DivaStyleCoach

Thanks a bunch, Luluc!:frown: The plan is: Protein first, then veggies until I feel full...kinda like how I'm eating now!

PJTP - I have my first appt with my primary care doc today...I think he'll be pleased with my weight loss, but my blood sugar numbers are not responding as well, so we'll see... Re: People noticing that you've lost weight...I don't know why people won't mention THAT, but they will talk about you behind your back if you appear to be GAINING weight!:confused_smile: Susan - doing a happy dance for you! Woo Hoo! I don't know what I will do about my port if it sticks out when I get closer to goal. Because it's kinda "under" the girls, unless I lose a LOT of boob, it may not be an issue. So far, my bras don't irritate it...lucky me! Anyone got any tips for making it through the holidays with no fill? I'm not scheduled until early January, but thinking about calling and begging for an appointment next week to help speed up my weight loss. Yeah, I know, it's been just under a month, but I don't want to gain anything over Christmas, and the head hunger is threatening to take over!:thumbup:

Good morning Warriors! Friday was a bust, workout-wise. Had to wear my boots to work (normally wear my cross-trainers) so I had NO shoes to do a lunchtime walk or my evening workout.:confused_smile: Note to self: buy extra pair of crosstrainers on EBay and leave them in my workout bag! Saturday DD and I went to the gym. 30 minutes on the elliptical, plus a full route through the circuit training area which included upper and lower body work. Tired, sore muscles, but feeling great. Had Protein shakes after workout for both of us instead of normal Breakfast, so a GREAT start to the day! Walked in the afternoon with DD and DDog, so it was a great Saturday. Sunday was a slow day, exercise-wise...walked with DDog in the morning, but had a potluck after church. I was pretty good - ate mostly protein, left the home-made biscuits alone:crying: Slow Sunday night - studying and homework. Back on the grind this morning - full walk with DDog, DD and DH, planning to walk at lunchtime. No gym tonight because of class. Seeing my Primary Care doc this afternoon for the first time since surgery. I think he'll be pleased with my weight loss - I know I am!:thumbup:

I PM'ed you also, BBK - don't be too hard on yourself:wub:...and I agree wholeheartedly with LJM...:wink2:

Checkin' in, Sistas! Been to the gym the past two days - Wednesday was 30 min on the ArcTrainer, 20 min on the treadmill, and yesterday I did 30 min on the Elliptical. Felt good but tired both days. Will go back today and do more aerobics. I'm working on strengthening my heart, since I've had some troubles, and will add in the weights next week. Gotta find the right routine - I've only got 3 weekdays in the gym, because Monday and Tuesday I have classes in the evening. Will get in either a long walk or a gym session on Saturday as well to make it 4 days. Don't feel like I'm losing much weight, but my clothes and even my coats are getting looser, so I'm happy for now. Keep up the good work, ladies - remember that ANYTHING positive you do exercise-wise is better than doing NOTHING...

Hey Warriors, Great workout at the gym last night...back on the elliptical trainer (because of the upper/lower body combo) and burned the same number of calories in 30 minutes as burned in 50 minutes the day before. I'm all about efficiency, so that will definately be a part of future workouts. Walked yesterday in the AM, but not at work - preparing for committee meetings. Today I walked with family and DDog in the wind and rain, and will go to the gym again tonight. That will make 3 days this week :wink2: Gotta get in another day's activity on the weekend - whether that will be a longer walk or a gym session depends on the weather. Question for those using the Daily Plate - do you log your work hours as activity? I looked up what they say I burn, calorie wise, as a desk jockey and was surprised. If I added that in as activity every day, I think it would give me a false sense of security...thoughts?

Hey Ladies, This has been the MOST interesting thread the past few days...I've been reading a lot, copying down product names and ideas, and very much enjoying the exchange. I was banded on the 17th and am transitioning to solid food with very little trouble. Tried a sandwich this week and got a little stuck, but nothing too painful. I will not try it again for a while, though...I LOVE bread, but it's not my friend right now. I love the ideas about adding protein powder to SF pudding - I have a couple of boxes at home, so I'll be trying that as soon as my protein arrives (which I ordered this morning). I know I'm not getting enough protein (I do track what I'm eating) and may add my protein shakes back in as another poster suggested - between meals. So far, soups have been great for me - reasonable amounts of protein, lots of veggies, low fat, and everything goes down really well. I also found deviled ham and chicken go down pretty easy - the trick is to find lower fat and sodium versions. Keep up the good work, all - you are inspiring and educating me as well! I'm back in the gym this week - have gone two days so far, and today will be my third. Monday and Tuesday I have classes at night, so I'll have to go another day on the weekend. We will all be healthier in 2009!:wink2:

'Morning, Family! PJTP that I'm having fun virtual shopping for clothes, even though I promised myself that I wouldn't buy a WHOLE lot of things while I'm transitioning to the new me. However, I do have a need to purchase a couple of things now and then...I'm definately a shopaholic...and there are such nice things in the stores nowadays...:crying: Hoping for some shopping resistance so I don't overspend...maybe I'll buy myself a christmas present early from DH and just tell him I bought it...:wink2:

PJTP...My nails are stronger than ever since being banded. Must have something to do with taking my vitamins and calcium regularly (I took them before, but not so regularly) and the extra protien. First two weeks I practically LIVED on jello, which is supposedly good for your nails...don't know exactly why I've been blessed, but I'm happy for it!:wink:

BBK, The next time a co-worker wants to discuss your weight loss, refer them to LBT and keep it moving. If they really want to know, let them do the work to find out. You could even say that for you, the journey continues, but you choose not to talk about it so much. You can only answer that question so many times before you get tired of it, which, by the sound of your post, you definately are! I want to encourage you to get out of your regular 'circle' and find some new experience and new friends. If they are intimidated by you, then they don't really KNOW you...we've never met face to face, but I feel certain that you would never do anything to hurt a friend...I just got that feeling about you, dear heart. Define what would make you happy - just you, not anyone else in your life. What makes you smile? What makes you sigh with contentment? Find out what those things / activities / people are and surround yourself with them. Build a sanctuary in your home that's just for you and you alone. If you have a spare room, decorate to YOUR taste (whatever that might be at the moment) and then put a lock on the door to which YOU have the only key. Create a 'safe space' for you to just be you...whatever that means on the day you choose to define it. Hang in there, sweetheart - you have inspired so many people, me included, with your willingness to open up your heart and your life and share your experiences with us all. God Bless You, girlfriend - Pressed down, shaken together and running over so that your fingers cannot catch it all...

Hey Ladies, I'm doing well - 3 weeks out from surgery and feelin' fine. I've lost 15 lbs since being banded, 25 total. The head hunger is roaring with a vengeance...transitioning from mushies to some solids, which explains my only losing a pound last week. I'm not real happy about that, but I know it's still more than I would have lost before I was banded! Going back to the gym today - I walk every day with my family and our dog, but for instance today I didn't get in my lunchtime walk because of work and the weather. I will hit the gym tonight - a combination of aerobics and weights. I've gotta keep the aerobics in my routine because they help me get stronger (especially my heart) and I love the weights because I like feeling physically stronger and I know the more muscle I put on, the more calories I will burn at rest. Keep on going, ladies - we are working to become healthier versions of ourselves, and we will succeed!:wink:

My first checkup was great...this week I checked my weight, and I'm only down a pound (25 total for the entire journey). I wanted more, but then, that's my personality. :biggrin: I want it gone yesterday ...now that I can see the end of the 'obese life' I want it to be done and over with so I can get on with the new, healthy life I've planned for myself. Realistically, it will probably take the better part of a year. :biggrin: I'm shooting for a healthy 10 pound loss per month - I feel it's doable if I watch my calorie count and work out like I know I should. Winter is tough - my walks outside are getting a little harder due to weather. The only do-or-die walk I take is with my dog every morning. He can't take a day off - that's when he does his 'business'...and he's a great reason for me to get off my lazy duff and get out the door, no matter what. I do like the gym - that's one of my saving graces...even when I was younger, and eating WAAAY too much, I had the gym and physical activity to help keep me under some semblance of control. :thumbup: When I stopped being that active was when the weight really came on. That, and having children. I was heavy when I got pregnant with my son Ron, but only gained 15 pounds under doctor's advice. My son weighed over 9 1/2 lbs, so I did really well. Of course sitting around at home and gaining 50 lbs after he was born did NOT help...:eek: Now I'm dealing with the head hunger, but it's getting a little better every day. I've transitioned out of mushies and am getting slowly acclimatized to "regular" food again. I still don't do well with sandwiches, and I think I'm still drinking too much during the meal - though it's way down from what I used to do. It's a process, and I've got to be patient with myself. I have currently lost more weight since beginning this process than at any time in the previous 5 years...I've got to remember that, and not be too hard on myself.:wub: I decided on this process BECAUSE it did not promise "instant" results and BECAUSE I had more control over the process. Now I just have to relax a bit and let the process continue to work for me...

My first checkup was great...this week I checked my weight, and I'm only down a pound (25 total for the entire journey). I wanted more, but then, that's my personality. :thumbup: I want it gone yesterday :biggrin:...now that I can see the end of the 'obese life' I want it to be done and over with so I can get on with the new, healthy life I've planned for myself. Realistically, it will probably take the better part of a year. :blushing: I'm shooting for a healthy 10 pound loss per month - I feel it's doable if I watch my calorie count and work out like I know I should. Winter is tough - my walks outside are getting a little harder due to weather. The only do-or-die walk I take is with my dog every morning. He can't take a day off - that's when he does his 'business'...and he's a great reason for me to get off my lazy duff and get out the door, no matter what. I do like the gym - that's one of my saving graces...even when I was younger, and eating WAAAY too much, I had the gym and physical activity to help keep me under some semblance of control. :wink: When I stopped being that active was when the weight really came on. That, and having children. I was heavy when I got pregnant with my son Ron, but only gained 15 pounds under doctor's advice. My son weighed over 9 1/2 lbs, so I did really well. Of course sitting around at home and gaining 50 lbs after he was born did NOT help...:scared2: Now I'm dealing with the head hunger, but it's getting a little better every day. I've transitioned out of mushies and am getting slowly acclimatized to "regular" food again. I still don't do well with sandwiches, and I think I'm still drinking too much during the meal - though it's way down from what I used to do. It's a process, and I've got to be patient with myself. I have currently lost more weight since beginning this process than at any time in the previous 5 years...I've got to remember that, and not be too hard on myself.:cursing: I decided on this process BECAUSE it did not promise "instant" results and BECAUSE I had more control over the process. Now I just have to relax a bit and let the process continue to work for me...

Good morning Warriors, Checking in...went to the gym last night for the first time in waaaay too long. I have been walking (mornings with DDog) and at lunchtime, but after my "just" 1 pound loss last week, I decided to get my butt in gear, or as Jachut would say, I shut my gob and decided to move my ass... 30 minutes on the ArcTrainer elliptical (doesn't use arms, but burns the legs) and another 20 minutes on the treadmill, using speed increases and incline increases to form my own workout. I think I'll check out the cardio coach and mp3 downloads - I KNOW I need to do aerobics for my heart (since I've had some troubles and it runs in my family) but I would rather lift weights. I don't do it fast enough to count as "circuit" training, so aerobics will continue to be a part of my routine. Nice reading everyone's posts - those of you who are regulars really inspire me, and a big welcome to all those joining the challenge for the first time. Though I'm not the strongest or the fastest, I've been MUCH more consistent since posting my workouts on this thread. Even if all I do is walk I will do THAT every day so I don't feel like a slacker...

PJTP that I'm starting my day with a smile because of y'all...thanks a bunch!

'Morning People!:whistle: Back after a short absence, and wow - 5 pages to read through this morning! Fanny - I'm so glad you're okay...had a 'close encounter' with a semi several years ago during a rainstorm...he swerved, I was already in the left lane passing him, and rather than hit the concrete barrier in the middle of the freeway, I stood my ground and he crushed and split the right front fender on my beloved Jaguar XJ6. I got off the freeway when I could and shook like a leaf for at least 5 minutes. He didn't stop, and I didn't have the presence of mind to get his plate. My insurance covered it, but WOW...what a scary episode! :whistle: Lulu - I'm so sorry to hear about your dog :whistle:...we had to let our 16-year old Black Lab go to heaven about 2 years ago when the hip dysplasia got so bad he was in pain all the time and snapping at us...not at all like this dog - he was the sweetest guy ever. It still brings tears to my eyes - my DH had to take him to the vet - I was hysterical and cried for several days. We'd had him since he was a puppy - the only one of the group that came out from under a chair to "investigate" us when we came to check them out at their original home. Beth - thanks for sharing that video with the horse. What talent! Now that one with the baby powder...I'd still be kickin' his butt!:tt1: I'm doing okay - only lost a pound last week - :whistle: - but the transition from mushies to "real food" is going well. No fill yet - that's coming in January, so I'm trying to keep in control until then...wish me luck!:tt1:

'Morning Friends, Missed most of the show yesterday because I was in class, but I agree that Ed probably water-loaded to be the one in the bottom with his wifey. Still can't stand Vicky - wish I was able to vote HER off! DH and DD screamed so loud for Michelle when she weighed in that I knew something BIG had happened. Already voted for Ed a bunch of times - and I agree with Glou - they should go back to singles next time - the couples thing just doesn't work for me. I think they should be able to give out 1 pound penalties to people who act the way Vicky does...she's one that I simply don't care whether she succeeds or not; I don't want to see any updates from her, and if she never crosses my TV screen again, I'd be thrilled. Of course once the show is over, she'll try to capitalize on her 15 minutes of fame like that disagreeable Omarosa did after getting kicked off of Trump's show.:tt1:

Hey Warriors, Checking in to say I've walked every day this week, but no gym time - last night it was the trains that got me...by the time I finally arrived at the train station where my gym is, they were closing :thumbup: Have to settle for the walks right now - back to the Iron on Monday if the trains and buses cooperate. Will go on a longer walk on Saturday just to test myself...maybe hit the gym in my home town as well. Loving the accountability of checking in here every few days (or everyday) and seeing what others have done - y'all help keep me motivated.

Hey Ladies, I think we should plan to meet somewhere tropical and exotic during the summer of 2009 or 2010, and plan to wear our skimpiest, sluttiest bikinis, and do a 'Lap Band' parade down the beach!:tongue2: Who's in?

PJTP - I am wearing a "normal" size XL from Spiegel today! :w00t::blushing: I bought some smaller clothes in anticipation of the drop in weight from the surgery - before banding, I would never have tried it - not even with an XXL! Today, I decided to 'try on' the clothes to see how much farther I needed to go to get into them safely...meaning no buttons threatening to pop and no seams looking stressed. OMG - they fit me this morning! I am so excited I could scream - so I had to come here to share...I knew y'all would understand... Ceradad - I :frown: cops and men in uniform...my very first semi-adult crush was on a cop. I was part of a teen program in high school that had us training to be 'Police Cadets'...Officer McDonald was the hottest thing walking - all the girls wanted him. He was so kind, professional, and that uniform!!! Married a sailor for some of the same reasons - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE men in uniform! Those 'choker whites' (their summer dress uniform) make them look sooooo good! My DD has a thing about men in uniform as well (go figure)...when she was young, we'd go to the base to go shopping and she'd call every guy in khakis "Da"...made for some interesting conversations and a couple of temporarily-upset girlfriends until I explained that baby girl couldn't tell them apart until she got up close:lol::sleep2: I respect our men and women in uniform - being part of a military family (Army / Navy / Marines) plus having random crushes on cops will do that for ya. It's a job I don't think I could do - it takes a special type of person to take the abuse that they do and keep coming back every day, no matter what! The "goodie patrol" hasn't started here yet - though a co-worker did bring in pies early this week - I resisted! My hubby uses Facebook to keep up with old shipmates and his family in Michigan - it's pretty cool... Everybody have a terrific day...and weekend!:tongue2:

Hey Ladies...y'all are too funny!:wub: People at work have started to notice that I'm losing - one of my coworkers has the bypass and she's been the most supportive and complimentary - gotta love her! My hubby notices little changes as well, and my DD. No one else knows I had the surgery in my family, plus we live a few states away, so by the time I see them again (maybe in the spring of 09) I will be much farther along. Had an NSV today - my size 18 pants are fitting beautifully - no pulling, gapping or binding. Can't wait to get to size 16's, which I haven't seen since high school! Congrats to all those moving through the phases - I am just starting mushies this week after 2 weeks on liquids. I did start cream of wheat last week (thinner than normal) and have the clearance from my surgeon to go back to my regular workouts, which I'm really happy about. Can't wait to buy smaller clothes (just a few things at a time while I'm losing) - I'm virtual shopping the sales and by the time the post-Christmas sales come along, I'll have a GOOD reason to shop!:whatchutalkingabout

Just checking in with all my busty sistas!:cursing: I'm two weeks out from surgery, and I must say, my surgeon did a good job with placement - my port is just a little lower on my torso than where my bra band hits, so no problems as of right now. I was a little sore the first few days and wore a non-underwire bra, but I'm back to the wires with no real problems. I do hope I don't lose a LOT of my bustline, though I know realistically that losing 100 pounds WILL make a difference. I'm hoping heavy bench presses and weight work will help build muscle underneath the soft tissue and help the 'girls' stay up! :thumbup:

Thanks, Susan :cursing::girl_hug::thumbup::girl_hug: It does feel great!:wub::tt2::cool2: And I :hurray: the little woo-hoo smiley that's running back and forth - where do you veterans find all the cute smileys?

PJTP - I am having a terrific morning!:cursing: Congrats on being 'carded', BBK - that must have felt great! Traffic woes - I had to drive to work the past two days and I'm soooo glad I'm back on the train today! I HATE driving in rush hour traffic - people abandon their courtesy and goodwill and drive like maniacs! I have a fairly powerful car, and can drive in triple digits if I need to, but dang - every single day?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!:wub: I stay out of the fast lane unless I'm passing - I don't want to be in the way, and I don't want anyone else in my way when I'm trying to pass...plus you get noticed by the state troopers less when you're in the slow lane :thumbup: My dad drove semis and a taxi for a while - talk about an *ahem* adventurous driver! My mom said she wore holes in the floorboards of the passenger side of our family cars because she was forever 'putting on brakes' when riding with my dad. My hubby says I inherited his driving sense...:hurray: Though I grew up in Michigan and CAN drive in snow and ice, I don't particularly like it...the SUV drivers who think they are invincible make it dangerous for those of us who know that no matter WHAT vehicle you drive, you lose contact with the road and it's all over... NSV - My size 18 pants fit beautifully this morning...no pulling, no gapping and no stress. Looking forward to dropping down to 16's for the first time since high school - maybe by the end of the month!:cool2: Have a terrific day, everyone!:tt2:

Hey, People! A heartfelt early Happy Birthday to BBK! My boobs are currently a 42H - I think I can stand to lose a little, but if I drop below a DDD (F) I'll be a little perturbed...since I have a tendency to get keloids, I don't know of plastic surgery is in my future:sad: Fanny - give yourself a good shake and then enjoy your man...the responses you've gotten are terrific - you and your guy are obviously enjoying each other, and if he's attracted to your mind / personality / heart / spirit, then no matter WHAT shape your body is in, you're MILES ahead of those relationships built JUST on the physical. My DH has always told me he loves me like I am, however, he's busily planning all the *ahem* adventures we will have and the sexy things he can buy me as my weight drops and my body changes. He's not even that perturbed (sp?) about a possible loss of boobs - he's really a leg man and loves mine. I'm more worried about losing the 'girls' than HE is! :tt2: We've always been compatible in the mind / heart / sense of humor / spiritual realm, so the physical is a bonus... Jury duty - hate it! Called once when I lived in Michigan, once since coming to CT - now that I mention it, I'm probably jinxed and will be called next week or something...:smile2: Lots of office parties scheduled this month - including a hoity-toity event at the New Haven Lawn Club...gotta figure out what I'm going to wear, since I don't know what size I'll be! :wink2: And - PJTP that I resisted eating the Cherry pie that was sitting out in the breakroom...I'm not scheduled for solids for another two weeks. I :cool2: my band!