officially "obese" with a significant amount of weight left to lose, but the improvement thus far is making me feel a lot better. So, this is a good record of the "mid-way point," if nothing else. The "before" picture was taken the day before surgery (badly overexposed -- sorry about that). The "after" photo was taken today in front of my home. Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 17/30 Exercise Sessions (10 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Pizzi, I'm sorry I didn't comment on your photos earlier, but I just discovered them, as they must have gone up while I was away. You were beautiful lady then, but look simply fabulous now -- Congratulations:thumbup::thumbup:!!!! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 17/30 Exercise Sessions (10 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico