NormaRae

I am having trouble uploading a new photo. It isn't a great pic but it does seem to fit the restriction size. Does anyone ever have trouble getting new photos on?

julie.ann I think that is true for all of us that have allowed our selves to become overweight/fat. Working on the self image is very important for me too. Being more fit does help. Now I can exercise and that helps me to feel better too. It's a package deal. Now we are on an upward spiral for self image. You think self-help books will be the next step?

Hi all, Hope all of you had a nice Valentine's Day and your loved one gave you flowers instead of chocolates. Don't you feel sexier since you have been slimming down? Feels so good to be able to wear smaller sizes. I still find myself looking at larger size than I need -- just the reverse of 6 months ago.

Many doctors give you a recommended diet when you start the program including pre-op. My plan requires 60 grams of protein and 64 oz of water post surgery and forever. I can add some vegetables at 2 months out, some fruit at 3 months out and begin carbs when I have lost 75% of my weight.

Wow - thanks for all the helpful info...Spark people is really nice. i did not know about it. I also did not know there is a place on lbt to record your foods. Thanks all for the hints. We are in this together. BTW i am a bit bored with people in my life saying you did not need to do that (the surgery) I could have helped you lose weight. Yeah, right, as if I have not lost weight dozens of times myself. The trick is finding a way to permanently change your life style! I really appreciate all you folks who really understand!

I scheduled my fills when it was becoming difficult to control how much I was eating. I think I am at my sweet spot right now because I feel full before I have "licked my plater clean." I almost always leave something on my plate, something that was not acceptable to my mother when I was a kid. Now it feels good to leave something because I just don't want any more.

At the restaurant we used to go to the most often, the waitress said that if she were to ask the owner to honor the card, he would say no and that I should ask myself and may have better luck. I did not bother. I ordered something that I could eat part of now and take the rest home but I am going there very rarely now. I found a nice restaurant that actually has a dieters menu for breakfast. It was great. I will be going there a lot more. It is always crowded so I guess that says a lot of people like it!

You are doing great Cyndy! I did not make the Dec support meeting and will probably have to work the night of the next one. Have you been able to go? You are doing really well! Congrats!

WOW Karen, I think you have done a fantastic job. You will surely be where you want to be by the 4th! You will really enjoy the fireworks this year!

Hi, I am from Crest Hill also. I had surgery at Silver Cross. I am looking for a walking buddy (that is when the blipping weather improves--that's Illinois jargon thanks to the gov). I live near Merichkas. If you might be interested, please let me know.

Nice job you two! We are on our way!

Thank you so much for the help. I knew I could count on my October buddies for help!

What is the sweet spot for most people? I have a 9 CC band and have filled 4 cc. I am scheduled for another fill on 2/28/09 but not sure if I should have it or not? Does the doctor advise us based on the current rate of loss? I hope all are doing well and not having the bad weather we have in Chicago land. We are expecting blizzard conditions tonight. Makes me want to stay in my cocoon!

I am so proud of you! You have shown great restraint, commitment and good sense. I think exercise is the key to getting over my plateau. My "current" excuse for not walking is the Northern IL winter. I know the malls are accessible for walking but it is not as inviting as the fresh air on a tolerable weather day. With new resolve, I will begin anew! I will lose another 10 pounds by March 1st. That would be 148 by March 1st (my b'day). Hold me accountable!

Hi everyone, Looks like no one has posted for several days. How is everyone doing? I am struggling again. I messed up on New Year's Eve. I had too many shrimp and some chips/dip. So far I have not lost anything in 2009. I need to get back on track. Has anyone else started the new year with a slow start?

I have the Realize Band also. I did have a choice but my doctor said the Realize Band is easier from the doctor's perspective of positioning it and easier to do fills from. Apparently the actual area that they insert the needle in for the fill is somewhat larger. He also said that his patients that use the Realize web site do better than the patient's that don't track their progress as well.

Dear jec1, thanks for the reply...good luck with your trip and your up coming surgery. I am very glad I took the step and wish you the best for 2009 and with the whole process.

Absolutely not to the sweets and soft drinks. Why would I have this surgery and not follow the guide lines as closely as possible? I did allow myself a couple of small Christmas cookies at a Christmas party and on Christmas eve but Christmas is over and those were my Christmas rewards for being a good girl!

OK...I'll bite. What is the "magic bullet"?

I think the no fruit for 3 months has to do with higher carbs. Those little clementines are great. Do you tolerate them ok?

I had my second fill on 12/5/08. It doesn't seem much different than before. Maybe I am close to the sweet spot. Even though I feel like I could eat more than I do, I am contented before I finish most of my meals so I stop eating. I did have one small incident when I was eating too fast. The food just would not go down. It does not pay to hurry when we are eating. Officially my plan calls for no fruit until 3 months out. That is several weeks yet. I have been eating a quarter of an apple chopped up in my salad. That seems to satisfy my need for crunch. I tolerate it just fine and it does not seem to have slowed the progress.

Hi everyone, How is everyone handling all the cookies and candies that folks are bringing to the office and at the Holiday parties. I decided to allow myself 2 or 3 small cookies per day. I was afraid if I didn't, I would really pig out. I hope I don't regret my decision. Hurry Christmas, hurry fast! I want the temptations to go away!

Yikes! I guess I am at a plateau. I have not lost anything in a week! I have been eating the same way and even begun exercising at last. Ok, I did eat a little bit too much turkey on Thanksgiving but I was not extravagant at all and this is a week later. I know plateaus happen and I need to keep on keeping on, but...:thumbup: Com'on already! I get a fill on 12/10 so I hope to be past the plateau by then. :cursing:

Hey everyone...I got to meet Cynde at our support group meeting tonight. She is just as sweet in person as she is on line. This is great. I appreciate all of you and am thankful that we are on this journey together.