DivaStyleCoach

PJTP...on the ORIGINAL thread!:thumbup::w00t: I'll let Alex speak for himself, but I ain't pushing my luck...:mad: Oh yikes...maybe a temporary color and lots of conditioner? I know when I color my hair (attack of the grays) it feels drier for a while afterward...just BE CAREFUL! Maybe a cute headwrap?

PJTP...a question for you, Alex... I started another PJTP thread - it's called "Posting just to post" and is at http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f7/posting-just-post-102859/. Is there a way to move those messages over to here and then notify the people subscribed to that thread to come over here? I started the new thread and don't want to leave anyone hanging...what's the most efficient way to do that? Thanks in advance.

Oh dear...prayers coming your way from me as well...it's so hard when they leave us. I know you'll find the right words to tell your DD...(((((hugs)))))

Thank YOU Jollygreen for the wonderful comment and for recommending my blog - I really appreciate that. I love that we can support each other here...I don't know what I would have done without this site during my journey. Going out for a lunchtime walk and a small lunch with friends...it's wonderful to want to go to lunch because I want to see the PEOPLE...the food is no longer the main attraction!:thumbup:

Hi JollyGreen, I saw one of your previous posts - you are indeed TALL! I'm right there with ya, and thanks so much for the kind comment on my blog. I figure if I can help someone else on their journey, then I've repaid back some of the enormous benefits that have come to me...I feel really blessed and I'm so glad I did this!

A recent post by JazzyMom17 got me to thinking...she asked me what I wish I'd known before being banded. Very good question - here's my response to her, plus a bit more information: Your question is a great one - what do I wish I'd known before having surgery? I wish I'd known (I mean really KNOWN) that the weight isn't just going to fall off of me. The band is a tool - on an intellectual level I knew that, but on a heart and soul level initially - not so much! I needed to figure out how to work WITH the band instead of expecting it to do the work FOR me. I wish I'd known that eating slowly and focusing on protein first would be my eating style for the foreseeable future. Because we eat so much less, getting the protien in is essential. I wish I'd had more "adjustable" clothes, or at least plans to make them adjustable. Elastic waists, while not exactly fashion-forward, are easier to deal with and adjust while you are losing. I wish I'd known that my shoe size would change! I guess we don't realize we gain weight in our feet too! I wish I'd known that I needed to replace all my underwire bras! I am full-busted (extremely) and underwires were my saving grace before surgery. I cannot wear them now, they rub against my surgery scars and irritate them. Don't buy too many though, because depending on where you lose your weight, you may need new ones within a few weeks! I wish I'd developed a better exercise habit before I was banded. I used to be a regular exerciser, but fell off the wagon and blamed my "busy" life for it. Exercise is critical to your success as a bandster - just WALKING can bring you great results! I've been walking 30 minutes (minimum - I often get in more than that) since I was cleared to exercise after my operation, and I'm now making really good progress on my weight loss. Took me a while to figure it out, but... I wish I had started eating according to the bandster rules (protein first, count portions, track everything that goes in my mouth) before I was banded. You don't necessarily have to limit your portions to post-banding portions (although if you can, that's great too), but get into the habit now of writing down what you eat - it will help you keep the habit once you're banded. I wish I had started a regular exercise habit before being banded - even if you only start with 5 minutes, because each week you'll get stronger and by the time you're banded, you'll be in better shape, come through the surgery better, and be ready to start your new life! I wish I'd planned for wardrobe changes earlier. I work in an office, so I must keep up a certain standard (at least I think so). I've never been one much for 'business casual' clothing - it's too hard to define and can be so subjectively interpreted. I love the principle of Capsule Wardrobing - taking 8 - 10 pieces and turning them into 20 different outfits. Between EBay, consignment shops, friends and family, I can minimize my clothing expenses and still look polished and professional. Once I get to my goal size, though - It's on and shopping! I wish I'd thought more about journaling or keeping a diary during my transformation. I missed the first few weeks of my change in thought because I was too busy living it. Now, like with childbirth, it's tough to remember what it felt like initially. There are so many 'lightbulb' moments where I had flashes of understanding and I wish I'd written them down. I wish I'd taken more progress photos - the recent finale show for the Biggest Loser showed progress photos taken every week by the contestants. There were little incremental changes, but WOW what an end result! I think a monthly schedule would be okay for a bandster, depending on their loss rate - perhaps someone losing more quickly would take photos more often - but as of right now, I'm taking photos on a monthly basis. That's it for now - I think that's quite enough - but if you are reading this and have suggestions, please feel free to add them as comments so everyone who reads this post can learn and benefit from them. As always - take good care of yourself, follow the bandster rules, and never forget that you are starting a Brand New Life! :thumbup:

PJTP... Cryzytchr, you may be on to something...I did not have symptoms before getting banded and losing a bunch of weight. My mom and sister both has 'surgical' menopause - because of fibroid tumors, they both had to have hysterectomies, so I was unsure of when I might enter that phase of life. It kinda makes sense...I actually asked my PCP to test me because I was having a lot of memory issues, lack of concentration, etc. All the symptoms pointed to menopause. So, Crzytchr, is there a specific test I should request? I'll be seeing my PCP again in a month or so because he thinks I may be very close to getting off the diabetes meds (my A1C is at 7.0, down from 8.6 pre-surgery) and I'm praying I can leave the meds behind and celebrate 2010 medicine-free!

PJTP...Okay, I WAS going back to work... There is SO much mental about this process...I KNOW sometimes when I want something it's purely head hunger...my body is NOT hungry! I think we need a year to get our heads around the fact that we are smaller and for our bodies to adjust. I look in the mirror and am amazed at the smaller Ebony looking back at me...:mad:

PJTP...Back again...taking a break from filing and organizing here in the office...YUK! You too, Slim! :wub: Back to the filing and organizing...:scared2:

PJTP...Hi y'all! I get to use my multi-quote again!:w00t: Hi CC! *waving* :w00t: I haven't gotten into Grey's Anatomy - I'm a crime drama junkie. Was watching CSI (the original) last night...wonderful, *spoiler alert* and one of my favorite characters is back... I agree - I miss my friends as well, and I'm sad they are not here to join us, but we'll hold up the PJTP banner in their honor! What Slim said! :wub: I've got a busy weekend ahead...regular work stuff today, then tomorrow DH and I are going to a college football game (he's taking classes locally, wants to do the whole 'college student' thing) then going to see Cedric the Entertainer at the Beacon Theatre in NYC...I can't wait! As a budding Fashionista, though, I'm having a challenge figuring out what to bring (clothing-wise). My inclination is to wear something cute for the game, bring a change of clothes and then get fly and funky-fresh (yes, I'm showing my age) for the comedy show. DH, like most men, does NOT understand - plans to wear jeans all day and to the comedy show. Hence my dilemma - I want to show off this new bod I'm developing, but don't want my DH to feel funny about me over-dressing him...of course, I usually do, but that's another story! So I'm compromising - purple knit minidress, sweater tights and flat boots for the game, then switch to fishnets and black high heels for the comedy show... Whatcha think, peeps?

Morning All! Keeping up the walking - good walk at lunchtime yesterday, felt the hamstrings crying for mercy as I powered up the killer hill on campus. Time is dropping - what used to take me 35 minutes is now down to 28... No walk this morning...was up late last night watching the CSI premiere and got distracted this morning. Walked from the train station to my office, shaved a couple of minutes off that time as well... Running in the morning - 2.5 miles with DH. Got a busy Saturday ahead - college football game (DH's community college is playing in NY) then comedy show (Cedric the Entertainer in NYC)...gotta get the run in early! Have a wonderful weekend everyone if I don't check in before Monday!:scared2:

The original PJTP thread was one of my favorite places on LBT...I wanted to try to re-create some of that freewheeling, open-for-discussion, silly, poignant, interesting and funny thread here. Nothing can replace the original PJTP thread, but I missed having it around, so I'm starting it up again. The original purpose of the PJTP thread, as part of the LBT Lounge, was to "...general conversation, share interests, have a laugh or discuss anything not specifically related to banding or the LAP-BAND®." So I'll start...I was banded in November 08 (Hi Notorious Novembers!) at my highest-ever weight of 265 lbs, and I'm 5'11" tall. Not a safe weight, especially considering I have a family history of Type II diabetes and heart disease. I've been heavy since I was around 9 years old...it took me until the age of 45 (I'm now 46) to decide to DO something about it...just not good. I am married (19 years) with three kids (all grown) and a grandbaby I haven't seen in a year due to geographic differences and strained budgets. Hopefully this holiday season I'll get to see him :biggrin: I'm nearly at the end of the weight-loss phase of my journey - I'm down 69 pounds, looking for perhaps another 20, and then to have plastic surgery to improve the appearance of my torso and bustline. Looking forward to re-connecting with my PJTP peeps - will send messages to everyone I can. I must stress...this is not a replacement for the original PJTP thread, just my attempt to find my friends and my LBT family again... :mad:

Morning Warriors! Have been working out, but not posting here like I should... Still walking a lot, working my way through the Couch-to-5k program. Am up to running 2.5 miles (did that a few days ago, only walked about 4 blocks of the distance) and recently did a 3 mile walk for Diabetes in just about 30 minutes. Really proud of my progress, getting stronger and continuing to lose the weight...getting in lots of Protein, noticing a lot less hunger after my latest fill. Just invested in an elliptical trainer to go with my rowing machine for the wintertime. Once it gets slick underfoot, I won't be running outside. I live in an old town - lots of the sidewalks are slate on my regular route, which gets unpleasantly slippery when it's wet or has frost on it. Mornings will probably move to inside exercise, with outside walks in the afternoon. I generally get pretty clean sidewalks at work, so unless it's bitterly cold (below 0) I'll continue my walks at work. Hope everyone is doing fine! :mad:

Hi Runners / Woggers / Joggers and Walkers! After my burst of enthusiasm and chutzpah in running the 2.5 mile course near my home, I've been nursing a sore left knee and a sore right hamstring for the past couple of days, so I've been power-walking. My running partner (DH) is now off the midnight shift, so I'll have company tomorrow...I'm hoping that, plus some additional stretching, will help me continue my progress. I've been continuing my powerwalks, and once I warm up, no problems. I think my soreness is the result of not stretching enough after my run / walk / wog, so I'll focus on that for the next few weeks to try and overcome the stiffness. Still encouraged - there is a "Penguin 5K" coming up in mid-October in a nearby community, so that will likely be my next chance to achieve my goal and run an entire 5k. Thanks for all the support and the accountability! :mad:

Hi Dr. Schulman, I sent you an off-LBT email as well, but thought my question might help someone else, so I'm posting it here with a little more detail. I was banded in November 08, am now down 69 lbs and looking to lose perhaps another 20 or so. At nearly 6 feet tall, I've been told my original goal of 155 may be too light. Family and friends have already started telling me I'm getting too thin - of course I don't think so... I wanted to know if now is the time to schedule a consultation with you if I am considering having PS in December of this year. I'm starting to have some side-effects from the weight loss, if you will. Dropped a few cup sizes in my bra, had to buy new ones recently, but they have shifted my center of gravity or something, because now I'm experiencing muscle soreness and some pain in my shoulders and upper back. I have a significant 'roll' at the bottom of my torso, what I consider to be 'extra' skin and softness at my sides (below my bra line down to my waist) and the "roll". From all I've ready, I think a LBL (lower body lift) is in my future, but I wanted your opinion on that. I live in Connecticut, so would be taking the train to come and see you if a consultation is scheduled. My current job has a nice benefit - the week between Christmas and New Year's, our office is closed and it does not affect our sick time or vacation time. That said, I might be able to arrange for up to 3 weeks off after the surgery if I can schedule it for the week before Christmas. What other things should I be considering? Thanks in advance for the help and I look forward to talking with your office soon! :thumbdown:

Hi Everyone, Just found this thread - and thank you, Mini, for posting your story. I'm about 20 lbs away from wanting / scheduling surgery, so I'm doing more research now. I just hit 69 lbs lost, and my friends and family are telling me to stop now! I'm nearly 6 feet tall (5' 11") and now weigh 196 lbs. I want to get down to 175, and then I figure if PS takes off another 10 lbs of skin and such, I'll be down to 165, which is a good goal weight, and actually would put me at 100 lbs lost. I took a look at your album and your pictures are very inspirational. I hope my results are as good - we are close in age, too - I'm 46. Have a wonderful day! :thumbdown:

Hi Mickey527, I understand how you feel - I was banded Nov 08, and I'm now down 69 lbs. The real losses started in January, after I was completely recovered. I fought my band in the beginning, and was "rewarded" with slow weight loss. Since I started following the 'bandster rules', I am doing much better. Couple of suggestions - if the Isopure Protein is too "thick" initially, Water it down a bit to help it go through. I love the Isopure, but I can imagine for a newly banded person with more restriction because of swelling, it might be a challenge. Keep up your activity, but listen to your body - take it easy! I was told no serious physical activity for 6 weeks, and actually was a walker before, but eased up for a couple of weeks after surgery. If I'm calculating correctly, you are only about 10 days out...take it easy on yourself. There is plenty of time to ramp back up to your pre-surgery activity level. You are on the road to a new and healthier life - just hang in there! It may feel more difficult right now, but everyday it will get better - keep telling yourself that. If you notice severe symptoms, don't be afraid to CALL YOUR DOCTOR. Better to call them and be reassured that what you're feeling is "normal" than to let it go until it becomes a real problem. Hang in there - and post again to let us know how you're doing...:thumbdown:

Hi Tina! *waving wildly* Your honey is a HOTTIE! Gotta love that shaved head thang - my DH shaves his head periodically 'cause I love it so - and he has a wonderful smile! You two look great together and so happy! Congrats and many more YEARS of happiness to the two of you...you are both HOT! :thumbdown:

PJTP...Busy morning, but of course, here I am in PJTP... Thanks for keeping us updated, Kat...:wub: Amen, and amen again! Sometimes you don't WANT to overcome your upbringing...occasionally I've had my "east side Detroit" personality come out - mostly when I feel really threatened or see someone being treated badly. I used to get funny looks when I told people I was from Detroit (back when Detroit was the murder capital)...like they thought I was an ax-murderer or gang member or something...now I just get "normal" looks about that, but they give me the side-eye cause I AM a gangster, and not just on Mafia Wars / Mob Wars on FB! :w00t: What KC said! You svelte, sexy thang you! Love the bikini...there is one in my future someday, even if I have to get a bunch of little tattoos to cover the incisions from the band operation! Glad you can breathe again - would LOVE to have seen her throw the phone agains the wall, though...I want to do that to MY phone sometimes! :tongue2: Will have to check this out...I still occasionallly PB - since my last fill and because I'm now more knowledgeable, not so much, but it would be good to have this in my hip pocket, so to speak... Back to the filing and organizing - multi-day project...yuk!

Good afternoon All! I finally made it - I am down to 196 pounds - officially in ONEDERLAND!!!! I got a fill recently (that's what helped me make it) because my weight had been stuck for 6 weeks at 205. The hunger was back, I was starting to be able to eat more (and badly) and I was not ready to quit losing yet. Some friends and even a couple of family members said I was small enough - since I was now wearing size 16's and even a few 14W's, and they didn't want me to get "too thin". I really don't know what "too thin" would be for me, since I've been fighting my weight since I was 9 years old. Yep, you read that right... When I was 9, my mother took me to the doctor for a normal school physical and because she was concerned about my weight. My father and mother (God rest their souls) were both heavy. What I did not know at the time was that heart disease ran in my family and my mother was worried about the path I was on. The doctor told her (and me) that I needed to be careful about my weight gain or I would be at 200 pounds when I turned 18. Overachiever that I am, I made it at age 16...some of you will understand this - it was very HARD going through high school being overweight. My height saved me a little, but not enough. I could never wear the same clothes that my friends wore, could never seem to get the attention from the same guys that my friends talked to, etc, etc, etc. Now I'm at my lightest weight since I was 16 years old, and I'm ecstatic! :huh2: I went shopping for new pants last night, since the smallest size I had in my closet was an 18. Thank goodness for belts - I could make sure they didn't fall down, but they were really baggy! I went to Lane Bryant, because I knew they carried tall sizes pretty regularly, and since I'm 5' 11" tall, I definately NEED tall pants! I fit into their new Right Fit sizes at a Yellow 2. That means approximately a size 16, made for a body that is straighter from waist to hip. That was a revelation - I'd been buying the Red pants - sized for a body with more of a waist-to-hip difference. Getting the right size was amazing! Most pants had been baggy in the seat for me, totally not flattering, but these fit beautifully! No bagging, no sagging, and I could BREATHE in them! I'm in such a giddy state at the store, I bought two pairs of dress pants and a pair of jeans! The wonderful thing about the band is that I know I'm not done yet - I want to get down to around 165 (100 lbs lost) before I say I'm done...that, or to get off all my diabetes meds, which ever comes first. I was so happy about the new pants - I ran right home and showed my husband. His enthusiastic reaction let me know I had found the right size! I also got measured for new bras while I was there, since the store wasn't very busy. When I started this journey, I was wearing a 40K (yes, that's a K) and had to buy my bras overseas because very few places in the U.S. carried them. I left the store with a brand new size - 38DDD / 38F size prescription! :tt1: I'm not going to go hog-wild crazy buying clothes just yet...I'll get enough to carry me through, because there is definately plastic surgery in my future...I believe my true size right now (sans extra skin) would be around a 14, maybe even a 12, but I believe I need to hold my weight loss for a while before investigating plastic surgery. I'll definately post again when that process begins! If you are reading this and you're not yet banded, please do your research and make a quality decision on what's right for you. The band was definately the right choice for me! If you are reading this and you are struggling with your band, don't give up! Talk to your doctor, the nutritionist, whoever you need to in order to get the help and support you need to make the band work for you - and you have to work WITH the band. If you are making good progress and loving your banded life as I am, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! I was banded in November 08 and it's now September 09 and I've lost 69 pounds. Allowing for recovery time from surgery, my weight loss really started in January 09 - that's when I got serious. I'm planning to be at my goal weight before the end of 2009, and with the help of my doctor, my family and my friends online and offline, I know I'll make it!

Back again, y'all!:bored: Ran without DH this morning (darn midnight shift!)...don't like going without my running partner, but oh well... Did just over 2 miles - used the Week 6, Day 2 workout this morning - I did a slightly shorter warmup (started running before the audio cue) and finished my course a little behind the timer. I ended up walking about 4 blocks of the 2 mile course. I was pretty proud of myself! Both knees were a little tender when I was done, and my left thigh needs some extra stretching, but I'm really happy I ran so far and for so long...tomorrow will be a "rest" day - just walking, and then I'll run again on Thursday and Saturday. Happily moving onward - and my running just helped me get to Onederland!:smile2:

Hi DD! :bored: It's the Couch-to-5k program - takes you from walking to jogging and eventually running a 5k race / distance. You can google it to find versions of it. There is one available for the iPod / iPhone on iTunes, which I like because it allows me to use the music I've already downloaded / purchased. I started using it and I LOVE it. Each session takes you a little further along the running path, so to speak. They build in walk periods and give you audio cues when to walk when to run, when to cool down, etc. As you get stronger, you can cover more distance in the same amount of time...for instance, this morning I did just over 2 miles with the program in about 35 minutes. Months ago when I started, I barely covered a mile in that same amount of time. I like that it progresses slowly, so you don't get injured. I run 3 days a week, walk 3 days, and usually try to take a day off or walk slowly on the 7th day. Let me know if you need any more info! There's also a "Want to Start Running" thread here on LBT that's very helpful: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f81/want-start-running-need-encouragement-95290/index5.html

Hi Notorious Novembers! Popping by to say hi and report my great news...I'm finally, solidly in ONEDERLAND!!! I am so happy I could just scream! My last fill definately helped, along with an increase in activity. I'm doing more jogging than walking, and sped up my walking. I'm thrilled to pieces and now looking for more! partial quote You are so focused, you WILL get there! Another great idea...and think about it - once she's in school full time, you'll have more time to yourself, you'll be home for her when she needs you, and be able to keep up your weight loss. By then, of course, you'll be at goal

Good afternoon All! I finally made it - I am down to 196 pounds - officially in ONEDERLAND!!!! I got a fill recently (that's what helped me make it) because my weight had been stuck for 6 weeks at 205. The hunger was back, I was starting to be able to eat more (and badly) and I was not ready to quit losing yet. Some friends and even a couple of family members said I was small enough - since I was now wearing size 16's and even a few 14W's, and they didn't want me to get "too thin". I really don't know what "too thin" would be for me, since I've been fighting my weight since I was 9 years old. Yep, you read that right... When I was 9, my mother took me to the doctor for a normal school physical and because she was concerned about my weight. My father and mother (God rest their souls) were both heavy. What I did not know at the time was that heart disease ran in my family and my mother was worried about the path I was on. The doctor told her (and me) that I needed to be careful about my weight gain or I would be at 200 pounds when I turned 18. Overachiever that I am, I made it at age 16...some of you will understand this - it was very HARD going through high school being overweight. My height saved me a little, but not enough. I could never wear the same clothes that my friends wore, could never seem to get the attention from the same guys that my friends talked to, etc, etc, etc. Now I'm at my lightest weight since I was 16 years old, and I'm ecstatic! :tt1: I went shopping for new pants last night, since the smallest size I had in my closet was an 18. Thank goodness for belts - I could make sure they didn't fall down, but they were really baggy! I went to Lane Bryant, because I knew they carried tall sizes pretty regularly, and since I'm 5' 11" tall, I definately NEED tall pants! I fit into their new Right Fit sizes at a Yellow 2. That means approximately a size 16, made for a body that is straighter from waist to hip. That was a revelation - I'd been buying the Red pants - sized for a body with more of a waist-to-hip difference. Getting the right size was amazing! Most pants had been baggy in the seat for me, totally not flattering, but these fit beautifully! No bagging, no sagging, and I could BREATHE in them! I'm in such a giddy state at the store, I bought two pairs of dress pants and a pair of jeans! The wonderful thing about the band is that I know I'm not done yet - I want to get down to around 165 (100 lbs lost) before I say I'm done...that, or to get off all my diabetes meds, which ever comes first. I was so happy about the new pants - I ran right home and showed my husband. His enthusiastic reaction let me know I had found the right size! I also got measured for new bras while I was there, since the store wasn't very busy. When I started this journey, I was wearing a 40K (yes, that's a K) and had to buy my bras overseas because very few places in the U.S. carried them. I left the store with a brand new size - 38DDD / 38F size prescription! I'm not going to go hog-wild crazy buying clothes just yet...I'll get enough to carry me through, because there is definately plastic surgery in my future...I believe my true size right now (sans extra skin) would be around a 14, maybe even a 12, but I believe I need to hold my weight loss for a while before investigating plastic surgery. I'll definately post again when that process begins! If you are reading this and you're not yet banded, please do your research and make a quality decision on what's right for you. The band was definately the right choice for me! If you are reading this and you are struggling with your band, don't give up! Talk to your doctor, the nutritionist, whoever you need to in order to get the help and support you need to make the band work for you - and you have to work WITH the band. If you are making good progress and loving your banded life as I am, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! I was banded in November 08 and it's now September 09 and I've lost 69 pounds. Allowing for recovery time from surgery, my weight loss really started in January 09 - that's when I got serious. I'm planning to be at my goal weight before the end of 2009, and with the help of my doctor, my family and my friends online and offline, I know I'll make it!

PJTP...Back from my lunchtime walk, feeling great!:wub: Thanks so much Shalee! Hey - I just noticed you had a tummy tuck - mind if I pm you some questions? Thanks, CC! And I second your emotion on the site...I know I would not have been as successful without my buddies on the boards! I second that emotion! Hi LJM! *Waving wildly* Thanks so much - I'm very happy about it! [quote name='heartfire;1332007 This is so NOT my problem but I'm going to be the one to have to find a solution to this. Dammit! I wonder if I can get a temporary book of checks from the bank in town to use in the meantime... It's a good suggestion - does the company have a credit / debit card linked to their bank account that could be used for a one-time thing? Wire transfers - possible' date=' but maybe expensive...hope it works out okay![/b'] See? I'm already trying to fix what isn't my problem. It's what we do...we are problem-solvers! Okay. Leaving the LBT drama for my own at home. Later y'all. Going back to the filing and such...YUK! :bored: