momof5

Bea - good to hear from you just hate that it's with such sad news.{{Hugs}} I'll be praying for you all. And I will definitely give my kids a big hug! Guys - PLEASE give me some snack ideas. Fill is NOT tight at all so I can still eat whatever I want and unfortunately, I am doing just that. I do good for Breakfast and lunch then the afternoon kills me. I want snack stuff but don't choose the right things. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!!! Hope everyone has a great day!

We had a good weekend here. Did boot camp then had my son's & father's bday together. It was good being with family. We didn't have bday cake, I did a apple pie instead (son doesn't like real sweet stuff) so I only had a little. Still did good with my calories that day, thanks to working out. Went off Sunday....it was leftover night so I had chili, cheese nachos and bread pudding but boy was it good! Got back on track today with high impact aerobics for an hour. I haven't changed my signature but I still have some weight to loose to get back to the what it actually reads, so I am kicking things up! Lots of protein and veggies. Trying to cut out as many carbs/sugars as possible. Hoepfully then I can get back to where I had been!!! Hope everyone has a good day!

Turler - I will tell you that there are some top notch boot camp DVDs out there. Look around online and find one that's right for you.

KIEUL-up early this morning! I'm taking the Boot camp @ my gym but they offer these classes all over the place. It is such a big success that many cities offer a month of boot camp only and it takes place at different places around that city. I know Atlanta has a ton of them. Glad your fill is going good so far. Just take it east and do what the Dr says. No drinking during meals...this is hard I know but a killer to your feeling full and that's what the band is for.

Well, I did it. I made it through my first Boot Camp class and LOVED IT! For any of you who get a chance, do it! It is so fast paced and changes every class that things are never the same. Don't get me wrong, it was hard and I was dying to finish but I DID! I can't wait till the next one. Also, the instructor explained the amount of calories you can loose, for her 130lb frame, she looses 400+ calories for each class. For someone weighing more, they loose more. That got me REALLY motivated!

Brandy - Now I understand the couple of glasses:) 16....I'd be taking in the whole bottle!!! My oldest is 14 and she is definitely a handful. Hormones are on the rampage! Numbrgrl-thanks for the info....I do hope it gets tighter in a day or two. I know what you're talking about with the liquids too. Last time I was filled I couldn't drink water only thicker or hot liquids. Don't want to get there again. Don't worry, the scales will move again. Just be proud that people are noticing! Had to share that the scales have moved for me and its down again!!! Back to 193 this morning:) Also, I had an older gentleman at the gym ask me about my weight loss yesterday...he works out the same time I do and said he noticed my clothes were getting really baggy!!!!! This was the best compliment because they were actually the size 16s I bought to replace the first pair that were too big. Well, I'm off to boot camp for the 1st time, say a prayer for me.....will let you know how it goes if I make it;)

Brandy - you live girl! I actually had wine the other night, 1st time in 5 months and I applaud you for being able to handle a couple glasses. I was doing good to be standing after a few sips! We have my littlest one's 2nd birthday party with grandparent's this weekend. I can't believe my last little baby is growing up! He actually look more like he's 3 cause he's so big. But that's it for my BIG weekend. Hope everyone has a good one!

Bea - {{{{{Many Hugs to you}}}}} The scales will move again. DON"T GIVE UP! I'm so impressed with you running 5 miles!!! Here I am panicing that I'm going to have to actually run 100yards in boot camp! Plus, I can't wait to hear what your instructor has to say. Maybe it won't be too bad. Hope its just a little tweaking here or there. Do let us know because we'll probably all jump in and do it with you so atleast you won't have to change alone. Now on the throwing up...not a good thing! That's what landed me in the hospital with no fill and I don't want that happening to you so if things aren'y better tomorrow, call your Dr.!!!! Welcome, Welcome, Welcome Lori!!!! Looks like you are doing so good. 32lbs is awesome! Keep it up and we're here whenever you need us! Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Thanks Bea! Dr swears that this will probably happen to me but it never has before so I needed to know that there was the possibility. I just hope I don't go to extremes....sorry to hear that is what happened to you. How are things going with you lately? Are the scales moving?

L2L- Lots of {{{{Hugs}}}} to you! I think that with any weight loss/diet issue women go through major emmotional issues. You said yourself that you used food as a coping method and not being able to turn to that comfort, makes us defeated and even more angry. Where do you turn when you can't do what has always worked in the past? You don't, you just feel defeated. I know I may not be helping right now but am totally understanding because I'm with you! I do take a anti-depressant and it does help but when TOM comes around, watch out! Just know that we are always here for you! We do understand. I hate having things going on that people around me don't just don't! I have to whine some too - I had my fill today. He was going to add 5ccs but that was too tight so instead he only added 4. I watched the monitor and knew it wasn't enough. The barium went right though. I begged for another .5 but no luck. Dr said to give it a week or two and I might have to come back for more (duh) in a month. I tried to think on the good side but by the time I got home, was in complete defeat mode. Yelled at the kids when I walked in and went for the food. Started with yogurt and granola, trying to be good. Then proceeded to eat 12 lo-fat ritz with 3 slices of cheese and one triangle of laughing cow, then 4 Hershey's toffee & almond nuggets and then a whole, bun included, sloppy joe! And it's not even dinner yet! Hoping to kick start my band's tightness so maybe tomorrow will be better but right now, I don't see it! Have you every had a fill that got tighter a day or two after being done? I need some good news....

Just got back from Spinning class and LOVED IT! It was hard, not too bad on the bottom. Guess I was used to it from using the excercise bike. Only issue I had was the stand cycling, only could do it for a few seconds at a time but then the teacher explained how to do it after class so I hope to be able to do it all next week. Atleast I kept up. L2L - girl, the guys will still look at any D so don't think that will stop! I actually think they'll look at any size:) Anyway - boot camp is just what it sounds like. It is based on Boot Camp training with lots of high intensity work outs. There is lots of running, climbing, jumping, etc... I almost had myself talked out of it, I still can't run much. But a fellow gym rat talked me back into it. So, I'm gonna give it a try and I'll let you know how it goes.... 2 hrs and counting to the refill....YEAH!

Hey guys! Turler - tell your friend to jump aboard! Warn her about our whining days so we don't scare her off:) LOL @ the reasons for no Zumba...my chest is in sad shape. Going from a 48DD to now a 38C, you can immagine. If I got these things near anyone while dancing around, I'd put their eye out!!! I really think surgery might be in the future. I lost so much fat there that they remind me of that kid's song, "Do your ears hang low?" L2L - I am scared to death of spinning. The teacher said that she is only doing 30 minute sessions to get everyone ready for it. The gym did purchase specialty gel bike seats and they are supposed to help. I hope they do. I didn't make it to the Zumba class because I pulled my back the other day and didn't see me doing the moves in pain. I did talk to some newbies who went and they weren't impressed. Said the teacher was a little too all over the place, but I am going to try it. We're also trying a new boot camp class Saturday. I heard that this can kick your tail but also really rev up weight loss...I'm willing to try anything at this point to get the scales moving again. Well, tomorrow is the BIG DAY...REFILL!!!!!!!! I am so excited, I can't wait. You'd think it was Christmas. I am actually more excited than I was first having the surgery. Restriction, here I come!!!!

L2L - Today is somewhat better. I still feel like I'm eating WAY too much, but hubby says I'm really not. He has been a lifesaver. Only two day till my fill:) YEAH! It's right at lunch time so I'm not even thinking about that as a day to wait. I can't wait to be tight again!!! So, you like Zumba? My gym has just started offering it along with spin classes. I'm going to start them both this week. SPin is on Thursday morning and Zumba on Saturday. I just hope I can keep up!!! Hope everyone had a great day!!!

Way to go Brandy! I am trying to work up to running. Keep up the good work! L2L - thanks for the hugs. I'm holding on till Thursday. I know it will get better then, atleast it better;) I know you had a BLAST at the fair. That is such a good one. We didn't go this year due to gas prices...we're heading to NC in two weeks to camp again so saving up for that. But I sure missed my corn dog fix this year!

Hope everyone had a good weekend. I'll warn you all now that if you don't want to read any whining, skip my writing but I have to let it out!!! I have now gained 7lbs without the band:( I am pulling my hair out! With fills, I could have only eaten a bite of cake because it wouldn't go down. I didn't even try breads, pastas or fries because one time for them not going down was enough but now, its no problem. I HATE IT!!! I know I should be "watching what I eat" but when I am craving everything bad and TOM is coming, don't get in my way. I have been excercising every day to make up for it. Even my hubby is confused because I am not eating that much. But I know, its the wrong things I'm eating. Oh, Thursday can't get here soon enough. To be refilled again will be the best feeling. My Dr said he'd put in some but I'll probably break down and beg him to do all he can. I don't like this out of control feeling. Even when I do something to give myself control like extra excercising, it doesn't work! Darn the scales. I wanted to be below 180 this month and was so on track, but now...I've got to make up for lost time after the gain. So aggrevating, so depressing, blah, blah, blah:( Okay - now I've gotten that out. I really do promise to have a more upbeat attitude once I get the refill, atleast I better or you guys are going to ban me from posting:) L2L - which fair did you attend? We went camping this weekend and with 5 kids, it was an adventure!

I'm with you! I don't want to report either but it keeps me sane. Date-10/5/08 B - 1/4c scrambled eggs, 1 slice bacon, 1/4 cup hashbrowns L - 1/4 cup chicken rice casserole, 1/4c mac & cheese, 1c salad, 1tbls dressing, 1 roll, 1 scoop vanilla ice cream, 1 small slice strawberry cake D - 6 water crackers, 3 slices cheese, 2tb alouette cheese spread, 1 slice mexican chocolate cake S-10 mini oreos Protein/Calories - didn't even look Water - 7 cups Exercise - 1 hour hike with family

It is simply where you drink juice for 2-3 days. I have done one before and loved the results...cuts down bloating, boosts energy, simply a good "cleaning" especially if you have been eating foods high in fats and sugars. If you're interested, I would do some research on the web and find the one right for you. There are Lemonade, veggie juice, fruit juice, etc... ones so you need the kind that fits what you need. Some even allow foods in certain quantities during the time. I'll be doing the lemonade one, it is a real cleaning which I need with all the yuck stuff I've been eating the last couple of days.

Date: Oct 3 What Did You Eat Today?: B - 1 sweet & saltygranola bar L - 1/2c sesame chicken, 1/2c fried rice S - I hate to admit this....large oreo McFlurry D - 2 slices hand tossed cheese pizza from Pizza Hut Protein: Only 48 g (852 cal) Water Intake: 10 Exercise: 1 hour sculpting aerobics class Anything to add: My days without the band STINK! I can eat way too many things that I couldn't before and it was easier knowing that I'd throw them up so I wouldn't even try to eat them. I am actually going on a juice fast with my hubby for the nest 2-3 days. Dr said it would be fine and help me curb cravings and hopefully lose the weight I've gained. It will also get me ready for my refill Thursday.

Getting new clothes is awesome! I had a yard sale last Sat. and sold almost all my clothes! The women were so excited to find their size at a yard sale. Now I only own three pairs of jeans and 1 pair of pants that really fit. I hung to ca couple 16's that I have to tighten with a belt. But I have refused to buy any more until I have firmly hit that 12/14 mark...not having many choices makes me work harder to get to them. Bea - Hugs, Hugs and more Hugs! I'm with ya sister. I have gained too but hang in there. Things will turn around and you'll be losing again in no time. Don't get discouraged (as I preach this also to myself:)

Here's today. I just got back from the seminar I was speaking at and got lots of compliments on my look/success. So, tomorrow is a new day and I will do better! I have one week to wait till I finally get some refill so I refuse to go backward. Date: Oct 2 What Did You Eat Today?: B - 1/2c FF yogurt, 1/2c strawberries, 2tbls high Protein granola S - G2 gatorade L - Small frozen pizza :tongue: 5 mini chocolate chip Cookies S - 10 garlic breadsticks with 2tbls spinach artichoke allouette cheese, 7 mini tootsie rolls, 10 mini oreos D - 1 cup egg drop soup w/ 1/2c chips & 1 egg roll Protein: Water Intake: 8 cups Exercise: 15 min elptical; 40 min treadmill 5% incline @ 4mph, 15min yoga

So glad to hear that! I can use all the advice available!

OK Good for you guys filling in. I will do it but it is BAD.... Date: Yesterday 10/1/08 What Did You Eat Today?: B-bottle caribou iced coffee, Bottle of G2 while working out, L-2 chicken fingers, 1/2 cup fries, 2 onion rings, 4 mini chocolate chip Cookies, AS-1/2 cup cashews & 2 mini bags chips, D-1 baked chicken breast and 1/2 cup pea/asparagus casserole, NS-1/4 cup cashews Protein: Got plenty of Protein but not in a good way:( Water Intake: 10 glasses Exercise: 1 hr high cardio & 15mins yoga Anything to add: I look at yesterday, and today so far, and know I can do better. I am just so hungry without restriction that I am trying to fill up with protein any way I can. Veggies and Fruits do not satisfy me at all.

Count me in! I used to be so good about writing down everything but then I got to my sweet spot and didn't find it necessary. But now with no restriction, I am falling of the wagon big time and need someone to keep me honest!!! I am starting over too. I hope the new fill next week will give me some feeling of restriction to make a difference. I really do miss it!

You're asking me for advice??? LOL:) No really, the thing that has worked for me is keeping things COMPLETELY changed up. I excercise 5 days a week then on weekends keep myself really busy with kids and housework. But I don't ever have the same workout week twice. I might do two or three days of aerobics with weights, the other days, I do cardio. Sometimes it might be the treadmill for 30 minutes with either 1 minute running/3 minutes walking or gradually climbing hills changing the intensity every 3-4 minutes. Then 30 minutes on the elliptical with 4 minutes forward/1 minutes backward. I also do 15-20 minutes of yoga on these days too. I just get really bored and my trainer, as well as several magazines, have said the more you change it up, the less likely your body it to get too used to one certain thing and it has to compensate. Now with eating, that has been a battle. I don't do Pasta, bread, pizza, chicken, etc...anything that is too dry or I have a hard time chewing I don't eat. Actually, I can't eat it so I don't bother (excpet now that my band is empty I can eat anything:0) Each morning I have a bottle of Caribou Iced coffee. When Working out, I have G2 (low calorie gatorade-it is so good) then lunch is usually Soup, refried Beans and cheese, or something high in Protein. I do snack on chocolate. It is my weakness but I limit it to 3-4 of the Hershey's Bliss almond candies. dinner is whatever my family is having just really scaled back. Using a salad plate for portion control is great! I eat more protein than anything. I have never been a big veggie or fruit eater so getting in protein is easy for me. I do keep up with my calories and if I don't get atleast 1000 for the day, even with excercise added in, I eat a treat after dinner. Not giving your body enough calories, especially when working out, is a NO NO! Your body will train itself to hang on to everything it gets for fear of not getting enough. So, eat!!! Just make sure what you eat matters. Also, I only eat one BIG meal a day. If I have a big lunch then I scale down for dinner and little lunch, bigger dinner. Just don't deprive yourself. Just really listen to your body. Hungry - eat, not hungry - don't eat. I am a food addict BIG TIME! I had been seeing a therapist prior to surgery that helped alot. She helped me learn my food triggers and weaknesses. She also helped me acknowledge that there are no "Bad" foods just bad amounts. So, if you've had a great day of eating right and excercising and that calorie counter shows only +600 calories. Treat yourself with a cup of ice cream, 1 or 2 Cookies, etc...this way you are in control of it all and it will give you such power!!! Keep me posted on if this helps!!!