hollyberries

Sherri First, don't beat yourself up. Sounds like you have not had much support and that is necessary to being successful with the Band. I can't go to Boston for my support but I am on Lapbandtalk.com everyday for support. If I did not have this I would be a complete failure because the people here genuinely care about your success. You can do this. You have a wonderful tool inside you just needs to be worked. Now, you cannot expect the tool work if you do not get the fills that are needed for the band to work properly. I am not going to sugar coat that it will be difficult at times to eat but if you follow the rules of eating Protein first, then veggies/fruits and carbs if still hungry. You must chew, chew, chew and chew some more. Always take small bites. This will ensure that you will be able to eat without discomfort but the band is finnicky sometimes and you will have times where doing that just won't help. You are not a failure just get that band working for you. And for goodness sake keep coming here for support. We will help you. Cindy

A couple of things that may help with the tightness at first are: 1. Drink something warm to open the band a bit. 2. My least favorite when hungry is to talk tiny bites and chew the heck out of it. I think the hardest part with this band is remembering the simple rules we have been told especially when we are hungry and want to eat a cow. I do like the fact that the band won't let you do that even if you wanted to. I like that you aren't worried about things with the apt. right now because it is tough with the little ones. Just tell her to take it one day at a time and it will get done eventually. I remember those days. I had my first two boys 10 1/2 months apart. It was like having twins. I then had my last boy Brandon exactly 3 years later. What was I thinking? I wouldn't trade it for the world because now they are 14, 13 & 10 and so self sufficient. What kind of hunting do you plan to do in SC? If you are ever in Mass. come my way because I border a state forest and they stock the forest with fowl and turkey's. Take Care- Cindy

Ah! What I would give to have your restriction. Here's hoping 5/14 will be the sweet spot. Seriously, be very careful...you don't want to remain super tight. Hopefully, it will ease on you a bit. Have you settled in South Carolina yet? Hope all is going well. Cindy

Dang Girl! You're wearing a size 12...I don't think I will ever get there. I am so happy with my size 24's since I started by wearing a size 34. You know something. I don't think I ever wore a size 12. I almost got into a size 16 about 18 years ago but never have I ever seen size 12. I think because I am 5' 9" and large framed that size 16 might be a good goal. Right now the goal is to lose 100lbs. by May 6th. I don't think that it will happen but I can shoot for it. Keep up the great work...14lbs. is so close. Cindy

Cindy- I know it is hard to eat right now but you shouldn't be uncomfortable eating. May I make a suggestion that you really eat slowly and chew the heck out of the food. The gravies, sauces & mayo are not a problem as long as it is not to much. I find if I have roast beef for dinner I need about a 1/4 cup of gravy to make it not so dry. I also find that my fill is worst in the beginning and eases out over a few weeks later. I am learning that I can't eat when I am super hungry because I eat way to fast and big bites. Then I am miserable and can't eat until the next day. Let's make a pact to eat slowly and chew chew chew put the fork down in between bites and become aware of the food as it is swallowed. I like Bandpals idea of eating with a toothpick and making certain that the food is cut up like what we do for our children when they are toddlers trying solid food for the first time. We can do this...together we will conquer. Cindy

Hi Cindy- I have slowed down on the weightloss too! But this is my observation. I will lose 1 or 2lbs and then stall for 2 or 3 weeks and then lose 1 or 2lbs and stall etc. This has been the cycle I have been on in the last 2 months. However, I still seem to manage to lose about 8-10lbs a month. I like you find that I am most successful after my fills. Although, I still have yet to find the sweet spot that so many talk about. The earth will shake when that happens. I don't know all the technical jargon but I think that when we have lost at the clip that we have been our bodies need time to adjust. It sounds like you are eating enough calories but what are they. Are you eating enough Protein. Have you had any stuck/PB/Slime episodes and find that you are trying to eat things that will go down smoother. Since my last fill I have had to be very careful with chewing as I am in pain more often if I don't. The normal human reaction is to eat something that will go down easier. Case in point, I made homemade chili two weeks in a row for lunches because it was the only thing that I was comfortable eating. However, at dinner I still went for solid protein and veggies. Funny thing is I can't seem to eat a dang salad without getting stuck and not matter how I try to chew. I would relax about the stall...trust me your body will catch up to you with a great big surprise when you least expect it. Keep weighing everyday to hold yourself accountable to the scale and just don't allow yourself to gain and if you do don't stress because it will probably go away within a few days. Plateaus are normal. Do they suck...Yes but it is our body trying to adapt to losing our fat. Have a great day. Cindy

Name..............Start...........Current..............Goal........ To Go Lizzie_07.........233...............228.....................220 .........8 Osangriared.....252...............247.3.....................232 .....15.3 Skinny_Jill.......180...............175.....................168....... ....7 Sades.............197...............197.....................185....... ..12 kandiceb..........187...............176.....................175....... ...1 shortgal............183..............175....................175....... ....1 TxArcher..........328..............315......................308....... ...7 Peaches11........217..............208.....................199......... 10 Momto1plus1.....223..............215.4..................210......... 5.4 zippykat...........173..............167.....................160....... ...7 Trixie...............219.5...........209.....................199...... ..10 wnt2lose..........219..............213.6.....................209...... ..4.6 plump_princess....215.............208.....................199.......9 Mariegabrieleee....250............250......................239...... 11 Foofy..............239.5............236.....................230....... ...6 Shalee04..........196..............189......................185....... ..4 Hollyberries......267...............260......................254...... ...6 CindyG............215...............212......................199...... .13 MollyBrown......258...............253.......................245....... .8 lindata............189?.............185.......................180..... ...5

I so have to check this bra out. I just had to return a bathing suit because the girls were playing peek a boo. After the pants falling down episode I really don't need to add flashing to a list of my life's most embarassing moments. Good to hear from you Foofy! Cindy

Foofy- I am so sorry to hear that your are experiencing this. I truly understand what you are going through. What is a hair hat? Cindy PS: I was wondering where you have been lately? The Nymphs have been very quiet lately.

OK...it has been awfully quiet on this board lately. I miss my Nymph friends. I love reading about all your successes. So...how are things going? What have you been up to? Are you enjoying the beautiful weather? Especially in New England. How has your weightloss been going? Any NSV moments? Just plain anything to talk about. Things going pretty good here. I am on a small plateau but happy with my weightloss. I cleaned out my closet this week and had 8 bags of clothes that don't fit anymore. I have finally hit the lowest size in my closet (size 24) which means I need clothes. I have been buying a few things but still waiting until more weight comes off. I tried on a size 22 bathing suit because I am going to do Water aerobics at the "Y" and I looked pretty good. I got it home and was jumping up and down to see how things would work while in the water and to my surprise the girls found their way out of the bathing suit. Needless to say I do not want to put on a show at the "Y" for everyone. LOL! So I returned the bathing suit in search for a more respectable one for water aerobics and to save myself more embarrassment since the pants falling down episode. Would love to hear some stories from my Nymph family! Tag...your it. Cindy

Thanks for checking in Jill. I am still losing my hair and more than I want to. However, I am dealing with it vigilantly. I am increasing my Protein, taking 5000 mcg of Biotin and using Nixoin. Hopefully it will help. Cindy

Name..............Start...........Current.................Goal........ To Go Lizzie_07.........233...............228.5.....................220 ..........8.5 Osangriared.....252...............247.3.....................232 ..........15.3 Skinny_Jill.......180...............175.....................168....... .....7 Sades.............197...............197.....................185....... .....12 kandiceb..........187...............176.....................175....... ....1 shortgal............183..............177....................175....... .....2 TxArcher..........328..............318......................308....... ....10 Peaches11........217..............208.....................199......... .10 Momto1plus1.....223..............215.4..................210........... 5.4 zippykat...........173..............167.....................160....... ...7 Trixie...............219.5...........209.....................199...... ....10 wnt2lose..........219..............213.6.....................209...... ..4.6 plump_princess....215.............209.....................199........1 0 Mariegabrieleee....250............250......................239........ 11 Foofy..............239.5............237.5...................230....... .7.5 Shalee04..........196..............189......................185....... .4 Hollyberries......267...............261......................254...... .7 CindyG............215...............212......................199...... ..13 MollyBrown......258...............253.......................245....... ..8 lindata............189?.............185.......................180..... .....5 I finally broke my 15 day plateau. Holy Smokes it has taken 15 days to lose one friggin' pound. But! I am happy as a clam with my results and I ain't letting it get me down. Onward and downard! I still have the darn goal of losing 100lbs. by May 6th but I am thinking at this rate it won't happen but holding on to hope! Cheers Nymphs! Cindy

Bandpal! You are doing fantastic. Isn't it amazing that all us November Nymphs are going through the same struggle with having to ensure that we eat smaller bites and chew chew chew! I am sitting here eating my Breakfast and concentrating on typing and chewing very difficult I might add. I love reading your posts because you are an awesome writer. I like you agree that this is the best thing to ever happen to me and try to tell my doctor during a 2 min fill the same thing and he just smiles and nods his head like you weren't the first one I've heard that from. As for the stopping when full...I am struggling with that issue myself. I am learning that I must just measure out the food and put it on my plate and stop after that. I have yet to really know when I am full until after I have eaten. Take last night for example, DH and I had no children last night and went out for dinner. I got baked scallops, with baked potato and butternut squash. I ate about half of everything and a roll but didn't feel totally full to the gills until I was driving home. I believe the hardest part of this journey is dealing with the head issues that you have lived with for so long. Everyday is a new day with a new obstacle but I am loving how my body is emerging from its cocoon. keep up the great work...you are inspiring. Cindy

Shortgal- Just noticed your ticker. You are halfway there. Congratulations! You are doing super. Halfway...doesn't it feel great! Happy Vacation and enjoy yourself. Cindy

You need support and this is the best place to get it if you can't get to a support meeting. I have found that keeping in check with this site has helped me a lot. I have met wonderful people on this board that have been very supportive. Get checked in and make friends here. Also, I recommend that you look for the Bandster Support group. It is located in the Support section and than you look for the year and month that you were banded. This group was banded the same month as you and it is great because they are going through some of the same things. Best of luck in your journey and with support and lifestyle changes you will do just great. Cindy

Dude- You are catching up to me quick! You are speeding up and I am slowing down. I expected it though. I am not complaining with 92lbs. When you moving? Cindy

Welcome Molly! Us November Nymphs are a family and you are more than welcome to get support here. I have found that this forum has been a rock to me and my success. I believe that support is one of the biggest factors that keep us going. We all know the band rules but when one of us hurting or feeling like a failure I can always come here and find a world of support. Keep checking in and posting any kinds of questions that you have. Post even if it is a gripe; you will always feel welcome. Best wishes in your journey. Cindy

Shalee Awesome picture! You are looking so awesome. Doesn't if feel good. Keep up the great work everyone! Cindy

Foofy! Huge difference in your face. I don't understand why we lose from the top down. LOL! You look really great! Cindy

Could it be..........:tongue:..........RESTRICTION.... I hope so...had a fill this week and am definately feeling it! Keeping my fingers crossed!:redface:

Hey Longhorn! A shout out from New England. You are still being thought of positively. I am glad to hear that things look up...we will keep praying. By the way, this week my Mother in Law was diagnosed; however the doctors are not sure what type of cancer she has yet. She is undergoing all the tests in the next weeks to determine what type. About 4 years ago she successfully beat Colan Cancer but at her check up they found a 3/4 to 1 inch size tumor but are not sure of its location yet. We will see! You are an inspiration to all cancer patients with such a positive attitude. Your in my prayers, Cindy PS: My store Hollyberries is doing a Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend on May 3rd and 4th. A % of our sales will go to Breast Cancer Awareness and Research. I know a number of women that are fighting or have fought breast cancer and thought it was a great way to give back.

Name..............Start...........Current.................Goal........ To Go Lizzie_07.........233...............231.....................220 ..........11 Osangriared.....252...............251.....................232 ..........19 Skinny_Jill.......180...............176.....................168....... .....8 Sades.............197...............197.....................185....... .....12 kandiceb..........187...............178.....................175....... ....03 shortgal............183..............179....................175....... .....4 TxArcher..........328..............324......................308....... ....16 Peaches11........217..............208.....................199......... .10 Momto1plus1.....223..............219.0..................210........... ..9 zippykat...........173..............167.....................160....... ...7 Trixie...............219.5...........215.....................199...... ....16 wnt2lose..........219..............217.....................209........ 8 plump_princess....215.............211.....................199........1 2 Mariegabrieleee....250............250......................239........ 11 Foofy..............239.5............237.5...................230....... .7.5 Shalee04..........196..............192......................185....... .7 Hollyberries......267...............262......................254...... .8 Lindata............189...............189.....................184...... ....5 Well, I got a fill this week and I think that I might be at some restriction because I get so darn full fast. Tonight I could only eat a little piece of chicken and a spoonful of broccoli and a few bites of mashed potatoes and I am so full. I did have a snack earlier a couple pieces of swiss cheese as I was hungry and needed some Protein. I hope this it!

I have to agree with that statement. Band placement is key...some doctors have better luck at it than others. I have small band 4cc's and I only have 1.5cc's in my band so I clearly have not need much with regard to fills. I have been careful on what I ate most times but I don't deprive myself. I followed all the rules my doctor gave me the first 4 weeks out. I didn't stray....now I eat smaller portions of everything. Sometimes I have trouble with some things going down hard and just stop. I try to eat everything in moderation. Isn't that what a normal thin person does? Cindy

LOL! You are so funny Foofy! I just look at my 90lb 11 year old and think I can't even lift him. Holy smoke...I have lost quite a bit of weight. Cool! Although, I have been a bad girl the last week or so. I so need fill been more hungry than I should be. Eating past full and just needing to get a big kick in the pants. And would somebody just eat all the darn chocolate chip Cookies in the house so they don't call my darn name every time I walk by...Dang it! Just when you think you got this conquered....cravings will kill me sometimes. I will step off my soap box and calm down now! Cindy

Wantolose and Lizzie- You look unbelievable! I just love seeing everyone's pictures it is very inspiring. It is also awesome to see pictures of people that I have gotten to know us November Nymphs. We are a special family. I was out to dinner this evening with friends and they asked if I go to a LapBand Support Group...I said, "Oh, Yes! I have LapBandTalk.Com." It is too far to Boston every other week so this is the next best thing and I don't know what I would have done without you all. Love you guys! Cindy