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I am down 9 lbs. total and I have 6 lbs. left until May 5th.... Thanks for starting this challenge!

Way to go... Like you, I am so thankful that I have my band and don't have to worry about weighing over 200 lbs again! KUTGW!

I cannot eat and drink at the same time. The couple of times that I have don't it accidently, I suffered miserably by getting stuck...so I don't order anything to drink when I eat out and while at home...I just don't fix a drink with my meal.

April 11, 2009 188.4 lbs. My TOM arrived on Thursday and to my surprise, not only do I cramp and feel awful, but I am also experiencing a tighter band. I have not been able to eat much at all. I had read on the forum about this occuring, but I am now experiencing it. Well..the good part about it is that I will lose some weight during my TOM for a change!

April 11, 2009 188.4 lbs. My TOM arrived on Thursday and to my surprise, not only do I cramp and feel awful, but I am also experiencing a tighter band. I have not been able to eat much at all. I had read on the forum about this occuring, but I am now experiencing it. Well..the good part about it is that I will lose some weight during my TOM for a change!

April 7, 2009 189.6 Okay...my weight loss has stopped for the past week or so which is what I expected. I always plateau for about two - three weeks. I am not going to use this an excuse to give up though. I am going to make sure that I am getting my protein and drinking my water. I have been walking every morning. I might need to switch it up some. I thought about joining a gym to lift weights, but I just haven't committed to that decision yet. I can tell by the way that some of my clothes fit that I am losing something...I am not quite sure how I can be losing inches without losing weight when I am not doing any heavy resistance training. Okay....let's do this!

April 7, 2009 189.6 Okay...my weight loss has stopped for the past week or so which is what I expected. I always plateau for about two - three weeks. I am not going to use this an excuse to give up though. I am going to make sure that I am getting my protein and drinking my water. I have been walking every morning. I might need to switch it up some. I thought about joining a gym to lift weights, but I just haven't committed to that decision yet. I can tell by the way that some of my clothes fit that I am losing something...I am not quite sure how I can be losing inches without losing weight when I am not doing any heavy resistance training. Okay....let's do this!

April 2, 2009 189.8 I am so happy that I am continuing to make progress toward my weight loss goals. I have walked every morning this week. I am also eating a lot less (thanks to my fourth fill). I have been trying to take in more protein and make fewer bad choices. I cannot eat as many slider foods as I could prior to this most recent fill. For an example, I could eat chips and salsa, but now I cannot! Yes, it's a good thing! I am going to work hard to lose at least 7 lbs this month!

April 2, 2009 189.8 I am so happy that I am continuing to make progress toward my weight loss goals. I have walked every morning this week. I am also eating a lot less (thanks to my fourth fill). I have been trying to take in more protein and make fewer bad choices. I cannot eat as many slider foods as I could prior to this most recent fill. For an example, I could eat chips and salsa, but now I cannot! Yes, it's a good thing! I am going to work hard to lose at least 7 lbs this month!

I totally understand because I have done it too. You have lost an impressive amount of weight, so you are to be commended for that! After my fourth fill, I am unable to binge. It's been both a blessing and a curse, but I am losing weight. KUTGW because you're worth it!

Congratulations on your weight loss and your 25th wedding anniversary. You are to be commended for both accomplishments!

March 30, 2009 189.8 lbs. This morning I weighed and was happy to discover that I am continuing to lose weight. I really feel like I am at the "sweet spot" that everyone refers to. I am trying desperately to meet my three goals. 1. 10,000 steps...this morning I walked three laps (over two miles) instead of my usual two laps around our subdivsion. 2. I am working on my water intake. 3. I am eating my protein first and decreasing carbs. For breakfast, I had a shake and for lunch I had grilled catfish. So...I am on my way!

March 30, 2009 189.8 lbs. This morning I weighed and was happy to discover that I am continuing to lose weight. I really feel like I am at the "sweet spot" that everyone refers to. I am trying desperately to meet my three goals. 1. 10,000 steps...this morning I walked three laps (over two miles) instead of my usual two laps around our subdivsion. 2. I am working on my water intake. 3. I am eating my protein first and decreasing carbs. For breakfast, I had a shake and for lunch I had grilled catfish. So...I am on my way!

How do those protein bullets taste? I have seen some in a GNC store, but you have to buy them in bulk and I didn't want to invest that much for something that may not taste good.

March 27, 2009 190.8 lbs. I am happy that I have been holding steady on my weight loss. In order for more weight loss to occur, I can rely on this band totally! I have to start meeting my three goals. 1. Exercise with a goal of 10,000 steps per day....This past week, I have walked four of the five mornings. I am really proud of myself for that. I have found that it is best for me to walk in the mornings (before work) so that I don't come up with an excuse to not walk after work. When I was on a campus, I was able to do a lot of walking. I have found that this is a lot more difficult when working in an office. I am averaging about 6,000 steps per day. I must "step it up" -- no pun intended:thumbup: 2. Drink 64 ounces of water everyday.... I have increased my water intake, but not enough. 3. Eat more protein and less carbs.... I have been drinking a low-carb, high-protein shake every morning, but I am unable to eat all of the meats I was once able to eat pre-band. So...I am having to figure this one outl. I can't eat tuna, nor can I eat chicken salad. I can consistently eat grilled fish, but other meats are hit or miss....I have to work on this one. I am taking it one meal at a time, one day at a time because I my family deserves it and I am worth it!

March 27, 2009 190.8 lbs. I am happy that I have been holding steady on my weight loss. In order for more weight loss to occur, I can rely on this band totally! I have to start meeting my three goals. 1. Exercise with a goal of 10,000 steps per day....This past week, I have walked four of the five mornings. I am really proud of myself for that. I have found that it is best for me to walk in the mornings (before work) so that I don't come up with an excuse to not walk after work. When I was on a campus, I was able to do a lot of walking. I have found that this is a lot more difficult when working in an office. I am averaging about 6,000 steps per day. I must "step it up" -- no pun intended:thumbup: 2. Drink 64 ounces of water everyday.... I have increased my water intake, but not enough. 3. Eat more protein and less carbs.... I have been drinking a low-carb, high-protein shake every morning, but I am unable to eat all of the meats I was once able to eat pre-band. So...I am having to figure this one outl. I can't eat tuna, nor can I eat chicken salad. I can consistently eat grilled fish, but other meats are hit or miss....I have to work on this one. I am taking it one meal at a time, one day at a time because I my family deserves it and I am worth it!

This is great...and I know you must feel much better! I am able to eat more, but like you I have to chew...chew...chew! Thank you so...much for your encouragement and support! We can do this, so KUTGW because you're worth it!

Hey Annie, I was banded Nov. 20th and I have lost 22 lbs.!!!! I just recently had my fourth fill and I am finally not hungry and losing weight. I totally understand your feelings, but I have had to encourage myself to take it one day at a time and change my perception. For the first time in many years, I did not gain weight during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and I feel confident that my days of yo-yo dieting are behind me! Honestly, I expected a quick fix, but I have learned that there is no...such thing, but I am thankful for the progress and striving to live the good life where my outward appearance reflects my inner peace! You can do this! You've done very well....go purchase 25 lbs. of meat...it will amaze you! Keep up the good work because YOU are worth it!

That's what I have done too. I have been drinking an EAS low carb, high Protein shake every morning. I have also discovered that when I drink something warm, I am able to eat more without getting stuck. I am still learning about my band too.

March 26, 2009 190.8 It's been a great week. Several people have noticed that I have lost weight. My clothes fit much looser and that's always a great feeling. I wore a suit to work today that I hadn't been able to wear before. I have been able to eat more for lunch and dinner. Today I took chicken strips and removed the breading, dipped it in gravy and mashed potatoes and did not have any problems. When I got the full feeling, I stopped immediately instead of trying one more bite. I am so happy that I have now lost over twenty pounds! Life is good and my band is making sure that I get to experience more of it!

March 26, 2009 190.8 It's been a great week. Several people have noticed that I have lost weight. My clothes fit much looser and that's always a great feeling. I wore a suit to work today that I hadn't been able to wear before. I have been able to eat more for lunch and dinner. Today I took chicken strips and removed the breading, dipped it in gravy and mashed potatoes and did not have any problems. When I got the full feeling, I stopped immediately instead of trying one more bite. I am so happy that I have now lost over twenty pounds! Life is good and my band is making sure that I get to experience more of it!

I think the Biggest Loser - Pound for Pound Challenge is a great idea! This "Shrinko de Mayo" challenge has helped me to refocus and I am so excited to report that I have lost nearly 7 lbs. since starting the challenge. This is the first time I have lost weight after a fill and I think it's because I am not trying to cheat my band! Also, I like being accountable to this group! KUTGW everyone because we are so...worth it!

Oh Patti, That's good news. I am going to wait a couple more days and if I can't eat a little more, then I am going to go in for an unfill too. I have discovered that I can eat more if I have something hot to drink for breakfast.

No...don't let one setback set you back. We all fall down, but the ones who are successful get up! So don't look at your past mistakes, focus instead on your future success. Sounds like you have a good attitude, so good luck! I am cheering for you!

Ashley, The few times I have tried to drink with my meal, my food got stuck...it was not a good feeling. So, I am surprised that you are able to drink and eat. I can't because it's too painful.