NormaRae

Good for you Don! You are looking good!

It's been a wonderful experience. My overall health is so much better than it has been for many years. Somehow I have trouble believing that I am a senior citizen because I feel so healthy. I am wearing the same size clothes my 36 year old daughter wears. Yet, there is a small voice in the back of my head saying "Will this last or be like the other times you have lost weight and regrettably found it again"? I hope it will last. I think it will last. I know it will last!

Thanks for your kind words. You are right...what a difference a year can make. You are doing very well yourself! Doesn't it feel good!!!

I finally had a new picture done for my business cards. I am not quite sure if that is really me, but I think it might be...lol.

My best friend will be going away for the weekend after my bandaversary. We will be visiting an Amish area. I am looking forward to some beautiful fall days!

Oh my gosh! That is fabulous...you know we all love to be bridesmaids for you. :thumbdown:

Fabulous! Great story and you look really really good!

My bandaversary is October 14th. I plan to celebrate by having a new picture taken for my business cards. Surely that involves getting a new business attire and having my hair done. It's time to show off the new me. I am beginning to learn how to eat out a little easier. When I was a kid mom would say "your eyes are bigger than your belly" which meant that you took more food than you could eat. That is true for me much of the time now. Ordering only sides at restaurants usually is best for me now. I actually save money and avoid littering my fridge with white boxes that eventually fill my garbage can with the food still uneaten. I feel so much better than I did a year ago. I have more energy. My daily intake of pills is CO Q10 and Vitamins. I can and do exercise more (still not as much as I should). People are reacting to me in a more positive way possibly because I look better, have more self confidence and feel generally better about myself. Those are plenty of reasons to celebrate! Congrats to all of us!!!!

You are looking great! Nice job...glad you are feeling better!

Hey Cyndy, You are looking wonderful too! Thanks for the compliment.

Yes, two months seems like a long enough time. It seems that doctors and plans are so much different. I see my surgeon often. At first it was maybe once a month...more in the first 2 months...and now every 3 months. My realize band is either 8 or 9 cc, I have forgotten which. I am filled to a bit less than 7. I do have pb's when I eat too fast. By now you would think I would not eat too fast...it's just the way I live and always have. Try the big E for a couple of weeks and see if that breaks the plateau. If that doesn't work the only thing I would know to do would be to see the doc.

Hi Molly, Nice to see you again. This could be a plateau that will pass soon. Are you getting some exercise in? (I know...the e word is so disgusting). Pretty sure I would get another 1/2 cc to get a boost. Talk to your doctor.

Who would have thought 9 months would make such a difference. This is not just a weight program, it is life changing. Good for us!

You are doing just great! It seems to be a totally different life. I am proud of you and very happy for you...and for me! lol

Thanks...actually I have been at goal for about 6 weeks. So far I have lost a little more...about 2 pounds...so far maintenance is fine...I have regained many many times after losing so I am still a little insecure. This just has to be permanent.

Me Schultz! Wow that is fantastic! I am so proud of you. Thanks for sharing how much your life has changed. The weight loss does make us feel good about being active. Sitting and vegging just does not do it anymore. I am doing well too and I stopped hiding every time i see a camera. Summer is going to be so much more fun than it has been. I even bought a swimming suit. I have not had an occasion to wear it yet but I will. Please write back and let us know when you make your 100 lb. goal. I am sure it will be very soon!

I know your family will be happy for you and with you. Just think how many years you have added to your life already. Keep up the good work!

Wow Karen, that's terrific. You are doing really well!

Eat slowly, do not drink with your meals, chew, chew, chew. be sure to put your fork on the table between bites. I eat too fast sometimes too. I hate that choking feeling so I am definitely learning to eat slower and chew better.

Wow...the baby is gorgeous. Is that you holding him? You are beautiful too. Is your son jealous of the attention the baby is getting so he is acting out? Happens...hope everyone finds some peace in this situation. First few months can be difficult making adjustments to not enough sleep and new, overwhelming responsibilities.

Thanks for the kind words. You have done a terrific job. You will get there soon enough. Maintenance has always been a tough one for me. This is a whole new ball game though so I am confident.

Yahoo!!!! I have reached my goal this morning. Now maintenance is the goal!

I know you are right about the energy. Been there in the past but can not seem to get started. I always find an excuse to put it off for another day. I am so proud of you for losing so much and staying on track! You are a fab example for everyone. I think your new life is well established now and you have the mojo to continue forever. Congrats!!!!

Cholesterol was 220 on my last blood test. I know all the meats, eggs and cheese we eat is probably not cholesterol friendly. I need to commit to exercise, that would help.