hollyberries

Name..........Start........Current.........Goal........ To Go CindyG.........210...........207...........198...........9 TxArcher.......308...........302...........285...........17 Foofy..........235...........235...........225...........10 Skinny_Jill....173...........168...........163............5 Hollyberries...257...........255...........247............8 Stephanie......173...........173...........159...........14 gabeekeeper....246...........246...........236...........10 Sades..........197...........195.5.........185...........10.5 shortgal.......175...........175...........165...........10 Momto1plus1....210...........210...........198...........12 Shalee04.......187...........185...........177...........10 osangriared....248...........248...........228...........20 lindata........181.5.........181.5.........176.5..........5 kuchiegrl1.....262.5.........257.5.........252...........5.5 kandiceb.......175...........175...........165...........10 Hajohnson1.....234...........234...........219...........15 Hopping to it..295...........295...........280...........15 Eulete P.......219...........219...........209...........10 wnr2lose.......211.8.........208.8.........200...........8.8 Archer Man! I only have 1lb left to go and I am really close to it. This fill and the newly found Water aerobics are kicking it in. Everyone is doing great! Keep up the great work. Cindy

Dude! You are so incredibly awesome. Right back at you! Cindy

Name..........Start........Current.........Goal........ To Go CindyG.........210...........208...........198...........10 TxArcher.......308...........306...........285...........21 Foofy..........235...........235...........225...........10 Skinny_Jill....173...........169...........163............6 Hollyberries...257...........256...........247............9 Stephanie......173...........173...........159...........14 gabeekeeper....246...........246...........236...........10 Sades..........197...........196...........185...........11 shortgal.......175...........175...........165...........10 Momto1plus1....210...........210...........198...........12 Shalee04.......187...........185...........177...........10 osangriared....248...........248...........228...........20 lindata........181.5.........181.5.........176.5..........5 kuchiegrl1.....262.5.........260.5.........252...........8.5 kandiceb.......175...........175...........165...........10 Hajohnson1.....234...........234...........219...........15 Hopping to it..295...........295...........280...........15 Eulete P.......219...........219...........209...........10 wnr2lose.......211.8.........211.8.........200...........11.8 Well, I finally lost 1lb. I have been on this plateau for weeks. The Water aerobics and the fill seem to be kicking in. Here is hoping to a whole bunch more soon. Keep up the great work everyone. Cindy

Sue- Thanks so much for your encouragement. You and I seem to be at the same slow down. I lost 97lbs rather quickly but now know that I must exercise to get the rest off. I will dang it. I just wanted you to know that I broke my plateau this morning by losing 1lb. I am happy with that because it means this fill may be working. I started Water aerobics last week and really like it. I didn't actually think that it would work but I am lame when done. We will make it.....We will endure..... Thanks again, Cindy

I thought that it might be kinda of cool to get some recipes from all you Nymphs (especially those that can cook). I have made a few in the last few weeks that taste great and are getting me through. Since my last fill, I have not been able to eat anything comfortably in the morning this this Protein shake has been a God sent. Cindy's Fruit smoothie 1/2 cup 1% milk 1/2 cup non-fat strawberry yogurt 1/2 cup mandarin oranges 1 scoop of Any whey or powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein powder 4 frozen strawberries 2 tsp Splenda 4 Ice Cubes Blend until the ice is crushed. This is my new addiction...I love it because it tastes so friggin' awesome. Almost to good! It also nets a huge glass. For you Low Carbers this is great alone or on veggies or with RF Wheat Thins Cheesy Spinach & Bacon Dip 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained 1 lb. (16 oz.) VELVEETA Pasteurized Prepared cheese Product, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cut up 1 can (10 oz.) RO*TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained 8 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, crisply cooked, drained and crumbled or 1 Jar of real bacon bits COMBINE ingredients in microwaveable bowl. MICROWAVE on HIGH 5 min. or until VELVEETA is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 3 min. Cindy

Well, even though I have lost a lot in a short amount of time, I have not really followed much of a diet. The rules that were given me were to eat Protein, fruits & veggies and then carb like foods if still hungry. I am a protein nut so I eat a lot of protein. My typical diet is this: Breakfast: 1 scrambled egg, 2oz. Jimmy Dean scrambled sausage, 1/2 oz Chedder cheese and 1/4 of Jimmy Dean Country Gravy. This keeps me satisfied for hours. Although, since my last fill this past Wednesday I can't eat in the morning so I am now doing Low-Carb Protein smoothies...which I love and am addicted to. Lunch: what ever was left over from supper the night before but always protein laden and veggies. Today was some Jimmy Dean Country Sausage left overs and leftover cheese/spinach dip that I made for an appetizer for a church function all mixed together. That was good and about 1 cups worth. Dinner: Crockpot cooked all day long chicken with Tyme, mashed cauliflower (mocked mashed potato). Snack: I eat 15 almonds everyday as a snack. I am thinking about finding some soynuts as a snack because I love nuts but don't like the fat. I have been on a plateau for about 3 weeks and can't seem to lose the last 3lbs to get to 100lbs.; so I have switched things up a bit to ensure that I lower my carb intake without going overboard. Today I have had 53 grams of carbs higher than most days but still low enough. I try to keep my calories around 1200-1500 per day mostly on the lower end and I log all my food on Free Diet Plans at SparkPeople. I weight myself everyday for accountability. I don't obsess over the scale like some but I like to know everyday how I am doing so that I don't blow it. I give myself one down day to eat what I want but even now with the band I can't eat as much as I used to. Take Saturday night, I went out with the girls. We went to Uno's. I looked on the internet to make my choice before hand. I went with the Baked Stuffed Chicken and Roasted Veggies. I split the meal in 1/2 and put it aside. I ate the other 1/2 the next day. I am a cheap date now. LOL! As for exercise, I have not done much in the way of exercise up until recently. I have just started Water aerobics last week and really like it. I know that I will need to exercise in order to the get the last 80lbs or so off. I have slowed down for sure but I wouldn't trade my band for the world. I love my Band. Cindy

Although, I respectfully disagree that the band is the biggest con ever pulled off. I was fully aware that the band was just a tool but what I have learned is that we require support to get us through this journey. I can't go to support group because it is so far away but I have support right here on LBT. If I didn't have support I would have failed by now. When were you banded? There is a support group on LBT for the month and year that you were banded. This is the best place to get support because they are the people that are going through the same thing that you are. The November Nymphs are my family and we have developed great friendships through the band experience. There are lots of people who have been successful with the band that offer their experiences on-line here and I am sure would be willing to help you in anyway. Keep coming on here and posting your frustrations because you will find answers. Sometimes it may be what you don't want to hear but always done with respect for the band. Best wishes, Cindy

Thanks Bandpal! The 3 haven't left yet. They are stubborn. I think they know that I am in competition with TXARCHER. LOL! Are you back from the states yet?

I am anal as well. Must be from my corporate world days and having to do many reports. LOL I am glad your losing...I know how frustrating it has been for you. You are losing the weight I am not...you will catch up to us soon... Cindy

Congratulations Sades! Love the look the chart.. Very pretty. Keep up the great work everyone! Cindy

Amen Cheri! I have lost rather quickly in the first 6 months 97lbs. However, I had a lot to lose to begin with so I think that is why I lost so quickly. It wasn't until the 2 months that I saw a slow down. You see, I did most of my weight loss with little to no exercise. It just seemed to melt off. I wasn't eating a diet per se, just eating lower quantities of food somewhere between 1200-1500 calories. I like you agree that the band is just a tool and we must work it and that I won't ever gain this weight back. Although, when faced with the daunting fact that you have to lose 179lbs it seems like a mountain but I have climbed over half the mountain and now is going to be the tough part. Now I am having to rethink my whole process. I have started water aerobics which I do 5 days a week and I am doing some strength training. I am trying real hard to eat high protein & low carb because my friggin hair is falling out for the rapid weight loss. I am so uncertain that this will work but I am willing to try it and am more determined than ever to get the last 80 or so pounds off. I was thrilled to see that you have had 6 fills with 2.9cc's in your band. I had my 5th fill this week and have 2.25cc's in my band. From what I have been able to figure the sweet spot is anywhere between 2.5 & 3.0cc's in a 4 cc band. So maybe we will get there eventually, but I can't complain and won't because I have 100lbs give or take less on this body now and I still way smaller portions than I ever did and for that I am grateful. Good post...even got a chuckle. Keep up the great job and attitude. We will conquer. Cindy

Foofy- That is the first thing that I lost was the chin...if you notice the arms are flabby and the stomach is still there. I asked my surgeon yesterday why it is that we lose from the top down and the stomach is the last to go. He laughed and said everyone asks him that... Now under the skirt lies extra flabby upper thighs. I went to my first Water aerobics class this morning and I loved it. I kind of amazed me how much it worked me out. I was skeptical but I liked it and I am going to go five days a week so that I can get the rest of my weight off. If you could have been a fly on the wall to see me so uncoordinated with the aerobics part but once I can do it watch out. Also, I was the youngest girl in the whole class. They were chuckling at me but I think I might have found something that I can stick with. As for the mini skirt, my husband was drooling over me in the bathing suit. He thought the girls looked good. LOL Cindy

Awesome Job Shalee! You have done remarkable. Size 14 that is fantastic. You must be elated. Hell, if I am elated at size 22, I can't imagine you. I don't blame you on not getting a fill before vacation. Enjoy! What is good about the band is that it is forgiving and you can hope back on the train when you bet back. Keep up the great work! You are a superstar. :cry_smile:

I don't have the pain that you all are experiencing but I have a really cool swooshing experience. I can only have liquids because of my 5th fill today. Every time I took a swig of Water, I feel it go down to a point and then it stops but then all of sudden swoosh right through the stoma opening. I have some pressure today but nothing painful. I do think this swooshing thing is cool but I am not sure about regular food doing the same thing...we will see. Good luck and here is hoping to restriction. Cindy

Hey everyone! I went for a fill today and am hoping that it will finally be my sweet spot. I lost 5lbs from the last fill a month ago so things have slowed down for me. However, I am still very happy with my progress. I just want to lose this dang 3lbs to hit 100lbs and beat my buddy TXArcher. Love ya buddy...wouldn't be cool if we hit it the same day together. I have had the weirdest experience all day drinking my liquids. I drink and I can feel go down to the stoma and it stops and then all of sudden it is like a woosh and goes further down. I have been doing this all day and it happens every single time. I haven't noticed this before so it must be tighter. I have 2.25cc's in my 4cc band so I am hoping that I am close. I found people with a 4cc band have anywhere from 2.5 to 3cc's before restriction; so we will see. I am attaching a picture of me in my new bathing suit. As many of you are aware, I have had the hardest time finding a bathing suit for Water aerobics. Today I found a Croft & Barrows at Kohl's. Now, what has me so excited is I am now in a size 22 bathing suit. I am elated at this fact because just 6 months ago I was wearing a 32/34 and was moving out of shopping in a Plus size store to catalog. Now, I can go to Kohl's and actually buy stuff off the rack. So totally awesome...I know for some of you that phrase was an 80's flash back. Love ya guys, Cindy

I agree Linda! I couldn't have been as successful without my band buddies. Love Ya too! Cindy

Thank God! I thought that I was going to gain everything I lost back but I got another fill today so I am hoping this will get me some good restriction. I met up with my Doctor in the Elevator today! We had a nice chat. I told him that I have to travel 2 hours to see him but he's worth it. LOL! I asked Dr. L about my goal weight and he said that he doesn't like to set a goal weight because he doesn't want you to get discouraged if you don't get down to it. He indicated that there are specific guidelines and I told him I knew that my ideal weight is between 155-175 and he thought that for my height that it was to low. He said go until you feel good. Which is what I was planning to do anyway. I also told him I don't remember ever being under 200lbs and that would be my next goal. I want to get to onederland. 60lbs away from it....with the extra 3lbs that I have gone up in the last week. Hopefully, I have that gone in a few days with being on liquids. I am feeling a little different with this fill. I don't know if it is just me or what but I feel fuller even without eating. Keeping my fingers crossed. I weighed in at the Doc's office at 263.50lbs. I go by my scale which is 3.5lbs lighter. So my real weight today was 260.

Thank God! I thought that I was going to gain everything I lost back but I got another fill today so I am hoping this will get me some good restriction. I met up with my Doctor in the Elevator today! We had a nice chat. I told him that I have to travel 2 hours to see him but he's worth it. LOL! I asked Dr. L about my goal weight and he said that he doesn't like to set a goal weight because he doesn't want you to get discouraged if you don't get down to it. He indicated that there are specific guidelines and I told him I knew that my ideal weight is between 155-175 and he thought that for my height that it was to low. He said go until you feel good. Which is what I was planning to do anyway. I also told him I don't remember ever being under 200lbs and that would be my next goal. I want to get to onederland. 60lbs away from it....with the extra 3lbs that I have gone up in the last week. Hopefully, I have that gone in a few days with being on liquids. I am feeling a little different with this fill. I don't know if it is just me or what but I feel fuller even without eating. Keeping my fingers crossed. I weighed in at the Doc's office at 263.50lbs. I go by my scale which is 3.5lbs lighter. So my real weight today was 260.

Rascal76- I noticed that you are from Dracut MA. What hospital are you going to? Who is your doctor? I am from MA and go to Brigham & Women's and have Dr. Lautz. I must admit that when I chose the Lapband no was going to talk me out of it. I was dead set against RNY because of the side affects and I wanted something reversible. I had heard that the RNY would be pushed instead of Lapband but my Doctor actually said that I was a good candidate for Lapband. I had no medical issues and was as healthy as a horse..LOL! Funny thing was he asked me why I wanted to have WLS and I responded, "Have you looked at me...I friggin fat." He laughed and said your going to do well with the band. He was right. 6 months out I have lost almost 100lbs and I feel great. It was the best decision of my life and I do know if I have a problem in the future that it can be fixed or I can do another procedure. I can't tell you what to do but go by your heart...it won't let you down. You know deep down what you are comfortable with. Best wishes, Cindy

Right back at ya! Bandpal! Was noticing yours last week. I am trying to figure out why the heck we lose from the head down. Dang stomach won't go away. Just finish reading your trip post...Glad you had a great time and control. I have got to admit I am having the same life changing status with food. Yeah! Cindy

Diddo Shalee! Same thing for me. However, I got to agree that the band is fickle and that it can be just about anything at anytime. Take Mother's Day for example. The boys made me Breakfast in bed and it was just scrambled eggs & a few slices of bacon. I got stuck on it. I was bummed for the kids because they did such a nice job on breakfast. I have a love/hate relationship with my Band! Cindy

First, don't ever feel like you are babbeling...we are here to support one another. It is our way of leaning on each other through this journey. You need support and friendship especially from people who have been there and are going through the same thing as you are. If you need anything, need to know something or just plain need shoulder to cry on, we are here. Everyone's doctor is different on dietary guidelines but for the most part we should stay between 1200-1500 calories per day eating protein first, then veggies/fruits & carbs. Protein is most important to get in. I would definately get in and see your doctor and explain your frustrations. I must say that I need to go see my doctor on a monthly basis just to stay the course. I am only at 2cc's in my 4cc band and am not at the sweet spot yet and hoping this week will do it but I need to see my doctor every month because it helps me. That is the only time I see him but I need it. Keep coming here for support and making friends. We are here for you. Cindy

Hi Holly- By the way, love your name. Hollyberries is the name of the retail store I own. I second what Sades said. She took the words right out of my mouth. You need a fill because right now you are doing it all on your own without restriction. I absolutely have the same issue right now because I lose the first few weeks after a fill and than puff restriction gone and I spend the next few weeks just going up and down and trying to maintain. I can't wait until I hit the sweet spot and everything becomes more consistent. I agree, exercise is the key for me too! I have lost a lot of weight without it but need to really find something that I will enjoy. Keep coming back here because we are a family and we really do support one another. I must say I couldn't have done it without my Nymph family. Cindy

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday Dear Jill! Happy Birthday to you! Welcome to the Over 40 Club. Congrats on the 50lbs. Things are only going to get better. Have fun in Vegas Baby! Cindy