Whitepants

Hi All, I'm in. It is so beautiful to see and know you are not alone in certain goals and life issues. Let's all share in ways we plan to get through these TRYING months. I've just started losing and getting back to losing the weight steadly. So, I know I'm about to falter somewhere. One plan of mine is to get another fill. Not knowing but it did help me last year. What I did was snack (food taste) all day while cooking then when the guest arrived I wasn't hungry and played the gracious host. People were able to understand when I told them I've been snacking all day. So when they were eating I took my saucer plate of food and they didn't say what we hear so often, "That's all you're going to eat?" And since Desserts were few, that really helped. That's my plan, what is going to be yours? Jeni 85, I too am boarderline hypothyroid and taking medication. I've been like this for more than 12 years. But it wasn't till recently that I really began to understand it and tried to work with it. The first thing I came to terms with was carb foods. I know the body needs the carbs, so I had to learn how and when to control it. Once I got that under control it made losing weight a bit easier. And of course the band surgery. And added life stress issues just really play havoc on any plans you have for yourself. But remember, we all just need to change gears in any goals we have for oursleves. Something out there is going to work it just takes to long in finding out what it is. Oh Juli, I plan to join a gym through my union. I get a discount through them. So, usually when you have to put your money out on something you want to get your moneys' worth and more. I have a 30 day trial so hope this will get me motivated to add more gym time. Also, my youngest daughter doesn't need me as much any more. She's 17 yrs old doing a part time job and ususally doesn't come home till after 8pm or 9pm some nites. So who do I have to run home too? PS - my daughter asked me to stop losing weight. She likes me at the size I am. I can finally get into and walk somewhat comfortably in my "WHITEPANTS". So, what I did was put them on and showed her how I wanted the pants to fit. When I can pull them away from me, I'll stop. I'm wearing a size 20 pants which are hanging on me now. I think those white pant may be size 16 or 14. Also, as I get closer to my weight goal, I'm getting a little scared. That I'll be at what I think was my best weight. I think tha's why. I'll stop for now but hope to hear your ways of getting through the holidays.

Hello All, just checking in to see how's everyone is doing. Weighed myself today and I'm holding at a 90lb loss. By December I'll be ready to buy a new set of clothes. I've started having to wear belts again to keep my pants from sagging. And my blouses are loose and hanging on me. It's at times like this that I can see the future of getting closer to my weight goal. If I can hang in there till the end of December, 2008 or January, 2009 I hopefully would of lost another 20lbs before I hit a plateau. Then Febuary and March will take some doing reaching my weight goal of 175lbs. But, either way I'll be there for my birthday in July. Jeni I've been thinking about you, have you had your test yet? I ask this for I have hypothyroid which lends to slow weight loss. So, extra effort is needed to loss the weight. So, hope to read good news about everyone when next I come online.

Hi All just checking in. Still losing weight slowly, but still exercising. I'm going back to just eating mostly fish. I'm not going vegetarian but I am cutting back on red meat. I still eat chicken, for if I go to a resturant that doesn't have fish on the menu, I'll order some type of meat. I'm trying to incorporate soy products into my diet. This will take some doing for soy is such a bland product. I won't even say food. It's an acquired taste and texture. Especially since the person has already experienced eating meats. I agree that it'll take three to reach goal weight and to be maintaining it by that time. Some say you should reach your goal weight in 18mos - 24mos. That third year you should be maintaining it by that time. For next year my daughter graduates from high school and I want to be at my best. So, there is still time for us all to reach and to maintain our goal weight. I don't want to spend my retired years trying to lose weight. If there is a Bally's Fitness Center in your area, check them out. They have a one, two week pass to check out the gym. Also, a 30 day special at $19.99. Of course I'm look into the 30 day, for if I decide to join, I get a discount from my union. So, let's keep it moving and not give up.

Hi all, just stopping by to see how all is doing. Janine congrats on getting your first fill next week. Now onto your second chance at losing weight again. Now the second time around should bring about greater results than the first time. I look forward to going through it with you. Juli, I'll be signing up for nutrition classes next week. The school has four financial payment plan.s. And classes begin in January,2009 and ends July,2009. I'm really excited about the classes. They even have precourses, so I'll be taking those also. I belong to a support group and one of our members will be featured on show "The Doctors (a CBS show)". She also attended the Philadephia Obesity Help conference and met Dr Dennis Hurwitz, he is world famous for his Total Body Lift for post weightloss surgery patients. They will also help pay for her surgery along with her insurance company and some of her savings. if need. It is EVERYTHING from her arms to boobs, stomach, thighs, liposuction--THE WORKS! (I cut and paste some of her words.) All this is supposed to be before year end. So hope in reporting from her experience of the surgery it will help some of those here considering the surgery. She had gastric bypass surgery and is about two years or more out. She did mention that she was willing to pay for the surgery herself, until she found out it would cost $34,000. Well, I'll cut this short and hope to read good posts from all.

Good Morning All, good news for me, I've lost another 2lbs and 1" from my hips and 2" from my waist. I'm even getting some definition to my arms. They're jiggling a little less and my stomach is shaping up as well. But still can do more abs exercises. Jeni 85, have you tried to do some exercise in bed yet? Sometimes at best it helps wake me up. Even just stretching my legs gets me started. Everyone, hope to read good posts from you.

Evening Everyone, came back from the gym tonight and feel great. Question: is anyone having problems with the band when it comes to doing your abs exercise. Mine tends to get in the way when doing situps. So I tend not to do them, but they do the job so well. Jeni 85, remember you don't have to get to the gym. There are so many exercises you can do while sitting, standing and just walking. i.e. sitting, lift up your legs, do the bent knee pushup w/ the chair, do squarts while doing the dishes, washing up, suck in your abs while walking, there are so many you can do. This may get you inspired to get to the gym. Just do something. I came across a saying, "Don't make excuses, Make and effort". Take this to mind. PS - I do my morning exercises in the bed before I get up. Makes getting out of the bed easier. Especially, when it going to rain and my back acts up. I do my lower back exercises for sure then.

Hi Everyone, just stopping by to say hello. I'm back on track losing steadily and getting in my 3x a week exercise. I'm really getting the hang of the step aerobics now and more upper body exercise. With the free weights and machines, I've stepped my exercise between 30-60 min. Depending on how much time I can spare. Juli and Jeni 85, good to see that you've gotten down that far. You two are my goal setters, for I want to be at that weight by Dec. That's my x-mas present to myself. Juli, I've been looking into nutrition classes. I didn't realize how hard it would be to find classes. I did find one that suit my needs and schedules almost to a T. 10 weekends classes, gets a certificate. 2 years of college gets a diploma. This timing is great for I plan to retire in two years, and my daughter graduates high school in 2 years. Classes start in Jan/09, so I have plenty of time to get my affairs in order to attend these classes. Also, figure out how to finance the adventure. So, thanks for the encouragement to go back to school. SlikChik10, any news for your friends surgery? I'm anxious to hear and learn more about it.

Hope your weekend was fine. I over indulged, blaming it on my daughter's birthday. She turned 17 today. Now to make up for it this week. I ate 2 helpings of cake and ice cream and 2 slices of pizza. I didn't get a chance to look up Pannis. Is it the belly fat (I call it the belly flap). If it is mines is not as bad as I thought it would be. I'll see as I lose the next 30 lbs. I'll be my goal weight of 177-175lbs. But do keep us posted and slikchik10, I'ld like it if you would post your friends progress. Thanks.

Hi All, went today to get another fill. .3cc was put back into my band. I was able to drink Water in the office well before leaving. So, my portion size should be enough to fill me now. I didn't over eat, I just took advantage of the being able to eat more and was eating alot of junk foods. So with being refilled and exercising the weight should begin to come off more. With 5 months to the next anniversary, I'm sort of getting nervous. Two years seemed long in coming and see it's almost here. Then onto maintaining the new me. But one thing for sure, I have you here, my March Bandsters to help me through this and be there for you too. So, let's march, heads held high, hands on our hips into March, 2009.

Hi Everyone, I'm back. Had to get a new computer. The cord burned out of my four year old laptop. Thank goodness my daughter was home. She was using it when it began to smoke. I've had a chance to read up on the past posts. Janine, I'm so glad you were able to get rebanded. Good Luck to all who will be returning back to school. I wish you all the best and to be able to control your stress levels and make good food choices and exercise. Just want to let you in on something. When I was last able to post, I was having trouble keeping anything down. Thinking I was too restricted I went to the doctor to get unfilled. Well, what he told me was that at times the band tends to collapse. Causing the PBing problems I was having. He took .25cc out, I had 3cc in. It's been 3 weeks now and I'm going back to have some put back in. I'm beginning to eat a bit more. So, I need to get back on track. I missed you all. I needed you to keep me in check. So, I'm back online and back in the gym. Thanks for being here.

Hi Everyone, just checking in. Janine congradualtions on getting rebanded and with the latest band. So, now we get to hear first hand on how the new and improved model works. In helping to get you on track, it'll refrsh our memories on what we need to do get ourselves on track. And we'll all move forward together. Thursday is gym day and I'll be happy to get back to it. I think I've gotten over the plateau and junk food cravings. July and August was rough. Dropped 2 lbs from Monday. I think going to the gym last week helped too. My highest weight for the summer was 220 lbs now I'm back to 213 lbs. Have a great day.

Hi All, just catching up on the last posts of everyone. I can very well attest to all that was said. As for the 18 mos mark, I expected to be at my weight goal at 12 mos. Then I set 18 mos, now I'm going for 24 mos. For I don't see myself being there by December. But, I do see another 30 lb loss. Bringing me to less than 200 lbs by December. I'm struggling about now 'cause I've been eating alot of junk foods. Not fast foods which I'm grateful for. The junk foods is going down better than regular foods. For some reason I'm having issues eating anything early in the day, but have no trouble towards the evening. Then again that's 'cause I've been struggling to get something eaten the better part of the day. The only thing I can eat without problems is fish. meats seems to go down hard and slow. Yet fish goes down better and smoother. Go figure. Still can't eat anything spicy hot or strong spices. Since going back to the gym I've maintained my weight. I'll be losing more now, since my step aerobics class will be starting again this Thursday. I too don't want to or like to think of how much I would weigh now if it was not for deciding to get the band. It scares me to think about it. So, now that the summer is coming to a close, we can now map out a plan to fit into our winter schedule and get back on board with losing again. Juli, I'm going to take some classes in nutrition and hope to partner with a community base program that gives cooking and nutritional classes to people. I would most like to help the baby boomers generation and older. So, thanks for the boost to go back to school. I may not get a diploma but a certificate will do me just fine. I'm going to make September my turning point of losing weight again. I do want to be at goal weight some March, 2009. So, let's the moving begin and see how much more we can lose. For no matter the few pounds we put on, it's not a permanent gain.

Hi All, went to the gym and dance class tonight. Had a great time and it felt good. Next week my regular dance class starts. And all the new and returning people will start coming into the gym. That'll last for a month or two, then they will start to dwindle out and the real gym people will be left. I'm not a fan of doing any exercises on the floor. But tonight two exercises I need to pay close attention to. One the superman stretch and the plank. If I'm not carefull I tend to lay on the band and cause discomfort. I have to adjust the band and position it not to hurt when I lay on my stomach. Like adjusting your breasts when it's in your bra. Well, I plan to get to the gym twice more this week. Then I'll be really pumped for the fall/winter sessions. Take care all.

Hi All, Glad you had fun in Vegas Jeni. You look like you just snuggled up into his arm. Looking at yours and Juli's pictures, you two look to be about the same size. I'm so happy with my size I get to buy new clothes for the winter. I really have nothing to wear. Even my coats don't fit anymore. So, I'm really inspired to get back into the swing of things. Still having issues with some foods. And it's taking me longer to finish one meal. Like today I started eating lunch at 11:45am and didn't finish till 2:30pm. I eat then need to stop then begin again. So, I'm concerned that I'm not getting in all of my claories for the day. So, I have something else to tell the dr. when I see him next month. Well, hope to read good reults from everyone.

Hi Everyone. Recently my highest weight gain has been 10lbs. I too start to lose that quickly when I start eating right. Like now, I've lost 5 of the 10lbs I put on. And that's been over the last 7 days. I expect to lose the last 5lbs by the end of the month. Then I'll start losing regularly again. When we reach our goal weight, it'll be more of a challenge to maintain that weight. I'll also will be increasing my gym routine. A few co-workers have joined the gym by work and we plan to dedicate one day in the week to go. So, I'm hoping I'll be at my goal weight by anniversy year 2. I'm also going back to incorporating more fish into my diet. When I did this for lent I lost weight more regularly than when I was eating meat (chicken, turkey and some red meat). Juli, I will be signing up for a class somewhere. When I think of going back to school, it's always to college. I'm not really interested in getting a degree, just to take a class in something. So, I'm signing up at one of the community centers//learning annex. Thanks. I'm having trouble eating and keeping food down again. I'm going to make an appt. w/ my doctor when he returns from vacation. I can feel my band port more as I lose weight. And it's kinda of scaring me. It feels like it has turned or something. So, he's going to have to tell me that's normal or something is wrong. Like tonight I had 2oz of a piece of lamb chop and some creamed vegggie (corn, green Beans w/ onions and garlic). I struggled to eat the meat and forced myself to eat the veggies. That took more than 30min. to eat. Well Good Nite To All and Have a Great Weekend if I don't get to log on over the weekend.

Hi Everyone, just finished reading up on past posts. I'd like to thank all for their words of my lose. Thought of him in the way to Flordia. He would of loved it. Especially if we had to drive there. He loves long distance driving. I had a ball and enjoyed the visit w/ my brother and his wife. Juli, we were in Flordia at about the same time. We went to Disney World/Magic Kingdom and the Kennedy Space Center. Had I logged on at that time we might of been able to meet. I would of liked that. Meeting an onliine buddy. SlikChik10, I have not had any issues w/ fish, per say, but if you are eating foods that has spicy and hot with seasonings on it, that may of caused the problems you've had. Those spices irrate the esphogaus and may also cause you to PB. I learned that the HARD WAY,VERY HARD WAY. Any bit of spicy seasoning now triggers a PB to happen. So pay close attention to how it's seasoned. Janine-please stay here too. I would relish any past and current info from anyone who has gone through what you have. And good luck in your new band. Some things are better the second time around. Hope it's for you too. Now you can side track all the wrong things and ways of what not to do w/ the band. Good Luck. Rosi - I too feel as you did when I don't logon and always feel I'm missing out on good tips and help. But, when I get back to logging I feel great and fully inspired by those that have lost more weight and found out new things about themselves and share openingly. Jeni - hope you're enjoying your self and your new found health. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. But you can share w/ us. We won't tell. LOL Congrats to all those that finished their school year and summer school. I envy you for going to school. I'm still threatening to do so. And those for passing your exams. Well, I'll stop for now for I feel so blessed for being able to talk and share experiences with you. I'll be increasing my exercise routine this year. I think exercising is helping to keep our skin from sagging and hanging more that it would if we were not. So, that's my incentative to exercise more. Good nite all. God Bless.

I'm taking a new outlook on life. Last Friday I found out that a former boyfriend of mine died. He was 55yrs. Just had both hips replaced, which of course, gained weight due a lack of movement and exercise. We were still in contact w/ each other for well over 13 years. Always joking about getting together again for one last roll in the hay. Like I said we've been going on like this for over 13 years. He knew I was losing weight and wanted to see how much. Wanting to make sure his favorite body parts is still there. Needless to say, I never got around to seeing him. That always, I'll do it tomorrow or later. So, of course I can't do it now. I was and still angry, mad and pissed with him for dieing. Like he or I could of stopped it. He was my only and I mean only male friend I have. Sure I still talk to the kids father, but not like I could talk to him. No matter how many other females he had, we still talked. Well, I could go on and on but I'll stop here. I"m leaving for Florida in 45 mins. Just wanted to stop by and say hi and I'll post when I return. Now I get to test my restrauant skills. I've gotten back on the road to losing weight again and just lost another two pounds. Wish me luck in maintaining and control over what and how much I eat. Love to all and hope to read good things from you.

Just checking in and see that all is coming into play for some. Jeni - glad to see you have a positive attitude about your recovery. Now you can reflect on what you've accomplished and use your new fills as if being filled for the first time and lose your remaing weight to meet your weight goal. (excuse the run on sentence. I didn't want to lose my train of thought.) Texas - I'll add you to my prayers along w/ my daughter to pass her classes as well. Good Luck. To everone else keep up the good work. Looking to read good resluts from all and do more posting.

Just wanted to say Hi to everyone and to let you know I'v been thinking of you all. I've been keeping up w/ all of the ups and downs of everyone, but just couldn't lend any encouragements or helpful advice to you. I've been having my own issues and just didn't see how I can help anyone else and not help myself. But I've managed to still lose weight and increase my exercises. This has kept my stress level down and my eating under control. Execpt when the weekends come. Like today, I allowed it to get out of control. My PBing has stopped. I was overly tight and the band has recently loosened up. It's good that it did for I can only see the doctor w/ referrals now. This restriction will have to last me till December, if I can't get a referral anytime soon. I say December for I may need another fill by then. Also, by that time I hope to of reached my goal of 155lbs. So, everyone keep up the good work and your doctor's appts. Another 8 months and we will be celebrating our 2 year anniversary. With all of us at our goal weight. Be Strong and Think Strong.

Good Morning Everyone, I'm to see the dr. on 6/19, and will let him know what's going on. At first he just told me to watch what I'm eating and to chew small bites and chew well. I thought about gettig an unfill several times. So depending on what he suggests, I'll just continue w/ this. I also was prescribed heartburn medication, but didn't want to take another medication. So I opted for the beano and papaya combination. It rained here in New York. Only in one of the 5 boroughs and the rain was well welcomed. Jeni, I don't know of any w/ your problem. So go to old faithfull, the Internet and read up on it. Well, everyone have a positive week.

Hi All, just reporting in. Just want to share something I've discovered for myself. Regarding the PB, what I've started doing now is taking two Beano pills and 4 Papaya pills along w/ a glass of warm Water in the mornings. This allows me to be able to eat Breakfast without too much difficulty. But when it comes to lunch and dinner I don't experience that tightness in my chest anymore. And I can eat my meals in one sitting. I still wait for any reactions but so far, for the last week I've had none. As for my suggestion about the Soup, it depends of several factors. 1. if the soup is served in a small/ cup size bowl, 2. depending on the soup, it's consistency (from thick to broth) and what's in it, 3. it usually comes before the appetizers (it's already prepared, just scoop and in the bowl). Giving you time to get the sensation of becoming full. I ordered a broccoli cheese soup which was very thick and when the meal arrived, I was only able to eat part of it. And of course took the balance home. So, now that everyone is returning online, we can once again boost one another to get into the swing of things. I'm enjoying my step dance more now that I can keep up w/ the class. Next I want to get back into working w/ the gym's trainer. She has us working w/ everything. Weights, barbell, balls, and the machines. Anywhere from 30min to an hour. If you don't do the bike or treadmill before than, you won't after the workout. So, that care of yourselves and get as much exercise in over the weekend. Eat plenty of fruits. Even make a fruit salad.

Hi All, glad to see we're seeing the light of way. Recognizing where we slacked off, need to retrain and correct our way of eating and jump starting our exercising. Although we may not be losing at a rate we would like, our weight gain or plateau is not permanant. Some times we just need to step back and regroup. Like we're doing now. I too am getting back into exercising. I lost 1" off my hips since I started step aerobics two weeks ago. So, that's incentative enough for me. Now that I've stopped eating spicy and hot foods, I'm able to eat regular meals again. Before, while waiting to get back to normal eating, I was just barely getting in two meals a day. Breakfast not really being one of them. And lunch taking almost 3 hours to get down and dinner just enough to say I'm having something to eat. Rosi, this is a good time to test out your restraurant savvy. 1. Following Carol's advice, and try not to go to long between eating your meals. 2. Maybe eating appetizers, opposed to a full meal maybe, wrong word, WILL get you by. 3. Eating Soup before your meal. And walk as much as possible, also if you're staying in a hotel access their gym or just do exercise in your room before you leave for the day. See if you can access a fitness channel on tv and do them. You can do them while you hubby is taking his shower. You'll think of something. Make us Proud. Let's hear how everyone intends to Jump Start their June overhaul. Let's work on being vain and hear those "OH!, you look so good, you really look great". I know I am. I want my props for my hard work. Don't you? Let's Go Gurls....

Hi All, just checking in also. demsvmejm, have you been keeping a food diary lately? Why not make an appt. w/ you nutritionist/dietatician, to come up w/ a new meal program for you. Maybe it's something you're eating now that didn't bother you before to bring on your mood swings. And are you taking Vitamins or supplement? You may be taking something to interfer w/ you medication. And we all know that stress can hamper our weight loss as well as other problems. I can't put my finger on it either but I've just come off a eating binge. Since I became able to eat regularly after my spicy food binge. Then when my pants became tight on me again, and that's when I got back to the gym. So far I've started losing again. Maybe you're about to come off your plateau. Maybe getting back into exercising you'll lose weight now. We all seemed to be in sync about becoming to lack w/ our band and not doing the right things w/ it. Almost like a house full of women, menstrating in sync w/ each other. Well if that's the case we should all be getting back into eating right and exercising. Let's get to it. Now is not the time to take self pity. Let's put this setback behind us and get moving forward. In April we we're on a up swing, May started slacking off, now that June is just a few days away, it it not meet us in a slump. What's our motto for May? magnificent Marchies I May? Let's let's jump into June with both feet.

Hi All, just stopping in to see how everyone's doing. Kinda slow right now, but know it will pick up soon. I'm now convinced that even a little bit of spicy foods will give me issues. I only had a small amount of jalapeno seasoned diced tomatoes. Although it was for a few days. Well, Friday, it took hold of me and lasted from 12:30 till 5:00pm. Only began to subside when I began walking around. Today, Monday, I had that stuck feeling all day. Was only able to eat one bite of anything, just to have something in my system. And that wasn't much. So, no more spicy - hot foods for me. To start back at the gym tomorrow. The first gym I was going to has two step classes. One is step dance, the second is step aerobics. I like them and stay for both. Or I may take class w/ the gym trainer and one step class. So, I'll be at the gym 3 - 4 days of the week. This is the least I can do for myself, since my daughter doesn't get home till after 8pm. That's pretty much the same time I leave the gym. Well, hope all is well with you and your family. Especially those who've are taking or taken the final exams. Good Luck.

Hi All, I have not forgotten the band gang. Back to sharing the computer w/ my daughter. Right now she's not home and I've just come back from the gym. I too am getting back into the gym. I'm back at my old gym from where I started. Today I jogged for all of 30 seconds. That may not seem like a big deal, but to me it was. That's the first time I've tried it and it was at 3.7. I'm so proud of myself. I'll try for 30 - 45 next time. I also see that the 6pm - 7pm step class is still going on. And now from 7pm - 8pm, there's a step aerobics class w/ the barbell and weights. I'll be heading to that gym more now. Just needed to get a boost or new routine going. I was losing it w/ doing the same thing and no partner to keep me moving or challenge me. So, when everyone returns they have something new they've added to their routine to kick start them again. Well see you all soon.