FeliciaLevy75

Whether you eat regular fat or low fat - calories are king. Eat fewer calories, you will lose weight. Calculate what your body burns each day to function at your current body weight (approximately 10 calories per pound that you weigh) and then subtract 500. Eat that final number and you can lose a pound a week. Example - I weigh 244 now. My body uses about 2400 calories a day, outside of exercise that I do. If I ate 1900 calories a day, I would lose about a pound a week (500 x 7 = 3500 = 1 lb). I don't eat anything close to 1900 calories a day, and I am losing 3-4 lbs a week on average (sometimes 2, sometimes 5). It all depends on what else I am doing that week. The band will help you eat less (quantity) but it does not manage calories and it won't always mean less calories. That's all in the choices people make. Do some research of your own, find out what you need, and make adjustments. Let the band restrict your quantity, then take control of your quality. You can become quite satisfied on less calories than you might think, losing weight and feeling great.

Today is three months since I started tracking my weight. I was 304 then and only a few pounds lighter at surgery a week later. Today, I am down 60 lbs.... AND INTO 18s!!!!! I didn't have to struggle or suck it in.... I slipped into a pair of 18 capris a girl at work gave me... like it was the most natural thing in the world. TEENS! I haven't worn teens since I was a teen! I am giddy!!!

Amen to that!!

I am from San Francisco, I have lived in Los Angeles, and I now reside in Las Vegas; I am a people watcher. My favorites, by the way, are the people who come to Vegas wearing the worst shirts imaginable. I call them the "I can't wait to get to Vegas to wear this shirt" shirts. Scary, but entertaining. I digress. But this is something more, something slightly more disturbing. I watch what you eat and drink, calculating the calories in my head. If you are overweight, I also notice - now more than ever - what you wear, how you wear it, and how it will look after you eat whatever it is that has me locked into The Daily Plate calculations in my mind. I am not trying to be judgmental, that is not the point. It's almost like being a former smoker or drinker. It's just something I am keenly aware of: food intake, body shape, tent-like clothing. Let's clarify this. If someone is showing restraint and making smart food choices; if someone shows motivation to be healthy (or healthier), then the part of my brain that performs these comparative calisthenics goes asleep. I relax immediately and I am open to the rest of the world that zips by me. However, as I leave behind my issues with these factors of obesity, I am ultra-sensitive to those around me who seem not to care, who suck down full-fat, full-sugar, fried, breaded.... you get the idea. I can't help but wonder what the hell you are thinking. I want to point out how much better you will look and feel by making different choices, by tasting something fresh, by moving your ass a bit more. I'm not innocent, nor am I sheltered; I have been there, I have been in your shoes. I've been that person (most of us have at some point or another) that had to have an appetizer and a salad and an entree and dessert. Don't forget the wine and bread and butter. I have purchased a "snack" that qualifies as a state dinner in some small countries. All of this on the heels of a day at the movies or mall and the inevitable snack bar/food court visitation. I feel blessed that I am no longer bound to food in that way, but my new obsession is no less consuming. Instead of focusing on finding more food to shove down my throat, I am focusing on the food that others can't seem to put down. The assumption is that they, too, are addicted; they can't help themselves. But they can help it! I know that now. And the intensity with which I focus these thoughts is a bit scary. I want to know why they can't see what they are doing to themselves. I want to scream and shout at them, asking if they want to be gaining weight with every bite, slowing their lives and their bodies to a snail's pace which, in turn, speeds up the aging and dying process. No one ever knows that this is going through my head. I am sociable and polite and kind and normal on the outside. I don't make faces and I don't scoff openly. I make my own choices and seem to be unaffected by yours. No one knows (until now) that I do this, that I deal with this. I know that as I become more and more of a healthy person, as I move away from obese and overweight and into normal, healthy, and average, I will relax. The focus on food in any sense will lessen because my lifestyle and habits will be ingrained instead of in process. This is a learning process for all of us, I respect that (it's the main reason I don't vocalize this new craziness). Until then.... if you see my eyes flicker over your molten chocolate cake, you know why.

I am from San Francisco, I have lived in Los Angeles, and I now reside in Las Vegas; I am a people watcher. My favorites, by the way, are the people who come to Vegas wearing the worst shirts imaginable. I call them the "I can't wait to get to Vegas to wear this shirt" shirts. Scary, but entertaining. I digress. But this is something more, something slightly more disturbing. I watch what you eat and drink, calculating the calories in my head. If you are overweight, I also notice - now more than ever - what you wear, how you wear it, and how it will look after you eat whatever it is that has me locked into The Daily Plate calculations in my mind. I am not trying to be judgmental, that is not the point. It's almost like being a former smoker or drinker. It's just something I am keenly aware of: food intake, body shape, tent-like clothing. Let's clarify this. If someone is showing restraint and making smart food choices; if someone shows motivation to be healthy (or healthier), then the part of my brain that performs these comparative calisthenics goes asleep. I relax immediately and I am open to the rest of the world that zips by me. However, as I leave behind my issues with these factors of obesity, I am ultra-sensitive to those around me who seem not to care, who suck down full-fat, full-sugar, fried, breaded.... you get the idea. I can't help but wonder what the hell you are thinking. I want to point out how much better you will look and feel by making different choices, by tasting something fresh, by moving your ass a bit more. I'm not innocent, nor am I sheltered; I have been there, I have been in your shoes. I've been that person (most of us have at some point or another) that had to have an appetizer and a salad and an entree and dessert. Don't forget the wine and bread and butter. I have purchased a "snack" that qualifies as a state dinner in some small countries. All of this on the heels of a day at the movies or mall and the inevitable snack bar/food court visitation. I feel blessed that I am no longer bound to food in that way, but my new obsession is no less consuming. Instead of focusing on finding more food to shove down my throat, I am focusing on the food that others can't seem to put down. The assumption is that they, too, are addicted; they can't help themselves. But they can help it! I know that now. And the intensity with which I focus these thoughts is a bit scary. I want to know why they can't see what they are doing to themselves. I want to scream and shout at them, asking if they want to be gaining weight with every bite, slowing their lives and their bodies to a snail's pace which, in turn, speeds up the aging and dying process. No one ever knows that this is going through my head. I am sociable and polite and kind and normal on the outside. I don't make faces and I don't scoff openly. I make my own choices and seem to be unaffected by yours. No one knows (until now) that I do this, that I deal with this. I know that as I become more and more of a healthy person, as I move away from obese and overweight and into normal, healthy, and average, I will relax. The focus on food in any sense will lessen because my lifestyle and habits will be ingrained instead of in process. This is a learning process for all of us, I respect that (it's the main reason I don't vocalize this new craziness). Until then.... if you see my eyes flicker over your molten chocolate cake, you know why.

Thanks for the comments. I don't mind the repeats on occasion.... but all the time? In one forum? The funniest is when they stack up on one another in the same place. At that point, we're ordering glasses for everyone. As for being bitter? Not at all. Caustic? I have my moments. Bitchy? Sometimes. Find me someone who doesn't have those days and I'll show you someone on way too much lithium. Truth is, I am a very happy person. I love the new-me process, I have fun on the boards, and I have great support all around me. My job is great, my life is full. All of that being so, I am blessed. However, that doesn't mean I will spit sunshine all the time. I am annoyed is all, wishing people would begin their journey to accountability with responsible forum use. Nothing is more taxing to a forum community than people who don't even try to use the tools available to them. The process is hard enough for a lot of people. Adding to it the myriad issues that require research and education - a messy forum just adds to the difficulties. Anyway, thanks again. Glad I could share a few laughs.

Starting to wonder if I should check it out. LOL I have a few guys that I see; truth is, I am not all that interested in one person right now. But, if it was THE guy, someone who just fit me, then I could be persuaded to change my mind.

Updating for Thininside... FYI - Those in red need updates! Name.............StartingWeight....Current......Goal.........To Go Bunkey1965........220.................199............189...........10 CQQlgirl..............200.................198............190...........8 Cadets71............239.................226.5..........219...........7.5 Dreamsize8.........216.................216............190...........26 FeliciaLevy75......286.................244............240........... 4 Gayle21..............190.......... ......190............175...........15 Jeni 85................189.................183............169...........14 Laura bough........215.................205............190...........15 Liz_hager............172.................165............160...........5 MMarg.................220.................214............199...........21 Newhope4me......163.6...............163.6..........150..........13.6 NukeChik.............227.................227............197...........30 Scrappy_friend....222.................222.............200..........22 TexGirl................202.................198............180...........18 Thininside28........271.5..............256.............245...........11 Wannabthin.........199................199.............179...........20

I am not an August bandster but a May one... but I saw football under new posts and had to ask. :thumbup:

I'd love to play some FF. What system do you use?

Jeni, take care of yourself. Health and healing > weight loss right now. We all understand and wish you all the best! I had to update again.... down 2 since Friday! Had to post! Only 4 more to go... I wonder if I can take it to a full 50 lbs for the challenge?! Name.............StartingWeight....Current......Goal.........To Go Bunkey1965........220.................200............189...........11 CQQlgirl..............200.................198............190...........8 Cadets71............239.................226.5..........219...........7.5 Dreamsize8.........216.................216............190...........26 FeliciaLevy75......286.................244............240........... 4 Gayle21..............190.......... ......190............175...........15 Jeni 85................189.................183............169...........14 Laura bough........215.................205............190...........15 Liz_hager............172.................165............160...........5 MMarg.................220.................214............199...........21 Newhope4me......163.6...............163.6..........150..........13.6 NukeChik.............227.................227............197...........30 Scrappy_friend....222.................222.............200..........22 TexGirl................202.................198............180...........18 Thininside28........271.5..............271.5..........245...........26.5 Wannabthin.........199................199.............179...........20

Another 10lbs abandoned; 60 gone for good. I am also exercising more now than ever, AND I finally have restriction. I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks! I am traveling a lot, but I found that I can easily manage while on the road. Bring on DC, SF, and PHX, all within 2.5 weeks of each other. RAWR! Good job to all, keep it up!

Eeeek. Sorry, honey, but I have to take my name off again. :cry_smile: I PROMISE to make it in September (as long as it is after Labor Day). We changed our plans and had to put them back again, as it was the only time to fit it all in this month (I am traveling each weekend of the 15th, 22nd, and 29th). I will miss you!

Updating my list: 8/1 - 35 minutes walking at 3+mph and 2.0 incline; AND 15 minutes bicycling @ 20+mph (5.5 miles in 15 minutes); AND 1 mile walking around the block (approx. 20 minutes). Total - 70 minutes 8/2 - 25 minutes walking at 3+mph and 2.0 incline; AND 15 minutes bicycling @ 20+mph (5.5 miles in 15 minutes); AND 10 minutes on the elliptical at home after a day on my ass playing cards. Total - 50 minutes 8/3 - 30 minutes bicycling @ 22mph (11 miles in 30 minutess) + 1.5 mile cool down; AND 15 or so minutes treading Water, moderate; AND 25 minutes (1 mile) walking around Town Square in Las Vegas. Will also do 30 minutes of light stability ball work tonight. Total - 45 vigorous + 25 minutes light to moderate (ball not included) 8/4 - Day Off 8/5 - 30 minutes bicycling @ 22mph (11 miles in 30 minutes) + 1.0 mile cool down. Will also do 30 minutes of light stability ball work tonight. Total - 30 minutes (ball not included) I have also updated my goal. I have figured out the average of 45 minutes per day for 20 and 30 days, and met in the middle. I hope to meet a total of 1125 minutes for the month of August, however many days it takes me to get there.

Support is not always touchy-feely; support is tough, open, and honest. Support comes in all shapes and sizes. All of this means that you will not always hear what you want to hear, but the people saying it are doing so because they care. Whether family, friends, coworkers, etc., support comes in all flavors. That said, support is only as good as the person receiving that support. What am I getting at? Sadly, too many people project their own inferiority complexes on those very people trying to help them. In truth, it is you who needs to learn how to deal with the support you seek. How you respond or solicit that support says a lot about you. It is your reaction that is important when mentally processing the support options provided to you. Members of my family are the kings and queens of this type of destructive behavior (among others). Someone doesn't say something that is in blanket agreement? Someone suggests that they work harder, longer, smarter? Someone says that they will have to cut back (on salt, fat, calories, alcohol, smoking, etc.), lose weight, or exercise more? Someone disagrees with their uneducated pontification on Jeopardy answers? All hell breaks loose, let me tell ya. My family, some people on these boards, people at school, work, etc.... we all know these people. The "what the hell does s/he know, anyway?" crowd. The people who, know matter how much they claim to be open to new ideas and viewpoints, shut down as soon as someone suggests that accountability and responsibility lie within the supportee. To all of these dysfunctionals: Get over yourself, people! You don't have all the answers, no one does. If you solicit support (and yes, posting on these boards is included), be prepared to hear something you may not like. The point is to process what is being said, research it and, if appropriate, take steps to better your life because of it. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone falls down. Learn from it; learn from the people with whom you interact; learn from others' experiences - good and bad. Speak your mind, sure, but if it's just to discount everything people say because it doesn't fit into your preconceived notions of how things should progress... shut your trap. If you approach someone for support and advice, and if your best reply begins with "But....," shut your trap and THINK about what they are saying. But wait! I am not saying that the would-be supporters are infallible - I am just suggesting that the mouth doesn't shoot off immediately. Think about it. Think about why you need to rebutt so quickly; think about why you are put off by it. Support should make you think, make you act. It's more than just a hug and some tears, it's something that enables you to move on, move up. Like I've said before, if you already knew it all, knew how to do it, and knew more than anyone else.... you wouldn't be here asking for support.

Support is not always touchy-feely; support is tough, open, and honest. Support comes in all shapes and sizes. All of this means that you will not always hear what you want to hear, but the people saying it are doing so because they care. Whether family, friends, coworkers, etc., support comes in all flavors. That said, support is only as good as the person receiving that support. What am I getting at? Sadly, too many people project their own inferiority complexes on those very people trying to help them. In truth, it is you who needs to learn how to deal with the support you seek. How you respond or solicit that support says a lot about you. It is your reaction that is important when mentally processing the support options provided to you. Members of my family are the kings and queens of this type of destructive behavior (among others). Someone doesn't say something that is in blanket agreement? Someone suggests that they work harder, longer, smarter? Someone says that they will have to cut back (on salt, fat, calories, alcohol, smoking, etc.), lose weight, or exercise more? Someone disagrees with their uneducated pontification on Jeopardy answers? All hell breaks loose, let me tell ya. My family, some people on these boards, people at school, work, etc.... we all know these people. The "what the hell does s/he know, anyway?" crowd. The people who, know matter how much they claim to be open to new ideas and viewpoints, shut down as soon as someone suggests that accountability and responsibility lie within the supportee. To all of these dysfunctionals: Get over yourself, people! You don't have all the answers, no one does. If you solicit support (and yes, posting on these boards is included), be prepared to hear something you may not like. The point is to process what is being said, research it and, if appropriate, take steps to better your life because of it. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone falls down. Learn from it; learn from the people with whom you interact; learn from others' experiences - good and bad. Speak your mind, sure, but if it's just to discount everything people say because it doesn't fit into your preconceived notions of how things should progress... shut your trap. If you approach someone for support and advice, and if your best reply begins with "But....," shut your trap and THINK about what they are saying. But wait! I am not saying that the would-be supporters are infallible - I am just suggesting that the mouth doesn't shoot off immediately. Think about it. Think about why you need to rebutt so quickly; think about why you are put off by it. Support should make you think, make you act. It's more than just a hug and some tears, it's something that enables you to move on, move up. Like I've said before, if you already knew it all, knew how to do it, and knew more than anyone else.... you wouldn't be here asking for support.

rock on!! Congrats!!!

We see the same questions and same exclamations over and over on LBT... and frankly, it's getting old. I know that a lot of new people come in every day, and I know that everyone has questions. Hell, I am sure I ask(ed) some stupid ones, too. I am still relatively new to all of this; I am not claiming to be some expert... but I can look around, I can read, and I take the time to participate in my own education so I am not a complete raving lunatic. In some cases, I am willing to overlook the redundancies, but it's getting to the point where I want to shake people like a bad nanny shakes a baby. I will probably be adding to this; I see this as a vent blog. You don't have to agree with me, but it's my blog, so it doesn't matter if you do or not, eh? Anyway, some of the more annoying things I find.... Why am I not losing weight? Gee, when you admit to eating crap, especially crap that slips right through the band, do you really need an answer to that question? The band is not gastric bypass, you still absorb everything you eat. You are simply (supposed to be) eating less and making healthier choices. (And even with GB, you are limited in the sugar, fat, etc. you can take in for fear of Dumping Syndrome. And yes, it's as bad as it sounds.) Just because you CAN eat it (get it down), doesn't mean you should. If you are eating ice cream, smores, Fritos, cheeseburgers, bacon and sausage pizzas, etc. as regular food instead of the occasional treat, then you will continue to look like you eat those things. Calories in need to be less than calories out (expended). Low carb, high protein, SugarBusters, Weight Watchers, whatever you are doing... calories are still king. Eat more than you need and you gain weight. Eat what you expend and you stagnate. Eat less than your bigger body needs and you will begin to lose weight to create the smaller body we all hope to achieve in this process. Move your ass! (Thanks to Jachut's sig for that reminder.) If you are sitting around expecting the pounds to melt off simply from "dieting," you are in big trouble. It may work at first if you are watching your caloric intake, but that will slow down - if not stop. Your body needs to move: your heart, lungs, muscles... they need exercise to become more efficient and fuel this healthier body you are trying to create. You don't need to be a triathlete (but kudos to those who do!), but you need to move. It also helps with skin elasticity, so there's a double bonus there. Soda? Pop? Cola? Beer? Sparkling Water? Carbonation? Fizzy Drinks? How many people have to post on this one - creating a new thread with a poll every week? Even if your doctor didn't tell you to stay away (because I realize that not all docs are created alike and some people did not receive the guidance they should), READ THE BOARDS. This and other questions are dead horses on which so many people still beat. Seriously, it's called a search button. Look for key words, phrases. Spend some time researching what it is you are looking to understand. People answering the 2,863,298th poll about carbonated beverages is not justification, especially for those posters who admit that they "know better" or "know it's bad", etc. It's science. Carbonated beverages contain (cold) compressed gases. Introduce them into a (warm) stomach and guess what happens? The gas bubbles have no where to go. When they explode, much like they do on the top of your beer stein, where do you think all that goes? It's trapped. Trapped exploding gas bubbles = expansion of their environment... your pouch. Expand the pouch and the band as a tool becomes nearly useless. I Know It's Bad, But..... This just needs to go away. If you know it's wrong or bad, don't freaking do it. Period. Posting on the boards and finding other people who know it's bad does not negate the fact that your behavior is your worst enemy. If it's bad, don't do it. If you slipped, stand back up and do the right thing. Continue to screw up, and no amount of board postings will help you. Someone tell me what to do. Whip me into shape. This one just pisses me off. Looking for advice is great. Comparing notes is fabulous. But, if you need this board to tell you step by step how to live your new life... you need way more than this board can provide. This is a message board and, while I have met some great people and read some great posts, it is still up to the individual reader to take action on what they learn here. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LIFE. If you need someone to hold your hand and lead you through each day, each meal, each issue, you need to look into something more face-to-face. Also, if it's a medical issue, go to the damn doctor. How many more people will post that something is broken, bleeding, popping, or otherwise falling off - then wait for the online community to tell them that they haven't been banded yet but maybe it's this, that, or the other? KEEP YOUR SURGEON INVOLVED - ESPECIALLY WITH MEDICAL-RELATED ISSUES. I did _____________ earlier than I was told. I didn't follow ___________ exactly as I was instructed. I ate ______________ a month before I was supposed to. Follow the rules. If your doctor gives you guidance - even knowing that they are all different - who are you to decide that his or her medical education and training are inferior to your experience as a patient? Let's face it, if you knew better, you wouldn't be in this position... would you? Get over yourself and accept that you don't know everything. Are some of the rules harder than others? Hell yes, they are supposed to be. This isn't supposed to be easy - you have to put some effort into this new, healthier you. If you can't be bothered, then why go through with this? ----- More to come... believe me.

We see the same questions and same exclamations over and over on LBT... and frankly, it's getting old. I know that a lot of new people come in every day, and I know that everyone has questions. Hell, I am sure I ask(ed) some stupid ones, too. I am still relatively new to all of this; I am not claiming to be some expert... but I can look around, I can read, and I take the time to participate in my own education so I am not a complete raving lunatic. In some cases, I am willing to overlook the redundancies, but it's getting to the point where I want to shake people like a bad nanny shakes a baby. I will probably be adding to this; I see this as a vent blog. You don't have to agree with me, but it's my blog, so it doesn't matter if you do or not, eh? Anyway, some of the more annoying things I find.... Why am I not losing weight? Gee, when you admit to eating crap, especially crap that slips right through the band, do you really need an answer to that question? The band is not gastric bypass, you still absorb everything you eat. You are simply (supposed to be) eating less and making healthier choices. (And even with GB, you are limited in the sugar, fat, etc. you can take in for fear of Dumping Syndrome. And yes, it's as bad as it sounds.) Just because you CAN eat it (get it down), doesn't mean you should. If you are eating ice cream, smores, Fritos, cheeseburgers, bacon and sausage pizzas, etc. as regular food instead of the occasional treat, then you will continue to look like you eat those things. Calories in need to be less than calories out (expended). Low carb, high protein, SugarBusters, Weight Watchers, whatever you are doing... calories are still king. Eat more than you need and you gain weight. Eat what you expend and you stagnate. Eat less than your bigger body needs and you will begin to lose weight to create the smaller body we all hope to achieve in this process. Move your ass! (Thanks to Jachut's sig for that reminder.) If you are sitting around expecting the pounds to melt off simply from "dieting," you are in big trouble. It may work at first if you are watching your caloric intake, but that will slow down - if not stop. Your body needs to move: your heart, lungs, muscles... they need exercise to become more efficient and fuel this healthier body you are trying to create. You don't need to be a triathlete (but kudos to those who do!), but you need to move. It also helps with skin elasticity, so there's a double bonus there. Soda? Pop? Cola? Beer? Sparkling Water? Carbonation? Fizzy Drinks? How many people have to post on this one - creating a new thread with a poll every week? Even if your doctor didn't tell you to stay away (because I realize that not all docs are created alike and some people did not receive the guidance they should), READ THE BOARDS. This and other questions are dead horses on which so many people still beat. Seriously, it's called a search button. Look for key words, phrases. Spend some time researching what it is you are looking to understand. People answering the 2,863,298th poll about carbonated beverages is not justification, especially for those posters who admit that they "know better" or "know it's bad", etc. It's science. Carbonated beverages contain (cold) compressed gases. Introduce them into a (warm) stomach and guess what happens? The gas bubbles have no where to go. When they explode, much like they do on the top of your beer stein, where do you think all that goes? It's trapped. Trapped exploding gas bubbles = expansion of their environment... your pouch. Expand the pouch and the band as a tool becomes nearly useless. I Know It's Bad, But..... This just needs to go away. If you know it's wrong or bad, don't freaking do it. Period. Posting on the boards and finding other people who know it's bad does not negate the fact that your behavior is your worst enemy. If it's bad, don't do it. If you slipped, stand back up and do the right thing. Continue to screw up, and no amount of board postings will help you. Someone tell me what to do. Whip me into shape. This one just pisses me off. Looking for advice is great. Comparing notes is fabulous. But, if you need this board to tell you step by step how to live your new life... you need way more than this board can provide. This is a message board and, while I have met some great people and read some great posts, it is still up to the individual reader to take action on what they learn here. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LIFE. If you need someone to hold your hand and lead you through each day, each meal, each issue, you need to look into something more face-to-face. Also, if it's a medical issue, go to the damn doctor. How many more people will post that something is broken, bleeding, popping, or otherwise falling off - then wait for the online community to tell them that they haven't been banded yet but maybe it's this, that, or the other? KEEP YOUR SURGEON INVOLVED - ESPECIALLY WITH MEDICAL-RELATED ISSUES. I did _____________ earlier than I was told. I didn't follow ___________ exactly as I was instructed. I ate ______________ a month before I was supposed to. Follow the rules. If your doctor gives you guidance - even knowing that they are all different - who are you to decide that his or her medical education and training are inferior to your experience as a patient? Let's face it, if you knew better, you wouldn't be in this position... would you? Get over yourself and accept that you don't know everything. Are some of the rules harder than others? Hell yes, they are supposed to be. This isn't supposed to be easy - you have to put some effort into this new, healthier you. If you can't be bothered, then why go through with this? ----- More to come... believe me.

Awww, thanks, Ursa! It's always nice to hear that. As for your food choices, have you been tracking what you eat? One of the theories behind tracking's success is that you are face to face, in the numbers, with what you eat everyday and what it does to your new healthy lifestyle (remember, this is not a diet... this is ongoing... this is life). When you see how the unhealthy stuff adds up, you tend to not want to see it anymore. If you don't eat it, you don't track it, and you don't have to see it on the list anymore. You can do it. If you aren't already there, sign up LiveStrong.com to take advantage of their information and The Daily Plate. TDP is a great tracking tool. Good luck!

Hmmmm, nothing wrong with getting some information early. Maybe I'll see you there.

I have 3.9ccs (1cc + 1.4ccs + 1.5ccs) in a 10cc band. I didn't notice restriction until the last fill. And then I noticed it as soon as I was off the 2-day liquids and back on to regular food. Dry Proteins are not nice to me, regardless of how small the bite and how much I chew. It takes a lot less to get full and I stay fuller longer, for sure. I have a checkup on this fill planned for August 15. If I don't need it at that time, I will reschedule for 2 weeks later to see how things are going. I may have found a spot that will work for a while, it's exciting!

You've been doing a great job, Liz! I have faith in you. There are quite a few people who haven't checked in. If you are reading this thread and and your stats haven't updated on the list, please let us know how you're doing! You can do it!

Your stomach and muscles (including the diaghram through which the esophagus travels) will react to stress, which makes it seem that the band is getting tighter. Stressed folks seem to have a higher rate of acid reflux, etc. for this reason. The band itself isn't changing; it's a silicone implant and blissfully unaware (regardless of some of the Borg jokes in the Men's Room some time ago) of what is going on with you physiologically. Managing stress has been a big part of this process for me. As a full time employee in a busy and high-stress job, and a full time student, I feel stressed in some way every day. Various things work for me, including an ultra-healthy diet during periods of extreme stress. The healthier I eat, the more rest I get, and the more exercise I fit in, the less stressed I become - and it's exponential. The more I take care of those situations, the less I experience them and the less strain there is on my body that could affect the band's fit or placement.