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March 23, 2009 191.8 Spring break is indeed over. My...how time flies! Yesterday at church, a lady who was probably twice my age, testified that she finally realized the secret to weight loss -- DISCIPLINE!!! She stated that she was now focused on being more disciplined and less reliant on a quick fix. As I sat and listened to her testimony, I silently prayed that I would not struggle with weight loss for the rest of my life. I want to be disciplined and focused. I want my outside to manifest what I feel on the inside. So as I prepare to return to work after a week long break, I have to remember to be disciplined. 1. Drink more water. 2. No eating out!!! I will continue to lose weight and feel healthier if I remain disciplined.

March 23, 2009 191.8 Spring break is indeed over. My...how time flies! Yesterday at church, a lady who was probably twice my age, testified that she finally realized the secret to weight loss -- DISCIPLINE!!! She stated that she was now focused on being more disciplined and less reliant on a quick fix. As I sat and listened to her testimony, I silently prayed that I would not struggle with weight loss for the rest of my life. I want to be disciplined and focused. I want my outside to manifest what I feel on the inside. So as I prepare to return to work after a week long break, I have to remember to be disciplined. 1. Drink more water. 2. No eating out!!! I will continue to lose weight and feel healthier if I remain disciplined.

I can't do chicken either. For some reason, I have trouble with most meats. I can tolerate grilled fish, but not any other meat. I think it's because I don't chew enough. By nature, I am a fast eater, per se; however, I am learning to eat slower which allows me to eat chicken salad. I do miss chicken...I am a fish and chicken girl!

March 22, 2009 193.6 lbs. I took my measurements Nov. 24, 2008 (4 days after surgery and compared them to now. Then (Now) -Lost Chest 40.5 (38) -2.5 Waist 41 (33) -8 Hips 47.5 (45) -2.5 Thigh 28 (25.5) - 2.5 Arm 14 (13.5) - .5 Total inches lost: 16 :thumbup: So...I am celebrating the progress I have made! I am almost at the 20 lbs mark. I am not where I want to be, but I thank God I am not where I use to be.

March 22, 2009 193.6 lbs. I took my measurements Nov. 24, 2008 (4 days after surgery and compared them to now. Then (Now) -Lost Chest 40.5 (38) -2.5 Waist 41 (33) -8 Hips 47.5 (45) -2.5 Thigh 28 (25.5) - 2.5 Arm 14 (13.5) - .5 Total inches lost: 16 So...I am celebrating the progress I have made! I am almost at the 20 lbs mark. I am not where I want to be, but I thank God I am not where I use to be.

Wow...one incision...that's great!

You're doing great on your weight loss. Hopefully, this year will bring you much joy, peace, and happiness. KUTGW!

I think I understand what you're saying...we can't drink while eating, and my doctor doesn't want me to drink 45 minutes before a meal and not until 30 minutes after a meal...so that timing can sometimes be difficult. There have been times when I have chosen to drink my favorite protein water instead of eating.

March 21, 2009 193.8 lbs. I joined the Shrinko de Mayo Challenge. I am hoping to lose 15 lbs. in about six weeks. I think I do well with a challenge and accountability. Since starting, I have already lost three pounds. Last night, I went shopping for lunch foods for when I return to work. I don't plan to eat out at all! I bought a whole case of shakes in case my band is as tight as it seems. I am not going to panic yet because I have read about several people who had a tightly restricted band and then after a week or two, it loosened up into a sweet spot. I am hoping that is the case for me.

March 21, 2009 193.8 lbs. I joined the Shrinko de Mayo Challenge. I am hoping to lose 15 lbs. in about six weeks. I think I do well with a challenge and accountability. Since starting, I have already lost three pounds. Last night, I went shopping for lunch foods for when I return to work. I don't plan to eat out at all! I bought a whole case of shakes in case my band is as tight as it seems. I am not going to panic yet because I have read about several people who had a tightly restricted band and then after a week or two, it loosened up into a sweet spot. I am hoping that is the case for me.

March 20, 2009 195.4 lbs. I am trying to adjust to this new fill. Yesterday, nothing stayed down. I was able to have two sugar-free popcicles. I am sure that after the fill, there is some swelling that has to go down. I am hoping to have reached my sweet spot, but I don't want to pb or slime after every meal.

March 20, 2009 195.4 lbs. I am trying to adjust to this new fill. Yesterday, nothing stayed down. I was able to have two sugar-free popcicles. I am sure that after the fill, there is some swelling that has to go down. I am hoping to have reached my sweet spot, but I don't want to pb or slime after every meal.

Hey...I can totally relate. I had my surgery November 20, 2008 and I have yet to lose 20 lbs... I have only lost 17 lbs. and 10 of them were from the post op liquid diet. I am not totally disappointed because I know that I would have gained weight during the holidays. This was actually the first year that I didn't gain weight during the holidays. So...I guess all things considered...I am okay because I am not gaining weight. Let's stay encouraged...we can do this!

What kind of protein powder is it?

I got my fourth fill two days ago and I certainly fill the tightness. I tried mushy foods today and it was not pleasant. The good news is that I have lost another pound. Hopefully, all will be better tomorrow.

I would love to complete the Shrinko de Mayo challenge. My goal is to lose 15 lbs. by May 5th. Currently, I weigh approximately 195 lbs., so that would put me in the 180's. Thanks for starting this challenge.

March 19, 2009 197.4 lbs. Today is the day...I am taking my life back. I was relying on this band to save me and that's not possible because I have to save myself. I have to take some steps to help my band, which is a tool. This is my plan: 1. Drink my 64 ounces of water 2. Eat more protein and less carbs (before 7:00 p.m.) 3. Exercise everyday for 30 minutes with a goal of 10,000 steps. I am not going to wait until Monday. I am going to start today! It's simple...drink water, eat more protein, and exercise 30 minutes. Sounds simple, right? I am hoping to release the me that's aching to be freed from this fat suit. I am going to get my hair cut today too. I was going to wait until I reached my goal weight, but no more waiting...today is the day for my new beginning. I am on my way...

March 19, 2009 197.4 lbs. Today is the day...I am taking my life back. I was relying on this band to save me and that's not possible because I have to save myself. I have to take some steps to help my band, which is a tool. This is my plan: 1. Drink my 64 ounces of water 2. Eat more protein and less carbs (before 7:00 p.m.) 3. Exercise everyday for 30 minutes with a goal of 10,000 steps. I am not going to wait until Monday. I am going to start today! It's simple...drink water, eat more protein, and exercise 30 minutes. Sounds simple, right? I am hoping to release the me that's aching to be freed from this fat suit. I am going to get my hair cut today too. I was going to wait until I reached my goal weight, but no more waiting...today is the day for my new beginning. I am on my way...

Elizabeth, You've done very well. I am impressed with your weight loss, but most of all, I am impressed with your discipline. I think your body is just adjusting and if you will wait it out and stay disciplined, the number on the scale will soon manifest your success. KUTGW because you're worth it!

March 18, 2009 Today I had my fourth fill. I hope to recommit to eating appropriately and making sure that I get enough protein. I plan to stay away from slider foods including chips, ice-cream, cookies, etc. I am so...ticked at myself when I think about all of the time I have wasted and why I paid 13,500 dollars for a procedure to work so fervently to sabatage my success? I just don't understand my psyche! I am sick and tired of living my life dreaming of how I would look and how I would be when I lose weight. I want it to become my reality...

March 18, 2009 Today I had my fourth fill. I hope to recommit to eating appropriately and making sure that I get enough protein. I plan to stay away from slider foods including chips, ice-cream, cookies, etc. I am so...ticked at myself when I think about all of the time I have wasted and why I paid 13,500 dollars for a procedure to work so fervently to sabatage my success? I just don't understand my psyche! I am sick and tired of living my life dreaming of how I would look and how I would be when I lose weight. I want it to become my reality...

JessHadley, Thanks for stopping by and letting me know that I am not alone. I too have gone through the disappointment stage. I am impressed with your stats. You've done very well....you had your surgery nearly a month after me and you've lost over 20 lbs. I have yet to reach the 20 lbs mark. The one thing I seem to read repeatedly from those who are embracing this lapband journey and seem to be successful is the fact that this is not a sprint but a long journey. So...I am trying to learn to take one step at a time. Having people to share in this journey certainly makes it easier, so thanks for checking on me and I will be checking on you too! KUTGW because you're worth it!

YES! I am definitely pleased with my decision to have the lapband surgery and would do it all over again. I have been a little disappointed in my slow weight loss, but I recognize that it has been my fault. The only thing I would change is that I would have done a pre-op diet. I am definitely excited about my new journey...

This was an encouraging post to read. Thank you for sharing. Like many of you have already stated, I am looking forward to the day when I can wear my smaller clothes. I too recently passed by Lane Bryant and stated to my husband that I don't have to shop there again. With my band, I now believe this because I have said it in the past and had to "eat" my words when I gained the weight back! KUTGW because we are so...worth it!

March 17, 2009 Today is my daughter's birthday. She will turn 5 years old at 10:00 a.m.! We are celebrating her birthday at a park. I am going to be surrounding my slider foods...cake, chips, etc. The good thing is that I am scheduled for a fill tomorrow morning. This fill will hopefully make recommitting much easier. My TOM is coming to an end too, so I can start weighing myself again tomorrow morning. I am on my way...