Boo

Whatever we do, I want us to all be successful. So, count me in on whatever the group decides. Since Halloween is coming, I need to set a personal challenge to stay away from any fun size goodies. The exercise helps my sweet tooth!

John, Did you just find this out? The word "tumor" can provoke such tremendous fear. Are you in pain? Is it on one vertebrae or several? I have read that they are benign, also. I hope you have an excellent doctor and access to the most current procedures. Don't be discouraged or afraid. There are several options for treatment! Prayers for you...

I finally got below 178. I'm down one pound! I've never worked so hard to lose one pound in my life. I'm hoping this is the end of a very lengthy plateau! NSV: The size 14 pants I was so excited to fit into are now baggy in the rear!

I took a week off because I am in a high-energy job. As far as work is concerned, you are entitled to your privacy, and you are entitled to take time off if you are sick. There are a myriad of excuses you can use, but you do not have to explain anything. Everyone takes off when they are sick. Take a couple of more days off, if you can, to shorten the first work week. And don't expect anything of yourself after work. Good luck!

Bluehill: Awesome! Oh, please let that happen to me. I've been stuck at 178 for 7 weeks . I am grateful I haven't gained, but my goal is still pretty far off. Maybe tomorrow will be the lucky day! Off to the track I go for and extra-long workout. Wish me luck in breaking the barrier!

Hmmm... I will call the good doctor and check on dates for a slight fill. It only costs $100. Thanks, Susan, Roberta and Julie for the advice. I really need to start losing again. Julie, when I was super-tight the only food that went down safely for me was M&M's and warm milk. That kept me going for a week until I could get an unfill. I'll never look at M&M's the same!

Have you had your thyroid checked? That is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism.

It is wierd, but I can't eat anything that is thick and gooey. That includes things like guacamole and cottage cheese. Tomatoes won't go down, either.

I can honestly say that I have never felt a "sweet spot." I had way too much restriction after my second fill and that was anything but "sweet." What should it feel like? The experience of being too tight has scared me off from trying another fill, even though the doctor said I could handle more. I haven't gained or lost anything since the last unfill/fill. Do I go for it? Or should the exercise start dropping weight soon? Thank you all for being my exercise buddies. I never would have dreamed that I could be motivated by a thread. This is great! Please continue in October!! I'm glad you are feeling better, Roberta!! You did a double session at Curves...that is not easy!

I buy mine from Oneida. There is an outlet I go to that sells in sets or individually.

Hey everyone- Are we being too easy on ourselves? Do we need to work on consistency first and then kick it up a notch in October? I find myself falling into the same trap. "Oh, it's okay, don't run...just walk today. You didn't sleep well last night." It is the same rationale I used to reward myself with a brownie. I'm very easy on myself when faced with temptation to slack off or eat something bad, yet totally filled with self-reproach when I step on the scale and see a lack of progress! Does anyone else do this? (By the way...knowing I am accountable on this thread has motivated me to exercise more than I would have. So, thanks for the invite and motivation everybody!!) Julie, you are kickin' some serious NY booty!

I can't believe that I can actually run!!!

Awesome, Julie! I wish I could walk in NYC right now. I love the pace. It must be a bit humid, though. Kat, I'm so sorry about your granddaughter. I hope it is NOT West Nile Virus. That is terrifying!

Please update Boo, banded on 4/5 I'm down 30 pounds to 178.

You exercised anyway!! Awesome! I jogged 15 minutes and then did 50 minutes on the elliptical machine on level 9!

I'm in! I jogged a mile at the track and then climbed bleachers. :whoo:

Thanks, I will! What do I do? I'm turning off my computer right now and going to the gym. Then what?

Julie, 78 pounds! That is amazing!!! Keep it up!

I have been on a plateau for about a month. The good news is that no weight has been gained. I probably need more fill, but I am scared to go through the food getting stuck experiences again. Thinking maybe I can jumpstart a weight loss on my own. Am I crazy? So exercise is crucial now. Anyone else have a plateau?? I've seen some co-workers for the first time in a few months and got the "Hey, you've lost weight!" comment. My response is, "Thanks, I'm working on it."

Group hug?!

Dear Mary, I am so sorry you are feeling discouraged and want to call it quits. You were the calm voice of reassurance for me when I was struggling with the decision to be banded. Your phone calls and e-mails helped me find peace with my procedure and choice of doctors. And I know you have quietly helped so many other people also! I wish I could be a voice of reassurance to you now! We both approached the banding as not only a way to FINALLY lose weight and keep it off, but also as a preventitive tool against the inevitable morbid obesity. It was a "gutsy" thing to do (especially in Mexico), but we both had come to a point where we couldn't take it anymore. Some desperate measure HAD to be taken. I leaned on you when it was my turn! I feel like when I made the decision to be banded, I was throwing in the towel...on dieting and on trying to figure out this weight-ruled life! Since I have been banded, I have had my ups and downs with pb's, plateaus, days of ice cream and M & M's (cause they WILL go down!) But I feel I am better off than I was six months ago. After reading your post, I went and ran a mile at the high school track. I haven't run in years! My knees couldn't take it before. I didn't even know I could run. I know you are athletic, and if YOU are working so hard and are struggling to lose, then I better get off my fanny and be more active! Even my meager weight loss has made a difference in my life. I really want to lose more...in fact, I want to lose all of my excess fat! Not just 40-50%! But I have to remember what desperation brought me to this procedure and be grateful for the help so far. The band has been a great help, but so have many people on this forum. When I have struggled many of you have taken the time to come to my aid and offer suggestions. I am thankful for that. So Mary, I support you in whatever you decide to do. I want you to succeed. You are a wonderful, giving person. If you want to talk, you have my e-mail and #! Call me and I'll call you back on my dime!

Are you open or closed? One consideration is whether you will be open about your band with others or a "closet" bander. If your girls know, chances are they will share that information accidentally, even if you are private. On the other hand, if you choose to be open about it, but keep it from them, they will find out. Do you want everyone to know, or do you want it kept private?

I chose to not tell my daughters and nieces. They are very weight-conscious; two nieces have eating disorders. I just think it will be difficult for them to process this. I used the "hernia operation" excuse for having surgery and explain the dietary changes, incisions and pain. As I have changed my eating patterns, the girls have watched me begin to slim down and feel better. I want them to notice the positive changes in my attitude, my energy level, and food choices, not just my size. Years down the road, I may decide otherwise. I just feel it is risky to tell at an impressionable age. I love your name, "Winner"!

OUCH!! I would NEVER let that Dr. touch me, either. I watch the needle go into the port on the TV (flouro). It hurts even when they hit a bullseye!

I hope you DON'T have a flu! That is miserable and I am so sorry! Is it possible that you are really tight and swollen from the surgery and had a PB from taking the medication too fast? If Immodium is really thick, it could have a hard time going down. Also, really cold water and ice can sometimes make my band area tight. Try small sips of warm water every few minutes. You must stay hydrated!