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July 24, 2009 172 lbs. I was excited this morning when I stepped on the scale and it read an even 172 lbs. I increased my exercise by getting in my 10,000 steps with steps, treadmill, and walking more. In addition, I have been drinking the protein water. I am excited that I am getting closer to my goal. I don't think I want to get all the way down to 150 lbs. Currently, I am 172 and wear sizes 8 and 10's. I really just want to be a fit size 8. I think 155 - 160 lbs. will allow that comfort, so I am less than 20 lbs away from my goal. It's a slow journey, but a worthwhile one. I struggled at the beginning and wondered what had I done, but I am very glad I did it.

I know you're frustrated, but I really hope that you don't become too discouraged about 4 lbs. It could be water weight and depend on the time of month. Nevertheless, sounds like your doing all the right things....increasing protein and exercising, so keep up the good work. Your hardwork will manifest itself in weight loss soon.

Congratulations!

Congratulations...thanks for sharing. I love reading about NSV:)

Sabertooth, To answer your question, I had my lap band surgery on Nov. 20, 2008 and thus far I have lost 40 lbs. Recently, I started lifting weights and I have not had any problems. My doctor encourages resistance training. Also, I rarely ever feel hungry. Since getting banded, I don't remember feeling hungry??? Anyway, I hope I addressed your specific questions. I am pleased with my decision. Had I not made a decision for medical intervention, there is no telling how much more weight I would have gained. I wish you well with whatever intervention you choose. Good luck!

Congratulations...Keep up the good work...I love your positive attitude.

I have a question. (Please forgive my ignorance.) Why is the stuck feeling felt in the chest? I know this has been discussed elsewhere, but what are the dangers of PBing often? As someone said earlier, it's hard to change a lifetime of bad eating habits. I assure you that PBing is definitely motivation. However, I continue to PB at least three times per week. I know that I have the right amount of restriction because when I conciously chew more and take breaks between bites, I don't have any episodes. Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide.

Congratulations! I would also venture to guess that those are true junior size 13's, so you could definitely wear a smaller size today! Those NSV's sure do make the journey worthwhile. Keep up the good work!

Congratulations!

July 19, 2009 I must be the queen of plateaus because it seems like I am always trying to come out of one. I guess I am averaging about 5 lbs. per month of weight loss per month. So...it takes about two months to lose 10 lbs. I know that slow weight loss is best for the skin, etc... I am also thinking about having a slight unfil because the stress of eating impacting me negatively. I have never had a good relationship with food. In the past, I was glutton and now I am afraid to eat. I experience a lot of stress prior to eating and there are times when I don't eat at all in a social situation because I fear having a PB episode. I don't particular like the shakes anymore. I waste more than I drink.

July 19, 2009 I must be the queen of plateaus because it seems like I am always trying to come out of one. I guess I am averaging about 5 lbs. per month of weight loss per month. So...it takes about two months to lose 10 lbs. I know that slow weight loss is best for the skin, etc... I am also thinking about having a slight unfil because the stress of eating impacting me negatively. I have never had a good relationship with food. In the past, I was glutton and now I am afraid to eat. I experience a lot of stress prior to eating and there are times when I don't eat at all in a social situation because I fear having a PB episode. I don't particular like the shakes anymore. I waste more than I drink.

I am going to try the pineapple juice. Does the papaya come in a chewable pill form?

Carbgrl, Congratulations! I too cried when I reached Onederland...especially since I knew that I now have a tool to help me not gain the weight back as I have so many times before. Now, I am tackling 10 lbs. at a time and gosh does it take a lot of adjusting and readjusting my caloric intake and exercise to break those plateaus! Keep up the good work! Thanks for sharing:)

July 10, 2009 Today I decided to wear a sleeveless top for the first time in approximately 10 years. I feel liberated. After spending the last couple of months noticing others who wore sleeveless shirts, I decided to get out of my box. My husband was impressed and noticed immediately. I feel very good about the progress that I have made on this journey.

July 10, 2009 Today I decided to wear a sleeveless top for the first time in approximately 10 years. I feel liberated. After spending the last couple of months noticing others who wore sleeveless shirts, I decided to get out of my box. My husband was impressed and noticed immediately. I feel very good about the progress that I have made on this journey.

This is a very good question. I have lost nearly 40 lbs and still can't tell it when I look in the mirror. Although I wear sizes 10 and 12, when I look in the mirror I see a size 16. I have gotten numerous compliments, so I know that others can see the difference. I think this is why I always gained the weight back in the past. The irony of it all is that once I gained the weight back, I could see it in photographs.

This is such a great problem to have! My wedding ring finger has shrunk and so has my wrist apparently:)

When I think I have figured my band out, it changes. I know that during my TOM it becomes very restricted. I am normally more restricted in the mornings too.

People who don't understand the lapband procedure will say anything. Those of us who are living with the lapband must do as you guys have done and do our research.

If you don't feel better soon, please call your doctor to make sure that all is well. I love your positive spirit.

Congratulations on your weight loss thus far. Like a previous post, I am trying to drink a protein shake every morning for breakfast. I buy the EAS Chocolate Fudge shakes and put them in the freezer for an hour and it tastes really good and has 21 grams of protein. Since I don't typically eat breakfast, it does give me a good start. Also, I like to snack on bacon strips after breakfast and lunch.

Congratulations! Way to go...keep up the good work because you're worth it!

I am very proud of myself because this is one of the band rules, per se, that I have actually followed. I guess too the idea of creating another stomach or stretching my pouch seems like a complete waste of $13,500 since I was self-pay. I do have a friend who also has the band and drinks watered-down carbonated drinks. Good luck.

Ashley, I wholeheartedly understand your frustration because I have been there. I had my surgery November 20, 2008 and up until March I had only lost about 20 lbs. After my fourth fill, I began to lose weight again. In 8 months, I have lost nearly 40 lbs. It has been slow, but it has been much better than gaining weight. Again, I understand how you feel, but I want to encourage you to take one day, one week, one month at a time and the weight will come off. We can do this. Let's try not to look back with regrets, but look forward to the possibilities.

Yikes...I appreciate your positive attitude during this difficult time. You're a trooper. I hope you continue to feel better:)