Numbrgirl

It's the beginning of a new year!! Yay!!!!!

Hello Everyone - just wanted to extend wishes for a Happy, Healthy New Year - I can't wait to see what awaits in 2010. Thrilled to know that I have less than 25 lbs to goal. Now just need to work on continuing to tone up the flabby spots!! God Bless Everyone!!

Hello Everyone! Merry Christmas!!!

It is definitely due to being tooooo tight. I have been battling with these disgusting symptoms for the last 3 weeks and very reluctant to go in and have the doctor take out some of the fluid but I went in today and he took 1 CC out of the 7.5CC's in my band and immediately I found relief. I could actually swallow water!!! No more acid reflux symptoms all day and no more spit bombs - my husband was threatening to buy me a container that the guys that chew tobacco use......can think of the name. I was so reluctant because I thought the restriction would go away on its own but what a nightmare I put myself through!!!! Thank God for this relief!!!!!!

I was very reluctant to have anything taken out of the band but after several weeks of the worst acid reflux, restriction and very little sleep, I finally went to see my doctor. He took out 1 CC of the 7.5 CCs in my band and IMMEDIATELY I felt relief, no more acid reflux symptoms. I don't know why I fought it so long. I guess I thought the band would just become less restrictive over the following weeks from the last fill - what a nightmare. I will NEVER do that again!!!! I would encourage anyone that is reluctant like I was to change your mind and find some RELIEF!!!!! Thank GOD!!!!!

Glam~ Can you possibly stand back and do an objective evaluation of every part of your life with the band? Sometimes that is a useful and productive way to make some changes or corrections. You obviously know the band can work - especially in light of your tremendous weight loss. I wouldn't say the band is failing or you are failing - I would say maybe it is stalled..... Sometimes our bodies get so used the same routine, same intake of food, etc. that it needs to be surprised a bit. Maybe try to add different exercise and more protein supplements. I hate to see anyone seemingly give up especially when there is so much more potential. I pray that the Lord give you some insight into the best way for you to proceed.

I think we all have a hard time with surrendering. It seems like we want to just exhaust every avenue, get frustrated, disappointed and totally burned out before we get a "duh" moment and remember that the Bible tells us to cast all our cares onto him, surrender to him, and in doing so make our burden so much lighter. This band has been a valuable tool but there is still some surrendering and relinquishing of control that needs to go on in order for it to work properly. I keep my hope placed in Him. Continued best wishes to everyone in their act of surrender!! LOL.

Sorry to sound like a cliche - but you do it one day at a time. Each day brings its own challenges, frustrations, disappointments, etc. We just need to learn to surrender to God - in all areas of our life. So many times we view the word "surrender" as giving up or being defeated - but think about it - when we finally give up our own ways and surrender to God - this is when the VICTORY starts!!!! Our act of surrender brings us to Victory with Him - because we are no longer leading.....He is. Keep the faith ladies!!! Try Activia Yogurt - it really works for digestion issues.

That is an awesome video!!! Praise God for the changes that have happened in this young man's life and the lives of his family members. Thank you for your diligence as well. God is GOOD!!

Hello All, Been a while since I have visited here. Just wanted to shout from the mountain tops that I have reached ONEDERLAND!! and it feels good. For the first time in a long time my driver's license weight is not truthful in the opposite direction!!!!! 8-) Just as encouragement to everyone - stick with it. I am seeing the results of continued good decisions and dedicated exercise. The Lord is good!!!:thumbup::thumbup::skep:

Onederland is in plain sight!!!.....................

I have only told a few close friends and family about the operation - other than that - when people ask what I am doing I simply say "eating less and moving more" and that is really the truth for me. Even though the lapband has been put in to place - everyone knows there are ways to cheat, circumvent the process and not make any progress. It is only a tool to assist us in this endeavor and as we eat less and move more - the weight takes a hike. Everyone has to make their own decision on this but I never feel like I am deceiving anyone or making it seem like it is easier than it is. Of course if someone flat out asked me "did you have an operation or something" then I would have to divulge more specific details.

because I want to be one Onederland by July 1st....... I think I can.....I think I can......I think I can!!

because being on plan is becoming a way of life.............

Because today is my one year anniversary from receiving the band and I am so thrilled with my progress. The goal weight is ever more coming into sight...........Yeah to all diligent bandsters!! F R E E D O M!!

For milder reflux - over the counter ZANTAC150 works wonders - reflux instantly gone after swallowing the pill - no joke. I don't need it all the time but when I do it brings instant relief.

Itquam ~ you are sooooooooo right!! Exercise is the real key to success on this journey. When I don't exercise the losing slows way down as soon as I get diligent again, it picks up and remains steady. It does more than just provide physical weight loss - it makes me want to make better choices with food and I start to evaluate or analyze what impact that particular indulgence will have on my body. It somehow becomes not worth it. I can have a treat like a low carb ice cream bar or even a few hersheys square of chocolate and it is fine - if I have exercised I never give it another thought because I know that my body is burning long after I have completed the cardio work. I have lost over 100 lbs now and it is an absolute thrill to feel the freedom and waves of physical happiness that comes with it........Be encouraged ladies this does work - IF, IF, IF we remain diligent. Ask for God to give you strength and endurance and then make an effort to run the race - without allowing any of the old habits to entangle you and trip you up!! Granted, there will still be off days but we can do all things through HIM who gives us the strength!!! :tt1:

Because 102lbs lost is proof that the plan works.....on my way down......!!!

Thanks Jachut, I will check those DVDs out. I do find when I am working out with the weights I am bored and wish I was off running.....45 lbs - wow, can say I am anywhere near that strong.... I am at a place where I want to focus on certain areas - which everyone seems to says you can't really do..... my problem areas are the flabby underarms and the saddlebags on the outside of the hip area..... any hope except turning to plastic surgeons!??!! :thumbup:

because 100 lbs loss is in sight and I still have 30 days left until my 1 year mark........yeah!!!!!!!!

Jachut - I would like to make time for more strength training after tax season is over.....what does a typical work out for you consist of? I have been doing a light "arm" work out - trying to get rid of the turkey neck arms of my - seems to be one of the only things that gives a clue of my 90+ weight loss - everything else has firmed up quite nicely. I agree that it takes more discipline and dedication than just hopping on the treadmill and logging the miles. You continue to be an inspiration in every post!! :smile2:

because people are starting to call me "skinny" and "slim" !!!! Music to my ears..........

Running has been so wonderful for me. I used to run with my Marine husband back in my early 20's and then life got busy and I as I got heavier, I left it all behind....... I always loved running - cannot get on the treadmill and be content walking - Anyway, I started running slowly about 4 weeks after my surgery and now I am running 3-4 miles at a session. I ran 3 miles last night in 35:40 and my last 4 miles was at 47:30 - It has been a tremendous help with the weight loss. I went to see my doctor recently for a fill after about a 3 month lapse and he was amazed at the weight loss and commented to me - "nothing takes off the weight like running." I have to agree. Now I know I am hooked because my body craves it and I make time for it whether early in the morning or late at night........I don't want to miss it. All of my knee problems have disappeared and I am getting stronger every day. I would encourage anyone to just start out slow and work your way up!

Because it is really working!!! :smile:

Extra weight and the stigma our society puts on it - really does serve to inhibit us in so many ways. I am always amazed at how much more outgoing my personality becomes when I am at a healthy, "feel-good" weight rather than lethargic and out of energy - so much self-esteem is attached to the whole scenario. I am glad that God loves us despite our shortcomings and does not judge on us the condition of our physical but rather the conditon of our hearts!! I am also enjoying teaching my women's Bible study these days and using some weight loss "endurance" experiences as good examples for all of them (and myself too). I know lots of people are going through hard times now - I wanted to share a thought that I shared with all of my ladies last night: "When I am confused by what I don't know - I rehearse in my mind what I do know." I know that God has promised to bring me through anything or take me out of it when it becomes too much for me to handle......that is a comfort.