DebbieGail

Jenai, Yes I am concerned over the interaction ... that is why I am resisting the urge to try and feed it or touch it. Your description of your trip was awesome...I've never been farther west than Kansas...I do want to take a trip to the west coast even more now. Maybe one day! My husband wants to take me to San Francisco (he was there on business trips several times) But your area - is more of what I'd like to see... Maybe in a couple of years we will take a road trip over the summer and hit the whole coast and another goal the Grand Canyon. Anyway, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. Deb

Well, September 11th my 9 month bandaversary came and went I was 2# from my goal...but that's okay...when I set weight goals it helps me stay on track but my body decides when it lets lose of the weight...I'm eating right - exercising - and am getting healthier with each passing day...last weeks general practicioner's visit was great...infact she stood up and gave me a high five....blood pressure went from 148/90 to 124/76 and lose of weight from highest weight recorded was over 100#....so am I disappointed ...heck NO! I'm meeting my goal of why I started this to get my life back and be healthier. I'm still working on my month weight goal - we will see if my body believes it is realistic or not....it may want to take a little longer and that will be okay also. To all those that are feeling frustrated...stay up, remember this is a lifestyle change and it's here for life...just follow the rules...be patient...it will pay off. If you break a rule, eat something you shouldn't, or don't exercise that day....brush yourself off...and try again the next day maybe even do just a little more...we are human...just don't give up...it's too important! Deb Keep the faith in yourself. Deb Deb

I hope you had a wonderful time...just reading about it made me happy. I tried to imagine what you were experiencing. I love the river/lake - water/nature experience. It definitely is a relaxing place. We go to southern Missouri (Branson) area and play on Tablerock Lake - we're a boating family. This week: Walked 17.8 miles Total 25.8 Miles to goal 28.2 Bike 5.6 miles Total 11.6 Miles to goal 9.4 Okay, I was a little worried that I was getting a little lax on my exercise...I missed a couple days but then I picked up a couple of miles two of the other days...so I feel I'm in about the place I need to be. I have to let you know that I'm out the door when it's dark now (not liking the daylight getting shorter). But this week I picked up a walking companion....(scared me at first put I'm enjoying it's company now, wait I'm getting ahead of myself.) The other morning starting my walk in the dark down my .2 mile driveway out of the woods and onto the road jumped a red fox. He stands about 18 inches high, long skinny legs, and long tail. Well I talked in a calm voice and he just cocked his head several times looking at me...I slowly started backing away and he following me. I gently tried to shu him away and he jumped off the road and began walking right beside me off the road. I'd slow up -he'd slow up - I'd speed up = he'd speed up. Then he moved faster and jumped on the road in front of me....he'd run ahead of me, turn around and sit and watch me walk until I got quite close then he'd run farther ahead sit and watch me. He was really quite cute....The next day my husband asked if I saw him ...no ...He said I thought not because he was on our patio and playing in the flowers about 1/2 hour after I left. Last night coming home about dusk he was again on my patio...I sat down and he played around and several times got within about 2 feet of me....He's also curious about my husband but not really afraid of us....He plays around like a energetic puppy. We live in the woods and always have deer, wild turkey and hummingbirds around....an occassional night raccoon or skunk. But this is a new addition to our animals. My kindergarters were learning the letter Ff and sound this last week so, of course, the Friendly Fox with red fur that runs fast, follows me, and lives in the forrest was a favorite story of theirs. Some thought I made it up so I am going to attempt to get a picture for them. Anyway it did spice up my walking this week...that's why I'm not exactly happy that before to long I may have to do exercises in gym or on bike at home. Oh well, maybe I'll find some interesting 2 legged people to occupy my mind at the gym. Hope you enjoyed my fox tale! Deb

Okay, Willow - you need to send me some of your energy in the morning...I've been feeling a little sluggish...need a good kick to get me started....Will be thinking about you in the morning....Great job going over your goal this week! Deb

Wow, I've just reread this thread and especially my post, how far we have all come. In one of my earlier post I was excited that I had walked 1.5 miles when earlier I couldn't walk from the parking lot to school building I worked in..... Well I have walked 5 miles at one time for a while this summer but now that school has started I walk 2.5 miles to 3.0 miles every morning staying within my target heart rate which means as I get stronger I have to get faster. I would never have dreamed I could do this. My newest NSV is this: Just went to my new General Practicioner of 3 months...When she came in the nurse was still taking my blood pressure she said it out loud and the doctor started recording it...she flipped back a page, jumped up hands over head and shouted, "Give me a high five!" I had to get up and give her a High Five! She smiled and told me I went from high blood pressure of 148/90 to a good blood pressure of 124/76 and my weight loss was over 100 lbs....She then asked how I was feeling about that? She really wanted to know ...I thought for a minute and answered, It has given me my life back! I've learned that I have gained much more living than what I have given up! So I am going to continue gaining life back with every lb. lost. This is where losers....Gain! Highest weight 386 1st doctors visit 376 Surgery Day 343 Today's 279.5 lbs. Deb

Well, I did see 278 on August 29th but on August 31st it had slipped up to 280.5...So close....my weight teeters acouple pounds all the time. I've learned that is what my body does...so it doesn't get me down...I weigh everyday and it helps me reflect on what I've ate....Anyway I'm happy with this month. September 11th (9 months banded) goal is to get to 276 ... the 100 lb mark from my first visit to the doc. By the end of month I'd like to be 270. So from today 9.5 lbs. Highest weight 386 lbs 1st Dr. Visit 376 lbs Day of surgery 343 lbs Todays weight 279.5 lbs I'm learning that the food I'm giving up is GIVING me my life back. So I'm gaining so much more than what I'm giving up! Thanks to all of you for being here! Deb

Oops, the first paragraph in the quote was from Rayne...I thought I was quoting but I just cut/paste and it didn't show up as a quote....Be patient my tech knowledge is not good....notice no tickers! But I keep trying! Now to continue trying to reach my goal I'm signing off and going to go bike awhile....rained all day, so no walking today. Keep moving, Deb

Thank you, I didn't think that I would be able to wake up at 5am and make it to the gym but thinking about the goal that I set allowed me to!! I'm excited to see the results. Thanks for the support! Rayne - Glad to see another early bird joining our ranks! It's hard for me to get going in the morning but once out of bed ... it really does start my day off energized! 80 mile goal... what method are you doing? I'll be thinking about you in the mornings as I walk. Glad you joined. Now for my goal this month: Since what got me to this point is just one step farther than the day before...I'm going to try to keep this up. Soooooo... Walking 54 miles Biking 25 miles Total 79 miles My miles this short week: 8 m walk/6 m bike total 14m Miles to go: 46/19 Total 65 miles Good Luck everyone! Welcome all newcomers...there is strength in numbers! I'm excited that you're here! Deb

Wow! Congrats to everyone....Everyone feeling healthier? I know I am. Dr. visit...amazing thing happened...My blood pressure is down from last visit 148/90 to a whopping 124/76. Whoo hoo! With my weight lost my dr. jumped up from looking at my records and had me get up and give her a high five! This is my new General Practioner that my lapband surgeon recommended. She is awesome! She acknowledge the fact I am over 100 lbs lost and then she asked me how I was feeling about that. She takes time to listen. Then she came down to business of my foot...She gave me some anti-flammatory cream to use on the foot because it is swollen.(she is aware of the lapband), then gave me a script for an exray...I'll know results probably Wednesday (because of the holiday. Told me to tape it and showed me where and gave me the okay to continue walking. She is suspecting a bone spur! The exrays will confirm and she will let me know what we will do from there. Well one month down(August) and the rest of our lives to go but one month at a time on to September Mile Challenge. Off and walking!! Hope to see everyone there. Deb

After two days of not walking ...this morning was so beautiful the allure of the road won out....I stretched the Achillee's heel and off I went. I did ease up a little on the speed and just enjoyed the walk...used my arms to speed up the ole heart rate.... So 3.1 miles can be added to my total. It felt tight but as I continued it loosened up some. Later this afternoon it was hurting again, so the dr. appointment will be kept. If my adding is right here are my month's miles. Goal 50 miles Walked 53.6 miles Yea!!!! Biked 17.95 miles Ellipitical 4.0 miles Swam 9 1/2 hours Wow! who is this crazy woman! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I could do this! Thanks to all that are wishing me a speedy recovery. Deb

My miles for this week was 15.3 miles walked and 8.2 miles biked. It was harder for me this week -- I've messed up my Achilles heel...I'm going Tuesday to the Family Doctor hopefully it is just strained...but since I'm limping I wanted to get it checked out. I biked instead of walked yesterday and layed off today...but I really feel guilty and amazingly I'm missing it. I can't believe my attitude toward exercising has changed so much. I went through my closet trying on clothes and had to get rid of quit a few clothes - I've had a hard time getting rid of them though....but today I felt ready and bundled them up and tomorrow they are out the door. I'm feeling strong today that I will never return to that weight to need them...It took me a while to get there but I was reay today! Just one more step in my new way of thinking. Well enough of my rambling. One more day of August hope all are feeling good about their goals. Are my early birds still seeing the sun rise? I'm having to adjust my bedtime but am still committed to the early morning! I'm thinking about my Septmeber goal....would like to hold off on setting my goal until I talk with Doc Tuesday... By the way Sept. 2 is my 37th Anniversary...my present to my husband this year was going over a 100 lb loss. Well really that's my present...his is getting a much more energetic and happy wife back! He has been so supportive. Thanks for all of your support alwo. This has been a great month working toward our common goal together. Deb

Lots has gone on this week...Our first time ever High School started this Thursday...wow after over 35 years our community finally has a High School. Was on the Ribbon Cutting Committee so last minute details kept me running. And drum roll right after ceremony I had to get to my building to welcome my kindergarteners for their first day... I didn't realize it but walking fast wasn't doing it and I actually jogged to the car parked quite a bit away to beat the crowd leaving. As I was getting my breathe back and driving to my building - I almost fainted when I realized I jogged! I also went over 100 lbs lost this week! Exciting. This weeks totals were not as newsworthy but considering my week I'll take it and do better next week. 7.3 miles walked 7.25 miles biked it rained this morning so resorted to bike. Hope everyone has a great week. Deb

Sorry, Didn't get my miles to you yesterday ... I just returned from a 4 day weekend to Chicago...I was determine to get in some exercise since I had to lay off Tuesday and Wednesday....So I utilized the hotel exercise room ... I did a variety of exercise so let's see 13 miles Walking - 6 on country rd. rest on machine 4 miles Elliptical figuring 2000 strides per mile. I know this I have no way to measure except for time ...I spent 9 1/2 hours past weekend in Water constantly moving feet and arms...Good movement but not so much to move heart rate into target zone. It really helped hip and knee soreness! So I think legally I can say 17 miles? Right. Well, I start back to school tomorrow. 3 workday/meetings and Kids come in Thursday. I'm hoping my morning schedule is going to work...Come on Early Birds let's give each other good vibes in the morning! Deb

OOPS, Jenai it was your comment I was responding to about remembering to eat following the lapband rules especially after a fill. After a fill did all of you have to stay on liquids for the next day and then soft the next before returning to normal diet? Deb

Willowcat, I know exactly what you're talking about ...my last fill made me realize how sloppy I had gotten with the rules...before my fill I was pretty much open...(I was afraid I was losing Fluid in my system...dr. said no I was losing fat under the band ...Yea) But I'm still having to concentrate and pay attention to how I am eating! It's going much better now! Thanks for asking how I went through the procedure....it was alittle rougher than my 1st one...stayed acouple of hours longer because of pain ... they had to make sure everything was okay....It was ..... can't believe how much pain GAS can cause ... I did have more extensive work done than originally thought but next Tuesday I go for followup and biopsy report... I'm confident in dr.'s skills so not to worried....and guess what...this 55 year old can go back and tell her very young (team,teachers that I got tattooed this summer!) Dr. tattooed beginning and ending area that he worked on....I made him laugh when I asked if I got to pick out the design...butterfly, heart with DH initials or something cool! You have to have some humor even with serious subject matter. Feeling better but took it easy today. Tomorrow leaving for long weekend to Chicago before I start back to school Monday. Hotel does have exercise room and pool so I'll join the Early Bird gals Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning. Hope to get some exercise in tomorrow night when we get there. Anyway thanks for those few extra peddles for me. I'll do the same for you anytime. Hope to pick up the slack tomorrow... Looking to meet my goal this month. Deb

Cassie don't do that to yourself...we all have to find what works for us...we are a support group ... telling everyone what we are doing is meant to help! Your weight is going down ... now I'm not sure why you feel ashamed...think about your comment and try to identify why you feel that way...once you can identify what it was that made you feel that way .... try and figure out one thing that you can do to help that feeling. Not only are we all working on our eating behaviors but also our emotions..Sometimes that is harder than the diet but it all goes together. I hope you try this and that it helps! Stay positive, the hard work both inside and outside will pay off, your worth all the effort!:drool: Deb

My goal this month is to get to 280...so 6 lbs. I am just moving off a plateau and hope to continue to go down. I've beefed up my walking. Up to 5 miles :tongue_smilie:at least 5 days a week .... This goal may be to much but I'm going to set the bar high... Wow, I'm technology challenged and just figured out how to put in you quote ... I know it's really self explanatory but it was a big thing for me...maybe next I'll tackle a ticker:blush:. So along with me losing weight with all of your support I'm gaining in technology knowledge...Baby steps and we will get there. Patience, boy have we had to learn and practice this. By the way where do we see this chart? Deb

Everyone hear seems to be losers! Yea! What 8 months can do for a person! I'd like to add my weight lose history and join in for the rest of the year... Highest weight 386 1st dr. visit 376 Surgery date 343 Todays date 286.5 Thanks for crossing my path on this journey ... it helps to hear all of your victories and struggles. Remember losers are winners! Deb

Everyone is a loser!....Yea! Everyone has to travel their own path but it's nice to know others paths meet up with ours from time to time... We are all getting healthier and lighter ... keep up the good work! Highest weight 386 1st dr visit 376 Surgery date 343 Today's date 286.5 P.s. Since it is after midnight...It's my 8th month Bandaversary...Yesterday weight was 286.5 ... I'm hoping when I weigh in about 8 hrs I will be at 286 which will be 100 lbs. lost from my highest weight. What a present I gave myself! This has been life changing for me. Everyone tells me I'm always walking around with a smile on my face these days....It's because I'm feeling so good! And have more energy to walk and smile at the same time! LOL

Happy 8th month Anniversary! I was also banded December 11, 2008. What a difference in my life 8 months can make. Yesterday I walked 5 miles!!! Considering when I first started this journey I could not make it from the parking lot into the school I teach at without huffing and puffing and afraid a heart attack was not far behind. My everyday living is just sooo much easier. Still this has been the best decision I have ever made for myself! I have also discovered that the band is only a too, a great one and...I have to be responsible for my decisions....what I eat and the exercise I do! It's up to me! The band has been what I needed to help me and I'm on my way ... to a healthier me. I want to thank all of you ... the support I have gotten and just reading all the comments on lapband talk has helped me tremendously... Keep the faith in yourself. Each of us have our own journey to take but it's nice to know that along the path there are others we meet with similar paths, again Happy 8th month Anniversary! Deb Highest weight 386 lbs. 1st dr. visit 376 lbs. Surgery date 343 lbs. Today's weight 286.5 lbs

Wow, everyone's first week was great! Had a great weekend at the lake....One morning I did get 1 mile in...believe it or not it was all uphill....from the cabin to the campsite. I was active all weekend though....Was in the lake over 5 hours Saturday and 4 hours Sunday....The whole time I kept my feet kicking, peddling, and frog swimming. It wasn't enough to cause me to breathe harder....(my body sign that I was not raising my heart rate into the fat burning mode) but I know it helped with toning because arms and legs a bit sore. Tomorrow I'm on Clear liquids for a prep for a procedure I'm having Tuesday. I what to remind all of you to do those lovely screening procedures at 50 like the colonoscopy because it does find problems before they are life threatening....Mine showed a PRE cancerous spot which will be removed Tuesday....dr said it was small and very treatable.....My lapband dr is also doing this.... I am so relieved that I did the screening and can have this taken care of before it got out of control. I'm going to walk in the morning put then I will probably have to lay off for acouple of days...I will listen to the doctor! He hasn't lead me wrong so far! Anyway, I knew when I joined this group You would help motivate me and I was RIGHT! My Early Bird Girls keep the pavement hot the next couple of days and walk a few steps for me...I'll make it up toward the end of the week! Keep Moving! Deb

My miles this week look good....17.5 miles - walking my back countries roads.....I pushed myself this week because next week will be way down. Gotta run going camping this weekend and the lake is calling. Good Luck everyone. Deb

I am a kindergarten, Title I Reading Teacher. I can have up to 6 children every half and hour which I try to keep it under 6. My caseload is usually about 45 which means I see a little over half of the kindergarteners in my building. I also do the daily lunchroom duty. My plan time is during the afternoon kindergarten recess. I'm thinking about starting a wellness exercise kids group during this time with those little guys that don't or have trouble moving at recess I just hate seeing those little ones not moving at recess. I'm just not quite sure how to get those involved. Any ideas? I also like the idea of being accountable for the miles weekly. So Saturday it is. Willocat - I'm not a morning person either but I have a very strong DH that does a great job of kicking me out of bed every morning. I'm getting up at 5:30 am and have to be out the door before 6:00 to get my hour walk in, then back by 7:00 (shower & breakfast) and out the door by 7:45. Luckily I'm only 10 minutes from school unless I get caught behind the bus (yuck!)then its a 20 minute ride. I started practicing my schedule this morning ... it works but not much time to breathe. LOL Anyway thanks for welcoming me into your challenge. Deb

Hi Paige, Boy was that me ... you were writing it but it was what I was thinking a little over a year ago! It's been a little over 2 weeks since your post...and I haven't seen that you have posted back. We want to hear from you!!! You ask how to start...well you had already started when you posted...In your post you said, "I know I need to do it, and I want to do it" your words. You used two very important words - NEED and WANT. You didn't say WISH which to me means by some magic wand or star it will happen. You said NEED and WANT which means you are READY to do something about it. I too was told that I had to lose weight before he would do the surgery - 350 lbs was the goal weight I needed to be at. I too was ashamed of my weight...before my first visit to the doctor I was at 386-I lost my first 10 lbs because I was ashamed to go to see him weighing that much...but I picked up the phone and made the appointment (which you have already done - so you have taken the 2nd step in your journey) At first when he told me I had to be at 350 I too thought this was crazy ... but I was determine and felt it was my only chance at getting my life back. I had lost so much of my mobility, health and life and was headed for a wheel chair. I made the commitment and started the process of the pre-op testing that was required - my next visit to the doctor was the follow up and he gave me the news that I was a good candidate for the surgery but I had to to be at that 350 lbs. It took me 3 months but I was finally down to 5 pounds to go when I called the doctor to schedule the surgery....I had the last week on the liquid Protein diet - the morning of surgery my scale had me weighing 346 ... but you know how scales are you can rock on them and it can change a pound and I also was scared that the hospital scale would weigh heavy...but I kept saying to myself "have courage" I was prepared to strip down to my birthday suit if need be to make that scale say "ready, set, go" Well it did and on December 11, 2009 I was banded. I've also learned that I have to do this, the band is a TOOL to help me but it's me in the drivers seat, it's me that even when I don't feel like it- I tell myself I have to and do it. YOU ARE CAPABLE of doing the same. Think positive --- "I CAN" One step at a time....You have already made two very big steps that I can see from you post and probably more in the past two weeks. See you are already like that "Little Red Engine" chugging up that hill ..I think I can , I think I can, each chug closer to I KNOW I CAN! There have been lots of good suggestions about how to start the process of exercise - chair exercises, bike, pool, walk - Which is your choice? Quick don't think to long pick one?...set your realistic (for instant I can walk into each room of my house without sitting down) that was mine and I met my goal and said I can go just a little farther and pushed myself a little more. When I finally did sit down I reflected as I was getting my breathe back - "Wow I met my goal and went farther, later today I will try to do it again and take that one step farther" Now I have walked over 4 1/2 miles walking Ozark Mountain Roads...and it all started with a walk around my house...Both walks were important victories on my journey...It's now like a game I play - 1 step more! Is it hard at times?...YES...Do I NEED to do it? YES Do I WANT to do it? Well sometimes I have to mentally kick myself in the b_ _ but ... YES I WANT ...so I do it. Have I got angry at times because I have to do it? YES I won't lie to you sometimes it takes hard work ... but it IS worth it. My energy level, my mobility, and my attitude is getting better every day. My life has changed ...I still have a long way to go ... it will happen ... sometimes I fall ...I have to pick myself up, dust myself off ...look at where I came from and then turn around and take that next step towards where I want to go. Thank you Paige, believe it or not you have helped me tonight...reflecting on my journey has made me reaffirm that I CAN do it! We want to hear from you! Deb Highest Weight 386 lbs 1st Dr. Visit 376 lbs Surgery Day Weight 346 lbs Todays Weight 289

Okay, you are all High Achievers!!!!! Your July Challenge just hooked me! I'd like to join for August. Just came back from two weeks vacation in the Ozark Mountains.....Those hills looked so intimidating!!! Every morning between 6:oo and 7:00 I'd quietly sneak out to walk before family got going. My goal was to walk a little farther than the day before....It really did motivate me! Day 1 - All up hill on the going trip which was great. Got about 1 1/2 miles. Day 2 - 2 miles........Last day I was over 4 1/2 miles!!! I was on top of those Ozark Mountains.....What a feeling! So this sounds like a challenge I'd like to travel with you! I'll set my goal at 50 miles ... I start back to school also ...my evenings always get booked up...so I'm going to try the early morning before school and shower to get in my miles. Beside beginning of school and getting to know all my little kiddos takes a lot out of me...so in order to meet my goal .. I think early morning is going to be my answer. Thanks again for the motivation, accountability, and if needed a KICK out of bed! Please keep me going. P.S. 8 months ago and 96 lbs heavier I could not make it from the school parking lot to the office without people being concerned that I was going to have a heart attack me included. What a ride it has been for me...I'm not quite half way to my goal everyday brings me a little closer to it! Keep it up! Deb