TexasFire

JM! :biggrin2: GIRLFRIEND! :biggrin: I MISSED YOU! When is/was(?) the wedding?

J - You ARE cute, chica! And we love you, so don't talk like that! We still want to see those pics, you know. Mother's Day? HMPH! Mine sucked. My kids didn't remember and tell me Happy Mother's Day until last night. My family is VERY goofy about holidays and birthdays and we always get together. This was the first one EVER that we didn't. My kids are too old to remind them...if they don't care enough to think of others and know what day it is....I'm just saying. So when 3pm rolled around without a peep, I decided I would not waste the rest of my day. I went to Garden Ridge and got new deck furniture and a big offset umbrella so I can start laying out...I'm in desperate need of a tan. I also went to Lowe's for new landscaping for my back yard. I am completely ripping out and redoing the beds along the back of the house. So I removed all the decorative rock and dug up the tired old shrubs. My house was built in 1999, and I don't understand how these shrubs look so bad, but they do. I got pretty new Boxwoods, dwarf Fire Nandinas and a white Crepe Myrtle to plant there...it will be so pretty when I get done! Lowe's also had enormous Boston Ferns on sale, so I got a bunch of those to hang in front and back. So my day ended on a good note, anyhow! :biggrin:

This is the only thing you said that concerns me. Your past is something to be considered, but your mindset of today is much more critical. If this surgery is the only thing keeping you going, you are setting yourself up for disaster. This surgery requires dedication, diligence, restraint and lots of work if you are to get to goal. In the past year I have seen, and continue to see, so many folks who went into this knowing that it wasn't going to be easy, yet today it is evident that they did indeed still expect divine intervention to make all their weight disappear. This surgery was the only thing that kept them going...and now that the surgery hasn't provided the miracle they wanted (and was never going to provide), they are distraught. Please, go to your eval and openly discuss your past and present concerns. Dig deep and be sure of your motivations and expectations for this surgery. Don't be one of those who just spout the right answers to get to approval. You will be doing yourself no favors. All that being said, if done with the right motivations and expectations, this surgery can be the most amazing thing you could ever do for yourself! I hope you get in there and come out the other side ready to take this by the horns and get healthy! I know you can do it, just make sure you don't skip any critical steps.

I thought I would post it here in case anyone else is interested. I will warn you, though...this is a crapload of pills! Even though you all already know that I am nuts, this just confirms it! LOL I put the store/brand I purchased if you want to repeat the same. MORNING: GNC's Women's Ulta Mega Active Vitapak (Contains 2 Women's Ulta Mega Active without Iron, 2 Energy Enhancer, 1 Calcium 600 mg, 1 L-Carnitine 500 mg, 1 CLA 1000 mg) 2 GNC Fish Oil 1000 mg 2 GNC CLA 1000 mg 1 Vitamin Shoppe ForsLean (Coleus Forskohlii 125 mg, or Forskolin) 2 Vitamin Shoppe L-Argenine 500 mg 2 Vitamin Shoppe L-Carnitine 500 mg (CarniPure) 1 scoop in any drink Vitamin Shoppe L-Glutamine powder 4500 mg AFTERNOON: All except Vitapak EVENING: All except Vitapak Take them with at least a little something to eat, or you will be burping Fish Oil, which I found is NOT PLEASANT. Most of these are amino acids or herbs.

J - Have a blast tomorrow! Can't wait to hear how it goes...and see pics, too! (Of course, I still need to upload mine...I'm so behind this week!) Okay, folks! My scale actually had me way up on the weight this week. (WAY UP) However, according to last month's visit versus this Tuesday's visit at the doctor's office, I was only up four pounds. So I guess that's not too bad. I started a new supplement regimen that was recommended by my doc (he's REAL into sports and has a LOT of athletes come to him). The combination of things he has me taking, along with the timing of them with meals, workouts and rest, is supposed to encourage the body to naturally release stored fat for burning. Now, either my scale is completely screwy, or I am dropping weight faster than I ever have before...even faster than my first month after banding. I'm going to monitor it very closely over the next week to see if the last two days pace continues. It's too fast. The problem is that I LOVE IT, of course! We'll see...

What email? Old people porn...EW...until I get there myself, anyhow! LOL

Oh yeah! I'm great! Since I was unfilled completely, I gave myself "permission" to eat whatever I wanted to for two weeks! LOL It had been so long since I was able to really eat, and I loved it. That all stopped Monday of this week, though. Thank goodness I only gained four pounds! (I think I ate two gallons of Bluebell Buttered Pecan ice cream during that time! :frown:) Seriously, I WAS truly miserable...and when they gave me the scoop and I saw it for myself on the screen, I was given two choices: go on liquids for a month, or get completely unfilled. My surgeon just happened to be there that day and I could tell from the look on his face and his tone that I really needed to go with the unfill, which apparently most are understandably hesitant to do, if at all. I had already planned to get unfilled when I got to goal, so I went for it. Only after I made my decision did the surgeon, NP and tech say that I made the right decision. They let me decide first, which I thought was cool. At one month I go back to check it out. That will be on May 15th. About 50% will heal themselves in one month of being unfilled. If mine does, they can start refilling me. If not, we will wait one more month. If not then, I go back to my doc and consider redoing the surgery all over. I have had six fills (I think?), with almost 7CC in a 10CC band. They say it will take only two fills to get that back. All that being said, I will never redo the surgery. If I wasn't so close to goal, I would redo it in a heartbeat. But I am close to goal and I know now that I can do it on my own. I originally thought I wouldn't get refilled at all, but I will get a little of it back. I can do it completely empty, but life would be easier if I had a little bit of restriction. I will NEVER go back to what I had. I'm too active and my band has been a good tool to make me change my habits for good. I'm hoping that 3.5CC will do the trick, but I will do whatever feels good/right and helps me stay on track. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that I'm all fixed up inside and can get a bit of fill on May 15th and "call it done" for good.

Not sure about the "almost always overeating" statement, but it definitely SOUNDS logical. In my case, I was too tight and stubbornly held off getting an unfill. I did get a slight unfill, which helped...but it wasn't enough. I was still too tight. I got incredibly stuck one night and had a horrible and extended PB session. This is what caused both the slip and the dilation. The symptoms were immediate and pronounced...I flat could not eat...could barely drink. It was like crimping your Water hose to stop the flow of water...that is exactly what my band was doing to my stomach. So a word to the wise: it only takes once! Never delay getting back to the doctor if you are tight!

By itself, I'm not aware of any symptoms for dilation, per se. That doesn't mean there aren't any...I'm just not aware of any. (Big help, I know! LOL) This Friday will be three weeks since I was completely unfilled due to pouch dilation and a minor slipped band. (Oxymoron) The slip was what was causing the symptoms that made me make an appointment. The dilation wasn't discovered except under flouro.

Ah, yes...I think I do remember something about that now. Hopefully the info will "stick" this time and I won't be asking again in three months! Chacha...never heard that one, either...made me laugh. Oh, J! I'm sure that's not true, pretty lady! Yes, but new lows can be fun, no? Especially with THIS group! I say the same thing! Yes, we need shirts! It IS the signature of this group! Without a doubt! A couple weeks ago, this thread had it's own discussion going in the mod forum. Our name really bugs folks! Drives 'em absolutely batty! (To be honest, if I weren't part of this insane group, it would likely drive me batty, too...and I would want to correct it.) Everyone was in agreement to "fix" the name, but I plead our case well and they understood the concept like C said...that it is US! So we are now and will forever remain...BYCYLERS! :cursing: I think we should get together and design our own jerseys. We are awesome and should let the cycling world know it! LOL They should be totally tongue-in-cheek obnoxious...whatever they are. I wouldn't be a good one to come up with verbage for the jersey...there are a few of you that I am SURE can come up with something fitting, cute and obnoxious all at the same time...but I can research cheap blank jerseys, print shops, and graphics.

I'm so confused. I don't know what that pic is of, or why BG says "Poor Allison"...found out what mons is finally...but for panni, all Google returns is stuff talking about potatoes? Weird.

Okay...I have but one word...WOW! You are going to have all that done? That is incredible! I know I could look it up, but it's just easier to ask now...what is a panni and what is a mons and why would they need lifting? I have no clue, but somehow I think that was a dumb question...oh well. Oh I don't think that would be mocking black culture! I had a bubble-butt all my life until I lost all this weight. (I always loved my butt, no matter what size I was!) Now I have a "normal" butt...if there really is such a thing...and I love it still...just differently. It's a lot easier to fit into clothes now, though. I have no clue what Frankin Hooker is, either! But something tells me that my imagination is correct, and I am going to go look it up right now! LOL

Butt implants! Hey, that's a real thing, isn't it? And you are kidding? LOL Okay, BG...fess up, chica, if you are comfortable. (Who am I talking to?!?!?) J - I don't know what a full body lift is, but it sounds scary and wonderful all at the same time! Yeah, you are right on about the hubby thing. I know in my heart that I will get this, but it's an important "tactical" move to have him supporting the process. I'm just wearing him down. Poor guy...he's so good to me, but it does require a certain finesse on my part at times! At the end of the day, I'm just not happy with "my girls". AT ALL. In fact, I'm down right embarrassed in certain circumstances...I'm sure you get my drift. I just have to be patient. Once he gets his new Harley, which should be very soon, I will unleash my best tactics at pushing this along! LOL

BG - I know I've heard y'all talking about it before, and shame on me for not taking you seriously...but how could I, gorgeous? What the heck kind of PS could you possibly need? Are you for real here? :confused2: On that note...I am slowly wearing hubby down regarding the boob job. It is starting to look promising! I'm not one to ever let ANYONE dictate what is right for me, but this kind of thing really freaks him out. He still hates my band. I am so psyched that I may get PS myself!

You're kidding with the little angel act, right? Glad to hear you are feeling better and eating again. We bycylers have to eat to keep our strength up! As much as I would love to make Lansing, I just don't think that is in my future...maybe next time. Hey! I hope my Stars kick your Wings asses!

Okay, I gotta tell you that I giggle about life so often. I had to address a member earlier that reported a post for containing profanity. I completly understand where folks are coming from that feel this way...my sister is the same way and I totally respect it. I would never want anyone to think otherwise. But at the same time, all I could think about is this thread! I felt like such a hypocrite! LOL (Even though I would never fucking cuss, you know. It's BG's fault that we are all corrupt! HA!) It just goes to prove the fact that there is a time and place for everything. While I wouldn't cuss out on an unknown thread...bycylers are just cussers. And I am a die-hard bycyler! Rock on! :tt1:

It is important for you to find what works for you, and putting this thread out there for us all to respond with our different methods is great so you can get many viewpoints to try. Therapy to address the underlying reasons for your sabotage is commendable, as well. Good for you! As long as you don't give up, you are on the right track! All our bodies will respond differently to different methods, so keep trying different things. Just remember that four to six weeks is a true trial period for anyones' body. As much as we all would love overnight results, that just isn't reality. I'm rooting for you, girl! Keep posting and you will always have us behind you, rooting you on!

For me, it was the day I had surgery. I simply made the decision to do this the right way. Since I was going through surgery for it, which is HUGE for me (or anyone), I was simply choosing to do it right and not look back...like turning on a light switch. Have I had slip-ups? You better believe it! But in the first six months after banding, I could count the number of times I "cheated" my band on one hand with fingers left over. (Mint Milk chocolate covered Oreos is the most memorable one! HEAVEN!) After that, I had to start getting creative to keep my body guessing so it would continue to lose. I'm still doing that. And it's working! Currently I am in a size 10, with my ultimate goal being an 8. I hope to be there by my first bandiversary on June 8th! Many will fight me on this, but I truly believe it is simply a matter of choosing. Once you do, the decision is made and you simply implement it. If you sit around and think about it, or think about willpower and the likes, it will be very difficult. If you are thinking about willpower, or talking about willpower...you probably don't have willpower. I don't have willpower...I WANT WHAT I WANT WHEN I WANT IT! But I can make a decision and formulate a plan to accomplish it. That plan is nothing more than deciding how many calories to take in in a day, how many grams of protein/carb/fat will make up those calories, finding which foods fit the bill for that, and how much exercise to get. Then, like Nike says, "Just Do It!" Don't think about it. Then you won't miss anything at all except the extra weight! You can do it!

I'm good! Will post stats and pics tomorrow! Congrats on your event, Daddy...and as always, thank your for your encouragement. Love ya bunches! Good weather? Hmmm. Dunno about that! No, overall it was great. But the first third of the day yesterday was FREEZING, and the wind was AWFUL all day. Biking into 25mph winds is not fun. Today was great! Warmer and winds of 5mph...PERFECT. It was an amazing experience...wonderful, nice people everywhere...fantastic support...well organized. Couldn't have asked for more. I will do this ride again next year.

J - Uh-Uh...you gotta do that ride, girl! You've been talking about it forever! You can do it! BTW, you got a link for those pedals? They sound interesting and I would love to check them out. I'm considering getting a third bike with upgraded Speedplays, but would love something relaxed like you describe for my current girl. BG - Ouch! I have had strep but once, and that was once too many. No fun at all. You are smart to take it easy and not talk or anything...get that junk gone as soon as possible! Oh! And LOVE the new pic! SBG - B - So glad you are all right, feeling better and better, and posting more! HP - Good for you getting out there in that wind! I feel your pain...I would rather ride uphill in the rain and cold than ride against the wind. C - YAY for your ride! Glad you are recovering well! ZZ - Where's my girl? I wanna hear how your appointment went! Unfill some? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Okay, day one of MS150 wiped me out. We had 25mph winds no matter which direction we were heading, it seemed. I did learn that I have a whole other region of gears that I didn't know about, though! (Can you say "DUMMY"?????) Now I heart hills, too...much easier...never walked a single hill yesterday. Got some good pics yesterday...today my camera wouldn't even come on! GRRRR Even though the winds died down today to about 5mph, I was so sore. My tailbone has been hurting ever since I fell at the Lancaster ride three weeks ago and this morning I was feeling being on the bike that long yesterday. I sagged in again, damn it...did about 120 miles, though. I just couldn't stand in my pedals another 40 miles. You short gals look cute when you stand in your pedals to go, but I'm so tall that I just look like a gangly girraffe doing it! So I'm even sitting sideways in my recliner right now because I can't even sit in a chair without my tailbone hurting. (Glad I already have a doctor's appointment Tuesday morning.) All in all, the MS150 was a fantastic experience! I met so many nice folks...learned that I want to start driving sag as well as riding...met my MS champ at the finish line, too! She is a real sweetheart...made me cry to hear her story and see her in that wheelchair. We will be in contact forever, I'm sure, and she asked me to ride for her again next year, which I agreed to do. You medical folks...can I convert my saddle to accomodate a "donut" for my tailbone? LOL JK I hate the thought of it, but I may need to stay off my bike for a bit. I will discuss with my doc. I loved this ride, but it will likelly be the only big ride I do from now on. Right now, my preference is to stay around 40, maybe 50 miles for any one ride. After that, it gets to be too much like work! LOL Of course, it really depends on the terrain, too. I've really discovered, by doing these rides, that my long training route does me no favors. It simply isn't challenging. I thought distance was the challenge, but now (for me, at least) I know better. Lancaster's hills taught me better. My route is way too peaceful and flat. Anyhow, I will post pics and stats tomorrow! Love y'all and everyone get better and back on your bikes! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Where's Daddy, D and JC?

OMG I made it through day one! (86.1 miles) So fun! Tomorrow is 74.2, if I remember correctly. I'm so sore and tired...g'nite all! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daddy, good luck on your duo tomorrow! I'll be thinking about you and your event while I am standing in my pedals mile after mile tomorrow because it hurts too much to sit down! LOL

OMG I made it through day one! (86.1 miles) So fun! Tomorrow is 74.2, if I remember correctly. I'm so sore and tired...g'nite all!