michellelei
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Everything posted by michellelei
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When you need to lose 200+ pounds, how do you get started with exercise?
michellelei replied to momster0's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
"That is so fantastic Michelle! You know you get a lot of kudos on here for having lost all your weight and being a "successful bandster"." Thanks Jachut but I can't call myself successful near yet, not when I have almost 200lbs to go still but I appreciate the "kudos". You look fantastic by the way, Kudos to you!!! "the strength of people who have overcome twice that, the courage to get out there and do it simply amazes me. Women like you and momster are incredible!" Everyone on this journey striving for a healthier, fitter, more enjoyable lifestyle is incredible!:party: We had allowed ourselves to become something we're not proud of and FINALLY decided instead of sulking, we are going to do something about it, reversing our negative habits. Jachut, some of us just took longer to come to that decision meaning we will just have to work a little harder and/or longer.:hurray: Momster, good luck with your band, I hope it proves to be as useful a tool to you as it is for many of us here. 1 more thing, it's been mentioned several times about the wii fit.:mad2:I have no clue how gr8 it is. And yes, I have one. I just can't use it yet. The weight restriction is 300 lbs. although I have heard it will go to 330. Sooo, it is packed back up and waiting for me in the closet to hit that weight. Just 1 of my many goals,lol. -
When you need to lose 200+ pounds, how do you get started with exercise?
michellelei replied to momster0's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Preband, I weighed 424 lbs. That was 10/27/08. 2 weeks after my banding, I joined a gym, Planet Fitness. They "schedule" appts for going over the machines and what amount of weight you can handle. I really didn't care for the guy who does this. I felt like I could read his mind, "yeah, like SHE'LL keep coming". I felt VERY SELF CONSCIOUS! I got over it. I was there for me, not for eye candy to anyone else. After the "appt" was over, the guy told me I could do the eliptical for 15 min to start. Great! I set it for 15 and, well, it was a lot harder than I anticipated! I made it to 7 min and thought I was dying! Now I love it, it is so much nicer to my ankles and feet than the tread mill. I go faithfully before work Mon thru Thurs, 6:15-7:15am. I HAVE to go before or I won't go. I am NOT a morning person yet somehow this works for me. I actually LIKE how it wakes me up. It's been 3 mths now. I weigh 367 and am up to 18 min on eliptical. That may not be much to some people but for me, it's fantastic. Noone gawks or is mean. Everyone just does their own thing. I also do "Walk away the Pounds" by Leslie Samsone 2 x a week(its a dvd). I have the 3 mile but only do 1 1/2 miles right now. I like it because I can do it and I work up a sweat. Exercising helps keep me motivated and I feel great! I can't hardly wait until I drop another 50 lbs to see where I am at physically then. Good luck to you. -
Hi Christy. I read what you wrote in another's blog about dieting with the band. I felt compelled to write because I don't count calories and still lost 51 lbs(banded 10/27).....You do NOT haaave to diet with the band to lose weight. However, you will find that once you cannot eat as much as before, you want to eat things that are better for you, protein first, veggies second, and carbs last. It is what your body desires. The exception to the rule: cookies, ice cream, high carb drinks and nuts(yes, nuts)...these all go down really easy with the band and can easily get out of control. It is always better to just STAY AWAY from these foods as much as possible. It is also important to exercise. I have made it a habit and now seems as normal. The band is the best thing I EVER did for myself. Good luck to you!
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Irrationally upset by crazy coments.....
michellelei commented on julie.ann's blog entry in My Secret Journey
Hi JulieAnn. Hey you look good! lol. You really do though(I saw your pics in the one forum), great job! As far as the "now promise me you won't gain it back" comment. I would plan for the next time. Maybe tell her, Thank you for your flattery but I make no promises to anyone but myself when it comes to my weight. And the "skinny" word is just not a word that I want to ever describe me. I strive to be "fit". Vent anytime you want, that's what we're here for -
Hi! Was lookin at a post that was just pics and came across yours. Wow, you are such a hunk and you did it w/o the band! I am in awe. Don't get me wrong,I am happily married, but gosh! What a transformation!
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Hi everyone. I have been banded for 3 months and only felt real restriction for the last 2 weeks(since my second fill). I was given 5 cc's first fill, felt a little restriction but could eat wayyyy to much. I was given 1 and 1/2 cc's my second fill, making it 6 1/2 cc's in a 10 cc band. Now it is where I want it. Don't get me wrong. I still feel sorry for myself when I am eating something I like and can only eat maybe 3 bites but it is alot better than no band where I would totally pig out having absolutely no ability whatsoever to admit that I was full and NEEDED to stop eating! I've read quite often about not being able to eat in the morning. I am grateful that I can. I get up at 5am, get ready for work, eat bowl of oatmeal with blueberries with coffee every morning during week then I go work out at the gym for 45 min.(I drink quite a bit from the water fountain with no problem) then off to work. By lunch time I am so hungry but this is when I just cannot eat. I try and always feel the tightness and sometimes push it then get sick. I dont tell anyone, I just casually go to bathroom and spit up what I need to(w/ phlegm) then I am alright. Supper is hit or miss, sometimes I can eat and sometimes I cannot. I have found that on the days that I cannot eat, I MUST EAT OR DRINK SOMETHING healthy(I really like the Boost chocolate drinks and a banana) because I WILL BE able to eat later on and if I didnt eat something my band allowed earlier then my hunger will make me eat w/o CARING about my goals(meaning, I will eat bad choices almost ravenously). Not sure if this was of any help but it is where I am at. By the way, I LOVE my band. It is the best thing I ever did for myself!
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You look fabuloussss! You inspire me! I have lost 48lbs and STILL have 200 to lose. I worry about the extra skin too(not enough to wanna stay fat) but was just wondering. Any secrets you wanna share to us wannabees?
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Temptations, temptations...
michellelei commented on sarahp626's blog entry in My life since I been banded!
Hi Sarah. First: Thank you for your comment on my page! Second: I am NOT going to criticize you. What's done is done. I've read that EVERYONE is going to mess up from time to time. If you understand this and allow for it then there is no need to beat yourself up about it and is much easier to get right back to business! I like to drink from time to time, I know it slows my progress yet I plan accordingly. It's the rest of my life. It will be ok. Third: STOP drinking soda! It's a hard habit to break but once you make the decision, it becomes just as much a habit NOT to drink it. Fourth: NEVER think of exercise as a punishment. It is a blessing we have the ability to exercise and is such a beautiful gift to our bodies. Instead, reward yourself for inches lost! I am soo bossy,lol, i am definitely no expert, just trying to help. Best of luck to you! -
Thanks for your comment. I read some of your blogs and just wanted to tell you, give yourself a chance. You're at the very beginning of your journey. You talk about cooking for your family and the fustration not joining them. I hear you. I went to Chuck E Cheeses with my granddaughter and DH back when first banded and felt REALLY sorry for myself, I wanted some pizza! GRrr. That seems like sooo looong ago(it was only 3 mths). After you are back to regular foods, it gets much better! We are all over dramatic at the beginning because its natural to be afraid of the unknown. The band eventually becomes your helper. Life is good
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My journey progress mentally & physically~banded 3 months
michellelei posted a blog entry in Blog 49371
:thumbup: Ok. I feel good. I have lost 46lbs which hasn't happened for around 13 yrs. I was only going up prior to this, I lost faith in the "butterfly transformation" idea. I figured I was destined to be a fat catepillar. Another words, I lost all hope that I would ever be able to be fit. Figured it just wasn't in my genes. My whole family is fat, just fighting a losing battle...just look at my pics. Those feelings are gone... I am sooo impressed with the band and ME. The band keeps my food intake under control! I keep WHAT goes into my mouth under control. I have committed myself to going to the gym 3-4x/week and stick to it. The best part is that I do not feel like I am dieting at all. I made a personal choice to live the rest of my life more healthy. I feel empowered. I NOW know I WILL get fit. I also know, it isnt going to happen overnight. I just am enjoying the trip. I still drink about once every 2 weeks just because I enjoy it and I know there will be people who think I should banish that altogether. It is my one habit I am not willing to give up, at least for now. It is a social thing for me. I loove to go out and let loose. I have a tight group of friends that go with us to clubs and we dance the night away(after a couple drinks). It's fun, and when it isnt, I will give it up. February 25 will be 1 year that I haven't smoked. So very proud of that:tongue: I like who I am and look forward to who I am becoming. I was a size 5x/32T pants. I am size 30/32 / 28T pants. Many folks talk about the wii fit. I bought it. I can't USE it because I am too fat. I was upset at first but now it has become yet another goal for me to meet. The weight limit is 330lbs. Hoping to get there in 5 months or by July 4th. I am on track, now just gotta get my finances on track. Life is good:drum: -
My journey progress mentally & physically~banded 3 months
michellelei commented on michellelei's blog entry in Blog 49371
Ok. I feel good. I have lost 46lbs which hasn't happened for around 13 yrs. I was only going up prior to this, I lost faith in the "butterfly transformation" idea. I figured I was destined to be a fat catepillar. Another words, I lost all hope that I would ever be able to be fit. Figured it just wasn't in my genes. My whole family is fat, just fighting a losing battle...just look at my pics. Those feelings are gone... I am sooo impressed with the band and ME. The band keeps my food intake under control! I keep WHAT goes into my mouth under control. I have committed myself to going to the gym 3-4x/week and stick to it. The best part is that I do not feel like I am dieting at all. I made a personal choice to live the rest of my life more healthy. I feel empowered. I NOW know I WILL get fit. I also know, it isnt going to happen overnight. I just am enjoying the trip. I still drink about once every 2 weeks just because I enjoy it and I know there will be people who think I should banish that altogether. It is my one habit I am not willing to give up, at least for now. It is a social thing for me. I loove to go out and let loose. I have a tight group of friends that go with us to clubs and we dance the night away(after a couple drinks). It's fun, and when it isnt, I will give it up. February 25 will be 1 year that I haven't smoked. So very proud of that:tongue: I like who I am and look forward to who I am becoming. I was a size 5x/32T pants. I am size 30/32 / 28T pants. Many folks talk about the wii fit. I bought it. I can't USE it because I am too fat. I was upset at first but now it has become yet another goal for me to meet. The weight limit is 330lbs. Hoping to get there in 5 months or by July 4th. I am on track, now just gotta get my finances on track. Life is good:drum: -
Christmas '08 Down 35lbs, can ya tell?lol My Mom, niece & me
michellelei posted a gallery image in Member Photo Gallery
From the album: Random pics~some pre band, some present
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From the album: Random pics~some pre band, some present
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From the album: Random pics~some pre band, some present
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From the album: Random pics~some pre band, some present
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Random pics~some pre band, some present
michellelei added images to a gallery album in Member Photo Gallery
My family & friends -
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From the album: Random pics~some pre band, some present
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I really enjoy putting a picture with a name and I Love the pics Anne & Julie Ann! You both look great!! Nice job, keep it goin'.
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:glare::huh2::thumbdown:Ok. I have sooo many mixed emotions by the above quote!! First of all, CONGRATS!! on losing SO MUCH weight:thumbup: However, I am a bit nervous at hearing you only went from a 32 to a 26/28 size!:glare: I started at 424lbs, a size 32T(T for tall) pants and 5x tops. I am down to 383 and am happy with this so far. I still wear same clothes because I refuse to spend money on lots of in between sizes from here to goal but they are VERY BAGGY on me! I don't hardly wear any of my "stretch" jeans any more because of their bagginess and I can't wear them to the gym anyway. I already had stock of other sizes anyway from yo yo weights of past! I'd say I am now a 30T pants & 4x top. I gotta tell ya, thinking about losing ONE HUNDRED POUNDS from where I am now and only coming down 4 sizes, due to "apron" or not, just doesn't sound, well, right:eek: Can you tell me what size tops you were and are? And perhaps all the other positive things you feel from who you were then and who you are now? Maybe the neck thing, you know, you now have 1 and how about energy, have alot more of that? Do you feel healthier? I know I do with just losing 41lbs. I work out 3-4x per week for 45 min. at least. I find just walking to my car seems like so much less of a chore! I love the way I feel and sooo look forward to how much better I will with a much bigger loss! Another thing I can hardly wait for is to sit anywhere I want w/o secretly analyzing whether I will fit and if chair is capable of holding my ass, I mean mass:lol: Anyway, congrats again. I think to lose that much weight is a huge triumph. That in itself is an inspiration! Have any pics??
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Hi Rachel. Ok, still don't have everything under control but my spirits are better for whatever reason,lol. I am sorry to hear about your insurance and DH, hope that gets taken care of asap! I did see that you lost over 60 lbs, that is awesome! I got another 1 1/2 cc in my band so I am now at 6 1/2 ccs altogether. Now I am at where I wanted to be. Good luck to you and hang in there!
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Hi Rachel. I read your note on my page awhile back and I been meaning to write back to you. I have been on a down spiraling roller coaster and was waiting for it to stop to get back to lapbandtalk but...the ride's been alot longer than I expected..... I have 5cc's in my band and I have very little restriction. I asked to get another fill before the holidays but they wouldnt until my next appt which is this wednesday, thank goodness. I just found out to get my car inspected, its going to cost me $1458.00 +tax. I have been going to the gym 2-4 x a week and doing an exercise video 2x a week at least, yet my weight has stayed the same for bout 3 weeks now with a couple pounds put on! I weigh 387. I was down to 382.
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I got banded 10/27 and weighed 417 that day. They(the WLC) go by what I weighed my last appt which was 424. To add to my troubles, I got a letter from IRS saying that my DH and I didnt claim $13000 in 2005. I have no idea. My husband was working lots of different places back then so maybe when we took paperwork to acct. one was misplaced, I am not sure. Wonder what we owe now?? I know I am going on but I miss when everything was "good". I am not much help to others with my negative attitude so I have been waiting for it to pass, and I am still waiting,
. Anyway, wanted you to know that I am not a dweeb who doesnt like to talk, matter of fact I looove to talk just waitin til I have better outlook. I will write again after I have a few things figured out and under control. Thanks for letting me vent -
Front view @ 1 month post op, down 25 lbs. I am soo much bigger on camera than in my head.
michellelei posted a gallery image in Member Photo Gallery
From the album: My Monthly Pics~banded 10/27/08
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