Jill_S

Blair has a website: blair.com - I used to buy the stirup pants that were the staple of my wardrobe from them. I hear ya on the body issues, loud and clear. Before going to see my husband at NY's, I went through my closet and about half the stuff I thought would *never* fit, actually did. I can't judge it at all. I don't think I look any different. As far as lane bryant goes, they are pricey, but their jeans RULE - always have. Their Talls actually are Talls, and I need that! I find an occasional sweater or shirt there that looks good on me, but some of their clothes are just - weird. Their bras and underwear though are the best I've found for plus size, and they have lingerie sometimes that isn't butt-ugly.

When you do start getting your "Water weight" before your period? Does it actually show up on the scale for you? Some months, I do, some months, I don't. But this month, when I'm watching the scale closely because of my fill and my new exercise schedule, naturally - there it is, 3 days before my period :/

Replace diet coke with diet pepsi, and that's me all over. Splenda doesn't do it to me, but nutrasweet does, for sure.

Thank you for sharing And ya, my boobs are my indicator lol. I've haven't been regular since I went off the pill 6 years ago - then, I had it predicatable to the hour! Now, it's 17-20 days, whenever the heck it feels like it :/ I should know better than to get on the scale anywhere NEAR that time of the month. It should be a rule. I think I'll tape it above my scale. "Do your boobs hurt? STAY OFF!" :girl_hug:

You can get Biotin at Walgreens or Walmart. There are several brands.

No, I have Standard. And I didn't get a PCM until after I'd already seen the surgeon, although I did see one before they submitted the paperwork. There were lots of people involved in my surgery per se. 2 surgeons, my PCM, nutrionist, psychologist, etc. It's a regular program they have here, and it's great. Once I'd been through the hoops, they submitted the paperwork.

How many calories have you consistently eaten on a daily basis and still lost weight? I'm a little concerned about myself, as since my fill 10 days ago, I've been eating only 800-1000 calories a day, and 400-600 of those I work off at night on my exercise bike. Maybe that's too much. I dunno. I've never been satisified consistently on 800-1000 calories before. What are your experiences with this?

I didn't do anything, actually. The doctor's office submitted the papers, but Tri-Care told them (they said) that it didn't need pre-approval. So I can't really help you

I found Alight about 2 years ago. And the first order to them broke me lol. They had a TON of the big bell sleeve hippie kinda shirts that I loved.

Once a day - sometimes every other day - first thing in the morning. I haven't done any measurements. Dunno why, just haven't felt the need. I go by my clothes more often than not.

Ditto. I loved the Orange Cream, too, but I can't find it anymore :thankyou: Most of the Atkins stuff is passably good, and some of it is downright tasty. I used to love the banana bread and the chocolate chip cookie mix.

Everyone has rituals for this. Mine is basically dressing from the inside out. A pretty bra that would kill me to wear for a whole day, matching panties, maybe hose. A low cut sweater, or a shirt open to let the clevage peek out, good fitting jeans and boots. hair down (something I rarely do now since it hit my lower back), bright red lipstick. My husband loves this look. But I don't do it for him. I do it for me. Which is where your sexiness needs to come from, for it to shine outward. It really does start in the brain. Right before the sexy undies :thankyou:

I am in love with the 100 calorie Nabisco snacks. The Ritz snack mix is AWESOME, just have to chew the heck out of it. I also like the graham crackers. 1 pack is plenty to satisfy whatever craving I'm having.

Yea. I tried fish again last night, but at the first sign of discomfort I stopped and went back to instant potatoes :/ I'm fine with that, actually, as since the fill I've dropped 4 pounds. I know I gotta get back on normal food soon, but til then, I'm back on Protein shakes and bars (chewing them into MUSH), and going to leave the solid food alone for a few more days.

Well, I had a fill Tuesday and at 1.75, I cannot eat the way I could before the fill. I have trouble eating even fish (horrible pbs last night. *shiver*). I'm going to give it 2 weeks, and see how it is but like Nykee, I might be swelled still. If I am, let the swelling continue lol. My calories are down from 1400 a day to right around 1000 a day with the fill, and even then I barely hit 1000 Wednesday and only hit 800 last night (After an hour of pb-ing, I gave up dinner). Here's hoping this is it for now

I had my first fill on 11/2. They put 1cc in. I felt fine, and had very little restriction. I had my second fill today. I now have 1.75cc in. Wow. I defintely feel it. I hope it's not just swelling, and stays just like this. 100 calories for lunch after the fill and I was plenty full. Taters and gravy (Healthy Choice diner minus the turkey which I knew would never fly) for dinner and full up I'm feeling a little lethargic, and I wasn't going to do my exercise tonight, but I forced myself onto the bike to do at least 15 minutes - ended up doing the whole 25 Good band day. Very good band day.

Well, today, I'm still a little sore around the port. The doctor that did my fill is not my surgeon, he is my surgeon's partner, and was assist surgeon on my surgery. Anyway, he didn't seem to find the port right away and I feel a little bruised. But the restriction is still awesome. I did liquids (mostly) today again, and any solids I did eat today, boy I sure felt them. I'm sure I'm still swollen, but I hope like all heck that when the swelling goes, the restriction sticks around. *This* feeling is why I got banded!

Jan 16 B: South Beach bar (210c.) L: Pretzels(200c) Vitamins: Multi, 2 Viactin, Biotin D: Fish, 1 piece of texas toast(600 calories) Exercise: 24 minutes/6.14 miles on the exercise bike S: Slimfast Peanut Butter Crunch (120c.)

Sweaters this winter. I can't stop. Being able to buy a 20/22 instead of 24/26 has got me addicted.

The only time I have had problems with popcorn was when an unpopped kernal slipped in. That was uncomfortable :/ Otherwise, I have it about once a week - ActIII light snack bags - 100 calories per bag. It's nice for a treat.

Madison Wisconsin, Dean Healthcare @ St Mary's, 9/2005.

I did 22 minutes/5.563 miles last night I was so proud. Plus, it was my 6th night in 7 days. Is there some kind of exercise motivation thread that I've missed? If not, I'm going to start one! I love hearing what everyone else is doing. Also, does anyone have any good ideas on how much we should be doing? I mean, some places you read 3 times a week/20 minutes, and other places you read 5 times a week/30 minutes. Is there a reliable source for how much cardio we should get?

Ditto. This is mine.

I just started an exercise routine after New Year's. I kept putting it off and putting it off :rofl: I started off on my exercise bike (similar to this one, but mine is a few years old http://www.proform.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_10851_10151_12908_-1_11614) I did 1 mile the first night, then 1.5, then 2.5, 3, 4, and Thursday I did 5 miles in 20:10. Last night, I did my 5 miles in 19:50. Last night was the first time I've felt at all winded. My goal with this first is to do 10 miles/40 minutes. Then 15 miles/60 minutes. 5 times a week. I'm looking for some kind of activity I can do that will also work my upper body. I'm also considering trading the bike in for a treadmill when I either move, or hit 230 pounds. Whichever comes first I'm currently exercising at night, because I shower at night. My hair is down to my butt, and if I shower in the morning, I have to go to work with wet hair - which in a Wisconsin Winter is a horrible idea. Also, my hair would stay wet til after Noon and it's not a very professional appearance. I get home from work around 6, eat dinner, relax until 7 or 7:30, then get on the bike. I had an elliptical machine but I always felt off balance on that thing. I couldn't get into a good swing with it, because I felt off-kilter. The bike isn't much for burning calories, so I hear, but the point for me right now is to exercise, get moving, get my heart rate up, build the strength up in my legs, make them sexy *grin*, and feel good because I'm up off the couch and *moving*. Is anyone doing any sort of toning exercises that seem to be working, and are easy for people of size? I'd love to find some.

I read the magazine on the plane on the way home from seeing Hubs over New Year's. I get more motivated when I read stuff like that, but most programs don't work for me. I dislike vegetables for the most part. I don't even like salad :rofl: So low carb was great for me, but I've heard some really scary things about low carb lately, especially mood swings - and trust me, they are all true. I also buy the Weight Loss issues from Prevention when I see them. Even if I don't take much away from them, they are very motivating.