JulieNYC

I'm still trying for goal. I lost the bulk of my weight in a year and have been dribbling down a pound or two since then.

Skittles binge this morning. Trying to get back on track so I don't screw up the whole day....

Well, I got in a deficit of 2400 today. I ran 8 miles this morning and went to a kickboxing class this evening. Ate 1200 cals to be able to do all that, but it was worth it. So much fun!

Congratulations! I'm running the NYC marathon on November 4th and am about half way through the training schedule (15 miles is my longest run to date -- my 1/2 marathon is in 2 weeks). Be prepared -- when you up the miles, the calories necessarily come up with it, or you can't get through the runs. I need to eat about 1500 the day before a long run or else I just don't feel good. It's all worth it though! Keep us posted on your training. As you probably know, 2 1/2 months isn't a long time to train (my schedule was 5 months, assuming you could already run 3 consistent miles), but I'm sure you'll make it!

Absolutely. 20 days out of the month, I'm slightly loose, but perfect for the way I want to keep my band. 6 days out of the month, I'm too loose and looking to graze, then 4 days out of the month (PMS) I'm too tight. During that time, I can still eat, so it's not crazy-too-tight, but it's what you describe -- having to be careful and getting full on really what it too little food (like 1/4 to 1/2 cup where usually I eat a cup). It all comes out in the end, but yes, it's definitely not your imagination.

Karey, Do you know if the extra device works with the older model, or do you have to upgrade the whole unit? For $100, it might be worth it for me because I can't check the cals burned from work, which is annoying. But it's probably not worth replacing the whole unit.... Thanks for the info!

Got in my 8 this morning. I think a long run on Monday morning might be my new routine. The endorphin rush is making Monday more palatable and since my week hasn't officially started yet, if I'm a little later to work than normal, it's not the end of the world. Yea! How's everyone this week? (evening update -- I edited the post because I'd posted so many in a row!) Took a boxing class tonight. It kicked my tail! I'm going to start going to more classes at my gym. I need an alternate to running on some days. It was so good to go into a class feeling fit and like I could keep up and not dread it....

The TT scars are substantial. I don't mind them at all because it's a reminder of what was, and it's so nothing compared to the pannus, but they're substantial. They are pretty flat though, so once they turn white (I hear that takes about a year) they won't be all that noticeable. They'll open them again when I have my thigh lift in November though, so I've got a while until they fade....

I had my consult with the bugg folk on Friday. I did learn things about the program that I didn't know, so that's cool. I asked for studies about the science behind the bugg and was given some contact info, but no actual information, though I was assured it was tested "for years." I was amazed that food labels can be off by as much as 300% -- do we think that's a true stat? If so, CRAZY! I'm buckling down as of today until I get to the 40s. I've had my fun over the last couple of weeks and it's time to get serious again. My BB's staying on my arm until I hit 149!

I had a tummy tuck and my old port scar is several inches below my belly button now, from where the skin was pulled down. I asked -- it would have to be a new scar -- I just think I've got to accept that. Glad to hear Dr. C. says the low profile really makes a difference. I wondered about that, when looking at the two side by side....

I know this has been discussed a thousand times on the other forums, but I wanted to discuss it again here on the Life At Goal forum. Is anyone thinking of having their port replaced? Mine is really bothering me. Not so much that it's painful, but that it's visible (to me at least) through t-shirts. I've got an appointment in September to discuss this with my doc, but I just hate to put another scar on my torso. I think I'm going to have to though. Ugh.

Get the fill and that should do the trick. I don't think there's any medical reason why you won't lose just as quickly as you would have if you'd gotten filled when you first lost restriction. I think it's more of a motivation thing, meaning that docs say to be super diligent about fills in the first year so that you take advantage of your motivation to lose weight. My guess is you're going to lose again once you get that fill.

I did my 9 miles yesterday in 1:39, which is a good time for me. I usually aim for 12 minute miles when I'm on a long run, so an 11 min set is faster than norm. I'm hoping to do my marathon in 13 minute miles -- we'll see. Really I just care about finishing. Dawn, I was a sloth and didn't get started until 9:30, so we missed each other, though I did think of you! I got in 4 miles today. I wasn't supposed to run, per my training schedule, but I just couldn't help myself. It was unseasonably cool out (in the 60s) and just such perfect running weather. I was going to k-mart and just decided to run there instead of taking a cab or the subway. It's so cool to run for transportation! This is a big training week for me. I've got an 8 miler in the middle of the week, then 16 on Saturday. Next week is slow, then the next week is my half marathon in Chicago! Other than that, I've been sewing all weekend -- one of my favorite things to do. I did have a dinner party last night and though the company was good, I was miserable with the food. I ate too much and far too late and was up part of the night with that "I've over eaten" feeling. Not sick, just sore and unhappy. I'm wearing my body bugg today and I'm going to bust a move and ride it hard to the 40s. If I get my act together, this is one of my two good losing weeks, by my body's preferences. It's not the biggest week, but it's one where, at least, the scale is prone to moving a little (knock wood). We'll see. I'm going to give it my all for the next 2 weeks and see if I can't make some more progress. Nite all!

I guess I feel differently from most of the community. I am ANGRY for you. I am ANGRY at your doctor for what seems to be to be him chastizing you for gaining weight. I agree that gaining weight isn't healthy right before surgery, but it seems to me that your surgeon isn't just commenting on the health aspects -- he's judging you for it by saying you aren't serious about the band. We've all gained weight over far less stressful things that being the sole caregiver to two ill immediate family members. This is precisely why you need a band and I'm mad at him for denying you (with the understanding that the delay may be medically necessary -- my issue is with the judgment). None of us needs to prove to a surgeon that we deserve a band.

I'm running 9 miles at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning (EST). I bet we'll be running at the same time!

Officially back to my ticker weight this morning. Pshew!

Well, I ran this morning and I PBd my lunch, so I'm going to have a great deficit day, healthy or not! It's so rare for me to PB -- odd. I usually have one or two tight days a month. Guess I'm in it....

Jodie, My zoloft side effects are the normal ones -- i.e. complete desecration of my libido! It works wonders for my depression -- I respond to it super quickly, so in the past, I've waited until I'm entering a depressive cycle, then take it for a few months, then when I'm feeling better, go off it. But, this isn't really the recommended approach. Plus, it's no fun to go through the cycle of depression that leads to wanting the meds (I usually don't realize I want them until I start having suicidal thoughts). So, my psych really wanted me to try something different to see if we could find something I'd stay on long term. So far, the Wellbutrin is a strong candidate. I don't feel the same as I do on zoloft. It's hard to describe. It's like, if zoloft kept me (think vertically) from falling in a hole by making sure I couldn't fall down emotionaly, wellbutrin knocks me sideways, away from the hole, instead of up. I know that doesn't make a lot of sense. I feel more "me" on the wellbutrin, except that I have a ton of energy, require less sleep and just feel like I'm on a slight caffeine buzz all the time.

I have almost nothing helpful to contribute here, except to tell you you're not alone. I don't see a 350 lb person anymore when I look in the mirror, but I still see a 220-ish lb person. My clothes say 6P and 8P but my head doesn't. I had a similar experience with your store window. Someone sent around pics from a birthday party I attended and I saw a "girl" and thought, "wow's she's thin -- I'd like to get to that size" and, as you can see it coming, it was me in the pic. Now in my head I just say, yeah, but that pic was taken from a really flattering angle -- you can't see my arm flab or my thigh flab or this or that. Whatever. I'm so sick of myself. It's time for my head to catch up.

I take the 150 extended release for depression and anxiety and, for me, it's a wonder drug. I do have mild sleep issues with it, but I actually like them. I wake up a lot earlier (sometimes with my mind racing, which isn't so fun) and just generally require about 90 minutes less sleep than without it, and without feeling tired. It doesn't cut my depression in exactly the same way as zoloft did, but the side effects of the wellbutrin work better with my body and lifestyle. I think I'll actually stay on this one, as opposed to zoloft where the side effects got me every time.

Moe, It's a scientific fact that about 3500 extra calories burned equals a pound in every person -- that doesn't vary. What does vary is the effort required to burn that 3500. For example, a heavier person can burn it in less time and with less effort than a lighter person. Or, a person with metabolic issues might have to work much harder to burn the 3500 than a person with a normal metabolism. So, my opinion is that one of two things is going on with you. Option #1 is the bugg is not accurate. Maybe the bugg assumes a lot more than we think -- like that the wearer has a normal metabolism. If so, maybe you aren't really burning as much as the bugg registers, even though you "should" if your metabolism were standard. I've been curious all along how something that doesn't monitor heard rate (just pulse) or transdermal oxygen levels can really be all that accurate. I read somewhere (maybe even on this thread) that the stats that report the bugg as 92% accurate weren't based on the home model, but were based on a hospital model that did calculate heart rate. Or, if the bugg isn't the culprit, maybe you're just on the mother of all plateaus and will drop 10 lbs practically overnight once the plateau breaks. This actually happens to me. I might lose 12 lbs in a month, but 10 of that 12 will almost always be in a span of about 3 days (following my period). It's just the way my body (and fluid levels) works. Maybe you're going through a bit of that. If I had to guess, I'd say it's a combination of both. I think the bugg isn't as accurate as we'd like it to be (though I still find it motivational) AND you're on a major plateau. You're bound to get a break soon!

Thanks for the link, Dawn. I'll check out their store in Lincoln Center. I need tank style bras that I don't have to wear anything over but that have enough support. Maybe they'll have something good. Got in my 4.5 miles this morning even though my friend cancelled. It was a really good run. I'm looking forward to my long run on Saturday....

Awesome, Chickie, just awesome! Woohoo! I can't wait to see the scar pics -- mine's still pretty red, but it's getting better every month.

I'm still truckin' away at the BB challenge. -1600 today. Haven't lost, but haven't really expected to. I tend to only lose twice a month and it's not my good week. The BB is right in terms of lbs lost if I look over a month period, but it doesn't pay off daily. That's just not the way my body works. But, I do still find it motivational. Betty, how are you doing with it?

My workout with the trainer was good. It always is. Too bad it's not more affordable because I'd love to do it 2 or 3 days a week instead of 1. Dawn, I'm so glad you're back! Your running is awesome. You must be at a "normal" BMI now, no? At 5'2, I'm still 21 lbs away....It's not my week for the scale to move either, which is too bad because I'm really wanting the teens. Did you think a year ago we'd ever be at a place where we'd say we only wanting to lose X more lbs and that X be in the teens? Crazy. I'm supposed to run 4 miles in the morning. I'm meeting a friend in the park for the run before work, so there's a good chance it'll actually get done. Then, just 9 on Saturday. It's a light week....